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ASEAN FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS HIT $243.9B
US: SAUDI, HOUTHI BATTLES COULD ESCALATE RAPIDLY
KIM CHIU’S SISTER NABBED FOR 124 COUNTS OF THEFT
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PEÑAFRANCIA PARADE. Thousands of
devotees and pilgrims gather at Danlugan to welcome Our Lady of Peñafrancia, or ‘Ina,’ (inset) and accompany her on her journey home on Sunday in Naga City. For the first time, the fluvial parade is held in the evening because of low tide, creating a solemn scene as devotees line the river to honor Bicol’s revered patroness. Edd Castro, Archdiocese of Caceres, Naga City Tourism
VOL. XL • NO. 216 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
Apply sub judice rule fairly to all parties—Luistro By Rio N. Araja THE prosecution panel in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is considering asking the Senate impeachment court to apply its sub judice rule fairly and uniformly to all parties, including the respondent. Lead prosecutor Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro said the panel was seeking fairness after the court issued showcause orders to Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon and private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa over public statements that allegedly violated the rule against discussing the merits of a pending impeachment case.
Senate sets caucus today Protesters march for accountability over threshold vote issue ahead of Martial Next page
Law anniversary Impeach court eyeing more time to study arguments By Rex Espiritu, Pot Chavez and Vince Lopez FILIPINOS exasperated by unbridled corruption on Sunday marched to the EDSA Shrine and demanded accountability from public officials linked to graft. Meanwhile, the city government of Manila announced the suspension of onsite classes on Monday, Sept. 21, the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. Next page
By Rio N. Araja and Ram Superable
S
ENATOR-JUDGES are scheduled to hold a caucus today to discuss the voting threshold needed to convict or acquit Vice President Sara Duterte, with Sen. JV Ejercito saying he hopes members of the Senate impeachment court will be given time to study the arguments and legal opinions on the issue. “There will likely be a caucus on Monday regarding the issue of the voting threshold. Perhaps we will discuss whether this should be put to a vote or
whether the presiding officer can decide through consensus,” Ejercito said. In a separate interview, Ejercito said he hoped sen-
ator-judges would have enough time to study the arguments and inputs presented on the threshold. “I’m asking for a few days, if possible, to absorb and study it,” he said. Oral arguments by the prosecution and defense teams are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23 on the 16-vote threshold currently set for Duterte’s conviction. The House of Representatives prosecution panel, meanwhile, said it would respect whatever decision the impeachment court makes on the number of votes required for conviction. Next page
7 armed men killed in clash with gov’t troops in Tugunan town inside BARMM By Rex Espiritu SEVEN armed men were killed in a shootout with government forces in Tugunan town in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Saturday, the Philippine Army said. Meanwhile, Presidential peace adviser Secretary
NEVER AGAIN. Members of the Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO), Akbayan and other progressive groups gather at the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City on Sunday to mark the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on Sept. 21. Protesters carry banners and placards calling for remembrance of the period’s events and abuses. Edd Castro
Police rescue minors involved in viral video of gun-wielding school threat By Ram Superable POLICE in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, have located and rescued the minors involved in a viral video showing individuals brandishing a handgun and threatening schools, while also apprehending the adults who participated in the incident, authorities said Sunday. The Esperanza Municipal Police Station (MPS) said the operation was carried out through “swift action” and “close coordination” with Barangay Villamor officials, according to
Mel Senen Sarmiento called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and allow the peace mechanisms to do their work. The Army’s 6th Infantry Division said joint military-police forces were serving a warrant of arrest for carnapping with homicide when the suspect and his companions opened fire on the process servers. Next page
PH women’s soft tennis team claims historic Asiad bronze By Riera U. Mallari
a GMA News report. “Police operatives successfully located and rescued the minors involved, while individuals of legal age who participated in the act were likewise apprehended,” the Esperanza MPS said in a social media post. The video showed individuals brandishing a handgun while making threats against Esperanza National High School and other educational institutions in the municipality. Police said the minors were turned over to the
NAGOYA (Powered by PLDT Home)— The Philippines entered the medal column of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Sunday as the women’s soft tennis team delivered a historic bronze at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center. The podium finish gave an early boost to the national delegation’s campaign, the Philippines’ first medal of the 20th Asian Games and the country’s first-ever Asiad medal in soft tennis. The Filipinas advanced to the semifinals before falling to defending champion Japan, 0-2, but it was enough to secure the bronze, which they were already assured of before
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ASIAN GAMES BRONZE. The Philippine women’s soft tennis
team wins the country’s first medal at the 2026 Asian Games, securing bronze after a semifinal loss to host Japan. The team is composed of Bien Zoleta, Princess Catindig, Christy Sañosa, Shyryn Salazar and Hilary Paas. The podium finish marks a breakthrough for Philippine soft tennis. POC Media Pool
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Lacson said the court could postpone the Sept. 23 vote if senator-judges need more time to study the issue. The oral arguments and vote are currently scheduled on the same day. The question has taken on greater significance because only 20 senator-judges are currently actively participating in the trial. “I’d rather wait for the oral arguments on Wednesday because the prosecution
and defense will share their ideas and arguments. It is better to listen to them to broaden the basis of our decision,” Lacson said. Asked whether a senator-judge could seek to move the vote to the following week, the senator said this remained possible. “If some of us may still need more time, a motion may be made to defer the voting to the following week,” he said. Lacson also rejected any connection between the impeachment proceedings and the Ombudsman’s investigation of Senators Mark and Camille Villar – two more members of the minority -- their family and officials of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. He said the Senate would base its decisions on witnesses, documents, arguments and the views of the amici curiae they recently invited to shed light on the voting threshold. Senator-judges earlier sought the views of four former Supreme Court magistrates or “amici curiae” on whether senators who are detained, in hiding or abroad should be counted in determining the number of votes needed to convict or acquit Duterte. Former Chief Justices Artemio Panganiban, Hilario Davide Jr. and Reynato Puno said the impeachment court has the authority to change the 16-vote threshold, arguing that the requirement should be based on the senators actively participating in the trial. Retired Associate Justice Adolf Azcuna, however, said the Constitution requires two-thirds of the entire Senate membership, which would mean 16 votes. Lacson said the former magistrates offered differing interpretations of the constitutional provision requiring a twothirds vote of all members of the Senate.
Protesters... From A1
Police... From A1
The protest walk was organized by various progressive groups and civil society organizations, including students and other sectors. It was dubbed “Walk for Truth and Justice,” which started at La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong City and stopped at EDSA. About a thousand participants raised several concerns—from unresolved irregularities in flood control projects, thriving political dynasties, questionable budget cuts in public schools, the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, to perennial labor issues. “The students said the fight cannot end with investigations, hearings, or a handful of arrests. They called for all those responsible for corruption to be charged, arrested, and jailed, and for every stolen peso to be recovered,” Akbayan party-list said in a statement. The group also marked one year since it launched the ‘Trillion Peso March’ movement, which began as a way for activists to collectively express decades of frustration over public infrastructure projects riddled with corruption resulting in disastrous floods. The youth leaders called for a full investigation into multiple personalities accused of amassing wealth through ghost projects. They also demanded the enactment of an enabling law against political dynasties after the Supreme Court ordered Congress to fulfill its constitutional duty. Earlier, the August Twenty One Movement (ATOM) held a motorcade before proceeding to the Supreme Court in Manila, where it aired its grievances over the recent acquittal of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos in a graft case. Activists including former presidential nephew Francis ‘Kiko’ Aquino Dee joined ATOM in its “Lakbay Pananagutan 2.0: Never Forget” protest to remember how history portrayed the Marcos family despite winning their legal battles. “The world knows the Marcoses stole,” ATOM wrote in its banner. Allied labor organizations joined the group as they decried the non-implementation of a wage hike order, which would have increased the take-home pay of workers amid rising costs of living. Other labor groups such as Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO) assembled at the south gate of the House of Representatives in Quezon City before marching to EDSA to protest against political dynasties and unfair labor practices.
Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for proper custody, psychological evaluation, and intervention and rehabilitation programs, in compliance with the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. “While juvenile welfare laws safeguard the rights of minors, the PNP stresses that actions carry real consequences,” it added. The incident came as Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian renewed his push for the swift passage of the Comprehensive School Safety Act following a series of campus violence incidents, including a recent shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato. The proposed legislation, filed under Senate Bill No. 2426, seeks to establish
Senate... From A1 Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno said the prosecution team was not focused on the voting threshold but on presenting evidence it considers sufficient to support its case against Duterte. “We believe that this matter is truly in the hands of the Senate as the impeachment court. Whatever decision they make on this issue, we will respect it,” Diokno told Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday. “We are not focused on the issue of the voting threshold. Our focus is on presenting the strongest possible case. Whatever decision the Senate impeachment court makes, we will abide by it,” he said. The issue arose after four senators were unable to participate fully in the impeachment proceedings. Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III confirmed that a caucus would be held to determine the threshold, while Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the impeachment court would decide whether to retain or modify the 16-vote requirement.
Oral arguments set for Wednesday
7Fromarmed... A1 The exchange of gunfire left six of the suspect’s group dead, the Army said. Another fatality was found later. “There are now seven fatalities on the side of the armed group,” 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano said. Five high-powered firearms were recovered from the area, including four M16 rifles and a Garand rifle, the Army said. The 6th Infantry Division said information provided by residents helped authorities locate the group following reports of alleged incidents and abuses
Apply... From A1 “We also have a request. We hope the impeachment court is uniform in the implementation of the sub judice rule,” Luistro said in a DZMM Teleradyo interview. Luistro said the prosecution had observed other parties making “similar comments and worse” without being called out, although she did not identify them. She stressed that the sub judice rule applies not only to the prosecution and defense but also to the senator-judges and Duterte. “We’re submitting completely on the jurisdiction and authority of the honorable impeachment court,” Luistro said. Ridon and Tolosa have maintained that their statements were made in the course of explaining the proceedings to the public and did not seek to influence
He said consulting the former justices was part of the court’s due diligence.
Lawyers: Consider 14-vote threshold
appears and takes his oath, noting that the impeachment court has coercive powers. He added that the Senate should not interfere with the participation of Estrada and Marcoleta in their separate cases before the Sandiganbayan.
A group of law professors, former law deans and current and former presidents of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines based in Eastern Visayas has separately asked the Senate to consider a 14-vote threshold. In a Sept. 17 letter to Gatchalian, the group cited Article XI, Section 3(6) of the Constitution, which requires a twothirds vote of all the members of the Senate for conviction. It argued that Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Rodante Marcoleta and Ronald dela Rosa should not be included in determining the denominator because they cannot currently participate in the proceedings. The group said excluding the three would leave 21 participating senators, making two-thirds equivalent to 14 votes. Sen. Loren Legarda, meanwhile, has been absent for weeks due to reported health reasons and is currently abroad. Legarda is also a member of the Senate minority like Estrada, Marcoleta and dela Rosa. Marcoleta, who like Estrada is detained on plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court, has criticized the Senate for not taking up his earlier manifestation seeking to participate in the trial. He said the Constitution provides for a 16-vote requirement and questioned the point of participating if the Senate would not address his request. Sen. Panfilo Lacson said dela Rosa, who is in hiding after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him, could still participate if he
Malacañang said the opinions of the former magistrates could help the senator-judges but would not bind the impeachment court. Retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has also said the threshold should depend on the number of senators qualified to vote, arguing that senators who are suspended or unable to take their oaths should not necessarily be included in the denominator. Sen. Erwin Tulfo moved to overturn the ruling of erstwhile Senate President and impeachment court presiding officer Francis Escudero that 16 votes are required to convict Duterte. Senate Secretary Renato Tongol said interlocutory orders could be amended and that the senator-judges would decide by majority vote whether to grant Tulfo’s motion. One view is that the court must first determine whether it can revisit Escudero’s ruling before deciding on the appropriate denominator. Another view is that the proceedings on Tulfo’s motion already constitute a review of the ruling, leaving only the question of how many senators should be counted. Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and other legal observers have also weighed in on the threshold debate, while the Senate continues to consider the constitutional and procedural implications of excluding senators who cannot participate.
a permanent National Comprehensive School Safety Framework to safeguard students and school personnel nationwide. The bill mandates the Department of Education to collaborate with key government agencies and local government units to design, execute, and continually refine the national safety framework. Its framework establishes a threetiered approach focused on hazard prevention, emergency response, and post-incident recovery. To operationalize the national policy locally, every school must draft and update an annual School Safety Plan tailored to its specific security landscape. Educational institutions will also be required to maintain a regularly updated School Safety Handbook containing emergency protocols, available support services, and clear guidelines on student welfare. “A reactive response is not enough. We need to be proactive, identify threats, prevent incidents before they happen, and ensure that every school
is safe,” said Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of the bill. Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed support for the proposed measure, saying campus security requires a simultaneous focus on physical safeguards and underlying mental health needs. DepEd calls for the installation of handheld metal detectors, regular bag checks, perimeter fencing, closed-circuit television networks, and strict visitor monitoring systems in public schools. The department is also expanding the National Learners Telesafe Contact Center Helpline through a partnership with the National Center for Mental Health, while fortifying institutional Child Protection Committees and streamlining internal incident reporting channels to better protect students. “Our schools must remain safe havens for learning. Protecting our children requires a whole-of-community commitment,” Angara said.
in the area involving armed men. About 350 residents fled their homes for the safety of the evacuation centers following the shootout. Tugunan Mayor Abdullah Abas expressed support for the operation and thanked the security forces involved. Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, acting commander of the 6ID and Joint Task Force Central, commended the troops, the policemen and local government officials and residents for their cooperation in maintaining peace and security in the area. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have deployed joint peace mechanisms to de-escalate tension arising from a localized conflict locally called
rido meaning bloody feud among families or clans in the SGA), the Government Peace Implementing Panel said Sunday. The Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), and Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPSTs) have been coordinating with local government units and MILF commanders since Sept. 16 to prevent the conflict from escalating and restore calm in affected communities. The panel said tensions have since eased. Sarmiento said the joint ceasefire mechanisms remain in place and are assisting local authorities in de-escalating the “rido.”
the senator-judges or prejudge the case. Both have submitted their responses to the show-cause orders. Ridon said the prosecution would continue presenting its case while explaining the proceedings to the public within the rules set by the impeachment court. He and prosecution spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong also questioned why the court had not acted on Duterte’s public statement that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. controlled the senators, judges and police. Adiong said such remarks could be viewed as an attack on the integrity of the impeachment court, while Ridon said the matter should be left to the court to determine. Under the Senate impeachment rules, the sub judice provision bars the presiding officer, senators, prosecutors, the impeached official, their respective counsels and witnesses from making
public comments or disclosures concerning the merits of a pending impeachment trial. The court has warned that violations may result in a reprimand or verbal admonition for a first offense, while subsequent violations may carry a P30,000 fine and other sanctions.
‘Opinions won’t bind impeach court’
Prosecution to finish presenting evidence
Meanwhile, Tolosa said the prosecution would first present its evidence on the allegations of unexplained wealth before deciding whether to call Duterte to testify. He said prosecutors would compare Duterte’s declared wealth with her tax filings, government salary, business income and bank records, and allow her to explain the findings before the senator-judges. Tolosa said the prosecution would not need Duterte to testify merely to authenticate her Statements of Assets,
Kim Chiu sister nabbed for 124 counts of theft TV HOST-actress Kim Chiu’s sister, Lakambini Chiu, was arrested Saturday afternoon in Mandaluyong City on a warrant for 124 counts of qualified theft, police said. Police said Lakambini, 45, was arrested at about 4:06 p.m. in Barangay Wack Wack by virtue of a warrant issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 84. The court set bail at P5.838 million. Lakambini is being held at the Police Station 10 custodial facility pending the court’s commitment order. The arrest stemmed from a criminal complaint filed by Kim in December after financial discrepancies were discovered in their business. The Office of the Quezon City Prosecutor later found sufficient grounds to charge Lakambini with 124 counts of qualified theft. Kim’s legal counsel said Lakambini was part of the business management but declined to identify the company. Kim and her lawyers, Xylene Dolor and Archernar Gregana, had submitted a sworn statement and supporting documents and evidence to the Office of the Assistant City Prosecutor. Dolor said the complaint covered the 2025 fiscal year and that the financial discrepancies involved substantial amounts connected to the business. “There were substantial amounts connected to my business assets that were found missing,” Kim said in a statement released after the complaint was filed. She said filing the case was one of the most difficult decisions she had made and was intended to protect her company and its employees’ livelihoods. Vince Lopez
PH... From A1 the game. A victory would have moved them into the gold-medal match. Bien Zoleta and Princess Catindig opened the semifinals against Rena Temma and Kiho Miyamae and were defeated, 0-5. Christy Sanosa then battled Ayaka Iwakura in the second singles match as she found her rhythm in the middle games before the Japanese player prevailed, 4-0, to book the hosts’ place in the gold-medal game. “Sobrang saya, kasi ito nga, very historic win for us sa Philippine soft tennis. First time ito na maka-podium finish since 1994. Sobrang happy na naka-medal kami para sa bayan,” said team captain Bien Zoleta. “Ito [medalya] ang pinapangarap namin sa soft tennis. Ito ang Olympics namin, so ang magka-medalya dito is napakalaking bagay para sa amin,” she added. PSC chairman Patrick “Pató” Gregorio, who was there to witness the matches, lauded the historic feat and said it highlighted the potential of growing soft tennis in the Philippines. “Congratulations to our first medalists in the Asian Games,” said Gregorio. “Soft tennis is a sport that we can really develop and this is a great chance to promote it throughout the country.” The soft tennis team will still be busy as the mixed doubles is set on September 21, while the men’s and women’s singles events will follow the following day. Liabilities and Net Worth because these are government records. Bank documents, meanwhile, would be authenticated through representatives of the financial institutions identified in the prosecution’s pretrial brief, he said. Tolosa said the prosecution would examine whether Duterte’s declared wealth corresponds with her lawful income and whether her declared assets match her actual holdings. Duterte’s lawyers would also have the opportunity to call her as a witness when the defense presents its evidence. Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, meanwhile, said the impeachment proceedings concerned Duterte’s accountability and should not be set aside because public attention had shifted to other issues such as food and electricity costs. She also said concerns over alleged ghost spending should apply to both confidential funds and infrastructure projects.
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ASEAN seen to grow by 4.5% in 2026 despite global uncertainties By Katrina Manubay
FESTIVE SESSION ROAD. Residents and tourists stroll through Session Road in Baguio City during its car-free day today as the summer capital’s main road is transformed by vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival installations featuring colorful paper lanterns, red inflatable archways, and street market stalls lined along the iconic thoroughfare. Conrad Rotor
THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economy is projected to grow by 4.5 percent in 2026 despite uncertainties linked to the Middle East crisis and the broader global economic environment. In a joint statement issued following the first day of the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (AEM) and Related Meetings, the ministers welcomed the ASEAN economy expanding by 4.9 percent in 2025 and expected it to grow by 4.5 percent in 2026, noting that it remains above the projected global growth rate of 3.0 percent. “The Meeting acknowledged that, despite uncertainties arising from the Middle East crisis and global geo-economic uncertainties, ASEAN’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by sustained manufacturing activity, resilient exports and investment, and steady domestic demand,” the statement read. In May, foreign and economic ministers expressed shared concerns over the escalating Middle East conflict and outlined coordinated measures related to energy, food security, and crisis response mechanisms, as part of ASEAN’s effort for a unified regional response. During the ASEAN Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers Meeting in Cebu, the bloc approved an ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Response to the Middle East Crisis for adoption at the 48th ASEAN Summit, representing a unified regional stance. According to the joint statement, the ministers also welcomed ASEAN’s strong performance in its external sector, noting that merchandise trade, foreign direct investment inflows, and trade in services all increased in 2025, at 13.7 percent (US$4.4 trillion), 10.1 percent (US$245.7 billion), and 7.5 percent (US$1.3 to 1.4 trillion), respectively. “The Meeting emphasised the importance of deepening regional economic integration, strengthening supply chain resilience, promoting investment, and advancing cooperation on emerging economic issues to sustain ASEAN’s growth momentum and long-term competitiveness amidst an increasingly uncertain global environment,” it added.
1.2m devotees join Peñafrancia parade A N ESTIMATED 1.2 million devotees gathered in Naga City for the fluvial procession of El Divino Rostro and Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia on Saturday, despite the activity being held at nighttime for the first time due to low tide.
Devotees, pilgrims and visitors waited along the route to witness the annual religious tradition. Among them was 60-year-old Lito Almazar, who has been a devotee of “Ina” for 50 years. Almazar said he continues to travel from Canaman to Naga City every
year, some 14 kilometers separating the two Camarines Sur towns. “I come here every year to watch Ina’s procession. I am happy that I can always come to Naga to visit Ina and see her,” he said, adding that his devotion includes praying for a longer life and for his children to be spared from
calamities and other difficulties. Meanwhile, 48-year-old Lailane Nebria, a street vendor in Naga City and a devotee for more than 30 years, said the annual celebration is important to her livelihood. “When Peñafrancia comes, it is what we really look forward to because Ina’s celebration is a big help to us,” Nebria said. “Whether the water rises or falls, Ina’s procession should continue because that is what is most important, especially for the devotees.” For 22-year-old Nathaniel Serrado of Bula town, youth participation
FUELING UP EARLY. A gas
station employee fills a customer’s container with kerosene at a gas station in Don Antonio, Quezon City, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, amid expectations of a significant increase in petroleum product prices, including kerosene, in the coming week. The customer biked his way to the gas station to save on fuel and money. Edd Castro
Japanese business groups seek upgrade in econ ties with ASEAN A JAPANESE business group has sought an upgrade of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) and an increase in co-creation partnerships between the two parties. The call is among the policy recommendations submitted by the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA) during a highlevel dialogue with Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, in Pasay City on Friday evening. The recommendations cover supply chains, green transformation, digitalization, and human capital, based on a survey among 1,041 FJCCIA member companies
seeking a more enabling investment environment in Southeast Asia. “Supply chains, green transformation, digitalization, and human capital are inseparable. We call this approach integrated resilience. FJCCIA strongly supports ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” FJCCIA Chair Shimoda Shigeru said. “Japanese companies remain committed to ASEAN as longterm responsible partners, and we hope these recommendations will be translated into concrete annual deliverables.” Shimoda said Japanese companies want the full implementation of the revised ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA);
stronger monitoring of non-tariff measures and reduced administrative burdens; and full digitization of trade procedures through the ASEAN Single Window, among others. The FJCCIA also proposed expanding the ASEAN Power Grid and cross-border renewable energy trade, and called for the early conclusion and implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). Kao, meanwhile, took note of the recommendations, saying the cited areas are also “key priorities” for ASEAN. “Across these areas, ASEAN is advancing important regional initiatives, from the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement and ASEAN Single Window now going to 2.0 to the ASEAN Power Grid, DEFA, and strong cooperation on skills and talent development,” he said.
‘Habagat’ to bring rains over southern Luzon—PAGASA THE southwest monsoon or “habagat” will continue to bring rains over the western section of Southern Luzon, the weather bureau said Sunday. In its 4 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms will prevail over Palawan, warning of possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains. Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain
showers or thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will also have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms. Northern Luzon and the eastern sections of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon, Mindanao, and the rest of the country will experience light to moderate winds, while coastal waters will be slight to moderate. As of 2 a.m., PAGASA said no low-pressure areas are being monitored for tropical cyclone formation.
helps carry on the tradition. “For me, it is important that we continue to remember our traditions as part of the community. We should not forget the miracles and what Ina has done,” Serrado, a devotee for five years, said. He said young people are increasingly exposed to technology, which lessens their interest in attending traditional celebrations. “I think I should be one of those who show that we should still value these traditions,” he said. Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) said
the f luvial procession concluded peacefully. PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio said security operations were conducted before, during and after the procession. Personnel maintained presence in convergence areas, roadways, and other areas frequented by devotees. “The peaceful conduct of this year’s fluvial procession is a reflection of the collective effort of our police personnel, partner agencies, local government units, volunteers, stakeholders and most importantly, our people,” Silvio said.
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DFA reaffirms support of One China Policy By Katrina Manubay
CHINATOWN PARADE. Devotees of Chio Sai Siong Hong Kong Temple parade through Binondo, Manila, during the annual feast of Siong Hong Kong, the Taoist City Guardian deity revered by the local Chinese-Filipino community. The colorful procession highlights the centuries-old traditions of Manila’s Chinatown. Richmond Chi
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to its One China Policy while emphasizing that the policy does not prevent Manila from engaging in economic, cultural and functional cooperation with Taiwan. In a statement, the DFA stated that the Philippines recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate government of China, affirming that the policy remains “consistent,” “clear” and “unchanged.” “The Department of Foreign Affairs reaffirms the Philippines’ adherence to its One China Policy, in accordance with the 1975 Joint Communiqué between the Philippines and China, in which the Philippines recognized the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China. This policy remains consistent, clear and unchanged,” the statement read. “The One China Policy does not preclude the Philippines from pursuing economic, cultural and functional cooperation with Taiwan. As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently noted, the Philippines and Taiwan are close neighbors with a long history of doing business together,” it added. The DFA also highlighted its role in shaping the country’s foreign policy, noting that this authority is rooted in law, citing the 1987 Constitution’s provision on an independent foreign policy and the executive power vested in the President. Under Executive Order No. 292, or the Administrative Code of 1987, the DFA is the primary agency responsible for advising and assisting the President on foreign relations and implementing the country’s foreign policy.
Over 100k join coastal cleanup, says DENR By Rio N. Araja
IN BRIEF
O
VER 103,000 participants across all 17 regions have collected more than 466,000 kilos of waste from 369 coastal, river, waterway and underwater cleanup sites nationwide during this year’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
PNP, Tulfo seek probe, accountability in ship blaze THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday backed the creation of an interagency task force to investigate the M/V June Aster ferry tragedy that killed 77 people and left eight others missing off Coron, Palawan. Separately, Sen. Erwin Tulfo called on the national government to expedite compensation for victims and survivors, citing reports that some relatives were sent home to await their family members’ remains without immediate assistance. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police were ready to provide personnel and resources for the joint investigation. The task force will examine the vessel’s operations and circumstances surrounding the incident while strengthening interagency coordination. Vince Lopez and Ram Superable
Abrahano warns against scams using his name NATIONAL Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting regional director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano on Sunday warned the public against individuals using his name to solicit money through messaging applications and online platforms. Abrahano said he would never ask anyone to send, transfer or deposit money into a bank account, e-wallet or individual on his behalf. “Please be warned that there are individuals using messaging apps and other online platforms to impersonate me or falsely use my name to solicit money,” he said. He urged anyone who receives such messages to avoid sending money or sharing personal and financial information, verify through official channels and report the accounts immediately. Abrahano also called on the public to share the advisory with their colleagues, friends and family, and remain vigilant against such scams. Vince Lopez
DPWH expedites repair of collapsed Agana Bridge THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is working round the clock to immediately repair the collapsed section of the Agana Bridge in Tarlac City. In a social media post on Friday, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said structural support beams for a temporary Bailey bridge had been installed to quickly restore the critical link for motorists and commuters. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the DPWH to expedite the repairs to eliminate the need for alternative routes and reduce travel time for motorists, commuters and goods transport. The middle portion of the decades-old Agana Bridge in Barangay Tibag partially collapsed late last month due to heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat. The bridge was the second in the province to be damaged, following the collapse of the 40-year-old Tarlac Bridge on Aug. 28. Marcos allocated P300 million for repairs to both bridges.
“Our understanding of solid waste management has evolved over the years. But regardless of how many ‘Rs’ we
MANILA SKYLINE HAZE. Haze blankets Manila’s high-rise buildings, as seen from the Manila Yacht Club on Sept. 20, 2026. The air quality index across Metro Manila ranges from moderate to unhealthy levels. Norman Cruz
DHSUD welcomes developers in 4PH plan By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has welcomed the participation of the country’s top developers in the Marcos administration’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) as a sign of the program’s sustainability in scaling up housing production. Housing czar Jose Ramon Aliling said the partnerships between PagIBIG Fund and some of the country’s reputable developers indicated that the government is on the right track in implementing the flagship Expanded 4PH. Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) was the
latest private developer to enter into a partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in support of the government’s housing initiative on Sept. 15. Under the MOU, a qualified PagIBIG Fund member may avail of preferential financing rates, special discounts, home furniture packages and other incentives on select FLI units, subject to applicable terms and program guidelines. The SM Development Corp. (SMDC) inked a partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund in furtherance of the Expanded 4PH. Last month, Ayala Land Inc.’s residential brands, Amaia Land Corp. and Avida Land Corp., entered into
separate MOUs with Pag-IBIG Fund to provide wider options to Filipino homebuyers under the Fund’s special rates. In February, Megawide Construction Corp. committed at least 7,000 socialized housing units under the Expanded 4PH Program, utilizing modern construction technologies to help accelerate housing delivery. To date, Megawide’s housing projects under the Expanded 4PH are ongoing in Cavite. Pag-IBIG Fund continues to make its housing financing available to more members seeking affordable homeownership opportunities, while developers contribute additional housing inventory under the government’s flagship program.
add to the framework of reuse, reduce and recycle, there is one ‘R’ that makes all the others possible: This is our responsibility,” Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said. The sustained nationwide turnout, coupled with waste recovery levels nearly matching last year’s results, highlights continued public support for marine litter prevention and responsible waste management. The nationwide effort, spearheaded by the DENR, brought together national government agencies, local government units, schools, businesses, civic groups, communities and other organizations to remove marine litter and document waste collected from waterways and coastal areas. “Responsibility transforms policies into practice. It turns technology into solutions. And it turns individual actions into national progress,” Cuna pointed out. In the National Capital Region alone, over 36,000 participants joined cleanup activities at 11 sites, including Baseco Beach, Manila Bay Dolomite Beach, Manila Ocean Park, Pasig River in Barangay 836, Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park, SM by the Bay, Tanza Marine Tree Park, Bagumbayan North, Marikina River, Solaire Coast and ASEANA Business Park. The waste was weighed, sorted and recorded by type, generating data that can help identify marine litter patterns and guide waste management interventions in areas where they are most needed. The ICC underscored the role of the private sector, including companies covered by the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, or Republic Act No. 11898. “It begins with simple choices to refuse what we do not need, to segregate waste properly, to reuse what we can, and to dispose of what remains responsibly. When millions of Filipinos make responsible choices every day, we create lasting change,” Cuna said.
Exemption sought for transport aid from election spending ban By Rio N. Araja THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to exempt the service contracting program (SCP), including the EDSA Busway “Libreng Sakay,” fuel subsidy and other programs from the ban on fund disbursements during the election period. Acting LTFRB chief Greg Pua Jr., in a Sept. 15 letter, told Comelec that such programs are not election-related expenses since they are intended to assist the public transportation sector and commuters amid the effects of the Middle East conflict. Apart from SCP, including the EDSA Busway Extension and Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” Program, the LTFRB has asked Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia to exempt the fuel subsidy program, the one-time fuel subsidy, the P12-per-liter fuel discount and the Pub-
lic Transport Modernization Program, as well as its continuing activities, from the election ban. The agency is currently facilitating the release of up to three-month assistance packages to operators of modern public transportation for their monthly loan amortization and operational expenses. “The subject programs are continuing government programs and are not election-related or partisan activities. They are implemented pursuant to existing laws, appropriations, policies and program guidelines,” the letter read. “These programs are intended to ensure continuity, affordability, safety and reliability of public transportation,” the LTFRB said. “Any interruption in these programs during the election period may adversely affect commuters, drivers and public transport operators, and may disrupt the delivery of essential public transportation services,” Pua said.
SWEET PEAS. A farmer tends to flowering sweet pea crops in Mt. Santo Tomas, Tuba, Benguet, as her son and pet dog accompany her during daily farm chores. The crops are expected to mature in a few weeks. Dave Leprozo
OPINION
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EDITORIAL
Regla THIS article is not about the Virgen de la Regla, which is the patroness of LapuLapu City in Cebu. Literally, regla is Spanish for rule. But in colloquial use among gamblers and politicians, the word connotes a tendency, a trend that morphs into some kind of a traditional “rule.” Just as in gambling, whether in baccarat or in the “larong lupa” games like jueteng and “pula-puti”, there is a “regla” in Philippine presidential sweepstakes, which is there are no second chances for losers in a presidential race. Two of the memorable examples are those of the late Raul Roco who first ran in 1998 and then again in 2004, and Panfilo Lacson in 2004 and 2022. Once you vie for the top prize in our politics and lose, you cannot win on your second try. It is different with lower nationally elected officials, such as the vice-presidency or a senatorial comeback, where losing for these seats do not doom your presidential bid. The best example is that of Bongbong Marcos, who lost the vice-presidency in 2016 to Leni Robredo, but made a spectacular win over the same opponent in 2022, this time as president, thanks to his arranged political marriage with Sara Duterte. These days, pinklawan tribes are egging Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo to run for president in 2028. Despite losing to the BbM-Sara combine in 2022, she is still their most viable candidate according to early surveys. After his seizure of the limelight while disputing the contents of a note handed to him in a South Korean conference, some admirers such as Senator Lacson have floated the possibility of a Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro for our next president. One cannot dispute the qualifications of Gibo for the presidency, just like Roco and Lacson’s credentials were, but when Teodoro ran in 2010, he finished fourth in a field of five, despite being the official candidate of the incumbent PGMA. Can a candidate Gibo, endorsed by the incumbent PBbM, break the “regla”? Can a candidate Leni, endorsed by PBbM and the pinklawan, break the “regla”? Well, in this country, rules are always subject to change, just as the Senate is now considering changing the rules of the impeachment trial after having acquiesced to their presiding officer’s ruling. But election “regla” is different. Only vox populi as vox Dei can change that rule. *** One of the atrocious “spins” of the media who belong to the Diehard Duterte Haters is to describe the increase in the
vice-president’s net worth from 7.25 million in 2007 when she first ran for vicemayor of Davao City to 98.66 million in her latest net worth of 2025. Reporters and news readers described it as “lumobo” or ballooned, some even calculating it as a 1,360 % increase. Obviously, they do not understand the meaning of real incomes. Either they have forgotten their Economics 101 or deliberately ignored it.
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Hail and salute, Justice Adolf! Using official price index metrics, 98.6 million can just buy about 50 million pesos today. In 2007 for instance, a kilo of good locally-produced rice was 30 to 33 pesos per kilo. The same rice now sells at 60 to 65 pesos. See what I mean? The Carpio couple’s net worth increased by normal real values. One was vice-mayor, then mayor, and now vicepresident, while her husband has been a practicing lawyer for two decades. Their net worth did not balloon. It increased normally. Go through the SALN of the flood control legislators, some of whom are stars in the prosecution. 98 million is less than two maletas, courtesy of Zaldy Co. *** Hilario Davide reversed what he had earlier maintained in interviews. Why a 90-year old jurist makes a complete turnaround is now subject to unkind speculation which he deserves. Pompously wearing his mothballed judicial robes, Artemio Panganiban waxed lyrically about changing the rules at any point in the game, ostensibly in pursuit of “truth and fairness”. Reynato Puno, recalled for posterity as the ponente who gave us the queer theory of “constructive resignation” in granting legal cover for PGMA not just “acting” as president in 2001, also supported a Senate majority re-definition of Constitutional writ. But not Adolfo Azcuna, who aside from retiring as a highly respected justice, was also instrumental in defining the conviction threshold in Article XI of our Constitution as “two-thirds of all” of twenty-four, with no disqualifications other than death, resignation or expulsion. The high bar for conviction was precisely intended to prevent the “dangerous abuse” for political or partisan motives which is what we are witnessing today. To him I say: Hail and salute, Justice Adolf!
AI ‘warning shots’ focus Beijing on national security risks By Luna Lin with Helen Roxburgh in Bangkok WHILE AI researchers in the United States fret over out-of-control superintelligence wiping out humanity, Chinese policymakers have until now been more focused on immediate risks, from deepfakes to child safety. But the alarming hacking ability of top artifical intelligence models is leading Beijing to see the dangers in a new light, with the spy agency chief warning this week that the technology could jeopardise national security. The potential vulnerability of Chinese mega-app WeChat was also revealed recently when a small team of programmers in California said it had used AI to build a cyberattack “worm” that, if unleashed, could easily compromise millions of WeChat accounts. “There are more similarities than differences when it comes to AI safety issues” in China and the United States, said Kevin Xu, founder of US-based technology hedge fund Interconnected Capital. But unlike in America, these “don’t get litigated or go viral in public in China”, Xu told AFP. Nevertheless, the cybersecurity impact of AI agent bots acting without human oversight “would rank very high among the Chinese government’s biggest concerns”. As the topic grabs global headlines, the pressure is on for President Xi Jinping and US counterpart Donald Trump to discuss tackling the AI threats to both countries at in-person talks on Thursday
-- despite their rivalry in the field. Both powers are “developing a more realistic and shared understanding of these risks, thereby heightening the sense of urgency” to work together, Sun Chenghao of Tsinghua University’s Center for International Security and Strategy told AFP. Cooperation on shared safety evaluations for AI models or alert systems when crises emerge might be undermined by the fierce competition, however.
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There is broad support for tight regulation. “We’re leading China in AI... and frankly I want to keep it that way,” Trump said when asked about calls from top US labs for a coordinated slowdown of their cutting-edge work. Meanwhile, Sun said, “China is concerned that ‘security’ may be used as a tool to restrict its technological development”. ‘Vulnerable position’ A stark warning of the existential threat posed by self-improving future AI systems, posted Monday on X by a researcher resigning from US startup Anthropic, has fuelled debate worldwide over how the technology should be governed. China is already actively regulating how it is used, such as by prohibiting the creation of an AI-generated avatar in someone’s likeness without their
F
Asylum from accountability
ORMER presidential spokesman Harry Roque’s bid for political asylum in Austria is more than a personal legal maneuver.
It is a stark inversion of the bravado that defined the Duterte administration he once defended. We heard about the possible result of Roque’s application as his former principal, Rodrigo Duterte, made his first physical appearance before the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Initially we were told by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary, Jonvic Remulla, that the bid had been denied. Roque took to social media to say this was not true. And now the Foreign Affairs Department says it has no information whatsoever. Roque, who once articulated the state’s power to shield its own, now seeks protection from the very international system he dismissed as
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Roque’s application for asylum symbolizes the ultimate irony of illiberal populism. against the backdrop of the International Criminal Court’s pursuit of accountability for thousands of deaths in the Duterte drug war. His application signifies a fracturing of the once-impenetrable
WITH AI, a prompt is typed, an answer appears, and the process seems to happen somewhere in the “cloud.” In reality, every response depends on a physical system of data centers, high-performance processors, fiber networks, submarine cables, electricity and cooling facilities. The speed and convenience of AI make this global machinery easy to overlook. But countries without sufficient computing capacity remain dependent on infrastructure elsewhere. They may use the technology while much of the investment, expertise and economic value flows beyond their borders. This is the strategic challenge addressed by the Philippines AI+ Infrastructure Masterplan 2026–2033, or PAIIM. More than a technology roadmap, it recognizes digital infrastructure as critical infrastructure. Like power grids, roads, ports and water systems, it supports economic activity, government operations and essential services. Power outages, cyberattacks or capacity shortages can disrupt businesses, financial transactions, communications and public services. Building and securing it is therefore an economic, national security and consumer welfare imperative. The Masterplan seeks to position the Philippines as a regional platform for AI compute and digital services. It estimates that the country currently has about 50 megawatts of AI-oriented data center capacity and targets 1.5 gigawatts by 2033—a thirtyfold expansion. It also calls for stronger international and domestic connectivity, more reliable and progressively cleaner energy, a larger AIready workforce, responsible governance and wider adoption across government and industry. Our strategic location, international cable connections and 1.3-million-strong IT-BPM workforce give the Philippines important advantages. But advantages do not automatically become investments. High electricity costs, grid congestion, uneven broadband access, limited advanced computing capacity and shortages in specialized skills continue to constrain our competitiveness.
PAIIM recognizes that these problems must be addressed together. Data centers cannot operate reliably without dependable power. Computing capacity cannot stimulate nationwide innovation without fast and affordable connectivity. Neither will produce lasting domestic value unless Filipino workers, researchers, schools and enterprises can use it. For consumers, this is where the plan must become practical. AI infrastructure should help government process documents more quickly, detect fraud, manage traffic, anticipate disasters and improve healthcare and education services. It should give micro, small and medium enterprises affordable access to cloud and AI tools, while helping Filipino workers move into higher-value roles as routine tasks become automated.
The Masterplan targets the reskilling of 1.3 million IT-BPM professionals by 2033. This is essential, but training must be measured by results, not enrollment figures. Workers need recognized competencies, access to actual technologies and pathways to better jobs. AI should augment Filipino judgment, creativity and empathy, not leave workers to bear the cost of technological disruption. The scale of investment also demands scrutiny. PAIIM estimates that implementation will require about US$34.4 billion in public and private financing, with a remaining funding gap of approx-
imately US$16.3 billion. Government may use incentives, targeted financial support and revenue guarantees to mobilize private capital, but these measures must be transparent and tied to measurable public benefits. These investments must be planned so that data center growth strengthens, rather than strains, the systems serving consumers. Their additional power and water requirements should be supported by timely investments in generation, transmission, energy storage and waterefficient cooling. The target of sourcing 40 percent of the power for AI clusters from renewable energy by 2033 is a positive benchmark. Building the infrastructure is only part of the task; securing it is just as important. As digital systems become indispensable to government, business and daily life, cybersecurity, data privacy and operational resilience must be built in from the start. The proposed governance and trusted-data frameworks must protect sensitive government and personal information while maintaining the open, interoperable systems needed for innovation and cross-border digital trade. PAIIM provides for a national steering committee, implementation dashboards, quarterly reporting and annual reviews. These mechanisms should be open to scrutiny, with consumer and civil society participation. The public should see not only how much capacity was built, but whether connectivity became more affordable, services improved, workers obtained better jobs and communities received good value for public resources. By 2033, progress should be evident beyond maps of new data centers and investment announcements. Filipino enterprises should have greater access to AI tools, government transactions should be faster, workers should move into better-paying roles, and sensitive data should be more secure. If PAIIM delivers these outcomes, it will have done more than bring AI infrastructure closer to home. It will have converted that computing power into a national capability that Filipinos can shape and put to work for the country’s development.
consent. “Chinese AI policy focuses more on real, present-day harms to society and people,” said Brian Tse, CEO at Concordia AI, a Beijing-based consultancy focused on AI safety. “Beijing treats AI as a general-purpose technology -- not a ‘god-in-a-box’,” he said. It sees it as “something closer to electricity or the automobile: enormously beneficial for society and industry, but ultimately manageable through regulation”, Tse said. He added that “recent AI capability jumps, high-profile incidents acting as ‘warning shots’, and a worrying pace of AI development through automation”
had all pushed the technology up the list of priorities. On the streets of Shanghai, AFP found a mix of concern and pragmatism about AI. “In my view, no new technology develops completely smoothly,” said 42-year-old Xie Zongbo. He said news of the cyberattack “worm” that could hack into WeChat may in fact be “a good thing: identifying the issue, solving it, and patching the loophole ultimately benefits the advancement of cybersecurity”. There was also broad support for tight regulation. “I believe that no business... would ever impose restrictions on themselves,”
said a 50-year-old pharmaceutical worker, who gave her name as Jenny. “Take traffic as an example: drivers would never say, ‘I want all red lights’.” Jia Zijian, founder of Singapore-based Inspired AI, said his greatest concern was highly capable AI models learning to crack complex passwords. “Suppose these critical passwords or national security key codes were to be effortlessly cracked. In such a scenario... both China and the US would find themselves vulnerable: if our (China’s) capabilities are strong enough, they would feel exposed. “And if theirs are strong enough and we lack defences, we would be in a similarly vulnerable position.” AFP
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Additional power and water requirements should be supported by timely investments in generation, transmission, energy storage and waterefficient cooling.
Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser
Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board
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MEMBER
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Building an AI-driven nation
Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno
Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net
irrelevant. Roque claims political persecution, arguing that he is being targeted for his loyalty to Duterte. And yet the claim rings hollow
inner circle, a signal that proximity to Duterte is no longer a shield but a liability. He symbolizes the ultimate irony of illiberal populism: its architects invoking liberal asylum protection when the tide turns. If granted, it would set an uncomfortable precedent where the mouthpiece of a drug war claims victimhood from the justice he long denied others. If denied, it would underscore that international law distinguishes between political dissent and alleged complicity. Either way, Roque’s flight to asylum while Duterte faces the dock crystallizes a moment of moral reckoning for the Philippines. The spokesman has finally run out of words, and is now asking the world to shelter him from their consequences.
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IN BRIEF N. Korea fires unknown projectile into East Sea SEOUL — North Korea fired an unidentified projectile off its east coast on Sunday, South Korea’s military said, days after Pyongyang reaffirmed its status as a nuclear-armed state. The launch came eight days after North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea -- also called the Sea of Japan -- as part of what it later described as a joint firepower drill. It also followed Pyongyang’s rejection this week of a resolution by the UN nuclear watchdog demanding that it halt its nuclear activities. “The North has fired an unidentified projectile into the East Sea,” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. The office of the Japanese prime minister also confirmed the launch, saying on X that the projectile was a “suspected ballistic missile”. Japan’s defence ministry later said the projectile had “already fallen”, without giving further details. AFP
Mass drone barrage on Moscow kills two MOSCOW — Hundreds of drones targeting Moscow and its surrounding region killed at least two people and damaged a major refinery on the final day of the country’s parliamentary elections, the authorities said Sunday. The capital’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that more than 1,600 drones had been intercepted and shot down, 450 of which were aimed at Moscow. He accused Ukraine of attempting to interfere with a tightly controlled threeday election that is set to tighten President Vladimir Putin’s 26-year grip on power. “The unprecedented attack was clearly planned with the aim of disrupting the elections. The enemy did not succeed,” he said on Telegram. Moscow regional Governor Andrey Vorobyov said on the social media platform that at least two people were killed -- a 44-year-old woman and an elderly man -in two separate locations. A fire triggered by a drone crashing into a 21-storey building also led to 400 people being evacuated, Vorobyov said. He did not specify the drones’ origin. AFP
POLL SECURITY. People vote in Russia’s parliamentary election as a Russian serviceman secures a polling station in Donetsk, Russiancontrolled Ukraine, on September 18 amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. AFP
Saudi-Houthi battles could escalate rapidly, US warns R
IYADH — The United States warned Saturday that hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iranbacked Houthis could “escalate rapidly” after a missile attack targeted Riyadh for the first time since the Yemen conflict resumed.
Germans vote, threaten fresh blow to PM Merz BERLIN — Germans began voting Sunday in two state elections where far-right and far-left gains could send new shock waves to Berlin and rock the government of embattled Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Merz, 70, has scheduled a crisis meeting of his centre-right CDU party leadership to discuss the first results as they come in from the regional polls in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The chancellor, in power for 16 months, has also cleared his calendar for the following days and skipped a trip to the UN General Assembly to deal with potential aftershocks from the votes. The far-right, pro-Trump and Moscowfriendly Alternative for Germany (AfD) dealt a stunning defeat to his CDU two weeks ago in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, fuelling speculation that internal party support for Merz is wobbling. AFP
HOLY DIP. A devotee carries an idol of the Hindu deity Ganesha for immersion in a river during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, on the outskirts of Amritsar on September 18. AFP
Chile’s Bachelet ends bid for UN CNN, MS NOW, Politico barred from White House secretary-general SANTIAGO, Chile — Michelle Bachelet, the former president of Chile, withdrew her candidacy for the position of United Nations secretary-general on Saturday, weeks after a straw poll showed her in second to last place among eight candidates. “Today I announced that I have decided not to continue with my candidacy for the position of secretary-general of the United Nations,” Bachelet, who served as Chile’s first female leader, said in a video posted on her social media accounts. “Some may believe that the time was not right for a candidacy like the one I sought to represent. I do not regret having taken on this great challenge,” she said. Bachelet stressed that by running for the top UN post, she had helped spark debate “that the next secretary-general should be a woman from Latin America.” Chile’s government said in a statement that it had withdrawn its support for Bachelet’s candidacy in March. Since then, it has not backed any of the candidates in the running. The government also “reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and to reform of the United Nations.” So far in three polls as part of the informal process to pick the next UN chief, the 15-member Security Council twice placed Costa Rica’s former vice president Rebeca Grynspan in the lead. Guyanese ex-foreign minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett placed first in the third poll. AFP
WASHINGTON — The White House made good Saturday on President Donald Trump’s vow to deny CNN, MS NOW and Politico access to the presidential mansion as punishment for reporting what he calls “fake news.” The three news outlets denounced the ban as a violation of the US constitution and vowed to keep reporting on the US government. They are expected to take the bans to court to regain access to the White House, fighting back as Trump expands his battle against mainstream news outlets that he detests and routinely slams as crooked. “The White House belongs to the
American people and the decisions made inside are funded with our tax dollars,” MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, said Saturday on X. CNN said it has “a right under the US Constitution to do our reporting without hindrance or interference from the government, and this ban is an illegal assault on this fundamental right.” The White House declined to issue any new statements on the matter on Saturday, referring AFP to Trump’s comments Friday announcing the bans. An association representing hundreds of journalists who cover the White House called the ban a violation of the
First Amendment of the US Constitution, which enshrines press freedom, and called for immediate restoration of access for banned colleagues. “Courts have repeatedly held that once the White House provides access to journalists, it cannot deny that access arbitrarily or based on the content of their reporting,” the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) said. Badges confiscated MS NOW White House correspondent Akayla Gardner described how her access badge did not work Saturday when she tried to go through her usual security checkpoint. AFP
US President Donald Trump cut short a weekend at Camp David, a secluded presidential complex in rural Maryland, to return unexpectedly to the White House on Saturday. The White House gave no explanation for the early return, which comes as a new threshold was crossed in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, who control a large part of Yemen and are fighting government forces backed by a coalition led by Riyadh. Loud explosions rang out twice on Saturday in the Saudi capital, where AFP journalists saw a fuel tank bearing the logo of oil giant Aramco on fire near the airport. “This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly,” the US State Department warned, adding American citizens outside the Middle East should “seriously reconsider travel to and through the region”. The Houthis’s lightning offensive seizing swathes of Yemeni territory in recent weeks has left hundreds dead and, according to the UN, displaced more than 110,000 people. ‘Thwarted’ These clashes and the subsequent hostilities with the kingdom have already disrupted Saudi Arabia’s exports -- the world’s leading supplier of crude oil -- as well as maritime traffic. AFP
Hong Kong pays final respects to former leader Tung Chee-hwa HONG KONG — Hong Kong officials and the public commemorated the city’s first post-colonial leader, Tung Cheehwa, at his funeral on Sunday, AFP journalists saw. Tung, who died this month at the age of 89, was a former shipping tycoon handpicked by Beijing to run Hong Kong after the former British colony’s handover to Chinese rule in 1997. The staunch conservative oversaw a rocky eight-year tenure until he resigned in 2005, following widespread protests. Tung’s casket, draped with the Chinese national flag, was driven in a hearse from the Hong Kong Funeral Home to a crematorium on Sunday, AFP reporters saw. A portrait of Tung -- smiling and
sporting his signature crew cut -- was displayed in the memorial hall, surrounded by white orchids symbolizing love and respect. Hundreds of wreaths sent by government officials and business leaders lined the street outside the memorial hall. A tribute note from his alma mater, Britain’s University of Liverpool, read: “We remember him with great gratitude and respect.” A divisive figure, Tung’s policies set the tone for the city’s development following the handover, with some sparking widespread protests. A funeral committee hailed him as a “renowned patriot” and “close friend of the Communist Party”. AFP
CONDOLENCES. Wreaths for Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first leader after the city’s handover from Britain to China in 1997, are seen outside the North Point Funeral Home in Hong Kong on September 20. AFP
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DEVELOPMENT CONFLICT. Central
Luzon tribesfolk say they ironically face an uncertain future with the implementation of the United States-led Pax Silica that aims to establish a corridor for the supply of semiconductors and rare earth elements meant to reduce Asian countries’ reliance on China for these materials. ‘There’s no clarity. What will happen to us,’ Aeta Hungey tribe leader Petronila Muñoz says. AFP photo
Tribes fret over negative impact of Pax Silica to their livelihood T
RIBAL leader Petronila Muñoz walked across the sweeping Philippine grasslands she has called home for generations, uncertain about its future, as a sprawling tech hub for a US-led initiative takes shape. With little information and no prior consultation, the Indigenous Peoples chieftain said her Aeta Hungey tribe was uncertain how much of their land could be affected or what will become of the livelihood it provides. “There’s still no clarity,” Muñoz told Agence France Presse (AFP) inside the tribe’s traditional meeting hall. “What will happen to us? That’s our biggest question.” In April, the United States announced that the Philippines had
joined Pax Silica, a US-led effort to strengthen supply chains for semiconductors and rare earth elements and reduce participating countries’ dependence on China. The Philippines has designated a 1,620-hectare (4,000-acre) site in New Clark City in Tarlac province, north of Manila, for a manufacturing hub aimed at producing high-end components for use in artificial intelligence data centers. The government estimates the
initiative could attract up to $70 billion in investment and create about 190,000 jobs, a major boost to a country with more than three million unemployed people. The project has a long timeline. No tenants have been confirmed. Plans to domestically process the country’s mineral resources could be even further away. For about 1,000 Aetas, however, the prospect of displacement is already here. In July, they received a letter from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) warning that the project “could affect your occupied lands”. Muñoz said visiting BCDA employees told them to leave by De-
cember and relocate to an area about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from their current home, without providing a master plan showing which parts of their ancestral domains would be affected. Munoz said the BCDA has offered them just 30 pesos ($0.48) per square meter for their lands, an offer all declined. “Our lives, our livelihood and our culture are tied to this ancestral land,” Munoz said. “Land is more important. Money runs out.” The BCDA declined to address specific questions about the Aetas’ situation and rejected a freedom of information request for the site’s official boundary map and geospatial data. AFP
Bill eyes gov’t-run tertiary hospital in every province A GROUP of legislators led by House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan has filed a bill seeking to require the establishment of at least one tertiary hospital under the Department of Health (DOH) in every province. House Bill No. 11349, also known as the “Tertiary Hospital in Every Province Act,” seeks to address disparities in access to specialized and critical medical services, particularly in provinces that lack adequate government tertiary hospitals. “Filipinos should not have to leave their home province just to receive specialized or critical medical care. We want to bring these essential services closer to where people live,” Libanan, a 4Ps party-list representative, said in a statement. Healthcare access should not depend on whether a patient happens to live near a major urban center, according to Libanan. “This bill is about creating a more equitable distribution of government hospitals and making quality tertiary care accessible to more Filipino families,” he added. Representatives Christopher Sheen Gonzales (Eastern Samar), Albert Garcia (Bataan), Maria Angela Garcia (Bataan), and Jernie Jett Nisay (Pusong Pinoy) joined Libanan as co-authors of the bill. Under the bill, every province would be served by at least one DOH hospital licensed at not lower than Level 2, with the facility serving as the end-referral hospital within the province-wide health system.
‘Brgy officials should be civil service eligible’ By Rex Espiritu IF the Ombudsman could have his way, barangay chieftains and other village officials would be more academically qualified that the President of the Philippines. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla wants barangay chairpersons, treasurers, and administrators to be required to obtain civil service eligibility, citing their frontline role in delivering government services. “Because they are in the first line of service, hence, they should be civil service eligible,” Remulla said in his show Executive Session on DZRH on Saturday. He pointed out that the law does not require the President to have civil service eligibility. “That is also a concern,” he noted. “It is a problem, but let us not be too rash. Let’s go over it slowly, one at a time,” he added. Remulla stressed that the country should rethink the barangay system, noting that pork barrel is also present in the smallest political unit. However, did not go into details. Other requirements for seeking a position in the barangay include Philippine residency, voter’s registration in the place they intend to run, and literacy or the ability to read and write. There is no requirement on civil service eligibility. The barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections are slated on Nov. 2. The Senate has approved a bill which resets the polls to November 2028. The House of Representatives has adopted the Senate’s version of the measure.
IN BRIEF Many cops in Region 6 cannot drive cars, bikes THE Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 6 is strengthening its mobility across Western Visayas after a region-wide assessment identified personnel who still need driving instruction for four-wheeled vehicles and motorcycles. The assessment ordered by Western Visayas PNP director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño provides a clearer picture of personnel who need additional driving training, helping ensure that police vehicles and motorcycles can be fully utilized during patrols, emergency response, and other official duties. The Aklan provincial police reported that 423 of its 1,320 personnel did not know how to drive cars, while 55 need training on riding motorcycles. The Antique police force with 1,065 personnel also reported that 106 of its men were ignorant about driving cars or motorcycles. The same scenario holds true for Iloilo, Capiz, and Guimaras. Vince Lopez
Solon seeks cash aid for fire-hit vendors
MENTAL HEALTH FUN RUN. The Department of Health (DOH)’s Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) and the Quezon City local government spearhead a fun run with the theme ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Start the Conversation’ in conjunction with the global observance of World Suicide Prevention Day. WHO records show that the yearly incidence of suicide has crossed the 720,000 mark. QC gov’t photo
Aboitiz Power hosts public fora on people empowerment By Jessica M. Bacud
PEOPLE EMPOWERMENT. SN Aboitiz Power-Magat holds interaction with the communities in Santiago City, Isabela and in Banaue, Ifugao that brought together 153 local government leaders with a view to ‘transforming commitments into meaningful change.’ Jessica M. Bacud
SANTIAGO City—“In an era where pledges are often forgotten, SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAPMagat) is holding itself to a higher standard, real transformation is not what is declared from a podium, but what remains long after the gathering ends.” This message echoed across two days of connection and accountability at the 2026 Host Communities’(HCF) Forum, held Sept. 8 in Banaue, Ifugao and Sept. 9 here in Santiago City, bringing together 153 local government leaders from Ifugao, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya provinces. “Transformation is not what we announce. It is what is still different five years after we leave the room,” SNAP general manager and CEO Daniel Icasiano told the delegates to the forums which had the theme “Transforming Commitments into
Meaningful Change.” Through its BRIGHTS Scholarship Program, SN Aboitiz opened college doors to 71 students since the initiative began producing 37 graduates who now contribute to their communities, with 23 more pursuing degrees this school year 2026–2027. Its flagship environmental initiative PUNLA has become a model of stewardship: from 2019 to 2024, 34.3 hectares of iconic Ifugao rice terraces were rehabilitated, 100.44 hectares of forests reforested, and five hectares of agroforestry farms established preventing an estimated 6,722 tons of soil erosion. The work continued with Phase 2 (2025-2027) eyeing to restore six hectares of terraces in Banaue, conserve 42.5 hectares of muyong forest groves, and revive vital farmlands across Mayoyao, Hingyon, and the Mt. Binahagan Micro Watershed in Lagawe.
PAMPANGA First District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin Jr. has requested the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for a 25-day emergency cash transfer for the 412 owners of the stalls affected by a fire that razed the town’s public market on Sept.16. The proposed financial assistance is intended to provide immediate assistance for fire victims’ early recovery. Lazatin said the affected stall owners can receive P5,000 to P10,000 financial assistance under the program. Earlier, Lazatin also requested President Ferdinand Marcos, through Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, with the concurrence of Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin.to allocate P300 million in funding under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) for the re-construction of the affected areas of the market for 2027. Butch Gunio
DOH, QC marks World Suicide Prevention Day THE Department of Health’s (DOH) Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) and the Quezon City local government marked World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday with a fun run to break the stigma around mental health and curb rising suicide rates across the country. This joint effort, carrying the international theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide. Start the Conversation,” is aimed at promoting supportive dialogue within local communities. Based on World Health Organization estimates, suicide represents a critical public health issue that claims over 720,000 lives globally each year. Domestic data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows a rising prevalence of psychiatric issues, with roughly 3.6 million Filipinos currently affected by mental, neurological, and substanceuse conditions. Ram Superable
SPORTS
A8
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
14-year-old teqball athlete Agustin screaming with potential By Riera U. Mallari NAGOYA (Powered by PLDT Home) – What were you doing when you were 14? A lot of Gen Zs probably ‘TikToked’ their way to escape boredom during their teens. Our generation played with their dolls and toy guns. My siblings and I took turns washing the dishes and helping with the household chores before we were allowed to play ‘tumbang preso’ with friends. For Prince Agustin, being 14 meant going up against grown men thousands of miles away from home in a new sport that combines the skills of football, sepak takraw (his original sport) and volleyball. In the battle for the teqball bronze in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Prince showed why the sport’s future is bright in the Philippines. Child vs man Sure, Prince looked the part in his showdown with the 36-year-old Friday Saw, the Cambodian SEA Games champion, old enough to be his father. His celebrations were mild, a gentle fist pump mixed with a muffled scream as if he stepped on the neighbor’s cat. “Sa sigaw pa lang, alam mong batang-bata pa eh,” said veteran coach Jovy Mamawal. “Sabi ko, sumigaw. Magpakita ng emotion kapag nakapuntos, para lumabas ang tapang. Magmura ng ‘P—ina!!’” In contrast, Saw was exactly what Mamawal envisioned Prince to be -loud with every point. His stare was stern, like a father telling his kids to finish their vegetables and drink their milk. Or else. But the Grade 9 student had his moments to shine. He proved he can play with the best of ‘em, even tying the count twice at 7-all in the two sets that they fought, before
Saw’s veteran smarts eventually prevailed, 12-7, 12-7. Teens with dreams Prince isn’t the only young gun on the team, which idolizes world no. 1 teqball player Apor Gyorgydeak of Romania. His teammates Anel Pacis Jr. and Dailan Christoffe Montenegro are also of the same age, with the latter turning 14 only last Sept. 8. Had he been born two weeks later, he wouldn’t have qualified here, as only 14-year-old athletes are eligible for the sport. The team is so young, they all looked more like choir boys on a Sunday Mass in Amulung, Cagayan Valley, their home province. Instead, they are in Nagoya, playing for flag, country and their families. “Gusto ko po yumaman para sa pamilya ko,” said Prince, the first athlete in a family supported by his wi-fi technician father. Improving by leaps and bounds Prince’s 4th-place feat in the Asiad may not mean a thing for now. But it is a big leap from his eighth-place finish in the SEA Games last December in Bangkok. He and his teammates also showed real potential when they settled for the silver medal last month in the Asian Beach Games in China. Had Agustin won in Nagoya, he could have received P400,000 from the Philippine Sports Commission for Asiad bronze medalists, and maybe gotten a bonus from the Philippine Olympic Committee. But he will eventually get to the zenith, no doubt, and bring good fortune to his family in the future. Imagine Prince five years from now in the 2031 Doha Qatar Asian Games, where he can finally cash in and scream in celebration all he wants. “P----ina!!”
The Philippines’ Prince Agustin plays a point against Myanmar’s Friday Saw during their men’s singles bronze-medal teqball match at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya. AFP
Yulo goes offline, locks in on elusive Asiad gold By Riera U. Mallari
N
AGOYA (Powered by PLDT Home) – Don’t bother calling or texting two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo. Don’t message him on his socials, either. Yulo has gone on an all-digital blackout as he prepares to chase the only big prize missing from his trophy case: an Asian Games gold medal. Before stepping onto the mats at Rainbow Hall here, the decorated athlete has completely ditched his mobile devices, avoiding calls, texts and social media feeds altogether, to remove all outside noise and distractions. “It’s standard protocol to keep external chatter at zero whenever he needs to lock in on routine details,” said Yulo’s partner, Chloe San Jose.
Arances, Caluya rule Elite division; Ramoga, Lim shine in Damosa Land 5150 triathlon SAMAL Island—Edgie Arances and Anisha Caluya turned in standout performances to claim top honors in the Filipino Elite Category of the Damosa Land 5150 Triathlon on Sunday, emerging as the leading Filipino performers in the demanding Olympic-distance race here in Davao del Norte. Arances was particularly dominant, combining a strong swim, blistering bike leg and steady run to capture the Filipino Elite crown in two hours, 13 minutes and five seconds, beating AlRasheim Saggap (2:13:58) and Earl James Ting (2:22:57). The seasoned endurance campaigner, who has gained valuable experience from competing in major local and international races, completed the 1.5km swim in 24:01, powered through the 40-km bike leg in 1:05:49, then closed out the 10-km run in 40:34. His performance underscored the combination of power, speed and stamina that has made him one of the
Edgie Arances on his bike and Anisha Caluya reaches the finish.
country’s rising endurance talents. Reflecting on the emotional weight of his victory, Arances emphasized the grueling journey that preceded it. “This win means a lot to me; it represents far more than just a medal or
a final result. It’s a true reflection of the immense sacrifices, rigorous training, and personal challenges I overcame to reach the starting line.” He acknowledged the severe physical demands of the event, noting that
That intense discipline is also shared by his younger brother and teammate, Karl Eldrew Yulo. Both siblings are under the tutelage of head trainer Aldrin Castañeda, physiotherapist Bethel Solano and assistant Josh Garcia, with an eye on the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal in gymnastics in the event. The strategy comes at a critical time. The Philippine delegation had to deal with a chaotic series of organizational blunders in Japan before their arrival, including lastmental resilience ultimately carried him through. “The race was incredibly demanding. The rolling course tested my limits, particularly during the bike and run segments. Even when physical exhaustion set in, I had to constantly remind myself to maintain focus and refuse to give up,” he said. Despite the mounting exhaustion, a late-stage surge allowed him to close out the competition with a dominant performance. “I believe my performance truly peaked during the run. I managed to push past the heavy fatigue, leaving absolutely everything out on the course as I fought toward the finish line,” said Arances. Caluya likewise lived up to the pre-race expectations, ruling the women’s Filipino Elite field in 2:29:19 after a balanced effort of 23:34 in the swim, 1:17:35 on the bike and 45:37 in the run. Her victory was another strong statement following her gold-medal performance in the Sprint Junior Elite Women’s category of the 2026 national age group aquathlon, showing that she could carry her speed and confidence into the longer Olympic-distance format.
PGT big guns collide in ICTSI Negros Classic NEGROS OCCIDENTAL—Angelo Que returns to the Philippine Golf Tour spotlight with his sights set on another championship, while Aidric Chan and multi-titled Clyde Mondilla also rejoin the hunt as a formidable field converges for the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic beginning Monday (Sept. 21) at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club here. Fresh from a 1-2 finish at Summit Point last week, Que and Chan had been uncertain about their participation in the sixth leg of the PGT as they were also campaigning in Taiwan. But after both failed to make the weekend cut, the two are expected to make the trip home in time for the opening round of the P2.5-million championship. Mondilla, meanwhile, skipped the Summit Point stop to honor a previous commitment but has confirmed his return this week, further deepening
an already talent-packed cast for the 10-leg circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. With three of the tour’s big guns back in the fold, defending champion Rupert Zaragosa’s bid for a third straight championship here faces another stern test at the tight and demanding Marapara layout. Zaragosa headlines a field that also includes five-time Order of Merit winner Tony Lascuña, Jhonnel Ababa, Reymon Jaraula, Zanieboy Gilaon, Guido van der Valk, Fidel Concepcion and Jeffren Lumbo – a group whose contrasting styles and experience could make for another intriguing four-day battle. The Marapara course is expected to put a premium on precision and course management, with its tight confines leaving little room for wayward shots. And with partly cloudy conditions, scattered rainshowers and
thunderstorms forecast throughout the tournament week, the elements could further complicate the challenge. Wind, in particular, could become a significant factor, forcing the players to constantly adjust their shot selection and strategy as they negotiate the layout over four rounds. All that sets the stage for another wide-open title fight, with several players eager to make their move in the second half of the season. Chan remains one of the biggest names to watch as he continues his search for his breakthrough PGT victory. The young shotmaker, who already won an Asian Development Tour leg, will again be tested against a deep field that includes Russell Bautista, Dino Villanueva, Elee Bisera, Nilo Salahog and Arnold Villacencio, along with foreign contenders Collin Wheeler, Ha Taewon, Kim Tae Soo, Lee Song and Jiseung Cheon.
Angelo Que
minute housing changes, missing schedule details and delayed arena access due to tardy medical staff. Team official Sofia Almonte said the athletes remain unfazed and focused despite the rocky setup. Yulo’s motivation comes from past unfinished business. Landing errors dropped him to fourth on vault and seventh on floor exercise in his event debut back in Jakarta in 2018. His best chance of redemption is this week’s contest, after missing the next edition in Hangzhou to focus on Olympic qualification. The preliminary and full-round action kicks off Monday morning, preparing for high-stakes battles against top regional titans, such as Japan’s Olympic champions Oka Shinnosuke and Daiki Hashimoto, and China’s reigning Asiad champion Zhang Boheng.
Gilas ladies cruise past HK, advance to QFinals By Jeremiah Sevilla GILAS Pilipinas Women’s team broke away late to cruise past Hong Kong, 9073, and book a return trip to the quarterfinals of the 20th Asian Games on Sunday at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan. Spearheaded by spitfire guard Stef Berberabe, the Gilas Women sparked a decisive run bridging the final two quarters to pull away from the pesky Hong Kong squad and secure their second straight knockout stage appearance in the quadrennial meet. The Philippines followed up its 86-58 rout of Kazakhstan to climb atop Group B with a 2-0 record. Berberabe fired a team-high 21 points laced with three triples on top of five rebounds and two assists while Afril Bernardino put up a double-double of 17 markers and 11 boards to help the Nationals shrug off a sluggish start. “We had a slow start and I think there’s no excuse for that. We’ve had heavy legs but we’re in a big tournament but we should do anything to recover,” said the longtime Gilas stalwart Bernardino, who also chalked four assists and two steals. Jhazmin Joson and Camille Malagar stepped up with 15 and 14 points, respectively, as naturalized standout Elizabeth Means cooled down with eight markers following a 23-point debut for the national 5-on-5 squad against Kazakhstan. The Philippines, ranked No. 31 in the world, was expected breeze through No. 107 Hong Kong but fell to a lethargic start instead and struggled to pick up its rhythm until late in the third frame. Berberabe drained two triples to kindle a scorching 17-3 run that turned a slim 59-57 lead into a huge 76-60 advantage at the 7:36 mark of the payoff period. It was all Philippines from there as head coach BT Toews’ crew went up by as much as 20 points to ensure the victory. Gilas Women are set to next face Asian powerhouse Japan for the group’s top seed on Tuesday, September 22. The last edition’s runner-up was favored heavily in its game against Kazakhstan at press time.
BUSINESS
B1
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
ASEAN investments hit $243.9b $243 billion FDIs in ASEAN in 2025
$226 billion FDIs in ASEAN in 2024
$40 billion Intra-ASEAN investments
By Othel V. Campos
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OREIGN direct investment (FDIs) in ASEAN rose 9.7 percent to a record $243.9 billion in 2025, led by strong inflows into manufacturing, particularly electronics and electrical equipment, the ASEAN Investment Report 2026 showed. The figure also rose 9.7 percent from $226 billion registered in 2024. Intra-ASEAN investments also reached almost $40 billion in 2025, reflecting the growing importance of intra-regional investment and the deepening economic linkages among ASEAN member states. Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said the record inflows showed continued investor confidence in the region despite global economic uncertainties. Officials presented the figure at the
29th ASEAN Investment Area Council meeting, held under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship. The report said digital technologies, research and development, innovation and other intangible assets are also becoming increasingly important to the region’s investment prospects, alongside manufacturing. Rodolfo said the shift toward higher-value and knowledge-based investments supports the Philippines’ efforts to attract capital into strategic industries, including semiconductors,
renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence infrastructure and critical minerals processing. Intra-ASEAN investment also continued to grow, approaching $40 billion in 2025, Rodolfo said. He said that a stronger regional investment environment could translate into wider market opportunities, employment and higher incomes as ASEAN countries deepen economic integration. Deeper regional integration could help the Philippines participate more extensively in ASEAN value chains and attract investments that create quality jobs and strengthen industrial capabilities, he said. Investments approved in the Philippines generated about 153,000 jobs in 2025, while projects approved in the first half of 2026 are expected to create nearly 54,000 additional direct jobs, Rodolfo said.
DOE defends scrapping of 2026 coal bid round By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy (DOE) defended its decision to terminate the 2026 Coal Bid Round for three predetermined areas, saying future awards should reflect the true value of indigenous energy resources and deliver clear benefits to the state and Filipino consumers. The cancellation gives the agency an opportunity to reassess the parameters for awarding coal operating contracts (COCs), the DOE said in a statement over the weekend. Existing data show confirmed mineable coal reserves of commercial quantity in the offered areas, making them ripe for direct development and production, the agency said. “With substantially reduced geological uncertainty, these areas represent valuable state assets whose award should secure economic returns commensurate with their established resource potential for the benefit of the Filipino people,” the agency said. The DOE said the development and production of these resources must serve the national interest. “Any COC for development and production should provide clear and measurable economic returns to the government while supporting domestic energy requirements, strengthening energy security and delivering tangible benefits to Filipino consumers,” the DOE said. The reassessment also considers concerns stakeholders raised during pre-submission conferences and recent developments affecting Semirara Island, the agency said. The DOE noted that ongoing water seepage may reduce the volume of extractable coal reserves, while a legal dispute with Semirara Mining and Power Corp., the current operator, over coal operation assets creates uncertainty for prospective bidders. Under Article XII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution, the state owns natural resources. “Consistent with this principle, the government may reassess or terminate a competitive bidding process when existing parameters no longer protect state assets or advance the national interest,” the DOE said.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) chair Ma. Cristina Roque hands over the ceremonial AEM gavel to Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong during the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center on Sept. 19, 2026. The symbolic transfer marks a seamless leadership transition as ASEAN maintains momentum in driving regional economic integration, digital transformation and sustainable growth.
PH hands ASEAN economic chairship to Singapore THE Philippines handed the chairship of the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) to Singapore on Sept. 19, 2026, ending a year-long leadership of the bloc’s economic agenda with the conclusion of negotiations for a regional digital economy agreement. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque handed the ceremonial AEM gavel to Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong at the 58th AEM Meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. “With the conclusion of DEFA negotiations under our Chairship, we must exhaust the full potential of this agreement. DEFA cuts across key sectors - including digital trade, crossborder e-commerce, digital payments, digital identifiers, cyber security, data governance, competition policy, emerging technologies, and digital talent,” Roque said. ASEAN will next focus on implementing the ASEAN Community Vision and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to harmonize rules on digital trade, cross-border e-commerce, digital payments, data flows and cybersecurity across the region. Roque said the Philippines would support Singapore as it assumes the AEM chairship in 2027 and urged ASEAN members to maximize the economic opportunities DEFA creates.
ASEAN’s merchandise trade reached $4.4 trillion, while foreign direct investment inflows rose to $245.7 billion, underscoring the bloc’s expanding role in global trade and investment. The AEM meeting also reviewed progress on the Philippines’ priority economic deliverables, including initiatives on trade and investment, digital transformation, micro, small and medium enterprises, innovation and sustainable regional value chains. The ASEAN Economic Community Council and ASEAN leaders will
consider the agreements and policy directions adopted at the meeting during the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in November. The Philippines will hold the overall ASEAN chairship until the end of 2026. Roque will also chair AEM meetings with ASEAN’s external partners through Sept. 22. The Philippines focused its economic chairship on turning regional integration into concrete measures for businesses, particularly through digital integration and expanded trade and investment opportunities. Othel V. Campos
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
GCash parent Mynt aims to turn users into investors By Jenniffer B. Austria MYNT Inc., the parent of mobile wallet GCash, plans to give its users a chance to join its multibillion-peso initial public offering (IPO), after the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) approved the listing on Friday. Users can place orders through GStocks PH, the stock trading feature inside the GCash app. Mynt added AB Capital Securities Inc., which powers GStocks PH, to the group of firms handling the sale, a move that opens the offer to its more than 90 million users. The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) approved the IPO on Friday. Mynt aims to sell 12 percent of its outstanding shares to the public, offering up to 1.61 billion primary shares and up to 6.42 billion secondary shares at up to P10 each. An over-allotment option of up to 1.2 billion shares could lift proceeds to P92.32 billion if fully exercised. The IPO is expected to serve as a major catalyst for the economy as the Philippines faces slowing growth amid high fuel prices. “We welcome this highly anticipated IPO, which is poised to set the record as the largest public offering in PSE history. I hope this landmark listing will pave the way for more fintech and digital economy firms to go public and raise capital through the equities market,” said PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon. “I am optimistic that this debut will drive strong market activity ahead of Q4. Considering that the IPO subscription will also be made available through GStocks in the GCash app, we expect to see a significant uptick in new retail investors,” Monzon said.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Aznar allocates P503.8m for new ships
B3
COASTAL CLEANUP. Small hands make a big impact as young volunteers help each other collect trash from Baseco Beach in Manila during the International Coastal Cleanup on Sept. 19, 2026. Over 103,000 participants across 17 regions collected more than 466,000 kilograms of waste from 369 coastal, river, waterway and underwater cleanup sites nationwide.
BOP swings to $596-m deficit
B4
Transport chief asks Congress for P5-b fuel subsidy in 2027 By Darwin G. Amojelar
HEALTH PROGRAM. A new community-based initiative aimed at bringing mental health support closer to young people, families and vulnerable members of the community is launched in Calamba City through the ‘I AM LOVED’ Campaign, highlighted by the signing of a partnership for a community-based mental health program. The partnership brings together the Office of Calamba Rep. Cha Hernandez, the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) led by president Mariano Arce Jr.; Dr. Carolina Uno Rayco, executive director of PMHA; and Bella Carina Alexandra Mercado of the Peace SIS Initiative. Roy Tomandao
DEPARTMENT of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez urged Congress to provide P5 billion for a fuel subsidy program in 2027 as public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers continue to grapple with high fuel prices. Lopez told a Senate Subcommittee on Finance hearing on the department’s proposed 2027 budget that the Department of Budget and Management’s National Expenditure Program
included no allocation for the subsidy. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Transportation to implement measures to ease the impact of high oil prices on PUV drivers’ earnings. Lopez said the subsidy remains a key part of the government’s response to surging fuel prices, particularly amid geopolitical tensions that have affected global oil markets. “This fuel subsidy is timely. In recent months—starting when the unrest in the Middle East began, I believe around the last week of Feb-
ruary or March—oil prices surged,” Lopez said. “Our initial response and solution for our transport groups, drivers and operators is this fuel subsidy,” he said. Lopez said the P2.5 billion allocated for the subsidy in 2025 was fully used within 2 to 3 months, coinciding with the rollout of the initial P10-perliter fuel discount for qualified beneficiaries. He said the subsidy gives substantial assistance to PUV operators and drivers across various modes of public transportation.
B2
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
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M. Standard – September 21 & 28, 2026
BUSINESS
B3 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com
Aznar allocates P503.8m for new ships A By Jenniffer B. Austria
ZNAR Shipping Corp. is allotting P503.8 million from its planned initial public offering to acquire two brand-new RoRoPax vessels as it expands its fleet and service routes in the Visayas.
MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE. Manila Electric Co. senior vice president and head of Networks Froilan Savet presents how Advanced Metering Infrastructure using HighSpeed Power Line Carrier Communication can help extend visibility to the low-voltage network during Huawei Connect 2026 in Shanghai, China, on Sept. 17, 2026. Meralco is committed to investing in modern technologies to improve network visibility and deliver safer, more reliable and more efficient service to customers.
PH stocks seen trading cautiously amid MidEast tensions PHILIPPINE shares are likely to trade cautiously this week, with investors expected to remain selective as escalating Middle East tensions weigh on the domestic economy. Analysts noted, however, that bargain hunting could provide some support to the market after the Philippine Stock Exchange index fell below the 5,900 level last week amid broadbased selling. Philstocks Financial Inc. said rising Treasury yields are making equities less attractive, while elevated global oil prices and a weaker peso against the dollar continue to drag on
sentiment. Overall, the market remains bearish given high inflation and elevated interest rates. For the week, investors will monitor global oil prices, developments in the Middle East, and their impact on local fuel prices and inflation. The peso and interest rate outlooks are also expected to drive trading decisions. The PSEi declined 3.4 percent week-on-week to close at 5,855.91, while the broader all shares index slipped 2.4 percent to 3,277.80. Foreign selling accelerated, with net total outflows for the week reach-
ing P3.66 billion. Average daily value turnover reached P11.73 billion. Year-to-date, the benchmark index is down 3.25 percent On Friday, Global stocks were mixed at the end of a week dominated by central bank moves to tame inflation as the yen retreated against the dollar despite a Bank of Japan interest rate hike. Wall Street stocks experienced a meandering day, with the Dow finishing modestly lower while the Nasdaq edged higher. Earlier, European bourses retreated. Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP
Based on Aznar Shipping’s IPO prospectus, the two vessels will be acquired from overseas and are expected to be deployed on existing and new routes by the second half of 2027. The move to acquire additional vessels will increase the company’s carrying capacity, improve service frequency and support the opening of new routes. “Management believes that increasing economic activity, population growth, tourism, and the continued movement of goods between islands will support long-term demand for RoRo and RoRoPax services,” the shipping firm said. The company is currently evaluating opportunities to expand beyond its existing operations in Cebu, Leyte and Negros Occidental. Among the potential growth routes is the Bacolod-Dumangas/Iloilo corridor, which could complement its existing Tabuelan-Escalante operations. Aside from acquiring two new vessels, the company is setting aside P91.64 million of the IPO proceeds to develop a dry-docking and ship repair facility. Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2027. The planned facility will reduce the company’s reliance on third-party shipyards and give it greater control over vessel maintenance schedules. It will include dry-docking infrastructure and related equipment for the
Mindfulness in action: From ‘sayang’ to ‘kaya yan!’ Standard —“— Manila
TODAY
Environmental literacy is our intellectual and emotional realization of nature’s vital importance.
“UBUSIN mo yan, madaming bata nagugutom!” It’s the Filipino guilt trip, delivered by every nanay and tatay in a Filipino household. This wasn’t just a gentle reminder, and we know exactly how it gets delivered at the dining table: the tone, the volume, the emotion. As adults, we all stood at that familiar crossroad after a meal at a restaurant. Plates are cleared, half-eaten plates remain, and we are suddenly gripped by the feeling of sayang: the painful regret of letting something go to waste. Beyond the money spent, our empathy kicks in as we contemplate the invisible supply chain behind that single meal: the labor, the water for irrigation, and the fuel burned for energy. We recognize the loss, yet our immediate response is often to just throw those leftovers away. Unknowingly, we allow that wasted plate to come biting us back in the form of overburdened landfills, poisoned groundwater, and rising food costs that ultimately hit our own wallets. We tell ourselves it’s just a tiny leftover. But those small scraps add up faster than we care to admit. In fact, we are wasting food each day. Based on the DOST Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s data, we waste 130 grams per day, with staple foods like rice, vegetables, and fish topping the list. That seems small, but 130g for 365 days equates to 47.45 kilos of food waste for just one person. With the estimated current Philippine population of 116.7 million, that’s a whopping 5.54 billion kilos of food waste in the Philippines! You can feed 4.74 million people per day with that amount of food! Despite our awareness of the climate crisis and our personal experience of its impacts (e.g. flooding, extreme heat, frequent weather disturbances), we remain trapped in a loop of our own making. We treat plastic wrappers, takeout containers, and household trash mindlessly, operating on the lazy assumption that out-of-sight means out-of-mind. A clear disconnect exists between our professed values and our real-world choices: we understand the crisis, yet we fail to reflect then in our dayto-day routines. We lack the habitual reflection needed to pause before discarding a plastic wrapper or single-use cup, choosing convenience over intentional action. Ultimately, our shared environmental values mean nothing if they are not driven by real action. To bridge this divide, we must distinguish between conscious realization and daily execution. Environmental literacy is our intellectual and emotional realization of nature’s vital importance, the overarching value system that drives our collective outrage when ecosystems are threatened. Environmental mindfulness, on the other hand, is the active awareness that interrupts our routines, the conscious pause that redirects our split-second choices. While literacy supplies our moral ideals, mindfulness trains our ecological “muscle memory,” turning deliberate actions into second-nature habits like carrying a reusable bag or saving leftovers. Without bridging conscious awareness and daily routine, our environmental stewardship remains purely theoretical. What does it mean to be mindful, then? Mindfulness simply means stepping off autopilot. It’s about pausing, thinking, and asking yourself, “Where will this end up?” We must step away from our old ways of buying, consuming, and throwing away without a second thought. By making small, deliberate decisions: pausing before throwing away leftovers, pausing before over-ordering food, pausing before throwing garbage onto the street (and keeping it in your bag until you see a trash bin), helps us train our ecological “muscle memory”. Over time, these choices stop feeling like inconvenient chores and become organic, sustainable habits. Notice how seamlessly Filipinos follow strict waste rules when traveling in Japan or other countries? We marvel at the cleanliness of other countries, and we treat their public spaces with respect. This simply shows that we are fully capable of that discipline; we just need to bring that same reverence back home. This isn’t a trait: it’s a practiced mindset. If we can respect foreign streets when we travel, we can certainly respect our own neighborhoods.
Change won’t happen through a grand, sweeping gesture. It happens in the quiet, three-second pause between an impulse and an action: don’t forget that eco-bag. Refuse the single-use plastic. Throw trash properly. Eat consciously and mindfully. Every meal finished, every unnecessary plastic refused, and every small inconvenience accepted is a quiet vote for the world we want to live in. The choice to step off autopilot has always been ours, and it begins with the very next thing we place on our plates or toss into the bin. Kaya natin yan! Dr. Ivan Gue is the Chairperson of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gokongwei College of Engineering in De La Salle University. Dr. Jonna C. Baquillas is an Associate Professor at the Department of Marketing and Advertising, Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, in the same university. They are engaged in research works and projects focused on circular economy, sustainable transitions, and sustainable consumption and production.
company’s growing fleet. Aznar Shipping also plans to pursue vessel chartering opportunities as an additional revenue stream and a way to improve fleet utilization. The company is raising as much as P737 million from its maiden share offering of up to 1 billion primary common shares, with an overallotment option of up to 100 million secondary common shares. The maximum offer price has been set at P0.67 per share. Investment & Capital Corp. of the Philippines and PNB Capital and Investment Corp. are acting as joint lead managers and underwriters for the offering. Aznar Shipping started commercial shipping operations in early 2016, focusing strategically on short-haul inter-island cargo transportation across the Visayas region, with Cebu serving as its central hub. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF MANDALUYONG CITY 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
Position title – Operation Manager Job Description: - responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day activities of an organization to ensure efficient business operations. Their role involves coordinating and optimizing processes, managing resources, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the organization to meet its goals and have direct communication and with through constant communication with the senior professionals in China, Taiwan and other Mandarin speaking counterpart and clients. Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): -College or University Graduate -Bilingual in Mandarin and English - Operation Management Related Experience
Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street Malate Manila
Company/ Employer PH GLOBAL JET EXPRESS INC. 20th and 21st floor ECOPRIME BLDG 32nd ST Cor. 9th Ave. BGC Taguig 1630 Nature of business: Other Services Activity Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name: SUN WEI Address: Bonifacio Global Taguig BGC Nationality: CHINESE Intended period of employment: Two (2) year/s
Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street Malate Manila
Please inform DOLE NCR if you have any information on criminal offences committed by the foreign nationals.
Applications may be sent to: PH GLOBAL JET EXPRESS INC. hqrecruitment@jtexpress.ph
FLOOR NUMBER: 24 UNIT NUMBER : 2402 TOTAL UNIT AREA: 25.90 SQM 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:
Position title – Customer Service Supervisor Job Description: - is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the customer service team to ensure excellent service standards, respond efficiently to customer inquiries, and maintain high customer satisfaction. This role includes supervising staff, monitoring performance, and implementing service procedures to optimize productivity and quality through the use of Mandarin native language, to senior professionals in China, Taiwan and other Mandarin speaking counterpart and clients. Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): -College or University Graduate -Bilingual in Mandarin and English - Customer Service related experience Applications may be sent to: PH GLOBAL JET EXPRESS INC. hqrecruitment@jtexpress.ph Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street Malate Manila Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street Malate Manila
Company/ Employer PH GLOBAL JET EXPRESS INC. 20th and 21st floor ECOPRIME BLDG 32nd ST Cor. 9th Ave. BGC Taguig 1630 Nature of business: Other Services Activity Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name: SHEN CAIXIA Address: Bonifacio Global Taguig BGC Nationality: CHINESE Intended period of employment: Two (2) year/s Please inform DOLE NCR if you have any information on criminal offences committed by the foreign nationals.
(Sgd.) LUCY LILIBETH A. ALCABA Sheriff IV Publication: MANILA STANDARD TODAY Copy furnished 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 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)
BUSINESS
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
August BOP swung to $596-m deficit—BSP By Thony Rose Lesaca
T
HE balance of payments (BOP) swung to a $596-million deficit in August 2026 from a $359 million surplus a year ago, as the trade deficit persisted and global financial markets remained volatile, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday. The August shortfall was narrower than the $1.47-billion deficit in July, bringing the cumulative deficit for January to August to $5.94 billion. The BSP said the eight-month position reflected the continued tradein-goods deficit and net outflows of foreign portfolio investments, partly offset by sustained personal remittance inflows, government external borrowings, trade in services and foreign direct investments. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort attributed the continued trade deficit to higher global crude oil prices that increased the country’s import bill. He said net foreign portfolio investment outflows likely reflected global financial market volatility amid an elusive US-Iran peace deal.
“For the coming months, the recent geopolitical risks in the Middle East especially on Iran could lead to some hedging of the country’s imports of crude oil and other commodities especially if prices corrected lower as opportunity to buy to increase local inventories especially if the Strait of Hormuz remained disrupted from time-to-time or at least slow to normalize and could disrupt parts of the global supply chains, as a matter of prudence, thereby could still lead to relatively wider trade deficits and, in turn, wider BOP deficits,” said Ricafort. Gross international reserves (GIR) fell 2.1 percent to $104.85 billion in August from $107.10 billion a year ago, but rose from $103.32 billion in July.
MANGOVE PLANTING. Security Bank employees, partners local communities and youth volunteers take part in a
mangrove planting activity in Luna, La Union as Project MITHI enters its second year and as part of Security Bank’s 75th anniversary celebration. Employees, local communities, government agencies and youth volunteers planted nearly 500 mangrove seedlings, contributing to the bank’s target of planting 7,500 seedlings this year.
Starlink seeks NTC nod to run main internet network By Darwin G. Amojelar STARLINK Internet Services Philippines Inc., the local unit of Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, has asked the government for permission to run two key parts of the country’s internet system, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said. Starlink filed formal applications to become a data transmission industry participant (DTIP) under Section 9(b) of NTC Memorandum Circular No. 002-02-2026, the regulator said. It is seeking permits to operate as a core or backbone network provider and as an international gateway facility provider.
The circular sets the eligibility, registration and authorization framework for DTIPs under Republic Act No. 12234, widely known as the Konektadong Pinoy Act. The law establishes a framework for expanding and regulating data transmission services in the Philippines. The NTC’s authorization process will determine Starlink’s eligibility to participate in the segments it has applied for. Eligible applicants should show the technical and financial capability to deliver reliable and secure services, and establish, operate and maintain data transmission infrastructure, the NTC said. Participants that meet all requirements may apply in
Toyota PH sees 2026 car market shrinking 2% amid Middle East crisis By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine automotive market could shrink about 2 percent this year after sales fell 10.2 percent in the first seven months, as the Middle East crisis and adverse weather add to demand pressures, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) said. TMP senior vice president for marketing Sherwin Chua-Lim said the industry initially expected to grow about 1 percent this year but has since shifted to a contraction outlook. “Initially, we were looking at around 1 percent growth for the year. But because of the Middle East crisis, the market has turned down. We now expect it to be lower than last year, by around 2 percent,” he said over the weekend. Industry sales reached 241,725 units from January to July, down 10.2 percent from 269,207 units in the same period last year, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc.
(CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA). July provided some relief, with total industry sales reaching 42,880 units, the highest monthly volume so far this year. Sales remained below the year-earlier level, however, with CAMPI-TMA members reporting a 3 percent decline to 37,319 units. Chua-Lim said Toyota expected the improvement to continue into August but saw the market weaken again, with weather emerging as another drag on vehicle demand. He said Toyota’s conservative outlook also reflects the unusually strong growth recorded after the pandemic, which lifted the industry to higher levels and created a tougher comparison base. TMP is also seeing softer demand. Its production dipped 10 percent to 38,221 vehicles from January to August, from 42,469 units a year earlier. The company expects full-year production to fall to about 60,000 units from a record 63,803 units in 2025.
PlayTime named entertainment partner of Manila Fashion Week PLAYTIME Entertainment served as the official entertainment partner of this year’s Manila Fashion Week, providing music, digital coverage and interactive experiences at one of the country’s major fashion events. The company supplied music and digital coverage during the fourday event, held Sept. 3 to 6 at the SMX Convention Center Aura. It also provided livestream services for audiences unable to attend in person and set up a happiness-themed booth serving complimentary cocktails. “We want to be part of the very important mission of celebrating Filipino fashion and showcasing the talent and creative skills of our local designers and brands,” PlayTime Entertainment president Roy Alcid said in a statement.
EMPLOYEE DONATION.
Land Bank of the Philippines extends P12.6 million in financial assistance and relief support to local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon affected by Typhoon Neneng and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat). The assistance, partly funded by voluntary cash donations from LandBank employees nationwide, supports immediate relief operations and community recovery efforts.
“It’s actually more than just a partnership with the people behind the Manila Fashion Week as PlayTime Entertainment serves as a key component of championing Filipino talent and artistry,” Alcid said. The partnership reflects the company’s efforts to expand across sectors while building collaborations that highlight Filipino creativity and talent. Manila Fashion Week brought together Filipino designers, brands, creators and industry personalities to showcase local fashion and foster opportunities for collaboration. The event continues to give local designers and brands a platform to showcase their work, build industry connections and explore potential partnerships. Darwin G. Amojelar
ASEAN DIALOGUE. ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn (center)
stands alongside Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN chairman Shigeru Shimoda (left), Japan External Trade Organization president Kataoka Susumu and delegates from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia during the 18th FJCCIA Dialogue in Manila on Sept. 18, 2026. Business and government leaders presented proposals to bolster supply chain resilience, green energy and digital governance across the region. Norman Cruz
IN BRIEF DA backs hog floor price of P210-per-kg
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) supports a proposed P210-per-kilogram floor price for live hogs but has no legal authority to make it mandatory, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said, as farmgate prices fall to as low as P120 to P160 per kilo in some areas. “The one who suggested P210 per kilo is the industry, not the DA. Of course, we support that because the farmgate price of hogs is very low. However, no law allows us to put a floor price at the moment,” he said. Hog prices vary by location, with some producers receiving only P120 to P160 per kg., Tiu Laurel said. The P210 level remains a target rather than an enforceable price. No existing law authorizes the DA to impose a farmgate floor, and any presidential price cap would require separate legal and procedural action, he said. The DA is instead pursuing trade measures to support local hog producers. It has discussed with the administration’s economic managers restoring pork tariffs to previous levels, backed by higher special safeguard duties. Othel V. Campos
NGCP to speed up Mindoro-Panay link
NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has committed to accelerate the Mindoro-Panay interconnection project, which will allow power transfers between the two islands and boost supply in the Visayas region. NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Perez-Alabanza said the company had planned to postpone the project until 2040, but is now considering speeding up its timeline because of recent red and yellow alerts in the Visayas. “The Mindoro-Panay interconnection was actually designed to be in the medium horizon. It wasn’t supposed to be now. But again, the transmission development plan isn’t static,” Perez-Alabanza said. “Because, again, the planning parameters currently in effect at NGCP assume that Luzon is sufficient for itself, Visayas is sufficient for itself, Mindanao is sufficient for itself. The grid was not designed for long-term and daily importation of the Visayas. Because right now, what we’re seeing is, the Visayas is now a net importer,” she said. Perez-Alabanza said NGCP can accelerate the Mindoro-Panay project if policymakers and the regulator decide to “prepare for a net import situation.” Alena Mae S. Flores
Palay farmgate price jumps nearly 30%
THE national average farmgate price of dry palay, or unhusked rice, rose nearly 30 percent year-onyear to P22.16 per kilogram in August 2026, giving rice farmers some relief from higher fuel, transport and other production costs, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said, citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The August price was 29.9 percent higher than the P17.06 per kilo recorded a year earlier, but slightly lower than July’s P22.39, the PSA data showed. Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the stronger farmgate prices could help sustain farmers’ planting intentions as production costs remain elevated and the El Niño phenomenon threatens farm operations in the coming months. “Higher palay prices give our rice farmers some room to absorb the increase in fuel, transport, and input cost. We are cautiously optimistic that this will support their planting intentions despite the risk posed by El Niño in the months ahead,” he said, noting that most major rice-producing regions posted double-digit gains from a year earlier. Ilocos Region registered the largest year-on-year increase, 54 percent, bringing its average price to P23.57 per kilo. Central Visayas had the highest regional average, P28.07 per kilo, up 41 percent. Othel V. Campos
one or more segments of the data transmission network. The circular requires all applicants, whether they seek to operate as an international gateway facility, core or backbone, middle-mile or lastmile provider, to allocate minimum assets for each application. They should also keep their debt-to-asset ratio within a prescribed threshold, which the NTC set at 70 percent for all segments. The minimum asset requirement is P1 billion for international gateway facility applicants, P100 million for core or backbone network applicants, P10 million for middle-mile applicants and P500,000 for last-mile applicants, the NTC said.
Science, medical groups support appointment of nuclear regulator A COALITION of seven scientific, medical and engineering organizations called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to appoint recentlyretired Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) executive director Carlo Arcilla as the first director-general of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM). The endorsing bodies are the Society of Metallurgical Engineers of the Philippines (SMEP), the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSEM), the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE), the Philippine Society of Nuclear Medicine (PSNM), the Philippine College of Radiology (PCR), the Philippine Society for Nondestructive Testing (PSNT) and the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) at the University of the Philippines Diliman. The groups, in letters to Malacañang and the selection committee, cited Arcilla’s combination of technical expertise, institutional leadership and regulatory governance as the qualifications needed to guide the country’s independent nuclear regulator. “Since the Director General of PhilATOM by law requires a professional who is not only knowledgeable about aspects of nuclear science and technology AND nuclear regulations, we strongly recommend Dr. Arcilla for the position because there is practically no one else in the country that has simultaneously nuclear and regulatory experience,” said PSEM national president Felizardo Gacad Jr. and PIChE national president Dennis Pagud in their respective statements. SMEP president Hilbert Cárdenas said Arcilla’s background carries strategic value for critical minerals and the national energy transition, because nuclear science supports advanced mineral characterization, materials processing and resource management. PNRI became DOST’s most prolific research institution during Arcilla’s tenure from 2017 to 2026. It produced the most peer-reviewed publications among DOST’s 19 member agencies and generated external research grants that made up nearly half of its operating budget. PSNT president June Raymond Mariano identified Arcilla’s work drafting and advocating for the Philippine Atomic Energy Law as a defining career milestone.
REAL ESTATE F
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com Jenniffer B. Austria, Issue Editor
The Seasons Residences expands with Aki Tower
EDERAL Land Inc. is taking The Seasons Residences in Bonifacio Global City closer to completion with the recent inauguration of Aki Tower, the third of four residential towers, and the opening of The Guest House. Developed with Japanese partners Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd., The Seasons Residences brings Japanese architecture, technology and design into a Philippine residential setting. The development is built around a combination of Japanese attention to detail and the Filipino approach to home, family and hospitality. “Our ambition was not simply to build another residential development in the Bonifacio Global City. We wanted to create something distinct. A development that would combine Japanese innovation, attention to detail, thoughtful design, and the warmth and hospitality of Filipino people,” Federal land vice chairman William Thomas F. Mirasol said. Aki Tower expands the lifestyle spaces Aki Tower takes the concept further through spaces designed for the different ways residents spend their time. Named after the Japanese word for autumn, the tower follows the theme “Creative Autumn.” Its amenities cover work, recreation, wellness and social activities.
Swimming Pool at The Seasons Residences
The Guest House at The Seasons Residences
Residents can use the business center for work and meetings, while the function room provides a space for gatherings. The culinary station is intended for shared dining and food preparation. The tower also has a gym, outdoor terrace and contemplation garden. A children’s play area, multimedia room and golf simulation room are set to follow. Rather than treating amenities as separate additions, the spaces are designed to support the range of activities that form part of modern residential life—from working and exercising to
spending time with family and taking a break. With the first two towers already welcoming residents, the inauguration of Aki Tower marks another stage in the development of the fourtower community. The Guest House puts hospitality in focus The inauguration of Aki Tower also marks the opening of The Guest House, a shared amenity that provides residents with a dedicated space where family and friends can stay and experience the warmth of Japanese-inspired living. Inspired by traditional Japanese house
El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island
More Philippine hotels earn MICHELIN Keys as tourism picks up THE Philippines is seeing more hotels gain international recognition as the country works to grow its tourism industry and bring more visitors to its destinations. The MICHELIN Guide’s 2026 hotel selection now includes nine Philippine hotels and resorts, up from five in 2025. The list covers properties in Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Siargao and Negros Occidental. Two hotels received Two MICHELIN Keys, while seven received One MICHELIN Key. Five properties are new to the selection, including El Nido Resorts Lagen Island, which entered the list with Two MICHELIN Keys. Raffles Makati was also upgraded from One to Two MICHELIN Keys. Lagen Island is set in a forested cove in El Nido, surrounded by limestone cliffs and Bacuit Bay. The resort has Filipino-inspired accommodations and offers outdoor activities while placing emphasis on its natural surroundings. Raffles Makati, meanwhile, offers all-suite accommodations, butler service and other hotel amenities in the Makati business district. Four properties made their debut with One MICHELIN Key: NUSTAR Hotel Cebu, El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island, Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts and Manami Resort in Sipalay City. NUSTAR Hotel Cebu is part of NUSTAR Resort & Casino and offers rooms with views of the city and sea. Pangulasian Island in El Nido has villas along a white-sand beach and is designed around its natural setting. Hotel Okura Manila brings Japanese hospitality to Newport World Resorts, while Manami Resort in Negros Occidental has 18 villas on a hillside overlooking the Sulu Sea. Three hotels that were recognized in 2025 retained their MICHELIN Keys: Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao in General Luna, Fairmont Makati and Amanpulo on Pamalican Island. The MICHELIN Guide assesses hotels through anonymous inspections based on five criteria: architecture and design, service, individuality, value for money and the hotel’s connection to its location. One MICHELIN Key is given to a “very special stay,” Two MICHELIN Keys to an “exceptional stay” and Three MICHELIN Keys to an “extraordinary stay.” The 2026 global selection includes 2,832 hotels in 79 countries. It has 155 Three MICHELIN Key hotels, 657 Two MICHELIN Key hotels and 2,020 One MICHELIN Key hotels. For the Philippines, the latest selection adds more names to a growing list of hotels catering to travelers looking for different kinds of stays, from city hotels to island resorts.
NUSTAR Hotel Cebu
Raffles Makati
Manami Resort in Sipalay City
architecture, the facility has four bedrooms, including a tatami room, each with an ensuite bathroom. It also has a living room, dining area, kitchen and garden. The Guest House draws from omotenashi, the Japanese tradition of thoughtful hospitality. The concept also fits naturally with the Filipino practice of welcoming relatives and friends into one’s home. It is available for rent exclusively to The Seasons Residences homeowners and their guests. Together, Aki Tower and The Guest House add new spaces to a residential community designed around the meeting of two cultures. For Federal Land and its Japanese partners, the latest additions show how the original FilipinoJapanese concept of The Seasons Residences continues to take shape—not only in its architecture, but also in the way residents work, relax, gather and welcome others. Jenniffer B. Austria
City North Tower makes urban living more accessible FOR people who value being close to work, shopping and public transport, living near a major transport interchange can make a difference in the daily routine. This is why Cityland developed City North Tower, a 50-storey mixed-use development along North Avenue in Quezon City. The project puts residents within walking distance of major shopping centers and, with the planned Common Station across the property, provides access to several rail lines connecting different parts of Metro Manila. The project is located near SM North EDSA and Trinoma, as well as banks, restaurants, government offices and other establishments. This puts many of the places residents regularly visit within easy reach. City North Tower combines commercial spaces, office units and residential condominiums in one development. Its residential units come in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts, giving homebuyers options based on their space requirements. The development also includes amenities designed for everyday use, such as a swimming pool, gym, multipurpose room with a movable children’s play set and a viewing deck overlooking the city. Its location is one of the project’s main considerations, particularly as North Avenue continues to develop as a major transportation and commercial area. The planned Common Station is expected to connect MRT-7, MRT-3, LRT-1 and the Metro Manila Subway. For residents who rely on public transportation, having several rail lines within reach could make daily trips across Metro Manila more convenient. For those considering the development, Cityland
is holding an open house from Sept. 17 to 20. Prospective buyers can visit the property, view the model units and learn more about the available residential spaces. Studio, one-bedroom and twobedroom units are offered under cash and installment payment plans. Discounts are also available to early buyers for a limited period, subject to the terms of the offer. With its proximity to established commercial centers and a planned rail interchange, City North Tower reflects the growing demand for residential developments that bring homes closer to the places people need to go for work, shopping, services and leisure.
SHOWBIZ
C2
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
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ASSA Gurl took one of the biggest creative risks this year by moving behind the camera and into the unfamiliar territory of film production while also headlining a project. The popular content creator stars in Multwoh (Patay Na Patay Sa’yo), one of the seven full-length films selected for the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival. But acting was only part of the challenge. Sassa Gurl also took on a producer role, turning an idea into a film and seeing the project through its production. “I’m really happy with all the support that was given to us,” Sassa said, recalling how the project eventually made its way to the Fierce Film Festival, which she described as a “very, very big opportunity” for the team. The film received a P5 million grant, along with support from other sponsors and producers for its production and technical requirements. Directed by Rodina Singh, the film stars Sassa Gurl and Joao Constancia and explores fear, desire, and love through a story that is both haunting and tender. Sassa Gurl hopes the film reminds young audiences that their feelings are valid and that expressing love doesn’t always feel like a dangerous gamble. “I want them to think, ‘Oh my God, what I’m feeling is valid. It’s okay to love,’” Sassa Gurl said. “Once they express their love, it shouldn’t be a risk anymore. It should be normal.” The experience also reinforced another lesson about taking chances: not every risk pays off immediately. “It’s always a learning experience,” Sassa Gurl said. “Even if you fail, you learn from it.” That spirit runs through this year’s Puregold CinePanalo lineup, which brings together established filmmakers, actors, and emerging voices across a wide range of genres. The festival recently presented its 26 participating original films and their makers during a media conference at Quantum Skyview in Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City. Thop Nazareno’s coming-of-age film Apol of My Ai stars Zanjoe Marudo, Zion Cruz, and Rochelle Pangilinan. It follows a young boy navigating his growing feelings for his choir teacher while dealing with his father’s decision that threatens to create distance between them. Lawrence Fajardo’s Beast, starring
The festival introduces its latest slate of filmmakers for the full-length category ahead of the screenings
Sassa Gurl takes biggest creative risk yet with ‘Multwoh’
The cast of ‘Multwoh’ joins the festival gathering as the supernatural romance prepares to reach audiences alongside six other full-length entries
Sassa Gurl and director Rodina Singh discuss the work behind ‘Multwoh,’ which also marks the content creator’s first venture into film production
John Arcilla, follows a farmer and his loyal carabao on a magical journey to Manila as they pursue the ghost of a niece lost to the passage of time. BC Amparado’s Mono No Aware, starring Juan Karlos Labajo and Perry Dizon, moves into quieter territory, telling the story of a Filipino kodokushi cleaner in Japan who receives one final request from an elderly widower. Carl Joseph Papa and Ian Pangilinan’s Patay Gutom stars Khalil Ramos, Ian Pangilinan, Agot Isidro, and Cris Villanueva in a supernatural story
involving a shut-in, a ghost, and an accidentally opened third eye. Mikko Baldoza’s Stuck on You, starring Xyriel Manabat and River Joseph, turns romance into a deadly comedy when a heartbroken manicurista accidentally takes on a hitman’s job. Rounding out the full-length lineup is Joseph Abello’s Wantawsan, starring Joross Gamboa, Rita Daniela, and Zion Cruz. The slice-of-life comedy follows a cash-strapped father whose attempt to buy food for his son’s birthday turns into an unex-
Robb Guinto out to show more than sexy side in ‘Desperada’ By Jasper Valdez ROBB Guinto is not looking to completely leave sexy roles behind, but she wants audiences to see that there is more she can do as an actress. That opportunity came with Desperada, the Louie Ignacio-directed drama that first competed at the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival before arriving on VMX. “I’m not totally trying to leave sexy movies or characters behind,” Robb said during the film’s recent press conference. “I’m desperate to prove that people who come from VMX can do more than sexy roles. We also have talent that we can show.” In the film, Robb plays Brenda, a young woman struggling with her mental health who is brought to a facility where she meets others dealing with their own difficulties. Preparing for the character required Robb to look beyond what was written on
the page. She underwent a workshop and created a backstory for Brenda to better understand what brought the character to that point in her life. “I tried to understand Brenda’s story more, that she didn’t just become that way for no reason. There was something that led her there,” she said. Some of the challenges also came down to small details in her performance. Robb recalled one scene in which Ignacio asked her to cry with only a single tear. The request put some pressure on her because she was used to crying naturally with both eyes. “I was thinking, ‘Oh my God, I don’t know how I’m going to do that or what I’m going to draw from,’” she recalled. “It was difficult, but I managed to do it with Direk Louie’s help.” Ignacio said giving Robb material that would push her as an actress had been part of the plan from the beginning. From left: Director Louie Ignacio joins Robb Guinto and Julianne Richards at the press conference for ‘Desperada’ as the team talks about the film and their work on the project
The filmmakers behind this year’s CinePanalo Film Festival, which brings seven fulllength features together with 19 student shorts across different genres
pected test of his values. Nineteen filmmakers are also participating in this year’s student shorts category, bringing emerging cinematic voices from different parts of the country into the festival. “Every film in this year’s CinePanalo
At the ‘Desperada’ press conference, Robb Guinto reflects on the acting challenges that pushed her beyond the roles audiences usually associate with her
“I told her, ‘Robb, let’s make a film that you can be proud of, where you can really show your acting talent,’” the director said. The film eventually earned Robb a Best Actress nomination at Sinag Maynila, while her co-star Yasser Marta won Best Supporting Actor. For Robb, however, the nomination was not something she had expected when they made the movie. “Win or lose, we did our best and we made it into Sinag Maynila. That was the most important thing,” she said. She considers Desperada particularly important in her career because it gave her the chance she had been looking for. “I’m really thankful to Direk Louie because he gave me the chance to show that there are still other things I can do,” Robb said. Desperada, which also stars Marta, Mhack Morales, Julianne Richards, Sue Prado, and Mercedes Cabral, is now available for streaming on VMX.
carries the passion of its creators,” festival chair Ivy-Hayagan Piedad said. “Giving these stories a platform where audiences can experience and celebrate them is our way of supporting Filipino artistry and contributing to the continued growth of Philippine cinema.”
Naomi Watts honored at Spain film festival
BRITISH actor Naomi Watts is to receive a special honor on Saturday at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain, where she declared an unwavering appetite for challenging roles that make audiences think differently. The festival will present Watts with its top prize, the Donostia Award, previously handed to actors such as Gregory Peck, Julia Roberts, Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Sigourney Weaver. and Penelope Cruz. “It feels like such an incredible honor to get this award at this point in my life,” the 57-year-old told a news conference at the festival in the northern Spanish coastal city. “I’ve been working hard for the last nearly four decades and had the fantastic opportunity to work with cinema greats,” she added. “I continue to try and do interesting things with my work, to shift thinking, alter narratives, and help the human psyche be understood better.” Watts rose to stardom with her role in David Lynch’s 2001 psychological thriller Mulholland Drive and received two Oscar nominations for 21 Grams and The Impossible. An advocate for women ageing naturally, she said attitudes in the film industry had changed in recent years. “I was told at the beginning that I better get my skates on because it all finishes at the age of 40— and here we are today. I’m in my late 50s now... I do think things have changed.” Films in competition at the Spanish festival include a new adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel Les Miserables by French filmmaker Fred Cavaye and Ashes by Mexican director Diego Luna.
LIFE & SHOWBIZ
C3
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
Into the mythical world of ‘Forgotten Island’ Island’
JOLLIBEE and DreamWorks Animation have teamed up for a global campaign tied to the theatrical release of Forgotten Island, an animated film inspired by Filipino mythology and family stories. The film follows lifelong friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R. and actress Liza Soberano, as they discover a portal to Nakali, a magical island inhabited by mythical creatures. Their adventure takes a turn when they learn that returning home comes at the cost of losing their memories of each other. Joined by a group of allies, the two friends search for a way to preserve their friendship. The voice cast also includes Dave Franco, Lea Salonga, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng. As part of the partnership, Jollibee Philippines offers a limited-time Forgotten Island Adventure Bundle
starting Sept. 16 in Metro Manila and Sept. 23 in other regions. It will be available at participating stores until Oct. 31, while supplies last. Priced at P389, the bundle includes a one-piece Chickenjoy with rice and Pineapple Quencher, Peach Mango Pie à la Mode with Vanilla Soft Serve, Peach Mango Pie with Chocolate Sauce, and a Forgotten Island Friendship Charm Bracelet. The bracelet is designed as a collectible tied to the film and the Jollibee-DreamWorks partnership. The bundle will be available for dine-in, takeout and drive-thru orders. Jollibee Philippines vice president for marketing Dorothy Ching said the partnership centers on the film’s themes of friendship and shared experiences. “Forgotten Island is a beautiful and moving story that reminds us of the power and importance of friendship,” Ching said.
The campaign includes a limited-time Forgotten Island Adventure Bundle featuring a collectible Friendship Charm Bracelet
P-pop girl group BINI sings one of the film’s official soundtrack, ‘A Parallel World’
Boracay’s happiest nest for family getaways
Mandarin Nest Boracay offers beachfront access with shared spaces where families, friends, and groups can relax and spend time together
Spacious rooms at Mandarin Nest Boracay give families and larger groups room to stay together under one roof
By Jimbo Gulle
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OME Boracay trips are simply better when everyone comes along—a family vacation, long-overdue reunion, birthday by the beach, or small company getaway.
When the goal is to stay together, share good food, and have spaces where everyone can gather, Mandarin Nest Boracay offers a comfortable home base along Station 2. The beachfront property has 77 tropical-inspired rooms designed for relaxed island stays, with transfer services available as an add-on for guests who want a more convenient journey between the airport and resort. Rooms made for staying together One of Mandarin Nest’s strengths is its range of rooms for families and larger groups. The Premier Triple Room with Daybed and Premier Quadruple Room can each accommodate up to four adults and two children. The Premier Family with Daybed, with two queen beds and a daybed, accommodates up to five adults and two children. For bigger groups, the One Bedroom Premier accommodates up to six adults and two children, with three queen beds and two single beds. The Two Bedroom Premier can accommodate up to eight adults and two children, offering four queen beds and three single beds. The arrangements make group travel
simpler: everyone stays under one roof, whether the day calls for a morning at the beach, an afternoon by the pool, or an evening meal together. Inside, tropical-inspired interiors and comfortable bedding provide a place to unwind after exploring the island. Welcome treats, turndown treats, and special room setups for birthdays and other celebrations add thoughtful touches to the stay. Gather around good food For groups, meals are often part of the experience. At Hakuna Matata Boracay, guests can gather around the Boodle Boat Feast, available in Seafood, All-Meat, and Combo options. For a more casual meal, the restaurant also serves choices such as the Lava Cheese Burger and Hakuna Pizza. The emphasis is on food that can be shared, turning mealtimes into another opportunity for guests to connect. A place to celebrate Birthdays, reunions, anniversaries, and other milestones take on a different atmosphere by the beach. Mandarin Nest offers complimentary occasion setups, welcome treats, and turndown
Ultimately, Mandarin Nest is built around the simple pleasure of being together. With rooms designed for groups, food meant for sharing, spaces for celebrations, and opportunities to relax, it offers families, barkadas, reunions, and small corporate groups a place to stay, gather, celebrate, and enjoy Boracay together.
The beachfront property in Station 2 caters to families and barkadas looking for a stay built around group activities and shared moments
service to make celebrations more personal. For larger gatherings, the fully air-conditioned Sky Bar can accommodate up to 100 guests for family celebrations, reunions, social events, and small corporate gatherings. The Function Room, meanwhile, accommodates up to 30 guests for meetings and more intimate celebrations. Families can also make use of the Kids Play Area, while guests looking to stay active have access to a Fitness
Area. Pamahaw sa Nest offers complimentary afternoon treats during its “kakanin hour,” while a complimentary 15-minute foot massage provides a simple way to relax. At the Sky Pool, guests can take a dip while enjoying elevated views of Boracay, particularly as the afternoon gives way to sunset. As evening approaches, the Mandarin Nest Sunset Dancers add music, movement, and island energy to the experience.
Hakuna Matata Boracay serves hearty dishes designed for sharing, adding another gathering point for families and groups on the island
Emirates, OWWA sign three-year deal for OFWs
From left: Emirates senior regional manager for commercial operations Tatiana Korshunova, Emirates Far East senior vice president for commercial operations Orhan Abbas, OWWA deputy administrator Ryan Vincent L. Uy, and OWWA-Dubai welfare officer Martel R. Dasayon lead the signing event
EMIRATES and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have signed a threeyear agreement covering programs for the welfare, reintegration and support of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. The Sept. 17 Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Orhan Abbas, Emirates senior vice president for Commercial Operations, Far East, and OWWA Vice Chairman Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan. The agreement covers welfare and social protection, reintegration and livelihood, travel and tourism, corporate social responsibility, and community engagement. The two organizations will also coordinate support and repatriation assistance for OFWs this year. The Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024
Survey on Overseas Filipinos estimated about 271,000 OFWs in the UAE, making it the secondlargest destination for Filipino workers. Remittances from the UAE reached $750.3 million in the first half of 2026, up 4.3 percent from $719.6 million in the same period last year, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data. The agreement may include preferential fares for official OWWA travel and travel assistance for individuals recognized for their contributions to OFW welfare. Emirates will also support OWWA outreach, humanitarian and volunteer activities in Dubai and other parts of the Middle East. Abbas said the agreement would provide support to OFWs and their families, while Caunan said the partnership would help OWWA extend assistance through private-sector collaboration.
LIFE
C4
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
SOCCSKSARGEN’s booth highlights the region’s undersea wealth, Kalibo showcases its piña cloth through a modern art installation placed particularly tuna, with two artistically crafted mangrove tree trunks as at the center of its booth its centerpiece
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HE country has come alive again through the very attractive booths representing its different regions at the recently held 37th edition of the much-anticipated Philippine Travel Mart (PTM).
A showcase of the Philippines we love CALABARZON’s ‘Furrrtastic’ booth puts the spotlight on the region’s petfriendly tourism initiative and experiences for travelers with their pets
This is the biggest domestic tourism exposition hereabouts and is hosted by the 40-year-old Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA). What made the event even more significant is that it came right after our Department of Tourism (DOT) launched its new slogan, “Discover More To Love,” to promote domestic tourism. You’ll know when PTM takes place because you’ll see queues snaking around the entrance to the SMX Convention Center as early as 7am, even if the exposition opens at 10am. Local residents and those from the neighboring provinces troop to the SMX to avail themselves of discounted tour packages to the country’s tourist destinations. This year’s edition, themed “Nurturing The NextGen Tourism: Discover Your Philippines,” was opened by Maria Lourdes “Malou” Japson, President of PHILTOA. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, in her Keynote Speech, said, “Today, tourists are looking beyond the usual attractions. They want to meet local people, taste local food, and experience a destination in a more personal way.” The expo had approximately 350 exhibitors, and foot traffic over the 3-day weekend was estimated to have El Nido’s booth recreates the feel of standing on a lagoon, complete with a towering replica of one of the exceeded 30,000. With the destination’s limestone cliffs many beautiful booths representing our country’s different ally spent on quality booths to convey regions, it’s no surprise that the event the elements that make their attractions was able to gather such a volume of cuunique. Here are some that I found inrious holidaymakers. teresting. The attractive exhibits energized me The booth representing CALABARto spend most of the day going around ZON bannered the word “Furrrtastic” the massive halls of SMX just to see and had photos of different furry pets what the country’s latest offerings are. all over. I asked DOT Regional Director I’m glad that the different regions reMarites Castro what it was all about, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has picked up multiple recognitions for its workplace programs, earning awards and finalist spots for its efforts in diversity, employee development and engagement. SMHCC was named Diversity & Inclusion Champion at the 2026 Altaris Business Awards – Human Resources Awards, a global program recognizing business innovation and success across industries. The company was also named a finalist for Learning & Development Excellence and Talent Acquisition Excellence, making SMHCC the only company to appear three times among the seven organizations on the finalists and winners list. Its Diversity & Inclusion Champion entry featured programs designed to give employees across generations, abilities, backgrounds and identities equitable opportunities to contribute and advance. Among the initiatives cited were programs supporting women in traditionally male-dominated roles, LGBTQ+
Iligan’s booth draws visitors with an Instagrammable replica of Maria Cristina Falls, complete with running water
and she proudly declared that the booth highlights the region’s pet-friendly tourism initiative. The photos of pets all over the booth are a “visual representation of its petfriendly destinations, establishments, and tourism experiences. CALABARZON positions itself as a welcoming, inclusive, NextGen tourism destination where travelers can explore and create experiences together with their pets,” Castro stated. Certainly a noble and forward-thinking initiative! Iligan’s booth featured the SIKYOP Agritourism Adventure, and right at the center, as its main attraction, was a replica of Maria Cristina Falls, complete
with flowing water. Just the right thing to do because Iligan proclaims itself as “The City Of Majestic Waterfalls.” I remember when I was still in my teens, my uncle, who was then the District Engineer of Marawi City, brought me there for my summer vacation. We drove to Maria Cristina Falls, and I was really awed by its grandeur. As young as I was then, I already had the desire to see what the other “wonders” were in the other parts of our country… and the world! SOCCSKSARGEN’s booth, with its name made simpler with just three letters, SOX, beautifully depicted what the region has to offer in terms of culture, adventure, and nature. Most of all, it ban-
nered its undersea wealth, Tuna, coupled with a reminder to holidaymakers to “Keep Sarangani Bay Clean.” I have to say that the booth’s main attraction was definitely unique—two artistically crafted mangrove tree trunks. Camiguin’s representation looked simple, but colorful, modern, and playful, which was in contrast with Cotabato’s elaborate, but very attractive, multi-dimensional booth that covered two blocks of display area. Cotabato’s main feature was a replica of its City Hall, also referred to as the “People’s Palace.” Batanes’ booth had a replica of the province’s stone houses. I was curious about El Nido’s booth because my friends were telling me that you’d have to “stand on water,” so I made it a point to visit there. Sure enough, the booth is carpeted by a very nice, giant-sized shot of a lagoon, so getting inside the booth makes you look like you’re standing on one of El Nido’s captivating lagoons. The booth’s centerpiece was a replica of a towering limestone cliff, which you find many of in the destination’s lagoons. It was beautifully handcrafted, piece by piece, using soft cement. I really marvel at the creativity of our event organizers! I was expecting Kalibo to showcase something with elements of Ati-Atihan but, this time, its modern-designed booth simply featured its Piña clothing material. It had a towering art installation, right at the center, wrapped in Piña cloth. Davao’s booth bannered its being blessed with nature’s bounty. The top of the booth declared, “Diversity Is Our Beauty” and, sure enough, it displayed its diverse tourist attractions and featured all the fruits that visitors always crave for every time they visit the city. Of course, I was tempted to buy a box of pomelos. Region 1’s booth caught my fancy because of its slogan, a perfect comeon for singles who are still “looking around.” Its catchy directive was— “Find The One In Region 1.” And on this note, I congratulate my friend, Malou Japson, and her team, for successfully staging, again, a platform for our country’s bountiful natural blessings, through their annual PTM. Not only does this give our people the chance to “Discover More To Love,” but also because it has made us “Find The One”…the ONE BIG REASON why we love our country! YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE: BEACH SIGN: Please pick up your cigarette butts. The crabs crawl out at night to smoke them and we’re trying to get them to quit! ----------O---------For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com
SM Hotels scores three major honors for workplace excellence inclusion, and partnerships with organizations advocating for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Community-based programs also extend SMHCC’s inclusion efforts beyond the workplace. SMHCC’s Learning & Development Excellence finalist recognition came for its structured approach to employee training, including We Go Beyond, R.I.S.E. and L.E.A.D. Beyond, as well as specialized programs covering technical, service, leadership and personal competencies. Its Talent Acquisition Excellence finalist entry focused on building sustainable talent pipelines through strategic sourcing, school and institutional part-
The company’s programs focus on inclusive opportunities, continuous learning, talent development, and employee engagement
nerships, internships, inclusive recruitment and employer branding. SMHCC also received the Best Employee Engagement Program award at the TalentView People Insights Awards 2026, which recognizes organizations developing workplace and people initiatives. The award recognized programs designed to strengthen employee connection, belonging and engagement through listening, communication, learning and employee recognition. These include We Go Beyond Pocket Sessions, HR Hour, Wednesday Wisdom, Kapihan, Stay Interviews, HAY Sessions and the President’s Go Beyond Awards. The programs give employees
opportunities to engage with leaders, share their views, learn, receive recognition and build relationships across the organization. “These recognitions affirm that our people strategies are not simply programs on paper. They are reflected in the experiences of our employees every day,” said Charmagne Adonis, SMHCC vice president for Human Resources and Organizational Development. “For us, going beyond means creating an environment where every person feels heard, valued, connected, and empowered to contribute. Whether through inclusion, learning, talent development, or engagement, we remain
SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation receives recognition at the 2026 People Insights Awards for its employee engagement programs
From left: TalentView founder and CEO Anj Vera, SMHCC vice president for Human Resources and Organizational Development Charmagne Adonis, and SMHCC assistant vice president for Public Relations Nian Rigor
committed to building a culture where our people can grow with the organization and, in turn, help us go beyond what is expected.” SMHCC said its workplace programs are designed around inclusive opportunities, continuous learning, talent development and employee engagement, with the aim of supporting both individual growth and the company’s goals in the hospitality and conventions industry. The company said the awards also reinforce its approach to building a workplace culture with its employees at the center, supported by their participation and commitment to going beyond expectations.