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DOF EYES LIFTING OF FUEL EXCISE TAX

US TO FUND SUBIC PIER, WIFI NETWORK

HK ACTIVISTS GET 7 YEARS IN JAIL

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QC court postpones VP Sara’s arraignment on grave threats By Pot Chavez, Charles Dantes and Gwyneth Nolasco THE Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Friday deferred the arraignment of Vice President Sara Duterte over charges of grave threats.

VOL. XL • NO. 210 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

Meanwhile, the Vice President filed an urgent motion asking the Supreme Court (SC) to resolve her petition for the dismissal of the grave threats charges against her. Duterte personally appeared before Next page

Senate to change 16-vote rule—VP Sara: Why else would we discuss it? By Katrina Manubay, Maricel V. Cruz and Joel E. Zurbano

ICE President Sara Duterte on Friday said the 16-vote threshold for her conviction in the impeachment trial had “already been settled,” as the Senate impeachment court prepares to hear legal experts and decide whether to uphold or overturn the ruling requiring two-thirds of all 24 senators to convict her.

Appearing at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court for the arraignment hearing of the grave-threats charges against her, Duterte said that revisiting the voting issue suggested that the rules could be changed. “The decision was made right from the start that the Constitution would be followed. So, if the discussion has Next page

POSTPONED. Vice President Sara Duterte arrives at the Quezon City Hall of Justice to attend her arraignment on Friday, September 11, 2026. The Quezon City Regional Trial Court, however, postponed the arraignment due to a motion filed by her camp.. Manny Palmero

Cops nab 4 ‘Maleta Boys’ for cyberlibel By Vince Lopez POLICE have arrested in San Juan City four men identified as among the so-called “Maleta Boys” linked to ousted Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co who was at the epicenter of the massive flood control scandal. San Juan police chief Col. Anthony Gantang, told the Manila Standard that the four purported former Marines were apprehended by virtue of a warrant over a cyberlibel case. The arrest warrants were served after the respondents appeared for ar-

FIRE OUT.

Philippine Coast Guard men enter the burnt shell of MV June Aster after authorities declared the fire out yesterday morning. PCG

Rescuers find bodies in burnt ferry—PCG THE Philippine Coast Guard discovered bodies aboard a ferry consumed in a blaze that swept through it “in seconds,” it said Friday, with dozens of people still missing. The bodies were found in the economy accommodation area of the M/V June Aster, which ran aground near the tourist hotspot Coron, Palawan after a fire erupted on Wednesday. Next page

Sandigan orders transfer of ex-Speaker to PGH By Maricel Cruz and Rex Espiritu THE Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered the transfer of the former House Speaker to the Philippine General Hospital today (Saturday, Sept. 12) even as his cardiologist from Cardinal

Santos Medical Center warned it would be “professional recklessness” to transfer a patient at risk of a heart attack. Cardiologist Dr. Rody Sy told the Sandiganbayan there is a 10 to 20 percent chance that an incident may occur as Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is being transferred from Cardinal Santos to

UP-PGH. “He has a coronary condition. If he develops an acute episode or attack, he will need (to be in a hospital with) angiographic facilities within one hour,” he said. Asked if Romualdez, who underwent angioplasty in October 2024, can be

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday paid tribute to his late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., on what would have been the latter’s 109th birthday. “Remembering my father on his birthday. My father, from whom I learnt the most important lessons of life. Who taught me to value duty, honor, and country. To live for others and not oneself. Happy birthday, Dad,” Mr. Marcos posted on social media. Born Sept. 11, 1917, in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Marcos Sr. served as president from 1965 until 1986, when he was ousted following the EDSA People Power Revolution and went into exile in Hawaii. He died in Honolulu on Sept. 28, 1989,

NEW York commemorates the 25th anniversary of the devastating September 11, 2001 attacks Friday with a ceremony marked by US President Donald Trump’s absence and rightwing outrage at the attendance of the city’s first Muslim mayor. Trump will pay his respects at the Pentagon, not New York, where hijacked planes destroyed the World Trade Center and killed most of the 2,977 total victims on that world-altering day. Vice President JD Vance and Trump’s four living predecessors—Republican George W. Bush, who was in office during the attacks, and Democrats Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton—are all expected at the “Ground Zero” site in lower Manhattan. No one will give speeches at the ceremony, while bereaved family members will read out the names of all of those killed and a bell rung to mark major moments during the attack. “Memorials like this and discussions about those events are an important part of keeping it alive and understanding how we prevent tragedies

PBBM pays respects on FM’s 109th bday By Charles Dantes 109TH BIRTHDAY.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. pays his respects to his father on the former President’s 109th birthday yesterday in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. Inset shows the President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos with sons Rep. Sandro and Vinnie Marcos joining local officials in a photo after the ceremonies. PCO

NY remembers Sept. 11 attacks

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Senate... From A1 Sandigan... From A1 transferred or brought to court for a short hearing if his blood pressure is normal, Sy said yes. Psychiatrist Dr. Lourdes Ignacio said the former Speaker has also been diagnosed with depressive disorder with anxiety, which she said were related to his other existing heart and brain-related ailments. “When you prescribe antidepressants, these have an effect on the brain and blood vessels,” Ignacio said. Neurologist Dr. Rogelio Libarres said the former Speaker has not been sleeping well and has been “emotionally-absent” and “very depressed.” He said these were factors that could raise the risk of a recurring stroke. Sy said Romualdez would need about four to six weeks to recover, but Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Ronald Moreno said the recovery plan was too long. Associate Justice Karl Miranda also disclosed that Sy has been his cardiologist for more than twenty years. “I trusted him with my life. I will continue to trust him with my life. I know him very well. He’s a true patriot,” Miranda said. “(However) our relationship as patient and doctor would never allow my judgment and duty as justice,” Miranda added. The Sandiganbayan said Romualdez will be transferred to UP-PGH through an ambulance equipped to treat his heart, brain, and other ailments. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said they will also ask the PGH doctors for an update on the former Speaker’s health condition. The court has directed the director of PGH to report the results on Monday, Sept. 14.

Cops... From A1 raignment before a San Juan City trial court. They were later on released after posting bail. Early on, the Department of Justice filed multiple cyberlibel and perjury charges against the four in separate courts in Metro Manila in connection with their alleged role as “bagmen” of Zaldy Co.

QC... From A1 the court for her arraignment before it was deferred. The Vice President’s brother, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, accompanied her. Meanwhile, Malacañang on Friday challenged Vice President Sara Duterte to confront the corruption and other charges against her, stressing that the government’s probes and impeachment proceedings are anchored on evidence, not political drama. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Duterte should stop portraying the legal proceedings against her as a political attack and personally respond to allegations involving confidential funds, expensive safe houses, and other expenditures. “Matagal na po kayong hinihintay, Bise Presidente, na magbigay ng inyong depensa. Pero nananatili po kayong nasa likod na inyong mga lawyers,” Castro said in a briefing in New Delhi, India. (You have long been awaited, Vice President, to give your defense. But you remain behind your lawyers.) “Ang hiling ng tao po, kayo mismo, ang mag-deny ng lahat ng mga resibo na nakapangalan kung kani-kanino na hindi man lang nabanggit na ito ay mga aliases,” she added. (What the people are asking is for you yourself to deny all the receipts bearing various names that were not even identified as aliases.) A crowd of supporters also gathered at the court premises to greet and encourage her with banners reading “protect VP Sara.” Duterte has posted a P360,000-bail on her case, which stems from her November 2024 online statement where she mentioned arranging the assassinations of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos,

now changed, it means they are going to change it. Why else would we discuss it if it is not going to be changed?” the VP said. Her statement came after the impeachment court on Thursday invited four retired Supreme Court justices as amici curiae, or friends of the court, to provide guidance on the voting threshold. The court will hear three of the retired justices on Sept. 16, while retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. will submit a legal memorandum. The experts are former Chief Justices Artemio Panganiban and Reynato Puno and retired Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna.

Tongol: Chiz won’t vote anymore

Court spokesperson Regie Tongol said Friday that Presiding Officer Sen. Francis Escudero would not vote when senator-judges decide on Sept. 23 whether to sustain his July 6 ruling that at least 16 votes are needed to convict Duterte. Tongol said Escudero’s ruling effectively serves as his vote because the ruling itself is being appealed. “His ruling is already his vote. And because his ruling is what is being appealed for reconsideration, he can no longer withdraw that position,” Tongol said in a Zoom interview with Senate reporters. Tongol said Escudero’s position was “set in stone,” making a separate floor vote from him unnecessary. If 20 senator-judges attend the Sept. 23

proceedings, including Escudero, only 19 would vote. Tongol said a simple majority of those voting would then be needed to overturn Escudero’s ruling, meaning at least 10 affirmative votes. “The majority of the quorum present will be the basis. This is just like an ordinary action of the Senate,” Tongol said. Four senator-judges are currently not attending the trial. Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta are detained over separate plunder charges, while Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is in hiding amid an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. Sen. Loren Legarda has also been absent for weeks while abroad on extended medical leave. Tongol, however, said more senator-judges could still be present on voting day. If the vote to overturn Escudero’s ruling ends in a tie, the motion would fail and the presiding officer’s 16-vote requirement would remain in force. “The motion is to appeal the ruling. So, if the vote on the floor does not get the majority, the ruling will stand. It is as if it was not changed or overturned,” Tongol said. The issue arose after Sen. Erwin Tulfo sought clarification on Sept. 8 on whether the 16-vote requirement should still apply given the absence of four senator-judges.

es should be counted in determining the required number of votes. The impeachment court will hear oral arguments from the prosecution and defense on Sept. 23, with each side given 15 minutes to present its position. The senator-judges are expected to vote on the threshold after the arguments. The court is also considering the possibility of consulting additional legal experts, including a still-unnamed woman law expert as another amicus curiae. Tongol said the four retired justices were selected based on their credentials, expertise, experience in constitutional framing, and known impartiality. Puno chaired the Consultative Committee that reviewed the 1987 Constitution during the Duterte administration. Davide and Azcuna were members of the 1986 Constitutional Commission that drafted the Constitution. Davide was also the presiding officer of the Senate impeachment court against then-President Joseph Estrada in late 2000, as the Supreme Court Chief Justice at the time. The current impeachment court said the legal consultation was intended to help resolve the differing interpretations of the constitutional voting requirement. Tongol urged the public not to lose confidence in the senator-judges, saying they, too, have questions about the threshold that they want to resolve before proceeding with the trial.

requirement of 16 votes for conviction. Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers, prosecution adviser and spokesperson, said the panel’s position remained unchanged. “The stand of the prosecution is 16 as we speak,” Barbers said. Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said their position was consistent with Escudero’s ruling and the current rules of the impeachment court. The prosecution welcomed the consultation with retired justices, saying their guidance could help settle questions over the participation of senator-judges who are unable to attend the proceedings. The panel is preparing for the Sept. 23 arguments while continuing to present evidence and witnesses in the impeachment case.

VP: Impeachment complaint lacks evidence

Tulfo said his appeal was not intended to push for Duterte’s conviction but to clarify whether absent senator-judg-

Meanwhile, the House prosecution panel said it continues to stand by the

Duterte, meanwhile, maintained that the impeachment complaint against her lacked evidence and accused Congress of being used to search for proof against her. She also urged her supporters to continue calling for the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “I cannot simply remain silent because I see you swimming through floodwaters. I see you struggling so hard for your families. I witnessed the abuses of Marcos with my own eyes,” Duterte said. “Let us continue to call for the ousting of our country’s problem, whose name is Bongbong Marcos,” she added.

Sr.’s 109th birthday. The president said the occasion was significant not only for his family and the province but also for Philippine history. He recalled his father’s deep attachment to Ilocos Norte, saying it was often difficult to persuade the elder Marcos to return to Manila after visits to Batac or the family home in Paoay. “He loved this place, he loved his fellow Ilocanos. More than that, he loved

his fellow Filipinos. And he loved his country to which he devoted his life,” President Marcos said. The president said activities marking the anniversary would feature Ilocano food, local products, music and performances associated with the late president’s connection to the province. President Marcos also injected humor into his remarks, joking about being called “senior” after turning 60 and recalling how

his father had resisted being referred to as “senior” while he was still alive. In a previous birthday message, the younger Marcos said his father’s lessons remained “etched in every decision I make,” particularly when facing the responsibilities of the presidency. The President is the only son of Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, whose other children are Sen. Imee Marcos and Irene Marcos-Araneta.

Mamdani won plaudits however for recently revealing thousands of documents showing what city officials knew about toxicity levels of the air in Lower Manhattan following the attacks. After the initial dust cloud that followed the collapse of the World Trade Center, months of pollution and lingering dust ensued, causing cancers from which thousands of New Yorkers still suffer today. AFP

Rescuers... From A1

like this from ever happening again,” said Robert Kafka, a Chicagoan in his 60s visiting the 9/11 Memorial. Alongside the former presidents will be Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the Big Apple’s first Muslim mayor, despite a campaign urging him to stay away spearheaded by the right-wing New York

Post and former mayor Rudy Giuliani. A petition, which has gathered more than 100,000 signatures, accuses Mamdani of associating with unspecified individuals who are “dismissive of American institutions or insufficiently critical of extremist ideologies.” “It’s concerning to me that the mayor is being treated differently simply because he is Muslim,” city council member Shahana Hanif told CNN.

and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the event of her death. The Vice President’s camp confirmed the filing of the petition, saying the amended plea challenges the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the RTC to prosecute her as an incumbent officer. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida reiterated the agency’s stance that the Vice President does not enjoy immunity from suit. In her amended petition, Duterte sought the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or writ of preliminary mandatory injunction directing pertinent government agencies to cease and desist from prosecuting the charges. She also prayed for the recall of the arrest warrants and an order prohibiting further acts of criminal prosecution against her while she remains in office as Vice President. Duterte further asked the SC, after due proceedings, to declare as void the resolutions and order for allegedly violating her limited procedural immunity as an impeachable officer. “With the evident haste by which the Petitioner’s criminal prosecution continues to move, there is a real and present danger that the reliefs sought in the Petitioner’s Amended Petition... will be rendered moot and academic, if immediate injunctive relief is not now obtained,” the petition stated. “The imminent arraignment and pre-trial demonstrate that the criminal proceedings are not merely threatened but are actively and rapidly progressing, notwithstanding the serious and far-reaching jurisdictional and constitutional issues to be resolved,” it added. Castro said the Department of Justice, Office of the Ombudsman, and other investigating bodies could not immediately file cases because allegations had to be supported by evidence and subjected to due process. “Hindi po tayo, lalong-lalo na sa pan-

ahon po ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., hindi po ginagawang shortcut ang hustisya.” (We do not, especially under President Marcos Jr., use shortcuts to justice.) She also rejected any suggestion that the administration was using violence to silence its political opponents, saying those under investigation remained alive and were being dealt with through legal processes rather than extrajudicial killings. Castro’s remarks came as she defended the government’s handling of Duterte’s recent arrest proceedings and sought to turn the vice president’s accusations of political persecution back on her. She said the government had acted promptly when a court issued an arrest warrant for Martin Romualdez, citing Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s immediate response after the warrant was released. Castro contrasted this with Duterte’s appearance at the Quezon City Hall of Justice Annex, which she described as an attempt to create a dramatic narrative around her arrest and subsequent posting of bail. She cited Remulla’s account that Duterte had wanted to be arrested, handcuffed and detained in a cell before posting bond, but that officials from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine National Police did not allow it. “Malamang doon po nanggagaling ang kanyang frustration dahil ang kanyang nais na script ay hindi umubra, hindi nabenta, hindi pinayagan ng mga matitino nating opisyal mula sa CIDG, DILG, at PNP,” Castro said. (Her frustration probably came from the fact that the script she wanted did not work, was not accepted and was not allowed by our responsible officials from the CIDG, DILG and PNP.) Castro also pushed back against Duterte’s criticism of the government’s handling of flooding, saying Mr. Mar-

cos had not ignored the country’s flood-control problems and had ordered Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to address flooding in Davao City. She said the recurring floods in Davao City should also be a concern for Duterte, whose family has long held political influence in the city. “Siguro po mas makakatulong po kayo sa bansa kung uunahin niyo po ang issue ng baha sa Davao City,” the Palace official said. (Perhaps you could help the country more if you prioritized the flooding issue in Davao City.) Castro cited that the city’s engineering department had identified the need for short- and long-term flood-control measures and criticized the Duterte administration for failing to resolve the problem. She said President Marcos had ordered Dizon to address the city’s flooding after finding infrastructure that was disconnected and areas that had gone years without dredging. The Palace official also accused Duterte of deflecting attention from corruption allegations against her by attacking Marcos. Malacañang on Friday challenged Vice President Sara Duterte to confront the corruption and other charges against her, stressing that the government’s probes and impeachment proceedings are anchored on evidence, not political drama. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Duterte should stop portraying the legal proceedings against her as a political attack and personally respond to allegations involving confidential funds, expensive safe houses, and other expenditures. “Matagal na po kayong hinihintay, Bise Presidente, na magbigay ng inyong depensa. Pero nananatili po kayong nasa likod na inyong mga lawyers,” Castro said in a briefing in New Delhi, India.

PBBM... From A1 at the age of 72. The President regularly marks his father’s birth and death anniversaries with messages honoring his memory. The ceremony in Batac was held as the family and Ilocos Norte commemorated what would have been Marcos

NY... From A1

Tulfo: Appeal not intended to push conviction

House still stands by 16-vote rule

Five people have been confirmed dead, but the figure is sure to grow. “We can’t provide exact numbers yet on what we saw today,” coast guard spokeswoman Commodore Noemie Cayabyab told Agence France Presse (AFP) in a phone call. “We will be providing it once we conduct retrieval and recovery,” she said, saying a meeting was underway to determine the proper protocols for that process. Cayabyab added that the entire ship had now been searched. Earlier in the day, she had told a radio station that the fire, which began in the cargo hold, spread through the ship within seconds. “From the time that they heard the loud explosion, the appearance of smoke, and then fire. It spread very quickly,” she said of survivors’ accounts “Everything happened in seconds,” she said, adding that those who made it off the ship had not even had time to put on life jackets.

‘Lost hope’

Police investigators, explosive ordnance disposal experts and army personnel boarded a pair of small rubber boats Friday afternoon to head to the ship, grounded on a small island off Coron. Nearby, a covered basketball court served as a staging area for social workers and security personnel, while police tape cordoned the area off from the public. A member of the police investigative unit could be heard asking a colleague if “the body bags are there.” Near the wharf, a family member of one of the missing wept as she stared out to sea. Myra Cabilan told AFP she had flown to Coron to find her missing brother, 40-year-old Rammel Gonzaga, who had taken the ferry from Manila on a business trip with his brother-in-law. “His wife had just given birth a month ago. He was so happy he was given a daughter,” Cabilan said, fighting back tears. “At dawn, I still believed he survived. But he’s still missing. I have lost hope.” Hundreds of people desperate for news about the incident have taken to leaving comments on a local mayor’s Facebook page, searching for relatives, friends and even a dog. Vince Lopez, AFP

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DOF to propose lifting of fuel excise taxes By Thony Rose Lesaca

SUNSHINE AFTER THE RAIN. Locals and tourists turn out to enjoy fair weather after a month of persistent monsoon rains that forced them to stay indoor. Conrad Rotor

THE Department of Finance (DOF) on Friday said it awaiting the Department of Energy’s (DOE) certification that Dubai crude oil price has breached the $80 per barrel threshold before proposing the suspension of excise taxes on select domestic fuel products. “The Secretary is just waiting for the certification from the Department of Energy that the price of Dubai Crude Oil has exceeded the threshold. (Secretary of Finance) Frederick D. Go is prepared to immediately propose to the [Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC)] the suspension of 100 percent of the excise taxes on [liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)] and kerosene, for the President’s approval,” the agency said. Republic Act No. 12316 empowers the President to suspend or reduce excise taxes on fuel, upon the recommendation of the DBCC and in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, when the average Dubai crude oil price reaches or exceeds the threshold for one month immediately preceding the suspension or reduction order. The Marcos administration early on ordered the temporary three-month suspension of excise taxes on LPG and kerosene last April to ease the impact of rising fuel costs on consumers, following a recommendation from the DBCC. The suspension was later lifted in July as the price of Dubai crude oil fell below the threshold. This automatically reverted excise tax rates on LPG and kerosene to the rates prescribed under the National Internal Revenue Code one week after the decline in the one-month average price of crude oil as certified by the DOE.

PBBM to echo ASEAN voice at BRICS talks IN BRIEF PUVs told to obey law on 20% fare discount THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has reminded public utility vehicle operators (PUVs) to strictly adhere to the law mandating the 20-percent fare discount for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Acting LTFRB chief Greg Pua Jr. issued the reminder following complaint by a PWD that a passenger bus plying the Manila-North Luzon route refused to grant him the fare discount as mandated by law. The complaint was endorsed to the LTFRB legal division for review and appropriate action. “This is unacceptable because if proven true during the conduct of the investigation, it was not only a violation of the condition set in the issuance of certificate of public convenience (CPC) but also a clear violation of the law,” Pua said. Rio N. Araja

By Charles Dantes

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will bring the voice of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi this weekend, where he is expected to push for stronger cooperation on peace, economic resilience, disaster preparedness and a rules-based international order. In his departure statement Friday, Mr. Marcos said the Philippines was invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the two-day summit as an “Outreach Country,” allowing Manila to represent ASEAN in discussions with BRICS member-countries. “This time, our purpose is two-fold,”

the President said, identifying the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship and the further strengthening of its strategic partnership with India as the main objectives of his visit. Mr. Marcos said he would present ASEAN’s priorities during the summit’s open session on Sept. 13, which

coincides with his 69th birthday, emphasizing the bloc’s commitment to deeper engagement with its partners through established regional frameworks. The Philippines assumed the ASEAN chairmanship this year under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” with priorities centered on peace and security, economic prosperity and people empowerment. The President said these priorities align closely with India’s BRICS chairmanship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” “We will call for fairer global governance, stronger disaster preparedness, the responsible use of new technologies, climate action, and the peaceful settlement of disputes under international law,” Mr. Marcos said. He said the Philippines would also seek to highlight ASEAN’s experience in maintaining open and inclusive dia-

logue while preserving its strategic autonomy. The President noted that BRICS includes four ASEAN member states and said the Philippines would engage the grouping on issues including inclusive growth, regional resilience, sustainable development, food and energy security and the rules-based international order. Beyond the BRICS summit, President Marcos said he would hold talks with Modi to review progress in the Philippines-India Strategic Partnership, which was elevated during his state visit to India more than a year ago. The two leaders are expected to assess implementation of the Five-Year Plan of Action for 2025-2029 and discuss defense and maritime cooperation, trade and investment, the proposed Preferential Trade Agreement, health and pharmaceuticals, digital cooperation, tourism, direct air connectivity and people-to-people ties.

DSWD backs full use of unified ID for PWDs THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) backs the nationwide implementation of the Unified Persons with Disabilities ID System designed to strengthen the identification process and promote greater inclusion and equity for persons with disabilities. “This is not merely about an identification card. Our goal is to establish a better system to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, prevent duplication and fraud, and ensure that benefits and services reach truly qualified beneficiaries,” DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said. Dumlao said the institutionalization of the Unified ID System marks an important step toward strengthening the delivery of services and protection of the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities. “This is not merely about an identification card. Our goal is to establish a better system to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, prevent duplication and fraud, and ensure that benefits and services reach truly qualified beneficiaries,” she added. Maricel V. Cruz

CHED urges Bicol HEIs: Adopt ‘Zones of Peace’ THE Commission on Higher Education Bicol (CHED-5) is calling on higher education institutions (HEIs) in the region to designate their campuses as areas of peace through the adoption of the “Zones of Peace” framework. In an interview, CHED regional director Demetrio Anduyan Jr. said the concept aims to establish a learning environment wherein students can focus on their studies without the fear of violence, harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, or abuse. Pursuant to CHED Regional Memorandum No. 216-2026, which aims to transform HEIs into schools of peace, the project outlines five key areas to “empower” Bicolano students: Peace and Protection; Empowerment and Engagement; Arts and Culture; Creativity and Community; and Environment and Education. The memo was addressed to school presidents, administrators, state and local universities and colleges, and all other public and private higher institutions of learning in the region. Gabriel Oliva

MEET THE PRESS. The Cordillera police headed by Brig. Gen. Noel Vallo engages in a ‘meet and greet’ event with members of the Cordillera Press Corps led by Harley Palangchao. Dave Leprozo

DFA tells China to vacate Panganiban, Zamora reefs By Katrina Manubay THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday urged China to immediately cease its illegal occupation and activities in Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef) and Zamora Reef (Subi Reef), reaffirming the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the low-tide elevations. In a statement, the DFA emphasized that China’s “island-building” or reclamation activities on both features violates international law and the 2016 Ar-

bitral Award. “China’s island-building on both features violates the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act 12064) and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), as confirmed by the Award, and does not change the features’ legal status as a low-tide elevation,” the statement read. “We call on China to cease its illegal occupation and activities in Panganiban Reef and Zamora Reef immediately, and to abide by the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award,” it added.

The DFA issued the statement in response to the claim of Chinese Embassy in Manila deputy spokesperson Guo Wei defending Beijing’s actions at the reefs. Guo claimed that a Philippine aircraft entered the airspace near these features without permission and stated that necessary measures were taken to safeguard sovereignty and security. The DFA also vowed to continue asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), and to champion the Philippines’ legitimate rights and in-

terests in the maritime domain. “As low-tide elevations, the Philippines exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the features, and these can neither be the subject of a sovereignty claim nor capable of appropriation under international law,” the DFA said. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) earlier reported that Chinese forces fired multiple flares toward an unarmed PCG aircraft conducting a routine Maritime Domain Awareness flight over the Kalayaan Island Group.

PNP says 16 cops hurt in scuffle with protesters during BGC rally By Vince Lopez THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday expressed sadness over the recorded injuries suffered by some of its personnel during a lightning rally that happened in a premier hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on Thursday. In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said at least 16 policemen were reported injured during the confrontation between rallyist and law enforcers assigned to ensure a safe and secured area as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be present for the 1st Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum. “Based on the latest validation conducted by the National Capital Region

Police Office (NCRPO), a total of 16 PNP personnel sustained minor injuries during the lightning rally in front of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, BGC,” Co said. “The injuries included bruises, blunt wounds, and lacerations. All affected personnel are currently receiving medical attention and treatment from the District Medical and Dental Unit,” he added. Co also said it was up to the hotel management to file charges against the individuals or groups involved in the ruckus. “That is up to the decision of the hotel management but they are closely coordinating with our police,” Co said. Meanwhile, Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Rodel Pastor said the arrested individuals, as well as organizers of the rally would face criminal charges.

MAKING THEMSELVES USEFUL. With classes suspended amid incessant rain spawned by the southwest monsoon (habagat), children make themselves useful by gathering wild sugarcane or kans grass locally known as pan-aw at the banks of the Aringay River in La Union, The free-growing grass also called talahib in Tagalog, is generally used as a roofing material for rural homes. Dave Leprozo

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Court administrator seeks more courts amid big caseloads By Pot Chavez COURT Administrator Ma. Theresa Dolores C. GomezEstoesta has called for the creation of more courts to address heavy caseloads, citing 6,567 pending cases in Dasmariñas and 5,000 in a single court in Cabuyao, Laguna. Gomez-Estoesta made the statement Thursday in response to a question from Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian during the Senate Committee on Finance hearing on the judiciary’s proposed 2027 budget. She said the Supreme Court had written the House of Representatives seeking the creation of additional branches of the Regional Trial Court in Dasmariñas, where the pending caseload stood at 6,567 as of July 31, 2026. A similar workload was cited in the resignation of a judge in Cabuyao, Laguna, who stepped down on Aug. 31 because of health concerns. “We just had a judicial audit, and there were so many persons deprived of liberty. I have already talked to the judge concerned. He actually resigned as of August 31 because he was facing a lot of health concerns, and it was really impossible for him to handle all 5,000 cases. He was the only judge in Cabuyao, Laguna,” Gomez-Estoesta said. She said the ideal caseload is 300 cases for first-level courts and 500 for second-level courts. However, judges handle more than the prescribed number, particularly those in the National Capital Judicial Region. Gomez-Estoesta said second-level courts had 376,926 pending cases, while first-level courts had 519,356 as of Dec. 31, 2025. “Even if we try to accomplish more by exceeding the target case disposal rate, the disposition rate will still be lower. From January to December 2026, the disposition rate was 56 percent, although the accomplishment rate was 142 percent,” she said.

NBI PROBE. Former Candaba, Pampanga Mayor Jerry Pelayo, accompanied by lawyer Faye Singson, seeks an NBI investigation into construction firms linked to incumbent Mayor Rene Maglanque during their visit to the NBI Organized and Transnational Crimes Division in Pasay City on Sept. 11. The firms reportedly secured about P5.4 billion in flood-control projects. Norman Cruz

‘Bring SK age limit back to 15-19 years’ IN BRIEF I By Vince Lopez

NTERIOR Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla has called for restoring the age eligibility for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to 15 to 19 years old, saying older officials may no longer adequately represent the youth sector.

Accountant arrested over cyber coercion

AN accountant was arrested in Quiapo, Manila after a 19-year-old woman accused him of secretly recording their sexual encounter and threatening to send the video to her friends if she refused to have sex with him again, police said. The 28-year-old suspect, identified as John Mitchelle of Shore Residences in Pasay City, was arrested by Manila Police District-Station 14 operatives during an entrapment operation. He remains in police custody. The woman told police she met Mitchelle through Instagram and a dating app. According to the complainant, the suspect invited her to his condominium unit on Aug. 31, 2026, and offered her P50,000 in exchange for sex. She said she went to his unit on Sept. 2 and had sex with him but received only P20,000. The suspect allegedly promised to pay the remaining P30,000 when they met again. Itchie Cabayan

Juan assumes helm of AFP Intel group

MAJOR General Ronaldo Juan assumed Thursday as acting commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Intelligence Command following the retirement of Lieutenant General Ferdinand Barandon. AFP Chief of Staff General Antonio Nafarrete presided over the change-ofcommand ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, where the military also honored Barandon after nearly four decades of service. Nafarrete recognized Barandon’s contributions to the establishment of the Intelligence Command and the strengthening of the AFP’s intelligence capabilities. “You leave behind a capability that the AFP needs and will continue to develop. On behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I thank you for your service and your contribution to this institution,” Nafarrete said. Rex Espiritu

Pamonag takes over NTF-ELCAC secretariat

FORMER Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Danilo Pamonag has assumed as executive director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) National Secretariat. Pamonag took his oath before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto during a ceremony marking his assumption of the post. A retired Armed Forces of the Philippines lieutenant general, Pamonag brings extensive experience in military operations and civilian governance to the task force. He served as a DSWD undersecretary during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping oversee the distribution of government assistance to vulnerable families nationwide. Pamonag also serves as co-chairman of the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, which oversees the conversion of designated Moro Islamic Liberation Front camps into civilian communities. Rex Espiritu

DISASTER EXERCISE. An officer demonstrates a rappelling exercise as MMDA personnel and Metro Manila DRRM officers hold specialized disaster response exercises at the inauguration of MMDA projects in Carmona, Cavite, which also include a nature park. Norman Cruz

During Senate Committee on Finance deliberations on the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) proposed 2027 budget, Remulla said the current 18-to-29 age range allows individuals who may already be working or raising families to serve on councils intended to represent younger Filipinos. “My recommendation is to bring it back to 15 to 19 years old, so that they would still be staying in the community,” Remulla said. “Because at 28 or 29, they are already married, raising a family or working. I don’t think they are representative anymore of their constituents,” he added. Remulla also pointed to the current SK age eligibility of 18 to 29, noting its overlap with the minimum age requirement for other elective local positions despite differences in their responsibilities. “The minimum age for running for governor is 23, and to run for SK is between 18 and 29. You see the variance in what their responsibilities are,” he said. The DILG chief also called for a review of the fiscal autonomy granted to SK officials, citing concerns over their capacity and preparedness to independently manage public funds. “I think that the fiscal responsibility of the SK is not fully formed yet, and they are subject to the manipulation of so many factors,” Remulla said. Concerns over the management of SK funds have also surfaced in recent cases. Earlier this year, two SK chairpersons in Makati City were suspended after the Sangguniang Panlungsod found them guilty of misconduct, including separate cases involving an alleged demand for a 20-percent kickback from a supplier and the submission of documents bearing forged signatures.

High earthquake Marines send troops, hike security for BARMM polls preparedness essential — OCD By Rex Espiritu

By Rex Espiritu THE Philippines must remain on high alert for major earthquakes and continuously strengthen its preparedness and response capabilities, as the country sits in a seismically active region, a ranking Office of Civil Defense (OCD) official said Thursday. OCD Administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros said the country’s geographical location and numerous earthquake generators expose various parts of the country to major earthquakes and other worst-case scenarios. “As our colleagues and experts from Phivolcs consistently emphasize, the Philippines is a seismically active country because of its geographical location,” Cabreros said during the 3rd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. Cabreros cited the recent devastating earthquakes that struck Cebu, Davao, and Sarangani as reminders of the need to continuously strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

THE Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) has deployed troops and strengthened security measures across key areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for the first regular Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) on Sept. 14. In Cotabato City, the 1st Marine Brigade and its three operationally controlled battalions—the 2nd, 5th and 6th Marine Rifle Battalions—have intensified security operations to protect voters, election personnel, voting centers, election materials and other critical areas.

Months before election day, the brigade supported election simulations, voting-center inspections, checkpoint operations and patrols while coordinating with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units and other agencies. It also provided security for political candidates’ forums, peace covenant and stakeholders’ pact signings, election debates and other election-related activities while maintaining the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ apolitical stance. As election day nears, the brigade has focused on securing official ballots, au-

tomated counting machines, voting centers and other vital election facilities, the PMC said. Marine units have secured strategic locations, provided convoy escorts, maintained 24-hour checkpoints and conducted motorcycle and mobile patrols in support of local police, it added. On Sept. 7, the 5th Marine Rifle Battalion held a troop deployment ceremony at the Marine Forward Operating Base in Barangay Penansaran, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, marking the assignment of personnel and missionessential assets for election security duties.

EARTHQUAKE DRILL. Customers, tenants and employees of SM City Bataan participate in the Third Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on Sept. 10, in coordination with the Balanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, local government and Philippine National Police. Some 160 participants practiced evacuation and emergency procedures. Butch Gunio

OPINION

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

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EDITORIAL Honor Blanco Cabie

Echoes of light: Marking a quarter century at Ground Zero NEW YORK — This city marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 yesterday with solemn tributes, a historic multi platform broadcast, and an expanded focus on the generation-long toll of toxic illnesses. The anniversary honors the 2,977 victims lost when four hijacked planes struck the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field. The 2001 attacks involved 19 militant hijackers who turned four commercial airlines into guided missiles. Two of the aircraft slammed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the north tower standing 1,368 feet tall with 40 floors, and the south tower standing 1,362 feet tall with 110 floors. A total 2,977 innocent victims perished, excluding the 19 hijackers, with the vast majority killed in New York, alongside those lost at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The physical destruction of the monumental global trade stories served as a direct assault on the symbolism of Western financial power and open society. It exposed a stark ideological fault line: the violent rejection by fundamentalist extremists of modern pluralism, contrasting against the resilient defense of democratic ideals, individual liberty, and civic transparency championed by free societies. The 25th milestone year shifts the lens of remembrance in vital ways, according to official sources. Ceremonies, like the Fire Department New York gathering at Staten Island’s stadium, place explicit focus not just on the 345 firefighters lost on that day, but on the hundreds who have since died from 9/11-related toxic illnesses. Disney and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum are partnering for a first-ofits kind live lower Manhattan broadcast, “9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from lower Manhattan,” with waiting families nationwide in the unprecedented digital and TV format. As a quarter century passes, the

observance relies less on raw, immediate shock and more on institutional legacy, educational preservation, and passing the torch of memory to adults who were not yet born in 2001. The enduring lesson of 9/11 for the global community is the vital necessity of possessing human empathy, rule of law, and democratic resilience in the face of violent intolerance.

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As the names are read, the message remains clear: We must protect our democratic ideals while refusing to let fear rewrite our humanity. Future generations must learn that polarization and fanaticism breed destruction, whereas making mutual respect, and steadfast adherence to human rights remain the strongest shields for civilization. The commemoration will center on the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum plaza featuring the traditional reading of victims’ names and a historic seventh moment of silence honoring those who died from toxic exposure long after that Tuesday attack. As the names are read, the message remains clear: we must protect our democratic ideals while refusing to let fear rewrite our humanity. As the names are read aloud in New York on Sept. 11, the ripples will reach Philippine shores. They remind us that grief knows no geography, and courage speaks every language. 25 years later, after that clear autumn evening changed our world forever, the light rising from the Tribute in Light is not just for America. It is a global beacon. It proves that no amount of concrete can crush hope, and no expanse of ocean can dilute human solidarity born in our darkest hour.

Statecraft or scripture: Why Pacific nations want Jerusalem embassies By Steven Trask SYDNEY — An ancient Biblical prophecy lies at the heart of a Pacific

islands push to open embassies on contested ground in Jerusalem, experts and former diplomats told AFP. Israel may seem an unlikely partner for the far-flung nations of the tropical South Pacific, sharing little in common by way of culture, language, food or sport. And yet, Pacific island nations have often proven some of Israel’s most steadfast supporters on the international stage. Tiny Nauru opened an embassy in Jerusalem earlier this month, joining a handful of nations bucking international pressure to recognise Israeli sovereignty in the holy city. Papua New Guinea and Fiji are already among just seven UN memberstates to open embassies in Jerusalem, while Samoa has stated it will join them later this year. Former Fijian diplomat Salote Tagivakatini said the moves were less about calculated statecraft and more about religious conviction. “Christianity is the biggest underlying factor,” she told AFP. “Around 90 percent of indigenous Pacific islanders identify as Christians. “Therefore, their interpretation of the Bible and reference to Jewish people as ‘God’s chosen people’ obligates them to support Israel.” Waves of European missionaries sailed through the South Pacific in the 19th century, bringing evangelical Christian teachings that were

adopted with enthusiasm. Many parts of the Pacific today hold deep-rooted beliefs in Old Testament prophecy, which holds that Jews are destined to one day return to the Land of Israel.

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Christianity is the biggest factor. There are pockets of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Fiji where some even identify as descendants from one of the “Lost Tribes of Israel”. Anthropologists have documented the Gogodala people of western Papua New Guinea singing Hebrew songs and hoisting the flag of Israel at tribal ceremonies. ‘Land of God’ Religion mixes freely with politics in the South Pacific, where many nations declare their Christian faith in their founding constitutions. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is a former lay preacher in the Methodist church, while Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape is the devout son of a Seventhday Adventist pastor. Samoan Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt wore a Jewish prayer shawl when he was sworn in last year, entering the room to the sound of a ceremonial “shofar” horn. “I stand for Israel, the land of God,” he said at the time, according to local media. “Samoa will stand up and support the holy land of God.”

HILE Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was speaking on stage – in fact in the middle of his sentence taking about China’s gray-zone tactics in the South China Sea -- at the Seoul Defense Dialogue in South Korea this week, a man came up and gave him a note. Gray-zone tactics are provocative acts that marginally fall short of being classified as acts of war. The Department of Defense later uploaded a photo of the note, written on a hotel pad, on social media. It read: “China’s position on the SCS arbitration is clear, consistent, and firm. The arbitration violates fundamental principles of international law. The so-called award is illegal, null, and void and has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes the award, and opposes and will ever accept any claim or action arising from it.” It added: “China will continue firmly safeguarding its sovereignty [sic] rights and interests in the law properly handling maritime disputes with parties concerned, through dialogue and consultation, to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.” The handwritten note apparently came from the office of the Chi-

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This will certainly not be the last of China’s acts of disrespect. The defense chief chided China for saying that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on which the arbitral ruling was based, violated international law when it signed it. China did not want to be subjected to UNCLOS that is why it said that the ruling had no binding force. “Of course, you lost!” Teodoro

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES -- OpenAI is calling for binding safety requirements on the most powerful artificial intelligence systems, a reversal for a company that has resisted calls for regulation. The call on Wednesday from OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer Chris Lehane comes amid growing talk of lawmakers drawing up rules in the US Congress, where passing regulations targeting the tech industry remains a major challenge amid heavy lobbying and political contributions from the companies. In a policy statement, the ChatGPT maker said voluntary commitments by AI developers were no longer adequate, and urged US lawmakers to act before Congress adjourns in December. The call came as fears over the impact of AI have grown in recent weeks, after the revelation that powerful OpenAI technology operating outside human supervision had broken into Hugging Face, a repository of AI models. This was followed by other alarming reports of AI technology slipping out of human control at rival Anthropic and other companies. Fears were further stoked by a viral social media post by Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon, who said he was quitting the industry, ac-

The company said it wants a federal framework built around common testing standards, independent assessment of frontier models, tougher cybersecurity requirements and mandatory reporting of serious safety incidents. The intervention comes a week after OpenAI released GPT-6 Astra, a model the company has described as its most capable to date. OpenAI President Greg Brockman characterized the release as the beginning of the era of artificial general intelligence -- the long sought-after goal of creating AI that equals human abilities in most

fields. OpenAI acknowledged that some of the measures it is now backing are ones it declined to endorse in the past. In a major pivot, the company endorsed four state bills in California, some of which it had previously lobbied against. In line with the Trump administration, OpenAI had been opposed to US states going their own way on AI rule-making, asking instead that Congress create federal laws. That remains a tall order in politically divided Washington. The change in thinking aligns OpenAI more closely with Anthropic’s support for tighter regulation. Critics close to the White House argue that the companies are lobbying for rules that will protect their dominance and raise costs for smaller competitors. OpenAI said any national safety framework should apply only to the handful of companies building the most powerful models, and should not be used to restrict open models. These are AI systems whose underlying technology is released publicly, allowing developers to download and adapt it, unlike the expensive, closed, state-of-theart systems that OpenAI and Anthropic keep under their own control. AFP

Despite such strong political statements, support for Israel is far from universal in the region. A small group of demonstrators waving Palestinian flags awaited Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar when he visited Fiji earlier this year. Most countries have kept their embassies in Tel Aviv on the grounds that Jerusalem’s status will be settled in a final resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But US President Donald Trump shattered this consensus in 2018 by moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. Only a handful of countries have followed suit: Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Nauru plus Guatemala, Honduras and Paraguay. There is a long history of outside

nations courting Pacific island states for diplomatic clout. When Russia-backed separatists in northwestern Georgia tried to form a breakaway state in the early 2000s, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Nauru were among the few nations to offer recognition. Tuvalu, Palau and the Marshall Islands are among the only nations to maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China has in recent years persuaded Solomon Islands, Nauru and Kiribati to sever links with Taipei in favour of Beijing. International affairs expert Shannon Brincat said it was easy to see what Israel gained from its Pacific friends. ‘Not transactional’ “Symbolically those things are

huge. By moving their embassies to Jerusalem, it normalizes Israel’s claim that it’s the undivided capital.” It was less clear what these small nations received in return, Brincat told AFP. Lowy Institute data showed Israel had given US$2 million for aid and development in the Pacific since 2015. Major donors such as Australia and China have, by comparison, spent hundreds of millions of dollars. Pacific security researcher Maima Koro said typical notions of giveand-take diplomacy missed the point. “Israel are the people of God to them. And there’s this promise that God made to Israel,” Koro, from Adelaide University, told AFP. “It’s not transactional. The connection is spiritual.” AFP

cusing both US AI giants of “gambling with our lives” in the race to develop AI models capable of selfimprovement. “The prospect of AI-accelerated AI development demands more than voluntary commitments,” Lehane wrote, arguing that the United States needs mandatory rules pegged to what models can actually do, rather than to company size.

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The call came as fears over the impact of AI have grown in recent weeks.

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nese embassy’s defense attache in Seoul, who was also attending the forum. Teodoro read the note aloud, perceptibly aghast at its audacity. He responded line by line to it, speaking calmly, confidently, and firmly, knowing that the author of the note was somewhere among the audience.

said, as he read the line on China not accepting the award. Teodoro took China to task not only for what the note contained – the same official lone of rejection of the Philippines’ 2016 arbitration win – but how it put it forward. He was in the middle of responding to another question that had been asked through official channels. The note, he said, disrespected the forum’s organizers, South Korea as the host, and the other delegates in the hall. “Be more decent, have some shame,” he said. But given China’s range of shameless actions right within our own exclusive zone, such an act is no longer surprising. Secretary Teodoro responded spontaneously and calmly even though one could imagine his real reaction at the note’s audacity. He remained seated and did not engage in theatrics, but his words tell the whole world we are not taking this sitting down. This will certainly not be the last of China’s acts of disrespect. It should know better than underestimate our leaders’ – and our people’s – knowledge that the law is on our side. The country that resorts to disrespect and bends the truth does so in desperation.

In shift, OpenAI calls for US rules on powerful AI

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

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WORLD

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

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ONG KONG – A Hong Kong court handed three Tiananmen vigil activists jail sentences of between five and seven years on Friday for national security crimes, following a trial that has drawn international condemnation. Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, Albert Ho, 74 and Chow Hang-tung, 41 have been behind bars since they were charged in 2021. Their sentences are expected to include time already served. The United Nations, rights groups and foreign governments have condemned their convictions under a national security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong. A court ruled in August that the activists had breached the Chinese constitution by calling for an “end to one-party dictatorship.” Lee and Chow, who pleaded not guilty, were sentenced to seven years and seven years and three months respectively, AFP journalists in court heard. Ho, a former lawmaker who pleaded guilty in January, got five years and two months. The verdict read that although the case did not involve violence, and the defendants had not put forward a specific timetable to carry out an “end to one-party dictatorship”, their offence was still of “a serious nature.” Chow, a barrister who represented herself, told a hearing last month that she had “nothing to repent for.”

HK sentences 3 Tiananmen activists to up to 7 years in jail She raised both arms and waved at supporters as she was escorted out by officers. Supporters outside court hugged her mother, Medina Chow Lau Wah-chun, who said her daughter had maintained high spirits during the trial. “She is not a competent barrister. She is simply an outstanding defendant,” her mother said. Lee crossed himself, smiled and bowed at his wife Elizabeth Tang Yinngor and supporters, including highprofile activist Cardinal Joseph Zen, who stood outside gripping each other’s hands. “I’m really sad, and very angry,” Tang told reporters, saying Lee would “definitely appeal.” Dozens of police swarmed around the court and set up cordons holding back crowds. Hong Kong and Macau were the only places on Chinese soil that permitted public mourning for those killed on June 4, 1989, when Beijing sent troops and tanks to crush protests calling for political reform around the capital’s Tiananmen Square. But public commemoration has been effectively banned in Hong Kong since the Beijing-imposed security law took effect in 2020, following huge pro-democracy protests. The trio were leaders of the nowdefunct Hong Kong Alliance, the group that organized annual vigils in the city’s

CONVICTED. This combination of pictures shows Hong Kong prodemocracy activist Lee Cheuk-yan (left); Chow Hang-tung (center), barrister and a leader of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China; and veteran pro-democracy activist and solicitor Albert Ho (right). A Hong Kong court on Friday, September 11, 2026, sentenced the three pro-democracy activists who organized annual vigils to mark China’s deadly Tiananmen crackdown. AFP Victoria Park. National security police chief Steve Li told reporters the sentences are “a stern warning to those who may be contemplating similar acts.” “Do not underestimate our determination to safeguard... national security,” he warned. The sentences were condemned by officials in Taiwan, which China sees as its own territory, as well as rights groups. “The pursuit of democracy and human rights is not a crime,” Taiwan’s top China policy body said, adding that authorities have “fabricated charges and conducted political trials in the name of national security to shield an authoritar-

ian regime.” Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said the “harsh sentences” expose “the cruelty and insecurity of a government afraid of memory and the people.” Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks said the sentencing “illustrates just how much Hong Kong has been transformed in the name of ‘national security.’” “This sentencing is a triple tragedy: for the activists being unjustly punished; the survivors and victims of the Tiananmen crackdown itself; and the generations of Hongkongers denied the space to discuss one of the most consequential events in modern Chinese his-

China, Iran used AI to aid spying, Anthropic says

IN BRIEF Syria arrests nine former Assad-era military pilots DAMASCUS – Syrian authorities said nine former pilots, including three generals, who are accused of having taken part in lethal bombings of towns and villages under the former rule of Bashar al-Assad, had been arrested. For more than 13 years of a civil war that claimed over half a million lives, Syrian forces relentlessly shelled areas held by the rebels before al-Assad was toppled in December 2024 and the current Islamist government came to power. Following a series of operations in Latakia in the country’s west, the Internal Security Forces arrested nine former military pilots “involved in war crimes against the Syrian people... in several regions,” news agency SANA reported, citing authorities. Among them are generals Menhel Anwar Saleh, Sami Ibrahim Mahmoud, and Ghayath Ali Rehye. AFP

Thai abbot arrested in $2.8m embezzlement, sex scandal BANGKOK – Thai police said Friday they arrested a senior Buddhist monk on suspicion of embezzling $2.8 million intended for his monastery, alongside a suspected female accomplice he was having sex with. The case is the latest scandal to hit the clergy in Buddhist-majority Thailand, after a sex and extortion case involving senior monks last year prompted public outrage and calls for greater scrutiny of temple finances. Phra Wachirayan Wi, the 66-yearold abbot of the 14th-century temple Wat Phutthaisawan in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, was arrested on Thursday on charges including embezzlement and money laundering, according to lead police investigator Pattanasak Bupphasuwan. AFP

Myanmar airport shut after rebel drone attack–sources YANGON – Myanmar’s second-busiest airport was closed for two days on Friday, security sources told AFP, after the military-backed government accused pro-democracy rebels of attacking it with drones. Mandalay airport is an international and domestic travel hub in central Myanmar, but civilian air raid warning groups also identify it as a runway for military jets launching sorties. Six “suicide drones” attacked it on Thursday afternoon, the militarybacked government said in a statement, causing no casualties but disrupting flight schedules. However, a security source told AFP on Friday: “Mandalay airport is closed for today and tomorrow.” “The attack happened some distance from the airport building, but the airport is closed protectively,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. AFP

tory,” she said. The Hong Kong Alliance group also operated a museum dedicated to the crackdown and held events, including a yearly washing of the “Pillar of Shame” – a statue to mourn victims. The statue was removed from its long-time plinth at the University of Hong Kong in 2021, and other local universities followed suit with similar objects. Prosecutors argued that evidence in the case, including the statue and archives from the Hong Kong Alliance’s museum, should be confiscated. Judge Alex Lee said Friday the fate of the statue would be decided after a decision was made on its ownership. AFP

NEVER FORGET. American flags fly among a display of nearly 3,000 flags honoring lives lost during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. AFP

California limits children’s social media risks

SAN FRANCISCO – California Governor Gavin Newsom signed more than a dozen new laws on Thursday that address various aspects of children’s safety online, including one that prohibits social media companies from serving addictive features to users under 16 years old. During a signing ceremony held near San Francisco, Newsom described the state’s new social media restrictions for children as “better” than Australia’s ban for all users under 16. “This is different than what Australia did,” Newsom said. “This is about the features themselves. This is about actually addressing the problem, the scrolling, the algorithms. This is about addressing the substantive issue around engineering.

If you address that, then the age issue is not the essential issue,” he continued. Australia’s law went into effect in December, and early reports have shown it has been ineffective at preventing children and teenagers from using social media. A report published by Australia’s own government in July showed that enforcement has been spotty and many children were still using social media. While California’s new law targets users under 16, it doesn’t require a full ban for those users. Instead, it defines “addictive” features as ones that are “psychologically exploitative” and prohibits social media companies from providing children with features such as infinite scroll, algorithmic recommendations and autoplay. Meta, which owns Facebook and

Japan’s ‘cute’ fight vs. misogyny TOKYO – Donning doll-like dresses with voluminous skirts, young women on stage roar in rage about rape and sexism they experienced in Japan, using theatre and “cute” fashion to denounce male-dominated society. Meet TremendousCircus, Japan’s selfdescribed radical feminist theatre troupe that embraces the flamboyant Gothic Lolita aesthetic as a powerful symbol of womanhood and defense against sexual violence. The global #MeToo movement hasn’t caught on in Japan, and many survivors are too scared to come forward despite a handful of high-profile cases that have forced a reckoning. Driven by what it terms “radical victim feminism,” the fringe group weaves its shows with accounts of sexual violence and harassment faced by members and their

fandom, collectively dubbed “militants.” During a recent performance in Tokyo, actors screamed slogans such as “war for women” as they portrayed stylised revolutionists fighting an AI tyrant dubbed “Big Father” in a dystopian future. Dressed in pink, white and black, the nine women sported Japanese Lolita fashion, a substyle that fuses the bellshaped silhouettes of Victorian clothing with macabre goth motifs. AFP

Instagram, already agreed to implement a similar approach as part of a settlement with California and dozens of other US states, which sued the social media giant for allegedly violating various state and federal laws related to children’s privacy and consumer protections. The company is committed to providing teens with safe, age-appropriate experiences on Facebook and Instagram, “all with the proper guardrails in place,” a Meta spokesperson told AFP in a statement on Thursday. Snap, TikTok and Google-owned YouTube did not reply to requests for comment. AFP

SAN FRANCISCO – Anthropic said it shut down multiple cases of statesponsored surveillance operations that used its artificial intelligence (AI) models, and warned that governments and state-aligned actors are increasingly using AI to spy on ethnic minorities and dissidents. The incidents were found and disrupted between January and July, and they originated in China, Iran and west Africa, Anthropic said in a report about misuse of its models. These surveillance campaigns “targeted the same diaspora and dissident communities these regimes have historically targeted. These include prodemocracy figures in Hong Kong, Tibetan and Falun Gong communities across Asia, and Iranian minority communities and opponents of the Iranian regime abroad,” the report said. In one case, Iranian actors developed a way to identify people through their social media accounts; in another, a contractor working for Malian national security authorities used Claude “to design the underlying software that enabled the intelligence gathering.” “AI is now being used in place of an engineering workforce,” the report said. Anthropic also disrupted efforts by users to design weapons, conduct questionable biological research, and create dating scams. The San Francisco-based AI lab also accused Chinese developers of deceptively using Claude to produce responses to user queries while simultaneously “distilling” that data to improve their own models. Distilling is an industry term that refers to a process where one AI model is used to train another one. Chinese developers have previously been accused of using that technique without permission, essentially stealing resources from American labs such as Anthropic and OpenAI. AFP

THE POWER OF CUTE. A Member

of the radical feminist theatre troupe Tremendous Circus, Hina Haruka, poses for photo with her Gothic Lolita dress on the street in the Harajuku district of Tokyo. Donning frilly, doll-like dresses with voluminous skirts, young women members of Japan’s radical feminist theatre troupe whip out AI-generated photos of various men’s faces and ferociously rip them apart. AFP

SPORTS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

Lady Falcons, Lady Chiefs duel for 1st semis slot Games Saturday (Gameville Central Park) 10 a.m. – AdU vs Arellano (Women) 12 noon – San Beda vs Benilde (Women) 3 p.m. – Mapua vs UST (Men) 5 p.m. – NU vs Benilde (Men)

UAAP Season 89 president Mark Molina of FEU

F the UAAP wants to open Season 89 with a bang, Vice Ganda is ready to turn the SM Mall of Asia Arena into her own halftime stage.

Call it the “Super UnkabogaBowl.” With one of the Philippines’ biggest entertainment icons leading the charge, Far Eastern University is promising a kickoff show that aims to feel less like a traditional sports opening and more like a Super Bowl halftime show or the opening ceremony of a UEFA Champions League Final when the league officially opens its new chapter on Saturday. The festivities begin at 5 p.m., with Vice Ganda and gloc-9 headlining a star-studded lineup of performances designed to usher in a brand-new UAAP season. More than a curtain-raiser, the show will spotlight FEU’s artistic side while setting the tone for Season 89’s theme, “For Everyone, UAAP.” The theme reminds everyone that the UAAP is not defined solely by the student-athletes who take the court, field, pool, or track, but by the entire community that makes collegiate

‘Super Unkaboga-Bowl’ UAAP kickoff show set sports possible. “It underscores, alam ninyo naman sa FEU, very inclusive, everybody is important,” UAAP Season 89 President Mark Molina said during the university’s “Tam Rally” earlier this week. “When you talk about the UAAP, you always see the basketball players, the volleyball players, but we don’t see the people who made them successful. Everyone in the community is very important; that’s why we have successful teams: teachers, students, drivers, yung nagluto sa canteen. Lahat ito importante. Lahat ito part ng FEU community, part of UAAP community. That’s why we have that theme.” And FEU intends to make that message impossible to miss. “We are going to put on a show. Saturday will see the artistic side of

FEU. It will be a celebration of the artistic side of FEU. And after that, on September 13, it’s going to be a showcase of the athletic side of FEU. This is what’s in store in Season 89,” Molina added. The spectacle will serve as the opening act for what promises to be another packed UAAP calendar, with the men’s basketball tournament tipping off Sunday with a tripleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. FEU will make its first appearance at noon against Adamson University, with coach Sean Chambers parading an intact Tamaraws roster led by reigning MVP Janrey Pasaol and boosted by the arrival of Season 88 high school boys MVP Cabs Cabonilas. Two rematches of last season’s Final Four will then take center stage. Defending champion De La Salle

University begins its bid for back-toback titles against National University at 2:30 p.m., before preseason favorites University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas renew their rivalry at 6 p.m. For FEU, however, Season 89 is about more than simply putting together a memorable opening weekend. The university is also looking to make its mark across the various sports it will enter throughout the season, building on several years of strong performances in both the collegiate and high school divisions. “I hope we will win a lot of championships again. We have been doing well in the past few years, both in high school in college. We have been very competitive. Almost all of our teams are in the podium or in the Final Four,” Molina said.

Team Philippines strengthens commitment to clean sports By Randy M. Caluag THE Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization has stepped up efforts to ensure Filipino athletes and para-athletes compete clean and fully understand anti-doping rules at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Led by PHI-NADO chief Dr. Alejandro V. Pineda Jr., the organization conducted separate education sessions for members of Team Philippines at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. A total of 112 para-athletes, coaches and athlete support personnel attended onsite and online the “Play True Pilipinas: The Road to the 5th Asian Para Games” program on Sept. 8. Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo joined Pineda during the seminar, which tackled the anti-doping program for the continental meet. Philippine Paralympic Committee board member and Deputy Chef

By Nathaniel T. dela Cruz THE trails may have been quiet, but the mission continued. Persistent bad weather forced the postponement of Leg 2 of the Montalban Mountain Run Series, organized by Sinaunang Events, after Montalban was closed several times in the past month for sports and tourism activities. With weather conditions continuing to make an in-person race difficult, organizers eventually transformed Leg 2 into a virtual run. Participants could still claim their race kits and earn the official finisher’s trophy by completing the same prescribed distance and elevation within the designated cut-off time. But while runners were no longer able to gather on the Montalban trails, something good still came out of the race. Part of the funds raised through registration fees was used for community outreach, including the distribution of food to communities in Montalban affected by the bad

The Phinado team of Dr. Alejandro Canlas makes sure the athletes are ready for clean competition in the Asian Games

de Mission Judd Anastacio welcomed the participants, while PPC sports director Milette Bonoan briefed the national delegation on its preparations for the Games. The session covered clean-sport values, athletes’ rights and responsibilities, prohibited substances and methods, Therapeutic Use Exemptions, supplement risks and testing procedures.

It also emphasized the crucial role of coaches, medical professionals and other support personnel in helping athletes comply with anti-doping regulations throughout training, recovery and competition. PHI-NADO earlier held a similar whole-day program for the Philippine delegation to the 20th Asian Games, drawing 250 onsite and online participants, including athletes training

overseas. The session featured messages from Coo, Chef de Mission Richard Anthony Lim, Philippine Olympic Committee Secretary General Wharton Chan and PSC Executive Director Guillermo Iroy Jr. PSC Commissioner Walter Torres, Deputy Chef de Mission Jop Malonzo and Pocari Sweat president and managing director Ken Saito also attended. Apart from anti-doping regulations, the program discussed athlete health and well-being, mental resilience, nutrition, conditioning and safe-sport practices. Wushu sanda athlete Carlos Baylon Jr. and taekwondo coach Rani Ann Ortega shared their experiences during a panel discussion on clean sport and personal journeys. PHI-NADO stressed that sporting excellence goes beyond winning medals and must be anchored on integrity, responsibility and fair play. “Play True. Play Clean. Play Fair. It starts with you,” the organization said.

Race postponed, but the mission continues in Montalban Members of the Montalban Athletics Team of Wawa National High School wearing their new uniforms.

weather. The proceeds also reached another group in need of support: young athletes. On September 10, Sinaunang Events founder Coach Heya led the turnover of 47 uniforms to athletes and coaches of Wawa National High School. The recipients are members of the Montalban Athletics Team, who will represent the community at the Provincial Athletics Meet 2026 at the Taytay Rizal Stadium

this October. A portion of the funds raised from the trail running event was allocated to provide the team with uniforms for the upcoming competition. During the turnover, Coach Heya reminded the student-athletes that their development should extend beyond their performance in sports. “Always try, and never give up,” Coach Heya told them, echoing the advice he regularly gives during their workouts: to keep trying and never

give up when faced with something difficult. Coach Heya also reminded the athletes to carry the right values with them wherever their sport takes them. “Regardless of the sport they belong to, athletes should always remember and practice being a good person to others.” For Sinaunang Events, the Montalban Mountain Run Series is more than a series of races. The event has become a way to connect the trailrunning community with the people and communities of Montalban. Leg 2 may not have gone according to plan, but its purpose continued beyond the race course. The run was postponed. The mission was not. Leg 3 of the Montalban Mountain Run Series is scheduled for November 22, featuring 10-kilometer, 21-kilometer, and 42-kilometer categories.

ADAMSON University and Arellano University dispute the first semifinals berth in the V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. The winner of the 10 a.m. match between the Lady Falcons and the Lady Chiefs will also secure the solo lead. San Beda shoots for a third straight win as it tangles with College of Saint Benilde at 12 noon. Even without its ace Shai Nitura, Adamson has been impressive with a 4-0 record and has conceded only a set in the tournament. The Lady Falcons are coming off a 24-26, 25-17, 25-18, 26-24 victory over the Lady Blazers last Sunday. Nigeria’s Frances Mordi, the league’s No. 1 leading scorer and server, has been a force to reckon with on offense, while Lana Barrera, the tournament’s top spiker, has ably filled in for Nitura, and Bella Sapienza and Fhei Sagaysay are taking turns running the plays. Meanwhile, Arellano remained undefeated in four matches, including a couple of five-set wins against University of Santo Tomas and Benilde. The Lady Chiefs have been solid thanks to the 1-2 punch of Heart Villaflores and Cris Servidad, and the league-leader in setting, Catherine Domasig. After opening the season with backto-back losses, the Lady Red Spikers wheeled back to semifinal contention. Rookie Isay Culanay logged a tournament-high 13 blocks in San Beda’s 25-17, 21-25, 21-25, 25-22, 2018 win over University of the East last Wednesday to raise its record to 2-2. Angel Habacon has taken a backseat on offense, as Janelle Bachar has been consistent as of late for the Lady Red Spikers, while Culanay is showing promise in the frontline. Sporting a 1-3 slate, the Lady Blazers cannot afford to drop matches from now on if they want to remain in the semis chase.

Abra drubs Caloocan 5 THE Abra Solid North Weavers unleashed a fourth-quarter scoring spurt to trounce the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, 81-59, on Thursday and secure the top playoff spot in the North division of the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna. Powered by Fil-Am DJ Fenner and Jake Figueroa, defending champion Abra poured in 15 points while holding Caloocan to 1, to close the round-robin elimination phase with a 23-2 record, moving beyond the reach of San Juan (20-3). The Weavers, the country’s representative in the EASL (East Asia Super League) 2026-27 Season starting in Cebu on Oct. 3, will tackle the eighth and last North qualifier in the best-of-3 quarterfinals, with the homecourt advantage. Fenner posted 26 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists to earn the SportsPlus best player honors over reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso, who notched 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists. Other Weavers who delivered were Mike Ayonayon with 9 points and 3 assists, and Jake Figueroa, with 8 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

DJ Fenner of Abra

SPORTS Blame it on Bahrain: Gilas Sabalenka nets title showdown stumbles in Asiad opener with Rybakina A8

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

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

ILAS Pilipinas’ bid to defend its title had a disappointing start as Bahrain survived a furious late rally to beat the Philippines, 89-85, in the men’s basketball competition of the Asian Games on Friday at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan.

NEW YORK—Aryna Sabalenka stormed past Jessica Pegula in straight sets on Thursday to keep her bid for a rare US Open three-peat on track, booking a championship showdown with Elena Rybakina. Sabalenka was simply unstoppable in a 7-5, 6-2 victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium, where she beat Pegula en route to US Open victories in 2024 and 2025. Rybakina battled back to beat 2023 champion Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. In Saturday’s final the Kazakh will try to deal Sabalenka another blow after her run to the semi-finals ensured she will end the Belarusian’s reign atop the world rankings. Sabalenka, bidding to join Chris Evert and Serena Williams as the only women to win three straight US Open titles, pounded third-seeded Pegula remorselessly with her powerful groundstrokes. “I was super desperate,” said Sabalenka, who has had a slow summer since back-to-back wins at Indian Wells and Miami in March. “I wanted it badly to go to the finals, and of course, I want to go all the way. “The mentality was just I’m ready. I’m ready for whatever it’s going to take to get the win,” Sabalenka added after producing her best performance of the tournament to snuff out Pegula’s dream of a first ever Grand Slam title. Sabalenka’s frustration at her inability to make any headway against Pegula’s serve showed in a tense first set. But she maintained her focus and was rewarded as Pegula, feeling the pressure to stay in the set as she served down 6-5, fell behind 0-40. The American saved one set point but couldn’t salvage the next. Sabalenka kept rolling in the second set, attacking Pegula’s suspect second serve and seizing a break for a 3-1 lead when she lasered a forehand into the corner. AFP

Late addition Calvin Oftana had a career performance in a Gilas uniform with 31 points, including a sizzling 6-of-9 shooting from three-point range, but his offensive explosion was not enough to prevent the Filipinos from absorbing an opening-game setback in Group C. The Philippines, which has sent an all-Philippine Basketball Association team to the games after its mainstays such as Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto and AJ Edu and others, were not allowed by their club teams in Japan’s B.League, had a slow start but found its footing late to grab its only lead of the game, 43-41, on a basket by Justine Baltazar. But Bahrain closed out the second quarter on an 8-0 run, highlighted by back-to-back triples from former NBA player JaKarr Sampson and Uros Ilic to take a 49-43 lead at the half. Bahrain then took control in the third period, scoring 27 points to Gilas’ 18, extending its lead to 64-48 after a 23-5 run in the third and fourth quarters. The lead grew to 76-61 going into the final frame. Oftana led the late charge as the Filipinos cut the deficit to four, unwilling to let Gilas go quietly. Adrian Nocum had 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists before exiting with under two minutes left after appearing to injure his right ankle when he landed on the foot of Elijah Thomas. Nocum had just hit a layup to pull Bahrain’s lead down to 80-89. Baltazar finished with 10 points and six rebounds while Don Trollano had nine points and eight rebounds. Gilas top scorer Robert Bolick finished scoreless in 13 minutes of action. Bahrain relied heavily on its naturalized players with Sampson leading the way with 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. Thomas added 20 points, four rebounds and three assists, and Mustafa Rashed also scored 20 points on four 3-pointers. Bahrain shot 43 percent from three-point land and had a total of 12 triples to repeatedly punish Gilas from long range. The Philippines just couldn’t complete the comeback as several key Bahrain turnovers in the final minutes weren’t enough. Gilas will have little time to dwell on the loss as Kazakhstan is next up in the schedule at 6 p.m. Saturday with the Nationals looking to get their Asian Games campaign back on track.

Calvin Oftana (FIBA)

Go calls for early recruitment, long-term Gilas buildup By Randy M. Caluag Aryna Sabalenka (AFP)

Evasive Alonso teases scribes on his F1 future MADRID—Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso teased reporters on the eve of his home Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday when asked if he had made a longawaited decision on his future in Formula One. After a disappointing season to date with Aston Martin in the new hybrid-era cars introduced this year, it was widely expected that Alonso would make an announcement ahead of the first race at the new Madrid circuit. But asked if a decision was due, he simply replied: “Not soon.” And when asked why he was continuing to delay, he added: “Because I think it’s nice.” The 45-year-old preferred to remain evasive and ironic on the subject of whether Aston Martin were pressing him to make a decision, but made clear he was aware of other drivers speaking to team owner Lawrence Stroll about a possible vacant seat. To explain his position, he said he was hoping that changes to this year’s rules would make racing more enjoyable and satisfying next year. “Next year, there is a step, in the right direction, hopefully,” he added. Alonso also revealed he was considering various options, including a possible switch to a different role with the team.

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has urged basketball stakeholders to identify Filipino-foreign prospects early and build a larger player pool to strengthen Gilas Pilipinas for future international competitions. Go appealed a day before the national team suffered a defeat to a Bahrain squad reinforced by naturalized players. Speaking after the send-off ceremony for Team Philippines to the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Go said basketball officials, teams and private sponsors must work together in scouting young prospects who could eventually represent the country. “I encourage the teams to work together so we can add more naturalized players, especially young players, to beef up our team,” Go said. He stressed that naturalization and eligibility requirements should be addressed while the players are still young, giving them enough time to train and develop chemistry with the LIPA CITY, Batangas—Angelo Que was tested from the opening stretch, pressured by a blistering early charge from Aidric Chan and a spirited midround assault from Justin Quiban. But through it all, the veteran campaigner never blinked. At 47, with two decades of professional golf behind him and a career forged through countless battles here and abroad, Que once again showed that experience, composure and sheer resolve can still trump youth and momentum. Relying on precise ball-striking and crisp iron play, the amiable shotmaker stayed patient in mild conditions at the Summit Point Golf and Country Club here, closing out with a 70 to outgun Chan by two and secure the ICTSI Summit Point Championship crown on Friday. A final-round two-under card left him four strokes short of a four-day streak of 66s, but it was more than enough to secure the championship. Finishing at 20-under 268, the reign-

Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go with PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio and POC president Abraham Tolentino during the send-off ceremony for Philippine athletes participating in the Asian Games.

national team. “Huwag iyong matanda na natin inaturalize, baka hindi na masyadong magamit. Kung mayroon tayong gustong i-naturalize na players, dapat bata pa sila,” he said. Go also cited the need to prioritize Filipino-Americans and other players

of Filipino descent who are eligible to suit up for the Philippines. The senator said he is studying the possibility of filing a bill that would give national-team duties priority for Filipino athletes, including those playing in professional leagues overseas.

“Sa maagang edad pa lang, umpisahan na iyong proseso para mahaba ang training nila. Hindi iyong magbubuo tayo ng team malapit na ang competition,” Go said. He proposed the formation of a permanent pool of around 30 players who would train regularly and serve as the main source of talent for Gilas. “Preparation ang importante. Dapat mahaba ang preparation at mayroon nang pool of players na talagang nagte-training,” he said. Go pointed to Gilas’ recent international victories as proof that continuity and proper preparation could produce results. He also recalled the Philippines’ historic gold-medal victory in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, ending a 61-year championship drought in men’s basketball. The Philippines will defend its basketball crown in Aichi-Nagoya. “If we were able to win the basketball gold after more than six decades, we can also win in other sports,” Go said. “Pusong Pinoy, lumalaban.”

Unflappable Que repels Chan to win Summit Point crown ing Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit champion claimed his 21st career title along with the ₱440,000 top prize. “There was really no pressure today. It was nice playing with Adric and Justin because we’ve known each other for a long time, so it felt just like a practice round. We were talking the whole round and weren’t really trying to compete – we were actually just pushing each other,” said Que, whose latest triumph further underscored the depth and longevity of a career that has produced multiple victories, including three on the Asian Tour and one on the Japan Golf Tour. The two-stroke winning margin hardly reflected how effectively Que kept the threats at bay, as he never allowed Chan to come within three strokes until No. 17. Four up with two holes to play, Que gave back two shots on the par-3 penultimate hole.

The late stumble from the bunker and missed putts added a touch of drama to what had otherwise been a victory lap, but they barely unsettled the veteran shotmaker’s resolve or poise. Que calmly matched Chan’s par on the par-4 18th to secure the win. “I was trying to make two more birdies so that I could shoot another 66, but unfortunately, I missed it on the wrong side on the 17th,” he recalled. Chan closed with a 66 to finish runner-up at 270, while Quiban missed a chance to force a tie for second after bogeys on Nos. 16 and 17. He settled for third at 272 after a 69. Keanu Jahns shot a 68 to tie Reymon Jaraula, who carded a 70, for fourth at 278. Kristoffer Arevalo took solo sixth at 279 after a 70, while Fidel Concepcion fired a 66 to join Jeffren Lumbo, who a 68, and Sean Ramos, who turned in a 70, in a three-way tie for seventh at 280.

Angelo Que (Manny Marcelo)

BUSINESS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

MEDIA EXCHANGE.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque (second from right) shares the Philippines’ priorities for a more connected, competitive and inclusive ASEAN during the 2nd ASEAN Business Media Exchange (ABMX) 2026. The ABMX brings together policymakers, business leaders, media practitioners and development partners to advance dialogue and cooperation in support of deeper regional integration and ASEAN Centrality.

WHAT’S INSIDE? Peso slumps to new low of 62.68 per dollar

169 meters Subic Drydock pier expansion

US to fund Subic pier, Wi-Fi network studies T By Othel V. Campos

7,840 Planned Wi-Fi sites

600,000 Wi-Fi beneficiaries

HE US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will fund feasibility studies for two projects that could extend Subic Drydock Corp.’s pier by 169 meters and pave the way for up to 7,840 AI-enhanced public Wi-Fi sites nationwide by 2030.

The projects aim to strengthen the Luzon Economic Corridor’s maritime and digital infrastructure while creating opportunities for US engineering, broadband and artificial intelligence technology providers. It said it will fund a feasibility study for Subic Drydock Corp.’s (SDC) proposed pier expansion, which will extend its approach pier by 169 meters

to accommodate larger vessels and enable repairs currently constrained by draft and berth limitations. SDC has selected California-based DM Consulting Inc. to conduct the study, which includes a constructionready design package and financial analysis to help mobilize financing for procurement and construction. The USTDA said it also signed

an agreement with Philippine ICT company ComClark Network and Technology Corp. to fund a feasibility study for a nationwide network of paid public Wi-Fi access points. The pilot will deploy US-made equipment at six public sites to assess market demand, technical requirements, commercial viability and financing options. The proposed network could connect more than 600,000 Filipinos, including communities along the Luzon Economic Corridor, and support higher-speed broadband services at community centers and schools. A nationwide rollout could reach up to 7,840 locations by 2030, generating opportunities for US suppliers of broadband hardware, AI software and related services.

Meralco says power rate to be lower in September By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Company (Meralco) customers will see a P0.0409-per-kilowatt-hour decrease in their electricity rate in September on lower ancillary charges, the company said Friday. The reduction brings the overall rate for a typical household to P14.7424 per kWh this month from P14.7833 per kWh in August. “For residential customers of Meralco who are consuming 200 kWh, this adjustment translates to a reduction of around P8 in the total electricity bill,” Meralco vicepresident and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said. “This follows a rate decrease Meralco implemented last month, and we hope that this will somehow provide relief to our customers,” he said. Meralco attributed this month’s overall rate reduction mainly to a decrease in ancillary service charges collected by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and lower taxes. Ancillary service charges fell by P0.3344 per kWh due to lower charges from the Reserve Market. Taxes and other charges registered a net decrease of P0.1657 per kWh as the First Gas/Prime CoreGen plants fully utilized indigenous natural gas, which is exempt from value-added tax (VAT). These reductions more than offset a P0.4232 per kWh increase in the generation charge. The peso’s depreciation and higher fuel costs amid the recent escalation of the Middle East conflict mainly drove the increase, which lower charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) tempered as average demand in the Luzon grid fell by about 1,200 MW because of prevailing weather conditions.

Officials of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and Subic Drydock Corp. sign an agreement to fund a feasibility study to expand Subic Bay’s ship repair facility, with a 169-meter pier extension to boost the site’s role as a regional maritime hub. USTDA deputy director Thomas Hardy says the deal shows the agency’s commitment to building up infrastructure in the area using American technology.

DOTr seeks Australian investments in PH transport sector By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is seeking partnerships with the Australian government and Australian companies to modernize the Philippines’ transportation system. DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez met with Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown to discuss potential cooperation and investment in major Philippine transport infrastructure projects. “This is the kind of partnership that would help close the gaps in the transport sector. President Marcos Jr. has said sustained partnership with other countries will help improve the

daily commute of our countrymen,” Lopez said. The DOTr presented several major railway projects to the Australian side, including the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), NorthSouth Commuter Railway (NSCR) System, MRT-7, MRT-3 upgrade and expansion, LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project and the Philippine Automated Fare Collection System (PAFCS). The department also cited opportunities in the modernization of regional airports, including Laguindingan Airport, BoholPanglao International Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport, Laoag International Airport, Busuanga

Airport, Bacolod-Silay International Airport, Tacloban Airport, General Santos International Airport and Siargao Airport, among others. For road transport, Lopez cited projects such as the EDSA Busway, Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange (TCITX), active transport initiatives and the Navotas Feeder Line Project, which will link to the EDSA Busway. The DOTr is also pursuing nationwide modernization and infrastructure upgrades for the country’s seaports, which Lopez said would improve inter-island connectivity and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.

Altai denies Sibuyan ‘militarization’

Nickel Asia buys into Kazakhstan mine

B4 Renewables to power 40% of AI data centers by 2033—DOE THE Philippines is banking on renewable energy, mainly solar and geothermal, to power 40 percent of its artificial intelligence data center clusters by 2033 under a new national master plan. Department of Energy Undersecretary Maria Francesca Del Rosario said the department strongly supports the recent launch of the Philippine AI+ Infrastructure Masterplan 2026-2033, which lays out the country’s roadmap for building the digital foundations needed to support AI development. “For the Philippines to succeed in AI, we must first be secure in our energy supply,” Del Rosario said. The plan calls for expanding computing and data center infrastructure alongside secure sustainable energy resources. Renewable energy will supply 40 percent of AI clusters by 2033, complemented by natural gas and the potential long-term exploration of nuclear energy, Del Rosario said. With AI infrastructure expected to drive significant growth in electricity demand, Del Rosario said the country must ensure reliable power for emerging technology hubs without compromising supply for households. Alena Mae S. Flores

BIR seals 385 cash registers in latest crackdown By Thony Rose Lesaca THE Bureau of Internal Revenue flagged 842 establishments and sealed 385 cash register machines and pointof-sale machines during a nationwide compliance drive conducted from Aug. 24 to 28, 2026, the agency said. The five-day operation covered 7,685 establishments and 14,806 machines across the BIR’s Revenue Regions, part of the bureau’s CRM/POS Post-Evaluation program, the BIR said in a statement. BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the operation forms part of the agency’s continuing effort to move taxpayers from enforcement to-

ward sustained compliance. “Enforcement is primarily a deterrent. It sends a message to those who deliberately violate the law that there are consequences, and encourages those who have been remiss to return to compliance,” Mendoza said. “What we want is for taxpayers to correct deficiencies, properly record their sales and comply moving forward. When an establishment that has been flagged corrects its practices, we consider that a positive result,” he said. The BIR presented the results during the 2026 National Enforcement Command Center Reporting on Sept 3 at the Office of Revenue Region No. 8A in Makati City.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) flags 842 establishments and seals 385 cash registers CRM) and point-of-sale (POS) machines during its nationwide CRM/POS postevaluation conducted from Aug. 24 to 28, 2026.

CYAN CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK

BUSINESS

B2 Manila

Manila Standard Standard TODAY

TODAY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com Career Opportunity in Pocketmarket International Ecommerce Corp.

Career Opportunity in Autobot Autoworks Inc.

Sales And Marketing Agent

Prototype Technician

Job Description:

Two (2) Vacancy

•

Qualification:

• • •

Nine (9) Vacancy

Responsible for the planning and execution of eCommerce initiatives for an organization or within an agency. Should possess a strong knowledge of the ecommerce space including competitive strategies, marketing strategies, product development, consumer research, usability best practices and industry trends. Must know how to use spreadsheet/ excel. Can develop, monitor, write and update product content contained on ecommerce websites/portals.

•

Ensures product and repairs meet safety and quality standards.

Qualification:

• • • • • •

Knowledge of automotive mechanical and electrical systems. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics. Skilled in using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. Detail-oriented with good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Physically fit and able to work in a workshop environment. Willing to work overtime or on flexible schedules when required.

Applications may be sent to: Pocketmarket.international@gmail.com Company/Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name: Pocketmarket International Ecommerce Corp.

Name: 1. Zeng Wenjin, 2. Zheng Hao

Company Address: Unit N, 8Th Flr Cyber One Plaza Bldg Eastwood City Cyberpark Libis Bgry Bagumbayan Quezon City

Address: 1-2. Quezon City

Nature of Business: E-Commerce And Digital Business Solutions

Intended period of employment: 1-2 - Two 2(years)

Nationality: 1-2. Chinese

Applications may be sent to: OFFICIAL@AUTOBOTOFFROAD.COM

PNB Holdings valuation reaches P56.3b

Company/Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name: Autobot Autoworks Inc.

Name: 1. Zhang Yizhi, 2. Yang Aijia, 3. Li Yunlu, 4. Jiang Jie, 5. Song Sihua, 6. Wang Hongmei, 7. Hong Jiafa, 8. Lin Shengliang, 9. Wang Youjun,

Company Address: Address: #65 Road 20, Project 8 Barangay Bahay 1,5,7-9. Manila City 2. Sta. Cruz Manila 3. Quezon City 4. Pasig Toro, District 2 Quezon City 1106 City 6. Makati City

By Jenniffer B. Austria

NB Holdings Corp. will have a market capitalization of about P56.3 billion when it lists on the Philippine Stock Exchange later this month, Autobot Autoworks Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, andmaking it one of the largest property firms on the local 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 ofbourse. Labor FUEL SUPPLY. Shell Pilipinas Corp. and the Yanson Group of Bus Companies renew their fuel supply agreement

Pocketmarket International Ecommerce Corp. 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 Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna..

Nationality: 1-9. Chinese

Nature of Business: Engaged In The Business Of Motor Vehicle Service And Maintenance.

Intended period of employment: 1-9 - Three 3(years)

and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. for the second half Master of 2026, extending a relationship that supports public transportation across the country. Signing Career Opportunity in Vehicle Service Corp.

PNB Holdings said it will list its shares on the PSE through listing by way of introduction, or without Job Description: Marketing And Sales Consultant an initial public offering, at a listing • The Marketing Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing Eight (8) Vacancy marketing strategies to promote the company's automotive repair and maintenance price of P1.20 per share. The listing Job Description: services. price is near the lower end of an inQualification: • Identify effective marketing campaigns that will reach targeted audiences effectively and dependent fairness opinion valuation efficiently. • Excellent communication, organizational, and creative thinking skills. Qualification: range of P1.18 to P1.89 per share. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with technical staff. • Strong knowledge of sales and persuasion techniques coupled with excellent knowledge “The of listing of PHC fulfills a comA trader said the peso reached new record lows af• Familiarity withLesaca automotive services andJenniffer customer pain points. By Thony Rose and B. Austria the products. mitment we made to shareholders ter a recent report on U.S. producer inflation settled Applications may be sent to: • Knowledge of data analysis and market research. when the property dividend was devehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com within market expectations, indicating a stronger THE Philippine peso slumped to a new record low of 62.68 against • Intuition about customer desires and practical needs. clared in 2021, providing both liread. Nameits of foreign national intending to apply the positionon the U.S.Company/Employer dollar Friday, breaking previous record offor62.625 Applications may be sent to: quidity and price discovery for their “The local currency might remain challenged Company Vehicle Master Sept. 8, Name: according to dataName: from the Bankers Association of the vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com Service Corp. 1. Tan Haian, 2. Ai Xinchuan, 3. Li Kai, 4. Guo Deshuang, 5. Zhou investment,” PHC chief financial offromCompany/Employer dollar strength ahead ofof foreign tonight’s potentially Philippines. Name national intending to apply for the position Hepeng, 6. Jiang Wenzheng, 7. Lau Jia Hao, 8. Nie Yuxiang strong US consumer inflation report and growing ficer Ponciano Carreon Jr. said in a The local currency opened at 62.655 against the greenback on Company Name: Vehicle Master Name: Company Address: Address: consensus that the Federal Reserve might consider statement Friday. the27 T.last trading day of the week before hitting an intraday low of Service Corp. 1. Peng Qingqing, 2. Lee Kah Wai, 3. Benny Ting Peng Wu, 4. Lee Santiago St., Canumay West 1. Paranaque City 2. Makati City 3-4. Pasay City 5,7. Quezon City Huang Jingru,next 6. Tran Thi Nho, 7. Tran Chi Bao, 8.Carreon Lu a U.S. policy rate hikeCheng-Tse, in its 5.meeting week,” said the P1.20 listing price Valenzuelaper dollar. The peso 6. Pasig City 8. Taguigby City 14.5 centavos from its 62.775 weakened Chenglong the trader added. would give investors an opportunity previous finish of 62.535 onNationality: Thursday. Company Address: Address: the week in the red, in Local equities also ended Chinese 7. at Malaysian Jonathan Ravelas, senior1-6,8. adviser Reyes Tacandong & Co., to participate in a company backed by 27 T. Santiago St., Canumay West 1-2,4. Parañaque City 3,6. Quezon City 5. Pasay City 7. Makati Manila Manila line with broader regional Nature of Business: Repairs And of employment: said the peso weakened to Intended 62.68period as oil broke the $100-per-barrel Valenzuela City markets, as global oil pricits existing real estate assets and their Standard Standard Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles 1-6,8 - Three 3(years), 7 - Two 2(years) es continued to riseTODAY because of concerns over supply level, which favored demand for the greenback. potential for redevelopment. TODAY Nationality: Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares above-named foreignpressure national is able, willing, and disruptions and geopolitical tensions. 1,5,8. Chinese 2-3. Malaysian 4. Taiwanese 6,7. Vietnamese The company’s portfolio con“Continue to expect the pesothattotheremain under and trade qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to bellwether Stock Exchange InNatureThe of Business: Repairs And Philippine Intended period of employment: within thesaid62.60 to 62.90 range in the near Permit term,” Ravelas said in sists of three Metro Manila propemploy the foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment with the Department of Labor Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles 1,5,7-8 or - Three 3(years), 2-4,6 - Twoto 2(years) dex declined 37.42 points, 0.61 percent, close and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. a Viber message. erties: the PNB Financial Center Vehicle Master Service Corp. declares All that the above-named foreignalso nationalfell is able, willing, and at 6,061.81. Thehereby broader Shares index into Pasay City, the PNB Makati qualified to perform the services and job descriptionto for this position. The company has the intention 24.91 points, or 0.74 percent, 3,358.40. employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department ofCenter Labor along Ayala Avenue, and RYONAN ELECTRIC PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Oil prices traded nearlocated $108 per barrel due to the general Luna.. Career International Career Opportunity in Autobot Inc. CareerOpportunity Opportunity in in Pocketmarket Clickplay Solutions Corp. Ecommerce Corp. and Employment - National CapitalAutoworks Region at Dole Central office muralla st corner POSITION TITLE : VICE PRESIDENT the Buendia-Paseo property in ongoing conflict between the United States and Sales AndCustomer Marketing AgentRepresentative Prototype Technician Chinese Service Makati City. JOB DESCRIPTION Two NineIran. (9) Vacancy Analysts said surging oil prices heightened Two(2) (2)Vacancy Vacancy The PNB Financial Center, the Job Job Description: inflation concerns and raised worries over higher● Description: Assist in overseeing all business operation both Support Group and Manufacturing on their operations and effective Job Description: company’s largest asset, spans about management. Establish and improvements, policiesofand proceduresinitiatives to improve for business operations or •• Responsible forimplement the planning and execution eCommerce an organization • Ensures product andrates. repairs meet safety and quality standards. for-longer interest A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, the agreement are (from left) Christopher Alli, country manager for Shell Fleet Solutions at Shell Pilipinas; Michael Ramolete, Eight (8) Vacancy VP and general manager for mobility and convenience at Shell Pilipinas.; Hernan Omecillo, chief operating Career Opportunity in Vehicle Master Corp.Group. officer of the Yanson Group; and Julius Entila, VP for administration (Luzon and Visayas) of theService Yanson Marketing Specialist

Peso sinks to new record low of 62.68; stocks fall

within an agency.

answering questions, and responding to complaints.

QUALIFICATION: Qualification:

• Graduate Economics or Business similar relevant or any related They'repossess the front lineManagement of knowledge supportorfor clients and field customers andincluding they helpcompetitive ensure that •• in Should a strong of the ecommerce space • Must have knowledge in Business & Manufacturing Operations customers are satisfied with products, services, and features. strategies, marketing strategies, product development, consumer research, usability best • Must be good in negotiation, strategic thingking and dedicated Qualification: practices and industry trends. • Must be at least 10 years experience working in Japanese firms Must be a College Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and ••be fluentMust know how tograduate; use languages spreadsheet/ excel. • Must in Japanese and English analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related • Can develop, monitor, write and update product content contained on ecommerce results as needed; incoming calls. Applicants may bewebsites/portals. sent to email to MS. LEA Can RAYAManage / HR & GADlarge Assist.amounts Manager @of lea_iad@repco.ph or adnobleza@repco.ph

Applications may Applications may be be sent sent to: to: clickplay.solutions2017@gmail.com Pocketmarket.international@gmail.com Name of foreign national intending Company/ Employer Name of intending to apply for Company/Employer apply for position Name of foreign foreign national nationalto intending tothe apply forthe theposition position Company/Employer Company Name: Name: Name: MR. MAKOTO TASAKI Company Name:RYONAN Clickplay ELECTRIC Solutions PHILIPPINES Company Pocketmarket Name: CORPORATION Address: LaHao Residencia, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna Corp. Xu Haitong, Chunyu International Ecommerce Corp. 1. Zeng Wenjin,2. 2.Deng Zheng Complete Address: 105 East Main Ave, SEPZ, LTI Biñan, Nationality: JAPANESE Company Address: Address: Company Address: Laguna, 4024 Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) Years Unit N, 8Th Flr Cyber Bldg of Automotive 1-2. Quezon City Unit N,2Nd Floor IciteOne BldgPlaza E. Rodriguez Nature Of Business: Manufacturing Eastwood City Cyberpark Libis Bgry Jr. Barangay Bagumbayan Eastwood Wiring Harness Nationality: Nationality: Bagumbayan Quezon City City Quezon City 1110PHILIPPINES 1-2. RYONAN ELECTRIC CORPORATION hereby declares that the above-named foreign national 1-2. Chinese Chinese is able, willing, and qualified to performtheservices and of jobemployment: description for this position. The company Nature of Business: E-Commerce And Intended period Nature ofintention Business: Specified) Intended period of employment: has the to(Not employ the said foreign Digital Business Solutions 1-2 - nationaland Two 2(years)apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the 1-2 -atTwo 2(years) Manila . DOLE Bureau of Local Employment located Intramuros, Pocketmarket International Ecommerce Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is Clickplay Solutions Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign nationalwhich is able, willing, and Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services national able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for thisfor position.the Theforeign company has is intended to hired for, file anand objection at DOLE Bureau Local Emplpyment located atthe Intramuros, Manila qualified tobe perform themay services jobnational description thisof position. The company has intention the intention to employ the said foreign andfor apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the to within 30the days after this national publication. inform DOLEEmployment Bureau of Local Emplpyment located at Intramuros, employ said foreign andPlease apply for an Capital Alien Permit with Central the Department of Labor Department of Labor and Employment - National Region located at Dole office muralla st Manila if you have-any information criminallocated offenses committedby foreign nationals. and Employment National CapitalonRegion at Dole Central the office muralla st corner general Luna.. corner general Luna.. Career Opportunity in Pocketmarket International Ecommerce Corp.

Sales And Marketing Agent

Career Opportunity in POLAR STAR TRAVEL, TOURS AND MANAGEMENT INC. Two (2) Vacancy Career Opportunity in Vehicle Master Service Corp. Career Opportunity in Pocketmarket International Ecommerce Corp. 1 Vacant: TRAVEL OPERATIONS MANAGER Job Description:

Marketing Sales Specialist And Marketing Agent JOB DESCRIPTION

• Vacancy Responsible for the planning and execution of eCommerce initiatives for an organization or Two (2) Nine (9) Vacancy within agency.operations of the company’s travel and tour activities. 1. Manage and supervise thean day-to-day Job Description: Job Description: Qualification: 2. Develop, coordinate, and implement domestic and international travel packages, tours, itineraries and other related travel Responsible for and execution of eCommerce an organization or services. Specialist isplanning responsible for developing, implementing, and for managing • ••The Marketing Should possess a the strong knowledge of the ecommerce spaceinitiatives including competitive within an arrangements, agency. 3. Evaluate andmarketing negotiate service rates, availability and operational requirements travel suppliersusability and Chinese strategies to promote the company's automotive repairwith and maintenance strategies, marketing strategies, product development, consumer research, best Qualification: partners. services. practices and industry trends. 4. Handle and resolve operational issues, itinerary changes, cancellations, complaints and other travel-related concerns in timely •

Should possess a strong knowledge of the ecommerce space including competitive Qualification: and professional manner.

• Must know how to use strategies, spreadsheet/ excel.development, consumer research, usability best strategies, marketing product Coordinate with sales and marketing team toorganizational, ensure that traveland products and promotional activities are operationally feasible • • Excellent communication, creative thinking skills. practices and industrywrite trends. Can develop, monitor, and update product content contained on ecommerce and properly implemented. • that•Ability totravel work independently and collaboratively with technical Must know how to spreadsheet/ excel.with websites/portals. 6. Ensure company operations areuse conducted in accordance applicable laws,staff. regulations, industry standards, contractual and company policies.write andand • •requirements, Familiarity with automotive customer paincontent Can develop, monitor, services update Applications mayproduct be sent to:points.contained on ecommerce 7. Willing to work in BGC, Taguig websites/portals. Pocketmarket.international@gmail.com Applications may be sent to: QUALIFICATION: Applications may be sent to: vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Company/Employer • Must be fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese Pocketmarket.international@gmail.com • At least 5 years of work-related experience Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Company/Employer Company Name: Pocketmarket Name: Name of foreign national intending to apply for thefield position Company/Employer • Bachelor’s degree or above in Tourism Management, Hospitality management, Business administration or related Ecommerce Corp. 1. Zengplatforms, Wenjin,GDS, 2. Zheng Company Name: Master Name: • International Familiarity with Vehicle travel reservation systems, online booking CRM Hao or other travel-related software is preferred Company Name: Pocketmarket Name: Service Corp. Address: 1. Tan 2. Ai Xinchuan, Li Kai, 4. Guo Deshuang, 5. Zhou Company Address: International Ecommerce Corp. 1.Haian, Zeng Wenjin, 2. Zheng3.Hao Application may be sent to: 6. Jiang Wenzheng, 7. Lau Jia Hao, 8. Nie Yuxiang 9. On N, Deapera 8Th Flr Cyber One Plaza Bldg Hepeng, 1-2. Quezon City Name:Unit Jobelle Company Address: Address: Dich Bieu Eastwood CityFlrCyberpark Libis Bgry Number: 09622701926 Unit N, 8Th Cyber One Plaza Bldg 1-2. Quezon City Nationality: Quezon City Libis Bgry Address: Email:Bagumbayan bellexxthompson@gmail.com Company Address: Eastwood City Cyberpark 1-2. Chinese Nationality: Bagumbayan Quezon City 27 T. Santiago St., Canumay West 1. Paranaque City 2. Makati 3-4. Pasay City 5,7. Quezon City NameCity of foreign national intending 1-2. Chinese Company/ Employer And6. Pasig Nature of Business: E-Commerce Intended employment: City 8.period Taguigof City Valenzuela to apply for the position Digital Business Solutions - Two 2(years) Nature of Business: E-Commerce And 1-2 Intended period of employment: Name: CHEN LU Company Name: POLAR STAR TRAVEL, TOURS AND Nationality: Digital Business Solutions 1-2 - Two 2(years) Taguig MANAGEMENT INC. Pocketmarket International Ecommerce Corp. hereby declaresBGC, that the above-named foreign national is 1-6,8. Chinese 7. Address: Malaysian 9.Vietnamese Pocketmarket Ecommerce Corp. declares that the foreign national Chinese Complete Address: UnitInternational 1504 OnetoPark Drive,the 11th Drivehereby able, willing, and qualified perform services andNationality: job description for above-named this position. The company hasis Intended Period of for Employment: 3Permit years cor. the 9th Ave., BGC,to Tgauig Nature of Business: Repairs And Intended period ofjob employment: able, willing, and qualified perform the services description this position. The with company intention employ the to said foreign national andand apply for an Alien Employment the has Nature Of Business: Travel Agency the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles 1-6,8 - ThreeCapital 3(years), 7,9 -located Two 2(years) Department of Labor and Employment - National Region at Dole Central office muralla st Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Centralnational office muralla Polar Star Travel, Tours and Management Inc., hereby that theforeign above-named able, st corner general Luna.. Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the declares above-named nationalforeign is able, willing,isand general willingcorner and qualified toLuna.. perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention 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 Labortoand employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor Employment. and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. Career CareerOpportunity OpportunityininVehicle VehicleMaster MasterService ServiceCorp. Corp. 5.

MarketingSpecialist Specialist Marketing

Career Opportunity in TOYO CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD. Eight(8)(8)Vacancy Vacancy Eight Career Opportunity in Clickplay Solutions Corp. Qualification Pocketmarket International Ecommerce Corp. Experience, Professional (Education, Position Title: SENIOR SITE SUPERVISOR Job Description: Description: License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): JobJob Description:

Chinese Customer Service Sales And Marketing AgentRepresentative • The Marketing Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing

• workThe Marketing Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing • Monitor progress and to ensure experience as arepair Site Supervisor or similar Two (2) Vacancy marketing strategies promote •theProven company's automotive and maintenance

strategies to promote the company's automotive repair and maintenance compliance marketing role in construction. services. Job • Description: Coordinate and supervise subcontractors • In-depth understanding of construction procedures, Qualification: services. and laborers. materials, and safety standards. Qualification: • tools, customer service representative supports customers by providing forand theequipment planning and execution of eCommerce initiatives for an information, organization or • Ensure materials, are • Ability to read and interprethelpful technical drawings and •AResponsible Excellent communication, organizational, and creative thinking skills. answering questions, and responding to complaints. available and properly used. plans. an agency. ••withinExcellent communication, organizational, and creative thinking skills. to work independently with technical staff. • Inspect work toAbility ensure it meets quality and • collaboratively Excellent leadership and organizational skills. Qualification: • ••They're the to front line of support forand clients and customers and they help that Ability work independently with technical standards and building codes. •collaboratively Strong communication andensure problem-solving Familiarity with automotive services and customer pain points. staff. • •defects Should or possess a strong knowledge of the ecommerce space including competitive customers are satisfied with products, services, and features. • Identify problems and ensure abilities. Familiarity with automotive services and customer pain points. timely corrective actions are taken. • Basic knowledge of construction management Qualification: Applications may be sent to: strategies, marketing strategies, product development, consumer research, usability best • Enforce compliance with company safety software is a plus. vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com practices and industry trends. Applications may beunderstanding sent to: reports • and Must be aregulations College graduate; Can Prepare or service collecting and policies legal (e.g., OSHA, • product Deep of by construction methods, vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com local materials, and legal regulations. of foreign national intending to apply for related the position Company/Employer analyzing customer information; Can Name contribute to team effort by accomplishing • standards). Must know how to use spreadsheet/ excel. • Conduct regular site safety inspections and • With basic knowledge in Japanese Language results asVehicle needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls. Name of foreign intending to ecommerce apply forEngineering, the position Company Name: Master Company/Employer toolbox • product Diploma ornational Bachelor's degree in Civil • talks. Can develop, monitor, write andName: update content contained on Service Corp. 1. Tan Haian, 2. Ai Xinchuan, 3. Li Kai, 4. Guo Zhou • Liaise with engineers, architects,Applications project Construction Management, or Deshuang, related 5. field websites/portals. may be sent to: Company Name: Vehicle Master Name: managers, and other stakeholders. preferred. Hepeng, 6. Jiang Wenzheng, 7. Lau Jia Hao, 8. Nie Yuxiang clickplay.solutions2017@gmail.com • Maintain site records, including site diary, • Minimum of 2–5 years of relevant experience in Service Corp. 1. Tan Haian, 2. Ai Xinchuan, 3. Li Kai, 4. Guo Deshuang, 5. Zhou Applications may be sent to: Company Address: Address: work permits, and attendance logs. construction site supervision. Hepeng, Jiangnational Wenzheng, 7. LautoJiaapply Hao, 8. the Nie position Yuxiang Name of 6. foreign intending Company/Employer • Report daily progress, sitePocketmarket.international@gmail.com issues, and 27 T. Santiago St., Canumay West 1. Paranaque City 2. Makati City 3-4. Pasayfor City 5,7. Quezon City delays to the project manager. Valenzuela 6. Pasig City 8. Taguig Company Address: Address: Name of foreign nationalCity intending to apply for the position Company Name: Clickplay Solutions Name: Company/Employer • Assist in planning site West activities and Applications mayPasay be sent to:5,7. Quezon City 27 T. Santiago St., Canumay Paranaque City 2. Makati City 3-4. City Corp.scheduling 1. Xu1.Haitong, 2. Deng Chunyu Nationality: deliveries. Gina Andres - HR Supervisor Company Name: Pocketmarket Name: Valenzuela 6.1-6,8. PasigChinese City 8. Taguig City • Monitor use of materials and manage Email Address: andres-gina@os.toyo-const.com 7. Malaysian International Ecommerce Corp. 1. Zeng Wenjin, 2. Zheng Hao Company Address: Address: inventory on-site. Nationality: Nature of Business: Andequipment Intended Unit N,2Nd Floor Iciteuse BldgofRepairs E.labor Rodriguez 1-2. Quezon Cityperiod of employment: • Ensure efficient and Company Address: Address: 1-6,8. 7. Malaysian Of Motor Vehicles 1-6,8Chinese - Three 3(years), 7 - Two 2(years) toMaintenance minimize waste andEastwood cost. Jr. Barangay Bagumbayan Unit N, 8Th Flr Cyber One Plaza Bldg 1-2. Quezon City Nationality: City Quezon City 1110 Service Vehicle Master Corp. declares thatperiod the above-named foreign national is able,to willing, and Name of foreign national intending Nature of Business: Repairs Andhereby1-2. Intended of employment: Eastwood City Cyberpark Libis Bgry Chinese Company/ Employer the position qualified to perform services andNationality: job1-6,8 description this position. The company has the intention to Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles - Threefor 3(years), 7apply - Twofor 2(years) Bagumbayan Quezon City the Nature of Business: (Not Specified) Intended ofYuki employment: 1-2. Chinese employ the said foreign national and apply forperiod an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor Name: Nishimura Company Name: Toyo Construction Co., Ltd. Vehicle Master Service hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Central City office muralla st corner general Luna.. 1-2 - Two 2(years) Floor, Planters Address: Quezon Complete Address: 3rd Corp. Nature of Business: E-Commerce Andand Intended period ofthis employment: qualified to perform the services job St., description for position. The company has the intention to Products Inc. Building, 109 Esteban Nationality: Japanese Digital Business 1-2 2(years) Clickplay Solutions Corp. hereby declares that- Two the foreign nationalwith is able, willing, and of Labor Legaspi Village, San Lorenzo, Makati Intended Period of Employment: Three (3) Years employ the Solutions said foreign national andCity apply for above-named an Alien Employment Permit the Department Nature Construction qualified toBusiness: perform the servicesCapital and job description foratthis position. The company the intention to andof Employment - National Dole Central office murallahas st foreign corner general Pocketmarket International EcommerceRegion Corp. located hereby declares that the above-named nationalLuna.. is employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department Labor Careerhereby Opportunity in Solutions Corp. Company declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified toofperform able, willing, and qualified toClickplay perform the services and job description for this position. The company has and Employment -job National Capital Region locatedThe at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. the services and description for this position. company has the intention to employ the said foreign the intention to Customer employ the Service saidEmployment foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Chinese Representative national and apply for an Alien Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at Department Labor and Employment - National locatedManila. at Dole Central office muralla st Two Banco (2)ofVacancy Filipino Condominium, SolanaCapital Street,Region Intramuros, 6th Floor, Career Opportunity corner general Luna.. in Clickplay Solutions Corp. Job Description:

Chinese•Customer Service Representative A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, Two (2) Vacancyanswering questions, and responding to complaints.

• inThey're theMaster front lineService of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that Career Vehicle Corp. JobOpportunity Description: customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

•Specialist A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, Marketing Qualification: questions, and responding to complaints. Eight (8) Vacancy • answering Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and

10 hectares within the Manila Bay growth corridor and is a major source of recurring leasing revenue. The company is also continuing improvements at the PNB Makati Center, while the roughly 8,000-square-meter Buendia-Paseo property has been identified as its most redevelopmentready asset. The three properties have more than 137,000 square meters of gross leasable area that generates recurring rental income. They also cover more than 11 hectares of land with potential for redevelopment and additional leasable space, subject to planning, regulatory approvals and market conditions. PHC plans to pursue redevelopment in phases, with potential projects covering commercial, office, retail, hospitality and luxury real estate. Meanwhile, it will also continue to maximize its existing leasing operations while evaluating opportunities to redevelop and reposition selected properties. The company said its rental income and property redevelopment plans will support its long-term growth.

Qualification:

• Knowledge of automotive mechanical and electrical systems. • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics. NOTICE OF DEED NOTICE OF in DEED • Skilled using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL •SETTLEMENT Detail-oriented with good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE OF•THEPhysically INTESTATE fit and able to work in a workshop environment. ESTATE OF ROGELIO M. ESTATE OF ANGELITA MONTEVIRGEN Willing toWITH work overtime or on flexible schedules when required. V. • ABESAMIS WAIVER OF RIGHTS

Applications be sent to: to Notice is may hereby given Notice is hereby given to OFFICIAL@AUTOBOTOFFROAD.COM the public that the Deed of the public that the Deed of ExtraName Judicial Settlement of foreign national intending to apply for the position Extra Company/Employer Judicial Settlement of the Intestate Estate of of theName: Intestate Rogelio M. Montevirgen Company Autobot Estate Autoworks Name: of Angelita V. Abesamis has been executed by and Inc. 1. Zhang Yizhi, 2. Yang Aijia, 3. Li Yunlu, 4. Jiang Jie, 5. Song Sihua, With Waiver of Rights has among his heirs,7. Hong namely: 6. Wang Hongmei, Jiafa, 8. Lin Shengliang, 9. Wang been executed by and Flerinda C. Montevirgen, Youjun, among his heirs, namely: Mary Richelle M. Pascua, Rolando R. Abesamis, Company Address: Address: Richardroe C. Montevirgen, Benjamin V. Abesamis C. City Montevirgen, #65 Road Paul 20, Project 8 BarangayV.Bahay Richultz 1,5,7-9. Manila 2. Sta. Cruz Manila 3. Quezon City 4. Pasig and Benedict and Richmond C. Toro, District 2 as Quezon City 1106 City 6. Makati City Abesamis, per Doc. No. Montevirgen, as per Doc. 446; Page No. 91; Book Nationality: No. IX; Series of 2026 No. 418; Page No. 85; 1-9. Chinese of the Notarial Register/ Book No. IX; Series of 2026 Book of Atty. Henson M. of the Notarial Register/ Nature of Business: Engaged In The Intended period of employment: Montalvo, Notary Public Book of Atty. Henson M. Business Of Motor Vehicle Service 1-9 - Three 3(years) for and in the City of And Montalvo, Notary Public for Maintenance. Makati. and in the City of Makati. Autobot Autoworks Inc.5/12/19, hereby declares that the above-named foreign (MS-SEPT. 2026) (MS-SEPT. 5/12/19, 2026)national is able, willing, and CareertoOpportunity Autobot Inc.for this position. The company has the intention to qualified perform theinservices andAutoworks job description employ the said Technician foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor Prototype Career Opportunity EVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION andNine Employment - NationalinCapital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st cornerINC. general Luna.. (9) Vacancy Career Opportunity in Autobot Autoworks Inc. MANDARIN SITE COORDINATOR

Career Opportunity in MMS BULKSHIP MANAGEMENT (PHILIPPINES), INC.

Job Description:

Prototype Technician Two (2) Vacancy

Ensures product and repairs meet safety and quality standards. Nine (9)•Vacancy Career Opportunity in Vehicle Master Service Corp. Qualification: Job Description:

• Andregular Knowledge of automotive mechanical and electrical systems. Marketing Sales Consultant - Conduct inspections and audits the site to identify potential hazards or areas for improvement. Ensures product and repairsofmeet safety and quality standards. • Job - Description: Monitor site activities to ensure compliance with safety regulations and operational protocols.

EightQualification: Vacancy -(8)Maintain records of site operations, including reportsblueprints, on incidents, and maintenance • accurate Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, andinspections, schematics.

•• • • • • •

activities.

Job Description: Knowledge of automotive mechanical systems. in using handtotools, power tools,and andelectrical diagnostic equipment. - CollaborateSkilled with management develop and implement site-specific policies and procedures.

- Provide training and to site personnel on safety practices and operational procedures. • Identify Ability to support read and technical drawings, blueprints, schematics. effective that will reach targetedand audiences Detail-oriented withinterpret good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. effectively and - Serve as the main point ofmarketing contact forcampaigns contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies. - Respond toPhysically emergencies and incidents promptly and effectively, ensuring all necessary procedures are • efficiently. Skilled in using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. fit and able to work in a workshop environment. Qualification: followed. • reports Detail-oriented with good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. - Prepare and to or communicate site status and issues to management. Willing topresentations work overtime on flexible schedules when required. knowledge of sales environment and persuasion techniques coupled - Foster positive and safe working for all personnel on site. with excellent knowledge of • aStrong Physically fit and able to work in a workshop environment.

the products.

Applications may be sent to:

• Willing to work overtime orProfessional on flexible schedules when required. Qualification: (Education, Experience, License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): OFFICIAL@AUTOBOTOFFROAD.COM data analysis and market research. - FluencyKnowledge in Mandarinof(written and spoken) and English. Applications may be sent to: - Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance standards. Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Company/Employer Intuition about customerOFFICIAL@AUTOBOTOFFROAD.COM desires and practical needs. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills. - Ability Company/Employer to workAutobot independently and Applications as part of aName team. Company Name: Autoworks Name: mayofbe sent national to: foreign intending to apply for the position - Proficiency in [Relevant Software/Tools]. Inc. 1. Zhang Yizhi, 2. Yang Aijia, 3. Li Yunlu, 4. Jiang Jie, 5. Song Sihua, vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com - Any additional certifications or licenses Name: required Company Name: Autobot Autoworks 6. Wang Hongmei, 7. Hong Jiafa, 8. Lin Shengliang, 9. Wang Inc. Company/Employer 1.Name ZhangofYizhi, 2. Yang Aijia, 3. Li Yunlu, 4. Jiang Jie, position 5. Song Sihua, foreign national intending to apply for the Youjun, Applications may be 7. sent to: Jiafa, 8. Lin Shengliang, 9. Wang 6. Wang Hongmei, Hong Shyne DV. Bolasoc Company Name: Vehicle Master Name: Youjun, Company Address: Address: hrshyne.everstone@gmail.com

• •

Service Corp. Qingqing, Lee2.Kah Benny3.Ting PengCity Wu,4.4.Pasig Lee #65 Road 20, Project 8 Barangay Bahay1. Peng 1,5,7-9. Manila 2. City Sta.Wai, Cruz3. Manila Quezon Company Address: Address: Company/Employer 5. Huang Jingru, 6. Tran Thi Nho, 7. Tran Chi Bao, 8. Lu Toro, District Quezon City 1106 BahayCheng-Tse, City 6. Makati #65 Road 20,2Project 8 Barangay 1,5,7-9. ManilaCity City 2. Sta. Cruz Manila 3. Quezon City 4. Pasig Chenglong Company EVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT Toro, DistrictName: 2 Quezon City 1106 City 6. Makati AND City CONSTRUCTION INC. Nationality: Company Address: UNIT 801, 8/FAddress: ANGELUS Company Address: Nationality: 1-9. ChinesePLAZA, 104 V.A RUFINO ST., SAN LORENZO, MAKATISt., CITY 27 T. Santiago Canumay West 1-2,4. 1-9.Parañaque Chinese City 3,6. Quezon City 5. Pasay City 7. Makati Nature ofof Business: Engaged In The CityIntended period of employment: Valenzuela Nature Business: GENERAL Nature of Business: Engaged In The Intended of employment: Duration of Employment: Three (3) years Business Of Motor Vehicle Service And 1-9 - Threeperiod 3(years) CONSTRUCTION Business Of Motor Vehicle Service AndNationality: 1-9 - Three 3(years) Maintenance. EVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION INC. - Taiwanese hereby declares that the aboveMaintenance. 1,5,8. Chinese 2-3. Malaysian 4. 6,7. Vietnamese namedAutoworks foreign national is able, willing,that andthe qualified to perform thenational servicesis and description Autobot Inc. hereby declares above-named foreign able,job willing, and for Autobot Autoworks Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and for an this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply Nature of Business: Repairs And Intended period ofthis employment: qualified to perform the services description for position. The company company has the the intention intention to Alien Employment Permit withand thejob Department of Labor and Employment - Building, Muralla Wing qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The has to Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles 1,5,7-8 - 1002, Three 3(years), 2-4,6 Permit - Two 2(years) employ the foreign and for Employment with the the Department Department of of Labor Labor cor. General St.,national Intramuros, Manila, employ the said saidLuna foreign national and apply apply for an an Alien AlienPhilippines. Employment Permit with and -- National Capital Region Dole office muralla st corner corner general Luna.. Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby that theat foreign national is able,general willing,Luna.. and andEmployment Employment National Capitaldeclares Region located located atabove-named Dole Central Central office muralla st 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 Career Opportunity in Tenerity Philippines Corp. and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. Position title: Senior Customer RelationsMaster Analyst Career Opportunity in Vehicle Vehicle Service Corp. Career Opportunity in Master Service Career Opportunity in Autobot Autoworks Inc. Corp.

Position title: General Manager - Business Department Vacancy (1) Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with shipowners, business partners, and stakeholders regarding vessel management and commercial operations. Assists in contract coordination, reporting, documentation, and other administrative and business support functions related to ship management activities. Qualifications: ● Minimum 5 years of experience in ship management or shipping industry (commercial/technical exposure preferred). ● Strong background in vessel operations, shipowner relations, or maritime commercial management. ● Experience in contract negotiation and financial coordination. ● Strong analytical and financial acumen (cash flow, budgets, financial statements). ● Preferably with exposure to international ship finance or leasing structures. ● Proficiency in Japanese (reading, writing, and speaking) is a must. ● Strong PC skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) Application may be sent to: Email address: cprincess.galopo@meiji-group.com or bill.martinez@meiji-group.com Company/ Employer

Name of Foreign National Intending to Apply for the Position

Company Name: MMS Bulkship Management (Philippines), Inc. Complete Address: Room 302, MMS Bacoor Building Old Nia Road, Barangay Bayanan, Bacoor City, Cavite Nature of Business: Ship Management

Name: Yutaka Dominic Tamada Address: Makati City Nationality: Japanese Intended Period of Employment: one (1) year

MMS BULKSHIP MANAGEMENT (PHILIPPINES), INC hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), located at Dole Building, Muralla Wing, corner General Luna Street, 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 the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), located at Dole Building, Muralla Wing, corner General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. after this publication. Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

Ê Career Opportunity in Hinduja Global Solutions Limited PositionÊtitle:ÊCustomer Support Representative (Bilingual)

Vacancies (2) Marketing And Sales Sales Consultant Consultant Marketing And Prototype Technician Job(8) Description: Eight Vacancy

Vacancy (1) Ê

(8) Vacancy NineEight (9) Vacancy

The Senior Customer Relations Analyst is responsible for end-to-end handling and quality assurance of complex customer relations cases

Jobfor Description: the FR Market, including escalations with legal, regulatory, and reputational risk. The role ensures that case assessment, documentation,

Job response Description: Job Description: language, and decisioning meet internal standards for accuracy, defensibility, and readiness prior to customer release, external

•

Job Description:

Identify effective marketing campaigns that will reach targeted audiences effectively and submission (where applicable), or case closure.

Identify effective campaigns thatquality will reach targeted audiences effectively and • • Ensures product andmarketing repairs meet safety and standards. efficiently.



Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): efficiently. Qualification: Qualification: Qualification:  Good command of the English and Spanish languages;

Strong knowledge of sales and persuasion techniques coupled with excellent knowledge of • • Clear, Knowledge of automotive mechanical and electrical systems. concise written and verbal communication suitable for Legal, Compliance, and senior leadership the products. Strong knowledge of sales and persuasion techniques coupled with excellent knowledge of audiences. • • Perform Ability to readchecks and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, andcases schematics. quality on authority/regulatory/legal threat and other high-risk to confirm products. • the Knowledge of data analysis market research. accuracy, consistency, and and defensibility prior to customer release, external submission, or • • completeness, Skilled in using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. case closure. Knowledge of data analysis and market research. • Intuition about customer desires and practical needs. Applications may be sent to: • • Detail-oriented with good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Name of Company HR: Clarence Mae De Asis Intuition about customer desires and may practical needs. Applications be sent to: Email address: MNL_Expat@tenerity.com • Physically fit and able tovehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com work in a workshop environment. Company/ Employer Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Applications may be sent to: • Company/Employer Willing to work overtime or on flexible required. Nameschedules of foreignwhen national intending to apply for the position vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com

 

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

Company Name:

Name: Nestor Gonzalez Lazaro Company Name:Corp. Vehicle Master Applications Name: may sent national to: Name ofbe foreign intending to apply for the position Company/Employer Tenerity Philippines Address: Pasay City Service Corp. 1. Peng Qingqing, 2. Lee Kah Wai, 3. Benny Ting Peng Wu, 4. Lee OFFICIAL@AUTOBOTOFFROAD.COM Complete address: Nationality: Spanish Company Name: Vehicle Master Name: Cheng-Tse, 5. Huang Jingru, 6. Tran Thi Nho, 7. Tran Chi Bao, 8. Lu 12th Floor, W Fifth Avenue Building, 32nd Street corner 5th Name foreign national intending apply for the position Company/Employer Intended period of employment: (2) YearsTing Chenglong Avenue Bonifacio Global City Taguig City 1634 Service Corp. 1. Peng of Qingqing, 2. Lee Kah Wai, Two 3.to Benny Peng Wu, 4. Lee

Cheng-Tse, 5. Huang Jingru, 6. Tran Thi Nho, 7. Tran Chi Bao, 8. Lu Nature of Address: business: a domestic corporation Name: primarily to Company Name: Autobot Autoworks Company Address: Name: Hans Dmitri Rodriguez Zorro engage in, operate, conduct and maintain the business of Chenglong T. Santiago St., Canumay 1-2,4. Parañaque City 3,6.3.Quezon City Pasay 7. Makati Inc. 27providing 1. Zhang 2. Yang Aijia, Li Yunlu, 4.5.Jiang Jie,City 5. Song Sihua, information technology West outsourcing services and Yizhi, Address: Pasig City business process outsourcing services and supportHongmei, 7. Hong Jiafa, 8. Lin Shengliang, 9. Wang Valenzuela City 6. Wang Company Address: Address: Nationality: Colombian solutions including, but not limited to, inbound calls, back quality monitoring (non-voice agent monitoring and Youjun, Nationality: 27 office T. Santiago St., Canumay West 1-2,4. Parañaque Cityof 3,6. Quezon 5. Pasay City 7. Makati Intended period employment: twoCity (2) Year/s evaluation), back office training development (non-voice

1,5,8. Chinese 2-3. Malaysian 4. Taiwanese 6,7. Vietnamese training documentation development or knowledge Valenzuela City Company Address: Address: management development), back office work force management (real 8time agent And monitoring), backIntended officeManila #65 Nature Road 20, Barangay Bahay 1,5,7-9. City of 2. Sta. Cruz Manila 3. Quezon City 4. Pasig ofProject Business: Repairs period employment: Nationality: reporting (reporting and data analytics), back office internal Of Motor 1,5,7-8 - Three 3(years), 2-4,6 4. - Two 2(years)6,7. Vietnamese Toro,Maintenance District Quezon CityVehicles 1106 City1,5,8. 6. Makati City2-3. help desk 2- internal IT help desk support and back office IT Chinese Malaysian Taiwanese

Creates an exceptional experience for the customer by using professional customer service techniques, personalizing and focusing on adding value to the call Retains existing customer/services through the use of proactive customer service/consulting techniques and enabling customers to perceive value in the service Consistently improving product knowledge and understanding, participating in ongoing training in keeping with changing business strategies

Must have completed at least Senior High School/High School Native Filipino or German. Must have above-average communication skills in the respective language Ability to work in a non- scripted environment. Proficient in MS Office and internet browsing Amenable to work in shifting schedule, weekends and holidays Willing to work onsite in Bridgetown Quezon City Applications may be sent to: Name of Company HR: Andrea De Guzman Email address: andrea.deguzman@teamhgs.com

Company/ÊEmployerÊ

NameÊofÊforeignÊnationalÊintendingÊtoÊapplyÊforÊtheÊpositionÊ

CompanyÊName:ÊÊ Ê

Hinduja Global Solutions Limited CompleteÊaddress:ÊÊ Ê 19th-21st Floor Bridgetowne Zeta Tower E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue Ugong Norte District 3, Quezon City 1110 NatureÊofÊbusiness:Êto engage in customer contact service business and business process outsourcingÊ

Name: Bhawna Kapoor Address: Quezon City Nationality: Indian ÊÊIntendedÊperiodÊofÊemployment:ÊOne (1) YearÊ

development and other similar services, and to provide

Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and

support to all aspects of the business of affiliatesNationality: and related Nature of Business: Repairs And period of employment: companies operations, engaging an Intended internet qualified toand perform thewithout services andas job for this position. The company has the intention to 1-9.description Chinese service provider. Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles 1,5,7-8 Three 3(years), 2-4,6 - Twoand 2(years) employ said foreign national andthat apply for an- Alien Employment Permit the Department Labor Teneritythe Philippines Corp. hereby declares the above-named foreign national is able, willing,with qualified to perform the of 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 Nature of Business: Engaged The Intended period of employment: and Employment - National Capital located at Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. with the Department of LaborCorp. andInEmployment DOLE Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila 1002. Vehicle Master Service herebyRegion declares that theDole above-named foreign national is able, willing, and Business Of Motor Vehicle 1-9 - Three 3(years) qualified to jobseeker perform theisService servicesAnd and job description this position. The company the intention to may Any Filipino who competent, able and willing to perform for the services for which the foreign national has is intended to be hired for, Maintenance. file an objection at Department of Labor and Employment DOLE Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila 1002. Please employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor inform Bureau of Local Employment, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national

and Employment - National Region at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Autobot Autoworks Inc. herebyCapital declares that located the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and Luna.. 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 Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna..

Hinduja Global Solutions Limited hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment Bureau of Local Employment 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave. Intramuros, Manila 1002. If there are any objections or inquiries, please contact the concerned DOLE Regional Office. Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at Department of Labor and Employment Bureau of Local Employment 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave. Intramuros, Manila 1002 after this publication. Please inform Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

CYAN CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK

BUSINESS

B3 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Altai Mining denies Sibuyan ‘militarization’ By Othel V. Campos

INVESTMENT RECEPTION. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto urges global investors to submit concrete projects for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), during the welcome reception for the inaugural LEC Investment Forum at the Ayuntamiento de Manila on Sept. 9. Recto assured investors of the government’s commitment to address investment bottlenecks and strengthen coordination among agencies.

LTAI Philippines Mining Corp. (APMC) denied allegations of “militarization” tied to its proposed mining project on Sibuyan Island, Romblon, stating Friday that its activities remain limited to care, maintenance, and technical studies.

ERC orders regional price cap, cuts August rates By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission ordered a regional implementation of the wholesale electricity secondary price cap Monday, retroactively slashing August power rates by more than half for consumers in the Visayas and Mindanao. The ERC acted on its own after data showed the Visayas and Mindanao recorded 652 hours and 89 hours of red and yellow alerts, respectively, in August. During those alerts, Wholesale Electricity Spot Market prices surged to P18.590 per kilowatt-hour in the Visayas and P19.560 per kWh in Mindanao. Under previous rules, the secondary price cap was triggered only when national average prices breached a threshold across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Because lower prices in Luzon diluted the

national average, the safety mechanism rarely triggered despite severe regional spikes. The ERC order requires the cap to be calculated and applied regionally for the August billing period and beyond. Under the imposition of a regional secondary price cap, average August spot market prices will drop to P8.470 per kWh in the Visayas—a 54 percent reduction— and P8.690 per kWh in Mindanao, a 56 percent cut. Distribution utilities must pass these recalculated, lower charges directly to consumers. “This order shows that the commission does not simply watch prices climb and wait for the next billing cycle to ask questions,” ERC chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said. “Recalculating the secondary price cap on a regional basis, and making it retroactive to August, means Visayas and Mindanao consumers will see

real relief in their bills.” The price relief stems from Executive Order No. 110, which placed the country under a state of national energy emergency amid severe supply constraints in the Visayas and Mindanao grids. To enforce the rate cuts and investigate market behavior, the commission directed the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines to recalculate August settlements and issue revised bills by Sept. 20, with consumer due dates extended to Sept. 28. It also directed the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. to investigate generation companies in the Visayas and Mindanao within 60 days to determine if economic withholding or cartelization drove up rates. It ordered National Grid Corp. of the Philippines to submit recommendations within 30 days to maximize existing grid interconnections.

FAST Logistics signs 20-year solar supply deal FAST Logistics Group is expanding its use of renewable energy through a 20-year power purchase agreement with Buskowitz Energy that will supply up to 35 percent of the electricity needs of its cold chain facility in Cebu. Under the agreement, Buskowitz will install and manage a 779.96-kilowatt-peak grid-tied rooftop solar photovoltaic system at the FAST Cold Chain Hub Cebu in Tayud, Consolacion. The system, comprising about 1,300 solar panels spread across 4,500 square meters of rooftop space, is expected to generate about 1.23 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity in its first year of operation. The project is particularly significant for the energy-intensive cold chain facility, which requires continuous refrigeration to maintain temperature-sensitive products. A 24/7 online monitoring platform will also allow FAST to track solar generation and measure the system’s contribution to its sustainability targets. The initiative forms part of FAST’s broader effort to reduce reliance on conventional grid electricity and lower carbon emissions across its logistics network. FAST is the first Filipino-owned logistics company to publicly commit to achieving Net Zero by 2050. The agreement allows FAST to expand its renewable energy use without directly owning or operating the solar assets, with Buskowitz responsible for installation and asset management. FAST Cold Chain Hub Cebu, which opened in 2021, serves businesses across the Visayas with temperaturecontrolled warehousing and logistics services. The facility has 10,500 pallet positions and uses smart temperature and humidity sensors with mobile monitoring capabilities. The facility serves industries including food and beverage, fresh meat processing, fruits and vegetables, quick-service restaurants, and pharmaceutical and vaccine handling. Othel V. Campos

Nearly 1,000 Sibuyan residents join the Labor Day celebration to discuss programs and continuing commitment to honest and dedicated service for the community. Local officials of Barangay España express their support for the future of Sibuyan workers.

APMC said no military forces are involved in its operations and stressed it has not begun commercial mining on the island. The company is undertaking care and maintenance activities while preparing technical studies in compliance with government requirements. It holds a valid Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) with the Philippine government. “APMC welcomes any legitimate inquiry into matters concerning its activities on Sibuyan Island,” the firm said, calling such inquiries an opportunity to present facts, clarify misconceptions, and allow government authorities and the public to better understand the project’s status. Addressing reports involving law enforcement personnel, APMC said it recognizes the importance of maintaining peace and order while respecting the rights of all island residents, including those opposing or raising concerns about the proposed project. “Any issues involving law enforcement personnel should be addressed through the appropriate authorities and established legal Manila processes, based on facts and evidence,” the company said. Standard APMC also urged discussions on the project, saying residents TODAY who view responsible mineral development as a potential source of employment, livelihood, and economic opportunities should be heard. The firm added that it respects the right of residents to express their views on mining, while maintaining that its MPSA obligations extend to the public benefiting from the development of national mineral resources.

ROYALE TAGAYTAY COUNTRY CLUB, INC.

Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, Tel # 63-9178557855 email address: rtcctag@yahoo.com website: www.royaletagaytay.net

LRT-1 AGREEMENT. Construction on the LRT-1 South (Cavite) Extension Project gains traction after the Light Rail Transit Authority secured a right-of-way donation from the Villar Group for the Las Piñas Station. Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez thanked the group and assured commuters that the Department of Transportation will accelerate construction to ease travel for southern commuters.

Toyota’s Tamaraw leads commercial segment THE Next Generation Tamaraw strengthened its position in the Philippine commercial vehicle market in 2025, capturing 36 percent of the pure commercial vehicle market and ranking No. 1 in the light commercial vehicle segment in its first full year, according to Toyota Motor Philippines Corp.’s 2026 Sustainability Report. Its growing market share is also expanding the local economic footprint of the vehicle, with TMP building a domestic ecosystem around its production, parts sourcing and customization. Seven local body builders, including Globalmaxx Manufacturing Corp., Autovention Corp. and Almazora Motors Corp., support conversions for applications such as food trucks, patrol vehicles and modern public utility vehicles. The Tamaraw has grown from three body styles at launch to six configurations through TMP’s in-house conversion capability, with another seven available through niche conversions by Toyota dealers. The range allows the model to serve micro, small and medium enterprises, local governments, and other businesses and public services with specialized

mobility requirements. The model is part of TMP’s growing localization effort, which generated P17 billion in domestic procurement in 2025. The company also produced a record 63,803 completely knocked-down units during the year, driven by the Vios, Innova and Tamaraw. TMP’s P5.5 billion investment in Tamaraw production, parts localization and conversion capabilities supports the growing ecosystem, but the model’s expanding market presence is what gives the localization effort greater scale and reach, the company said. The Tamaraw complements TMP’s environmental initiatives, including its growing electrified vehicle business. The company sold 19,516 electrified vehicles in 2025, up 39 percent from 2024, while maintaining a 100 percent renewable electricity ratio for its manufacturing operations. The company said the Tamaraw’s growing market share provides a commercial foundation for TMP’s sustainability strategy, linking stronger demand with local manufacturing, supplier participation and adaptable mobility solutions for businesses and public services. Othel V. Campos

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCK HOLDERS’ MEETING AND REGULAR ELECTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS IN COMPLIANCE WITH SEC RULES AND REGULATIONS AND CLUB’S CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS Notice is hereby given that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting and Election of Board of Directors of Royale Tagaytay Country Club, Inc., will be held on October 14, 2026, 10:30 a.m. at the Main Office of Royale Tagaytay Country Club, Inc., (Main Clubhouse) E. Aguinaldo Highway, Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite. The meeting will be in mixed process through virtual via online meeting platform and in physical or face to face attendance to be held at the main Club House. The Agenda for the Meeting shall be as follows: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i.

Proof required notice of the meeting or waiver of such notice Proof of the presence of a quorum Appointment of inspectors of election to serve until the close of the meeting Reading and approval of minutes of last meeting Election of Directors Unfinished business New business Other matters Adjournment

Only Stockholders of record and who are in Good Standing as of August 14, 2026 will be entitled to vote in this meeting. For this purpose, the Stock and Transfer Book of the Corporation will be closed from August 14 to October 14, 2026 inclusive. Stockholders who intend to attend by remote communication are required to register in the Office of the Corporate Secretary of the Royale Tagaytay by send an email to rtcctag@yahoo.com or you may call at 0917 855 7855 not later than 10:30am of October 14, 2026. The link through which the meeting may be accessed shall be sent to the email address of the registered stockholder. Stockholders/members may vote electronically in absentia, subject to validation procedures. The procedures of participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting of votes in absentia are set forth in the Guidelines on Participation by Remote Communication and discussed in the Information Statement (SEC Form 20-IS). If you are unable to join the meeting but wish to vote on items in the agenda, you may appoint the Chairman as your proxy with specific voting instructions which will be duly counted. Duly accomplished Proxies shall be submitted to the Office of the Corporate Secretary c/o Membership Department, Royale Tagaytay Country Club Inc., E. Aguinaldo Highway, Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite or by email at rtcctag@ yahoo.com not later than 5:00 PM of September 23, 2026. The NOMELEC Committee will inspect, examine and validate the sufficiency of the forms received. The Definitive Information Statement (“IS”), President Report, Audited Financial Statements as of 2025 and other documents related to the ASM, including the Guidelines for members, Procedure/ rules in voting, Minutes of last year SHM and Ballot forms may be requested by sending an email to rtcctag@yahoo.com. This Notice is in compliance with SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC) as reported under Form 17-C filed with the Commission. For Annual Stockholders’ Meeting related queries, account updating or concern regarding to your shareholdings you may send an email to rtcctag@yahoo.com or contact the Office of the Corporate Secretary c/o Membership Office of Royale Tagaytay at 0917 855 7855. Sincerely yours, For the Board of Directors: AURORA D. ROBLES Corporate Secretary

BUSINESS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Nickel Asia buys 20% stake Travellers Int’l in Kazakhstan mine for $30m adding 3 theaters at Westside City N By Jenniffer B. Austria

By Othel V. Campos

TRAVELLERS International Hotel Group Inc. said Friday it is adding three theaters at Westside City, an expansion that could push its combined theater seating capacity to nearly 5,000 seats once all venues are completed. The company operates the 1,710seat Newport Performing Arts Theater. The first of the three new Westside venues, the 1,200-seat Apollo Theater, is scheduled to open next year. The company is still finalizing the seating capacities of the other two theaters. Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. senior vice-president for marketing Michelle Suarez said the expansion reflects the company’s long-standing focus on entertainment, which extends from operating venues to producing and developing live content. “Entertainment has always been in our DNA. It’s not just about having a venue. We have the Newport Performing Arts Theater and Full House Theater Company, which is the bloodline of the venue because we produce our own shows,” Suarez said. The confirmed 2,910 seats at Newport and Apollo, combined with two more theaters, could bring the company’s overall capacity to almost 5,000 seats, depending on their final configurations. That figure does not include the planned 3,000seat Grand Opera House. The expansion will widen the company’s platform for live productions, including the new musical “Bongga Ka Day,” and will give artists, producers and content creators more venues for staging and developing shows. “It’s in a way us providing a venue, providing the capacity also to build it,” Suarez said, referring to the role of entertainment infrastructure in building talent and content. The three Westside theaters, together with Newport Performing Arts Theater, will form part of a larger entertainment ecosystem integrating live performances with the company’s hotels, dining and other leisure facilities, Suarez added.

ICKEL Asia Corp. said Friday it has completed the acquisition of a 20-percent stake in East Copper Production LLP, giving the listed miner an interest in a producing copper mine in Kazakhstan.

Nickel Asia’s wholly-owned Singapore-based subsidiary, NAC Global Investments Pte. Ltd., acquired Silk Road Resources Ltd.’s 20-percent interest in East Copper for $30 million, the company said. East Copper owns 100 percent of GRK

MLD LLP, which holds the subsoil use rights for the Karchiga copper mine. Nickel Asia and the seller completed the transaction after fulfilling the closing conditions under their membership interest sale and purchase agreement.

Nickel Asia made an initial $10-million payment earlier this year after completing due diligence, while NAC Global paid the remaining $20 million upon completion of the transaction. Nickel Asia and Silk Road Resources signed the sale and purchase agreement on April 22. The Nickel Asia board approved on Aug. 6 the transfer of the company’s rights and obligations under the agreement to NAC Global, which was established to hold Nickel Asia’s international investments. GRK MLD generated about $70

WIDER REACH.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go meets with Lalamove executives on the sidelines of the Philippine Economic Briefing in Hong Kong to discuss the company’s plans to expand its services across the country. Lalamove shared its interest in growing its rider network and extending its operations to more cities and provinces in the Philippines, helping improve access to reliable and efficient delivery services for businesses and consumers.

LRMC keeps trains running through storms, serves over 376,000 riders daily By Darwin G. Amojelar LIGHT Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), said Friday it maintained uninterrupted train operations across the LRT-1 system despite tropical storms and monsoon rains that triggered widespread class and work suspensions in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The rail operator served an average daily ridership of 376,000 passengers in Au-

gust 2026 as commuters relied on LRT-1 amid weather-related disruptions. LRMC president and chief executive Enrico Benipayo said the company remains committed to providing safe and reliable service. “At LRMC, our commitment to providing a safe, reliable, and seamless journey for our passengers is absolute. Every challenge presents an opportunity for us to refine our operations and reinforce the standards of service our commuters deserve,” he said.

“By acting swiftly on feedback and continuously upgrading our protocols, we ensure that LRT-1 remains a safe and dependable mobility partner for every Filipino, even during severe weather,” he said. LRMC said it also moved quickly to address an isolated water leak reported inside one light rail vehicle (LRV) of a fourth-generation train set during heavy rainfall. The company’s maintenance team investigated the issue and traced it to a defective air-

IN BRIEF Moody’s gives DigiPlus B1 corporate family rating DIGIPLUS Interactive Corp. has received a first-time B1 corporate family rating and stable outlook from Moody’s Ratings, citing the online gaming operator’s leading position in the Philippine market and strong financial profile. Moody’s also considered the company’s low leverage, strong cash generation and net cash position in assigning the rating. The B1 rating takes into account continued regulatory tightening, but not an outright ban on online gaming, Moody’s said. “The stable outlook reflects our view that DigiPlus will maintain its leading position in the Philippines’ online gaming sector and grow its earnings over the next 12-18 months, adapt to evolving regulations, and execute its growth plans prudently,” the ratings agency said. DigiPlus has grown rapidly since venturing into the online gaming platform, holding an estimated 38.5 percent share of the Philippine online gaming market and about 6 million monthly active users, Moody’s said. Its portfolio includes more than 1,000 games covering bingo, electronic games and sports betting. Moody’s expects DigiPlus’ earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to decline to about P11.4 billion in 2026 from P14.3 billion in 2025. Jenniffer B. Austria

PH agri-startups pitch to Taiwan buyers TEN Philippine agri-startups and microagripreneurs pitched their products to Taiwanese and international buyers, investors and potential partners at Taiwan Smart Agriweek 2026 on Sept. 8 to 10 in Taipei. The Department of AgricultureAgribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS) organized the Philippine delegation’s participation with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Taipei. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said international exposure could help promising enterprises move beyond the domestic market and secure capital and partnerships to scale.

million in revenue and $40 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in the first half of 2026, based on unaudited results. Copper production reached 5.24 kilotons during the sixmonth period. The Karchiga mine is located within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, part of the broader Central Asian Copper Belt, which has a high concentration of copper resources. Nickel Asia expects the transaction to strengthen its earnings base and align its portfolio with the long-term outlook for copper demand.

“Bringing our agri-startups to Taiwan and other international markets opens doors to investment, technology, exports and commercial partnerships,” Tiu Laurel said. “These opportunities can help promising Filipino enterprises scale while creating more value and opportunities for our farmers, entrepreneurs and workers,” he said. Four of the 10 participants ranked among the Top 40 finalists of the Global Agrifood Innovation Championship, selected from hundreds of applicants: PHYTOSPHERE Agro-Biotech Processing Enterprise, WamPLVS+, Farmyra Technologies Corp. and PETROTECHS. Othel V. Campos

AI needs human oversight, says Balisacan DEPARTMENT of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan on Wednesday said artificial intelligence (AI) can help government track programs, process information faster and spot problems earlier, but officials must still take responsibility for the decisions that follow. Speaking at the 13th Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Network Forum in Mandaluyong City, Balisacan said AI should help government workers think and decide, not replace their judgment or take away their responsibility for public decisions. “Our task, therefore, is not to surrender judgment to automation. It is to determine where AI can support our work, where it may mislead us, and what safeguards should govern its use,” Balisacan said. The event, themed “MEtamorphosis: Evidence to Action in the Age of AI,” gathered people from government, foreign aid groups, universities, civil society and private companies to look at how AI is being used, or could be used, to check on government programs. Held with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the forum also looked at how AI-generated information is used in decision-making, and what rules, ethics, data protections and other safeguards are needed to use it responsibly. Balisacan said technology by itself does not create trustworthy proof. Information only becomes solid evidence when it is gathered the right way, read carefully and reported honestly, including its weak points. Thony Rose Lesaca

conditioning unit (ACU) drain line valve that failed prematurely, before its expected service life of three to five years. LRMC replaced the affected component and cleared the train set for commercial operations after comprehensive safety and performance inspections. The company said it is enhancing its preventive maintenance program to minimize the risk of similar problems across its fleet.

Arthaland trims preferred share offering to P2.5b Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI) presents the 10 millionth motorcycle built at its factory in Batangas, helping meet rising demand for motorcycles across Asia and Oceania. The company celebrated the milestone by rolling out a Honda Click125 Smart Edition in Pearl Arctic White.

Honda PH builds its 10 millionth motorcycle unit at Batangas plant HONDA Philippines Inc. (HPI) built its 10 millionth motorcycle at its factory in Batangas, helping meet rising demand for motorcycles across Asia and Oceania. The company celebrated the milestone by rolling out a Honda Click125 Smart Edition in Pearl Arctic White — the 10 millionth motorcycle made at its Philippine plant. Honda Philippines Inc. president Takeshi Kobayashi thanked customers, dealers, suppliers, business partners and employees for helping the company reach this milestone, saying it shows the teamwork behind Honda’s motorcycle business in the Philippines. “Honda Philippines will move forward with gratitude to Philippine society. We will contribute to creating jobs, developing people and supporting the growth of the industry, while growing together with the Philip-

pines,” he said. The Click125 has become a popular choice among Filipino riders for everyday travel and, along with other Honda models, has helped HPI produce motorcycles for both local buyers and export markets. Honda Motor Co. Ltd. executive managing officer Minoru Katosa said the milestone comes as what customers want from motorcycles keeps changing. “People are looking for greater value that fits their daily lives, including safety, convenience and care for the environment. I hope today’s milestone of 10 million units will become the starting point for the next stage of growth for Honda Philippines,” he said. HPI’s operations in the Philippines have helped grow the local motorcycle industry by creating jobs and building a wide network of partners. Othel V. Campos

ARTHALAND Corp. has reduced the size of its planned preferred shares offering to P2.5 billion from an initial P3 billion, according to a filing with the local bourse. The boutique property developer fixed the final offer at 3 million shares with an oversubscription option of up to 2 million shares. The company set the final dividend rate at 8.125 percent per annum for the three-year Series G preferred shares and 8.75 percent per annum for the five-year Series H shares. The shares will sell at P500 apiece. BDO Capital & Investments Corp., the sole underwriter for the offering, said the company needed only between P1.5 billion and P2 billion. “We didn’t want investors to feel they needed the whole amount,” BDO Capital & Investments Corp. president Eduardo Francisco said. The offer period will run from Sept. 14 to 25. The shares will list on the Philippine Stock Exchange on Oct. 2. Arthaland will use the proceeds to partially fund the redemption of the P3 billion Series D preferred shares, which listed in December 2021 and mature in December 2026. The company will use internally generated cash to cover the P1.525 billion difference between the principal redemption amount and the estimated net proceeds from the base offer, as well as about P45 million in accrued dividends. Arthaland launched two residential projects in the first half of the year: Sondris, a high-end condominium development in Makati, and the 42-story Liv North Tower, a residential project in Quezon City. Jenniffer B. Austria

TECH

C1 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph rieramallari@yahoo.com

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Disassembled TV units on display gave a close-up look at TCL’s SQD Mini LED, QD Mini LED, and QLED engineering, alongside another TV brand’s Mini LED model, offering a closer look at how different implementations of Mini LED technology can vary in design, precision, and performance. The last TV from the right is other brand’s TV Mini LED.

TCL’s latest SQD Mini LED technology, pitted here against QD Mini LED, shows off its deeper contrast and sharper detail, underscoring how TCL aims to defend its No. 1 position in the TV category.

TCL challenges the way we buy TVs: Are the specs telling the whole story? F OR many consumers, buying a television starts with three familiar questions: How big is the screen, what is the resolution, and how much does it cost? Brand name often becomes the deciding factor once those boxes are checked. But as display technology becomes more advanced, those numbers may no longer tell the complete story. TCL Philippines is challenging consumers to look beyond the most visible specifications and understand what really contributes to picture quality.

At its recent TCL SQD Mini LED Media Roundtable, the company put the focus on the technology working behind the screen, using its new C7L television as a proof point. The discussion explored how panel technology, backlighting, local dimming, brightness, color and image processing work together to shape what viewers see. A side-by-side picture comparison during the roundtable highlighted why televisions with similar headline specifications can still deliver different viewing experiences. Screen size and resolution remain important when choosing a TV. A larger display can make movies, sports and games more immersive, while 4K resolution provides greater detail than lower-resolution formats. ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063. SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, officially opened the 15th ZTE Global Summit & User Congress today under the theme “Architecting Infinity–From Connectivity to Digital Value”. Co-located for the first time with the GSMA M360 ASEAN, this event marks ZTE’s largest annual overseas self-hosted forum. It gathered over 500 distinguished participants, including government officials, ICT industry leaders, operator executives, innovative enterprises, and ecosystem partners, to engage in deep discussions on future network evolution, the integration of AI and digital innovation, and regional digital economic growth. YB Dato’ Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications, Malaysia, emphasized that Malaysia’s next digital phase must move beyond connectivity deployment towards creating tangible value through better public services, stronger businesses and greater opportunities for Malaysians. Calling on global technology partners to “not only sell into Malaysia, but build with Malaysia,” he highlighted the importance of developing local talent, strengthening national capabilities and fostering innovation that can serve the wider ASEAN market.

Shown here are (from left) Shae Yu, Deputy Director of Marketing; Maxi Chen, Senior Product Manager of Brownline; Peter Chen, CEO; Cyd Montebon, Director of Sales; Jay R Calubaquib, Retail Manager; and Jaued Cervas, TCL TV Product Expert.

But these specifications only describe part of the viewing experience. Two televisions with the same screen size and 4K resolution can still look noticeably different. Much of that difference starts with the panel itself. The panel influences characteristics such as contrast, color and viewing performance, making it an important part of the overall display system. TCL’s C7L uses a highcontrast CSOT HVA 2.0 panel, paired with SQD Mini LED technology and an Ultra Colour Filter Panel. It is a combination that shows why consumers should look beyond resolution

alone. What happens behind the panel is equally important. Mini LED uses smaller light-emitting elements than conventional LED backlighting, allowing more light sources to be placed across the display and controlled with greater precision. The side-by-side comparison at the roundtable also made clear that having Mini LED technology does not automatically mean every television will produce the same results. TCL’s SQD Mini LED showed how more precise control of the backlight can make a difference in managing light, contrast and

detail across the screen. That control becomes especially important in scenes containing both bright and dark areas. Local dimming allows different sections of the backlight to be adjusted independently, helping maintain darker areas while preserving brighter highlights. TCL says the C7L combines its Mini LED system with all-domain halo control, powerful light-emitting chips and micro-lenses designed to reduce distracting light bleed. The company also says its high-efficiency light chip is designed to increase peak brightness while improving energy efficiency.

ZTE Global Summit & User Congress opens in KL, promotes connectivity to digital value creation

YB Dato’ Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications, Malaysia

Xie Junshi, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ZTE

Zhang Wanchun, Senior Vice President of ZTE

YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, Malaysia, pointed out, “Malaysia’s next phase of digital competitiveness hinges on translating artificial intelligence into tangible economic and societal value, boosting productivity, improving public services and opening higher-value opportunities for our people. To become an AI Nation by 2030, we must look beyond infrastructure to cultivate lo-

cal talent, foster trusted governance and empower homegrown innovators to scale global solutions.” Ouyang Yujing, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia, noted, “Connectivity defines our era, and innovation shapes our future. While digital networks bridge the world, AI is powering a new era of shared prosperity. Embracing the

global digital wave, China champions growth that is open, inclusive, secure, and mutually beneficial. We stand ready to work with global partners to deepen tech exchanges, drive industrial synergy, co-create standards, and unite in collaborative governance.” Xie Junshi, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ZTE, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the organizer. He noted,

Colour is another part of the equation. A high-resolution panel can reproduce plenty of detail, but convincing color is what helps an image feel more natural and lifelike. TCL combines its Super QLED technology with an Ultra Colour Filter Panel as part of the C7L’s SQD Mini LED system, aiming to deliver richer color reproduction. It is another reminder that picture quality comes from several technologies working together. Some of the most important work happens where viewers cannot see it. Image processing helps a television interpret incoming content and manage elements such as color, contrast, sharpness and motion. This matters because not everything people watch is native 4K or produced under ideal conditions. A good display therefore needs more than a high pixel count; it also needs to process content effectively. The benefits extend beyond movies and streaming. TCL says the C7L’s SQD Mini LED system can help gamers see details in darker scenes while maintaining vibrant colors and bright areas. That can be useful in games where important information is hidden in shadows or where scenes shift quickly between dark and bright environments. Here, picture quality becomes about visibility and consistency as much as visual impact. For TCL, SQD Mini LED represents its next generation of premium display technology. The company says the platform combines precise Mini LED backlighting with its Super QLED technology and Ultra Colour Filter Panel. Its TCL X11L, described by the company as the world’s first SQD Mini LED flagship television, received the Innovative Display Technology Gold Award at the Global Top Brands Awards during CES 2026. The new C7L brings the technology into the Philippine market in 55-, 65-, 75and 85-inch models through authorized TCL dealers nationwide. For consumers, the bigger takeaway is that a television’s technology should be judged by what it delivers on screen, not simply by the specifications printed on the box. The term “Mini LED” can cover different implementations, so shoppers should look at how well a TV handles contrast, brightness, color and detail rather than relying on the label alone. Screen size and resolution remain important, but they are only part of the equation when choosing a television. Ultimately, understanding the technology behind the display can help consumers make a more informed choice and find a TV that delivers the viewing experience they are actually looking for. “Across the globe, connectivity and computing are coming together. This is a major industry trend. Global 5G keeps expanding with steady growth. At the same time, AI has become a key growth driver for the industry. Different markets move at different paces, yet we all share one clear direction: from building computing power, to making good use of computing power. Against this market backdrop, ZTE has upgraded our strategy to Connectivity plus Computing. We see AI as the brain, communication infrastructure as the nervous system, and terminals as the carrier. When these three elements come together, they will reshape our society and daily life. Solid underlying technologies are our foundation. This defines where we are heading.” He emphasized: “Connectivity built our foundation. Intelligence is our momentum. Infinity is our horizon — and together, we will Architect it.” Zhang Wanchun, Senior Vice President of ZTE, delivered a keynote speech titled “A New Phase of Digital Infrastructure”. In his speech, he emphasized, “Our quest is a four-fold journey: vision means finding our long-term direction, volume means deploying innovations with scale and quality, value means turning the infrastructure into value-creation systems, and venture means pushing boundaries even further.”

Visa, Maya enable Maya wallet cards for Google Wallet, Google Pay VISA (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, and Maya, the Philippines’ leading digital financial services platform, have now enabled Maya wallet cards for Google Wallet and Google Pay, providing consumers with more secure, seamless ways to make digital payments. With this rollout, Google Pay is now available across all Maya Visa cards—credit and wallet, physical and virtual. This expands on Maya’s earlier Google Wallet and Google Pay rollout

for credit cardholders in November 2025, when it was one of the first issuers in the Philippines to launch the payment technology. Now, Maya wallet cardholders can pay using Google Pay across shops, public transport, and tourist destinations, giving consumers more options to pay while encouraging merchants to embrace digital payments acceptance. Google Pay transactions are enabled by Visa’s tokenization technology. Tokens are used to create seamless and secure payment experiences for consumers and businesses, helping to significantly reduce fraud by replacing actual card numbers with

unique digital tokens and preventing cardholders’ real account information from being shared with merchants or stored in devices. “The Philippines is undergoing a rapid shift to contactless, digital payments, and Visa and Maya are playing a crucial role in enabling this transformation. With every contactless transaction, we provide speed, convenience, and security for Filipino consumers, reinforcing adoption and trust in new payment technologies. This also aligns closely with the government’s vision to become a cash-lite economy,” noted Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa

Philippines. “At Maya, we are committed to giving our customers smarter and more convenient ways to manage their money and pay for everyday purchases. Enabling Google Pay for Maya Visa wallet cards extends the simplicity and flexibility our users expect, allowing them to make secure contactless payments using the mobile phones and devices they already use every day,” said Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group President and Maya Bank Co-Founder. Across Asia Pacific, more than 71% of consumers already prefer to use mobile or smart devices when

making in-store or online payment transactions. Enabling digital transactions also help boost tourism, as Visa research show that 97% of travelers in the region say they want to use credit, debit, or prepaid cards when traveling, and only 17% intend to bring cash.

TECH

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

AN FRANCISCO —An artificial intelligence researcher who left OpenAI to join Anthropic has decided to leave the industry, accusing both US companies of “gambling with our lives” in the race to develop AI models capable of self-improvement.

Jacob Coxon, 27, spent the past three years pretraining AI models, first at OpenAI and then, this year, at its rival Anthropic, which he considered more cautious in its approach. Pretraining is the stage where AI models absorb vast quantities of data. “Neither company is acting responsibly. They are racing straight to selfimproving superintelligence and gambling with our lives,” Coxon said on Tuesday. “The people building AI earnestly believe that it could kill us all by the end of the decade,” he said in a post on X. “This is not a marketing stunt,” he added. Superintelligence is the theoretical point when AI’s capabilities exceed human intelligence. Anthropic safety executive Evan Hubinger backed up Coxon on X. “We really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans!” he said, adding that he estimated that risk at more than 10 percent over the next decade. Hubinger said Anthropic is “trying its best”, but does not yet have a plan to ensure an AI system that surpasses human capabilities would obey its creators. He said there was a “low” risk of that happening with current models. Coxon’s resignation comes as Anthropic prepares for its market debut, following a summer marked by unauthorized hacks carried out by AI tools during testing.

Researcher: AI could kill us all by the end of the decade A handheld smartphone displays the icons of some of the main artificial intelligence-based apps, including LLMs, chatbots and generative AI, with logos (from L) of Proton AG’s Lumo, Meta AI, Mistral Vibe (formerly Le Chat), xAI’s Grok, Microsoft’s Copilot, Google’s Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude, Perplexity, Deepseek, OpenAI’s Chat GPT, Google’s Notebook LLM and generative AI music app Suno. AFP

The two companies did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment. AI leaders say so-called “recur-

sive self-improvement,” a stage where AI systems could essentially design and train the next generation of AI with little human involvement,

is drawing near. Coxon considers Anthropic’s efforts genuine but said he believes no company can responsibly develop an AI

that surpasses humans without government intervention or a coordinated slowdown. “At Anthropic, the stakes are wellunderstood, but they are locked in a race to get there first -- they believe no one else will act responsibly, so they must do it themselves, despite the risk,” he said. In February, Anthropic removed a pledge from its safety charter to halt the development of its models if it failed to control their risks. It argued that if it unilaterally paused its work, its less cautious rivals would dominate the industry, making it less safe overall. At the end of July, more than 1,000 tech industry employees, including Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei, called on Washington to support a coordinated slowdown in the development of the most advanced AI systems. OpenAI halted training of its latest models for two weeks in August before resuming it under tighter controls. On Sunday, OpenAI’s chief scientist, Jakub Pachocki, called for “extreme caution.” “International coordination on future AI development needs to become a top priority for governments around the world,” he said in a blog post. AI models are not regulated by federal law in the United States. In September, Senator Bernie Sanders and Democratic Representative Greg Casar introduced a bill seeking to suspend AI development until a federal regulator is created. AFP

Google WeatherNext 3 sets new benchmark for AI Weather Forecasting Garcia named Salmon’s new ambassador

GOOGLE DeepMind and Google Research have introduced WeatherNext 3, an advanced AI-powered

GRAB Philippines is giving Filipino teens greater independence while helping parents stay connected to their journeys with the introduction of Grab for Family. The feature enables teenagers aged 13–17 to book rides independently, while giving parents and guardians real-time visibility into their journeys and added safety controls throughout the trip. The growing use of Grab Family Accounts among Filipino households points to the increasing role of shared mobility in everyday family life, with sign-ups more than doubling over the past year. Once onboarded, family members take about 70% more rides in their first month – underscoring the importance of shared access in making everyday mobility more convenient and more efficient for everyone under one roof. With Grab for Family, parents no longer have to choose between giving their teenagers greater freedom and staying informed about their journeys. Once a teen is linked to a Family Account, parents can receive real-time trip updates, follow rides on a live map, communicate with the teen and driver, and access additional safety tools throughout the trip. “Safety and peace of mind have always been important to how we serve families on Grab. We’re continuing to build on that by making it easier for parents to stay informed about their teens’ journeys, while giving teenagers the support and confidence to move around more independently,” said Grab Philippines Head of Mobility CJ Lacsican. Keeping parents connected without getting in the way At the core of Grab for Family is real-time visibility. Through Live

global weather forecasting model engineered to deliver localized, realtime climate intelligence at unprec-

edented resolution. By directly ingesting live geostationary satellite mosaics and realworld ground station data, WeatherNext 3 eliminates traditional reliance on slow, compute-heavy numerical approximations. The result is an operational system that produces fresh forecasts every hour of the day at up to 5-kilometer spatial resolution—roughly five times sharper than its predecessor. Key Breakthroughs & Capabilities: Continuous Hourly Forecasting: Generates new predictions every hour, providing vital lead time as storms, fronts, and extreme weather develop rapidly. Ultra-High Resolution: Resolves surface temperature and moisture down to 5 km (0.05°) and surface winds to 10 km (0.1°), delivering hyper-local precision even in traditionally underserved areas. Superior Precipitation Accuracy:

Cuts error metrics by up to 50% on key precipitation benchmarks compared to traditional numerical weather prediction baselines. Clean Energy Optimization: Outputs specialized parameters—including 100-meter turbine-height wind speeds, multi-layer cloud cover, and solar irradiance—to assist grid operators and clean-energy producers. WeatherNext 3 has already rolled out powering weather experiences within Google Search, Gemini app, Google Maps, Google Maps Platform Weather API, and Google Earth Engine starting today. The update dramatically improves longer term forecasts. When planning a day or more ahead, people will see up to 50% more accurate precipitation forecasts — with the greatest improvements in regions where forecasts have historically been less reliable. For more information, visit this blog post.

Grab boosts ride safety for teens with ‘Grab for Family’ feature Ride Tracking, Trip Monitoring and automated trip notifications, parents can stay informed without having to repeatedly call or message their teens during a ride. Parents receive updates at key points of the journey, including when a driver is assigned, vehicle details are available, the passenger is picked up, the destination is reached and the trip is completed. A live map also allows parents to follow the ride as it happens. The monitoring experience is designed to provide added visibility when a journey does not go as expected. Parents can be alerted about unexpected stops or route deviations, while the platform can also check in with the passenger through in-app prompts to help confirm that they are safe. Built-in safeguards from pickup to drop-off Beyond visibility, Grab for Family brings together several safety and communication tools designed to support the teen throughout the ride. Ride PIN provides an additional verification step before a trip begins, requiring the passenger and driver to match a unique in-app code before proceeding. This helps ensure that the teen is getting into the correct vehicle. Through 3-Way Chat, parents can also join the in-app conversation between the teen and driver. This gives families a shared channel to clarify pickup points, landmarks and other trip details without having to move the conversation to a

The growing use of Grab Family Accounts among Filipino households points to the increasing role of shared mobility in everyday family life, with sign-ups more than doubling over the past year.

separate platform. Grab for Family also includes AudioProtect, which enables encrypted audio recording on both the passenger’s and driver’s devices during a ride. Recordings remain encrypted and cannot be accessed by either party, and are only reviewed by Grab’s safety team when a formal report is submitted. These tools work alongside Grab’s Safety Center and Emergency Help functions, giving users access to localized assistance and emergency support when needed. Designed to fit into everyday family routines Activating Grab for Family can be done within the existing Grab app. Parents can invite a teen using their mobile number or send a unique invitation link. Once the teen accepts the invitation, the parent approves the

request and identifies the account as belonging to a teen, activating the relevant safety features. Once the accounts are linked, parents can also manage shared payment methods and adjust available safety settings based on their household’s needs. “As a Grab driver-partner and a mother myself, I understand how important it is for parents to feel assured that their children are safe whenever they use ride-hailing services,” said Lisza Buscaino-Redulla, President of the United Transportation Coalition Philippines, Inc. “Many families rely on platforms like Grab for the daily commutes of their teenage children, which is why we welcome the introduction of the Family Account as an important step toward giving parents assurance that their children get to wherever they need to be safely.”

FAST-GROWING fintech brand Salmon officially introduced actress and host Gabbi Garcia as its newest brand ambassador at the close of the Salmon Feels Good Weekend, a twoday celebration held at the Glorietta Activity Center. Held from September 5 to 6, the event invited mallgoers to enjoy life’s little feel-good moments. Guests sang their favorite songs, refreshed their looks, captured photos with friends, and even won exciting prizes in the two-day event. The celebration culminated in a lively late-night show hosted by Salmon brand ambassador Sam YG. He was joined by Gabbi, and the trending Unang Hirit personalities, Joy Barcoma and Baus Rufo. During her conversation with Sam YG, Gabbi was unveiled as the newest ambassador of Salmon. The announcement was marked by a playful piñata moment and a colorful shower of confetti, an appropriately joyful welcome for the brand’s new ambassador. Having started her career at a young age, Gabbi learned early on the importance of building financial independence. By age 22, she had taken charge of managing her own finances, developing an approach that balances saving and investing with pursuing business opportunities. But being financially responsible does not mean missing out on the things she loves. A fashion enthusiast, foodie, and avid traveler, Gabbi knows how to make thoughtful financial choices while still enjoying the rewards of her hard work. Whether she is discovering a great fashion find, trying a memorable meal, or exploring a new destination, she believes money should help people create experiences they genuinely value.

Gabbi Garcia

SHOWBIZ

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

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

STANDARD EXCLUSIVE

Alden Richards gets real with Vice Ganda in revealing TV interview By Nickie Wang ALDEN Richards appears to have left his usual guard at the studio door. In an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment during the Preview Ball 2026 held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on Thursday night, GMA Network’s prized talent shared that his guesting in Gandang Gabi Vice and his conversation with Vice Ganda were among the best interviews he has had in the past 10 years. “It’s one of the best interviews I’ve had in the past decade,” the actor started. “It was so raw, so sincere, so genuine. There was no pretension, no showbiz facade.” Alden shared he was able to connect with Vice on several levels, which made the experience particularly memorable. “I’m really glad I did that interview with Vice,” he added. For his part, the comedian and seasoned television host noticed just how comfortable Alden became during the conversation. “He was so open,” Vice told Manila

Standard Entertainment in a separate interview during the star-studded fashion event. “It felt like he really enjoyed the experience. He seemed so at home in the studio and with me that he no longer guarded his emotions.” There was even a moment when Vice thought one of her questions may have crossed into a very personal territory after Alden became visibly emotional. But rather than seeing the reaction as uncomfortable, Vice considered it one of the strongest moments of the interview. According to Vice, it was Alden’s best reaction during their conversation, and he also described the interview as his best in years. “He’s also one of the best people I’ve interviewed,” Vice said of Alden. That exchange will give viewers a glimpse of a more unguarded Alden when Gandang Gabi Vice airs on GMA on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 10:00 p.m. But viewers who want the version with fewer breaks will have to head to iWant. Gandang Gabi Vice: Unfiltered will stream exclusively on iWant after the

Celine Dion defies the odds in long-awaited stage comeback FANS of Canadian superstar Celine Dion are counting down to an onstage comeback many feared might never happen, with just a day to go before her opening concert in Paris following a years-long battle with a rare neurological disorder. The 58-year-old will on Saturday perform her first full concert since revealing she was suffering from Stiff Person Syndrome, an incurable condition that forced her to cancel shows and left her struggling to sing. Some 30,000 fans are expected to see the “My Heart Will Go On” singer perform during her 26-date run in the French capital. Dion, whose hits include “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” and “Because You Loved Me,” has sold around 260 million albums in English and French over a four-decade career. She kicks off her residency at the Plenitude Arena outside Paris on Saturday, with 16 soldout shows in September and October before returning for another 10 next May. Resale tickets are scarce, with one site listing seats for her September 26 show at 1,035 euros ($1,202) and another at 862 euros. Hotel prices have also risen, with booking site Kayak showing a 50 percent bump on some concert dates. Even fans without tickets may get a glimpse of the global superstar. Admirers have gathered outside the Royal Monceau hotel, where Dion has regularly emerged for impromptu exchanges with fans. Videos posted on social media show Dion singing and dancing with admirers, including one fan whose rendition of her new single “Bonjour, Pardon, Merci” apparently impressed her enough to exchange phone numbers. Dion’s return caps a comeback that, for years, was far from certain. She revealed in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, which can cause severe muscle stiffness and agonizing spasms. The illness forced her to cancel concerts, but she repeatedly vowed to return to the stage. She stunned fans with a surprise appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, singing the Edith Piaf classic “Hymn to Love” from the Eiffel Tower. Now, with her full-length concert just days away, Dion has kept much of the show, including its setlist, under wraps. “Usually I do a onehour-40-minute show, but this one’s longer,” she told the crowd one night. Her advice to ticket holders: “Make sure you wear good shoes.” AFP After years away from full concerts, Celine Dion prepares for a sold-out Paris run following her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome

BEST INTERVIEW.

Alden Richards lets his guard down with Vice Ganda as he becomes the first star to appear on the return of ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’

free TV broadcast, giving viewers more than an hour of additional material that did not make the television cut. The unfiltered version promises the moments that free TV simply cannot accommodate, including more of Vice’s conversations, jokes, and interactions with Richards and the Geng Gang. Vice has previously explained that not everything recorded for the show can be shown on free television. “The ones we cannot show on free TV can be watched on iWant because that is really the unfiltered and uncut version,” he shared. For the first episode, Alden joins Vice and the Geng Gang, composed of Vince Maristela, Divine Tetay, and Verna, for the longer version of the show. The free TV broadcast comes first. Then comes the unfiltered aftermath. Gandang Gabi Vice: Unfiltered streams every Sunday on iWant after the GMA broadcast, with subscription plans starting at P35 per month in the Philippines.

‘Barangay Love Stories’ keeps radio roots as it moves to TV

By Jasper Valdez

OR nearly two decades, the faces behind Barangay Love Stories existed largely in the imagination of its listeners. A voice, a line of dialogue, or a sound effect was enough to build a scene in their heads. After 17 years on radio, Papa Dudut gives ‘Barangay Love Stories’ a new home on television That changes when the long-running program makes its television debut today, Sept. 12, on GMA. The characters now have faces, their reactions can be seen, and stories once carried almost entirely by sound are being turned into full television dramas. But for host Papa Dudut, moving to a visual medium does not mean leaving radio behind. “Even with your eyes closed, it feels like you’re listening to the radio. This is the first time on Philippine television where you’re watching a drama, but it still feels like you’re listening to the radio,” he said during the show’s media conference at GMA Network. It is an approach meant to keep something familiar for listeners who have followed Barangay Love Stories while giving television viewers more to see. “You won’t have to rely only on your imagination anymore. We’re putting pictures to the drama. That feeling of falling in love From left: Lee Victor, Ashley Sarmiento, Sofia Pablo, Iñigo Jose, and Anthony Constantino will star in Papa now has a face on television,” Papa Dudut Dudut’s (center) beloved radio program now on television expressed.. The television adaptation follows the “Everyone in the barangay can be the star of Barangay Love Stories. same kind of stories that built the program’s audience: accounts of You yourself can be the star,” he shared. love, heartbreak, hope, and second chances drawn from experiences The first three television episodes feature Shuvee Etrata and familiar to Filipino listeners. Anthony Constantino, Sofia Pablo and Iñigo Jose, and Ashley The program has spent 17 years Sarmiento and Rave on Barangay LS and later expanded Victoria, respectively. into podcasting, which surpassed For Papa Dudut, the test of 100 million streams on Spotify the adaptation is not simply Philippines in 2025. whether viewers recognize Papa Dudut admitted that themselves in what they the move also requires an see on screen. It is whether adjustment on his part after the storytelling remains years of working primarily familiar enough that they behind a microphone. can recognize it even without “I always tell them, looking. ‘Guide me through the “After watching, you might process and tell me what say, ‘Wow, that Barangay Love I need to do in front of the Stories episode was my story.’ camera.’ I never really had Or, ‘That was my neighbor’s to worry about how I looked story,’” he said. on radio because no one could see me then,” he said. Still, the host said Papa Dudut (center) the core of the joins the cast of the program remains first ‘Barangay Love the people whose Stories’ episodes as experiences could the radio favorite turns easily belong to listener-inspired stories someone listening into TV drama or now watching.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

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

LIFE Steven Tan’s bold vision Why SM malls could soon look very different as Filipinos rethink the mall experience

NOW & NEXT

MY SM LAUNCH. SM Supermalls president Steven Tan (center) and SM Investments Corporation vice president for marketing Hanna Carinna T. Sy (left) outline how SM is adapting its spaces to changing consumer habits

By Nickie Wang

M SUPERMALLS president Steven Tan wants to see more greenery, open spaces, and room to breathe in SM malls as Filipinos increasingly look to shopping centers for more than shopping.

During a candid rapid-fire interview at the launch of SM Supermalls’ “My SM,” Tan shared one of the changes he hopes to see across the SM community: more green spaces where people can gather, relax, and spend time. The idea comes as malls evolve from retail destinations into places where Filipinos spend entire days, whether dining, discovering new hobbies, watching concerts, exercising, or simply embarking on what has become a weekend “side quest.” Asked about the most important lesson he learned from the late Henry Sy, whom he fondly called “Tatang,” Tan had a simple answer: “Listen to your customer.” Tan also sees leadership as a responsibility to give something back. “I want to contribute something to the community,” he said, adding that he hopes to be remembered

for making a positive difference. That philosophy is evident in SM Supermalls’ latest developments, which are increasingly built around leisure, entertainment, culture, and community. Following the recent opening of its 90th mall, SM City Zamboanga, SM is preparing for another major milestone in November with the opening of SM Nuvali in Laguna. The new mall is being positioned as an eat-and-play destination along the fast-growing South Luzon corridor and will feature the country’s first LED cinema screen experience of its kind. In Cebu, the newly opened 25,000-seat SM Seaside Cebu Arena is set to give the Visayas a major venue for concerts and other large-scale events, with the potential to draw more visitors to the region. The shift is also evident in how Filipinos use existing SM properties.

More than 40,000 runners joined the Galaxy Manila Marathon and SM2SM Cebu events this year, while pickleball has grown across SM properties, with 102 courts now operating in 32 malls nationwide. Culture has also become part of the mall experience through initiatives such as Museo del Galeon, Art for Everyone and AweSM Festivals, which bring art, history, and heritage closer to everyday mallgoers. Other campaigns, including Gala to the Max, have turned ordinary mall visits into more interactive experiences. These initiatives form part of “My SM,” an umbrella movement focused on how Filipinos gather, play and live, with spaces designed for different communities, from fandoms and furparents to geeks and activelifestyle enthusiasts.

The changing habits of mallgoers are also influencing which businesses take up space. SM’s tenant footprint grew by 4 percent in the first half of 2026, reaching more than 23,000 tenants nationwide. “Food, leisure, and lifestyle concepts are leading the demand right now,” said Hanna Carinna T. Sy, senior assistant vice president for marketing and leasing at SM Supermalls. “We’re actively curating a mix that keeps shoppers staying longer, discovering new brands, and coming back more often.” SM is also taking the “My SM” concept online through SM SuperMakers, its creator community on TikTok, where creators can produce content about experiences across SM properties and collaborate with the SuperMakers account. Beyond entertainment and retail, SM continues to work with local businesses and entrepreneurs. The company partners with roughly 900 small businesses daily, hosts trade fairs for nearly 3,000 local entrepreneurs, and continues sustainability initiatives involving plastic collection and solar power. “All of these efforts aren’t just about building better malls, they’re about creating real, lasting opportunities for every Filipino,” Tan said. “Our goal is to keep evolving alongside our shoppers, making sure SM remains a

Greener, more open SM spaces form part of Steven Tan’s plan to make malls feel less like shopping stops and more like community hubs

space where communities can connect, celebrate, and create memories together, showing our purpose in every experience we deliver.” Tan’s vision for the mall of the future may ultimately come down to something simple: more trees, more open space, and more reasons for people to stay awhile.

A city escape that feels like a tropical getaway Dee-tails

Ardee de los Angeles

Poolside music, cocktails, and afternoon bites turn the monthly Liquid Brunch into a weekend reset above Makati’s busy streets

I HAVE always been a bit skeptical about staycations. The idea of spending time in a hotel that is surrounded by the same traffic and noise you are trying to escape often feels like a compromise. But Fairmont Makati completely rewrote that rulebook for me. My recent weekend there was not just a break from routine. It was a genuine reset, a luxurious pause that somehow managed to feel worlds away from the Metro Manila chaos, all without leaving the city limits. The atmosphere shifted the second I walked through the doors. The signature scent of the lobby, the warm greetings from the staff, and the immediate shift to a slower, more elegant pace told me this was going to be different. The city was still out there, but inside these walls, time moved differently. I stayed at a Fairmont Gold room on the seventh floor, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my visit. The room itself was a sanctuary of understated luxury, incredibly spacious with plush double beds, an executive desk, and an ensuite that felt more like a private spa. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a sweeping view of the Makati skyline, but the soundproofing was so effective that I could not hear a single car horn. It was the kind of quiet that feels rare and precious. What truly elevated the stay, however, was the exclusive access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge, located just down the hall on the same floor. This was not just a standard hotel lounge. It was a serene oasis with floor-to-ceiling windows, chic, comfortable seating, and a dedicated team

Light drinks and relaxed service anchor the poolside brunch, giving guests a slower way to spend Sunday in the middle of Makati

that made me feel like a VIP from the moment I arrived. But the absolute crown jewel of my stay was the Liquid Brunch. This is a monthly poolside event that happens on the first Sunday of every month, and it is worth planning your calendar around. From 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the pool area transforms into a chic, sun-soaked lounge. A live DJ spins a mix of deep house and tropical beats, setting the perfect tone for an afternoon of pure indulgence. I found a comfortable lounge chair right at the edge of the water, cocktail in hand, letting the music wash over me while the city skyline glittered in the distance. The juxtaposition was surreal. Below me, the pulse of Makati continued its relentless rhythm, but up here, surrounded by swaying palms, cool breezes, and the clink of glasses, I could have been anywhere in the world. The food and drinks were just as impressive as the vibe. The gourmet summer snacks included their famous truffle quesadillas, which were perfectly crispy and packed with flavor. The fish tacos were tasty, and the Patrón-based cocktails were dangerously easy to drink. Every sip and bite felt carefully curated. The service was attentive but never intrusive, allowing me to fully sink into the relaxed atmosphere. Outside of the Liquid Brunch, I also made time for the dinner buffet at Spectrum, their all-day dining restaurant. The spread was enormous and beautifully presented, featuring everything from fresh seafood and sushi to carved meats and an impressive dessert station. In the end, Fairmont Makati does not just offer an escape. It offers a homecoming to yourself. It whispers that rest is not a luxury reserved for distant shores but a necessity that can be cultivated in the heart of the chaos. When I walked back out onto the bustling streets, I carried no fatigue, only the quiet confidence of someone who had been truly seen and cared for. Paradise, I now know, is not a destination on a map. It is a feeling that a place like this knows exactly how to create. And that, above all else, is the rarest souvenir of all. Warm service, quiet rooms, and a downtown address allow the Makati property to offer rest without taking guests out of the city