Manila Standard - 2026 September 24 - Thursday

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DOF SUSPENDS EXCISE TAXES ON LPG, KEROSENE

UN CHIEF MAKES CLIMATE PUSH AT NEW YORK SUMMIT

STRONG EL NINO TO SHORTEN ‘HABAGAT’ SEASON—PAGASA

BUSINESS / B4

WORLD / A6

NEWS / A2

Sara camp says Senate violated Constitution, lost legal authority By Katrina Manubay, Maricel V. Cruz and Jimbo Gulle VICE President Sara Duterte’s camp on Wednesday accused the Senate of violating the Constitution and denying her due process by lowering the voting

threshold required to convict an impeached official from 16 to 14 votes. Duterte spokesperson Atty. Paolo Panelo said the Senate impeachment court had no authority to reduce the requirement, which he said should remain at Next page

VOL. XL • NO. 219 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Votes to convict VP lowered

‘Senate ruling also automatically lowers threshold to acquit’ By Ram Superable, Joel E. Zurbano and Maricel V. Cruz

HOW SENATORS VOTED ON SCRAPPING FIXED 16-VOTE RULE

T

HE Senate on Wednesday approved a lower threshold of votes needed to find Vice President Sara Duterte guilty in her impeachment trial, ruling that senators who are unable to participate in the proceedings should not be counted in determining the constitutionally required two-thirds majority.

YES ZUBIRI

GATCHALIAN

LAPID

SOTTO

PANGILINAN

AQUINO

E. TULFO

NO

Thirteen senator-judges voted to reconsider the 16-vote threshold, one voted against and six abstained. If convicted, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently barred from holding an elected position. Presiding Officer Senator Francis Escudero, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said the decision -- which effectively lowers the number of guilty votes needed from 16 to 14 -- would be treated as the “controlling ruling” going forward. “While the chair takes exception to this decision, the chair nonetheless accepts it as a judgment of this court and is bound to give it effect,” Escudero said. A lower conviction threshold will automatically lower the voting threshold to acquit Duterte, to seven votes from nine, House lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro said later.

ESCUDERO

R. TULFO

Next page

HONTIVEROS

VILLANUEVA

M. VILLAR

LACSON

DID NOT PARTICIPATE A. CAYETANO

P. CAYETANO

GO

PADILLA

MARCOS

C. VILLAR

ABSENT DELA ROSA

MARCOLETA

ESTRADA

LEGARDA

EMPTY CHAIRS. The Senate session hall is seen without some members of the minority bloc ahead of the vote on the 16-vote rule for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Inset shows an infographic on how the senators voted, with 13 saying the number should be flexible. SPPA Pool / Lino Santos

Ruling reverses July 6 decision The ruling reverses Escudero’s July 6 decision requiring 16 votes, or twothirds of the entire 24-member Senate, for a conviction. Four senators are currently unable to participate in the impeachment proceedings, leaving 20 active senator-judges. Two-thirds of 20 is 13.33, which requires 14 votes when rounded up to a whole number, Escudero later explained. The senators excluded from the voting base are Jinggoy Estrada and

EJERCITO

Prosecution flags Constitutional violation, conflict of interest of VP By Maricel V. Cruz THE House prosecution is raising a possible constitutional violation and conflict of interest after records showed that a company Vice President Sara Duterte declared as a business interest

secured P35.9 million in government contracts during her term. House impeachment team adviser and spokesperson Ace Barbers said the prosecution is seeking to establish that Duterte retained a financial interest in Gencorp Industries Inc. while the com-

pany was doing business with the government. “Since there is a law prohibiting the President and Vice President from engaging in any business—or from holding any pecuniary or financial interest—this points to a possible violation

of the Constitution,” Barbers said. Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System Division Chief Rendell Sopeña testified that Gencorp was awarded 49 government contracts totaling P35,878,188 during Duterte’s Next page

Manibela joins ‘Police hunting down person transport strike who influenced school shooter’ Sept. 28 to 30 By Rex Espiritu

By Rio N. Araja

SITE INSPECTION. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspects the construction of the

Quezon Avenue Station of the Metro Manila Subway Project in Quezon City on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. PCO

A GROUP of jeepney drivers and operators on Wednesday announced a three-day transport strike across the country next week amid continuing increases in fuel prices. Manibela president Mar Valbuena said they will go on strike on Sept. 28 to 30 over skyrocketing pump prices and lack of government action. Another transport group, the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) disclosed earlier its plan to stage a nationwide strike on Sept. 29 and 30 over soaring fuel prices, low wages and the rising cost of basic goods and services. Malacañang maintained, however, that raising public transport fares remained a last option as the government Next page

CHED issues guidelines on AI use in schools By Gabriel Oliva THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has established national guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in colleges and universities across the country. CHED issued an order meant to

guide 2,366 higher education institutions (HEIs) and 188,261 faculty members across the country in adopting AI responsibly, benefiting more than 5.8 million students nationwide. In a statement, CHED said AI is changing the education system by transforming how students and teachers learn, conduct

research, and do their jobs. “CHED is setting a national direction to help Philippine higher education adopt it responsibly and harness its potential to improve learning, strengthen research, and make institutional processes more efficient,” the agency said. Next page

DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday said law enforcement authorities are pursuing a person Marie June Adriano. POC Media

suspected of influencing the minor involved in the deadly school shooting in Banga, South Cotabato, through online conversations. Remulla said the person is in the Philippines and that authorities have Next page

Adriano delivers lone medal as PH sees mixed Asiad fortunes By Riera U. Mallari TOYOHASHI CITY (Powered by PLDT Home)—Marie June Adriano was the lone Filipino medalist in a mixed day for the Philippines in the 20th Asian Games, picking up bronze in the women’s kumite -50kg division Wednesday. The 22-year-old karateka defeated Chinese Taipei’s Ya-chi Chung, 10-3, in the bronze-medal match at the Toyohashi Gymnasium for her first Asian Games medal in her maiden appearance. Adriano beat Cambodia’s Srey Phea Next page

NEWS

A2

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Strong El Niño to shorten habagat’ T By Rio N. Araja

HE southwest monsoon or “habagat” could end earlier than expected amid a strong El Niño episode, the state weather bureau said.

Based on its assessment, PAGASA said “habagat” could end within the next two weeks or ahead of its usual seasonal period. The El Niño may trigger an early onset of the northwest monsoon. The southwest monsoon usually affects the country from May to September or the second week of October,

spawning rains mostly in the western sections of the country. PAGASA administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando said the current strong El Niño may develop into a “very strong” event by the last quarter of 2026 and prevail until early 2027. He raised serious concern that this phenomenon would significantly affect rainfall

Prosecution... From A1

Votes... From A1

term as vice president. The Davao City government accounted for 15 contracts worth P34,216,900, while PhilHealth Region XI awarded 33 contracts worth P1,331,288 and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Region XI awarded one worth P330,000. House trial spokesperson Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the Davao City transactions also raised a conflict-of-interest issue because the local government is headed by Duterte’s brother, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. “There is indeed a prohibition— specifically regarding financial interest—because this is where the issue of conflict of interest arises, given the blood relationship between the local chief executive, Mayor Baste, and one of the shareholders of Gencorp, the company that won the contract with City Hall,” he said. “On that aspect alone, there is definitely a violation. Not to mention, too— and we go back to this point—that the Vice President should have divested.”

Rodante Marcoleta, who are detained; Ronald dela Rosa, who is in hiding amid an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court; and Loren Legarda, who is on medical leave abroad. The ruling does not itself determine the outcome of Duterte’s impeachment trial. It changes the number of votes required for either conviction or acquittal under the court’s interpretation of the two-thirds requirement. Curiously, the group who voted to lower the threshold included minority Sen. Mark Villar, in contrast to his sister Sen. Camille Villar who did not participate like her fellow opposition lawmakers. He had yet to explain his vote as of press time. Aside from Mark Villar, voting in favor were Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri, and Senator-judges Vicente Sotto III, Bam Aquino, JV Ejercito, Risa Hontiveros, Lito Lapid, Francis Pangilinan, Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, Joel Villanueva, and Panfilo Lacson.

‘Police... From A1 identified his location. “We’re chasing him right now,” he said in an interview. The DILG chief said the person preyed on the student’s insecurities and encouraged violence by promising that such an act would bring recognition. “They prey upon their insecurities, telling them that they will be glorified if they do something like this,” he said. “It’s a very insidious way of inciting that kind of hate.” Remulla earlier said investigators had linked the junior high school student’s actions to exposure to the deep dark web. “They now glorify violence through the deep dark web. It’s very alarming,” he said. Following school shootings in Tacloban, Zamboanga and Cotabato, Remulla said authorities are taking online threats related to school shootings seriously. He cited four students previously caught over Facebook posts. He said the government is pursuing a broader response to school violence, including measures to limit minors’ access to social media and websites, similar to the approach taken in Australia.

Sara... From A1 two-thirds of all 24 senators, or 16 votes. “The Senate’s decision to reduce it is a clear violation of the Constitution— not only because the Senate lacks the authority to do so, but also because it tramples upon Vice President Sara Duterte’s right to due process, specifically the right to be judged by a fair and impartial tribunal,” Panelo said. “Because of this, the Senate Impeachment Court has lost the legal and moral authority to proceed with the case,” he added. The statement came after the impeachment court voted 13-1, with six senator-judges not participating, to lower the conviction threshold by excluding unavailable members from the computation. Panelo also accused the Senate of lowering the threshold to prevent Duterte from prevailing in the impeachment proceedings or the 2028 elections,

Court rejects challenge

Before taking up the threshold itself, the impeachment court voted 13-6, with one abstention – Sen. Mark Villar -- to reject a point of order raised by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano seeking to prevent the court from reconsidering the 16-vote requirement. Cayetano, the Senate Minority Leader, argued that the constitutional question should be left to the Supreme Court rather than resolved by the impeachment court during the trial. He also questioned the modification of the voting rules while the proceedings were already underway and raised the possibility of allowing absent senator-judges to participate electronically. Six senator-judges did not participate in the threshold vote – the minority’s Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Robin Padilla, Bong Go, Imee Marcos and Camille Villar. Sen. Pia Cayetano maintained that interpretation of the constitutional provision properly belongs to the Supreme Court. The dispute centered on the Constitution’s requirement that no person may be convicted in an impeachment case without the concurrence of two-

Manibela... From A1 weighs measures to cushion drivers, operators and commuters from the impact

alleging that the move was intended to shield those responsible from what he described as impending accountability. He said senators who supported the reduction had surrendered the independence of the Senate and the country’s democracy to what he called a “renewed Marcos dictatorship.” Panelo also praised senators who opposed lowering the threshold, saying they had put the country ahead of their personal interests.

Duterte proceeds with caution

Despite the defense’s objections to the ruling, Duterte will continue participating in the impeachment proceedings but with caution, her lead counsel Sheila Sison said. Sison said Duterte would participate “ad cautelam,” or with reservations, following the impeachment court’s decision. She said Duterte did not fear accountability or the outcome of the trial but expected the tribunal to uphold fairness and impartiality.

and water resources across the country. “Starting October, more provinces may experience reduced rainfall. In fact, about 45 provinces, based on our projections, will experience dry condition, while eight provinces may suffer from drought condition,” Servando said. The weather bureau said more provinces could be affected by dry conditions, dry spells and drought as El Niño strengthens. The most critical period is expected from January to March 2027, when the number of areas experiencing drought is likely to increase. Ana Liza Solis, chief of PAGASA’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction

Section (CLIMPS), cited the country’s stronger-than-usual monsoon activity as a factor in the earlier weakening of the southwest monsoon. Meanwhile, PAGASA expects up to three tropical cyclones until December. “But come January to March (2027), we will have either zero or one, or a slim chance of tropical cyclone formation,” Solis said. The state weather bureau is currently monitoring a tropical depression outside the Philippine area of responsibility, which is expected to enter between Thursday morning and afternoon and be named “Queenie.”

thirds of all members of the Senate. The issue was whether “all the members” refers to the full 24-member Senate or only those senator-judges capable of participating in the trial.

“There’s no substitute for being here in person. In fact, I believe that that would be fair to the respondent, that everyone would be present here and physically able to assess the evidence,” he added.

Prosecution, defense make cases

House prosecutor Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno had argued before the vote that senators who are legally unable to perform the functions of impeachment judges should not remain in the voting denominator. Diokno said senator-judges should generally participate in the final judgment only after personally hearing the proceedings and receiving the evidence presented during the trial. “I think that we are operating here as an Impeachment Court, and therefore we should adopt the principles that apply to judges,” Diokno said. “The general rule is that they can only participate and eventually vote if they heard and personally received the evidence,” he added. Defense counsel Atty. Michael Poa, however, insisted on the 16-vote threshold, saying: “The Supreme Court has reminded us, time and time again, that when the law is clear, there is no room for interpretation; there is only room for application,” Poa said. “The language of the Constitution is clear, there’s no need for further interpretation,” he added.

‘Acquittal by default’

Diokno also warned that retaining the full 24-member Senate as the denominator could result in what he called an “acquittal by default.” He acknowledged that the Constitution deliberately makes conviction difficult by requiring a two-thirds vote but said the requirement should not depend on senators who are incapable of performing the functions of impeachment judges. “Yes, the Constitution deliberately makes conviction harder by imposing the two-thirds requirement,” Diokno said. “But making it harder is not the same as making it depend on senators who are not judges, or who are incapable of acting as judges.” He said senators who cannot hear the evidence, deliberate on the case or cast a vote should not effectively determine the threshold through their inclusion in the denominator. “Each of them cannot hear the evidence, deliberate, and vote. Their inability to participate is beyond dispute, and yet if the denominator is fixed at 24, conviction would always require 16 votes. Absurd po ito,” Diokno said. “That would be tantamount to an acquittal by default — a failure to arrive at the threshold number, caused not by the judgment of the incapacitated senators, but by their mere inclusion in the denominator,” he added.

Adriano... From A1 Chonn, 4-3, and South Korea’s Yang Yewon, 4-0, before falling 4-5 to Hong Kong’s Tsang Yee Ting in the semifinals. She made sure the loss didn’t mean a campaign that came up empty, besting Chung in the bronze-medal match after losing to the Taiwanese twice in their previous meetings. “Pangatlong beses na po naming nagharap,” said Adriano, recalling their previous meetings. Adriano, a Human Kinetics student at PUP and a native of Llanera in Nueva Ecija, credited her training, technique and her coach’s confidence for helping her stay composed during the bronze-medal match. “Mas nagtiwala po ako sa technique ko, sa kung ano ‘yung baon ko, kung ano ‘yung trinain ko para sa competition na ‘to,” she said. She also recalled her coach’s reminder to stay in the middle and wait for the right opportunity to attack. “Sa atin na ito, sa amin na ito. Kailangan ko lang mag-work,” Adriano said. The medal capped a breakthrough run for the young karateka, who said she was grateful for the opportunity to represent the Philippines. “Super laking bagay niya para sa akin. As a first-timer, talagang ‘yung pressure, nandoon lahat,” Adriano said. “Sobrang happy po ako na isa ako sa napili at nakapagbigay ako ng medalya para sa Pilipinas.” The bronze was the second karate medal for the Philippines in the games after the women’s kata trio of Rebecca Cyril Torres, Samantha Emmanuelle Veguillas and Ysabielle Arrogante also landed third a day earlier.

CHED... From A1

The threshold issue was also examined by four retired Supreme Court magistrates who appeared as amici curiae. Retired Chief Justices Artemio Panganiban, Hilario Davide Jr. and Reynato Puno took the position that the required number of votes need not remain fixed at 16, while retired Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna argued that all sitting senators should be counted. The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on May 11 over allegations including graft, corruption, bribery and an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Duterte has denied the allegations. With Jimbo Gulle and AFP

According to CHED, the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen Filipinos’ AI skills and promote the responsible use of emerging technologies to better prepare the workforce for a technology-driven economy. It added the policy allows the use of AI in teaching, learning, researching, and institutional operations in colleges and universities across the country. In addition, it also aims to place safeguard for several factors of education including academic integrity, human judgment, data privacy, and student welfare. “Rather than imposing a one-sizefits-all approach, it gives HEIs and faculty the flexibility to determine how AI can best support learning and institutional needs within their own contexts,” said CHED. According to the order, AI may be utilized to improve learning outcomes of the students, and support operational and institutional efficiency, but it should not replace teachers, and intellectual efforts. “AI must augment human intelligence, not replace it, and shall be deployed in ways that respect and protect human dignity, welfare, rights, and well-being,” it read.

of the fuel price increases. Meanwhile, Department of Energy-Oil Industry Management Bureau director Rino Abad said fuel prices could see an estimated P8-per-liter rollback next week if the decline in global

oil prices continued through Friday. “Starting Monday until Wednesday next week, we will stage a nationwide strike, along with the Manibela motorcycle taxis, UV Express, transport network vehicle services, jeepneys and a

coalition of buses so that the President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) will see how much we suffer,” Valbuena said. The rising fuel costs continued to affect drivers and operators’ earnings, he said.

“Let it be clear that the respondent does not shrink from accountability, nor does she fear the outcome of this impeachment trial,” Sison said. “She asks for nothing spectacular from this court. Only the most essential and basic guarantees due to every individual: fairness and impartiality.” Sison said Duterte reserved all legal remedies available to her under the law and the Constitution, including her right to be heard before an impartial tribunal. Defense counsel Michael Poa said the defense accepted the impeachment court’s ruling without waiving its right to challenge the threshold decision before the Supreme Court. “From today until the verdict, many things can still happen,” Poa said. He said the defense would consider elevating the matter to the Supreme Court, depending on Duterte’s decision.

to the trial, emphasizing that their responsibility remains to present evidence supporting the impeachment charges. “We respect the decision,” House prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno said, adding that the prosecution would focus on the evidence and the articles of impeachment rather than speculate on the positions of senator-judges who could not participate. House spokesman Ace Barbers said the prosecution’s focus was not on the number of votes but on the evidence presented before the impeachment court. He said the prosecution would perform its duty regardless of the threshold and urged the senator-judges to perform their constitutional responsibilities.

amid an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court; and Loren Legarda, who is on medical leave abroad. With 20 senator-judges considered active, two-thirds translates to 13.33 votes, requiring 14 votes for conviction. Senate President Francis Escudero was the lone senator to vote against lowering the threshold. He said he accepted the impeachment court’s ruling despite his disagreement. The ruling reversed Escudero’s earlier decision requiring 16 votes for conviction. The threshold vote followed a separate 13-6-1 vote rejecting Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s point of order seeking to prevent the impeachment court from reconsidering the conviction requirement. Cayetano argued that the constitutional issue should instead be settled by the Supreme Court. Sen. Pia Cayetano did not participate in the vote and maintained that the Supreme Court should interpret the constitutional provision governing the required votes for conviction.

‘Impeachment court unlike Supreme Court’

On another point, Diokno said the Senate impeachment court conducts a trial and receives evidence directly, unlike the Supreme Court, which generally reviews records from lower courts. “I would have to respectfully disagree that this Honorable Impeachment Court is akin to the Supreme Court,” Diokno said. He also opposed allowing absent senator-judges to participate remotely, saying electronic participation could prevent them from properly assessing witnesses and the evidence. “There would be an inability on the part of the person watching this kind of proceeding through electronic means to assess the credibility of the witnesses and to really understand and grasp what is happening in the trial,” Diokno said.

Prosecution focuses on evidence

House prosecutors said the threshold ruling would not change their approach

Justices divided

Threshold ruling

The impeachment court lowered the conviction threshold from 16 votes to 14 after excluding four senator-judges who could not participate in the proceedings. They were Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, who are detained; Ronald dela Rosa, who is in hiding

NEWS PBBM: Stronger protection for Pinoy seafarers

A3 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

INTERNATIONAL SHRINE.

On the Feast of Padre Pio, the Padre Pio Shrine in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, is officially declared an international shrine on September 23. It becomes the Philippines’ second international shrine, after Antipolo Cathedral. Dennis Abrina

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday vowed stronger government protection for Filipino seafarers as he acknowledged growing security threats, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological changes confronting the global maritime industry. Speaking at the Philippine Maritime Convention 2026 in Manila, Mr. Marcos said Filipino seafarers are increasingly exposed to armed conflicts, attacks and other security incidents despite having no role in the disputes that create such risks. “Our seafarers have found themselves caught in armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, attacks, and other security incidents they did not create and in which they had no part,” President Marcos said. “Some have suffered injuries, while others have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty,” he added. The president said the government has been strengthening measures to protect Filipino seafarers, including safeguards for those deployed in warrisk areas and the country’s capacity for emergency repatriation. The Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration have heightened safeguards for seafarers amid intensified security risks, he said. “No maritime industry can truly be sustainable if the people who keep it moving are left vulnerable,” Mr. Marcos said. President Marcos also highlighted the need to keep Filipino seafarers competitive as digitalization and new technologies reshape ship operations and the skills required in the industry.

Palace may call out Remulla over asylum claim By Charles Dantes MALACAÑANG said Wednesday that Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla may be called out for prematurely announcing that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s asylum application had been denied, after the Cabinet official admitted he was wrong. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Remulla had reached his own conclusion based on information he knew about asylum applications but acknowledged that he had no concrete evidence on the status of Roque’s petition. Asked whether the Palace considered Remulla’s earlier statement premature, particularly as the PCO has been actively fighting misinformation, Castro said the circumstances behind the statement would have to be examined before determining whether it was misinformation or simply an error. Remulla had earlier said Roque’s asylum application was denied but later acknowledged his mistake. Roque has been outside the Philippines while his asylum case remains pending. Remulla on Wednesday admitted he was wrong and said the asylum application of the former presidential spokesperson remains in limbo, or in a “purgatory stage.”

Marcos mulling pardon for Mary Jane Veloso By Charles Dantes

P

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is considering granting an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso, a Philippine migrant worker who spent nearly 15 years imprisoned in Indonesia, the Palace confirmed Wednesday. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Office of the President was considering the pardon on humanitarian grounds but declined to give a timeline for a decision. Castro said the Palace would provide details on the timing once there

is a decision. Veloso returned to the Philippines in December 2024 after Indonesia agreed to transfer her to serve the remainder of her sentence in the country. She had been sentenced to death in Indonesia after being convicted in 2010 of drug trafficking, but her execution was stayed in 2015. Castro said Veloso’s letter had reached Marcos and that the president was considering information surrounding her case. Asked what other factors were being considered apart from humanitarian grounds, Castro pointed to Veloso’s longstanding claim that she was not responsible for the crime. Veloso has maintained that she was unknowingly used as a drug mule. She was arrested in Yogyakarta in 2010 after authorities found more than 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her suitcase.

The Philippine government had previously sought clemency for her from Indonesia. Castro also declined to say whether the pardon could be granted before Christmas, saying the timing would be up to Mr. Marcos. On whether Indonesia would have to be informed if Mr. Marcos grants Veloso an absolute pardon, Castro said the Palace had been told that such notification would no longer be necessary, although she said she would provide further details. The Palace also said there had been no recent detailed discussion on the matter that Castro could disclose, despite the issue resurfacing publicly. The Philippine government has previously said Indonesia’s transfer arrangement allowed Veloso to continue serving her sentence in the Philippines, with the death penalty excluded under Philippine law.

IN BRIEF DepEd secures 47,000 OJT slots for SHS students THE Department of Education (DepEd) announced Monday that it has received 47,000 work immersion slots for Senior High School (SHS) students from private-sector partners, marking 94.9 percent of its 50,000-slot target. In a statement, DepEd said partnerships with various sectors will give SHS students opportunities to take on work roles in accommodation and food services, education, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and administrative support services. The initiative is in line with Republic Act No. 10533, or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, which aims to align basic education with industry demands. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said during the launch of the 2026 National Work Immersion Fair that the program supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s mandate to improve the employability of graduates. The companies that pledged OJT slots were evaluated through industry mapping and inspections to ensure they have valid permits and registrations and comply with the DepEd Child Protection Policy. Gabriel Oliva

Military, agencies team up over Russia jobs issue

ROLLBACK LOOMS. A gas station attendant fills a container with diesel in Paco, Manila, on Wednesday, September 23. The Department of Energy expects the decline in global oil prices to continue through Friday, raising the possibility of a price rollback next week. Yancy Lim

Robredo endorses Leonen for SC chief By Pot Chavez

UNIFIED 911. Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito C. Remulla leads the turnover of the Unified 911 Emergency Response Motorcycle at the National Capital Region Police Office Grandstand in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City, on September 23. Norman Cruz

NAGA City Mayor Leni Robredo has nominated Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen for chief justice following the compulsory retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo in November. SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Sue Mae L. Ting confirmed the development to justice reporters on Wednesday. The former vice president endorsed the senior magistrate in her letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dated Sept. 11, 2026. “Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen is the most senior among all the justices of the Court. He has proven to be way beyond the constitutional requirements of competence, independence, probity, and integrity,”

the letter reads in part. “On a personal note, I have witnessed his efforts not only to ensure the proper interpretation of our Constitution and our laws, but also his efforts to ensure social justice, human rights, and institutional integrity,” she added. She stressed that as a justice, his docket is one of the lowest in the High Tribunal. Robredo also highlighted Leonen’s “mature, effective, and collegial leadership,” noting that he has served as acting chief justice, chair of the SC’s Second Division, as well as chair of the Senate Electoral Tribunal and House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal. On Tuesday, Ting told the Manila Standard that Leonen will serve as acting chief justice until a new SC chief is appointed and qualified.

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) following the interception of four Filipinos allegedly recruited for security and military-related jobs in Russia. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military would not speculate on the intentions of Filipinos seeking such employment, noting that the issue also involves possible human trafficking and illegal recruitment. She said the AFP is coordinating with the DMW and DFA on cases involving Filipinos recruited for overseas employment and works through its defense attaché offices in countries where similar concerns arise. The AFP’s remarks followed the Bureau of Immigration’s interception of four Filipino passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sept. 18 and 19 who were identified as potential victims of human trafficking. Three men were intercepted on Sept. 18 after declaring Thailand as their destination, with one later disclosing that Russia was his actual destination. Rex Espiritu

‘President open to change anti-espionage law’ MALACAÑANG said Wednesday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to review the House-approved measure seeking to expand the country’s anti-espionage law but indicated he would not block the legislation if its provisions are deemed necessary to protect national security. House Bill 9642, or the proposed New Espionage Act, was approved on third and final reading on Sept. 17 by a vote of 247-10, with no abstentions. The measure has since been transmitted to the Senate and seeks to expand espionage offenses to include cyberenabled spying, unauthorized access to critical infrastructure and other emerging national security threats. Charles Dantes

NEWS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

Palace defends LGSF from harsh criticisms By Charles Dantes

CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY. Members of various progressive groups hold a picket outside the House of Representatives in Quezon City to protest what they described as a bloated budget for the Office of the President. The protest action comes as Congress is expected to deliberate on the proposed national budget despite calls for greater scrutiny of confidential funds and other allocations for Malacañang. Manny Palmero

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday rejected the characterization of the proposed Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) as a “presidential pork barrel,” saying the initiative is governed by rules and that local governments must establish their eligibility before receiving assistance. The proposed LGSF for 2027 stands at P58.53 billion, slightly higher than the P57.87 billion allocated in 2026. The Department of Budget and Management has said local government units (LGUs) themselves must submit requests directly through the government’s Ugnayang Bayan Portal, with releases funds subject to eligibility requirements, evaluation, transparency, monitoring, and auditing. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro rebutted the claims of Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice’s threat to bring the LGSF before the Supreme Court over what he described as a “presidential pork barrel.” “It is his right to go to any court, but he should make sure that he has a basis because if he is given (the information) or studies the process of how the LGSF is released to LGUs, he will likely become enlightened,” Castro said. She cited Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo’s recent explanation of how the city secured P500 million in LGSF assistance, saying the request took nearly a year before the funds were released after the city demonstrated that it qualified for the assistance. “The funds are not simply given out. This was confirmed by Mayor Leni Robredo herself because she spent almost a year making the request,” Castro pointed out. According to her Robredo’s account showed that LGSF assistance was subject to a process rather than being automatically granted.

PBBM hails ‘milestone’ in subway project IN BRIEF P By Charles Dantes

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday marked a breakthrough in the government’s subway construction project, describing the milestone as a sign that the country’s first underground train system is “gradually taking shape.”

LTFRB flags MC taxi firm with abusive rider

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has summoned a platform provider of a motorcycle taxi one of whose drivers was accused of sexually harassing a young female passenger as shown in a video that went viral on social media. Acting LTFRB chief Greg Pua Jr. said they issued a show cause order on Joyride PH demanding an explanation why its license to operate should not be suspended or revoked. Pua directed the firm to ensure the presence of the rider who was seen in the viral video harassing his passenger. “No person in his right mind would do this and we in the LTFRB assure the victim and her family that we will do everything in our power and within the bounds of the law to ensure justice is served,” he said. Rio N. Araja

BOC chief orders minor reshuffle in key posts BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has reshuffled two key officials, including the agency’s intelligence leader, as part of efforts to strengthen intelligence operations and administrative oversight. Director III Thomas Narcise was reassigned from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) to the Commissioner’s Strategic Advisory Office. Director III Jeoffrey Tacio was transferred from the Strategic Advisory Office to the CIIS-IG, effectively switching assignments with Narcise. The reshuffle came as the BOC investigates alleged illicit activities within the agency, including an incident involving the Highway Patrol Group during a raid on a warehouse in Bulacan. Vito Barcelo

DSWD thanks Comelec for exempt on poll ban THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) welcomed the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to exempt DSWD programs and services from the spending ban ahead of the Nov. 2 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the exemption will ensure that the agency is able to continuously provide assistance to the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors, especially those in urgent need of aid. “We thank the Comelec for approving our request to exclude some programs of the agency. The approval will ensure unhampered aid to poor and marginalized Filipinos,” Dumlao said. In a memorandum issued Sept. 17, the poll body granted DSWD’s request to exempt some of its social welfare programs from Section 261 (v) of the Omnibus Election Code. Maricel V. Cruz

FLOOD PREEMPTION. Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, upon orders from President Marcos, oversees the installation of sheet piles and elevation of retaining walls at critical waterways in San Fernando City, Pampanga to protect local residents from recurrent floods during the rainy season. Dizon says they will make use of the fine weather to implement flood mitigation initiatives including dredging and desilting of clogged rivers and esteros.

Group backs move Rody’s lawyers nix prosecution to set up rules for bid to present past testimonies shared fiber pipes By Gwyneth Nolasco

CONSUMER advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines has backed moves to establish national rules for shared underground fiber conduits, saying the policy should ultimately be measured by whether it delivers more reliable connectivity and fewer disruptions for Filipino consumers. “A severed fiber line can stop a student’s class, prevent a worker from earning a day’s pay, and disrupt payments, orders and other transactions for businesses of every size, from neighborhood stores to major enterprises. Consumers bear the consequences regardless of which company owns the damaged cable,” said CitizenWatch co-convenor lawyer Tim Abejo. The proposed framework, submitted through the Private Sector Advisory Council’s Digital Infrastructure sector, calls for a coordinated national approach to the planning, construction and governance of underground conduit systems. Among the measures being proposed are common technical standards, clearer responsibility for maintenance, closer coordination between national agencies and local governments, and rules for the long-term shared use of underground infrastructure. Lawyer Froilan Castelo, president of the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators and general counsel of Globe Telecom Inc., has said a common policy would give telecommunications operators a more consistent framework for network planning and deployment while improving infrastructure resilience. Abejo said the initiative presents an opportunity to make consumer welfare a clear part of infrastructure policy. “For consumers, the test is straightforward: Will this lead to more dependable service and less disruption when infrastructure is damaged?” Abejo said. “Clear responsibility is critical. The rules should identify who maintains shared facilities, who acts when infrastructure is damaged, and how service providers keep affected subscribers properly informed during an outage.”

THE defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber to reject the prosecution’s request to admit previously recorded witness testimony. In a filing on Tuesday (Sept. 22) by Duterte’s defense counsel Peter Haynes, Duterte’s lawyers said that the evidence claimed by witness P-1100 is “neither sufficiently relevant nor probative to the case.” “For the foregoing reasons, the Defence respectfully requests that the Trial Chamber REJECT the Prosecution’s Application on the basis that P-1100’s proposed evidence is not sufficiently relevant or probative of the matters in dispute in this case,” the motion read. The defense then urged the ICC Trial

Chamber to “REJECT the request for admission of PHL-OTP-00001799, PHLOTP-00001796, PHL-OTP-00001794, and PHL-OTP-00001795 under Rule 68(3).” The defense team said P-1100, the prosecution’s witness of fact, cannot provide direct evidence as he allegedly has no personal knowledge of the matters being disputed in the case. They claimed that the value of the witness’s account must be derived from the knowledge he only obtained. They cited the prosecution’s contention, saying that P-1100’s evidence could help establish an alleged policy to “neutralize” criminals through violent crimes, including murder, and provide evidence of the Davao Death Squad’s alleged modus operandi and Duterte’s alleged individual criminal responsibility.

President Marcos was referring to a portion of the Metro Manila Subway Project at the Quezon Avenue Station in Quezon City, where the tunnel boring machine completed its breakthrough. “We are here at Quezon Avenue because the tunnel boring machine has broken through and emerged,” Marcos said He viewed the accomplishment as an important milestone for the project, which he described as a major component of Metro Manila’s future transportation network. “This is going to be a very important part of the city. And this is a very important day today because we are commemorating the breakthrough of the tunnel boring machine here in Quezon Avenue,” Marcos said. The President said the subway project was steadily progressing and would eventually provide residents in the area with another mass transport option alongside existing railway systems. “Once this is completed, the people living here will be fortunate because they will have a subway, an MRT, and many transportation options,” the President said. He also noted the physical scale of the construction site, saying he and other officials had climbed about 35 meters vertically to reach the inspection area. The Metro Manila Subway system is being developed as a major rail link designed to improve connectivity across the capital region and provide an alternative to road-based transportation.

NO BUYING FRENZY. Conditions look usually normal at the Farmers Market in Quezon City as the supply of basic food items such as vegetables, fish, and meat remains steady, although consumers may have to grapple with higher prices amid skyrocketing fuel rates. Edd Castro

OPINION

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

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EDITORIAL

‘Di na natuto’ THE 2027 General Appropriations Act which everyone knows to be the election year budget, is really no different from the budgets of the last four years of this dispensation. And we thought that after “mahiya naman kayo,” and the succeeding revelations that have exposed corruption most criminal, this government has learned its lessons. It has not. For if cocaine and shabu are addictive, so, it seems, is an addiction to pork. Kalookan’s Egay Erice, along with Navotas’ Toby Tiangco are exceptions in the House of Pork. With a keen eye and reform mindset, they have stood out in a sea of aye-sayers motivated solely by “what’s in it for them” rather than “what will this do to the people and the nation”. Egay zeroes in on the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), and how in three budget cycles it has increased considerably depending on how the president’s discretion. That LGSF was P23 billion in 2025, then P57.87 billion in 2026, and now, in the General Appropriations bill, will be repeated next year by a whopping P58.53 billion. That is a total of P139.4 billion in three years of this maladministration, which is really nothing else but presidential pork barrel. And you thought “mahiya naman kayo” should begin with the chief executive, as in charity for taxpayers should begin at home. That LGSF was supposed to aid local government units which struggle to deliver basic services that their local budgets cannot afford. It was supposed primarily to assist low-income municipalities whose internal revenue allotments and paltry real property taxes simply are not enough for needs defined under the Local Government Code. In the hands of a wise leader with the right priorities, that LGSF would be a lifeline for poor LGUs, which is why in 2020, the fund amounted to P28 billion, then P35 billion in 2021. Those were the years of economic lockdowns. It went down to P17.9 billion by 2022 when the worst of the pandemic years was over. But as usual, politics reared its ugly head, and priorities became more a function of politics and whimsical presidential discretion. Egay Erice cited Naga City’s P500-million bonanza when PBbM visited Mayor Leni Robredo’s city wearing pink socks, and was shown a dilapidated Jesse Robredo Stadium, which apparently previous mayors affiliated with Mayora Leni failed to repair using local funds or the pork barrel of their congressman, neither those of Bikolano or Liberal Party/Akbayan senators. What Erice, who proudly wears his yellow standards, decries is why a president needs his own pork barrel when he already has several departments under him who are supposed to be guided by a national development plan when they submit their expenditure programs to the president’s economic managers who craft the National Expenditure Program. What about the needs of fifth- and sixthclass municipalities? And what are the guide-

lines in how this discretionary fund should be spent, on top of the President’s Social Fund sourced from Pagcor and PCSO? The budget gives the president a menu that virtually covers the entire national budgetary inclusions. In short, “basta’t kung ano ang ituro ni PBbM, ‘yun na!” But this practice invites serious constitutional questions. It defies what the Constitution has charged Congress with --- the power of the purse. That lump sum given to the chief executive to spend post-enactment of the GAA is outside the scrutiny of Congress. In short, it is the president’s pork barrel and that is not allowed by law.

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As usual, politics reared its ugly head, and priorities became more a function of politics and whimsical presidential discretion. Meanwhile, Navotas representative Toby Tiangco questions the sudden change in schedule of the plenary session where the HoR’s own budget was to be discussed. What was originally scheduled for September 24, after several line departments had been concluded, was suddenly advanced to September 17, by way of an e-mailed notice done in the wee hours of the morning --- at two a.m. Like a thief in the night. Now conscientious legislators, admittedly very few, prepare their scrutiny of agency budgets according to the agenda. But since the Appropriations Committee chaired by Micaela Suansing of Nueva Ecija moved the date forward, conveniently when Tobias was abroad, the budget of the HoR/HoP was approved without question. Obviously, Suansing did not want to be confronted with Toby’s questions, which she has deliberately refused to answer time and again. Where were Bayan, Akbayan, Gabriela, et al who by their silence on the Hor/HoP budget’s approval, must have been happy with their own assured share from the MOOE bounty subject to the discretion of the Speaker and Majority Leader? In 2023, the HoR/HoP amended the NEP to add P12 billion; then P12.5 billion in 2024; followed by a whopping P17 billion in 2025; pared down (nahiya ng kaunti) to P10.5 billion in 2026. As I write this, I still do not have the details of how much the HoR/HoP increased their own MOOE for 2027. I remember Danny Javier’s hit song, ‘Di na Natuto. Lagi na lang tayong nabu-budol. “Mahiya naman kayo” meant nothing.

Mongolian herders enlist new tech against harsher, drier climate By Peter Catterall and Eenee Purevdorj CHOYR, MONGOLIA — When Mongolian herder Ganchimeg’s sheep strayed dangerously near a salty lake this summer, driven by hunger as nearby vegetation was poor, she was in a “total panic.” “If they drank or stepped into it, the whole flock would be destroyed,” she told AFP outside her traditional ger, the tent’s shape silhouetted on the vast horizon of the Gobi Desert. But thanks to an app helping herders navigate the risks that climate change is bringing to Mongolia, her husband was able to reach the sheep before they drank the brackish water. “He immediately rushed over at top speed and intercepted them,” said Ganchimeg, a mother of four who, like many Mongolians, goes by just one name. “If we hadn’t used that GPS tracker, we might have lost our entire flock.” Herders are on the frontline of both climate change and desertification impacts -- climate change is bringing extreme weather, including deadly cold snaps and droughts, which compound desertification caused by overgrazing. Huge and sparsely populated, Mongolia is disproportionately affected by human-driven climate change, threatening the country’s nomadic population and livestock. Bilgudei Gankhulug, the 26-year-old founder of the Hunu app used by Ganchimeg, told AFP he was inspired to help herders after a 2024 “dzud” -- an extreme weather event that brought temperatures as low as minus 45C. “Over eight million livestock died. I saw a lot of herders losing their income, losing their livelihoods in just the span of a few months,” said Bilgudei. Meaning “strong nomad,” the name Hunu “embodies our mission of empowering nomadic herders with the help of technology,” he said. ‘Strong nomad’ The app allows nomads to track their livestock with a solar-charging GPS device attached to one animal per group -- sufficient for herds that tend to stick together on the spacious

steppe. It has an artificial intelligence-powered weather feature with updates on the deadly dust storms and blizzards made more common in recent years by climate change, which scientists say is intensifying globally. The app also compiles useful information on maps showing snow depth, wind direction, soil moisture and drought, assisting nomads in crucial decisions on where to move next.

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Huge and sparsely populated, Mongolia is disproportionately affected by humandriven climate change, threatening the country’s nomadic population and livestock. Mongolia hosted talks on a global desertification treaty, known as COP17, last month. Countries agreed financing for land restoration and tackling drought resilience, but concerns remain over a massive funding shortfall to the growing problem. Bilgudei told AFP he hopes to expand Hunu to central Asian countries, and met with pastoralists from Tanzania and Uruguay at COP17 interested too. “Our problems are pretty similar,” he said. Global dilemma About 80 percent of Mongolia is rangelands, large tracts of unfarmed land covered by native grasses and shrubs, according to Chimeddorj Buyanaa, Mongolia conservation director at the World Wildlife Fund. “Rangelands are critically important for the

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HREE recent incidents of violence in schools in different parts of the country underscore the urgent need to strengthen child protection in the digital sphere. The recent meeting between Sen. Risa Hontiveros and representatives of the online gaming platform Roblox therefore marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing effort to impose stricter measures to curb cases of child exploitation and abuse. Their meeting comes at a critical juncture, as the Senate is now deliberating on the proposed Sagip Bata Act. What the Hontiveros committee wants is for Roblox to designate a legal representative in the Philippines. This is not a symbolic gesture but a practical necessity. In cases of grooming, online sexual abuse, or exploitation, time is of the essence. Having a local representative authorized to receive subpoenas, takedown orders, and requests for account information ensures that Philippine authorities can act swiftly, without the delays caused by navigating foreign jurisdictions or corporate bureaucracies. As Hontiveros herself emphasized, “every hour matters” when a child’s safety is at stake. She is correct. Roblox has expressed openness to appointing a qualified third party as its local representative. This is important because global platforms often resist country‑specific compliance measures, citing operational burdens or concerns about fragmented regulation. By agreeing to cooperate, Roblox sets a precedent that could pressure other platforms,

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The proposed Sagip Bata Act seeks to move beyond parental responsibility and places clear obligations on platforms themselves. tegrating the Philippine National Identification System into its user verification process and enhancing safeguards around messaging features. These commitments suggest a broader strategy: combining technical safeguards (such as stricter verification and safer messaging) with institutional accountability (through local representation). Together, these

FOR the past year, we have been seeing social media posts about Baguio City’s attempt to modernize its traffic management by using artificial intelligence. To do this, it has chosen Metro Pacific Tollways through its unit MPT Mobility to handle the job with a reported price of about P2 billion. MPT Mobility was supposed to be partnering with Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd for the undertaking. It would therefore seem that the city is bypassing or has no faith in more traditional traffic to find solutions to its traffic conditions. A couple of months ago, there were indeed traffic posters when entering the Central Business District about a traffic experiment being conducted notably in the Magsaysay Ave, Abanao and Harrison Road intersection. It was not announced what that was all about. Perhaps it must have been the use of video cameras as sensors to count incoming vehicles to eventually calibrate and make the cycle time of the traffic light in that intersection self-adjusting. Currently, the cycle time is manually operated. But this is no longer efficient due to the volume of vehicles using that particular intersection There is indeed a lot to be said about the traffic situation of the city. But although the traffic is indeed getting bad, it is not so hopeless a situation that nothing can be done to improve it without using so-called artificial intelligence if those managing it know what they are doing. We have to remember that AI is still dependent on the data inputted for it to come out with the right solutions and it has its own limitations. One thing it cannot do for instance

is anticipate how drivers behave on the road which, considering the discipline of Filipino drivers, is part of the problem. It is also a bit of a mystery why the city chose MPT Mobility to fix its traffic problems when the tollway company itself cannot solve its own simple traffic problems along the freeway it manages. Another is that considering all the city’s effort to improve its traffic problem, it has no Traffic and Transport Management Office. These two activities it appears are being handled by the City Planning and the Engineers offices.

This may be part of the problem for the reason that traffic and transportation management needs more specialization. This is why there are traffic and transportation training schools. Traffic is about movements, engineering, enforcement and traffic education. Transportation, on the other hand, includes an understanding of transport economics and the law that the City’s planning and engineering offices may not have sufficient expertise. Let me cite an example. The city requires businesses to have parking spaces before being granted a business permit. Every business office located in the CBD like Session Road are required to present a contract probing that they have acquired a parking area somewhere before being issued a business permit. The

city believes that this requirement is solving the city’s parking problem. But there was never a study conducted by a qualified firm that showed this requirement has indeed solved or substantially improved the city’s parking problem. It goes without saying that this requirement is driving businesses in the city crazy. For one, where can these businesses obtain those parking contracts when the entire CBD is a built up area? And to show the absurdity of this requirement, which the city may not know, the latest government figures show that only 6 percent of households in the country own some kind of a vehicle. The remaining 94 percent of households use public transportation or simply walk. Besides, the normal thing to do in planning a project like this is to plan for 85 percent of the households, not the 6 percent. There is no other city in the country or anywhere in the world that is doing this in their central business districts. The offices along Ayala Avenue in Makati for instance are not refused business permits because they do not have parking areas beside the buildings they are renting. The city must lead by example. Why is the public road around the city hall, for instance, reserved for city employees’ parking only? Why so privileged? The city is strict with the public but city hall employees are exempted. Why can’t the employees compete for available parking on a first-come-first -served basis like everyone else? After all, it’s the public that pays the salaries of all city hall employees. More on traffic next week.

local communities and also for the livelihoods of all of the Mongolian people,” he told AFP. Compounding the issue of climate change is rampant overgrazing that also endangers the region’s wildlife, including snow leopards and saiga antelope, Chimeddorj said. Around one in four Mongolians are nomadic herders. Nearly 82 percent of the country’s territory is affected by desertification and land degradation, authorities said in August. Many herder families have simply decided to pack up and seek new lives in the city. “Dundgovi Province’s population has been declining continuously in recent years,” the southern region’s governor, Munkhchuluun Samdannyam, told AFP at COP17.

The worsening climate is a major problem for the province -- three-fifths of its economy depends on livestock husbandry, Munkhchuluun said -- but consequences are felt further afield. “Dust storms can begin here and travel south to China, Korea, Japan and even as far as the United States,” Munkhchuluun said. “(It) is not only Mongolia’s problem. “It is also a global problem.” ‘Learn from traditions’ Speaking to AFP before heading to milk several camels tethered nearby, 49-year-old herder Bolormaa Erdenee said she was sceptical of forums like COP17. “I often question whether the true voice of our herders is actually reaching decision-mak-

ers or not,” she said. Bolormaa and her husband raise about 400 livestock. In their usual summer grazing area, she said roads for heavy mining trucks now criss-cross the steppe, kicking up dust and disrupting her animals. Several nomadic households nearby have already relocated nearly 200 kilometres (125 miles) away in search of greener pastures. Hunu app founder Bilgudei -- whose ancestors were nomadic herders -- said traditional migration itself is a form of environmental protection. Bilgudei told AFP it’s important to “learn from the traditions... and combine it with the science and technology.” AFP

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particularly those with large youth user bases, to follow suit. This development also builds on earlier discussions in Singapore, where Roblox committed to in-

measures address both the structural vulnerabilities of digital platforms and the procedural gaps in law enforcement coordination. Equally important is Roblox’s plan to establish an office in the Philippines by October and designate a liaison officer to work directly with agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation. This move signals a deeper investment in the Philippine market and a recognition that local presence is indispensable for credible compliance. It also aligns with the government’s broader push to secure cooperation from major platforms, including Meta, which operates Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. By engaging multiple companies, the government wants to create a network of accountability that spans the most widely used platforms among Filipino youth. The proposed Sagip Bata Act seeks to move beyond parental responsibility and places clear obligations on platforms themselves. After all, protecting children online cannot rest solely on families or schools but must involve the corporations that design and profit from these digital environments. Should Roblox deliver on its word, cooperation would be a test case of how the country can operationalize child safety legislation in the digital age. Once implemented, it could serve as a model for dealing with similar challenges, while sending a strong signal to tech companies that child protection is not optional but a legal and even moral imperative.

Baguio’s traffic

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

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‘Nokor tests upgraded hypersonic weapon’

S

EOUL – North Korea appears to have tested a hypersonic weapon that could evade missile defenses and prove hard to track and intercept, analysts told AFP Wednesday.

PADDY ART. Visitors ride a sight-seeing train (top) past a rice paddy grown in the shape of a map of China, using different colored rice varieties, at a scenic attraction featuring rice art in Shenyang, in China’s northeast Liaoning province. AFP

IN BRIEF Weinstein faces resentencing for sex assault Level of Rome Colosseum closed after worker death ROME – The second level of the ancient Colosseum in Rome, a top tourist destination, was closed Wednesday due to the death of a worker inside overnight, the Culture Ministry said in a statement. “Andrea Moretti, a specialist high-altitude rope access worker... died last night inside the Flavian Amphitheatre following a workplace accident,” the ministry said. “As a mark of mourning, the (Colosseum Archaeological) Park has decided to close to the public for the day the secondtier section where the accident occurred,” it said. It gave no further details but said police were working to determine the circumstances of the incident. Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli expressed “our deepest, heartfelt condolences to all for the senseless death of a young man while at work.” The Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the world, was built in the first century and was used to host events like animal hunts and gladiatorial games. AFP

Gunmen kill 11 people in South African township DURBAN – Gunmen stormed a homestead in a township in South Africa’s eastern port city of Durban, killing 11 people, the head of the provincial government and police said on Wednesday. South Africa is awash with legal and illegal firearms, and shootings are common, often fueled by gang rivalry and competition between informal businesses. “The victims, including a pregnant woman, were gathered at a house shortly before 11:00 pm (2100 GMT Tuesday) when armed assailants reportedly entered the premises and opened fire,” Thamsanqa Ntuli, the premier of KwaZulu-Natal province, of which Durban is the main city, told AFP. Three other people survived the attack in the township of KwaMakhutha south of Durban, police said. The motive for the shooting was not immediately clear, police said, adding that investigators were following a “promising” lead that could assist in the case. AFP

ICC to issue verdict vs. C. Africa rebel leader THE HAGUE – The International Criminal Court hands down its verdict on Wednesday against a former Central African Republic rebel commander accused of torture and imprisonment as head of a feared prison unit. Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, 56, faces seven counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for atrocities allegedly carried out as the CAR spiraled into civil war in 2013. Said was a top commander of the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel group that ousted president Francois Bozize and plunged one of the world’s poorest countries into a bloody sectarian conflict. He ran the Central Office for the Repression of Banditry (OCRB) detention center in the capital Bangui where prosecutors allege horrific acts of torture and deprivation were inflicted on prisoners. Some were “whipped with horsehide whips or sticks with metal wires,” “burned, or had their ears pulled with pliers and partially ripped off,” ICC judges said when confirming the charges against Said. AFP

NEW YORK – Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, who was at the center of abuse allegations that spurred the MeToo movement in Hollywood, will be sentenced again Wednesday for sexually assaulting a former production assistant. Weinstein, 74, faces at least two decades in prison for forcibly performing oral sex in 2006 on Miriam Haley, one of dozens of women who have made accusations against the “Pulp Fiction” and “Shakespeare in Love” producer. Weinstein was sentenced 23 years in 2020 for the sexual assault, but it was

overturned on appeal in 2024. A jury found him guilty again in 2025 after a retrial in New York. Following the verdict, Haley told reporters that the defense’s “victim shaming and deliberate attempts to distort the truth was exhausting and at times dehumanizing.” “But today’s verdict gives me hope, hope that there is new awareness around sexual violence and that the myth of the ‘perfect victim’ is fading.” Weinstein, who is currently jailed in New York, once ruled Hollywood as a kingpin powerful enough to make or break projects and careers.

But investigations by The New Yorker and The New York Times exposed a raft of abusive behavior and prompted an avalanche of allegations from more than 80 people. Weinstein is also to be resentenced in California for the 2013 rape and assault of an actress in a Los Angeles hotel room, after an appeals court in June upheld the conviction but vacated his 16-year prison term. Meanwhile, a New York judge in May declared a mistrial in a separate case after jurors failed to reach a verdict on allegations he sexually assaulted actor Jessica Mann. AFP

South Korea and Japan said Pyongyang fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast Sunday, condemning the launches as threats to regional peace and security. North Korea did not identify the weapon, saying only that its missile bureau had “successfully tested a new type of weapon” in a demonstration of “ultra-modern defense technology.” Analysts said the weapon appeared to be an upgraded version of North Korea’s Hwasongpho-11Ma-1 hypersonic short-range ballistic missile. With a range of 450 to 600 kilometers (around 280-370 miles), the hypersonic missile is “designed to strike key military facilities across the Korean peninsula within an extremely short period of time,” Yang Moo-jin, former president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP. Images released by Pyongyang’s state media showed leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Ju Ae watching a screen displaying what appeared to be the missile’s flight path, labelled “Hwasongpho-11Ma-1 flight trajectory.” The North Korean leader warned this week that the weapon’s advances would give adversaries “an incurable headache and a very cruel and unavoidable blow,” according to the official Korean Central News Agency. Despite long-running UN sanctions, North Korea has enshrined its status as a nucleararmed state in law, with its leaders repeatedly declaring its atomic arsenal permanent and irreversible. North Korea has also secured critical backing from Russia alongside its traditional ally China, leaving fewer incentives for it to engage in renewed diplomacy with Washington. “North Korea may be talking up its own capabilities, but it has clearly reached the point where it can launch weapons of this caliber,” Ahn Chan-il, a researcher originally from North Korea, told AFP. “I believe these tests are less about upgrading its own military capabilities than testing weapons produced by its defense industry to meet Russia’s wartime demand.” AFP

Outgoing UN chief makes climate push at New York summit UNITED NATIONS – Fresh from accusing fossil fuel interests of treating the atmosphere like an “open sewer,” outgoing UN chief Antonio Guterres is set to host his final climate summit Wednesday at the world organization’s New York headquarters. The stakes are clearer than ever, as the impacts of climate change surge around the world – from heat waves and wildfires in Europe to catastrophic flooding in Nepal and Tibet triggered by a glacier collapse. Extreme weather impacts are set to worsen with an El Nino weather pattern that has tied for the most intense ever. And the world is set to shoot past – at least temporarily – 1.5C of warming, beyond which scientists say it will see worse catastrophes from climate change. The “High-level Event on Climate Action and the Just Transition” will have opening remarks by Guterres followed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The two countries are co-hosting COP31 climate talks in Antalya in November in an unusual arrangement, with Australia running the talks but Turkey hosting the event and rallying support for voluntary pledges. Guterres, who made climate change a defining issue of his tenure that ends on December 31, set the tone on Tuesday when he called out “Big Oil” for treating the atmosphere like an “open sewer.” AFP

MAJOR FESTIVAL. Hindu devotees unveil Lord Shiva’s Swet Bhairav idol on the first day of the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. AFP

Cambodia no ‘safe haven’ for cyber scams, PM says

CATCH UP SELFIE. This handout photo posted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shows Albanese taking a selfie photo with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. AFP

PHNOM PENH – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet told an anti-fraud summit Wednesday that his country would never be a “safe haven” for cyber scams, as international partners touted law enforcement successes but warned more must be done. Southeast Asia, especially Cambodia and war-torn Myanmar, has emerged as a hub for crime syndicates running centers filled with scammers – some willing, some trafficked – who defraud internet users through fake romantic relationships or cryptocurrency investment schemes. “Cambodia will never be a safe haven for online scams,” Hun Manet told a conference against online scams organized by his government in the capital Phnom Penh.

He said Cambodian authorities had “completely dismantled all light-scale scam compounds” in a high-profile crackdown launched last year. He denied the move was a “public relations campaign”, saying it was focused on “permanently eradicating criminal networks and preventing their re-emergence.” Cambodia acted under pressure from key ally China as well as the United States, after years of accusations that it allowed scam centers to thrive, generating billions of dollars in illicit profits annually. But researchers say scammers have dispersed to smaller, lower-profile locations, while in many cases centers were given advance warning of raids. AFP

SPORTS Bisera chips in for eagle, closes in on Taiwan lead T

AICHUNG, Taiwan — Yvon Bisera put herself squarely in title contention with a brilliant opening 67 on Wednesday, giving the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour a major boost and raising hopes of a Filipina return to the Taiwan LPGA Tour winner’s circle after nine years.

Yvon Bisera rebounds from an early bogey to shoot 67.

Bisera overcame a shaky start with a spectacular finish, shooting a five-underpar card to trail local aces Joy Chou and Yu Chiang Hou by just one stroke in the Kenda Tires TLPGA Open at Taichung International Golf Club here. The in-form Davaoeña shotmaker overcame a three-putt miscue on her opening hole, No. 10, with a birdie on No. 13 before producing the highlight of her round on the par-5 18th, where she chipped in for eagle. She then carried the momentum to the front nine, rattling off three straight birdies from No. 2 to complete a 33-34 card. Her fast start put her in a share of third with Thai ace Nook Sukapan, Malaysian Genevieve Ling, Japanese Harumi Yoshikuwa and Taiwan veteran Ching Huang, just one behind Chou’s flawless 66. Bisera’s opening-round charge came despite battling an illness that affected her long game. She compensated with crisp iron play and steady putting, hitting 16 of 18 greens in regulation. “Medyo pangit ‘yung driving ko today, since medyo pangit ‘yung kondisyon ng katawan ko. Pero bumawi naman sa iron shots. At natatamaan ko halos lahat ng green,” said Bisera, who missed just two greens. She also had to regroup quickly after the early setback on No. 10, where she threeputted from 18 feet after missing the fairway. “Nahihilo pa talaga ako sa umpisa. But sinabi ko lang na madami pang birdie chances kasi madami pang par-5s na naaabot. Kaya sabi ko, par lang dun sa next hole tapos alam kong makaka-birdie naman,” she said. She was right. After her eagle on No. 18, Bisera birdied Nos. 2, 3 and 4, then closed out the round with pars to move within one shot of the

lead in the NT$4-million championship, the 16th leg of the TLPGA and a co-sanctioned event with the LPGT. The 24-year-old, who is coming off two victories and a runner-up finish on the LPGT, is seeking a second overseas victory after breaking through at the Thai Ladies Masters last year. A victory here would also put her in position to become the next Filipina to win on the TLPGA since Pauline del Rosario’s breakthrough in 2017. But Bisera is refusing to look too far ahead. “I don’t want to think about it. But I want to play my game. Gusto ko lang mag-under every day. And if I have a chance, then I will take it,” said Bisera, whose campaign is backed by ICTSI. Chou, meanwhile, seized early control with a pitch-in eagle on No. 2 and five more birdies to finish with a bogey-free 66. “I think I was just pretty much doing what I planned to do, so I wasn’t thinking too much about pressure,” said the 27-year-old Chou. “Even with everything, just do what I plan with my game, and yeah, not really thinking too much about the pressure.” Her eagle came on the par-4 second, where she hit her drive to the left side of the fairway before attacking from 90 yards. “I thought it was just going to be close to the pin, but then the player in the same group said, ‘Oh, it went in.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, cool,’” said Chou. “It pretty much just matched my plan and it was a good shot.” She used the bonus to fuel five more birdies while keeping a clean card to grab the first-round lead. Meanwhile, Hou closed with a dominant front-nine run, firing a blistering six-under 30. Shaking off an even-par back nine – marked by a single birdie and bogey – the former prodigy surged up the crowded leaderboard to grab a piece of the lead, fueled by birdies on Nos. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9. Sukapan, fresh from winning the Strait Cup Classic in Tianjin two weeks ago, also opened with a 67. She began with back-toback birdies from No. 1, recovered from a bogey on No. 5 with birdies on Nos. 10, 12, 16 and 18, and matched Bisera’s five-under card. Ling anchored her round with a solid 33 on the front nine and also finished at 67, while Huang, winner of the Philippine Ladies Masters at Summit Point last February, mounted her charge with four birdies on the back nine for a 35-32.

Arbole’s 68 puts first PGT title within reach NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – Art Arbole absorbed Jhonnel Ababa’s early charge, endured a costly back-to-back bogey stretch, then produced the biggest swing of the day on No. 15 to seize back the lead and move within 18 holes of a long-awaited Philippine Golf Tour breakthrough. Arbole delivered a gutsy 68 for a 10-under 200 total Wednesday, overcoming bogeys on Nos. 12 and 13 with a clutch birdie on the 15th, where Ababa stumbled to a bogey after struggling with his approach. That two-shot swing turned what had been a one-shot deficit into a one-stroke lead, restoring Arbole’s momentum and putting him tantalizingly close to the title that has eluded him for 14 years in the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic on the scorching Marapara course. “Medyo pressured talaga kasi first time kong mag-lead,” said Arbole. “Pero focus lang talaga sa laro. Kahit nag-bogey sa Nos. 12 and 13, sinunod ko lang ang game plan ko,” said Arbole, heaving a sigh of relief after surviving the toughest stretch of his round. The 35-year-old had been virtually flawless for 38 holes, going bogey-

free from the back nine of the opening round through No. 11 of the third round while piling up eight birdies. But his remarkable run unraveled in a hurry on Nos. 12 and 13. He hooked his drive into the water hazard on the par-4 12th, then missed a 10-foot par putt from the bunker on the next hole. Instead of allowing the mistakes to derail him, Arbole treated the two bogeys as something he could absorb. “Good bogeys na rin,” he said. Then came No. 15 – and the turning point of the pivotal round. Arbole hit the shots he needed and converted his birdie chance, calling it almost a fortunate break. “Good tee shot, good second shot, tapos good putt. Lucky birdie,” he said. Ababa, meanwhile, struggled on his approach and needed extra work around the green before settling for a bogey. The result was a dramatic twoshot swing: from trailing by one with four holes remaining, Arbole suddenly led by one. He made pars on the final three holes to preserve the advantage, even after leaving himself with birdie opportuni-

ties inside six feet on each of the last three holes. There were no regrets. “Enjoy lang. Shot-by-shot lang ang atake,” said Arbole, who knows that one more solid round could finally deliver the breakthrough he has chased since becoming a professional in 2012. Arbole made the cut in his first professional tournament at Spendido Taal that year but finished last. Fourteen years later, he is now 18 holes away from a first PGT victory – and a potential birthday gift with his 36th birthday coming on Sept. 29. The one-stroke lead, however, offers little room for complacency. Ababa stayed firmly in contention at 201 after matching Arbole’s 68, keeping the championship within his reach and setting up a final-round duel for the P448,750 winner’s purse in the P2.5 million championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. More importantly for both players, the title represents unfinished business. Arbole is chasing the breakthrough that has remained elusive throughout his career. Ababa, meanwhile, is seeking to end a two-year title drought.

Art Arbole reacts after he birdied hole no.10 during the 2026 ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod. Manny Marcelo

Arellano edges EAC behind Ongotan, Valencia heroics

Even with a defense like this by the EAC Generals, the Arellano took the win in their NCAA men’s basketball tussle. NCAA Media Pool

ARELLANO turned to its veterans Basty Valencia and T-Mc Ongotan en route to the Chiefs’ 91-87 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College in Group B of the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Tuesday. The sweet-shooting duo propelled the Chiefs to a 2-0 record after knocking down the clutch buckets in the offing. “Lagi kong sinasabi na last year ko na ‘to, Gusto ko talaga na bago matapos ‘tong career ko sa Arellano, may maiitatabi ako sa AU community,” said Ongotan. The Generals led Arellano by three in the fourth quarter, 84-81, when Ongotan sank the left-corner triple to tie the game at 84-all with

3:12 to go in the game. A couple of back-and-forths allowed EAC to return to the driver’s seat, 87-85, but Valencia this time became Arellano’s saving grace after sinking a three-ball of his own to put the Chiefs up, 88-87, with 40.2 remaining. Before the Generals could respond, Ongotan nailed the door shut on EAC with a short stab that gave Arellano a three-point cushion down the stretch, 90-87, with 12.8 ticks left. Ongotan ended up with 26 points, five rebounds and three assists while Valencia turned in 14 markers and six boards. Also helping the Chiefs to the finish line was King Vinoya, who had 15 to his name in

the win. Jude Bagay nearly registered a double-double with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Kyle Ochavo had 15 for EAC. MJ Raymundo and Jacob Shanoda also tallied 14 markers each in the defeat that kept the Generals winless after two games. The scores: AU 91 - Ongotan 26, Vinoya 15, Valencia 14, Cabotaje 8, Borromeo 6, Camay 6, Geronimo 5, Manansala 5, Buenaventura 3, Libang 2, Hernal 1, Langit 0, Flores 0, Abiera 0 EAC 87 - Bagay 16, Ochavo 15, M. Raymundo 14, Shanoda 14, Nunag 12, Castillo 8, Mundas 4, Oftana 2, Coronel 2, H. Raymundo 0, Baniqued 0, Bonus 0, Namoro 0, Lanceta 0

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

BRAVE CF opens earning opportunities for fighters MANAMA, Bahrain—BRAVE Combat Federation will bring its roster of mixed martial arts fighters onto MMAON, a digital platform that allows athletes to connect with fans and build their profiles outside the cage. Under the agreement announced Wednesday, fighters will be able to claim verified MMAON profiles through social media authentication. The platform also offers a tipping feature through which supporters can contribute to athletes. “BRAVE CF has always looked for ways to create opportunities for our fighters beyond their performances inside the cage,” federation president Mohammed Shahid said. “MMAON gives our athletes another way to engage directly with their supporters, strengthen their personal brands and explore new opportunities through their fanbases,” he added. MMAON offers fan activities that include event predictions, community voting and content creation. The company says users can earn rewards for predictions and content, while its prediction system uses Polymarket infrastructure and conducts transactions in USDC on the Polygon network. BRAVE CF said it has featured fighters from 95 nations since its founding. As the promotion enters its second decade, it has staged more than 100 events across 39 countries and featured more than 900 fighters. The federation said its athletes will begin claiming their verified MMAON profiles as the partnership rolls out.

North Korean lifter smashes 3 world marks In Nagoya NORTH Korean weightlifter Ri Song Gum gave her country their first gold of the Asian Games on Wednesday in style, setting three world records in the women’s 49kg class in Nagoya and shedding tears of joy. The pocket powerhouse, who stands a mere 140cm (4ft 7ins) tall, joined an elite club of just four weightlifters who have won three Asian Games golds. The 28-year-old Ri was emotional as her country’s anthem was played at the medal ceremony. Alongside her was the silver medallist from India, Mirabai Chanu, and the bronze medallist from Indonesia, Diana Tri Wijayana. Ri’s exceptional achievement was cheered to the rafters in a lively atmosphere at the Nagoya Trade and Industry Center hall, made all the more raucous by a large number of Japanese and North Korean fans waving flags. The reigning two-time world champion added to her Asian Games golds in Jakarta in 2018 in the 48kg class and Hangzhou in 2023 at 49kg. Ri hauled 94kg above her head in the opening snatch discipline, one kilogramme more than the previous world standard of 93kg. She then smashed the clean and jerk world mark of 115kg twice by hoisting 116kg and then 121kg. Her total of 215kg also obliterated the world mark by 7kg. “The reason I got this gold is for the feelings of my home country; the people had huge expectations for me,” Ri told reporters. “I wanted to lift my country up on these two small shoulders.” From August 1, the governing body the IWF, introduced new weight classes leading up to the next Olympics and reset all its world records. If an athlete beats the newly introduced world standard mark, they are deemed to have set a new world record. AFP

SPORTS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

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

TOUGH LOSS. Sam Catantan (right) battles

South Korea’s Park Jihee in the women’s individual foil quarterfinals at the 20th Asian Games. Park won 15-10, ending the Filipina fencer’s medal bid.

Gilas women sweep Group C, advance to Asiad 3x3 Qfinals GILAS Pilipinas Women secured a direct berth in the Asian Games 3x3 basketball quarterfinals with a 17-12 victory over Malaysia, completing a sweep of Group C. Kacey Dela Rosa led the Filipinas with eight points and seven rebounds, while Victoria Pasilang added six points and seven boards. Amyah Espanol scored two points and Kennan Ka contributed one. The win sent the Philippines straight into the knockout round and gave the country two teams in the 3x3 quarterfinals. The Gilas men’s squad had earlier completed a threegame sweep of its group. Both Philippine teams will now turn their attention to the quarterfinals as they continue their bids for Asian Games medals.

Ogayre’s scary win keeps PH boxing hopes alive By Riera U. Mallari

N The Gilas Women 3x3 team is on a roll. POC Media

ISHIO CITY (Powered by PLDT Home) — Junmilardo Ogayre kept the Philippine boxing campaign on track Wednesday, grinding out a split 3-2 decision over Mongolia’s Gantumur Lundaa in the men’s 60-kilogram class of the Asian Games at Nishio Gymnasium here.

13-year-old Chinese star swimmer bags third gold

Ogayre, 27, survived a standing eight-count in the last round to stop the relentless Mongolian and move to the next round where he will face Nepal’s Roka Magar. “It feels good to be back in the

CHINA’S 13-year-old swimming sensation Yu Zidi completed a hat-trick of Asian Games golds on Wednesday —but will go home with “some regrets”. The schoolgirl powered home to win the 400m individual medley in an Asian Gamesrecord 4min 28.56sec, making it three golds from three events in Tokyo. She also won the 200m butterfly and 200m individual medley, also in Asian Gamesrecord times. Yu is shaping up to be a major medal threat at the 2028 Los Angeles Games but she said she still has room to improve before then. “I gained a lot from these Asian Games, but there were also some regrets,” she said after the race. “I’ll go back and keep reviewing what I didn’t do well, and I hope I can do better next time.” Yu’s time beat the previous 400m IM Asian Games record set by China’s Ye Shiwen in 2014 by almost 4.5 seconds. It was the fourth-fastest time in the world this year, with world record-holder Summer McIntosh owning the top three. Yu has dominated this week in Tokyo, but she stood in wide-eyed amazement when a reporter suggested she had made it look easy. “Definitely not,” she replied. “It didn’t feel easy at all. It was quite challenging.” Yu finished 3.95 seconds clear of silver medallist Ke Wenxi, also of China, with Japan’s Mio Narita third. Ke is only 15, and she and Yu made heart signs and chatted happily together as they celebrated their one-two finish. “We’re good friends; this time we shared the same room,” said Yu. “We kept encouraging each other all day.” AFP

DOY Dungo took over in the crunch time as Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 men’s team took down Kazakhstan, 21-15, to complete group stage sweep and earn an outright quarterfinal berth in the 20th Asian Games on Wednesday at the at the Kinjo Futo Station Square Venue in Nagoya, Japan. Dungo drained five points in the Gilas Men’s decisive 6-1 run to cap off their unbeaten three-game run for the top seed in Group A that granted a direct spot in the quarterfinals. Nic Cabañero topscored with seven points and three rebounds while Dungo fired six markers on top of three boards and two assists for the Philippines, which followed up its 1912 stunner against powerhouse Mongolia and 21-12 romp over Sri Lanka last Monday. Luis Pablo tallied five points and three boards even as Koji Buenaflor chipped in three markers and five rebounds for the squad steered by coach Patrick Fran and SBP program director Ryan Gregorio.

winning track after Aira’s loss yesterday,” said boxing chief Marcus Manalo, referring to Paris Olympian Villegas, who suffered a shutout 0-5 defeat at the hands of Indian Sakshi Chaudhary in the

51kg division. Lundaa came out aggressive. He pushed Ogayre to the ropes time and again, but the Filipino answered with a sharp jab, crisp inside combinations and well-timed counters to secure the first two rounds on four of the five judges’ scorecards. Lundaa kept up the pressure in the third round, and appeared to tire Ogayre, who was forced to take a standing eight-count from the referee against the Filipino. Lundaa won the final round, 10-9, on all five cards but Ogayre had built up enough of a cushion to win. The bout was scored for Ogayre by Guatemalan, Bulgarian and Ar-

gentinian referees while Uzbek and Mauritian judges scored the bout for Lundaa. The victory improved the record of the Philippine boxing team to 2-1, with Ogayre joining Paris Olympian Norlan Petecio as the team’s winners. Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam are next for the Philippines in the women’s 60kg and men’s 55kg divisions, respectively, while Riza Pasuit will fight in the women’s 54kg class. Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission are supporting the Philippine boxing campaign.

Dungo sparks Gilas 3x3 sweep, quarterfinal berth By Jeremiah Sevilla

NAGOYA—For Alas Pilipinas Women, the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games was about the chance to compete for a medal and ninth place was never the dream, but it became the best outcome after their quarterfinal hopes were cut short. So the Filipinas had to shift gears, and head coach Taka Minowa gave them a new target—win all three classification games and finish as high as they could. They did exactly that and closed out with a straight-set win over Hong Kong, 25-21, 25-9, 30-28, on Tuesday night to seal ninth place—a victory the Filipinas clinched ahead of the women’s volleyball gold medal match won by China, 25-19, 25-20, 25-23, at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium. But the victories do not change the fact that they did not reach their goal—Alas came to Nagoya wanting more, knowing they can do more. China and Kazakhstan stopped their run with the Chinese sweeping the Filipinas, 18-25, 22-25, 8-25, and the Kazakhs earning a 29-27, 24-26, 25-23, 25-19 victory. The Kazakhstan match showed

Doy Dungo of Gilas Pilipinas Men’s 3x3 tries to drive past Mansur Seilkhanov of Kazakhstan during their group stage game in the 20th Asian Games men’s 3x3 basketball event on Wednesday. POC Media

The Nationals banked on their speed and cohesion to create a 13-9 separation against the much taller Kazakhs. But Kazakhstan kept knocking and threatened within 14-15 on Timur Tangiyev’s basket with 2:26 remaining in the tight contest Dungo then took matters into his own hands as he drove strong for two layups and sank a deuce before sealing the deal on a free throw conversion with 33.1 seconds left. Tangiyev had six points and eight rebounds while Mansur Seilkhanov had four markers for Kazakhstan, which boasted an average height of 6-foot-5. The Philippines begins its knockout round campaign versus the winner between Group C’s second seed and Group B’s third seed on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Gilas Pilipinas Women 3x3 squad, bannered by Kacey Dela Rosa, Victoria Pasilang, Amyah Espanol, and Kennan Ka, was also aiming for a group sweep against Malaysia at press time to seize a quarterfinal seat.

Alas Women vow stronger Asian Games return two sides of this Alas team—enough fight and firepower to push a stronger opponent, but not enough consistency to finish the job. New goal, new mindset. The medal was gone, but the tournament wasn’t. Minowa made sure his players understood that. Three games remained, and all had to go their way. Alas took care of business, beating Qatar (25-8, 25-2, 25-9), Mongolia (25-13, 25-11, 25-20) and Hong Kong to close on a three-game winning streak. For Angel Canino, the wins mattered. “Actually, happy kami. Although hindi ‘yun yung gusto naming overall goal sa Asian Games, happy kami sa lahat ng wins namin… yung mga nagawa namin as a team and, of course, yung learning experience,” Canino said. It was Canino’s first Asian Games. “Grabeng achievement siguro individually… such an amazing experience na makasama ko my ates, na makasama ako sa Philippine national

The Philippine Alas Women will leave Nagoya with lessons and resolve. POC Media

team. Kasi yung iba diyan, ini-idolize ko din,” she said. Bella Belen was candid about what the tournament exposed. “Iba. Iba talaga yung laruan.

Ang dami naming napulot, lalo na sa amin mga bata,” she said. “Alam namin na meron pang dapat itaas. Taas pa namin yung level of playing namin.”

BUSINESS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

WHAT’S INSIDE?

KOREAN DELEGATION.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) welcomes a delegation headed by Kim Jeonghun, team leader of the Korea Association for ICT Promotion (KAIT), for a courtesy visit aimed at promoting investment opportunities in the Philippines on Sept. 8, 2026. During the meeting, PEZA group manager Rowena Naguit showcases the country’s competitive investment landscape and the thriving ecozone ecosystem, highlighting the Philippines’ position as one of Asia’s most dynamic investment destinations.

PH Resorts turns to shell company

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APECO signs deal for 1-GW RE project

B3

DPWH eyes hybrid flood control plan

B4 JTI opens first ASEAN dry ice expanded tobacco plant in Batangas MALVAR, Batangas—Japan Tobacco International Asia Manufacturing Corp. (JTI-AMC) on Wednesday inaugurated its first dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET) plant at LIMA Estate, introducing a new tobacco-processing technology to its local manufacturing operations. The DIET plant represents about P1.9 billion ($34 million) of the company’s P2.1 billion ($37 million) additional investment in advanced technologies. DIET is an advanced tobaccoprocessing technology that uses carbon dioxide to expand tobacco before it is blended and made into cigarettes. The facility allows JTI Philippines to perform a key processing step domestically instead of relying on overseas operations. JTI-AMC Philippines factory lead Amir Vajdi said the Batangas facility has built the manufacturing capabilities and technical expertise needed to support advanced technologies like DIET. “That strong foundation made Batangas a natural location for JTI’s first DIET plant in Southeast Asia and allows us to continue advancing our manufacturing capabilities in the Philippines,” Vajdi said. The company said the site serves as its primary manufacturing hub in Asia, producing for the domestic market and exporting products to 22 markets worldwide. JTI said it also operates DIET facilities in Bangladesh and Japan. Thony Rose Lesaca

ADB slashes 2026 PH growth outlook to 3.3% amid high prices 3.3% T By Thony Rose Lesaca

HE Asian Development Bank on Wednesday cut its Philippine growth forecast for 2026 to 3.3 percent from 3.8 percent, citing elevated inflation and weak public investment tied to the prolonged Middle East conflict.

ADB also lowered its 2027 growth projection to 5.1 percent from 5.3 percent in its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2026 report released Wednesday. The bank said the Philippine economy will return to an upward growth path in 2027, backed by expected gains in the services and industry sectors and

timely government spending on critical infrastructure. Soaring prices for imported fuel and other commodities such as fertilizers, along with weaker first-half investment, dampened the economy more than expected, the ADB said. A severe El Niño dry weather episode starting in late 2026 and broader global uncertainty pose additional downside risks, the bank said. “The economy continues to feel the impact of the Middle East conflict, but business indicators point to expected improvements in economic activity, with the industry sector still looking to expand next year,” said ADB Philippines country director Andrew Jeffries. “For the Philippines to ride through the effects of external and domestic shocks in the near term, timely government spending on planned investments especially in the social sector and critical infrastructure projects will be important,” Jeffries said. ADB expects inflation to average 5.9

percent in 2026, unchanged from its July forecast, before slowing to 4.4 percent in 2027, higher than the 3.9 percent projected in July. Food prices remain a key contributor to inflation and will likely stay under pressure as El Niño affects agricultural output, according to the report. The services sector, which accounts for around 60 percent of GDP and employment, will remain the main growth driver, along with an expected pickup in manufacturing and public construction. The government plans to speed up major infrastructure projects, including transport networks, railways, ports and bridges, as well as health, education and agricultural infrastructure. It is allocating onethird of its proposed 2027 national budget to social services such as health care, educational assistance, early childhood development, upskilling and conditional cash transfers and food vouchers for vulnerable families.

GDP growth forecast for 2026

5.1%

GDP growth forecast for 2027

5.9%

Inflation forecast for 2026

DepEd, Prime Infra Foundation launch digital access program

Education Secretary Sonny Angara leads the ceremonial launch of an initiative expanding reliable internet access across public schools in Pakil, Laguna, through a partnership among the Department of Education–Schools Division Office of Laguna, Prime Infra Foundation and Ahunan Power. Angara highlights how reliable connectivity can help schools and students remain resilient amid frequent class disruptions caused by severe weather.

DEPARTMENT of Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the ceremonial launch on Wednesday of an initiative expanding reliable internet access to public schools in Pakil, Laguna, through a partnership between the DepEd Schools Division Office of Laguna, Prime Infra Foundation and Ahunan Power. The initiative equips 11 public schools in Pakil with Starlink satellite internet units, with Ahunan Power covering monthly subscription fees for 3 years under a memorandum of agreement signed by the three parties. Angara said the program addresses learning disruptions caused by severe weather. “This is life-changing for our students and teachers, especially during this season of calamities. The Education Commission noted a record number of days missed by our learners, as much as 40 to 50 days in some of our school divisions,” Angara said at the launch event held at Cornelio C. Dalena Elementary School. “Our students, our teachers and our community will be more motivated,” he said. Prime Infra Foundation director Donato Almeda said the program extends beyond connectivity. “This initiative is not just about technology. It’s about resilience, ensuring our schools remain connected and capable even during disruptions. It is about opportunity, opening doors for students and teachers to access global knowledge, innovative platforms and modern teaching methods,” Almeda said. “We always say that the future rests on our youth. And today, as we celebrate this initiative, we are putting that belief into action by giving them better access to the tools, knowledge and opportunities they need to build that future,” he said.

Filinvest Land joins Pag-IBIG’s 4PH partner network FILINVEST Land Inc. has joined Pag-IBIG Fund’s network of partner developers under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, giving more Filipino workers access to affordable housing loan financing. The partnership opens select Filinvest residential projects to Pag-IBIG Housing Loan financing and gives qualified members preferential pricing and other benefits, widening the housing choices available to PagIBIG members. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary

and Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees chairperson Jose Ramon Aliling said the partnership builds on gains already achieved under the Expanded 4PH Program. “Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded 4PH Program, we have already made significant gains in bringing more affordable housing opportunities within reach of Filipino families, and we are building on this momentum. By working more closely with the private sector and bringing more of the country’s leading developers into this shared effort, we can open even more opportunities for our people. With more

reputable companies now partnering with Pag-IBIG Fund, Filipino workers will have more housing choices supported by affordable financing and better opportunities to own a home,” Aliling said. Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta and Filinvest Land President and CEO Tristan Las Marias signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing the partnership in Quezon City, witnessed by Aliling. Pag-IBIG Fund Deputy CEO Alexander Hilario G. Aguilar and FLI Residential Business Head Mary Averose Valderrama also witnessed the signing.

Filinvest Land joins Pag-IBIG Fund’s Expanded 4PH housing program, giving qualified members preferential pricing and financing of up to P10 million for select residential projects. Signing the memorandum of understanding to formalize the partnership in Quezon City are Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta (second from right) and Filinvest Land president and chief executive Tristan Las Marias (second from left), witnessed by Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees chairperson Jose Ramon Aliling Aliling (center), Pag-IBIG Fund deputy CEO Alexander Hilario Aguilar (right) and FLI residential business head Mary Averose Valderrama (left).

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PH Resorts turns to shell company By Jenniffer B. Austria

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H Resorts Group Holdings Inc. of businessman Dennis Uy will become a shell company after spinning off its tourism and gaming unit, PH Travel and Leisure Holdings Corp., to parent company Udenna Corp as part of a restructuring plan, the company said.

PH Resorts said in its latest business plan submitted to the Philippine Stock Exchange it is targeting to restore positive stockholders’ equity within two years, as the proposed restructuring aims to remove most of the liabilities weighing on the company’s financial operations. For now, the company said it will become a listed holding company without active business operations after it transfers its interest in PH Travel to Udenna, along with the settlement and rationalization of intercompany balances and other obligations. “Following the spin-off, PHR is expected to operate, on an interim basis, as a listed holding company without active business operations or material liabilities. This will allow the company to exist independently from the operational and financial obligations associated with PH Travel and its subsidiaries,” PH Resorts said. As of June 30, the group had negative consolidated stockholders’ equity of P5.95 billion, while equity attributable to parent shareholders was negative P478.4 million. Under the restructuring plan, PH Travel, which holds the group’s casino, real estate and recreational businesses, will transfer its assets to Udenna. This will remove most of the liabilities contributing to the group’s capital deficiency. The company will serve as a vehicle for future business opportunities, investments, asset infusions and other strategic transactions going forward. The restructuring is still subject to shareholders’ approval and other regulatory and corporate approvals. Aside from the transfer of PH Travel to Udenna, PH Resorts will also seek shareholders’ approval to increase its authorized capital stock to P20 billion from P8 billion.

NUVALI EXPANSION. Ayala Land Estates opens MerryMart and NAOS Café at The Shops NUVALI at Central Bloc, adding retail, dining and wellness options to the Laguna estate, with more openings planned for the fourth quarter. MerryMart offers groceries, fresh and frozen food, household necessities, personal care products, pharmacy items and other daily essentials for NUVALI residents, employees and visitors.

PAL offers Dubai fare discount ahead of Oct. 2 return By Darwin G. Amojelar PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) is offering 50-percent off base fares to Dubai in a one-day promotion running from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2026, ahead of the Oct. 2 return of its nonstop Manila-Dubai route. The flag carrier said the promotion lets travelers lock in discounted fares on the route, which will initially operate 4 times a week. PAL plans to raise the frequency to a daily flight as operational conditions allow, giving passen-

gers more flexibility between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates. Dubai remains a top destination for Filipino travelers, drawing visitors with its landmarks, shopping options and dining scene. The city also functions as a gateway to destinations across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Passengers can access a range of onward destinations in the region through PAL’s nonstop Manila-Dubai service. PAL operates nonstop flights from its Manila and Cebu hubs to

29 destinations in the Philippines and 40 destinations across Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East. PAL’s total revenues climbed 5.9 percent to $1.74 billion in the first half of 2026, but rising fuel costs amid the Middle East conflicts impacted its overall net performance. It operates scheduled nonstop flights from its hubs in Manila and Cebu to 29 destinations across the Philippines and 40 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East.

Stocks slip below 5,800 on economic growth concerns By Jenniffer B. Austria PHILIPPINE stocks fell below the 5,800 level Wednesday as investors weighed concerns over slower economic growth in the second half of the year amid macroeconomic headwinds, while the peso strengthened against the US dollar. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index closed at 5,795.14, down 19.42 points or 0.33 percent, while the broader all-shares index ended at 3,246.44, down 6.91 points or 0.21 percent. The peso rose to close at 62.58 against the US dollar Wednesday from 62.72 Tuesday. The Asian Development Bank lowered its 2026 gross domestic product growth forecast for the Philippines to 3.3 percent from 3.8 percent, citing the prolonged impact of Middle East tensions. Regina Capital Development

Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said the local index broke below the 5,800 mark as selling pressure persisted amid continued uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran conflict. “Moreover, market sentiment was weighed by the widening of the trade deficit in the first half,” he said. “Investors remained cautious as geopolitical risks and weakening external trade conditions continued to weigh on risk appetite,” he said. Only the property index closed higher, up 0.45 percent. The services index posted the biggest decline, down 0.74 percent, while mining and oil fell 0.57 percent. Holding firms slipped 0.49 percent and financial stocks dropped 0.11 percent. Industrial stocks dipped 0.02 percent. Value turnover reached P8.89 billion. Market breadth was negative, with 105 decliners against 77 gainers and 62 stocks unchanged.

Career Opportunity in VISION IVY EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Position title: Chinese Marketing Manager Vacancy (1) Job Description:  Develop and implement marketing strategies and promotional activities targeting Chinese-speaking students, parents, education agencies, and other potential clients.  Conduct market research and identify opportunities to increase the Company's visibility and student enrollment within the Chinese-speaking market.  Develop and coordinate Chinese-language marketing materials, advertisements, presentations, and other promotional content.  Establish and maintain professional relationships with Chinese-speaking clients, parents, students, education agents, schools, and business partners.  Assist in student recruitment and enrollment activities, particularly in handling and communicating with Chinese-speaking prospective students and their families.  Coordinate with the Company's academic, admissions, and administrative teams regarding inquiries, student recruitment, enrollment, and related client concerns.  Represent the Company in marketing activities, education fairs, orientations, seminars, school events, and other promotional activities when necessary.  Assist in organizing events and activities designed to promote the Company's educational programs and services.  Provide Chinese-language communication and support to prospective and existing clients as necessary in connection with marketing and recruitment activities.  Prepare marketing reports, client feedback, market observations, and recommendations for the improvement of the Company's Chinese-market strategies.  Perform other marketing-related functions reasonably assigned by the Company in connection with the position. Qualifications: ● Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Management, or related field; ● With relevant experience in marketing, customer relations, or business development; ● Good communication and interpersonal skills; ● Proficient in Chinese/Mandarin and English; and ● Knowledge of Chinese market and/or experience handling Chinese-speaking clients is an advantage. Application may be sent to: Email address: cieclantape2025@gmail.com Company/ Employer

Name of Foreign National Intending to Apply for the Position

Company Name: Vision Ivy Education International, Inc. Complete Address: #1 Minoza Street, Tigbao, Talamban, Cebu City, Philippines 6000 Nature of Business: ESL

Name: Wang, Hong Address: Cebu City Nationality: Chinese Intended Period of Employment: three (3) years

VISION IVY EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL, INC. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), located at Dole Building, Muralla Wing, corner General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), located at Dole Building, Muralla Wing, corner General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. after this publication. Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

FOOD EXPO. EastWest brings its banking solutions closer to Filipino entrepreneurs and growing businesses as one of the main exhibitors at Asia Food and FIM (FMCG, Ingredients, and Manufacturing) Expo PH 2026 on Sept. 9 to 12. The bank connected with food and beverage industry leaders, business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs at the World Trade Center Manila.

DragonFi gets SEC nod to test global stock, ETF access ONLINE brokerage firm DragonFi Securities Inc. has received Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approval to test a service giving Philippine investors access to pre-approved global stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). DragonFi said it is the first licensed Philippine broker-dealer authorized under the SEC Strategic Sandbox program to offer access to global equities and ETFs through an over-the-counter depositary receipt (OTC DR) model. The SEC Strategic Sandbox allows financial firms to test new products and services in a controlled environment. Under DragonFi’s proposed model, an investor’s access to foreign investments will be tied to the value of their Philippine investments. Investors with certified domestic

holdings may invest in pre-approved foreign offerings equivalent to up to 50 percent of their Philippine investments. Those with Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) holdings may invest up to 100 percent of the equivalent value of their Philippine investments. Foreign securities will be offered through OTC depositary receipts, creating a Philippine-registered security counterpart that aligns with the regulatory framework. DragonFi Securities chief executive Jon Carlo Lim said the framework allows Filipinos to diversify internationally without diverting capital from local markets. “What makes this framework especially meaningful is that global access does not

have to come at the expense of our own capital markets. The model creates a direct incentive for investors to build their Philippine portfolios as they diversify internationally,” Lim said. “We believe that is the right model for the country: giving Filipinos access to more opportunities globally while bringing greater participation and liquidity into the Philippine market,” Lim said. Following the SEC approval, DragonFi said it will start phased testing after submitting and validating its amended testing plan and client suitability protocols. The initial phase will involve a monitored group of users before the service is expanded, subject to further SEC review and approval. Jenniffer B. Austria

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PH exports durian, mangosteen to Canada

SENSES OF THE SEA. Celebrating 51 years of Filipino heritage, Mega Prime Foods Inc. (MPFI) relaunches its flagship educational attraction ‘Senses of the Sea’ as part of its continuing commitment to Filipino innovation, responsible fishing, sustainability and ocean stewardship. Dubbed ‘The Mega Voyage: Experience the Reimagined Senses of the Sea,’ the upgraded facility in Sto. Tomas, Batangas seeks to give students, families and visitors a deeper understanding of where their food comes from—from the ocean and fishermen to food processing, technology, manufacturing and distribution. Roy Tomandao

APECO, foreign firm sign deal for 1-GW renewable project By Othel V. Campos

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HE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and Huge Energy Co. Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday to develop a 1-gigawatt (GW) renewable energy project in the Casiguran-based economic zone in Aurora. Huge Energy chairman and chief executive Lai Hongze, APECO president and chief executive Gil Taway IV and Dong-A Global chairman and chief executive Ik Soo Kwon signed the agreement. “Power precedes progress. Before industries can operate, businesses can expand, and investments can come in, we need reliable and sustainable power,” said Taway. The project will be developed in three

phases and will include solar power facilities, a battery energy storage system (BESS) and a high-capacity substation to support industries planned inside APECO. The first phase will have an initial capacity of about 100 megawatts (MW), covering a solar photovoltaic facility, a BESS and a substation. Huge Energy plans to add 350 MW of generation capacity in the second phase

through a mix of solar and waste-to-energy technologies. The third phase will add another 550 MW. The project is expected to strengthen APECO’s energy infrastructure through the development of substations and potentially transmission facilities while improving power availability and affordability in the ecozone and Aurora. “The goal is to create a more competitive environment for investors, attract new industries and ultimately support APECO’s transition toward industrialization and manufacturing,” said Taway. Huge Energy, a solar panel manufacturer, will undertake the project with Dong-A Global Co. Ltd., a South Korean energy, procurement and construction firm. APECO is allocating 90 hectares for the project.

IPOs signal a recovering Philippine economy Out in the Open Ray S. Eñano

WHEN a company announces a plan to go public, it is an affirmation of its confidence on the economy. The Philippines is facing headwinds coming from surging crude prices in the international market amid the Middle East conflict, troublesome inflation and the specter of higher interest rates. But these unfavorable market developments are not here to stay. They would soon give way to a more stable economy. Companies are conducting initial public offerings (IPOs) on expectations of economic growth and corporate profitability, better financing conditions and improved investor sentiment. Two IPOs are already underway—Mynt Inc. (GCash’s parent company) and VITRO REIT (PLDT). At least five more companies are considering their own IPOs for 2027, per the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). The flood control corruption scandal, the outbreak of the USIran War in 2026 and a weak peso have not deterred companies from pursing their IPO plans. Companies are pursuing IPOs not solely on how the economy is performing at the moment. Their decisions reflect expectations about future business and market conditions. The experience of South Korea provides a useful guide. Following the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, Korean companies increasingly turned to equity markets as the corporate sector sought to reduce its excessive dependence on debt. Korean non-financial companies obtained new sources of capital through the stock market from 1998 to 2000, which provided smaller and technology-oriented firms with greater access to equity capital. While the IPOs did not directly contribute to South Korea’s economic rebound, the Korean experience demonstrated how public equity markets could complement recovery by providing companies with alternative sources of capital during periods of adjustment. The Philippine situation may be different today. However, the underlying lesson remains relevant. Difficult macroeconomic conditions do not necessarily prevent companies with strong fundamentals and long-term growth prospects from entering the public market. Mynt Inc. (GCash), for one, enjoys the support of investors. AB Capital Securities Inc. estimates Mynt’s equity value at between P531 billion and P834 billion, citing its structural growth, established profitability and substantial room to further monetize its customer base. AB Capital believes the fintech company deserves a premium valuation—higher than what may normally be assigned to comparable companies. It attributes this premium to Mynt’s structural growth, established profitability and substantial

—“—

Companies are conducting initial public offerings on expectations of economic growth and corporate profitability ... room to further monetize its customer base. Morgan Stanley highlighted Mynt’s profitability at scale. The company generated P17.2 billion in net income in 2025 on P79.7-billion adjusted revenue, equivalent to a 21.6-percent net margin and a 32.1-percent return on equity. Its net margin further strengthened to 25.2 percent during the first half of 2026. Morgan Stanley estimates that Mynt could generate P21.2 billion in net income in 2026. Mynt is one company that is willing to enter the public market despite weak headline economic conditions. For Mynt, strong corporate fundamentals and expectations of future growth can co-exist with current macroeconomic difficulties. It seeks premium valuation because of its market position, large customer base and an expanding financial ecosystem that it could generate in the years ahead. The IPO ultimately gives public investors the opportunity to validate themselves the valuation they are willing to assign to GCash’s future. The current economic headwinds have unfortunately buried more optimistic expectations for Philippine economic recovery in 2027. But Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona has said the Philippine economy could “fully recover” in 2027. Multilateral institutions and credit rating agencies similarly expect economic growth to rebound. Companies preparing to list today, thus, are not necessarily making decisions based on the Philippine economy of 2026 alone. They are making a bet on the Philippine economy of 2027 and beyond. A healthy IPO pipeline provides an important signal that companies and investors remain willing to commit capital based on expectations of future growth. The significance of increasing IPO activity extends beyond the signal it sends about business and investor confidence. Successful listings contribute to the development of the Philippine economy and its capital markets. Large IPOs, meanwhile, may attract foreign portfolio investors. Foreign participation in Philippine offerings can generate capital inflows and, all else being equal, provide some support to the peso. At a time when economic headlines are dominated by inflation, peso depreciation, weak investment and geopolitical risks, the emerging IPO pipeline provides a different signal. While these developments do not directly indicate that the Philippine economy is already out of trouble, these milestones may suggest that some companies are already positioning themselves ahead. E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com

THE Philippines shipped 420 kilograms of fresh durian and mangosteen to Canada on Wednesday, opening a new market for tropical fruits as the government pushes to expand agricultural exports. The shipment to Vancouver consisted of 300 kg. of durian and 120 kg. of mangosteen for Fresh Makers Ltd., a Canadian buyer. Manila 500 kg. — 300 kg. of durian and 200 kg. of mangosteen Another Standard — willTODAY leave for Toronto on Thursday. Philippine Airlines flew the fruits to Canada. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the shipments support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to find new markets for Philippine farm products. “The latest shipments of fresh durian and mangosteen is part of our broader effort of the Marcos administration to find new markets for local agricultural commodities to bolster farm incomes and sustain rural development,” Tiu Laurel said. The Department of Agriculture is also pursuing export opportunities for cacao, coffee, okra and other high-value crops to diversify the country’s agricultural export basket. Agriculture Undersecretary Philip Young said the initiative seeks to turn market development into opportunities for farmers and exporters. “These shipments underscore our unwavering resolve to position Philippine produce at the forefront of international trade. We continue to forge durable global partnerships, secure vital market shares and showcase the quality of our high-value crops,” he said. Sustained export growth will depend on reliable supply, competitive logistics, consistent quality and sufficient production capacity to meet overseas demand, the department said. Othel V. Campos

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

DPWH eyes hybrid flood control strategy D

REAL ESTATE FINANCING.

Asialink Finance Corp. (AFC) is named Best Real Estate Financing Institution at the Philippine Real Estate Awards 2026, recognizing the company’s growing presence in the real estate financing market and its continued development of financing solutions for qualified property buyers. Attending the awarding ceremony are (from left) Paul Bonifacio, REF area sales manager-Luzon at AFC; Val Paolo Origenes, marketing group head; Anna Katrina Bañez, president and chief executive; Daisy Suba, deputy chief executive; and Brando Serrano, OIC assistant general manager.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

EPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWS) Secretary Vince Dizon is pushing for a hybrid approach to flood control, combining concrete infrastructure with nature-based solutions, and is seeking foreign expertise to guide the strategy.

DOF suspends excise taxes on LPG, kerosene By Thony Rose Lesaca DEPARTMENT of Finance Secretary Frederick Go on Tuesday signed a resolution to suspend excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene after the one-month average price of Dubai crude oil breached the $80-perbarrel threshold. “[About 15 minutes ago, I signed this. I signed the resolution to remove excise taxes on LPG and kerosene],” Go told the Senate finance subcommittee during a budget hearing. The statement followed a certification the Department of Energy (DOE) submitted to economic managers last

week, confirming that Dubai crude prices had climbed past the prescribed threshold, averaging $99.41 a barrel from Aug. 13 to Sept. 11. Go said the government plans to suspend the taxes for three months, a period that could run through the end of the year. He acknowledged the move could dent government revenue but said helping Filipinos cope with rising fuel costs takes priority. “The reason why we chose LPG and kerosene [is because] these are the fuel products used by the most vulnerable households. They use that for cooking and for all their daily needs. So, I think the most important thing, first and foremost, is to help ease the burden of high

global oil prices on the most vulnerable sectors,” Go told reporters on the sidelines of the Senate budget hearing for the Department of Finance. Go said he expects the resolution to reach the Office of the President within days now that he has signed it. “Since I signed it today, I believe it should be with OP in the next day or two,” he said. Republic Act No. 12316 grants the president authority to suspend or reduce excise taxes on fuel when the average Dubai crude price exceeds the threshold for a month, based on a recommendation from the Development Budget Coordination Committee and in coordination with the DOE.

Dizon told reporters that flood-control projects require careful study and should not be rushed, even as communities affected by flooding need immediate relief. “We really need to adopt a broader perspective on how things are done elsewhere,” Dizon said, citing countries that have shifted from relying heavily on concrete structures toward nature-based solutions in some areas. He said the government should not abandon concrete infrastructure altogether but should instead consider a hybrid approach based on the conditions and needs of each area. “It doesn’t have to be purely nature-based — we do need concrete infrastructure — but we must study this carefully and learn from those who have the expertise and have already done this,” he said. He said foreign partners, including experts from the Netherlands, could help the government determine which flood-mitigation measures are appropriate and how quickly they can be implemented. Some proposed measures could be undertaken relatively quickly, Dizon said. Detention basins are expected to start next year, while plans for an earth dike could be completed within six months, potentially allowing construction to begin around the middle of next year. “The important thing is that we are guided by experts,” Dizon said. He also said that flood-control interventions should be tailored to local conditions, noting that projects in highly urbanized Metro Manila would differ from those needed in communities around Northern Manila Bay. “The issues being addressed there are different, requiring different interventions,” he said. Dizon identified Hagonoy, Obando, parts of Malolos, Macabebe, Masantol and San Simon as among the areas currently being considered, saying the government is focusing on the flood-mitigation needs of communities surrounding Northern Manila Bay.

IN BRIEF

Strategist to pitch wellness real estate in India

Jollibee selling 11% Highland Coffee stake JOLLIBEE Foods Corp. said Tuesday it will sell an 11-percent stake in its Vietnam coffee business Highlands Coffee to joint venture partner Viet Thai International Joint Stock Co. for 2.3 trillion dong, or about $88 million. Jollibee’s wholly-owned subsidiary JSF Investments Pte. Ltd. signed the agreement with VTI, the founding shareholder of Highlands Coffee. The deal implies an equity value of $800 million for the coffee business. Jollibee will retain a 49-percent stake in Highlands Coffee after the transaction, while VTI’s ownership will rise to 51 percent, giving it a controlling interest. “The transaction follows the Jollibee Group’s stated approach to portfolio management: build a business, scale it, and optimize ownership once it is mature enough to attract external capital at an attractive valuation,” Jollibee said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday. Jollibee said it will use the proceeds for debt reduction, reinvestment in other high-growth businesses and shareholder returns. Jenniffer B. Austria

UK welcomes PH bid to join CPTPP THE United Kingdom welcomed the Philippines’ application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), UK Trade Minister Anas Sarwar said Tuesday, adding that the two countries can deepen trade and investment ties even as the accession process moves forward. “We want to see strong partners in the CPTPP and therefore we welcome the application that the Philippines has made to join the CPTPP,” Sarwar told reporters in Manila following the second Joint Economic and Trade Committee [JETCO] meeting held Tuesday. Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan Gepty said there have been no discussions yet on a separate bilateral free trade agreement with the UK, making CPTPP membership an important route to securing preferential access to the British market. “If we will be successful in our application, then that will also grant market access to the UK market,” Gepty said. The Philippines already has trade agreements with several CPTPP members, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam, Gepty said. CPTPP membership would open opportunities in markets where Manila has no existing agreement, including the UK, Mexico and Peru, he said. Othel V. Campos

PH, India to begin bilateral trade talks THE Philippines and India are preparing to negotiate a bilateral preferential trade agreement (PTA) once the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) is completed, Indian Ambassador Harsh Kumar Jain said. The two countries have already agreed on the terms of reference for the PTA negotiating committee, with formal talks expected to start after the AITIGA review wraps up next year, Jain said. “We have already agreed on the terms of reference for the negotiating committee. Right now we are waiting for the AITIGA review to be completed,” Jain said on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Business Forum in Makati City on Wednesday. Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $3.9 billion, small compared with India’s $128 billion in trade with ASEAN, Jain said, pointing to significant room for growth. A bilateral agreement could allow the Philippines and India to pursue deeper tariff concessions than those available under the ASEAN-wide trade framework, Jain said. “When we are engaged in bilateral trade agreements with the Philippines, we can be more ambitious, and we can look for more concessions and bring more lines into this preferential trade agreement,” he said. Othel V. Campos

CHINA-ASEAN EXPO. Board of Investments executive director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa delivers her presentation on the Philippine investment landscape during the Philippine Investment Forum held on Sept. 17, 2026 on the sidelines of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026 at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center.

PH software firm BossLabs AI targets Southeast Asian expansion By Darwin G. Amojelar PHILIPPINE software company BossLabs AI plans to expand into Southeast Asia beyond its domestic market, with Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand emerging as its initial targets. BossLabs AI co-founder Michael Manago told reporters the company is in talks with potential partners in the region as it works to bring its software and business model to markets facing similar digitalization challenges. Manago said the company is targeting Malaysia for its first overseas push, with an initial rollout planned for October. After Malaysia, the company plans to explore opportunities in Indonesia and Thailand, with a more aggressive

PH, ASEAN asked to diversify energy sources By Alena Mae S. Flores JAKARTA, Indonesia—The International Energy Agency (IEA) reiterated the need for the Philippines and other ASEAN countries to diversify energy sources amid the crisis in the Middle East. IEA Regional Cooperation Centre head Sue-Ern Tan said the Philippine government has taken major steps to plan for an energy-resilient future, speaking on the sidelines of the Enlit Asia 2026 forum here. “One, again, that golden rule of diversification. So the government thinking through how else can we source our power supply, including making the most of the excellent

renewable energy resources that the Philippines has, is very, very positive,” Tan said. “Obviously the instability that’s happening in the Middle East is continuing, but I think the key is that focus on diversification is the golden rule of energy security,” she said. “Thinking through who you get your supplies from and what are the different types of supplies will remain a very key principle for the Philippines government as it considers its energy security challenges,” she said. Tan welcomed the implementation of the Green Energy Auction (GEA) program, which ushered in

about 10 gigawatts of renewable energy, calling it “a really positive signaling to the market to create a pipeline of bankable projects.” The Philippines’ move to adopt nuclear energy into its power generation mix marks a positive step toward energy security, Tan added, though it requires further work on governance and regulatory frameworks. “I think it’s PhilAtom, it’s a regulator that they’ve set up. Thinking about the workforce skills, what are the gaps that need to be done so that we can actually implement and operationalize nuclear is also, you know, being thought of by the government, which is positive,” said Tan.

regional expansion expected next year, Manago said. Manago said the company sees common technology needs across the region, particularly among businesses looking to adopt software and artificial intelligence to improve their operations. BossLabs AI develops customized software applications for businesses and provides the technology infrastructure supporting those systems, including databases, hosting, security and communications. Manago said the company’s longterm ambition is to build a major Asian enterprise technology company. “My dream is to become SAP of Asia,” he said, referring to global enterprise software company SAP.

REAL estate strategist Alejandro Mañalac will represent the Philippines at the International Real Estate Conference (IREC) 2026, pressing the case for closer Philippine-India cooperation in wellness real estate and tourism. The conference, running from Sept. 25 to 27 in Hyderabad, India, will draw industry leaders from more than 35 countries, including developers, investors, policymakers, brokers and technology innovators who will discuss forces reshaping cities, investment and the built environment. Mañalac is scheduled to speak on “The Philippines and India: An Old Connection, A New Opportunity,” addressing the historical and growing links between the two countries and prospects for deeper cooperation in tourism, investment and real estate. The timing follows recent highlevel engagements between the Philippines and India, which have broadened the context for stronger business, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, according to the conference organizers. Wellness real estate stands out as an area of particular potential. India has long been associated with holistic wellness traditions such as yoga and Ayurveda, while the Philippines offers natural assets, resort destinations, English-speaking hospitality and a growing tourism economy. Combining these strengths could open opportunities in wellness resorts, retirement communities, second homes, longevity-focused developments and other forms of health-centered real estate.

BUSINESS SUMMIT. European

Commission DirectorGeneral for trade and economic security Ditte Juul Jørgensen and EUASEAN Business Council chair Jens Ruebbert lead the discussion at the ASEAN-EU Business Summit 2026 in Manila. The summit convened hours after the EU and the Philippines reached a deal on their bilateral free trade agreement, with business leaders calling for the imminent conclusion of the negotiations and focus on areas crucial to ASEAN’s long-term growth

BINONDO

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Taiwanese cuisine brings PH, Taiwan closer at Manila event By Julie Ann Lope

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ORE than 350 people attended a three-day Taiwanese culinary event in Manila last week that highlighted agricultural cooperation and cultural exchange between Taiwan and the Philippines. The Overseas Community Affairs Council held its 2026 International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisine from Sept. 17 to 19 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, alongside the Taiwan Expo in the Philippines. The Taiwanese Association of the Philippines organized the event. Taiwanese chef Kuo-chih Wen and assistant chef Jui-chang Chen led live cooking demonstrations and food tastings for Filipino audiences throughout the three days. The opening program spotlighted agricultural cooperation between the two sides. With support from the Taiwan Technical Mission in the Philippines, the chefs used locally grown okra, cucumber, bitter melon, tomato, cabbage and spring onions to prepare Taiwanese salted chicken and garden salad. Taiwan Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Chin-Tsang Ho, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, Manila Economic and Cultural Office Directors Norman Q. Villanueva and Wilson Tecson and

Taiwan and the Philippines strengthen agricultural and cultural ties at a Manila culinary event featuring chef demonstrations, local produce and a xiaolongbaomaking challenge.

Taiwan External Trade Development Council chairman James Huang attended the opening program. Chow said the Taiwan Technical Mission had long worked with Filipino farmers by sharing agricultural technology suited to local conditions. He said using Philippine-grown vegetables in Taiwanese dishes gave visitors a direct experience of cooperation “from farm to table.” Villanueva said the initiative demonstrated opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, trade and

culture. On Sept. 18, the chefs prepared Taiwanese salted chicken, pan-fried dumplings, thick pork soup and winter melon tea at the Taiwan Expo main stage. ERSAO Taiwanese Restaurant, an Overseas Community Affairs Council “i Compatriot Card” partner establishment, supported the program. Chow said food offered an enjoyable way to learn about a country and its culture. Manila Economic and Cultural Office Director Tecson said food could connect people and encourage them to

discover the stories behind each dish. Filipino food content creator The Chui Show featured the event online, helping introduce Taiwanese cuisine to a wider Filipino audience. The program concluded on Sept. 19 with demonstrations of popcorn chicken, beef noodle soup, xiaolongbao and bubble milk tea. One highlight was a xiaolongbao-making challenge, in which Filipino participants attempted the traditional 18-fold technique. A Filipino Grade 12 student introduced himself in Mandarin

and said he planned to improve his language skills and apply to a university in Taiwan after graduation. He said learning to make xiaolongbao and tasting Taiwanese food deepened his appreciation of Taiwanese culture and strengthened his desire to study in Taiwan. Organizers said the event, through food, agriculture and direct interaction, demonstrated how cuisine can promote cultural understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties between Taiwan and the Philippines.

PH deploys largest delegation to 2026 China-ASEAN Expo Cerebro Solutions Inc. wins FFCCCII’s first Pinoy Tech Startup Competition, earning a P500,000 investment package in a DOST-TAPI partnership event in Binondo, Manila.

The Philippines leads its largest-ever CAEXPO delegation in 2026, signing a trade MOU with Hunan province and serving as country of honor while Cebu is featured as Province of Charm.

By Michael Wong Ho THE Philippines mounted its largestever delegation to the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) from Sept. 17 to 21, 2026, securing a trade memorandum with Hunan province and serving as the event’s Country of Honor. The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) coordinated the delegation, which brought together more than 400 delegates and 73 enterprises representing industries including agrifood, fashion, lifestyle, home and personal care. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque led the delegation alongside Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz, Consul General Iric Arribas, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Philip Young and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro. The DTI Regional Operations Group and the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service mobilized participants from across the country. Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) vice president for MSME development Melanie Ng signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade-Hunan Sub-Council (CCPIT Hunan) International Relations Department Director Wei Xiaobo during the expo. The agreement establishes a framework for exchanging trade and investment information, facilitating business matching and organizing business missions between Philippine and Hunan enterprises, and opens opportunities in advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology, food processing, engineering and renewable energy.

The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou facilitated the partnership and will support its implementation through investment promotion activities and business missions. PCCI, led by chairman Jude Aguilar, also brought a delegation to the China-Philippines Business Leaders Dialogue, which included representatives from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The dialogue built on PCCI’s expanding cooperation with CCPIT counterparts in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and Hunan. PCCI Director Bernardo Benedicto and Secretary General Ruben Pascual also attended. The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII), led by president Victor Lim, promoted Philippine exports, tourism and investment opportunities

throughout the expo. As Province of Charm, Cebu highlighted its tourism attractions, manufacturing capabilities, creative industries, investment opportunities and strategic connectivity. Baricuatro met with Guangxi Governor Wei Tao to discuss revitalizing the Cebu-Guangxi sister-province relationship and explore cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and people-topeople exchanges. CAEXPO 2026 coincided with the opening of the 134.2-kilometer Pinglu Canal in Guangxi, a river-tosea waterway linking the Xijiang River system with the Beibu Gulf as part of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. The canal is expected to shorten shipping routes from southwestern China by more than 560 kilometers and generate significant logistics savings.

Cerebro Solutions wins first Pinoy tech startup competition By Michael Wong Ho CEREBRO Solutions Inc. won the first Pinoy Tech Startup Competition, securing a P500,000 investment package from the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII). FFCCCII, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOSTTAPI), hosted the competition on Aug. 26 at the FFCCCII Federation Building in Binondo, Manila. The event gave Filipino technologybased startups a platform to present their business models and proprietary technologies to FFCCCII members, private-sector investors, business leaders and potential mentors. The partnership aims to bridge government-backed innovation and

the business community by giving promising DOST-TAPI-supported startups access to capital, market knowledge, business expertise, mentorship and commercialization support. Judges evaluated the startups on their business potential and technological innovations. The competition also sought to connect the ventures with established business leaders who could provide the capital, experience and networks needed to support their growth and market expansion. Five startups competed: Cerebro Solutions Inc., BizKit Technologies Inc., Fullmight Agricultural Corp., Hiraya Water Technologies Solutions Inc. and DOON Philippines Transport Technologies Inc. The other four participants also received monetary prizes in recognition of their innovative business concepts.

Chinese Filipino Business Club marks Mid-Autumn Festival By Julie Ann Lope

CFBCI hosts Chinese Media Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, with officials and media leaders highlighting responsible journalism and Filipino-Chinese community ties.

CHINESE Filipino Business Club Inc. president Gerald Uy Chan thanked local media outlets for helping shape informed communities during the organization’s Chinese Media Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebration on Sept. 21 at the CFBCI 8th Floor Auditorium. Media representatives from several local networks and publications attended the gathering, which combined the annual media appreciation event with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. Chan said the media play a critical role in ensuring important stories

reach the public and expressed hope for continued collaboration in fostering social harmony. He also noted CFBCI’s advocacy initiatives, including a scholarship program for students, businessrelated events and efforts to preserve Filipino-Chinese heritage. Manila 3rd District councilor Jefferson Lau recognized the media’s responsibility to keep the public informed through accurate and responsible reporting. He described journalists as a vital bridge between the government and the people, helping citizens understand government policies and access public services.

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SHOWBIZ

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

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

Joshua Garcia Joshua Garcia (left) and Julia (left) and Julia Barretto reunite Barretto reunite on screen as on screen as Apollo and Luna Apollo and Luna in ‘Always Yours, in ‘Always Yours, Never Mine’ Never Mine’

Very Wang

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Nickie Wang

HEMISTRY comes effortlessly to Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto. A decade after they became known as JoshLia, the pair are back on screen as Apollo and Luna in Always Yours, Never Mine, a sweeping romantic drama that follows their characters through three decades of love and changing circumstances.

The romantic drama follows Apollo and Luna through different stages of their lives as changing circumstances test a love that endures over time

Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto confront a love that cannot last

A scene from the upcoming JoshLia film ‘Always Your, Never Mine’

What many may not know is that the chemistry that made Joshua and Julia such a memorable pairing did not come from hours of rehearsals or carefully planned romantic choreography. It simply happened as they worked together. “We don’t force ourselves to have chemistry. We just go with it,” Joshua said. “We react to each other as actors, and the chemistry eventually comes out naturally.” There was no workshop before filming, either. “From the beginning, we just let things happen naturally,” he added. Julia sees it much the same way. “I think we just really enjoy doing what we do, and doing it together,” she said. “When you’re honest and you’re being yourself, I think it naturally comes out.” Their history also helps. Joshua and Julia have known each other for years, giving them the freedom to drop the performance when the cameras are rolling and simply respond to each other. “You can’t manufacture chemistry. You can’t fake it,” Julia stressed. That familiarity takes on another dimension in Always Yours, Never Mine, directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana from a screenplay by Vanessa R. Valdez. Apollo and Luna’s story unfolds across 30 years, with the characters appearing in different stages and seasons of their lives. That passage of time is also what gives the film’s title its ache. “When you watch the movie, you’ll really understand why that’s

The ensemble cast of ‘Always Yours, Never Mine’ at the film’s press conference

the title,” Julia explained. “Of course, everyone can have their own interpretation.” To her, Always Yours, Never Mine describes the painful contradiction of giving yourself completely to somebody while being unable to have that person in return. “You’re willing to give everything to that person, but somehow, you can’t have them in return,” she continued. “It sounds painful just thinking about it.” Yet Julia also sees another meaning in the words. “You always have me. I’m always yours. I’m dedicated and committed to you,” she elaborated. “But how come I can’t have this one thing that I’m so committed to? Something that I willingly give myself to? I just want to love you and care for you, so why can’t you be mine?” Joshua’s answer is much simpler.

Kenneth Branagh embraces action hero role—to get in shape FOR Kenneth Branagh, starring as an action hero in the Cold War comedy Mayday was a chance to surprise audiences and get in shape. The British actor, known for Shakespearean roles such as Henry V, plays former KGB agent Nikolai Ustinov, who helps a US pilot (Ryan Reynolds) after he crashes in Soviet territory. Ustinov battles anyone who stands in his way, armed with little more than a pen. “There was some movie magic there for sure, but there was no question that I learned everything,” Branagh told AFP on the sidelines of the Toronto International Film Festival. “I tried to do it absolutely the best I could and the quickest I could, and not hurt myself and not hurt anybody else.” Branagh practiced yoga for hours and trained to master the fight choreography. “It was a great chance to get a little fitter,” the 65-year-old laughed. The action sequences also allowed him to surprise audiences who may have underestimated the “funny, eccentric Russian character.” “I was surprised reading it, and I knew that I wanted to help surprise the audience,” he said.

Branagh said he was delighted with the script by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, who also directed the film. Much of the film’s appeal hinges on the chemistry between Branagh and Reynolds. Their characters embark on a perilous journey to Moscow, discovering more about each other’s countries along the way. Ustinov, obsessed with American culture and Top Gun, shows Navy pilot Troy Kelly (Reynolds) that not all Russians are the emotionless figures portrayed by Washington’s political leaders. Meanwhile, Kelly reveals that not all Americans are good-natured heroes. Branagh said their on-screen bond developed quickly. “He walked off the set, or I walked to him actually, so we shook hands in front of the camera, and we just started a conversation which hasn’t really stopped. We just got on.” The actors have stayed in touch while promoting the film, often talking about football. “Wherever we see each other, basically we talk about football. It just always was very easy.” AFP

Kenneth Branagh (right) takes on an action-heavy turn opposite Ryan Reynolds in the Cold War comedy ‘Mayday’

“Because people change.” Julia picks up the thought and takes it further. “People change. Seasons change. Different circumstances come into play.” “There. You said it yourself. Apollo and Luna,” Joshua pointed out. “But it’s different,” Julia countered. And perhaps that is where the film becomes more than a familiar tale of two people falling in love. As Vanessa explained, the 30-year span allows Apollo and Luna to exist as different versions of themselves, raising a question that reaches beyond romance: whether loving someone can sometimes prevent that person from becoming who they are meant to be. “I don’t think this is just a love story; it’s actually a life story. It’s about how we love our lives, the choices we make, and even the choices we don’t make,” Vanessa reflected. The film also stars Bianca Umali, Chandra Romero, Joy Barcoma, Bob Jbeili, Karen Reyes, Migs Almendras, Paulo Angeles, Ina Raymundo, Franco Laurel, Reign Parani and Jan Silverio. Always Yours, Never Mine opens in local cinemas on Sept. 30. The film will also screen internationally, with releases in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Australia, and New Zealand starting Oct. 22; the US, Canada, and Guam on Oct. 23; the UK and Austria on Oct. 31; and Spain, France, and Italy on Nov. 1. Joshua and Julia will meet audiences in London for a European premiere and meet-and-greet at Genesis Cinema on Oct. 31, followed by screenings at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Another premiere and meet-and-greet will take place in Madrid at Palacio de la Prensa Cinema on Nov. 1, with screenings at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Music journalists Tony Maghirang (left) and the author, Yugel Losorata, share a friendship rooted in writing and the local music scene

Touchbass

Yugel Losorata

A ton of Tony ONE evening in September 2022, in a folk bar in Quezon City, Philippines, I had a chat and a drink with two seasoned journalists, Romy Buen and Tony Maghirang. It felt good being in the company of veterans in rock journalism. The latter had already been a close friend since I met him long ago and found out about his long track record as a music journalist. Romy, whose kind of humor rocks, took shots of Tony and me with copies of our books, which are both a departure from our routine as writers of musicrelated articles. Mine is a political thriller novel (The Lust Regime), while his is written in Tagalog, with an interesting title, Ang Kagilagilalas na Makeup Artist (Karma Mo, Kakambal Mo!). A couple of those photos eventually got published to accompany write-ups angled on us being rock journos who wrote novels at the height of the pandemic. As a music writer, I must say I have been a bit influenced by how Tony wrote his reviews. I would write what I really thought about someone’s music regardless of whether they’re a bigname band or a rock legend. At one point, I found myself almost threatened by this group whom I felt had long been overrated. Not so sure, but let me say I got out of the interview room just in time before getting ganged up. In hindsight, I must have done a Tony Maghirang don’t-get-hit act, and I found that cool. Tony was an ultimate example of how you can’t judge a writer by how he dresses or combs his hair. One time, in one of my hustles facilitating a press conference, I pulled him in and saw him come into the venue too dressed down. The client, who didn’t know who he was, looked as if wanting to ask what street corner I found the man just for a warm body. I could only

giggle, and Tony’s presence made my day. Informing anyone of his Jingle magazine roots is always a thrill. When his write-up came out, hands down, it was the best output from among the colleagues who were there. No offense meant to the others. He was just on another level when it came to professional writing. He was the type of writer who really wrote (not copy-paste) and chose impact over highfalutin words. Give him a few pieces of information, and he’d come up with a good read out of that. No recorder; no problem. He would recall a quotable quote from an interviewee and build an engaging feature around it. For the times I called him a legend, Tony cringed and laughed. I joked I had to be a musician myself to somehow get accepted in the league of music journalists. He was a guy who didn’t have to be intimidating or pretend he knew more than what he already experienced. That night four years ago, we also bumped into Dong Abay of Yano fame. You could see through the latter’s body language how much he respects Tony. While some journalists will try to show attitude and talk like a rebel rocker, Tony Maghirang was smart by just being Tony Maghirang, grounded, knowledgeable, polite, and capable of expressing his thoughts the way a traditional, tried-andtested journalist does.

With his passing, another legit journo went up to the great gig in the sky. On a personal note, I’ll forever be grateful that he valued me as a friend, a comrade in the profession, and a co-equal of sorts. He told me he got inspired to write a novel because I did one. When I decided to relocate here in the US, he was among the people I asked to vouch for my credentials and tell people who need to know that I am “extraordinary” in my own right. He didn’t hesitate to share his take on me. He put out a good word, and I realized he had been observing the way I do things. He even wrote about me and my band in a national paper. That several people in music circles are paying tribute to him on social media and news sites is proof of his distinction as a writer, a versatile one since he could also write about tech and business. I will miss someone who champions what I do. In our last phone chat, we discussed how we may collaborate. One idea was we’d pick some Filipino songs we like, or hate, and write something about each. Turn that into a book. I am sad we won’t be able to talk again. But I feel privileged that I had in-depth conversations with him about music, writing, and the rock and roll life, with someone belonging to a rare breed who breathed through the music scene’s golden age and wrote about it in a picturesque way few can.

LIFE

C3 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Not every child learns the same way By Nickie Wang EVERY child has a different way of making sense of the world. Some pick up letters and numbers almost instantly. Others need more time, repetition, or a different approach before things begin to click. Some children absorb lessons through stories and conversation, while others understand concepts better when they can touch, move, build, or explore. That difference is drawing more attention to personalized learning in the Philippines, particularly among parents looking for alternatives to a

one-size-fits-all approach. Rather than expecting every child to learn at exactly the same pace and in exactly the same way, personalized education takes into account a child’s individual needs, interests, strengths, and areas for growth. This philosophy is at the heart of Kids Learning Ville (KLV), which provides teacher-guided, homebased learning experiences designed around the individual child. Learning activities can be adjusted according to a child’s developmental stage and learning needs, allowing children to work

Personalized learning allows children to explore letters, numbers and other early concepts through activities suited to how they learn best

Hands-on activities give young learners another way to build skills as Kids Learning Ville tailors lessons around individual interests and learning styles

on essential skills while exploring subjects and activities that naturally capture their interest. For young learners, this can

Kids Learning Ville brings educator-guided learning into the home, allowing lessons to adjust to each child’s developmental needs and pace

make a difference in how they experience education. A child who loves stories, for instance, may develop language skills through books and storytelling, while another who prefers hands-on activities may respond better to sorting, building, experiments, or movement. KLV puts this approach into practice through its different Learning Villes. Readers Ville focuses on early literacy, Number Ville on math and logic, Discovery Ville on science and exploration, Foundation Ville on independence and school readiness, and Groovy Ville on music, movement, and creativity. The idea is not simply to make learning easier. It is to make it meaningful. That can matter during the early years, when children are developing confidence, communication skills, independence, and positive learning habits. A child who feels supported and understood may become more comfortable participating, trying something new, and working

through challenges. Personalized learning is also becoming a consideration for parents exploring homeschooling in the Philippines. Learning at home does not necessarily mean giving every child the same activities, nor does it require parents to create an entire curriculum from scratch. With KLV, children receive educator-guided learning in the familiar surroundings of home, while parents remain involved in their child’s educational journey. Ultimately, personalized education begins with a simple idea: there is no single formula for how children learn. Sometimes, the best place to begin is with the child. That is the approach Kids Learning Ville seeks to take, creating learning experiences that meet children where they are, encourage curiosity, and help them develop confidence as they learn. Every child has a different way of learning. Education, perhaps, should leave room for that difference.

The art of aging well Understanding what healthy aging really means

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By Angelica Villanueva

RINKLES may be the most obvious signs of aging, but they tell only part of what is happening to the face. Instead, the expert begins consultations by asking patients what bothers them and what they hope to achieve. A concern about looking tired, for example, can lead to a discussion about the eyes, skin or other factors before any treatment is considered. Artificial intelligence may eventually become another tool in this process. Co sees AI being useful for organizing data, tracking measurements, and showing patients simulations or changes over time. He does not expect it to replace the conversation between physician and

Dr. James Jeffrey Co notes that every aesthetic procedure he performs is guided by the patient’s facial anatomy and individual treatment goals

Beneath the skin, changes in fat, muscle, supporting structures, and bone gradually alter facial shape and proportions. How quickly these changes become visible also differs from one person to another, making aging far less straightforward than simply counting lines or trying to smooth them away. Aesthetic physician Dr. James Jeffrey Co, founder of Cosma Institute, believes this is why aesthetic medicine should focus less on making patients look younger and more on helping them age well while still looking like themselves. “It’s mostly for the patients to accept that, of course, we are aging, but what we can do is improve our skin and improve how we look,” Co said during a recent discussion on healthy aging and facial harmony. “It’s not just to chase a trend where you have to look young or look very tight,” he added. Co said aging is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Genetics plays a role in how the face naturally changes, while lifestyle and

environmental factors can also affect how those changes appear over time. He explained that this variation is why aesthetic care should not follow a standard treatment plan. “Aesthetic care is personal. It needs to be personalized. We are not chasing a trend. We are not doing one size fits all,” Co said. The growing number of treatments has also given patients more choices, from energy-based devices and injectables to regenerative approaches and imaging. Co shared that newer technology can provide physicians with more information, but the decision still depends on the patient’s anatomy, concerns, and goals. The same caution applies to treatments gaining attention online. Social media and internet searches have made aesthetic information easier to find, but Co said they can also lead people to consultations already convinced they need a particular procedure. “Not because you searched it, read about it, or learned about it means you should have it done,” he said.

Aesthetic physician Dr. James Jeffrey Co advocates a personalized approach to healthy aging that focuses on facial harmony rather than simply looking younger patient. He shared that five to 10 years from now, consultations may have more simulations, measurements, and other tools, “but still, the decision matters with the patient and the doctor.”

Healthy aging, Co believes, does not require preserving an earlier version of someone’s face. “We can look good without looking super young. We should still look appropriate for our age,” he stated.

Korean skincare finds fresh ground on local beauty scene KOREAN skincare is continuing its march into Filipino beauty routines, with EGY Aesthetic and Medical Spa becoming the latest name to join the growing network of Pretty Skin & Lamelin Philippines authorized resellers. Owned by Emmiebeth Yap, EGY Aesthetic and Medical Spa formally entered into a Reseller Agreement with Pharmline Medforce, Inc., the official Philippine distributor of Pretty Skin & Lamelin, on Aug. 23. The partnership gives EGY access to the brands’ portfolio of Korean skincare products, along with product education, training materials, marketing support, and regular updates from Pharmline Medforce. For an aesthetic and medical spa, the partnership offers a setting where skincare can be introduced as part of a more personalized approach to beauty and skin wellness, rather than simply another product on a shelf. The collaboration also reflects the growing demand for informed skincare choices, with consumers becoming increasingly interested in products, ingredients, and routines

EGY Aesthetic and Medical Spa joins the Pretty Skin & Lamelin Philippines network of authorized resellers as the Korean skincare brands expand their local reach

that fit their individual skin needs. Pretty Skin & Lamelin Philippines said its partnership with EGY forms part of a wider effort to build a nationwide network of dermatologists, aesthetic doctors, clinics, beauty and wellness centers, distribution partners, and authorized resellers. The aim is to make Korean skincare more accessible while encouraging responsible product representation and customer education. “We are delighted to welcome Ms. Emmiebeth Yap and EGY Aesthetic and Medical Spa into the Pretty Skin & Lamelin family. Every new partnership allows

us to reach another community and gives us another opportunity to build greater awareness, education, and confidence in skincare,” said Catherine R. Andres, CEO of Pretty Skin & Lamelin Philippines. The agreement was signed by Andres on behalf of Pharmline Medforce and Yap as owner of EGY Aesthetic and Medical Spa. With the new partnership, EGY joins the expanding Pretty Skin & Lamelin Philippines community as the brands continue to widen their reach across the country, bringing Korean skincare products and education closer to Filipino consumers.

LIFE

C4 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

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

PEOPLE

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By Nickie Wang

Getting to the root of scalp concerns

Dr. Naelong Wang discusses how oil balance, hydration and the scalp microbiome all play a role in managing dandruff and other common scalp concerns

Scalp care goes beyond visible flakes, with hydration, oil control and buildup management all contributing to a healthier scalp environment

HEN MJ Marfori greeted her visitor at an events venue in Rockwell Center, she was her usual self: amiable, animated, and very easy to talk to. But there was something a little extra about her that day.

MJ Marfori puts a little extra into wellness For weeks, she had been talking about a brand, dropping teasers on social media and hinting at a passion project that had something to do with wellness. The mystery was finally about to be revealed. After spending years delivering the lighter side of the news, MJ knows only too well how demanding a busy schedule can be. Looking good while under pressure is part of the job, but so is keeping up with the pace. Those demands, in many ways, helped shape her latest venture. The TV5 entertainment journalist has now added entrepreneur to her growing list of roles with the launch of Gutta Glow, a functional beverage brand she cofounded with her brother JR From left: Gutta Glow founders JR and MJ Marfori, Marga Arenas-Vargas, and Mikee Arenas lead the brand Marfori, former co-anchor launching event Marga Arenas-Vargas, and businessman Mikee Arenas. formulations: Spanish Latte, French “I’m used to telling other people’s Vanilla Coffee, and Honey Lemon Iced stories, but this time, the four of us are Tea. building our own,” MJ said. The coffee choices are aimed at those That new chapter is built around a who want their daily caffeine fix with simple idea: wellness should fit into added functional ingredients, while real life rather than feel like another the iced tea provides a non-coffee task on an already crowded to-do list. option. The range is designed to give “Gutta Glow is about taking care consumers choices depending on their of yourself without making wellness routines and preferences. feel like a chore. We wanted it to be Depending on the variant, the drinks something you can actually enjoy contain ingredients such as inulin, while navigating work, family, travel, green coffee extract, green tea extract, and everyday life,” she said. L-carnitine, Garcinia cambogia, With that philosophy in mind, hydrolyzed collagen, reduced Gutta Glow launched with three drink L-glutathione, berberine extract, and

By Angelica Villanueva OIL, flakes, and itching may be the most noticeable signs of an unhappy scalp, but treating one problem without considering the others may not be enough. Like the skin on the face, the scalp has its own moisture barrier and microbiome, making hydration and oil balance part of keeping it healthy. Selsun Blue is applying some of these skincare principles to its new Advanced Oil Control line in the Philippines, pairing established anti-dandruff actives with ingredients commonly found in skincare products. Dr. Naelong Wang, head of research and development at Mentholatum Asia Pacific, explained during the product launch that the Advanced Oil Control Shampoo combines selenium sulfide and piroctone olamine to help control dandruff. “Piroctone olamine is a very mild anti-dandruff agent. It’s not only killing bacteria but also balancing your microbiome. It’s also a very mild oil-control agent,” Wang said. The ingredients target Malassezia, a yeast naturally present on human skin that can contribute to dandruff under certain conditions. Piroctone olamine also has antimicrobial properties and is included as part of the formula’s approach to oil and odor control. Removing flakes and reducing oil, however, are only part of scalp care. Wang stressed the importance of maintaining moisture even for people with oily scalps. “No matter what your scalp is, dry scalp or oily scalp, moisturization is key,” Wang added, explaining that moisture helps maintain the scalp barrier. The shampoo incorporates witch hazel and zinc PCA for oil control, while rosemary essential oil provides its herbal scent. It also contains salicylic acid, an exfoliating ingredient commonly used in facial skincare. Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin and buildup, but the expert said using an effective amount while minimizing irritation can be challenging. In the shampoo, the ingredient is encapsulated for gradual release. “When we encapsulate salicylic acid, not only are we making it soluble in the formulation, but the encapsulation will release salicylic acid slowly,” he said. Moisturizing ingredients are also included to help keep the scalp hydrated while addressing excess oil and buildup. Alongside the shampoo, Selsun Blue introduced the Advanced Oil Control Anti-Dandruff + Scalp Care Instant Fresh Mist, a leave-on product designed for use between washes. Unlike the shampoo, the mist does not contain selenium sulfide. It uses piroctone olamine as its anti-dandruff active, together with rosemary essential oil, tea tree oil, and witch hazel. Users spray it directly onto the scalp and massage for two to three minutes. The format is suited to conditions familiar to Filipinos, particularly heat, humidity, and long commutes that can leave the scalp sweaty or oily between washes. Selsun Blue says regular use of the shampoo provides up to 72 hours of oil and dandruff control. Wang also presented company testing showing reductions in flakes and scalp oil, along with improvements in itching and hydration. The Advanced Oil Control Shampoo and Instant Fresh Mist are available at Watsons branches nationwide and through Mentholatum’s official online stores.

Entertainment reporter MJ Marfori launches Gutta Glow as a wellness venture built around drinks meant to fit into busy daily routines IMMUSE LP20. The idea, MJ and her partners say, is to make these products easy to incorporate into everyday routines, rather than turn wellness into another demanding commitment. That thinking also extends to how the business itself came together. Gutta Glow operates under MMMM Beauty Corp., which the four partners co-founded. The personal connection to the products, according to Marga, was equally important. The group was not interested in creating something simply because wellness had become fashionable. “We didn’t want to create a product simply because wellness is trendy. We wanted to create something that we ourselves would enjoy drinking and incorporating into our daily routine,” she said. That personal connection appears to be an important part of MJ’s new venture. After years of interviewing celebrities and reporting on showbiz, she is now telling a different kind of story, this time with herself and her partners at the center. Gutta Glow is primarily sold online through e-commerce platforms, including Shopee, Facebook, and TikTok Shop. The products are marketed as FDA-approved and Halal-certified.

This neighborhood clinic is giving aesthetic beauty a softer touch

The aesthetic clinic offers facial, laser and non-invasive aesthetic treatments in a neighborhood clinic setting just outside Eastwood City.

THERE was a time when aesthetic procedures were largely about fixing what people considered imperfections. The more noticeable the change, the better it seemed, with many people turning to aggressive treatments to address features they wanted to alter. That mindset has changed. Today, there is a growing preference for looking refreshed rather than radically different, with people choosing to preserve the features that make them recognizable while maintaining a youthful appearance as they age. This idea has influenced the way aesthetic clinics approach their customers. Clinique Le Marais, for example, has built its philosophy around making aesthetic care more approachable and attainable without sacrificing the experience associated with premium clinics. “We believe in premium service at honest prices. We want to offer services that can keep up with the level offered by the big names in the industry without having our customers feeling that they need to burn a hole in their pocket just to look their best,” Clinique Le Marais CEO Jacqueline Lozada said. The neighborhood beauty

clinic at Magnitude Building, just outside Eastwood City in Quezon City, offers a wide range of treatments, from facial and skin care procedures designed to cleanse, refresh, hydrate, and rejuvenate to non-invasive body contouring treatments for skin tightening, body contouring, and improved definition. Laser treatments target concerns such as unwanted hair, pigmentation, skin discoloration, and uneven texture. There are also doctoradministered minimally invasive procedures, including Botox injections to soften visible signs of aging, injectable and topical skin boosters for deeper skin rejuvenation, and fillers and threads to enhance facial contours through improved definition and subtle lifting. Despite the lengthy treatment menu, the clinic takes a conservative approach. New customers first consult with licensed doctors about their concerns before any treatment is recommended. The aim is to create a program suited to the individual rather than simply prescribe whatever happens to be popular. That approach also means resisting the temptation to chase

Different treatments will be offered at discounted rates each month through December, giving customers the chance to explore aesthetic care ahead of the holiday celebrations. Lozada, however, made it clear that a discount should never mean a compromise in treatment. “That is one thing we are very proud of. Even if we offer a discount for our services, we maintain the same Aesthetic treatments at Clinique Le Marais level of effectiveness focus on refreshing and rejuvenating the in our treatments. We skin while preserving the features that don’t cut corners,” she make each client recognizable said. “We make sure to use the same dosages every aesthetic trend. The clinic that are recommended by the instead focuses on procedures it scientific studies backing up the considers backed by evidence procedures to ensure that our for safety, effectiveness, and customers get the maximum worthwhile results. benefit, both immediate and With the “-ber” months long-term, from our services.” signaling the beginning of the Clinique Le Marais is located Christmas season, Clinique at 102 Magnitude Building, 186 Le Marais is also rolling out Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave., its biggest promotion yet, with Quezon City. Customers may discounts of up to 50 percent reach the clinic at 0945 635 on machine treatments and 20 0989 or 02 8742 4900. percent on doctor-led procedures.

Clinique Le Marais promotes a more conservative approach to aesthetic care, with treatments tailored to individual concerns rather than passing trends