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Prosecution to present VP Sara’s financial, property, tax records PROSECUTORS are set to present bank, corporate, tax and property records as the Senate impeachment court resumes proceedings on Monday, seeking to determine whether Vice President Sara Duterte’s declared wealth matches her actual financial
transactions and business interests. The prosecution’s evidence for Article II of the impeachment complaint, which accuses Duterte of unexplained wealth and inaccurate declarations in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Next page
VOL. XL • NO. 212 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
Bangsamoro heads to polls
Security tight as 2.4 million voters elect 80 parliament members By Nash Maulana, Vince Lopez, and Jimbo Gulle
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NE-WAY cordons, designated holding areas, helicopter patrols, checkpoints, gun bans and intensified security deployments are in place across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as authorities prepare for Monday’s first regular parliamentary elections. About 20,000 military, police and civilian security personnel have been deployed as the region holds a landmark vote seen as crucial to sustaining peace after decades of armed conflict. Next page
Marawi scars linger as BARMM holds first elections
SECURING THE POLLS. A soldier mans a machine gun on an armored vehicle at a security checkpoint along a highway in barangay Dilimbayan, Maguing, Lanao del Sur. Jhun Dantes
Coron town digs temporary mass grave for ferry fatalities THE local government of Coron, Palawan has dug a mass grave at the San Nicolas Public Cemetery to temporarily bury unidentified victims from the fire-stricken ferry MV June Aster, as the confirmed death toll climbed to 76. Authorities also set up a makeshift laboratory at Borac Port, where the PNP Scene of the Crime Op-
erations (SOCO) team processed the recovered remains and worked to establish the victims’ identities. Kim Ablaña, spokesperson for the Coron local government, said they established a system for relatives to identify the bodies. Identifying information obtained through the initial assessment will be immediately sent to the
family holding area at the municipal government, where relatives can view the bodies for identification purposes. Once identities are established, relatives are then taken to the Borac Port for DNA processing. The collected samples will be brought to the
NEAR a resettlement site for survivors of the bloody 2017 siege of Marawi, a woman wearing a black face veil walks across a hilltop dotted by tombstones without names. Sophia Aminolla, a nurse and mother of two, does not know if her missing younger brother Amerel is among those lying beneath the numbered graves. She is not alone.
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Cayetano siblings back in Manila; Loren appeals for moral support By Joel E. Zurbano and Ram Superable SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and his sister Senator Pia Cayetano have returned to the country from Singapore.
Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda sought moral support from her colleagues as she and her son face a P10.44 billion plunder allegation over unfinished solar energy projects alongside a health issue, Senator Panfilo Next page
RETRIEVAL OF REMAINS.
A Philippine Red Cross team assists in the search and retrieval of the remains of fatalities inside the burnt ferry. Forty one bodies were recovered from the economy section of the vessel on Saturday, while 13 remain missing. according to the Philippine Coast Guard. Philippine Red Cross
India firms commit to expand operations in PH By Katrina Manubay ASEAN’S REPRESENTATIVE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is welcomed by
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit in India. Representing the 11-member ASEAN as this year’s ASEAN Chair, President Marcos highlighted the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” and its three core priorities: Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment during Open Session of the Summit. PCO
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday secured expansion commitments from Indian companies during meetings with business groups in New Delhi, covering agriculture, healthcare, digital payments, aviation, artificial intelli-
gence, telecommunications, and other technology-driven industries. In a media release on Sunday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO$ said that Trade and Industry Secretary Maria Cristina Roque detailed the outcomes, saying the companies expressed confidence in the administration’s eco-
nomic policies and their plans to expand operations in the Philippines. “Today, we were able to meet important companies that are already in the Philippines and have expressed expansion plans. They are very positive about the economic policies of the President,” Next page
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
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Bangsamoro... From A1 Coron... From A1 PNP Crime Laboratory at Camp Crame in Quezon City, where results are expected to be released within three weeks. While awaiting the DNA results, the unidentified remains will be temporarily buried in a mass grave at the San Nicolas Public Cemetery. Of the 76 confirmed fatalities, only two have so far been identified by relatives. They were among the first five bodies recovered following the tragedy. Meanwhile, a vessel carrying the passengers’ relatives arrived Sunday morning at the Coron Port from Manila. With Rex Espiritu
Marawi... From A1 As the now semi-autonomous Muslim region in the southern Philippines aims to turn a new page with its first elections on Monday, the gravesite is a painful reminder that the healing is far from complete. “I don’t know if he is still alive or not. But my instinct says he’s alive, because he always comes home in my dreams,” Aminolla told Agence France Presse (AFP) during a visit to the site this week. From May to October of 2017, the Philippine military and gunmen linked to the Islamic State group fought brutal house-to-house battles that turned Marawi’s 400-hectare business district into a ghost town. More than a thousand people were killed by official count, mostly civilians. The number of missing varies, with the International Committee of the Red Cross listing more than 300 individuals. “What the siege destroyed is not only the physical structures and the dead, but also the social fabric of our community,” Drieza Lininding, chairman of local rights monitor Moro Consensus Group, told AFP at the gravesite, where as many as six bodies are contained in some plots. The displaced, along with relatives of those killed, are eligible for compensation. AFP
India... From A1 the PCO said, quoting Roque. President Marcos met with iSON Group, a New Delhi-based conglomerate with businesses in agrotechnology, healthcare, telecommunications, information technology, renewable energy, business process outsourcing (BPO), and insurance. The group has US$75 million in new and scaled-up investments in the Philippines, expected to create around 2,000 jobs. These investments include a proposed US$50 million agro-solar project, healthcare and 24/7 teleconsultation services, and a US$10 million expansion in BPO and global delivery centers, Roque explained. She said the teleconsultation service could help address healthcare access challenges in remote communities.
Prosecution... From A1 Worth (SALNs), is expected to include an Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) report citing PHP6.7 billion in aggregate transactions linked to the bank accounts of the Vice President and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio. In a radio interview early Sunday, Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, a member of the prosecution team, said the AMLC will present again its findings, which were previously discussed during the House of Representatives’ impeachment proceedings. “So expectation po natin doon ay ilalahad pong muli ng AMLC ‘yung kanilang report patungkol po doon sa mag-asawang Duterte-Carpio (So our expectation is that AMLC would again present their report regarding the spouses Duterte-Carpio),” Ridon said. He was referring to the reported P6.7 billion in aggregate transactions and P4.4 billion in inflows involving the couple. “At hindi naman po ito covered ng sub judice restriction dahil nabanggit
In Cotabato City, BARMM’s regional center, Mayor Mohamad Ali Matabalao said Sunday there were no alarming signs, although authorities received unconfirmed reports that armed groups had gone around barangays asking village chairpersons to remain neutral if they could not support a particular political party. Matabalao said the reported groups did not appear to be affiliated with the Bangsamoro Federal Party, which he openly supports. “There is no alarm being shown by either side, and I hope supporters of the parties participating in the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections will work for peaceful and free elections,” he said. He stressed that reports of armed men allegedly making rounds and issuing threats had yet to be confirmed. Buluan Mayor Ibrahim Mangudadatu, a prominent member of the region’s powerful political clan, also appealed to all parties and their supporters to avoid violence. “I beseech you to help keep these elections away from bloody confrontation,” Mangudadatu said in a Facebook video.
More troops, equipment sent to Lanao del Sur
The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division said the Armed Forces of the Philippines had deployed additional troops and equipment to Lanao del Sur as part of intensified election security preparations. The deployment includes Sabrah light tanks, ATMOS 155mm wheeled self-propelled artillery systems and additional troops. The 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions will serve as follow-on forces, while Black Hawk and T129 ATAK helicopters will provide mobility, surveillance and rapid-response support. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla said the military deployment was in response to a Commission on Elections request and was not intended to influence voters. The military’s role, she said, was to prevent violence, protect voters and election personnel, and ensure security concerns did not keep people from voting. A coalition of civil society groups under ‘Duyog Bangsamoro’ earlier expressed concern that the ‘heavy military presence’ could lead to low voter turnout. Padilla acknowledged that the pres-
ence of armed troops could cause concern but said personnel had been instructed to remain professional, disciplined, respectful and nonpartisan. “The AFP does not choose candidates, parties or political outcomes. The choice belongs entirely to the Bangsamoro people,” she said. The Armed Forces is also assisting the Comelec in transporting election paraphernalia and meeting other logistical requirements.
PNP: All units on full alert till Sept. 30
The PNP, meanwhile, has placed all police units in BARMM and neighboring areas on full alert through Sept. 30. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said about 10,500 police personnel had been deployed, including around 4,900 from the Police Regional Office-BAR and 5,600 augmentation forces from other regional offices and specialized units. Police are securing Comelec offices, treasurer’s offices, voting centers, checkpoints and identified election hotspots. Nartatez said the overall security situation remained generally calm, with no serious potential threat monitored so far. Authorities, however, are closely watching 93 of BARMM’s 105 towns and cities classified as areas of concern under yellow, orange and red categories. Yellow areas indicate potential election-related incidents, orange areas involve intense political rivalries, while red areas face active threats from domestic terrorist groups, including communist rebels and the Maute group. “We will not allow any area to be off limits. Our commitment is to protect every voter and uphold the integrity of this historic election,” Nartatez said.
Areas built to prevent congestion
Lanao del Sur, which has 21 towns classified as red zones, is under particularly tight security. Comelec and military officials inspected polling centers Sunday, where authorities enforced one-way movement and designated holding areas to prevent congestion. In Barangay Sagonsongan in Marawi City, voters will queue outside as military and police personnel guide lines and monitor movement. Temporary cordons and railings will direct voters into a central holding area capable of accommodating 100 people.
Lacson revealed Sunday. In a Facebook Live post early Sunday morning, Cayetano said that their trip was private and there was no reason for them not to travel. “It was private, and we just wanted to rest,” he said. Cayetano praised the Bureau of Immigration and the Office of the Ombudsman for recognizing his right to private travel without legal restriction. The Cayetano siblings were spotted arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Saturday night. According to Alan Peter, even some government officials from the Bureau of Immigration and the Office of the Ombudsman have said there was no reason for them to refrain from traveling. He expressed surprise that their “routine, quiet, and short” trip has turned controversial, attributing it to the allegedly worsening “toxic” political en-
vironment in the country. “Through God’s grace, We are back and in the arms of our beloved Pilipinas! Too many problems and opportunities in our country. Less intrigues and politics, please; more solutions, cooperation, and collaboration,” he said. The former Senate President is currently under probe by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with alleged irregularities in the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, where he was chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc). “We didn’t imagine it would be this severe... this many accusations. What Senator Lacson is doing, I don’t know what to call it anymore, but this harassment or persecution, not just against me and my family, but against our beloved city of Taguig, I am surrendering it all to God,” he said. “Whether it’s the cases that were threatened or the investigations, the
na po ito sa House proceedings. ‘Yung pong mga particular mga detalye katulad po ‘yung (And this is not covered by sub judice restriction because it was already discussed in House proceedings. Those particular details like the) P6.7 billion in total transactions at (and) P4.4 billion in net inflows,” he added. The P6.7 billion figure represents aggregated transactions over several years. The Senate impeachment court has issued subpoenas for bank and tax records, giving prosecutors access to financial documents that were not available during the earlier House inquiry. “Kailangan lang po natin i-confirm ‘yung ilang mga particular na numero mula mismo sa mga bangko (We only need to confirm some particular numbers from the banks themselves),” Ridon said. Ridon said prosecutors would compare the financial activities with Duterte’s lawful income, declared assets and other property interests as they seek to establish the allegation of unexplained wealth. “Titingnan po natin. Hintayin nating mailatag po, hindi lang ang AMLC report, kundi paglalatag din po ng mga laman po ng mga accounts ng ating pangal-
awang Pangulo (Let’s see. Let’s wait for the presentation not only of the AMLC report, but also of the contents of the Vice President’s accounts),” he said. Meanwhile, House prosecution adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers said records from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will be used to examine Duterte’s business interests and determine whether income from those ventures was reflected in her SALNs. “Meron kasi doon sa mga declarations ng SALN, dapat ilalatag mo doon, ano, kung ano ‘yung sources ‘nung income, ‘yan ‘yung mga business interest. Kaya nga kasama sa ating witness ay ‘yung SEC (Because under the SALN declaration, you have to state the sources of income, including business interests. That’s why the SEC is among our witnesses),” Barbers said in a separate radio interview. A SEC official will authenticate corporate records connected to Duterte and Carpio. “Kasi, siyempre, kapag ikaw ay nagnegosyo, meron kang nirehistro na iyong korporasyon, di ba? So diyan
Cayetano... From A1
A separate tent will accommodate waiting voters, with senior citizens, pregnant women and persons with disabilities given priority. Only 10 voters at a time from each of the designated areas will be allowed into the precinct. After voting, they will use a separate exit to prevent them from crossing paths with incoming voters. 1st Lt. Nica Aaron of the Army’s 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company said the controlled entry and exit system was designed to prevent bottlenecks and disorder. At Camalig Elementary School in Marantao, soldiers from the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion are guarding voting machines. Permanent steel railings have replaced the improvised bamboo poles used as access lanes during the 2022 elections to improve crowd control.
Macacua: Keep elections peaceful, orderly
BARMM interim chief minister Abdulraof “Sammy” Macacua appealed to voters to help keep the elections peaceful and orderly. “This is more than just electing leaders, but it is proof of how far we have progressed in the peace process,” Macacua said. Macacua, who is also running for a parliamentary seat representing Maguindanao del Norte’s Fifth District, urged voters to avoid spreading exaggerated reports that could revive distrust and tensions. He also called on voters to respect differing political choices and prevent disagreements from triggering clashes in their communities. The elections will determine the region’s first regularly elected 80-member Parliament, replacing the appointed Bangsamoro Transition Authority and formally ending the transition period. Of the 80 seats, 40 are allocated to regional party representatives, 32 to district representatives and eight to sectoral representatives. Voters will select one regional party, one district representative and six sectoral representatives. The BARMM chief minister will not be directly elected. Members of Parliament will choose the chief minister from among themselves by majority vote during their first session.
Major test for Bangsamoro peace process
Comelec data show that 2,393,202 voters are registered for Monday’s
intrigue, the constantly changing daily accusations, whatever they may be, that is all part of the cost of fighting for our beloved country,” Cayetano continued. Senator Pia Cayetano pushed back against claims that the pair attempted to flee, explaining that the quick overseas visit was meant to back the Philippine national padel team competing in Singapore.
Sen. Loren feeling unwell -Lacson
According to Lacson, he had spoken to Sen. Legarda twice. “She did not mention anything about whether or not she is returning... She is feeling unwell... I hope she overcomes not just her health issues, but also the problems she is facing,” he said in radio interview. Legarda remains on an extended medical leave from the Senate due to a lung ailment and was reported by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to be staying in Paris after visiting Switzerland. Remulla also confirmed that Legarda
natin makikita. Kumikita ba ‘yan? Nalulugi ba ‘yan? Kung kumita ba ‘yan? ‘Yan ba ay naipasok sa iyong (Of course, when you have a business, you have a registered corporation, right? So that is where we can determine whether it is earning or losing money, and if it earned money, whether that was included in your) net worth?” Barbers said. Prosecutors also intend to examine major property acquisitions and compare them with Duterte’s reported income, assets and other financial resources.
Threshold ruling
Meanwhile, House prosecution spokesperson and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the outcome of Duterte’s impeachment trial could provide an important legal reference for future impeachment proceedings, particularly in determining the voting threshold when some senator-judges are unable to participate. Alonto Adiong said the Senate’s resolution of the threshold issue in Duterte’s case could guide future impeachment courts confronted with similar circumstances, including illness, detention,
elections, which will be conducted in 5,212 clustered precincts at 1,186 voting centers. A total of 154 candidates are competing for the 80 seats. Comelec Chairman Erwin Garcia said extensive preparations would be meaningless if voters were unable to exercise their right to vote. The elections, originally scheduled for May 2022, have been postponed four times before being reset by law to the second Monday of September. The polls are regarded as a major test of the Bangsamoro peace process, particularly the transition of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front from armed struggle to parliamentary politics. Datu Michael Mastura, a former senior member of the MILF panel that negotiated the peace agreement with the government, said the group’s participation should be welcomed as it seeks political legitimacy. “The important thing is that they are seeking legitimacy. So, let us welcome them to the electoral process,” Mastura said. He said the MILF must learn to transition from an armed conflict group into a political organization seeking parliamentary seats through elections.
UN: Vote important milestone in transition
The United Nations has described Monday’s vote as an important milestone in the region’s political transition and peace process, with more than 100 international observers expected to monitor the elections. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered security agencies to ensure that the elections are peaceful, orderly, free and credible and authorized the AFP, PNP and other agencies to assist the Comelec. “The government never lost hope and remains fully committed to supporting this democratic exercise. We are prepared for the first parliamentary elections in the BARMM,” Marcos said. “Be assured that this administration will do everything within our mandate to ensure that the elections are safe, peaceful and credible. We will protect the right of every Bangsamoro voter to cast a ballot freely and without fear,” he added. The President also declared Sept. 14 a special non-working day throughout BARMM to encourage voter participation. The elected officials will serve from noon Oct. 30, 2026, to June 30, 2031. Beginning in 2031, regular Bangsamoro elections will be synchronized with the national and local polls. With Rex Espiritu and Katrina Manubay
and her son, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste, have already filed their respective counter-affidavits before the Ombudsman. The Department of Energy previously filed a complaint before the Department of Justice against Leviste and five executives of Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation for alleged violations of the Public Service Act. In response to the allegations, Legarda’s spokesperson, lawyer Tony La Viña, called the cases against the mother and son a clear form of political persecution driven by politics rather than evidence. “If there is anything that can be considered unusual about what Leandro did, it is his resourcefulness, innovation, and forward-thinking approach to doing business. That should not be punished,” the spokesperson said. He also clarified that Legarda holds no ownership, management role, or financial stake in Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation or any company under Solar Philippines.
absence or other legal impediments involving senator-judges. “This will actually become the legal basis now for future impeachment trials,” Adiong said in a radio interview. The Senate impeachment court is reviewing whether the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds vote of all Senate members translates to 16 votes or whether the voting base may change when some senator-judges are unable to participate. The issue arose after several senator-judges missed substantial portions of Duterte’s trial for various reasons, raising a question that the Constitution does not expressly address in numerical terms when some members are unavailable. The court is seeking the views of constitutional experts before hearing arguments from the prosecution and defense on how the two-thirds requirement should operate under the Senate’s present circumstances. Alonto Adiong said whatever interpretation emerges will have implications beyond Duterte’s case, as future Senates could face similar vacancies, absences or legal impediments during impeachment proceedings.
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Police gearing up for another transport strike, Nartatez says P By Vince Lopez
HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday assured the public of the police force’s readiness to maintain peace and order during the scheduled transport strike on Monday, Sept. 14.
Nartatez said the PNP will implement normal security measures based on successful peace and order plans used during similar activities in the past, not only in Metro Manila but also in key urban areas. “We understand the concerns raised by the transport group on this particular issue. Just like all the other motorists, we in the PNP are also affected by the oil price increase,” the PNP chief said. “But we have a mandate to perform, an obligation to ensure peace, order, and safety for everybody at all times. We respect your right to hold a transport strike, and we expect the same respect for our personnel on the ground who are tasked to ensure public order and safety,” he added. Moreover, Nartatez said the PNP respects the right of transport groups and other organizations to express their sentiments through peaceful assemblies. At the same time, police units are expected to keep the situation orderly and prevent any activity that could put the public at risk. Transport group MANIBELA is set to hold a strike to protest continuing increases in oil prices. Protesters are expected to hold activities in some areas, and police have already been alerted to ensure order and safety at protest sites. Meanwhile, Nartatez also directed concerned police offices to mobilize sufficient personnel and resources, especially to ensure that the daily activities of road users and the public are not disrupted. As in similar activities in the past, the PNP expects the protest actions to be peaceful and orderly, but necessary security measures are in place in case of emergencies or untoward incidents.
FINAL TESTING. Comelec officials successfully conduct the final testing and sealing of automated counting machines in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur, on Sept. 12, ensuring the equipment is functional, secure, and ready for the BARMM Parliamentary Election on Sept. 14.
By Katrina Manubay
HERITAGE IN PAGES. Heritage Churches of the Cagayan River Basin, a photography book featuring images by photojournalist Edd Castro and text by Javier Galván Guijo, is available at the Vibal Foundation booth during the Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Edd Castro
THE development of New Clark City into an advanced manufacturing hub under the Pax Silica initiative is being pursued as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s infrastructure and investment agenda, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said. In an interview, BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s infrastructure and investment initiatives are speeding up the development of New Clark City into a major economic hub for advanced manufacturing, technology, and other high-value industries that could generate more jobs. “The goal really is to bring us up the value chain of semiconductor development because while our semiconductor exports are number one in terms of contribution, they are at the lower range of the value chain,” Bingcang told ANC. The Presidential Communications Office reported that Bingcang clarified in the interview that the development is not an artificial intelligence data center project but is intended to house advanced industries supporting AI, including semiconductors, technology, and medical-related industries. “In the actual requirement of the project, this will be all advanced industries that will support AI industries in the field of semiconductors, in the field of technology, medical, and other aspects of development,” he added. He assured that the land designated for the advanced manufacturing hub will remain under Philippine jurisdiction and BCDA ownership, with foreign and private investors allowed only long-term lease arrangements.
DOJ, NBI to participate in Handog ng Pangulo caravan THE Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are set to participate in the Handog ng Pangulo 2026 Serbisyo Caravan on Sept. 14, to provide legal and government services to the public. Through the DOJ Katarungan Caravan, the DOJ and the NBI are partnering with the National Prosecution Service, Public Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Immigration, Land Registration Authority, and Integrated Bar of the Philippines. During the caravan, the agencies will provide services such as free legal consultations, free notarial services for non-commercial documents, NBI clearances, prosecutors’ clearances, BI immigration services and queries, and LRA land registration assistance. The NBI requires applicants to bring two valid government IDs, such as a Philippine National ID (PhilID), passport, driver’s license, or
Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID), for online clearance applications and processing at designated Serbisyo Caravan venues in the provinces and NBI Clearance Centers. The caravan will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in participating cities in Metro Manila and provinces nationwide. Specific venues in Metro Manila are as follows: Caloocan Sports Complex; Pilar Sports Complex; the 16th Floor of Makati City Hall; the lobby of Malabon City Hall; Mandaluyong City College; San Andres Sports Complex in San Andres, Malate, Manila; Muntinlupa Sports Complex; Navotas Convention Center; Sto. Niño Gym; Parañaque Coliseum; Astrodome; Ynares or Ultra; District 2 Gymnasium MRB, Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City; Ramon Magsaysay High School; City Hall Atrium; Lakeshore Concert Grounds/Lakeshore Drive, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City; and Pateros Elementary School Gymnasium in San Pedro, Pateros.
By Rio N. Araja THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has issued guidelines for extending assistance to transport service entities (TSEs) struggling to pay the monthly amortization for modern jeepney units. Acting LTFRB chief Greg Pua Jr. said the assistance program will start this week and that the guidelines will ensure clear and smooth processes so government assistance can be quickly extended to the intended beneficiaries. This is in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to go all out in providing the necessary assistance to the transport sector, particularly those who supported the government’s Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP). The PTMP is designed to further improve and modernize the country’s public transportation system and bring it at par with those of other developed countries in terms of service and environmentally friendly operations. Recent developments in the Middle East, along with the series of adverse effects of bad weather conditions, have made it difficult for transport operators to meet their monthly amortization obligations. Pua said the LTFRB will ensure that the assistance program is extended at the soonest possible time and in an orderly manner. “This program is proof that the PBBM administration is both proactive and sensitive to the concerns being raised by those in the public transport sector. And we in the LTFRB commit to ensuring that this will be properly implemented,” he added.
IN BRIEF LTFRB orders bus operator to explain
New Clark eyed as advanced Pax Silica manufacturing hub
By Gwyneth Nolasco
LTFRB issues aid guidelines for struggling jeep operators
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show cause order against the operator of a passenger bus involved in multiple vehicle collisions along España Boulevard in Manila on September 11. Acting LTFRB chief Greg Pua Jr. said Viofel Transport Inc. was asked to explain why its certificate of public convenience should not be suspended or canceled over the incident in front of the University of Santo Tomas gate. The accident killed a senior citizen and injured nine other road users. The driver claimed the bus lost its brakes, while witnesses said it was speeding before the crash. Pua said both allegations could violate the conditions of the operator’s certificate, involving either failure to ensure the vehicle’s roadworthiness or the employment of a reckless driver. The hearing is set on September 17. Rio N. Araja
NCRPO foils mall delivery theft, nab 2 ALERT mall security and the National Capital Region Police Office foiled an alleged theft at SM City Sta. Mesa on September 11, recovering five boxes of merchandise worth P12,570 and arresting two delivery personnel. At about 1:10 p.m., security personnel conducting a final inspection found five boxes concealed inside a delivery vehicle that had unloaded a scheduled shipment of 110 boxes of assorted products. One of the three delivery workers fled when confronted. Police secured the area and arrested the two others after an inventory confirmed that the concealed boxes were missing from the official shipment count. The suspects were taken to Galas Police Station 11 for documentation and inquest proceedings for attempted theft under the Revised Penal Code. The third suspect remains at large. Vince Lopez
DHSUD chief to lead awarding of land titles
WOODCRAFT TRADITION. An elderly artisan polishes handcrafted wooden bowls and mugs for sale at her woodcraft shop along Asin Road in the woodcarvers’ village of Barangay Asin, Tuba, Benguet. Dave Leprozo
HOUSING czar Jose Ramon Aliling is set to lead today the awarding of land titles to almost 1,000 families from various regions as part of the sustained nationwide rollout of the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. The beneficiaries, who are members of various homeowners and neighborhood associations, will receive individual land titles. More than 3,000 individuals are expected to benefit. Aliling and Social Housing Finance Corp. president Federico Laxa will lead the awarding of at least 913 land titles to family-beneficiaries. Since assuming office in 2025, Aliling has revived and enhanced the Community Mortgage Program in pursuit of peoplecentric housing modalities under the Expanded 4PH Program. Rio N. Araja
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PH to host pre-ASEAN Summit confabs IN BRIEF T By Katrina Manubay
HE Philippines will hold a series of high-level Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in September and October to advance its priorities and deliverables ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in November.
PNP 911 hotline logs 86k calls over 1st year
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday announced that over the first year, the Unified 911 emergency response hotline logged 86,614 calls with police officers responding to 96.38 percent within the five-minute minimum response time. Launched nationwide on Sept. 11, 2025, Unified 911 was one of the flagship programs of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the watch of Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla. The hotline provides the public with a single emergency access point and has since expanded to nine command centers nationwide, strengthening the reach and coordination of emergency response services. From August 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026, the PNP said Unified 911 recorded 494,338 emergency-service calls, the PNP reported. Vince Lopez
Lawmaker wants Sept. 3 Iriga City special holiday MAMAMAYANG Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima is pushing for the declaration of September 3 of every year as a special non-working holiday in Iriga City, Camarines Sur in commemoration of its Charter Day anniversary. De Lima, a native of Iriga, filed House Bill No. 11135 mandating that Sept. 3 should be observed as an important occasion to commemorate Iriga’s cityhood, celebrate its heritage and recognize its continuing progress. “Declaring September 3 as a special non-working holiday in the City of Iriga would allow its residents to meaningfully participate in civic, historical, cultural, educational, religious and community activities celebrating its cityhood and development,” De Lima said. “Recognizing Iriga’s cityhood likewise affirms its distinct identity and acknowledges the significant contributions of the Irigueño people to the social, cultural, and economic life of Camarines Sur and the Bicol Region,” she added. Rio N. Araja
Lazatin is biggest fan of ‘Home for the Girls’ PAMPANGA First District Cong. Carmelo Lazatin Jr. sets the tone for early preparations for the holiday season by buying Christmas decors hand-made by the young wards of a halfway house called Angeles City Social Welfare and Development Office Home for the Girls, or Bahay Pag-asa. “The Philippines is known worldwide to have the ‘longest Christmas celebration, and we are preparing for the holidays by supporting the production of local Christmas crafts,” Lazatin said. It can be recalled that last year Lazatin also bought mini Christmas trees made by the wards of Bahay Pag-Asa. Butch Gunio
BARANGAY SUBSIDY. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto distributes P154 million to select barangays in Cavite described as ‘investment in youth education and community safety’ that form the backbone of national progress. OES photo
Help push national coconut industry dev’t plan--Abalos By Katrina Manubay CABINET Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has urged government agencies and local governments to aggressively push President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s coconut development plan to increase farmers’ incomes and strengthen the country’s coconut industry. Speaking at the 40th National Coconut Week and Coconut Stakeholders’ Congress on Sept. 11, Abalos said the Revised Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan for 2024–2028 offers a clear path for increasing farm productivity and expanding coconut processing in rural areas. “The coconut industry cannot be strengthened by one agency acting alone,” Abalos said. Abalos also exhorted urged the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the Department of Agriculture, local government units, and other agencies to fully carry out the plan and deliver its programs directly to coconut-producing communities. He cited the government’s response in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, where an earthquake and flash floods displaced families and disrupted livelihoods. He noted that the response showed how national agencies and local governments could bring services directly to communities.
Recto hands out subsidies to 770 barangays in Cavite By Charles Dantes EXECUTIVE Secretary Ralph Recto led the distribution of direct financial assistance to 770 barangays in Cavite on Sept. 11 under the Marcos Jr. administration’s “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program. Recto joined provincial and congressional leaders, mayors and barangay officials in the ceremonial distribution, which covered all 22 cities and municipalities in the province. Among those present were Gov. Gabriel Remulla, Vice Gov. Ramon Vicente Revilla, 1st District Rep. Ramon Revilla III, 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, 5th District Rep. Roy M. Loyola, 7th District Rep. Crispin Diego Remulla and Agimat Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla. Also attending were municipal and city mayors, including Carmona May-
or Dahlia Loyola, as well as barangay captains and Liga ng mga Barangay President Rafael Paterno III of Bacoor City. Addressing barangay officials, Recto said the program reflected President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s emphasis on education and grassroots development. “The President believes education is the key for a family, as well as a country, to rise from poverty. That is why he wants every barangay to have college graduates,” Recto said. Under the program, each barangay receives P200,000, divided equally between education and community development. Of the amount, P100,000 is allocated to the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars Program, providing P20,000 each to five incoming fourth-year college students per barangay to help them complete their degrees.
On Sept. 14 to 22, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will lead ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) meetings and related conferences in Manila, bringing together economic ministers and their counterparts from key regional partners to promote regional economic integration, discuss developments in the global economy, and push forward the Philippines’ economic priorities under its ASEAN chairship. Alongside the AEM, a series of business and stakeholder fora will take place Sept. 17 to 21, highlighting the DTI’s efforts to empower MSMEs and promote the creative economy as engines of innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth across the region. Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will lead the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience (AMCDR) 2026 on Sept. 15 and 16, with the theme, “Twenty Years of AADMER: Advancing Global Commitments Toward a Resilient ASEAN Beyond 2030.” The AMCDR aims to accelerate the AADMER Work Program 2026–2030 by advancing regional cooperation on early warning systems, anticipatory action, disaster risk financing, resilient infrastructure, and risk-informed investments. The conference coincides with the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) and the 10th anniversary of the “One ASEAN, One Response” Declaration. From Sept. 22 to 23, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) will lead the ASEAN Peace Education High-Level Conference to foster dialogue and promote collaborative approaches to integrating peace education into formal, nonformal, and community learning systems in ASEAN, reinforcing its role across the region’s political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars. The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) will also lead and co-host three significant regional events on gender equality and women’s empowerment from September to October.
DEATH STRUCK TWICE. The Catholic Diocese of Cubao, Quezon City mourns the deaths of two priests—Fr. Michael James Ty and Fr. Edward Anthony Cometa passed away of still undisclosed causes minutes apart on Friday, Sept. 11, in the same hospital. ‘In life and in death, God calls two by two,’ Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. says. Cubao Diocese photo
QC loses two parish priests who died minutes apart By Gabriel Oliva
JOB FAIR. Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval interacts with job seekers during the Mega Job Fair 2026 for local and overseas employment at the Robinsons Malabon, organized by the city government and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in collaboration with Trabaho party-list. Andrew Rabulan
THE Catholic diocese of Cubao, Quezon City is mourning the deaths of two parish priests who died minutes apart on Friday, Sept. 11, at the same hospital. The diocese announced the death of Fr. Michael James Ty, 54, at about 3 p.m. Friday. Minutes later, it issued a separate advisory confirming the death of Fr. Edward Anthony Cometa, 35. “As we grieve his passing, we entrust our brother priest to the merciful love of
God, who called him to serve His Church through the sacred priesthood,” the diocese said in both statements on Saturday. The diocese said the two priests died at the same hospital, but did not disclose the causes of death. Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. expressed sorrow over the twin passings, describing Saturday as “a day of mourning for the Diocese of Cubao.” “In life and in death, God calls two by two,” Ayuban said. In a separate statement issued Sunday,
the diocese said details of the priests’ wakes and funeral services, as well as the causes of death, would be announced once their remains are returned from the funeral parlor. “Please await the official announcement and continue to pray for their eternal repose,” the diocese said. The diocese of Cubao, established by Pope John Paul II on June 28, 2003 covers southern Quezon City, including Districts 1, 3 and 4, and parts of District 6. It oversees more than 40 parishes.
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Political arithmetic OUR primary grade English teachers taught us the meaning of the word “all.” It is self-explanatory. In Tagalog, “lahat.” In Bisaya,“tanan.” Our primary grade arithmetic teachers taught us how to compute for fractions of a number. If all is “24,” what is two-thirds of “all”? Divide 24 by 3 to get a third, then multiply by 2 to get two-thirds. Simple arithmetic, not even high school algebra, will tell us it is “16.” Logical, isn’t it, as our Philosophy 101 professor would declare. But the Tulfo brothers will not accept these simple verities. In much the same way that Senator Erwin “Erich Sylvester” Tulfo postulated the then hypothesis of “bend the law,” which then Justice secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla elevated into legal theory, and now with the help of amici curiae, the Senate may turn into legal maxim, if they decide to throw away the logic, the definition, and even the most basic political arithmetic. Not by the “gods of Padre Faura,” but by diktat from the “gods” of the palace beside the stinking river, under the spell of the spirits residing in the century old balete tree facing the entrance to the palace. If the appointed commissioners who wrote the 1987 Constitution wanted to leave the threshold number to the interpretation of the senator-judges to whom they assigned the burden of deciding the fate of an impeached official, why would they have qualified with “All” the threshold number required to convict? Article XI, Section 3, sub-section 6 of that fundamental law clearly states that “no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of ALL the members of the Senate”. Bar topnotcher and former Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel recently reminded us in an interview of such arithmetic cum logic from the “ALL.” But now in the practice of “bend the law,” the Tulfos of the US of A and Zubiri of highland Bukidnon want to redefine “ALL” which all the senators on the first day of trial acquiesced to the announced arithmetic of its presiding officer. When presiding officer Chiz Escudero stated flatly in his opening of the trial on July 6 that 16 votes are required to convict, neither the Tulfos nor Zubiri pip-squeaked neither objection nor clarification of Escudero’s political arithmetic. But the spirits of the balete tree in the palace grounds which belongs to the netherworld must have changed their minds, and Escudero now calls a “cavalry” – four retired justices, two of whom participated in writing the Constitution to lend their sage opinions to the non-attorneys in the Senate. If impeachment is not more legal than political, why did the Constitution put the law into the hands of the House for a lower one-third threshold to impeach and a higher bar of two-thirds for the Senate to convict? They could have created a Constitu-
tional Court to decide on the removal of high officials for high crimes, such as in South Korea, which has a unicameral legislature where two-thirds of all sitting members can impeach. Yet, our commissioners followed the American model (as most always), where decision to convict is made by politicians elected by the people. And then, pray tell, can we automatically imply that the four senators currently off the session hall are also off-line? Can Legarda in France or wherever not watch the proceedings on the internet, even De la Rosa somewhere in the boondocks of Mindanao?
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Can we automatically imply that the four senators currently off the session hall are also offline? Cannot Marcoleta and Estrada be given transcripts of the trial hearings by their staff, and thus make informed decisions? Did they not ALL take their oaths as judges under then Senate President Escudero on June 10, 2025? Their oath is the constitutional start of their duties. Have two-thirds of their peers expelled them upon motion of the Tulfos? Lapid has been in complete attendance, yet the only time he opened his mouth was when his “tokayo” surname was mentioned as one of the recipients of confidential funds. Why then cannot the absentees, for reasons of persecution, prosecution or foreign intervention not be able to cast their vote despite physical absence? And since removal via impeachment is a political process, who are we to object if a senator-judge, from the very beginning, decides to vote for acquittal because he knows that an overwhelming majority of cajoled, pressured or bought congressmen who to this day may never even have read the articles of impeachment, and had never participated in the hearings in the justice committee, therefore decides to vote to acquit from the very beginning of this farce? Thwarting the expressed vote of a historically unprecedented number of Filipinos is not to be trifled upon, especially when the accusations even if true are so minor compared to those committed with impunity by her accusers in the House, the Senate, the palace balete tree, and the vociferous Diehard Duterte Haters. If the lowering of the threshold vote comes to pass, and if the Supreme Court upholds the same either by judgment or inaction, then the people of Mindanao, the Visayas, and the flooded victims of Luzon and Metro Manila might as well, in the streets and in the air, through civil disobedience even, “throw the garbage out.”
Lights out in Laos as electricity exports surge By Beatrice Siviero VIENTIANE -- Isolated, under-developed Laos brands itself the “Battery of Southeast Asia,” powering its neighbors with dozens of hydroelectric plants, but frequent power outages leave its own people in the dark. Exports of electricity to neighbouring countries including Thailand and Vietnam are a key source of revenue for the landlocked nation, designated as a least developed country by the United Nations. But most of the power generated leaves the country and, combined with an ageing grid, that results in frequent outages and sometimes having to import electricity to meet demand. When the power cuts out after dark in Vientiane, families wander outside to avoid the stifling heat indoors, using cell phones to light their way. At one of the two main public hospitals, a doctor in the pediatrics emergency department is used to watching medical equipment suddenly shut down until the generators kick in. “Over the past three to six months, we’ve often faced electricity problems, especially at the children’s centre,” said the doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “A ventilator came to a halt, but we do have a generator at the hospital.” When old wiring recently caused an electrical fire in the alley outside the hospital, a blackout cut power to X-ray, ultra-
sound and ventilator equipment, she said. Elsewhere in the city, a front-desk staffer at a health clinic said power outages occurred two to three times a week, usually announced beforehand. Without a generator, “we have to reconnect the electricity from a store next to us”, said the staffer, who also requested anonymity in a one-party communist state where authorities do not tolerate dissent.
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When the power cuts out after dark in Vientiane, families wander outside to avoid the stifling heat indoors. When the power is restored, the cry rings out across the city: “It’s back!” Direct lines Laos exported around two-thirds of its total generated electricity in 2023, according to the World Bank, but experts say that figure is now even higher. One former technical expert at state utility Electricite du Laos (EDL) put the figure at around 80 percent. In the decade to 2024, annual electricity exports more than tripled, from 12 terawatt-hours (TWh) to 38 TWh, according to official data -- enough to power Paris
T
HE unforgiving monsoon rains of August 2026 served as a brutal reminder of the structural rot paralyzing Philippine disaster management.
Once again, relentless monsoon downpour swallowed Metro Manila and Central Luzon. Streets became rivers, communities dissolved into urban lakes, and more than eight million residents were left stranded or displaced. While PAGASA, the government’s weather bureau, raised its ominous red alerts, the most damning revelation was not the ferocity of nature, but the devastating failure of human governance. The tragic reality is that while the public submerged in contaminated floodwaters, billions of pesos earmarked to protect them had vanished into thin air. For years, Filipinos have been pacified with empty promises of multi-billion-peso flood control programs.
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The lesson here is as clear as it is painful: resilience cannot substitute for genuine accountability. The Commission on Audit recently forwarded heaps of fraud reports to the Office of the Ombudsman. These reports expose hundreds of alleged ‘ghost’ flood control projects across Luzon. These are taxpayer-funded dikes, pumping stations, and dredging
WHEN people hear “ASEAN integration,” many picture summit meetings, formal declarations and officials gathered around a conference table. These matter, but they can feel far removed from daily life. For most people, regional integration becomes meaningful only when it makes everyday transactions easier: paying for a meal while traveling, ordering a product from a neighboring country, or helping a small business reach customers beyond the Philippines. This is why the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement or DEFA deserves attention. DEFA may sound technical, but its purpose is practical. It aims to make the region’s digital economies work together more smoothly by setting common rules for areas such as online trade, digital payments, cybersecurity and data. At the second ASEAN Business Media Exchange Summit held on September 7, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque described DEFA as the premier economic deliverable of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship. After negotiations concluded earlier this year, the agreement is undergoing legal review ahead of its expected signing in November. The challenge DEFA seeks to address is easy to understand. ASEAN is now composed of 11 countries with a large and increasingly connected population. Yet buying, selling or paying across these markets can still mean dealing with different systems, regulations and compliance requirements. The region may be geographically close, but digitally, many borders remain. The economic opportunity is huge. The 2023 ASEAN DEFA study estimates that stronger digital integration could help increase the region’s digital economy from about $1 trillion to $2 trillion by 2030. But that growth will matter only if its benefits are widely shared. DEFA will not erase those borders or replace national laws. Its objective is to achieve interoperability of systems. If
done well, a transaction between a business in Manila and a customer elsewhere in ASEAN should eventually feel less complicated than it does today. Payments offer the clearest example. Ant International director Wilson Siahaan explained at the summit how payment interoperability could let travelers use the mobile wallet they already have, instead of exchanging currency or downloading another application for every country they visit.
We can already see a glimpse of this in the Philippines. Through the connection between QR Ph and Alipay+, millions of local merchants can accept payments from numerous foreign e-wallets. Imagine that convenience extending across QR Ph, Indonesia’s QRIS, Malaysia’s DuitNow and other national systems. A traveler could pay by scanning a familiar code, while a small merchant could serve foreign customers without investing in an entirely new payment setup. The same principle applies to online shopping. A consumer in Thailand who wants Philippine ube, calamansi products or locally made crafts should not have to overcome confusing payment and delivery arrangements. Simpler cross-border transactions can offer consumers more choices while giving Filipino producers a virtual shop window for the whole region. That opportunity must reach smaller enterprises. According to Department of
Trade and Industry statistics, micro, small and medium enterprises account for more than 99 percent of Philippine firms. Yet a neighborhood food producer or homebased seller cannot be expected to study a different set of digital requirements for every ASEAN market. Common merchant identification and more consistent compliance rules could lower that hurdle. Government assistance will remain necessary. The DTI’s Negosyo Centers, regional offices and enterprise funds can help entrepreneurs acquire digital skills, access financing and meet the standards needed to sell beyond their communities. There is also a less visible side to this ambition. Every quick scan, online order and real-time confirmation relies on connectivity, cloud services, data centers and secure networks. As Data Center Association of the Philippines co-founder Patrick Signo pointed out, this infrastructure requires investment beyond the reach of individual small businesses. ASEAN governments must therefore encourage the private capital and partnerships needed to build it. Convenience, however, cannot come at the expense of safety. When money and personal information cross borders more easily, fraud, data breaches and cyberattacks become more serious risks. Common rules must provide consumers with clear protections, give businesses a predictable regulatory environment and enable authorities to cooperate effectively when something goes wrong. The real test of DEFA will be whether a Filipino consumer can pay more easily, whether a small entrepreneur can reach a new customer beyond borders, and whether both can trust that their money and information are protected. That is how eleven markets can begin to click—not only for governments and large corporations, but in the everyday lives of the people they serve.
for a year and a half. In 2023, they brought in $2.65 billion, according to the government, often sold in deals struck by the state with businesses that invest in Laos’s infrastructure. “Transmission lines from most projects are ‘dedicated’ to their customers,” said Grant Hauber, an Asia adviser at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. “Meaning they are not connected domestically to Laos consumers.” Much of Laos’s distribution grid dates back to the 1970s, and now struggles to keep pace with an increasingly modern economy of tourism, massive infrastructure, urban development and air conditioning. In Vientiane, a power line once used for one household now covers whole apartment blocks with many units, straining old transformers. In rural areas, if a tree falls onto the power lines, it can cause a blackout for one village, sometimes several, because there
is no backup. Bounchan Manochit, a shop owner in northern Luang Prabang province, said that with no lights, wild animals may enter residents’ homes at night. “We can’t see them,” she said. “It can be dangerous.” Foreign investment Almost all of Laos’s population of eight million has access to electricity, up from just 15 percent in 1995, according to the government. But EDL, charged with maintaining the grid, is tackling large debts incurred during the expansion and due to consumer subsidies. With hydropower accounting for 80 percent of production as of 2024, supply dwindles in the dry season from March to August. At times, Laos has struggled to provide power to its neighbours and finds itself importing energy, at significant cost, according to a recent World Bank report.
“Electricity production has already fallen short of domestic demand and export contracts on several occasions,” it said. Laos’s main export market is Thailand but it is diversifying its client and energy mix. Vietnam has recently stepped up imports, including through Laos’s Monsoon Wind project, the region’s largest wind farm that became operational last year. Researcher Le Hong Hiep of the ISEASYusof Ishak Institute noted the growing demands of Vietnam’s manufacturing sector and the country’s own issues with energy production -- but said politics also played a part. “Vietnam also wants to import more electricity from Laos to increase its leverage over Laos,” part of a wider contest with China for influence in Vientiane, he said. The energy from the Monsoon Wind project is destined only for Vietnam. “Zero for local,” noted the former expert at EDL. AFP
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This is not only for governments and large corporations, but in the everyday lives of the people.
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But the August deluge exposed a grotesque truth currently unfolding in the halls of justice.
operations that exist only on paper or use recycled photographs for fraudulent billing. In provinces like Bulacan and Pampanga -- the epicenters of agricultural devastation -- corrupt networks reportedly funneled massive sums into nonexistent engineering works. The lesson here is as clear as it is painful: resilience cannot substitute for genuine accountability. For too long, the state has relief on the legendary endurance of its citizens to mask systemic corruption. Asking communities to withstand preventable calamities while public officials pocket disaster-mitigation funds is no longer just state neglect, it is criminal endangerment. Moving forward, the government must shift away from fragmented, concrete-heavy engineering and embrace holistic climate adaptation.
Making eleven markets click
Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno
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IN BRIEF 1 dead after ship struck in Hormuz TEHRAN — A ship was struck in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, killing one person and injuring three, local Iranian authorities said, as Tehran and Washington clash over the strategic waterway. “A merchant vessel was struck around 5:00 am (0130 GMT) this morning off the coasts of Hengam and Qeshm islands. One person was killed and three others were injured,” Qeshm city governor Amir Teymouri said, according to state TV, without specifying the origin of the strike. Several explosions were reported overnight around Qeshm, the largest island in the Hormuz strait. The deadly incident comes a day before a meeting between Iran and Gulf states in Oman, which also borders the strait, over the blockaded route crucial for global oil and gas trade. Control over the strait has become a major flashpoint in the conflict between Iran and the United States in their six-month war. AFP
Sweden votes in poll thriller STOCKHOLM — Sweden votes Sunday in a general election after a tight race that will see either the far-right enter government for the first time or the left-wing opposition reclaim power. Opinion polls have long credited the four parties in the left-wing bloc with a comfortable lead over conservative Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s four-party alliance, which includes the far-right Sweden Democrats. But the gap narrowed to a dead heat in the final days of the campaign. “We all knew it was going to be a very close election, I’ve said that all along,” Magdalena Andersson, the 59-year-old opposition leader and head of the centre-left Social Democrats, said at a campaign rally in Stockholm on the eve of the vote. “Now it’s up to voters: do they want a government that will be totally dominated by the Sweden Democrats, or do they want a government led by me?” said Andersson, the first woman to serve as prime minister in 2021-2022. AFP
LISTING CASUALTIES. Relatives of affected passengers look on as a National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) officer writes updates on a whiteboard amid ongoing rescue operations on the stricken Virgo Transport 8 ferry at Trisakti Bandarmasih Port in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on September 13. AFP
One dead, 102 rescued from stricken ferry off Java, Borneo J
AKARTA — One person was killed and more than 100 were rescued on Sunday after a ferry sailing between the Indonesian islands of Java and Borneo was hit by bad weather, rescue officials said.
Houthis hit Saudi base amid fight with Yemen SANAA, Yemen — Houthi fighters on Sunday said they used drones and missiles to attack a military base in southern Saudi Arabia as renewed fighting with Yemen’s government forces forced growing numbers of civilians to flee. The attack at the southern Sharurah base targeted “weapons depots and command and control centres that are managing the aggression against our nation and people”, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree wrote on X. The date of the operation was not specified. Clashes have increased this week between the Iran-allied Houthis and Yemeni government forces, which are backed by Riyadh. On Saturday, the government forces said they had struck Houthi fighters in the Red Sea city of Mocha, and later attacked other Houthi positions in the southwestern part of the country. AFP
1 dead, 30 missing as ferry sinks off Vanuatu coast SYDNEY — One person died and 30 are missing after a ferry sank off the coast of Vanuatu, the South Pacific nation’s government said on Sunday. The vessel, MV Matui, had set sail on Friday with more than 40 passengers and crew from the island of Santo to Ambae island in very rough seas, but did not arrive. “Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones. Search and rescue operations are continuing,” read a statement from Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s office on Sunday. Fifteen of those onboard have been “accounted for alive” and one dead body has been recovered, the statement said. “Over 30 people remain missing at sea,” it said. An investigation into potential negligence has been launched. “This loss appears to be the result of strong winds and marine warnings not being heeded, and possibly of negligence including overloading of the vessel,” the statement added. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia said it is assisting with the search, and a French Armed Forces aircraft was deployed on Sunday morning. The centre said 12 people were located on Sunday morning. The member of parliament for Luganville, Matai Seremaiah, who is assisting in the search, said efforts would concentrate on the southeast coast where currents may have carried survivors. AFP
SURVIVED AFTER 10 DAYS. Nepali hydropower worker Sanjay Sah (center) meets his family members at his residence in Nepal’s Saptari district on September 12 after being rescued from a flooded tunnel in the aftermath of deadly flash floods. AFP
‘Second life’: Nepal tunnel survivor recalls ordeal SAPTARI, Nepal — For 10 days, Nepali hydropower worker Sanjay Sah survived in darkness inside a flooded tunnel, drinking muddy water and losing all sense of time as he desperately prayed for rescue. When a disaster response team finally pulled him to safety on September 4, Sah’s first question showed how deeply the ordeal had disoriented him. “When I was rescued I first asked, how many days has it been?” Sah, 30, told AFP in an interview, while on his way back home in Saptari district Sunday. “He said that it has been 10 days. I thought it had been just a few days.” Sah was among hundreds of workers
at a series of hydropower projects hit by the catastrophic August 26 flood, triggered by a glacial mountain collapse on the China-Nepal border. Sah’s extraordinary survival was a rare ray of hope after a disaster that killed at least 1,429 people and left more than 5,640 missing, the majority in Nepal. Struggling to hold back tears as friends and family welcomed him with garlands and a cake, Sah recalled how the disaster struck with stunning speed. “I was on duty, and then suddenly an unthinkable flood hit us, with tsunamilike waves that were several metres tall,” he said.
Workers had received warnings that floodwaters were approaching, but did not get enough time to escape, he said. “We did get information to stay alert, that a big flood is coming. As much as possible, we tried to be alert and evacuate our friends,” Sah said. “But the water did not give us much time... we shut down everything, and tried to rescue and evacuate our friends.” Within minutes, however, the tunnel was engulfed by raging waters. The sheer scale of the flood was unlike anything witnesses had seen before, with the government pointing the finger at the dire impact of rising global temperatures on Nepal’s Himalayan mountains. AFP
The Virgo Transport 8, carrying 243 passengers and crew, had lost contact with its shipping company early on Sunday after departing from Surabaya in East Java. “We can inform you that the total number of evacuated passengers is 103 people,” local search and rescue chief I Putu Sudayana said. One of the passengers had died, he told reporters in the port city of Banjarmasin, where the vessel was headed. Rescuers battled waves of up to 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) to reach the ferry, he added. “It is extremely risky for vessels. Even our Basarnas vessel, which is 40 meters long, is at great risk,” he said, referring to Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency. Sudayana earlier told AFP that the ship’s captain had reported that the vessel was “tilting” before losing contact. The vessel’s last position had been detected in the Java Sea, around 150 kilometres (90 miles) from its destination. Marine accidents are a regular occurrence in Indonesia -- an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands that relies heavily on boat connections for daily transport and tourism. Lax safety standards and unpredictable weather are the main reasons for the disasters. On Monday, a speedboat carrying eight people, including five journalists working for local and international news agencies went missing near a volcano, Mount Anak Krakatau, in Banten province and a search is ongoing. AFP
DR Congo passes 7,000 cases in its worst Ebola epidemic ever KINSHASA, DR Congo — More than 7,000 Ebola cases have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s worst outbreak of the deadly disease ever, according to figures released Saturday by Congolese authorities. But the government also suggested that the spread of the disease may already have peaked, despite the virus having been confirmed in a seventh province earlier this week. The DRC officially detected the latest outbreak in mid-May, with nearly 3,400 people killed in its 17th epidemic of the highly infectious virus. It began in the northeastern Ituri province before spreading to conflictplagued, remote eastern and northern re-
gions where armed groups have roamed for decades, the presence of the state is weak and health infrastructure is lacking. The disease was confirmed in SouthUbangi, which borders the Central African Republic and Congo-Brazzaville, earlier this week. According to the latest figures from the Congolese authorities, 7,022 cases have been recorded since the beginning of the epidemic. Of that number, 3,398 people have died and 1,671 have recovered. “The peak was reached at the beginning of the third week of August,” Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya wrote on X on Saturday. AFP
BRICS BATH. A worker cleans fountains in the complex of Bharat Mandapam during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 13. AFP
SPORTS
A7
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
US Open champ Rybakina on top of world after injury scare N EW YORK— Elena Rybakina is on top of the tennis world, celebrating her first US Open title and her rise to number one barely more than three weeks after she feared injury would force her out of the final Grand Slam of the year.
Kazakhstan’s Rybakina beat twotime defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 on Saturday to claim her third Grand Slam title. She’d already assured herself of toppling Sabalenka from the number one spot just by reaching the semi-finals. “I can’t find words right now, honestly,” Rybakina said. “I don’t expect nothing like this coming to this tournament. I’ve been dealing with a little bit with an injury, but somehow everything aligned together on my side.” The “little bit of an injury” saw Rybakina hobble out of her Cincinnati quarter-final on August 20 -- 10 days before the start of the US Open -unable to put weight on her left heel. “It wasn’t the best time, for sure, because I was so upset,” Rybakina said. “I didn’t know actually how it’s going to be day by day. “We arrive to New York. We did MRI. It didn’t look that great. We
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina holds up the winner’s trophy after winning the women’s singles final tennis match against Belarus’s Aryna Sabalenka on day fourteen of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. AFP
had to talk with a lot of doctors to get opinion what we should do.” With a doctor in Australia providing valuable long-distance advice, Rybakina and her team came up with a plan to
manage her training, rest and treatment and give her a chance at her second major title of the year, after her victory over Sabalenka at the Australian Open. Her run to the final included an
impressive fourth-round victory over two-time champion Naomi Osaka before come-from-behind wins over resurgent Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen and former champion Coco Gauff. AFP
NUNS takes solo lead after edging La Salle-Zobel NATIONAL University Nazareth School seized the solo lead in the UAAP Season 89 boys’ 16-and-under basketball tournament after edging erstwhile unbeaten De La Salle Zobel, 92-88, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Bullpups improved to 3-0, moving ahead of the Junior Archers, who dropped to 2-1, while the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws remained at 2-0. NUNS also extended its winning streak to 19 games, dating back to its championship run in Season 88 last year. Despite the victory, the defending champions’ performance left head coach Leo Pujante frustrated, as he stressed the importance of maintaining consistent effort throughout the game. “Hindi kami pwede mag-relax,” said Pujante. “Hindi natatapos yung game sa first half, sa first two quarters dahil may third and fourth pa. Kaya kailangan mag-start kami ng strong sa third. Yun pa naman ang sinabi ko eh, diba, start strong third quarter. Yun pala kabila ang start strong.” The Junior Archers, who opened the season with two straight wins following a winless campaign last year, faced their toughest challenge of the tournament against the defending champions. The Bullpups came out firing,
Games on Wednesday
(SM Mall of Asia Arena) 8 a.m. - NUNS vs UPIS (Boys’ 16U) 10 a.m. - DLSZ vs FEU-D (Boys’ 16U) 12 n.n. - AdU vs Ateneo (Boys’ 16U) 3 p.m. – Ateneo vs UE (Men) 5:30 p.m. – DLSU vs UST (Men)
NU’s Jessey Arellano scores inside.
building a 25-point lead at 46-21 after Chandler Cano converted a layup with 4:28 remaining in the second quarter. DLSZ responded emphatically in the third period. Fonzie Mercado, Andrei Francisco, Ice Purugganan, and David Dizon spearheaded the comeback,
helping the Junior Archers pull even at 57-all midway through the quarter. NUNS regained control in the fourth, with Jessey Arellano, Arnold Flores, Elijah Javier, Dwyane Enriquez, and Aaron Dalanan combining to give the Bullpups an 82-67 advantage with 5:12 left in the game.
San Juan, Pasay win, gain momentum heading into playoffs SAN Juan and Pasay bested separate opponents on Saturday to gain momentum heading to the playoffs of the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Ynares Center Montalban in Rizal Province. The San Juan Knights repulsed the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, 80-76, in the nightcap while the Pasay Voyagers survived the Mindoro Tamaraws, 63-61, in the second game as they kept in step with the Quezon Huskers, who battered the Imus Yangkee, 121-73, in the opener of another triple-bill in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 26-team tournament. The Knights held the Cowboys scoreless in the last 2 minutes and 8 seconds while coming through with five points, four by Michael Calisaan and a free throw by Patrick Sleat, to notch their 21st win against three losses in the North division, where they are assured of the second playoff spot behind the Abra Solid North Weavers (23-2) and ahead of the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo (18-5). Terrence Fortea posted 18 points, spiked by five triples, to clinch the SportsPlus best player honors over Sleat, who finished with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists, and Calisaan, with 7 points, 11 rebounds and 3 steals. The Cowboys, now being mentored by Alex Cabagnot, drew 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5
assists from Robby Celiz, 13 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals from Donald Gumaru, and 11 points from Allen Mina. Pasay climbs to fifth in North Rence Alcoriza canned his first two free throws and missed the third in the last 2.6 seconds to raise Pasay’s slate to 13-11 and displace Ilagan Isabela (13-12) at fifth place in the jostling for positions in the North quarterfinal playoffs. Pasay got 14 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists from Christian Fajarito, 15 points from Alcoriza, and 10 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists from Kriss Kelly Gurtiza. Mindoro dropped to 13-12, but retained the No. 7 spot in the South division, enough for a stint in the play-in confined to teams ranked seventh to 10th in both divisions after the eliminations. The Tamaraws drew 13 points and 5 rebounds from Jayjay Caspe, and 11 points and seven rebounds from Jonas Tibayan, Quezon boosts drive for No.1 in South Led by homegrown Rodel Gravera, the Huskers clustered 13 points to pull away at the half, 56-21, en route to a 19-4 slate in the South division, moving closer to Binan Tatak Gel, which closed the elimination with a 21-4 record. If Quezon wins its last two games against Rizal XentroMall and Zamboanga SiKat, the Huskers would emerge as the top qualifier because of the win-over-the-other tiebreaker.
Patrick Sleat shines for the San Juan Knights.
The Junior Archers refused to go quietly, however, as Ice Purugganan, Mercado, Enzo Purugganan, Rye Villaruz, and James Enriquez trimmed the deficit to 84-82 with 2:27 remaining. Flores, Andrie Lopez, and Arellano then delivered the decisive blows, joining forces in a 7-0 run that pushed NUNS ahead, 91-82, with 1:30 left and effectively sealed the victory. Although the Bullpups remain unbeaten, Pujante said his team is determined to prove that it can defend its title even without last season’s standout Moussa Diakite. “Siyempre iba last year, we had Moussa Diakite. This year we have to prove na hindi kami nag-champion dahil kay Moussa,” said Pujante. The coach also lauded Arellano, a rookie from Antipolo City who led NUNS with 26 points, 18 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. “The way he plays — tatlong laro na — ’yan ang mga stats ni Moussa last year, di ba,” said Pujante.
Verstappen fears overtaking will be ‘tough’ at Spanish GP MADRID—Max Verstappen believes it will be almost impossible for him to overtake his rivals on the new and challenging hybrid Madring circuit in Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix. Verstappen, who admits he dislikes street tracks, conceded that he was impressed with a lot of the work done to create the Spanish capital’s new Formula One venue after he qualified third for Red Bull on Saturday. World champion Lando Norris took pole for McLaren ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes, who leads the title race ahead of his team-mate George Russell by 66 points. “Overall, the event itself is very cool,” said Verstappen of the circuit built near Madrid’s main airport. “They’ve done a great job. “But in terms of, if you want to have better racing, overtaking, I think there can be a few corners that can be changed.” Asked if he could challenge Norris for victory, he said: “That would be tough. I mean, even best-case scenario and you’re faster, you can’t pass. “There are no corners where you can pass -- so you need to rely on people ‘degging’ (severe tyre wear) very aggressively. “The long runs were very tough (during practice) with a lot of deg for everyone, so that will probably be the key point tomorrow, but even with that I need to still figure out a corner where to pass.” Antonelli agreed with the Dutchman. “We don’t really know how the hard tyre is, how resilient it is, so tomorrow we might have two stops or three stops,” he said. “We have to see.” Verstappen added: “I like the grip. They did a good job with the asphalt, even though in some places it’s a bit too bumpy already for a new track.” AFP
Lowry takes 4-shot lead as Trump jets in for Irish Open DOONBEG, Ireland—Donald Trump saw home favorite Shane Lowry take a four-shot lead into the final round of the Irish Open on Saturday at the Doonbeg course which bears the US President’s name. After completing his political engagements in Dublin, golf fan Trump made a dramatic landing aboard helicopter Marine One on Ireland’s west coast at a course he has owned since 2014. Lowry’s surge to the top of the leaderboard has further energised the tournament. The 39-year-old won his home Open in 2009 as an amateur and claimed his only major on Irish soil at Royal Portrush seven years ago. However, Lowry has one only won one individual event since. The world number 53 produced a brilliant putting display to post a fiveunder-par round of 65 and reach 16 under for the tournament. “I had so much fun out there on the back nine. The crowds were incredible,” said Lowry. “They cheered me on the whole way home and hopefully will do the same tomorrow. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow. Final group, leading my home tournament, it’s a nice place to be and it should be fun.” Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen is second despite a costly three-putt on the 18th for his only bogey of the day. It will take a remarkable twist for the winner on Sunday not to come from the final group. Chile’s Joaquin Niemann is third on nine under, with Tom McKibbin and Daniel Rodrigues two shots further back. Rory McIlroy will not defend his title after a miserable day for the Masters champion. McIlroy posted a 74 to fall back to two over for the tournament, but was heartened to see his close friend Lowry leading the way. “I think there’s a great buzz around the tournament because Shane’s up there and leading,” said the six-time major champion, who has previously played golf alongside Trump. McIlroy added it was “pretty cool” to witness the commotion around Trump’s arrival. AFP
SPORTS
A8
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
Golden Tigresses vent ire on Lady Knights, rise to 3rd UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas bounced back from a deflating straight-set loss to Perpetual Help by venting its ire on Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-21, 25-19, 25-19, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. The victory improved the Golden Tigresses’ record to 3-2, boosting their chances of securing a semifinals berth as they climbed to third in the standings. “Siyempre, una masaya kasi nanalo kami. To be honest, I think siguro ‘yung gusto namin is mas mapaganda pa ‘yung nilalaro namin, mag-improve pa para sa mga susunod pa naming laro,” said UST head coach Shaq delos Santos. UST dominated the match with a 41-33 advantage in attacks, an 8-1 edge in blocks, and a 6-5 cushion in aces against the winless Lady Knights, who officially bowed out of the tournament with a 0-5 record. Ashlee Knop led the Golden Tigresses with a game-high 14 points on 13 attacks and one ace in the onehour, 22-minute victory. Kimberly Rubin added eight markers, while Marga Altea and Erica Gutierrez chipped in seven and six points, respectively, as UST’s balanced offensive attack kept Letran from finding its footing throughout the match. Judiel Nitura paced the Lady Knights with 11 points, while Carlyn Tizon contributed 10. UST will next face UAAP rival Adamson University on September 20 at 5 p.m., with a semifinals berth within reach. Meanwhile, Letran will look to secure its first win of the tournament when it takes on the University of the East on Saturday at 3 p.m.
The UST belles celebrate a point.
Gilas braces for China duel in Asian Games group stage G
ILAS Pilipinas faces its biggest test yet in the group stage of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games when it takes on China on Monday, with the defending champions looking to carry the momentum of their emphatic rebound against Kazakhstan.
The Philippines battles China at 12 noon (Philippine time) at the Aichi International Arena, in a matchup that could determine the final pecking order in Group C. Both teams enter the game with 1-1 records after two rounds, making the showdown particularly important as the Filipinos seek a favorable route into the knockout stage. Gilas recovered from an 89-85 setback
to Bahrain in its opener by dismantling Kazakhstan, 109-78, on Saturday. Robert Bolick bounced back spectacularly from a scoreless first game, firing 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including four triples, while Jerrick Ahanmisi provided the secondhalf spark as the Philippines finally found its offensive rhythm. But China presents a far more imposing challenge.
Adamson rallies past FEU in opener ADAMSON University clamped down on Far Eastern University in the fourth quarter to carve out a 56-53 comefrom-behind win in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament opener on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Trailing 37-46 after the third period, the Soaring Falcons got key contributions from Nigerian center Precious Jonah, Mathew Montebon, Manu Anabo, Matty Erolon, and Mat Edding as they took control of the game, 54-51, with 2:09 left. On the other hand, it was all Cabs Cabonillas for the Tamaraws, with the rookie scoring all seven of FEU’s points in the payoff quarter. “We’re just very thankful that we were able to get the win. It’s a tough battle every time we play FEU. They really made it hard for us also. At some point sa game, we were kinda loss and that’s because of what FEU did to us. It just so happened that our players were able to gather and group themselves together,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela, whose team played catchup for most of the game.
Adamson’s Manu Anabo drives to the basket against two FEU defenders.
Cabonillas scored FEU’s final basket on a putback off a miss by Jorick Bautista, but Erolon answered with a jumper with 1:33 remaining to give Adamson the final lead. Both teams traded
misses the rest of the way. Kirby Mongcopa had the Tamaraws’ final attempt, but his well-defended three-pointer badly missed the mark. “Kailangan pa namin i-improve ‘yung first half namin kasi halos palagi
The Chinese opened their campaign with a 99-61 demolition of Kazakhstan, a 38-point victory that immediately put the rest of Group C on notice. Big man Jiahao Yu and guard Zhenglin Pang led China’s charge, highlighting the size and offensive depth Gilas will have to contend with. The Filipinos will need another balanced effort from their all-PBA lineup, which now includes Calvin Oftana, who was added to complete the roster shortly before the tournament. Oftana was the bright spot in the loss to Bahrain, pouring in 31 points on 6-of-9 shooting from three-point range, and his scoring will again be crucial against China’s bigger lineup. For coach Tim Cone, the challenge
will be to maintain the energy and ball movement that produced the Kazakhstan rout while avoiding the lapses that allowed Bahrain to erase a lead in the opener. Gilas showed against Kazakhstan that it can overwhelm an opponent when its perimeter game is clicking, but China is expected to test the Philippines’ interior defense and ability to handle sustained pressure. The stakes are clear. The top two teams in each group, together with the two best third-place finishers, advance to the quarterfinals. The knockout stage begins Wednesday, with the semifinals set for Sept. 18 and the gold-medal game on Sept. 20.
kaming naghahabol sa second half. Sa mga susunod na games, yun ang dapat namin matutunan,” said Edding, who scored 10 points, six of which came in the fourth quarter. Montebon led the Soaring Falcons with 18 points and four steals while finishing with a plus-25 rating in his 30 minutes and 18 seconds on the floor. Erolon added eight points and five rebounds, while debuting Nigerian center Jonah contributed eight points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks. Season 88 High School Boys’ MVP Cabs Cabonillas led the Tamaraws in his collegiate debut with 11 points and 12 rebounds but struggled from the field, shooting 5-of-13. He nevertheless finished with a plus15 rating in his 24 minutes and 28 seconds on the court. Reigning collegiate MVP Janrey Pasaol also struggled, shooting just 2-of-11 from the field for 11 points while adding five assists against five turnovers. Graduating guard Jorick Bautista had a tough outing as well, tallying nine points, all in the first quarter. Both teams will go on a long break right away, with the UAAP limiting its early-season play dates due to the 2026 Asian Games.
Samal ready for 5150 Islands Series finale
Garcia keeps WBC welterweight title by stopping Benn LOS ANGELES—American Ryan Garcia defended his World Boxing Council welterweight title on Saturday with a second-round stoppage of Britain’s Conor Benn at Las Vegas. Garcia delivered a hammering right hand to the chin that dropped Benn to the canvas 45 seconds into the second round and followed with punishing flurries of punches until referee Thomas Taylor stopped the fight after one minute and 25 seconds of the second round. “I’m just happy,” Garcia said. “I feel at peace. I’ve got that joy and that peace and it feels great.” Garcia improved to 26-2 with his 21st victory inside the distance and denied Benn, in his first world title bout, a chance to become a world champion like his father, England’s Nigel Benn. The fight was at T-Mobile Arena, where Garcia won the crown in
February with a unanimous decision victory over US countryman Mario Barrios. The 28-year-old American was defending his 147-pound (66.7kg) division title for the first time. Benn, a 29-year-old Englishman, is the son of a former middleweight and super middleweight world champion. He fell to 25-2 after coming off an April unanimous decision victory over American Regis Prograis at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That’s the same venue where last November, Benn avenged his only prior loss by taking a unanimous decision from England’s Chris Eubank Jr. Both fighters were moving quickly and intensely trading punches from the start until Garcia landed his stunning blow. Benn rose but was battered for the fight’s final few seconds.
WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia (left) punches Conor Benn in the first round of a title fight at T-Mobile Arena on September 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Garcia retained his title with a second-round TKO. AFP
Garcia called out two rival welterweight champions, unbeaten American Devin Haney of the World Boxing Organization and Honduran-
American Teofimo Lopez, the World Boxing Association champion. “Where are you at?” Garcia said. “It’s unification time.” AFP
CHAMPIONS will be crowned on Sept. 20 as the inaugural 5150 Triathlon Islands of the Philippines Series culminates on Samal Island, where athletes will face the final test of a four-leg endurance challenge spanning some of the country’s most scenic island destinations. The Damosa Land 5150 Triathlon finale will follow the familiar 5150 format – a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run – but the Samal race carries significance beyond being the final stop on the calendar. It caps a series built to test athletes across varied island courses while highlighting the growing appeal of triathlon in the Philippines. The series opened in Guimaras in March, moved to Camiguin in May and continued in Bohol before heading to Samal for the fourth and final leg. While the race format remains consistent, each destination presents athletes with a distinct mix of terrain, weather, roads and race-day conditions. That variety is at the heart of the challenge, requiring athletes to adapt from one island course to the next while maintaining the endurance, consistency and race-day execution needed to contend for the series crown. Samal offers a particularly fitting stage for the finale. Known for its coastal scenery and established tourism infrastructure, the island will once again host the 5150 after last year’s staging produced overall victories for Eryk Omandam and Natasha Doromal-Lim. The return of the event, including Omandam and Doromal-Lim, gives athletes another opportunity to race on Samal while strengthening the island’s emerging identity as an endurancesports destination. Organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., the series has also provided a platform for Filipino triathletes to compete in different parts of the country while attracting athletes from outside their home regions. For competitors, that creates a racing calendar that combines competition with travel – and allows each event to become a new test of preparation and adaptability.
BUSINESS
B1
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
Investment approvals hit P216.46b in 8 months—PEZA
RELIEF PACKS.
Manila Electric Company chairman Manuel Pangilinan returns to his hometown in Apalit, Pampanga to personally distribute relief packs to residents displaced by flooding from the southwest monsoon or habagat. Pangilinan handed out the aid at Jose Escaler Memorial School in Barangay San Juan, where evacuees had taken shelter after their homes were submerged in deep floodwaters. He grew up in the barangay.
By Othel V. Campos
PH foreign debt rose 5.1% to $154.93b in Q2 $148.87 billion T $154.93 billion
Foreign debt in Q2 of 2026
By Thony Rose Lesaca
Foreign debt in Q2 of 2025
31.6% Foreign debt to GDP ratio
HE Philippines’ outstanding foreign debt rose 5.14 percent to $154.93 billion in the second quarter of 2026 from $147.35 billion in the first quarter, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday
The BSP attributed the quarter-onquarter increase to net borrowing by the national government and private domestic banks. “This was partly offset by negative [foreign exchange] revaluation effects arising from the US dollar appreciation and a modest decline in non-resident holdings of Philippine debt securities,” the BSP said. The debt level also exceeded the
$148.87 billion recorded in June 2025, led by the government’s global bond issuances and loan availments for budgetary and development financing. External debt as a share of gross domestic product rose to 31.6 percent from 30.0 percent in the first quarter. Data showed that short-term external debt based on remaining maturity climbed to $31.64 billion
at the end of June but remained adequately covered by the country’s gross international reserves of $104.74 billion. “This placed the GIR-to-STRM ratio at 3.31, indicating sufficient resources to cover external debt obligations falling due over the next 12 months,” the BSP said. The debt service ratio eased slightly to 9.0 percent from 9.2 percent a year earlier. The BSP said this showed foreign exchange earnings remained adequate to meet external debt repayments. “Overall, the external debt position remained broadly manageable, underpinned by sound solvency indicators and adequate liquidity buffers,” the BSP said.
THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is on track to set a new investment record this year, with approvals reaching P216.46 billion as of August and another P100 billion in prospective projects expected to enter the 2026 pipeline, PEZA directorgeneral Tereso O. Panga said over the weekend. The latest approvals represent about 72 percent of PEZA’s P300-billion target for the year, leaving the agency P83.54 billion short of its goal. “We’re optimistic we may surpass the target we ourselves imposed for 2026,” Panga said. Panga said the additional 2026 pipeline includes a Taiwanese solar cell manufacturing project and an American aviation project, each worth about P50 billion. If approved, the two projects alone could push PEZA past its P300-billion target and above its previous record of about P312 billion set in 2012. PEZA is also pursuing two more major hyperscalers in New Clark City, each worth about P50 billion and expected to enter the pipeline in 2027, but they would have smaller capacities than the gigawatt-scale artificial intelligence data centers being developed elsewhere, Panga said. The American and Middle Eastern facilities are expected to generate their own power, including liquefied natural gas, rather than rely on the national grid. The four projects represent a combined P200 billion in prospective investments, though only the first two are expected to contribute to PEZA’s 2026 pipeline.
BUSINESS
B2
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com
Mynt’s IPO price of P7 to P8 a ‘sweet spot’ for investors THE planned initial public offering of Mynt Inc., the parent company of e-wallet giant GCash, could offer a reasonable entry point for investors if priced between P7 and P8 per share. Trading Edge Consultancy, a market research firm, said an P8 IPO price provides investors a balanced, fair-value entry point, translating to a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 24.7 times annualized 2026 earnings. While this price point recognizes GCash’s dominant digital-finance franchise and long-term growth runway, it also accounts for near-term earnings deceleration. At an IPO price of P7 per share, Trading Edge said the risk-reward becomes more compelling at a 21.6 times forward P/E ratio. Conversely, a P9 to P10 IPO price would require greater confidence that earnings growth can re-accelerate toward historical levels to justify the premium. Mynt has set a maximum offer price of P10 per share for its maiden share offering, which would raise as much as P92.3 billion in proceeds. While Mynt enters the public market with a strong growth record, analysts noted that expansion has slowed as the business matures. Net income rose from P6.38 billion in 2023 to P17.25 billion in 2025, reflecting a three-year compound annual growth rate of 39.3 percent. Despite expected near-term earnings moderation, Trading Edge said the company’s long-term growth story remains intact. Mynt is targeting an Oct. 20 listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the ticker “GCASH.” The offer period will run from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12, with final price setting scheduled for Oct. 1. Jenniffer B. Austria
RCBC’S AWARDS. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. wins two distinctions at the Philippine Quill Awards 2026 for communication initiatives supporting financial inclusion and consumer empowerment. The bank was recognized in Category 10 (Community Relations) for its RCBC ATM Go Agency Banking Initiative, and Category 7 (Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Communication) for its MySSS Card powered by RCBC DiskarTech.
Aznar Shipping seeks SEC nod for P737-m IPO By Jenniffer B. Austria
C
EBU-BASED shipping operator Aznar Shipping Corp. plans to raise up to P737 million through an initial public offering this year to fund fleet expansion and other growth initiatives. The company said in a statement over the weekend that it filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the offering of up to 1 billion primary common shares, with an over-allotment option of up to 100 million secondary shares.
The company set an indicative price of up to P0.67 per share, subject to a book-building process and regulatory approvals. Proceeds from the primary offer will be used for capital expenditures—including fleet expansion and shipyard facility development—as
SCG SCHOLARS. The Siam Cement Group holds its annual awarding ceremony for 290 scholarship recipients on Sept. 11 at Acacia Hotel Manila in Alabang. SCG empowers Filipino youth through its Sharing the Dream Scholarship Program, which supports deserving students who demonstrate academic excellence, gratitude, responsibility, and dedication to their families.
GREEN LIGHT
Rhoey Lee Dakis
“LOOK, if you had one shot, one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted, one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip?” I first heard those words when I was in college, sitting in Lawrence Paradero’s room. Back then, they were simply lyrics from a song. More than two decades later, I hear them differently. What sounded like a question about ambition has become, for me, a question about opportunity and the price of waiting too long. After more than 20 years in sales, marketing, and exports, I have learned that opportunities rarely arrive when everything is perfectly lined up. You may need more information, resources, or confidence. So you prepare, study the market, assess the risks, and make the best decision you can. But eventually, preparation has to give way to action. That is why I find the now-viral “Airport Theory” such a good metaphor for opportunity. Opportunities are like flights. They may be available for a while, but they do not wait forever. Eventually, the boarding door closes. “I’m not ready yet.” “Maybe next year.” “What if I fail?” We have all had those thoughts. Preparation matters, but there comes a point when it can become an excuse for not moving. You will never know everything before you begin as there will always be uncertainty. The goal is not to eliminate it, but to prepare well enough to move despite it. As Wayne Gretzky famously put it, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” The lesson is simple: preparation gives you the confidence to
well as general corporate purposes. The company operates nine vessels across four major interisland routes, with regular port calls at eight locations in the Visayas. It plans to increase vessel capacity, develop additional routes, and upgrade facilities as it expands its regional operations. Aznar Shipping president and chief executive Kyle Alexander Aznar said the company is positioning itself to grow alongside the Visayas economy. “Aznar Shipping’s IPO gives investors an opportunity to participate in the growth of the Visayas through an expanding inter-island shipping platform that supports trade, tourism, and everyday mobility across the region’s key growth centers,” Aznar said. “The additional capital will help us strengthen our fleet and supporting capabilities so we can connect more growth centers and provide the maritime capacity needed to move more passengers, vehicles, and cargoes,” he added. The company cited a study by the Center for Research and Communication showing that the Visayas plays a major role in domestic maritime trade by linking Luzon and Mindanao. From 2022 to 2025, Visayas ports accounted for about 35 percent of national cargo throughput, 60 percent of passenger traffic, and 49 percent of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vehicle movements, according to the study. The study also projected RoRo traffic in the Visayas to grow by an average of 12.9 percent annually through 2028, outpacing the national projected growth rate of 10.7 percent.
PSEi faces downward bias in near term THE Philippine stock market is expected to trade sideways in the near term as investors monitor escalating tensions in the Middle East, volatile global oil prices and key economic data releases. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) closed the week down 0.47 percent at 6,061.81, with trading value reaching P4.56 billion. The mining and oil sector led the losses, tumbling 3.27 percent amid falling global gold prices and rising crude oil costs. First Metro Securities said market sentiment is likely to remain cautious ahead of major economic events, including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision and weekly initial jobless claims report on Sept. 17. Philstocks Financial Inc. noted that the local benchmark remains in a broader downtrend after hitting its recent peak of 6,488.35 on July 21. “The market is currently trading with support at 6,000 and resistance at 6,150. The bourse is trading below its 10-day, 50-day and 200-day exponential moving averages, reflecting a downward bias,” Philstocks said. The brokerage warned that higher oil prices and a weakening peso could intensify inflation pressures in September. Accelerating inflation would pose additional headwinds to national economic growth, which already decelerated in the first half of the year. Given these headwinds, market observers advise investors to maintain a cautious stance while tracking domestic inflation data, benchmark interest rate decisions and geopolitical risks in the Middle East. Jenniffer B. Austria
The price of hesitation: Why preparation matters — and so does knowing when to move take the shot, but at some point, you still have to take it. I have seen this repeatedly in business. Often, the people who succeed are the ones willing to make the first move. They make the call, start the business, or say yes before they feel completely ready, then work hard to become ready. Over the years, I have also realized that opportunity is not just about promotions, business deals, or financial returns. Some of life’s most important opportunities never appear on a balance sheet. My wife and I have four children, and watching them grow has taught me that some opportunities come with no second flight. I have only one chance to be their father at each stage of their lives. I cannot go back to attend a birthday I missed, relive a school presentation, or recreate an ordinary evening when they were younger and simply wanted me to sit beside them. Some opportunities simply do not come around again. That has changed how I think about taking your shot. It is not always about what we gain. Sometimes, it is about what we give, what we build, and what we leave behind. And that is where sustainability comes into the picture for me. In business, sustainability is often discussed in terms of carbon emissions, renewable energy, and environmental protection. These are important. But I believe sustainability asks a bigger question: Will what we build today still make a difference tomorrow?
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Preparation matters, but there comes a point when it can become an excuse for not moving. Remember, we are temporary custodians of many things: our businesses, our professions, our communities, and the knowledge we have accumulated. The real question is not simply whether we succeeded. It is whether what we built can continue to matter after we are gone. That is particularly important in business and leadership. Our decisions affect more than our own careers. They can affect employees, communities, and generations that follow. A decision made today can create an opportunity for someone else tomorrow. In that sense, opportunity is not something we simply seize. It is something we steward. So, to the next generation, I would say: take your shot. Take the internship. Apply for the job. Start the business. Learn the skill. Say yes to the opportunity that makes you nervous. But do not confuse courage with recklessness. Prepare. Do your homework. Understand the risks. Listen to people who have been there before you. Then, when the moment comes, move. Because hesitation has a price. Sometimes, it is a missed business opportunity,
a career we never pursued, or an idea that someone else turned into reality. Sometimes, the cost is more personal: a moment with our children that cannot be recreated. Fear is convincing. It can give us a hundred reasonable reasons to stay where we are. But remember the airport. The plane does not wait for all our reasons. It leaves anyway. Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” I like that because most opportunities look uncertain before they become achievements. The destination often becomes clearer only after we start moving. Perhaps that is what taking your shot really means. It does not mean waiting until every detail is certain. It means preparing until you are ready enough, recognizing when the door is open, and having the courage to walk through it. We have one life. One opportunity to become the person we want to be. One opportunity to build something meaningful. One opportunity to raise our children. And one opportunity to leave the world a little better than we found it. So when your flight is called, do not spend forever standing at the gate. Board the plane. Dr. Rhoey Lee Dakis is a Professional Lecturer in the Department of Decision Sciences and Innovation of the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University. He also serves as Vice President of one of the world’s largest coconut export manufacturing facilities. He may be contacted at rhoey.dakis@dlsu.edu.ph.
BUSINESS
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DOTr extends support to transport co-ops By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation is extending financial relief starting this month to transport cooperatives and corporations struggling to meet monthly loan payments, aiming to keep modern public utility vehicles on the road and protect drivers’ livelihoods. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez issued a department order authorizing financial support to qualified transport service entities participating in the Public Transport Modernization Program. The assistance follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to deploy government resources to cushion transport service entities involved in the modernization drive. Under the order, the transportation department will provide registered and
PDIC 101. The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Philippine Information Agency conduct
the “PDIC 101: Understanding Deposit Insurance” press conference on Sept. 10, 2026, in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, to equip the media with a better understanding of PDIC’s mandates and deposit insurance protection. Leading the event was Jose Villaret Jr. (seated, center), vice president of the PDIC Corporate Affairs Group.
Visayas grid still on red alert amid continued plant outages C By Alena Mae S. Flores
ONSUMERS in the Visayas face tight power supply anew after the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) issued a red alert for the regional grid from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Available capacity in the Visayas stood at 2,158 megawatts (MW), falling short of the anticipated peak demand of 2,292 MW. NGCP also placed the grid on yellow alert from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. According to NGCP, 1,044.5 MW of capacity remains unavailable to the grid. Nine power plants went on forced outage this month, four have been offline since August, one since July, two since June, seven since May, three since 2025, two since 2024, two since 2023, and one since 2021. An additional 14 facilities are running at reduced capacity.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin
The system operator attributed the supply deficit to forced outages at major coal plants— TVI 1, TVI 2, and PEDC 3—alongside limited power imports from the Mindanao grid. A red alert indicates that supply cannot meet
consumer demand and the transmission grid’s regulating reserve requirements. A yellow alert signifies that operational reserves have fallen below contingency thresholds. “One of the immediate measures to help stabilize the Visayas grid and reduce grid alerts is the deployment of battery energy storage systems in key locations to strengthen supply reliability,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said. Garin said the Department of Energy is coordinating with power generators and NGCP to connect 253 MW of battery storage capacity to the grid. The planned installations include 50 MW in Panay, 100 MW in Negros, 40 MW in Leyte, and 63 MW in Cebu. “These will help support the grid when supply is insufficient,” Garin added. “We expect the cooperation and immediate action of all energy stakeholders to ensure a reliable and continuous supply of electricity for families, businesses, and communities in the Visayas.”
UNIVERSAL Robina Corp. is testing seven potato varieties in Benguet as part of an effort to raise farm productivity and strengthen the local potato industry, building on an initiative that has generated an estimated P1.36 billion in farm-gate value over eight years. The company’s Sustainable Potato Program has distributed more than 600 metric tons of seed potatoes worth over 40 million pesos to more than 1,000 farmers across the Cordillera Administrative Region, Bukidnon, and Davao. URC estimates the seeds have yielded about 34,000 metric tons of potatoes, helping participating farmers earn an average annual income of roughly P300,000. URC president and chief executive Irwin Lee said the program’s gains reflect the hard work of local farmers and the strength of the partnerships supporting them. “These achievements belong to
every farmer whose dedication and stewardship have transformed every harvest into a better future for their families and communities,” Lee said. In Benguet, 216 members of the United Potato Producers of Benguet and Mountain Province Inc. received 54 metric tons of Granola seed potatoes in April. Farmers planted the crop in May and harvested it in August. A portion of the yield was saved as seed for the next cycle, while the remainder was sold. Trial plots were also planted with Hilite Russet, Russet Burbank, Eva, Mystere, Kennebec, Red Norland, and Satina varieties to evaluate alternatives to the Granola variety. URC said the program contributed to a 4 percent increase in national potato production during its first five years. The program has also extended support to farmers’ families. Since 2022, the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation has awarded scholarships to 18 children of participating farmers, eight of whom have graduated.
THE city government of Santa Rosa continues to strengthen its long-term vision of becoming a fully developed smart city, placing digital transformation, real-time public safety response, sustainable development, employment services, and innovation at the center of its governance agenda. Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas said one of the primary challenges in pursuing the city’s vision is implementing its 10-year Smart City Roadmap, which unifies existing digitalization and innovation programs across various municipal departments. According to Arcillas, individual initiatives aimed at smart governance are already operational. The task now is integrating those efforts into a single platform that allows city officials to better manage, monitor, and analyze data. She cited public assistance programs as an example, noting that data generated from aid distribution can be integrated into the city’s broader digital system. However, Arcillas acknowledged that funding remains a major hurdle.
Email: rtc1mdlocc@judiciary.gov.ph Hotline: 639952598147/82876702
MAYBANK PHILIPPINES, INC., Mortgagee, FRE-MC26-2270 EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT 3135 AS AMENDED BY ACT 4118 ADRIAN JESUS C. CABANOS and PAULA C. CABANOS, represented By their AIF, Maria Veronica V. Ayangco, Mortgagors, x--------------------------------------------------------x
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE
Upon Extra-Judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended by Act 4118 filed by MAYBANK PHILIPPINES, INC., Mortgagee, executed by ADRIANE JESUS C. CABANOS AND PAULA C. CABANOS, represented by their AttorneyIn-Fact, Maria Veronica V. Ayangco (Mortgagors), with postal address/es at: (1) 6 Road 1 corner Banaba, Pag-Ibig Homes, San Mateo, Rizal, and (2) Unit 2402 with Parking Slot at Level 4, The Dettifoss Tower, Acqua Private Residences Coronado St., Brgy. Hulo, Mandaluyong City, to satisfy the payment thereof, and all other obligation/s, which as of July 20, 2026, amounts to TWO MILLION NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY NINE THOUSAND THIRTY TWO PESOS & 28/100 (Php 2,989,032.28) ONLY, Philippine Currency inclusive of interest. service charge, penalty charge, up to the date of sale, foreclosure expenses and other bank charges and attorney’s fees, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of Mandaluyong City or his duly authorized deputy will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION to the HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH OR MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency on the 20th day of October 2026 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter but not later than 12:00 o’ clock in the afternoon at the main entrance of Mandaluyong City Hall, Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City, the Condominium unit together with all the improvements. existing thereon to wit. CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. -008-2018007557(with Parking Slot at Level 4) Registry of Deeds - City of Mandaluyong IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the unit identified and described as: DETTIFOSS TOWER
OF “ACQUA PRIVATE PROJECT
RESIDENCES”
CONDOMINIUM
in the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of the condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE 2011001016 which embraces and describes the land located at MANDALUYONG CITY with an area of (TWO THOUSAND SEVENTY TWO (2,072) Square Meter more or less xxxxx “All sealed bid must be submitted to the under signed on the above stated time and date.” “In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on October 27, 2026 at the same time and place without further notice” Prospective bidders or buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the said real property and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Mandaluyong City Philippines, August 4,2026. FOR THE EX-OFFICIO HERIFF By: (Sgd.) LUCY LILIBETH A. ALCABA Sheriff IV Publication: MANILA STANDARD TODAY
Manila
Standard
Copy furnished
TODAY
ATTY. MELVIN C. MALABANAN. Counsel for Petitioner Maybank Philippines, Inc. c/o Maybank, Second Floor, Legaspi Towers 300 P. Ocampo St. corner Roxas Blvd., Malate, City of Manila
TURMERIC FARMERS. Members of the Ayangan indigenous group in
Bangguil, Ifugao, transition from traditional farming to thriving as entrepreneurs and forest stewards, supported by government processing facilities and direct market access for their golden crop, turmeric. The community established a highvalue turmeric tea enterprise using modern processing equipment for turmeric and ginger.
Santa Rosa’s 10-year smart city plan to bolster services By Roy Tomandao
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF MANDALUYONG CITY
FLOOR NUMBER: 24 UNIT NUMBER : 2402 TOTAL UNIT AREA: 25.90 SQM
URC tests 7 potato varieties in Benguet to boost local yield By Othel V. Campos
accredited entities P20,000 per month for each modern PUV unit to help settle loans acquired since the inception of the program. The subsidy aims to ease mounting financial pressures on transport cooperatives and corporations that invested in fleet modernization but are struggling with monthly amortization payments. The department said the initiative will mitigate the risk of repossession while strengthening the capacity of transport entities to meet financial obligations with accredited lending institutions. “The President has directed us at the DOTr to extend assistance to the cooperatives and corporations that have joined the program and modernized their units,” Lopez said. “We need to ensure they can continue their operations so they can keep serving commuters. They are the lifeblood of our sector, so it is only fitting that we extend assistance to them.”
Digital transformation requires capital investments in infrastructure, technology, and hardware, including additional closed-circuit television cameras and supporting facilities for smart governance. A key component of Santa Rosa’s strategy is its Central Command Center, which connects to CCTV cameras deployed strategically across the city. Arcillas said the system allows municipal authorities to view incidents in real time and dispatch aid immediately. For instance, during a traffic collision, command center operators can monitor the scene and coordinate directly with the Philippine National Police, traffic personnel, and emergency medical responders. Operating 24 hours a day, the center provides continuous surveillance to ensure public safety concerns are addressed swiftly. Arcillas emphasized that the system transitions the city from passively receiving reports to delivering immediate, coordinated emergency responses. Over the next decade, Santa Rosa aims to digitalize 80 percent to 90 percent of government processes using its central Smart City Dashboard.
ADRIAN JESUS C. CABANO and PAULA C. CABANOS Unit 2402 with Parking Slot at Level 4, The Dettifos Tower, Acqua Private, Residences, Coronado St., Brgy Hulo, Mandaluyong City/ 6 Road I corner Banaba, Pag-Ibig Homes, San Mateo, Rizal WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or before the date of Auction Sale under penalty of the law. (MStandard - Sep. 14, 21 & 28, 2026)
NOTICE OF THE STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING NOTICE OF 2026 THEANNUAL 2026 ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING NOTICE is hereby given that the 2026 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting
NOTICE is hereby given Annual Meeting of EEI CORPORATION will nowthat take the place2026 on October 16, Stockholders’ 2026, at of3:30 EEIP.M. CORPORATION will nowAlltake place of onrecord October 16, 2026, at via remote communication. stockholders as of October 01, 2026 shall communication. be entitled to notice of, to vote at the of record as of 3:30 P.M. via remote Alland stockholders said meeting. October 01, 2026 shall be entitled to notice of, and to vote at the said meeting.
The Agenda shall be the same as previously published in the Philippine Star and the Business Mirror on July 16 2026. The Information Statement, Management Report, Star and the The Agenda shall beand the17,same as previously published in the Philippine SEC Form 17A, and other pertinent documents shall be made available on the Company’s Business Mirror on July 16 and 17, 2026. The Information Statement, Management website and via PSE Edge.
Report, SEC Form 17A, and other pertinent documents shall be made available on the Company’swho website viaandPSE Edge.must submit the requirements via mail or Stockholders wish toand attend participate email at eei_asm@eei.com.ph, as to ensure receipt on or before close of business on Stockholders October 15, 2026.who wish to attend and participate must submit the requirements via mail
or email at eei_asm@eei.com.ph, as to ensure receipt on or before close of business
onProxies October 2026.Voting in Absentia Forms must be submitted in person, or via All and 15, Electronic mail or email at eei_asm@eei.com.ph, as to ensure receipt on or before close of business on 15,and 2026.Electronic Voting in Absentia Forms must be submitted in person, or AllOctober Proxies via mail or email at eei_asm@eei.com.ph, as to ensure receipt on or before close of (sgd) IANNOEL MONDRAGON business on V.October 15, 2026. Corporate Secretary (sgd) IANNOEL V. MONDRAGON Corporate Secretary
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
First-half BOP deficit narrowed 30% to $3.88b T By Thony Rose Lesaca
HE Philippines’ balance of payments (BOP) deficit narrowed 30.62 percent to $3.88 billion in the first half of 2026 from $5.59 billion a year ago as stronger financial account inflows partly offset a wider current account gap, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday.
Financial account inflows rose 38.98 percent to $12.28 billion as of end-June from $8.83 billion in the same period last year, led largely by a 93.98-percent surge in net inflows in other investment accounts to $9.32 billion from $4.80 billion. The BSP attributed the increase to a net reduction in resident banks’ loan claims on nonresidents as well as higher foreign loan availments by domestic banks and other sectors. Direct investment inflows fell 2.65 percent to $3.67 billion from $3.77 billion, even as stronger equity capital investments and higher intercompany loan repayments by foreign affiliates partly tempered the moderation in foreign direct investment (FDI). The BSP said net FDI eased 17.8 percent as nonresidents reduced their investments in debt instruments amid
persistent global uncertainties. Portfolio investments shifted to a net outflow of $615 million from a net inflow of $337 million a year earlier, as nonresident investments in government bonds declined and domestic banks reduced their debt securities liabilities. The current account deficit widened 51.66 percent to $15.44 billion from $10.18 billion, as imports grew faster than exports and widened the trade-in-goods gap. The BSP said merchandise exports posted solid volume-driven growth amid sustained demand, while import growth continued to accelerate on higher import bills. “Elevated global energy prices during the period, driven by supply concerns linked to geopolitical developments in the Middle East, contributed to higher import payments,” the BSP said.
HEALTHCARE ACCESS. Land Bank of the Philippines president and chief executive Lynette Ortiz (second from left)
and Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III (center) formalize a P500-million loan agreement for the construction of the Gov. Faustino N. Dy Medical Center Phase 1. Joining them are LandBank executive vice-president Charlotte Conde (left), vice-president Victor Agorto (right) and other LandBank and Isabela officials during the ceremony on Sept. 3, 2026 at the Isabela Provincial Capitol Grounds. Source: Isabela PIO
Century Properties investing P5.6b in Cavite project By Jenniffer B. Austria CENTURY Properties Group Inc. (CPG) is investing P5.6 billion in a 25-hectare residential development in General Trias, Cavite as it expands its housing business in the CALABARZON region. The project, called Cerulean Residences, will have more than 1,100 two-story homes and is being developed under CPG subsidiary Century Limitless Corp. Soft-launched in February, the development is positioned as a premium residential project that will complement CPG’s PHirst brand, which caters to the affordable housing market. Century Properties Group Inc. managing-director Carlo Antonio said the company sees an opportunity for premium housing in General Trias, where jobs and infrastructure are already in place. “General Trias is a location that the market has already chosen. What has been missing is premium residential supply that matches the profile of the people already living and working in this corridor,” Antonio said. Cerulean Residences is in Barangay San Francisco along Arnaldo Highway, near the Governor’s Drive exit of the
Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX). It is also accessible through the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX). The development is near Gateway Business Park and New Cavite Industrial City, giving it access to employment centers in the area. The project will include a planned commercial hub along with residential amenities and open spaces. The homes will have expandable layouts, perimeter fencing, gated entrances and two-car garages. Units will also have provisions for electric vehicle chargers. “Our premium segment has always been built on differentiation rather than volume alone,” Antonio said.
DOTr receives fourth trainset for NSCR’s Malolos-Tutuban segment By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said an 8-car electric multiple unit (EMU) trainset for the NorthSouth Commuter Railway (NSCR) Malolos-Tutuban segment has arrived in the country, marking the fourth trainset delivered for the project. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovani Lopez said the trainset underwent rigorous inspection to ensure it is safe and ready for passenger use once the NSCR becomes operational. “The President’s standing instruction to the DOTr is to fast-track the completion of projects that will provide faster, more efficient and comfortable travel for commuters,” Lopez said. “We will ensure that we meet target dates without compromising the quality and safety of these projects for our passengers,” he said. Japan Transport Engineering Com-
pany and Sumitomo Corp. supplied the trainset under Contract Package 03. The DOTr targets completion of the N1 or Valenzuela-Malolos, Bulacan phase of the NSCR by December 2027, with full operations expected to start in the 4th quarter of 2028. The NSCR is envisioned as a major transportation backbone connecting Central Luzon, Metro Manila and Calabarzon. The 147-kilometer railway will run from Valenzuela to Clark, Pampanga, with 35 stations once completed. The project is expected to improve mobility for commuters by offering a faster and more reliable alternative to road transportation along one of the country’s busiest corridors. Once fully operational, the NSCR is expected to serve about 800,000 passengers a day and cut travel time between Clark, Pampanga and Calamba, Laguna, to two hours from the current four-hour trip.
PH suspends ube exports to protect planting stock By Othel V. Campos THE Philippines has indefinitely suspended exports of fresh purple yam, or ube, to conserve scarce planting materials as the government works to expand domestic production and grow the crop into a bigger export earner. The Bureau of Plant Industry ordered the suspension in mid-August, covering fresh ube and propagative materials shipped for consumption, planting or research. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the restriction would keep planting materials in the country while the industry builds production capacity. “We severely lack planting material ourselves, and we don’t want to
DEMO FARM.
Balabag Gold-Silver Project employees and visitors enjoy the pick-and-pay harvesting of strawberries in the project site’s strawberry garden farm. At TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc.’s Agata and Balabag sites, areas dedicated to rehabilitation and agricultural development are producing fruits, vegetables, root crops and spices alongside mining operations. These crops offer a glimpse into how environmental rehabilitation can create opportunities for another kind of productivity.
export it to countries that could use Philippine ube varieties to compete with us,” Tiu Laurel said. The Department of Agriculture cited rising demand for Philippine ube among processors and overseas buyers even as farmers struggle to access quality planting materials. Fresh and processed ube products, including powder, halaya, jam and paste, are already sold in Canada, the Middle East and parts of Asia, with the United States, South Korea and Europe offering further opportunities. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved P300 million for the ube industry in 2027 as the Department of Agriculture moves to boost production and organize the sector.
DOE eyes early 2027 launch of 1,200-MW wind-battery auction By Alena Mae S. Flores
The new 8-car electric multiple init trainset for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Malolos-Tutuban segment arrives in the country. It is undergoing the importation process by the Bureau of Customs (BOC)and is scheduled to be brought to Malanday Depot in Valenzuela City.
IN BRIEF Kenyan group urges PH to test fuel markers CONSUMERS Federation of Kenya secretary-general Stephen Mutoro asked Philippine regulators to conduct independent testing of the nation’s fuel market and marked fuel to determine whether it contains harmful components. Mutoro said the Philippines should apply the precautionary principle. The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), an independent nonpolitical consumer organization, has filed a lawsuit against Swiss company SICPA SA over fuel markers used in Kenya that are allegedly harmful to the public and vehicles. Mutoro said the group does not oppose fuel marking, calling it a legitimate and valuable anti-smuggling tool. He said, however, the Philippines should “immediately commission independent testing of the marker and marked fuel” and “require disclosure to the competent Philippine authorities of the complete chemical composition, CAS numbers, concentrations and current Safety Data Sheets.” “Pending satisfactory independent verification, Philippine authorities should seriously consider whether continued use of a halogenated marker is justified when nonhalogenated alternatives exist,” Mutoro said. Alena Mae S. Flores
Smart, Ericsson test roaming technology SMART Communications, Inc. and Ericsson completed a live demonstration of a roaming technology to improve the mobile data experience of Filipino travelers overseas. The trial tested Ericsson On-Demand’s Roaming Breakout (RBO) service, which routes mobile data traffic closer to where subscribers are located to improve connection performance for data-intensive activities such as video calls, streaming and web browsing. Smart and Ericsson carried out the tests
simultaneously in the United States and the Philippines, covering services commonly used by travelers, including video streaming and video calling. The trial routed subscriber data traffic through a Google point-of-presence in Virginia rather than sending it back to the Philippines. The rerouting produced better latency, faster browsing and streaming and a smoother overall data roaming experience. Use cases tested during the pilot included video calls via Messenger between users in the United States and the Philippines and between the United States and Sweden. The local breakout (LBO) technology-enabled smartphone delivered a smoother call experience compared with the home-routed connection. Darwin G. Amojelar
PH set to launch P60-b EV manufacturing plan THE Board of Investments (BOI) is fasttracking the government’s P60-billion electric vehicle manufacturing program, targeting the opening of applications as early as October and the start of trial production by 2027, an agency official said. BOI Industry Development Services executive-director Corazon Dichosa said the agency is rushing to complete the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within September. “Our target is within this month. We want everything to be rushed,” Dichosa said in an interview on the sidelines of the inaugural Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum in Manila. An interagency committee is now reviewing the IRR, with the Department of Finance, the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Energy and other agencies expected to submit comments. Dichosa said the BOI has completed consultations with the private sector and will consolidate the government agencies’ comments before finalizing the guidelines. The BOI is proposing that the IRR take effect immediately upon approval so the application period can open without delay. Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Energy (DOE) plans to launch its Green Energy Auction (GEA) for onshore wind paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS), totaling 1,200 megawatts (MW), by early 2027. Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said the onshore wind-BESS project will fall under the eighth GEA round (GEA-8), with a proposed delivery commencement period from 2031 to 2033. The DOE targets posting the terms of reference and notice of auction in the first quarter of next year. The agency is also preparing GEA7 for the third quarter this year, covering integrated renewable energy storage systems, roof-mounted solar and run-of-river hydro for Mindanao. The DOE targets 2,000 MW of ground-mounted solar paired with BESS under the integrated renewable energy storage system (IRESS) program, 20 MW of solar and 120 MW of run-of-river hydro for delivery from 2027 to 2030. Energy Undersecretary Guevara said officials are also planning to launch GEA-9, which will utilize abandoned, underutilized and undeveloped land from the Department of Agriculture (DA), as well as canals from the National Irrigation Administration. She said discussions are ongoing with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to utilize pre-identified forest lands suitable for renewable energy development. The DOE targets signing a memorandum of agreement with the DA in October and issuing the draft terms of reference in the first quarter of next year. The agency recently issued the terms of reference and notice of auction for GEA-6, covering 160 MW of biomass capacity, with delivery scheduled from July 1, 2027 to December 31, 2030. Through the Green Energy Auction Committee, the DOE invited qualified suppliers to supply biomass technology, allocating 40 MW for cogeneration and 120 MW for stand-alone projects. The government is undertaking a 10-year program to expand the country’s renewable energy portfolio and bolster long-term power supply, aiming to raise the share of renewable energy in the generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. Project deliveries under the 20to 25-gigawatt pipeline are scheduled to begin between 2027 and 2035.
REAL ESTATE
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com Jenniffer B. Austria, Issue Editor
The HEAD Sport facility at AIE brings world-class sports manufacturing to Mindanao, operating the world’s largest tennis ball factory and serving markets beyond the region.
ArthaLand opens gallery in Quezon City for Liv project
Damosa Land cites growing Mindanao industrial demand T
HE Floirendo family through its real estate unit Damosa Land Inc. is seeing continued demand for industrial space in Mindanao as more companies look to establish manufacturing and logistics operations in the region. The developer’s Anflo Industrial Estate (AIE) in Panabo City now has 24 operational locators, 70 percent of which are engaged in exportoriented manufacturing. The estate has attracted companies involved in sports equipment, food processing and cold storage, including HEAD Sport, Novococonut Inc. and GMAC Logitech Refrigeration Corp. Mindanao’s economy grew 4.69 percent in 2025, faster than the country’s 4.4-percent growth. The Davao Region, meanwhile, had a gross regional domestic product of P1.14 trillion in 2025, making it the fifth-largest regional economy in the country. These indicators point to a broader shift: Mindanao is increasingly creating opportunities for businesses and investors willing to take a long-term view of the region’s growth. Damosa Land President Ricardo Floirendo Lagdameo said the company expects Mindanao to attract more manufacturers as businesses diversify their production bases.
“Anflo Industrial Estate is positioned to provide long-term growth potential while capitalizing on Mindanao’s unique economic strengths,” Lagdameo said. The industrial estate is also intended to support companies that use raw materials produced in Mindanao and turn them into higher-value products. Manufacturing, cold chain One of its major locators is HEAD Sport, known for producing high-performance tennis equipment and other sports products, operates the world’s largest tennis ball manufacturing facility at AIE. The plant produces about 3 million dozen tennis balls a year for international markets. The presence of the sports equipment manufacturer shows the potential for specialized manufacturing operations outside Metro Manila, particularly in areas with access to labor, raw materials and transport infrastructure. Another locator, Novococonut, produces coconut-based food products using the region’s agricultural supply.
With GMAC as one of its locators, AIE supports the development of cold storage and refrigeration infrastructure vital to the region’s food, logistics, and manufacturing sectors.
The inauguration of the first Davao Light’s 10 MVA substation at Anflo Industrial Estate (AIE) marks a key step in strengthening the estate’s power infrastructure and supporting the continued growth of its industrial locators.
Cold storage is another growing component of the estate. GMAC, a joint venture between Glacier Megafridge Inc. and AC Logistics, operates a cold storage facility with close to 12,000 pallet positions. The facility is designed to support food, agriculture and export businesses by providing storage for temperature-sensitive products and helping extend their shelf life. Infrastructure supports expansion Damosa Land is also expanding the estate’s infrastructure as its locator base grows. Davao Light recently inaugurated a 10-megavoltampere substation at the industrial estate. A second phase will add another 33 MVA of capacity, bringing the planned total capacity to 43 MVA. A water treatment plant being developed by Manila Water Philippine Ventures is also expected to produce 1,300 cubic meters of treated water a day. The additional infrastructure is intended to provide more reliable utilities for companies operating at the estate. Lagdameo said the company would continue to develop the industrial estate as demand grows. “As companies continue to diversify their manufacturing footprint, we see growing opportunities for the region to become an integral part of global value chains,” he said. For Damosa Land, the expansion of manufacturing, food processing and logistics activities in Mindanao is creating demand not only for industrial lots but also for the infrastructure needed to support businesses operating in the region. Jenniffer B. Austria
ARTHALAND Corp. is expanding its residential presence in Quezon City with the opening of the ArthaLand Gallery, giving prospective buyers a closer look at its Liv residential project in Katipunan. The gallery is located at the corner of Rajah Matanda Street and Katipunan Avenue, about three kilometers, or five to 10 minutes, from the Liv project site. The space has a display area, digital kiosk, scale model, unit finishes area and fully furnished studio and one-bedroom model units. It also has a café operated by local brand Switch Coffee, with indoor and al fresco areas that are open to the public.
“The ArthaLand Gallery experience was designed to give visitors a feel for Liv even before it is completed,” said Kiesha Silayan, ArthaLand marketing strategy division manager. Visitors can see the model units and other details of the project while the 46-story Liv North is being developed. Liv North will be the first of two towers in the development and will have 748 residential units. Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units will range from about 24 to 70 square meters.
Timberland Highlands Resort offers quick mountain escape PEOPLE looking for a quick getaway from the city do not have to travel far or spend more time on the road than at their destination. Less than an hour from Quezon City, Marikina and Antipolo, Timberland Highlands Resort in Rizal offers a mountain escape with outdoor activities, sports, dining and wellness facilities. The 8.6-hectare resort opened in March 2021 and is open to both overnight guests and nonresidents. Visitors can come for the day, dine at its restaurants or use its recreational facilities. The resort is part of Filinvest Hospitality’s portfolio of homegrown brands, alongside Crimson Hotels & Resorts and Quest Hotels & Resorts. For those looking for an active getaway, the resort offers several sports and outdoor activities, including mountain biking, pickleball, wall climbing, badminton, basketball, volleyball and table tennis. The Timberland Mountain Bike Park opened in February 2024 in partnership with Trail Solutions Inc. It features purpose-built trails for both beginners and experienced mountain bikers within the natural surroundings of Timberland Heights. The resort added another sports facility in 2026 with the opening of the Pickleball Camp at Timberland Heights. It has six USAPA-approved courts, with high ceilings, wide playing spaces and a refreshment area for families and groups. Guests can also use the swimming pool and Equinox Fitness Center, while children have access to play and family recreation areas. For a more relaxed outdoor activity, the resort offers a bonfire and s’mores experience for families, groups and celebrations. Food is another part of the resort experience. Ridge Café, the all-day dining restaurant,
serves local and international dishes and offers mountain views. Baker J is a casual bakery and café serving freshly baked breads, pastries, coffee and light refreshments, while Le Stelle offers Italian dining. The resort also caters to corporate gatherings, celebrations, conferences and private functions. Its event facilities include a Grand Ballroom, three additional ballroom configurations, four meeting rooms and a private dining room. The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests in a theater setup or 300 in a cocktail setup, depending on event requirements. Timberland Highlands Resort is also petfriendly, allowing dogs weighing up to 40 kilograms, provided they have a pet diaper, updated vaccination card and leash. With its location close to Metro Manila, the resort offers an option for those who want to spend a day or a short stay away from the city without making a long trip. Its growing mix of sports, outdoor recreation, dining and wellness facilities also gives visitors more reasons to return, whether for an active weekend, a family day out or a short break from the city.
The units are being marketed to investors, parents looking for homes for their children and professionals who want to live near schools and business districts. The project has access to both Katipunan Avenue and Esteban Abada Street. It will also have a bridgeway connecting directly to Gate 1 of Ateneo de Manila University. LRT 2 Katipunan Station is about a fiveminute walk from the development, while Miriam College, the University of the Philippines and various commercial and lifestyle establishments are also nearby. The model units were designed by Hong Kong-based RGBA Design Ltd., which worked with ArthaLand on the interior architecture and hospitality design. The 25-square-meter Studio model unit uses a custom bunk bed with a study area underneath to create separate spaces for sleeping, studying and other activities. Large operable windows provide natural light and ventilation, while separate toilet and shower areas allow two people to use the facilities at the same time. The project is targeting LEED, WELL, EDGE and BERDE certifications and is designed to achieve at least 20 percent energy and water savings. Amenities will include a swimming pool, gym, function room, multipurpose court, landscaped parks, a Potager Garden and collaborative spaces. Liv North is targeted for turnover in July 2031.
C2
SHOWBIZ ‘Life After You’
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
is decent family drama that deserves more
W
HAT happens when two women love the same child but have completely different ideas about what she needs? That premise gives Life After You its emotional foundation. After a tragic loss, Joey (Bela Padilla) gives up her international career plans and steps up to raise her niece Denise (Dani Zee) alongside Bella (Maricel Soriano). While the setup has the makings of a moving family drama, the film ultimately settles for something more familiar and restrained. Now showing in cinemas nationwide, the Viva Films production is directed by Marla Ancheta. At its strongest, Life After You is a showcase for its two leading actresses. Bela Padilla proves once again that she is an intelligent actor who knows how to approach dramatic material. She is particularly effective in emotionally complicated roles, showcasing a natural quality to her performance that makes her character believable. Padilla doesn’t have to force the
Maricel Soriano (left) and Dani Zee bring the film’s central family conflict closer to home as it examines care, responsibility, and life after loss
Very Wang
Nickie Wang
drama, much of it comes through in the way she delivers her lines and responds to the people around her. Maricel Soriano is equally convincing. After decades in the industry, Soriano has developed a recognizable screen presence that has become something of a hallmark. That familiarity works to her advantage because she remains effortlessly commanding whenever she is on screen. But there is also a sense that Life After You doesn’t ask enough from her. Soriano is good, certainly, but the film doesn’t necessarily reveal anything new about what she can do as an actress. There is no particularly demanding dramatic sequence that
allows her to go beyond the qualities audiences already know and appreciate. In that sense, the limitation may have less to do with Soriano’s performance and more with the material itself. Dani Zee is adequate in her role as the child caught between two women who both believe they know what is best for her. She delivers what the story requires, although she has demonstrated stronger performances in some of her previous projects. Interestingly, it is Marlo Mortel, in a supporting role, who leaves one of the more lasting impressions. His performance gives the film an unexpected spark that proves that sometimes a supporting actor can make a stronger impact than expected. The film’s biggest drawback is its pacing. Life After You takes its time establishing its characters and relationships, but there are stretches when the story moves too slowly.
Bela Padilla (left) and Maricel Soriano carry ‘Life After You’ through a story of grief, sacrifice, and two women with different ideas of what family requires
While the narrative remains cohesive and easy to follow, it doesn’t always generate the kind of tension or curiosity that keeps you fully invested. There is nothing particularly wrong with the story. The problem is that there isn’t much that feels surprising about it, either. The film touches on familiar Filipino realities—family obligations, sacrifice, complicated relationships, and the idea that raising a child is rarely the responsibility of just one person. These themes give the story its heart, but the execution could have pushed them further.
MTRCB greenlights theatrical showing of ‘58th’ By Angelica Villanueva ANIMATED docu-film 58th will receive a limited theatrical run after securing an R16 permit from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. On Saturday, Sept. 12, producer Nessa Valdellon shared on her Facebook account that the film is set to screen at Shangri-La Plaza from Sept. 16 to 22, after the MTRCB issued its permit. Directed by Carl Joseph Papa and co-written by Aica Riz Ganhinhin, “58th” centers on Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, the photojournalist whose body was never found after the massacre. The title refers to Momay as the tragedy’s 58th victim.
Carl Joseph Papa’s 58th heads to a limited cinema run after earning an R16 permit for its animated retelling of the Maguindanao Massacre and Reynaldo ‘Bebot’ Momay’s story
Life After You is an average film— not bad, but not particularly brilliant, either. What saves it from becoming entirely forgettable is the strength of its cast. Bela Padilla brings intelligence and emotional credibility to her role, while Maricel Soriano delivers the kind of assured performance expected from a veteran actress. There are moments when Life After You feels like it could have been something more—a deeper, more affecting examination of family and the women who make sacrifices for it. Instead, it remains a decent, straightforward family drama.
It also revisits the Maguindanao Massacre and its aftermath. The film uses rotoscope animation and archival footage to reconstruct accounts from Momay’s daughter, Reynafe Castillo. Glaiza de Castro portrays Reynafe, while the late Ricky Davao plays Momay in his final credited role. The MTRCB classified the film R16 because of graphic depictions of violence and gore shown through animation and archival material. 58th had its Philippine premiere at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival after screening at international festivals. Its seven-day commercial run is also important to its eligibility for possible selection as the Philippines’ entry to the 2027 Academy Awards. The Film Academy of the Philippines has included 58th among eight shortlisted films being considered for the country’s Best International Feature Film submission.
GMA Kapuso Foundation puts bayanihan into action AS climate change brings stronger tropical storms, floods, landslides, and other natural disasters, many Filipinos face challenges that threaten their livelihoods and well-being. In response, GMA Network’s socio-civic arm, GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), continues to provide relief and assistance to vulnerable communities across the country. When the southwest monsoon, or habagat, brought persistent heavy rains to several areas in August 2026, GMAKF’s Operation Bayanihan mounted relief efforts in severely affected areas of Bataan, Benguet, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, Rizal, and Zambales. As of Sept. 5, the initiative had provided relief goods to 14,846 families, or 59,384 individuals. The spirit of bayanihan also took the form of blood donation through Sagip Dugtong Buhay, a voluntary blood donation project conducted in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross and Ever Commonwealth Mall in Quezon City. The initiative helps maintain a supply of safe blood for patients requiring transfusions during medical treatment, emergencies, and other critical conditions.
Now marking 30 years of service, the biannual project has helped more than 234,000 patients since its inception. In February, it collected 1,818 blood bags, followed by another drive in August that gathered 1,462 blood bags. GMAKF also provides medical assistance through Kapuso Kalusugan Konsulta (KKK), which offers free medicines, surgical supplies, laboratory exams, and other healthcare services, including the Sight Saving Project. The program is among GMAKF’s special initiatives aligned with the Department of Health’s monthly health themes. In observance of Sight Saving Month in August, GMAKF partnered with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation for an outreach effort in Bacood, Sta. Mesa. The project provided free eye screenings and laboratory tests for patients with cataracts, eye diseases, and other visual impairments, benefiting 442 individuals. From responding to calamities and helping save lives through blood donation to making healthcare more accessible, GMA Kapuso Foundation continues to put bayanihan into action, extending assistance to Filipinos in times of need.
GMA Kapuso Foundation reaches disaster-hit communities through relief operations while continuing health, blood donation, and medical outreach programs nationwide
Nam Ji-hyun (left) and Kim Jae-yeong lead ‘Make Me Tingle’ as two professionals whose opposing views on love spark an unexpected connection
Opposites attract in new Korean rom-com ‘Make Me Tingle’ A BUTTONED-UP marketer, a sex-toy CEO, and a collision of completely different views on love are at the center of Make Me Tingle, a new Korean romantic drama starring Nam Jihyun and Kim Jae-yeong. The 10-episode series premieres Oct. 15 with its first four episodes dropping at once on HBO Max. Two new episodes will follow every Thursday, leading to the finale on Nov. 5. Nam Ji-hyun plays Gong Yeon-su, a conservative marketer whose carefully ordered view of relationships is challenged when she crosses paths with Dokgo Dal, played by Kim Jae-yeong, the CEO of an intimate product retail company. Their first encounter sets up a clash between
two people who could hardly have more different ideas about relationships. But as their paths continue to cross, their opposing views begin to spark an unexpected connection. The series follows the pair as they challenge each other’s beliefs and gradually reconsider what modern love means. Nam Ji-hyun, known for Good Partner and 100 Days My Prince, takes on the role of the reserved Yeon-su, while Kim Jae-yeong, who also appeared in Idol I and 100 Days My Prince, plays the more unconventional Dal. Directed by Kim Ye-ji, Make Me Tingle was created by Ju Hwa-mi and Kang Eun-kyung. Ahn Sae-bom serves as writer, with Jung Keun-wook, Choi Han-kyul, Park Hyeon-ji and Park Min-seol as executive producers.
LIFE
C3 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
PEOPLE
New breed of Superbods
A
By Nickie Wang
USTIN Dizon has the height. Vienne Luna has the story. And when the 2026 Century Tuna Superbods competition reached its final moments, Dizon and Luna emerged as this year’s Grand Winners, each taking home P1 million from a field of 40 finalists. At six-foot-six, Dizon claimed the male title after pushing his physical preparation further than before. Luna won the female crown after a more personal journey that gave her the confidence to tell her story and speak about a cause close to her heart. Luna’s winning formula was surprisingly simple. “Honestly, I just remained genuine and authentic,” she said. The competition represented a personal return for Luna. It was her second time coming to the Philippines after previously promising herself she would return. This time, she felt different. “I feel like this was really the right timing for me because I’m more focused,” she expressed. “For the first time in many years, I feel a lot of
Meet the new faces embodying a healthy lifestyle, strong body, and sound mind Vienne Luna draws on confidence, discipline and her advocacy for self-empowerment on her way to the 2026 Superbods female title
confidence.” Her confidence did not come from the title. It came from knowing why she was there. “I feel like my purpose is my greatest strength, and I’m very driven in everything that I do with my advocacy,” she related. Luna has worked on her advocacy for years, but the competition gave her a chance to turn that work into something tangible. “I was able to launch a project. It’s not just for me, actually. It’s for everyone,” she said. “It stands for self-empowerment and resilience.” The road to the crown was hardly effortless. “I feel like I was really open to the moments,” Luna said when asked how she prepared physically. “Even though it was challenging, I just really allowed myself to keep looking up.” The competition also disrupted the routine she expected to follow. “I didn’t really expect that I wouldn’t be able to stick to my routine because of everything that was happening,” she said. “But I was able to challenge myself and push through.” Her favorite part came much more
Austin Dizon and Vienne Luna (center) lead this year’s Superbods winners after rising from a field of 40 finalists
Vienne Luna takes home the female grand title after a competition that pushes her to step outside her comfort zone and share her story
Winning the competition gives Austin Dizon a larger platform for his advocacy on accessible nutrition
naturally. “The runway,” she answered immediately. “I’m a runway coach. So the movement that I had onstage, I was really excited to showcase that.” Perhaps the most revealing part of her story came when she was asked what she gained apart from the title. “Before, I was actually a very shy girl,” she started. “This competition taught me to step out of my comfort zone and share the strength within me, to share how I overcame all the challenges and tell my story.” Then came the question every newly crowned winner eventually faces: What happens next? “I’m so grateful, I would run to my mom,” she said, adding in jest, “Then I’ll eat samgyupsal.” Dizon’s story is built differently. At six-foot-six, he had an unmistakable physical advantage before he even walked onto the stage. “I think it was my height for the competition,” he told Manila Standard Life. “One thing that stood out in this competition was my height.” His physical preparation also became more intense this time. “I worked harder on my body this time,” he explained. “I ate more, bulked up with more protein and carbs, and put in the hard work.” Dizon knows the physique audiences saw onstage did not happen overnight.
“This body that I have right now didn’t happen in a day or overnight. You have to work hard to make progress. What I have right now is the result of hard work and discipline,” he added. Despite the competitive nature of the event, Dizon refused to single out a rival. “They were all competitors for me. When you’re competing, you have to focus on yourself. When you’re standing on a stage, you have to notice yourself first before noticing others,” he said. That attitude came through when he learned that MJ Ordillano had finished as a runner-up. “Oh, definitely. I’m proud of him right now because he went through a lot,” Dizon said. “He’s my brother, and I’m grateful for him.” Dizon also admitted that the victory caught him off guard. “I didn’t expect that I would win, a c t u a l l y, ” he said. “I’m just grateful for the experience, and I’m glad to have been there.” His immediate plans were considerably less complicated than his training regimen.
Back to where it began
Cathay Pacific comes full circle at The Manila Hotel By Jasper Valdez The Manila Hotel occupies an unusual place in Cathay Pacific’s history. Long before the airline grew into an international carrier, its name had already found a connection to the historic Manila landmark. Cathay’s own accounts trace the story to the hotel’s former Tropicana Bar in 1946, where cofounder Roy Farrell was having drinks with a group of foreign correspondents. It was during that gathering that the name “Cathay Pacific” was conceived, with “Cathay” referring to an old name for China and “Pacific” reflecting the founders’ ambition to one day fly across the ocean. That connection brought Cathay Pacific back to The Manila Hotel on Sept. 3, when the airline marked its 80th anniversary at the same property associated with the origin of its name. A commemorative plaque recognizing the hotel’s place in Cathay’s early history was unveiled during the celebration and will remain permanently displayed at the property. “It’s not just Cathay’s 80th birthday, but it’s a journey that you shared with us,” Cathay chief customer and commercial officer Lavinia Lau told guests during the anniversary gathering. Cathay Pacific was founded by Farrell and Australian pilot Sydney de Kantzow in Hong Kong on Sept. 24, 1946. Starting
Cathay Pacific celebrates its 80th anniversary with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honoring the property’s place in the airline’s early history The celebration highlights the airline’s evolution and its commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences
Cathay country head for the Philippines Vishnu Rajendran honors the meaningful connections and express gratitude to those involved in Cathay’s journey in the Philippines
with a Douglas DC-3 named “Betsy,” the airline operated its first flight from Sydney to Hong Kong the following day. By November that year, Cathay had begun commercial service to Manila, making the Philippine capital one of its earliest destinations outside Hong Kong. Bangkok, Singapore, and Shanghai were also among its early routes. For Lau, that early presence gives the Philippines a particular place in
the airline’s eight-decade history. “Cathay’s 80-year journey has always been about moving people forward in life, and as one of our first destinations, the Philippines has been an important part of our story from the very beginning,” she said.
Cathay country head for the Philippines Vishnu Rajendran also pointed to the long relationship between the airline and the country, one shaped over decades by customers, partners, and the journeys made between the Philippines, Hong Kong, and destinations beyond.
“Sleep. And eat good food. But besides that, I would love to continue my advocacy, which is accessible nutrition, and reach more communities that we can help by adding things like improving our support,” he said. After weeks of training and competition, a cheat meal was clearly deserved. “Puwede,” he laughed when asked if he could indulge. “I would love to eat a burger and tacos. That sounds so good right now.” Dizon described the entire competition as a roller coaster. “It had its ups and downs and different activities,” he said. “You have your low moments, you have your high moments.” Yet the experience left him appreciating the people around him as much as the title. “Throughout the journey, it’s an experience to be enjoyed and cherished because without the organization and your co-finalists, it wouldn’t be fun at all to compete,” he said. The 2026 edition of Century Tuna Superbods brought 40 finalists to Solaire Resort North, where they faced runway presentations in activewear, lifestyle wear and swimwear before the field was narrowed to the Top 16 for the question-and-answer round. Among the night’s special award winners were Dizon, who took the Fan Choice Award and Bench Active Lifestyle Icon title for the male category; Luna, who won the Jojo Bragais Power Walk Award, Superbod Ultimate Transformation, and Digital Champ Award; and MJ Ordillano, who received the male Power Walk award. Luna and Dizon were judged by a panel that included Marian Rivera, Luis Manzano, Anne Curtis, Alice Dixson, Mauro Lumba, Greg Banzon, and Carlo Endaya. Special performances included James Reid, KZ Tandingan, and Atasha Muhlach.
Austin Dizon credits consistent training and discipline for the physique that helps carry him to the 2026 Superbods male crown
“The Philippines holds a special place in Cathay’s history and in the journeys of so many of our customers,” Rajendran said. “Holding this celebration at The Manila Hotel allows us to honor those meaningful connections while thanking everyone who has been part of Cathay’s journey in the Philippines.” He added that the anniversary was also an opportunity to recognize the people who have helped shape Cathay’s presence in the country. “We are truly grateful to celebrate this milestone with those who have shaped our journey and continue to move forward with us,” Rajendran said. Cathay also used its changing cabin crew uniforms to trace how its identity evolved alongside air travel. During the “Runway of Eras,” crew members appeared in uniforms from different periods of the airline’s history, while Filipino shadow play group El Gamma Penumbra presented another interpretation of its 80year journey. The anniversary comes as Cathay enters another period of expansion after rebuilding its network following the pandemic. The airline is investing in new aircraft, cabin products, and airport lounges while planning further growth across its network. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to elevating the travel experience and creating even more meaningful journeys for our customers as we strive towards our vision of becoming their most loved service brand,” Lau said.
LIFE
C4
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
Station 3 gives Mandarin White Sand guests a quieter Boracay base with beachfront access, family rooms, and an easier pace for island stays
The Sky, Sea, Sun, and Sand Suites offer larger spaces, sea-view lounges, and private dipping pools for travelers who want more room by the beach
Mandarin White Sand: A more relaxed way to experience Boracay
By Jimbo Gulle BORACAY is known for its lively beachfront, restaurants, and full days of activities. But in Station 3, the island takes on a quieter character. The beach is calmer, mornings unfold more slowly, and there is more room to linger. This is the setting of Mandarin White Sand, a 46-room beachfront property that offers a more intimate base for exploring the island. A place to settle in The rooms range from the 22-square-meter Deluxe King and Deluxe Twin to family options such as the Deluxe Quadruple and Premier Family, which accommodates up to five adults. The Sky, Sea, Sun, and Sand Suites offer about 43.5 square meters of space, with a king bedroom, sea-view outdoor lounge, and private dipping pool.
Suite guests can take in Boracay at a slower pace, with outdoor spaces designed for unhurried mornings and late-afternoon downtime
Room options at Mandarin White Sand cover couples, families, and groups looking for a comfortable stay in the calmer stretch of Station 3
Wi-Fi, a work desk, mini refrigerator, television, in-room safe and air-conditioning provide the essentials for a comfortable stay. The unhurried pace of Station 3 makes it easy to leave the day open, perhaps starting with a morning by the water and ending with a walk along the shore. Meals by the beach At 8 by the Beach, Filipino buffet favorites are joined by Boodle Boards in three variations: All Meat Eight, Seafood Eight and The Ultimate Eight. Designed for sharing, the boards offer grilled meats, seafood, and other Filipino dishes suited to meals with family and friends. In the evening, the resort’s Twilight Dance and live acoustic performances bring music to the beachfront, accompanied by drinks, conversation,
and the sea breeze. An easier arrival For international travelers, Mandarin White Sand offers airport transfers to help simplify the journey to Station 3. Its concierge can also assist with arranging island activities and other guest needs during the stay. The Station 3 experience There is less pressure to fill every hour in this part of Boracay. A morning can be spent by the water, lunch can stretch into the afternoon, and the day can end with a quiet walk along the beach. For travelers looking beyond Boracay’s busier stretches, Station 3 offers a different way to experience the island, at a pace that leaves room to simply be there. Mandarin White Sand tries to provide it all.
Charles Lim leads another year of the awards body he founded to recognize the people and institutions moving Philippine sports tourism forward
Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio reaffirms the Philippine Sports Commission’s support for the annual PSTA as the program honors sports-driven tourism work across the country
Benito Bengzon Jr. backs more events that show the country’s capacity to host major sports gatherings and attract visitors through competition
Celso ‘Toots’ Jimenez Jr. marks his birthday during an evening that also celebrates the people helping shape Philippine sports tourism
Celebrating the dynamism of sports tourism
I
HAVE known Charles Lim since he was the general manager of the general sales agency of Silk Air in Cebu, an affiliate of Singapore Airlines. He has always been a dynamic prime mover of events that make a definitive mark in our country’s business and social landscape. Seven years ago, he shared with me his vision to put up an awards body for those who keep our sports tourism industry vibrant. Naturally, for something as noble as this, I immediately offered whatever press exposure I could extend to him. That was when the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards (PSTA) was born. Now in its seventh year, the PSTA had its annual awards recently at the Grand Ballroom of Marriott Manila. It was presented by Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc., which is chaired by Charles Lim himself, in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission, under the leadership of Patrick “Pato” Gregorio. Aside from Lim and Gregorio, also on hand to present the individual awards were Tourism Usec. Shahlimar Tamano, representing Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, and Benito Bengzon, Jr., Vice President of Sports Turismo Alliance Inc. The awards paid tribute to the venues, destinations, organizers, sports associations, and other institutions that have driven Philippine tourism forward through premier sporting events. This year’s ceremony honored 18 outstanding awardees across a diverse set of categories: World Archery Philippines is the Emerging Sports Association of the Year; Sports
Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado
Tourism Forum at SMX Clark is MICE Event of the Year; Tour of Luzon, the Domestic Event of the Year; Island Living Channel, the Local Sports TV Channel of the Year; and Grand Country Tours and Travel is the Tour Operator of the Year. Other awardees were Duck World Philippines as the Media Outfit of the Year; FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup Manila as the International Event of the Year; Marriott Charity Golf, the Charity Event of the Year; Lapulapu City, the Destination Marketing of the Year; NUSTAR Resort Cebu, the Hotel of the Year; Puerto Princesa as the Emerging Destination of the Year and also the Event Organizer of the Year (Public).
YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE Every husband is just like a split air conditioner—no matter how loud he is outdoor, he is designed to be silent indoor.
The last set of awards was given to New Clark City as the Venue of the Year; Philippine Airlines, the Airline of the Year; Sunrise Events, the Event Organizer of the Year (Private); Philippine Football
Cynthia Lagdameo Carrion earns Sports Tourism Personality of the Year for helping bring international sports groups to the Philippines and supporting athletes such as Carlos Yulo
Federation, the Sports Association of the Year; and Subic Bay Freeport, the Destination of the Year. My dear friend, Cynthia Carrion, is the Sports Personality of the Year, for having brought in many international sports groups to our country, aside from being the “mother hen” of multi-awarded gymnast, Carlos Yulo. Also gracing the occasion were Attorney Agnes Devanadera, CEO of Clark Development Corporation and the first PSTA Hall Of Famer; Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Eduardo Aliño; Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilio Bayron; Lapulapu Congressman Junard Chan; and many other officers of various sports associations in the country. The event’s sponsors were the Philippine Sports Commission, Manila Marriott Hotel, Selrahco, NUSTAR Resort Cebu, the Department of Tourism, and Universal Robina Corporation. I’m glad my friend, Charles Lim, continues to be the spark plug we need for events that pay tribute to our sports tourism, especially now that we have the likes of Carlos Yulo, EJ Obiena and Alex Eala to show the world WE CAN. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com
This year’s PSTA honorees represent the events, destinations, and institutions helping turn the Philippines into a stronger sports tourism hub
SNAPSHOT Mandarin Premier Hotels joins Philippine Travel Mart
MANDARIN Premier Hotels & Resorts Group recently participated in the 37th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) at the SMX Convention Center, showcasing its Boracay properties and travel offerings to visitors. The group brought the vibrant spirit of Boracay to the three-day travel event, featuring Mandarin Bay, Mandarin Island Hotel, Mandarin White Sand Boracay, Mandarin Nest Boracay, and Island Inn Boracay. The properties showcased destinations, experiences, and getaway offers designed for travel enthusiasts looking for accommodations and leisure options in Boracay. Shown at the group’s booth, from left, were Christina Po-Huang, vice president for sales and business development; Kwim Meimban; Charles Ferrer, group assistant director of sales; Lily Po, managing director; Arjun Shroff, Philippine Tour Operators Association president; Yen Romulo, group director of sales; and Cesar Fernandez, cluster general manager.