Issuu

manilastandard.net

@ManilaStandardPH

@mnlstandardph

@manilastandard

@ManilaStandardYT

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net . For advertisement: email: advertise@manilastandard.net • 09173382170 / 85646229

OCT. AIR FARES SEEN TO RISE AS JET FUEL PRICES INCREASE

TAYLOR SWIFT SETS RECORD, MADONNA RULES MTV VMAS

PALACE DISMISSES VP SARA’S NO-EL SCENARIO FOR 2028

BUSINESS / B3

SHOWBIZ / C2

NEWS / A4

‘Dismantle community-based crime groups, including TBS’ By Vince Lopez and Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered law enforcement units to dismantle emerging community-based criminal groups, including the America-grown group known as True Brown Style

VOL. XL • NO. 224 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

(TBS), which allegedly recruits minors into criminal activities, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday said. In a chance interview at Camp Crame, Remulla said TBS members, mostly aged 18 to 20, allegedly groom 14- to 15-year-olds and use theft Next page

‘Probe Gracioso’s VP claims’ Execs: Verify ex-cop’s words before considering them credible

By Charles Dantes, Gwyneth Nolasco and Maricel Cruz

OVERNMENT officials and House prosecutors called for a thorough investigation into former police corporal Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.’s allegations that he delivered more than P2 billion in cash to Vice President Sara Duterte and members of her family. The officials stressed on Monday that the claims must be verified and supported by evidence before they can be considered credible. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Marcos administration would neither dismiss the allegations Next page

GenCorp. contracts flagged; ‘Baste’ slated to testify today By Maricel V. Cruz, Joel E. Zurbano and Ram Superable

EVIDENCE? Dismissed patrolman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. shows photos of him with Vice President Sara Duterte as well as a copy of his ID at the House of Representatives as part of the security team of former Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. Gracioso showed up at the National Bureau of Investigation to submit a sworn affidavit on his alleged delivery of over P2 billion to the Vice President and other members of her family. PTV Facebook page

A HOUSE prosecution witness said the Davao City government awarded around P7 million to P8 million worth of contracts to GenCorp. Industries Inc. without public bidding, as the Senate impeachment court on Monday further scrutinized Next page

Police Maj. Jerickson Sangalang takes his oath as witness during the 30th day of the Senate impeachment trial. SPPA Pool / Lino Santos

Manibela calls off strike; Piston’s to push thru By Rio N. Araja, Alena Mae S. Flores, Vince Lopez and Charles Dantes DESPITE a fare increase, transport group Manibel on Monday kicked off

what was scheduled to be a three-day transport strike in Metro Manila and in other regions. Manibela, however, said it is calling off its strike Tuesday and Wednesday even as another transport group, Piston,

BIR suspends excise tax on LPG and kerosene BUSINESS / B4

Ex-Speaker files bail plea, says no strong evidence against him By Maricel V. Cruz

starts its two-day transport strike today. The strike came as transport groups continued to press for relief from high fuel costs, even as the Department of Energy announced a big-time rollback in pump prices today as well as minimum fare increases of P1 for traditional jeepneys and P2 for modern jeepneys. Next page

FIRST DAY, LAST DAY. Members of the transport group Manibela launch the first day of what was supposed to be a threeday nationwide transport strike on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. The group eventually called off its strike for Tuesday and Wednesday. Edd Castro

FORMER Speaker Martin Romualdez has filed a petition for bail for his case before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, saying prosecutors have failed to present strong evidence against him. In a 60-page petition, Romualdez said the plunder case filed against him by the Ombudsman was baseless. The petition noted the eight former security aides of ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co did not present clear evidence on their allegations of delivering cash to the former Speaker. Three of the so-called “Maleta

TOP SEED.

By Riera U. Mallari NAGOYA (Powered by PLDT Home) -- Tennis superstar Alexandra Eala finally took center stage and immediately delivered, leading a stirring day for Team Philippines at the 20th Asian Games as the country scored key victories in tennis, sepak takraw, boxing, beach volleyball and esports on Monday. Eala, the Philippines’ highest-ranked tennis player and one of the country’s brightest gold-medal hopes, shrugged off a more than four-hour rain delay and venue switch to demolish Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej, 6-1, 6-0, and march into the women’s singles quarterfinals. Next page

Caloy, Chloe announce engagement

Eala blasts into Asiad quarters in just 55 minutes Alexandra Eala makes a ruthless start to her Asian Games title charge with victory in just 55 minutes on Monday, thrashing Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej 6-1, 6-0. POC Media

Boys” have since recanted. “None of them strongly establishes accused Romualdez’s knowing participation in the alleged scheme or his acquisition of its proceeds... The security aides describe the movement of luggage and, on a few occasions, the sight of cash, but not its source, its amount, or its receipt by accused Romualdez,” the bail petition read. “At every point where the narrative passes from the conduct of others to accused Romualdez, the connection is supplied by inference from what precedes it rather than

By Angelica Villanueva

SOON TO BE MARRIED. Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo (left) and Chloe San Jose share ‘kilig’ moments during the former’s proposal in Tagaytay City nine months ago.

OLYMPIC gold medalist Carlos Yulo revealed that he and his girlfriend, Chloe San Jose, have been engaged for nine months. Yulo shared the news on social media on Monday, Sept. 28, with a message about their relationship and a video of his proposal. “9 months ago… She said ‘Yes.’” the gymnast wrote in his post. He said he felt “truly blessed” to Next page

NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Probe... From A1 Manibela... From A1 Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena insisted the fare increase was inadequate and criticized the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board over its threat to sanction operators and drivers who joined the strike Philippine National Police activated yesterday public safety and commuter assistance measures in areas expected to be affected by the strikes. “Our police units are prepared to maintain peace and order while providing assistance to commuters who may be affected by the transport strike,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said. “I have directed concerned units to coordinate closely with local governments, transport authorities, and partner agencies so that security and assistance are available where they are needed,” he added. Malacañang, on the other hand, defended the amount approved for the fare hike. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government recognized the financial difficulties faced by public utility vehicle drivers and operators amid persistent geopolitical tensions, but limited the increase to avoid placing an excessive burden on commuters. “That is why fares now need to increase because the conflict in the Middle East has not stopped,” Castro said. She said Marcos and his administration considered the plight of transport workers in approving the adjustment, which was lower than the amount sought by transport groups to keep fares manageable for commuters. “The President and the administration recognize what our drivers and operators are experiencing and feeling, which is why they were given a fare increase,” Castro said.

outright nor accept them without proof. “It depends on whether Mr. Gracioso can prove what he disclosed, and if he can present evidence, the investigation should be taken seriously,” Castro said. Gracioso, a dismissed police officer who said he served as part of the security detail of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, alleged that Velasco instructed him to deliver suitcases containing cash to VP Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte. He estimated that the deliveries to Vice President Duterte alone exceeded P2 billion in more than 20 transactions, with individual deliveries ranging from P20 million to P50 million, according to his sworn affidavit and media interviews. The National Bureau of Investigation is investigating the allegations.

Ombudsman: Claims need scrutiny

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the claims needed further scrutiny and verification before they could be considered credible. “I cannot judge yet. He needs to be thoroughly tested with tough questions so we can determine whether what he is saying is true,” Remulla said. “We cannot just swallow everything. We have to properly examine whether what he is saying is truly believable,” he added. Remulla said the matter could eventually reach the Office of the Ombudsman, which would investigate if warranted. “For now, let us watch what develops. If there is something we can do in terms of an investigation, we will do it at the proper time,” he said.

PNP confirms Gracioso service

The Philippine National Police separately confirmed that Gracioso had served on Velasco’s security detail. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Gracioso worked under Velasco during the former Speaker’s tenure. Nartatez said Gracioso had faced administrative and criminal proceedings while assigned to the PNP regional office in Calabarzon. He was eventually

Ex-Speaker... From A1 by a proven circumstance of accused Romualdez’s own conduct. That is the difference between a prima facie finding sufficient to file an Information and the proof evident or presumption great required to deny bail,” it added. Romualdez added in his bail petition that none of the evidence presented “is strong on the matters that identify him as the guilty agent.” “A combination of equivocal circumstances does not meet the standard.” Earlier, Romualdez’s defense team said it has identified as many as 40 potential witnesses -- including the former Speaker himself. Lawyer Ade Fajardo said the list remains tentative as the defense will first assess the prosecution’s evidence before determining which witnesses need to be presented. “(Congressman Romualdez) wants his day to defend himself in court,” he said. Fajardo said the witnesses that will be presented by the defense will likely include retired Marine T/Sgt. Orly Guteza as well as members of the “Maleta Boys” who have recanted. “We are actually going to list – those who recanted, including possibly Guteza because he’s the one who said in his recanting affidavit that this was all a setup, that he was made to sign as the so-called missing link,” Fajardo said. Guteza, in his new affidavit, retracted his earlier testimony that he delivered cash kickbacks in suitcases to the residences of Romualdez and Co. Guteza said he was offered payment in exchange for implicating Romualdez. He identified former Anakalusgan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor as the one who pressured him to provide false testimony against the former Speaker. Guteza also identified Senator Marcoleta as the one who edited and completed his draft testimony that was typed by Defensor’s son-in-law, Mark. Romualdez earlier said that once the fabricated “delivery link” was removed, there is no evidence to link him to the flood control mess. “No contractor states that he paid me; no DPWH official states that I demanded or received a kickback; no identified project is traced to an unlawful payment to me; no financial record traces unlawful proceeds into my assets; and no competent witness establishes my knowing receipt of the alleged cash,” the former Speaker said.

‘Dismantle... From A1 from convenience stores as part of the group’s initiation rites. “There is a group called TBS, True Brown Style. That is our next focus of our attention. We are going to dismantle this syndicate. It’s a community-based syndicate of 20-year-olds who are grooming children as young as 14 and 15 to become criminals,” Remulla said. He described the group’s activities as “very alarming.” He said the group originated in the United States about 35 years ago and has since reached the Philippines. “Now, they’re organizing in communities. So, we are studying its command structure and we will be taking the necessary steps to prevent the spread of TBS,” Remulla said. He said authorities are determined to dismantle the group before it expands,

Eala... From A1 The top-seeded Eala needed only 55 minutes to dispatch the world No. 510 Thai at Indoor Court C of the Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center af-

GenCorp... From A1 the alleged unexplained wealth of Vice President Sara Duterte. The proceedings also set the stage for the testimony of Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, the Vice President’s younger brother, who is scheduled to take the witness stand today (Tuesday) and Wednesday after asking for more time to prepare documents covered by a subpoena. Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) Division Chief Rendell Sopeña told the court that of 15 contracts awarded by Davao City to GenCorp, only four underwent public bidding. Sopeña earlier testified that government agencies awarded about P35.88 million worth of 49 contracts to GenCorp during Duterte’s term as Vice

dismissed from the police service after his administrative case was resolved. National Police Commission records showed that Gracioso’s dismissal for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer took effect on Sept. 11, 2026. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities would examine Gracioso’s claims before determining whether he could qualify for the Department of Justice’s Witness Protection Program. “The DOJ will assess whether he is worthy of witness protection. That’s not my call, it’s the DOJ, but if the DOJ says he is a credible witness, we are with you in witness protection,” Remulla said. He said he would personally study Gracioso’s background while the NBI validates his allegations.

Ex-cop challenges VP, Velasco

Gracioso has challenged Duterte and Velasco to take lie detector tests to determine whose account is truthful. “Regarding Ms. Sara and Mr. Allan Velasco, if they are willing to take a lie detector test at the NBI, we can determine who is telling us the truth and who is not,” Gracioso said. He maintained in his sworn statement that he knew Duterte when he was assigned to Velasco’s security detail in 2017 and was instructed to provide protection to the Vice President. Gracioso also alleged that he delivered cash-filled suitcases to Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte and Paolo Duterte. He said he delivered more than P2 billion to Vice President Duterte in more than 20 transactions in Metro Manila, Davao and other locations. VP Duterte has denied knowing Gracioso or receiving money from him. Velasco’s camp has likewise rejected the allegations as baseless and fabricated.

“But if (Gracioso) has complete evidence, it is only proper that this be investigated. Why? Because we are talking about public funds,” Castro added. House prosecution panel adviser and spokesperson Ace Barbers said the allegations should be investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman even if they could no longer be introduced as additional evidence in Duterte’s ongoing impeachment trial. “We will probably seek the intervention of the appropriate agency. In this case, this is the Ombudsman, who has to conduct the investigation and file the necessary charges if it merits the filing of such charges against the respondent,” Barbers said. Barbers said the allegations should not be ignored and that a separate investigation could also give those accused an opportunity to clear their names. “This should not be ignored; it must be thoroughly investigated so the truth comes to light,” he said. He acknowledged that the allegations might not be admitted as additional evidence under Article II of the impeachment case because the issues for litigation had already been defined during the pretrial conference and incorporated into the trial order.

Barbers: Other agencies can probe this

“Although it is very timely, since the issue under Article II could arguably be connected to this,” Chua said. Chua stressed that prosecutors would carefully study and verify Gracioso’s claims before deciding what weight, if any, they should carry in the impeachment case. “But of course, the statements made by Gracioso require caution and prior study,” he said.

House to examine evidence

The prosecution will examine Gracioso’s affidavit, authenticate the photographs and other evidence he submitted, and look for corroborating evidence. “We will examine the corroborative evidence he submitted so that we can assess the weight of his statement,” Chua said. He said prosecutors could neither dismiss the allegations outright nor accept them without scrutiny. “In short, we cannot simply dismiss or disregard it. But of course, if we are to consider it, we must do so with caution,” Chua said. The House prosecution is currently presenting evidence on Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, business interests and financial transactions as part of its case involving her alleged unexplained wealth.

Gracioso shocked by dismissal

Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. does not want accusations to be manufactured simply to bring down a political opponent. “The President does not want fabricated stories where a made-up narrative is created simply to bring someone down. That is not what the President and the administration want,” she said.

However, Barbers said this did not prevent government agencies from conducting a separate investigation. He also denied that the House prosecution panel had anything to do with Gracioso’s emergence. “We had nothing to do with that. If we had known about it earlier, it should have been brought out and included in the Articles of Impeachment,” he said. House prosecutor Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said the prosecution was surprised by Gracioso’s allegations but would examine his affidavit and supporting evidence for possible use in Duterte’s impeachment trial. “First of all, this came as a huge surprise to us because we really didn’t anticipate it,” Chua said. He said the allegations emerged as prosecutors were presenting evidence under Article II of the Articles of Impeachment involving Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth.

Gracioso, meanwhile, said he was shocked by his dismissal from the police service, which he said came after he began cooperating with a priest assisting him. “Nagulat ako nang nakipag-cooperate ako kay Father [Flavie Villanueva], may biglang lumabas na dismissal,” Gracioso said. “Gulat na gulat ako nung nakipag-cooperate ako na nagpahayag ng [order].” He also said he was unaware of the administrative case against him and claimed he had not been given a proper hearing. Asked why he submitted an affidavit to the NBI years after the alleged transactions in 2017, Gracioso said he and his father had become ill and had sought financial assistance from Velasco but did not receive it. The NBI investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Duterte, Velasco and others have not been established as fact. With Rex Espiritu and Vince Lopez

despite an overall decline in crime nationwide and in Metro Manila. “We are going to dismantle it before it becomes larger,” Remulla said. He said the operation against TBS is being conducted alongside efforts to counter groomers who have been enticing students to participate in other violent activities, including shooting incidents at schools. President Marcos on Monday vowed to strengthen security in schools following three deadly shooting incidents in the past three months, saying students must be able to study without fear. Speaking at the recognition of schools and education partners that participated in the 2025 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in Pasay City, Mr. Marcos said the recent violence in Tacloban, Zamboanga and South Cotabato was unacceptable and threatened the safe learning environment needed by students. “What happened in Tacloban, Zam-

boanga and South Cotabato is unacceptable,” Mr. Marcos said. The President said the government was working with teachers, parents, barangay officials and other stakeholders to make schools more secure and equip communities to prevent and respond to violence. “Be assured that the government is working closely with our teachers, parents, barangay workers, and other stakeholders to make our schools more secure,” he said. Mr. Marcos also said the government was committed to providing students, parents and communities with the resources and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to school violence. He had ordered the Department of Education, DILG and Philippine National Police to report on measures implemented after the earlier shootings. The president had also ordered a probe into the Banga incident, including how a minor was able to obtain and bring a firearm into the school.

Caloy,... From A1

ter heavy rains forced the match indoors. “I’m happy with how I performed today, under difficult conditions,” said Eala, adding that she is a better player now than when she was three years ago as a 17-year-old athlete at the 2023 Hangzhou games, where she bagged the bronze medal.

“Seventeen to 21 are quite formative years for me, especially as I account what I’ve been through in those four years. A lot of experience professionally and a lot of growing,” she added. Once on court, the 21-year-old Filipina raced to a 4-0 lead, taking the opening set before completing a near-flaw-

less second frame. She next faces eighth seed Joanna Garland of Chinese Taipei, ranked No. 143 in the world. While Eala supplied the star power, the women’s sepak takraw team delivered one of the day’s biggest medal breakthroughs.

President. The records showed four of the 49 awards were through public bidding, while the other 45 were classified as small-value procurement. Sopeña stressed, however, that PhilGEPS does not determine whether procurement transactions are irregular. GenCorp was identified by Duterte as a business interest in her 2024 and 2025 financial statements, although an earlier Securities and Exchange Commission witness testified that her name does not appear as an owner in the company’s corporate records.

ed the city government. “That particular scenario, if it is true—which the respondent Vice President herself acknowledged, admitted, that she is part of this corporation— then GenCorp should not be participating in the bidding of the City of Davao, which is headed by no less than the brother of the respondent Vice President,” Luistro said. She said the situation constituted the conflict of interest contemplated under Article VII, Section 13 of the Constitution, while acknowledging that the procurement law did not expressly spell out the precise situation. Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo had earlier questioned whether GenCorp could participate in Davao City bidding while Duterte was identified as one of its owners. Presiding Officer Sen. Francis Escudero, however, noted that Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and

Net Worth declared her as a GenCorp shareholder or stockholder while her name does not appear in SEC records, saying the discrepancy still had to be reconciled. Duterte’s defense team said it would address the alleged conflict of interest during its presentation of evidence.

Castro: No ‘manufactured’ accusations

Luistro cites GenCorp bidding

House lead prosecutor Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro told the impeachment court that GenCorp should not have participated in Davao City procurement because of Duterte’s declared interest in the company and the fact that her younger brother head-

love Chloe, adding that he was also blessed to have her “as my fiancé and, soon, as my forever.” The gymnast also made a promise to his fiancée: “Mahal ko, pangako kong aalagaan, mamahalin, at poprotektahan kita sa lahat ng panahon.” He said he would choose Chloe every day “sa hirap at ginhawa, sa saya at pagsubok.” “Thank You, Lord, for writing our story so beautifully and for being with us every step of the way,” he added. The athlete directed followers to a YouTube video featuring the full proposal. The engagement revelation came after the couple publicly discussed their plans for marriage. Yulo recently won two gold medals in gymnastics at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

‘Baste’ request granted

Mayor Duterte, meanwhile, was allowed to postpone his appearance before the impeachment court after he asked for more time to gather, organize, authenticate and reproduce subpoenaed documents. Escudero granted his request for him to appear Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 29 and 30, under the existing subpoena. The Davao City mayor is expected to testify about his sister’s declared business interests and transactions involving GenCorp and Jollibee establishments dating from 2020 onward.

NEWS

A3 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PH joins walkout over Netanyahu UNGA address By Katrina Manubay THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday confirmed that the Philippines joined the walkout during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly, citing global solidarity for peace in the Middle East. In a text message to Manila Standard, DFA spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said the walkout aimed to preserve the conditions needed for a future Palestinian state. “Yes, the Philippines joined the walkout, in global solidarity for peace in the Middle East and the call for all parties to desist from unilateral actions that erode the conditions of peace and undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state,” Ratonel said. Ratonel also said that the Philippines remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israel’s E1 settlement plan, and rising settler violence in the West Bank. “These actions are detrimental to finding a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Middle East conflict,” she said. “The Philippines has always supported the two-state solution as the viable path to peace in the region,” she added. Meanwhile, during her speech, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza. She reiterated the Philippines’ firm support for the two-state solution, ensuring that Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security.

GPH, MILF hail gov’t actions on BARMM peace By Rex Espiritu THE peace implementing panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his continued support for the Bangsamoro peace process following a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said the two panels expressed their appreciation in a joint statement issued after their meeting on Friday. The panels said Mr. Marcos’ commitment has helped sustain the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), particularly its political and normalization tracks. GPH Peace Implementing Panel chairperson Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, who also heads OPAPRU, said the administration’s support contributed to the agreements reached during the meeting. “We thank President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his steadfast support and dedication to the Bangsamoro peace process, which enabled the Government and the MILF to forge six key agreements during the Special Meeting in Kuala Lumpur,” Sarmiento said.

HARVEST TIME. Farmers from Buguias, Benguet, welcome a surge in wholesale cabbage prices to P60-P80 a kilo at the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center after months of low prices. High demand and low supply drive the increase. Dave Leprozo

PCG challenges Chinese ship loitering off Batanes By Rex Espiritu and Katrina Manubay

HE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) challenged a Chinese research vessel monitored about 38 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, after detecting what it described as suspicious movements and inaccurate automatic identification system (AIS) data.

The PCG said its aircraft, during a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight on Monday, visually confirmed the Chinese research vessel JIA HAI KE 7 at approximately 37.84 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The aircraft issued multiple radio challenges to the vessel, asserting Philippine sovereign rights and asking it to state its intentions and stop any unauthorized activity. The vessel did not respond, according to the PCG.

“The vessel’s behavior is not that of a ship in innocent passage. Rather than steaming on a steady course and speed, JIA HAI KE 7 has been loitering and holding position in the same area—the movement pattern of a vessel conducting marine scientific research (MSR), not transit,” the PCG said. Verification using the Canada-provided Dark Vessel Detection system showed an AIS trail that the PCG described as physically impossible. The vessel reportedly broadcast a position off Xiamen, Fujian, on September 21 before transmitting a position off Bindari, Papua New Guinea, more than 2,000 nautical miles away, and later appeared northwest of Itbayat. The PCG assessed that the vessel’s AIS data may have been deliberately manipulated to conceal its actual movements. The agency said JIA HAI KE 7 is a 70-meter, 2,000-ton vessel placed in service in April 2025 and designed with a DP-2 dynamic positioning system. “Open sources describe it as China’s first privately owned research ship fitted with a DP-2 dy-

namic positioning system and quiet electric propulsion—designed to hold station precisely over a fixed point on the seabed for marine geological survey, and it has operated alongside seabed-drilling ships. Its loitering pattern off Itbayat is consistent with exactly this kind of operation,” the PCG said. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday, meanwhile, emphasized that the safety, rights, and jurisdiction of the coastal state should be respected in any maritime drill or exercise. In a text message to Manila Standard, DFA spokesperson for maritime affairs Rogelio Villanueva said the department had yet to receive information from Philippine security agencies about China’s reported military exercises around Scarborough Shoal. “The DFA has yet to receive information from our security agencies on the reported drills and their exact location, which is an operational matter,” his message read. “Generally speaking, in any drill or exercise, the safety of all the users of the sea is paramount, and should give due regard to the rights and jurisdiction of the coastal State,” it added.

CALL FOR CONVICTION. Protesters calling for the conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte gather along J.W. Diokno Boulevard in front of the Senate building. Norman Cruz

Espiritu selected BARMM journ fellow

PROMOTING LOCAL LITERATURE. Members and guests gather at the Upper Ground Lobby of the Legislative Library, Archives and Museum at the House of Representatives for the opening of “Aklat Fiesta,” a three-day book fair organized by the Special Committee on Creative Industries in partnership with the National Book Development Board. The fair runs from Sept. 28 to 30 and promotes Filipino-authored books and local literature. Edd Castro

MANILA Standard defense reporter Rex Espiritu has been selected as a fellow for a journalism project focusing on social services and peacebuilding in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Espiritu’s proposed story will examine the BARMM’s Ministry of Social Services and Development’s Kupkop Program, particularly its assistance to children in the Special Geographic Area and communities in former camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The project will look at how BARMM’s social services have transformed children and families in

conflict-affected communities, particularly their access to education, social protection, health services, and other basic needs. The fellowship is part of a call for proposals supporting rigorous, community-centered journalism on BARMM and stories that contribute to informed civic engagement and policymaking. The journalism project is supported by International Media Support, in partnership with Asia Society Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress, the UP Diliman College of Media and Communication, and the United Voices for Peace Network.

IN BRIEF Curaming is Marines acting commandant MARINE BGen. Bayani Curaming has assumed leadership of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) as acting commandant, succeeding MGen. Vicente Mark Anthony P. Blanco. The formal change of command was held September 25 at the Bonifacio Naval Station Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, with Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta presiding. Before the turnover, Blanco was accorded testimonial honors and received awards recognizing his leadership and service to the Marine Corps. During his tenure, he advanced initiatives focused on Marine readiness, modernization, organizational development, and territorial defense. These included the implementation of the 3DR Territorial Defense Concept, strengthened Marine Special Operations training, organizational reforms, the PMC Beachhead 2040 initiative, and efforts to enhance Archipelagic Coastal Defense capabilities. Rex Espiritu

NCRPO warns public vs. petty crimes during Yule THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday reminded the public to remain vigilant against petty crimes such as hold-ups, snatching, salisi, pickpocketing, and other street crimes as the Yuletide season approaches. With Christmas celebrations expected to draw thousands of residents and visitors to shopping malls, sale events, flea markets, transport terminals, and other crowded areas, NCRPO Acting Regional Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano warned that increased movement could create opportunities for criminals. Abrahano said the NCRPO would intensify police visibility and patrols in areas where large crowds are expected, coordinating with mall security personnel, market administrators, local government units, and other stakeholders. Vince Lopez

Authorities nab woman for carrying gun in NAIA AIRPORT authorities on Monday urged travelers not to bring firearms, amulets, gun replicas, and other similar items to avoid flight delays and inconvenience to air travelers, especially this Christmas season when passenger numbers are expected to increase. A departing female passenger at Ninoy Aquino International Airport was arrested over the weekend after a firearm and ammunition were found in her luggage. An X-ray operator detected a firearm image in her bag, leading to a manual inspection that revealed a 9mm pistol, an empty magazine, and five rounds of ammunition. The 38-year-old Filipino woman, who was bound for General Santos, admitted carrying the firearm but could not provide documents proving its lawful ownership. Joel E. Zurbano

NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Benguet RTC sends 2 MJ pushers to life term THE Benguet Regional Trial Court has sentenced two drug traffickers to life imprisonment for selling nearly 20 kilos of dried marijuana worth over P2.3 million in a buybust operation last March 3. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency director general Isagani Nerez stressed the importance of speedy but legally sound prosecution, particularly in cases involving substantial quantities of illegal drugs. “Every successful operation must be followed by a strong case. We will continue to work closely with prosecutors and the courts so that cases are filed and resolved without unnecessary delay while fully respecting due process and the rights of the accused,” he pointed out. Meted the life term were Roldan Jacinto, also known as Simple Heart, and Rocky Jet Bagoling for violation of the dangerous drugs law. Rio N. Araja

PLM admits only 3k out of 70k this school year THE Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) accepted only 3,000 students from over 70,000 applicants for academic year 2026-2027 citing capacity restraints. PLM president lawyer Domingo Reyes Jr. made the announcement on Monday as online applications for next school year are set to close this week. Reyes thanked the city government for its financial support, saying the university has received a total subsidy of P125 million. Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso noted that they are looking for ways to create room for more students within the university’s existing grounds. Pot Chavez

Manila’s Tourism Expo draws over 13k visitors SOME 13,702 people visited the three-day My Manila Tourism Expo, which concluded on Sunday, according to the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila (DTCAM). The first-ever tourism expo, staged at Foro de Intramuros, coincided with the celebration of Manila Tourism and Creative Industries Month. It also marked the official launch of the city’s new tourism campaign, “Manila, My Manila.” Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso said the campaign underscores that Manila is ready to welcome everyone, stressing that “it is everyone’s Manila.” Pot Chavez

BSKE STILL HANGING. Lawyer Romulo Macalintal files a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to stop the implementationof a new law postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. Norman Cruz

PBBM dismisses VP’s no-el claims vs. gov’t as ‘nonsense, fake news’ By Charles Dantes

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has dismissed as “nonsense” Vice President Sara Duterte’s latest accusations against his administration, with Malacañang saying these kinds of “repeated lies” can no longer be ignored. Meanwhile, Malacañang dissociated itself from claims by political strategist Lito Banayo that the administration is considering a Leni Robredo-Manny Pacquiao tandem for the 2028 elections.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos himself described Duterte’s remarks as “nonsense” and “fake news,” after the Vice President charged the administration of becoming increasingly “diabolical” in its al-

leged efforts to bring her down, push Charter change, prevent the 2028 elections and cling to power. Castro, in a Palace briefing, said Marcos called her to relay his thoughts about the Vice President’s remarks. “He said it is nonsense, fake news, they are fond of lying. ‘Buwaon.’ Let us translate that: liars,” Castro said. “All of the Vice President’s accusations against the President, we know where these are headed. We know that these have no basis,” she added. The Palace official said Marcos’ more direct response was prompted

Lawyer assails postponent of Nov. BSKE polls

FINDING MISSING PHONE. The Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) stage a protest outside the office of the National Police Commission over the alleged loss of two cellular phones during the Sept. 21 rally to commemorate the declaration of martial law in the country. One of of the missing phones was reportedly tracked via the Find My iPhone app inside Camp Crame, the Philippine National Police headquarters, but was later traced to be in Greenhills, an area notorious for buying and selling stolen phones in San Juan City.

By Pot Chavez

Marcos cites education sector’s improved performance in PISA By Charles Dantes and Ram Superable PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday credited the government’s education programs and support for teachers, students, and parents for the Philippines’ improved performance in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Speaking at the President Corazon C. Aquino National High School in Pasay City, Marcos thanked the

teachers, parents, and students who participated in the assessment conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The President cited improvements in students’ reading, mathematics and science skills, which he said reflected the positive impact of the administration’s education initiatives. Marcos attributed the gains to a combination of government programs, including the YAKAP health

program, school feeding initiatives and the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, as well as measures to support teachers and hire additional non-teaching personnel. He also cited the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no Teacher I would retire, as part of efforts to improve the welfare of educators. “All of these have probably come together and helped improve our

education system,” President Marcos said. The president described improving the country’s education system as one of the most important contributions the government could make to the youth and the nation’s future. He acknowledged that the Philippines still had considerable ground to cover in education but expressed confidence in the ability of Filipino students, teachers and parents to achieve further progress.

3-way MOA inked to fight agri sabotage By Pot Chavez

PET BLESSING. Parish priest Ryan Serafin Sasis of San Francisco de Malabon Church in Bagumbayan, General Trias City celebrates the ‘Pabialahay’ (pet blessing), in collaboration with the City Tourism Office. Dennis Abrina

by Duterte’s repeated attacks against him and his administration. “It keeps happening. The attacks against the President do not stop, the attacks against this administration whose only aim is to work continuously,” she said. Asked why Marcos appeared to be responding more directly this time, Castro said the President could no longer simply disregard what she described as continuing accusations. “We cannot simply disregard all these lies coming from an obstructionist, a destabilizer,” she said.

A TRIPARTITE memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed Monday among the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to strengthen inter-agency coordination in combating agricultural economic sabotage. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, and NBI director Melvin Matibag inked the agreement on behalf of their respective agencies. In his message, Vida said they will stop working separately, noting that this agreement brings together three institutions with distinct mandates. “Under this agreement, we commit to the timely exchange of information

so that what one agency discovers, the others can act on. We are creating a joint task force to coordinate intelligence, investigation, and prosecution,” he said. “We are setting referral protocols so that customs forfeiture and criminal prosecution move forward side by side and within 30 days, we will convene a technical working group (TWG) to make this agreement in practice, not just on paper,” he added. For his part, Matibag said the agreement marks an important milestone in their collective effort to combat smuggling and other illicit activities. He vowed that critical information reaches the appropriate agency at the right time and that necessary enforcement measures are pursued without delay.

ELECTION lawyer Romulo Macalintal has filed a petition challenging the constitutionality of the law postponing the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE). In an interview with justice reporters on Monday, Macalintal said he is also seeking a special raffle of the petition to enable immediate action on the matter. In his 20-page petition, Macalintal seeks the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or status quo ante order directing the respondents to observe status quo prevailing before postponement. Cited as respondents were the Office of the President, through the Executive Secretary, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Commission on Elections (Comelec). “We said this postponement violates our rights to choose our barangay leaders. (There have been) three postponements, three term extensions, it’s too much,” Macalintal stressed. Macalintal also asked the High Court to direct the Comelec to continue with its preparations for the elections in a manner that will ensure clean, honest, and credible elections. Meanwhile, a group of barangay official aspirants expressed support to the filing, hoping that the elections will proceed. In an interview with Manila Standard, Lilia Arriola, a barangay kagawad aspirant in Quezon City shared that some SK officials may turn older than what is prescribed under the law. “Ang hiling lang namin sa ating Presidente ay sana naman intindihin niya ang mamamayang Pilipino na ituloy ang ating eleksyon kasi para rin naman iyan sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak,” she said.

OPINION

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Free again

Honor Blanco Cabie

Where echoes of rebellion meet HARTFORD, Connecticut - Our visit this September to the Mark Twain House & Museum carries for us profound historical symbolism. We felt immodestly as a modern cultural ambassador bridging two eras of narrative resistance. In our book “PINILI Metamorphoses Into Motion” (Armiandy Publishers, 2012) we chronicled the resilience and resistance of our hometown amid colonial adversities. It was in Pinili where then vicar general of the Philippine Revolution Catholic priest Gregorio Aglipay, a native of Batac, Ilocos Norte, retreated to and was secured by home-grown Sandataan guerrillas. Aglipay was being pursued by betterarmed American troops as they pushed northward, with some Americans, and some guerrillas too, died in hand-to-hand combat on the western skirts of what eventually became a town in 1920. Americans fought fiercely as the vicar general of the Filipino revolutionary forces and the Sandataan guerrillas stood their ground in the erstwhile forested hills of Pinili, overlooking the Luzon Bay. A crucial chapter in the book vividly captures the asymmetric warfare of the era, describing better-armed American troops fighting against guerrillas of Pinili. Decades earlier, Mark Twain stood inside the very Hartford home as a vanguard of the American Anti-Imperialist League. Twain used his savage wit to compose essays like “To The Person Sitting in Darkness,” directly condemning Washington’s bloody subjugation of the Philippines. He sardonically suggested that the American flag in the archipelago should replace its stars and stripes with a skull and crossbones. Standing in Twain’s library steps, our presence linked the American writer’s domestic outrage with the actual battlefield trauma felt in Pinili, which became Ilocos Norte’s 17th municipality on Jan 1, 1920, after American Governor General Francis

Burton Harrison signed an executive order the year before. The literary convergence proves that historical truths outlast the velocity of KragJorgensen rifles. And our poetic outbursts give an intimate voice to the indigenous struggle that Twain could only defend from afar. The visit reminds us that while the Philippine-American War is often forgotten in the West, literature preserves its heavy toll. By tracing Aglipay’s flight, we validate Twain’s early warnings about the poredatory talons of Western empire.

—“—

This literary convergence proves that historical truths outlast the velocity of Krag-Jorgensen rifles We weaponized the written word to challenge the deceptive rhetoric of “benevolent assimilation” pushed by colonizers. In the end, this cross-cultural encounter transforms the Hartford museum from a static monument into an active sanctuary of shared conscience. It proves that the demand for historical dignity knows no borders or statute of limitations. When an Ilokano chronicler like us walks on the floors of an American dissenter, the unhealed wounds of an empire find a quiet, mutual understanding. The ghosts of the Pinili pursuit and the specter of Twain’s righteous anger finally stand face-to-face. The silent dialogue echoes the universal truth that freedom cannot be permanently suppressed by superior firepower. Through this pilgrimage, we honor a legacy where art remains the ultimate weapon against historical amnesia.

‘Currently impossible’: North Korea defections in freefall By Joshua Melvin, with Claire Lee in Seoul P A J U , SOUTH KOREA — A buildingsized North Korean flag waves from a tower on the de facto border with South Korea, marking territory that experts say has become nearly impossible to escape. The combined total of North Koreans to reach South Korea in the past six years is less than the number that typically defected each year for decades -- and appears to be declining further in 2026. The main cause is leader Kim Jong Un’s aim to preserve his family dynasty by sealing the country off from the outside, keeping people in and information out, experts say. “As I understand it, bringing family members directly from North Korea is currently impossible,” 29-year-old Chae Yoonseo, who fled in 2019, told AFP. She swam across a river into China at night with a smuggler’s help, and travelled through Laos, Vietnam and Thailand before finally flying to South Korea. Defections to the South hit a peak of more than 2,900 in 2009 and stayed well above 1,000 per year for the next decade. But there were just 63 in the first half of this year -- down by over a third from the same period in 2025, said Seoul’s Unification Ministry. ‘Soviet-style border’ Arrivals have fluctuated over the decades, but plunged sharply during the Covid pandemic when many nations shut their borders. A key change in North Korea, however,

started years before. After taking power in 2011, Kim began restricting the informal trade and migra-

tion links along the roughly 1,415-kilometre (880-mile) northern border with China.

—“—

The main cause is leader Kim Jong Un’s aim to preserve his family dynasty by sealing the country off from the outside, keeping people in and information out. In addition to being an economic lifeline, the Chinese border region has also been the first step in most defectors’ escapes. The long frontier was relatively porous, unlike the heavily mined, fenced and surveilled Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that

STORY on the ABS-CBN website narrated how Mary Jane Veloso, who had been granted absolute pardon by the President last week, spent her first full day of freedom after nearly 17 years in Indonesian and Philippine jails. Veloso said she snuggled in her mother’s bedside and cleaned the house – specifically the bathroom and electric fan -- like she used to do before she flew out of the country, got arrested for the possession of drugs in her luggage, received the death penalty for drug trafficking, and was shipped off to an island to await her execution. Diplomatic work enabled her to be brought back to the Philippines; she spent two years at the Correctional Institute for Women before regaining her freedom on Friday night. Veloso also said she wanted to bring her 17-year-old son to school because this was something she never got the chance to do. He was one year old when she left. Not everyone gets to wake up from the nightmare of death row in another country. Veloso’s experience must not go to waste. Veloso’s story was as harrowing as it was miraculous. It serves a cau-

ManilaStandard

ONLINE

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Not everyone gets to wake up from the nightmare of death row in another country. It is said she intends to go into farming. The family still has no breadwinner, the report said.

CALL me old-fashioned, but I was under the impression that a criminal accusation should be backed by evidence. Not a polygraph. Not a television interview. Not a fired policeman’s suddenly vivid memory of suitcase deliveries spanning four years. And yet here we are, watching the Philippine government’s case for removing a sitting Vice President hinge—at least in the court of public opinion—on precisely that. Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., a former police corporal dismissed for grave misconduct just days before his media debut, now claims he personally delivered over P2 billion in cash to Vice President Sara Duterte across more than 20 transactions, plus roughly P1 billion to former President Rodrigo Duterte and an indeterminate sum to Rep. Paolo Duterte. His largest alleged delivery: P500 million in three vans. Because nothing says legitimate government transactions quite like a threevan cash convoy. The money supposedly came from “collections” from government agencies. Gracioso says he was told this. By whom? Unclear. When? Unspecified. How does he know? He doesn’t. He heard it. That is not evidence. That is a rumor with a gym membership. And the National Bureau of Investigation’s response to this evidentiary vacuum is to announce that he passed a polygraph examination with “approximately 99-percent truthfulness.” Let that sink in. The polygraph has roughly the same scientific validity as reading tea leaves, except tea leaves don’t require a government budget. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that lie detector results are not reliable indicators of truth or deception. But in the court of public opinion, “99 percent” sounds scientific. It sounds definitive. It sounds like something a headline can run with. What the NBI has actually said is that it “validated some of his statements through other means.” Which statements? How? With what evidence? The NBI isn’t saying. This is the investigative equivalent of a restaurant claiming some of its ingredients are organic and refusing to elaborate. Sara Duterte’s response has been instructive. “I do not know Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., nor have I ever received any money from him.” Notice what she didn’t say. She didn’t say the transactions are impossible because she can account for every peso during those years. She didn’t produce a single bank record disproving any specific alleged delivery. She said she doesn’t know him. That defense works only if you assume the

money couldn’t have been delivered through intermediaries. But Gracioso’s own account says the money went to staff. If the deliveries were structured to insulate the principal, then “I don’t know him” is not a defense. It is a description of the very plausible deniability the scheme was designed to create. She also wheeled out her now-standard comparison to Ramil Madriaga, her former alleged bagman whose perjury complaint she filed was dismissed for insufficient evidence. She predicted Gracioso’s testimony would end up “in the trash bin—just like the one from Ramil Madriaga.” But the dismissal of her perjury complaint did not establish that Madriaga was lying. Prosecutors explicitly said the evidence did not establish that he knowingly and willfully made false statements—a much higher bar than simply being wrong. The dismissal was not a vindication. It was a procedural ruling that the Vice President failed to meet the elements of perjury. And now she is promising to file cases against Gracioso the moment she gets his affidavit. Because nothing says “I’m innocent” quite like threatening to sue your accuser before you’ve even read his sworn statement.

Lord Allan Velasco, the man Gracioso says gave the orders, has responded with the time-honored tactic of loudly saying nothing useful. His camp calls the allegations fabricated and notes that Gracioso’s timeline is inconsistent with verifiable events. That’s a legitimate point—if it can be substantiated. But “the timeline is inconsistent” is not the same as “here are the records proving no such delivery occurred.” If Velasco wants to clear his name, he could prod uce his security detail logs, his travel records, his communications with Gracioso. Instead, his camp is doing what every embattled politician does: attacking the messenger and hoping the story dies. The arithmetic problem deserves attention. Gracioso says he made more than 20 deliveries generally ranging from P20 million to P50 million, totaling over P2 billion. Twenty transactions at an average of P35 million equals P700 million. To reach P2

billion, he’d need far more transactions or far larger individual amounts. The P500 million single delivery helps, but that still leaves over P1.5 billion unaccounted for. Either the range is incomplete, the count is an undercount, or the total is inflated. This is the kind of discrepancy a competent cross-examination would demolish. But in the media cycle, “P2 billion” is the headline, and nobody is doing the math. The timing of Gracioso’s emergence is not subtle. Sara Duterte is currently on trial in the Senate impeachment court. The House prosecution has already presented evidence on confidential fund misuse and is now working on the unexplained wealth article. Gracioso’s allegations, if taken at face value, would directly support that narrative. This is either extraordinarily convenient or extraordinarily suspicious. The answer depends entirely on evidence that does not yet exist in the public record. If Gracioso’s story is true, the evidence should exist somewhere. Vehicle registration records. Toll transactions. CCTV footage. Communications. Bank withdrawals. Property acquisitions. The NBI says it has validated some statements. If those validations include any of the above, the case is real. If they include only his employment history, the case is theater. Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. may be telling the truth. Stranger things have happened in Philippine politics. But right now, what the public has is a dismissed policeman with no documentary evidence, an NBI investigation that has validated unspecified statements, a polygraph result that courts have repeatedly rejected as unreliable, and a political context in which the allegations are extraordinarily useful to one side and devastating to the other. That is not proof. That is a testable hypothesis. The test is whether independent evidence corroborates Gracioso’s account in ways he could not have fabricated. If it does, the Duterte family has a very serious problem. If it doesn’t, Gracioso is just the latest in a long line of Philippine witnesses whose credibility collapsed under scrutiny, and the impeachment prosecution has damaged its own case by elevating him. The NBI should stop saying “validated” and start showing what it validated. The Senate should ensure Gracioso faces cross-examination. And the public should remember the cardinal rule of Philippine politics: the louder the accusation, the more carefully you should examine the evidence. Because in this country, sometimes the suitcase is empty.

serves as the Koreas’ de facto border. Along the boundary with China, Kim’s government has erected fences and installed cameras as well as strips of sand that preserve the footprints of anyone who crosses. “North Koreans built a real Soviet-style border security system,” said Andrei Lankov, an expert on the North at Kookmin University in Seoul.

Beijing has helped too, said Lankov, noting China’s preference to keep the status quo of the Kim dynasty by opposing potential instability from defectors or their supporters. As part of its efforts, China reportedly has put in place hundreds of facial recognition cameras, noted Rachel Minyoung Lee, senior fellow with the Stimson Center’s 38 North.

She added that Beijing also added more patrol boats and new or planned deportation facilities along its northeastern border. Ousted, killed or exiled The roughly 34,500 defectors to reach the South since 1998 are a fraction of North Korea’s 26.6 million people, UN figures show, but the plunging number of escapes has consequences. AFP

—“—

How does Gracioso know? He doesn’t. He heard it.

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser

Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

—“—

The P2-billion suitcase caper

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net

tionary tale for all Filipinos venturing abroad and for the government whose duty is to protect citizens wherever they may be in the world. Ultimately, it goes back to the obligation to build an economy that could provide jobs and decent wages. Citizens should not feel like they have to take untold risks abroad; if they worked elsewhere, it should be their free choice, one of their many options.

Veloso’s sisters have themselves worked abroad even after learning of her own fate. That she is once again free just brings her back to where she began – a life where she felt she had to make choices for pure survival. This time around, we hope everyone knows better. All outbound workers must be reminded of the dangers of too much trust in others, even those you believe you know. They should be mindful of their own safety first and foremost, and avoid interactions that leave them open and vulnerable. “Not knowing” is no longer an excuse. There are bad elements in every form in many places, and they know that the desperate may not have the luxury of caution. We wish Velasco well and that she is able to make a good life for her family. But we also wish that society would afford Veloso -- and many others sharing her circumstances – the means and capability to assert their agency, improve their situation, and protect themselves from those who take advantage. Only then would Veloso, and countless others finding a way out of poverty, be truly free.

Mario R. Policarpio Jr. Head - Finance

Baldwin R. Felipe

Head - Ad Solutions

Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie

Opinion Editor

Feliciano T. Buscas Jr. Head - IT-MIS

Paula A. Reynoso

Head - Suppplements

Virgilio DC Galvez

Aytch dela Cruz

Online Editor

Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

News Editor

(On leave)

Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

WORLD

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

8 dead in Thailand floods since mid-Sept. B

ANGKOK – Eight people have died in flooding in Thailand since September 16, although none in the capital Bangkok which declared a disaster this weekend following heavy rains, the government said Monday. The eight died in eastern provinces – five in Sa Kaeo, two in Chanthaburi and one in Saraburi – according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), which did not give further details. Not including Bangkok, more than 500,000 households and 1.7 million people across 27 provinces in the Southeast Asian country have been affected by flooding, the DDPM said. A further 52,000 households were impacted in the capital, which on Saturday declared a city-wide disaster after almost 48 hours of heavy rain swelled canals and flooded roads. No deaths have been officially reported in Bangkok, and the DDPM said water levels had stabilized. However, AFP reporters saw heavy

rain and flooding in at least one eastern neighborhood, with residents wading through thigh-high waters. Schools have been closed and people urged to work from home – a call that many heeded, with streets and public transport networks noticeably quieter on Monday morning. “Some areas in Bangkok are still facing high water levels,” government spokesman Ekkapob Pianpises told a news briefing. Drainage systems had reduced water levels to the point that more people could travel, he added. Thailand is used to wet weather and September is the peak of the rainy season, but many residents said this year seemed worse than previous ones. AFP

STILL FLOODED. Residents push supplies while navigating floodwater in Bang Kapi district in Bangkok on Monday, September 28, 2026. Deep floodwaters in Bangkok drove thousands of residents into shelters as others scrambled to buy groceries or dry out their homes on Sunday, after days of heavy rain inundated markets, roads and residences. AFP

In Washington’s political cauldron, a fight over foie gras WASHINGTON – Donald Trump could become a lame duck president after US midterm elections but prospects at the ballot box are looking brighter for ducks of the feathered variety. When Washington DC residents vote in the November 3 congressional elections, with Trump’s Republican Party forecast to fare poorly, there will be an additional measure on the ballot: to ban the sale and distribution in the city of foie gras. Animal rights activists collected the signatures of five percent of registered voters in the District of Colombia to mandate the referendum on the quintessentially French culinary delicacy that is made from the enlarged duck livers. “They put a rod in a duck’s throat to make its liver get bigger. That’s not cool,” said campaign volunteer James Nance, referring to force feeding of fowl, as he stapled “Save the ducks” signs on lampposts on a busy uptown street. Advocates are confident the measure will pass, although, as with a lot of politics in the nation’s capital, the debate on “Initiative 86” is rancorous. The proposal – echoing the restaurant shorthand “86” for an item that is off the menu – pits zealous reformers against vested interests, with an electorate knowing little about the issue. The most prominent opponent is Bart Hutchins, chef and owner of Butterworth’s, an upscale restaurant near Capitol Hill popular with Trump administration officials and supporters. Foie gras is his favorite ingredient and a fixture on his menu – used in his tartare presentation, to mount sauces, as a pate, and even for ice cream. Hutchins is pessimistic about staving off the ban and laments what it would mean for the city’s famed French restaurants. “It’s this very modern thing where we just kind of keep throwing away the past,” Hutchins said. “Next year it’ll be banning something else relatively small...until we’re all just eating, you know, chicken nuggets, and we’ll have no culinary heritage whatsoever.” For the activists at Pro Animal DC, who are seeking to emulate places like California and Pittsburgh that have enacted laws against foie gras, it’s about fighting animal cruelty. “DC is actually the third top consumer of foie gras in the entire country. So, getting this cruel product out of DC would have a really big impact on the foie gras industry,” group spokeswoman Natalie Fulton said. They gathered nearly 32,000 verified signatures to get “Initiative 86” on the ballot, which is more signatures than for a proposal to legalize cannabis approved in 2014. AFP

PROTEST. Mike Accardi, a volunteer with the animal rights group Pro Animal DC, puts up signs in support of a proposed ban on the sale, distribution and importation of foie gras in Washington DC. AFP

SPORTS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

Calubaquib, Anastacio rule LU2TA2026 By Nathaniel T. Dela Cruz ALLAN Calubaquib emerged as the 60-kilometer champion of the Luneta to Tagaytay Ultramarathon 2026 (Lu2Ta), completing the demanding route from Luneta in Manila to Tagaytay People’s Park in 6:00:26. “It was really difficult. I’m very happy because I honestly didn’t expect to make the podium,” said Calubaquib, who hails from Tumauini, Isabela. April Mariane Anastacio is the female champion, one day after winning the 10km Hataw Takbo Limay Leg women’s category. For Lu2Ta, the Bataan native and founder of Limay Running Club finished 14th overall. “On the morning of September 26, I ran 10 kilometers in 48 minutes on an uphill route. After that, I went home briefly to shower and change before traveling to Luneta. We slept during the trip. I didn’t have a support vehicle. I only had courage, prayers, and the kindness of other people. Some good-hearted people gave me something to drink, and I’m very thankful for that. Thankfully, I had no injuries or other pain. I didn’t experience cramps, but I had to fight the sleepiness,” Anastacio said. Calubaquib is part of the 14-strong City of Ilagan Running Club delegation that also included Emi Pamittan who finished fourth for the women’s category. “Luneta is deeply associated with Manila, while Tagaytay represents one of the country’s popular destinations south of the capital. Connecting the two through one long-distance run creates a meaningful challenge. Luneta represents the starting point and the heart of Manila, while Tagaytay represents the destination and the reward at the end of the journey,” said Joseph “Prince” Baltazar, Race Director of Prince Multisports Events. But while the winners took the spotlight at the finish line, this year’s LU2TA2026 carried a purpose beyond the race itself. A portion of the proceeds from the 30K and 60K events will go toward raising funds for the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc., giving the running community an opportunity to turn its collective passion for endurance into support for a cause. “We wanted the race to have a purpose beyond the finish line and use the running community we have built to support a cause and contribute to creating a more inclusive community for individuals with Down syndrome,” Baltazar said. With the Luneta to Tagaytay challenge now in the books, runners have more races to look forward to, including the Lucena City Half Marathon 2026 on October 18, the Southwoods City 10-Miler Run 2026 on November 8, and the Boracay Island 360 Marathon 2027 on May 30.

Allan Calubaquib Allan Calubaquib April Mariane Anastacio (left) and Allan Calubaquib

PH men cap chess Olympiad campaign with bronze medal T HE Philippines downed Panama, 3-1, in the 11th and final round to settle for a Category B bronze medal in the men’s division of the just concluded 46th World Chess Olympiad at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Sunday night.

International Master Pau Bersamina and Grandmaster Darwin Laylo provided the needed victories on boards two and four, respectively, while IMs Michael Concio, Jr. and Jem Garcia drew their respective

matches on boards one and three to seal the bronze. In all, the Filipinos, who were financed by the Philippine Sports Commission, finished 32nd with 14 match points and the third best finisher in Category B, behind eventual gold and silver winners Vietnam and Mongolia.

It was the second straight medal for the Philippines in the biennial meet after claiming a Category B gold in the women’s side in the last edition in Budapest, Hungary two years ago. The Filipinas tried but failed to replicate that Budapest feat after succumbing to the 20th-seeded Britons, 1.5-2.5, in the last round and wound up at 43rd place with 13 match points. WIM Shania Mae Mendoza pulled off the lone win on board four, while WIM Ruelle Canino extracted half point on board two that came after WGM Janelle Mae Frayna and WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda fell on boards one and three. Last time, the Philippines ended up 24th and the Category B gold winner and could have brought it home again if it had pulled the rug from under England.

Pinoy paddlers find home on HCMC pickleball courts By John Bayarong HO CHI MINH CITY — What began with four Filipinos playing pickleball has grown into a 120-member community where the games are only part of the draw. On court, paddles pop against the ball as players call out “Out rồi!” — Vietnamese for “out!” English carries much of the conversation, but Tagalog and Bisaya come naturally to the Filipino players. Between matches, someone shares hopiang ube. Another jokes about holding a fiesta during open play. When the games end, the players linger to talk. For Filipinos living thousands of kilometers from home, the HCMC Pickleball Kabayan Group offers familiar languages, friendships and a sense of belonging. Also known as Kabayan Pickleball Club, the group started with four Filipino players in early February. It now has about 120 members connected through Facebook and the Reclub app. “Honestly, I didn’t expect the group to grow this fast,” said Gretchen Kilvington, a teacher at an international school who took over organizing the group after one of its original organizers

Members of the HCMC Pickleball Kabayan Group pose after a game in Ho Chi Minh City. Organized by Gretchen Kilvington, the group has grown from four Filipino players into a community of about 120 members. Vietnamese member Nguyen Thi Nhat Linh is fourth from left. John Bayarong

became less active. “We started with just a few people, but little by little, members started inviting their friends.” For John Raymond Pondoc, who works at Vinschool, a K-12 institution in District

9, the club offers something that can be difficult to find while living abroad. “For me, it means home,” Pondoc said. “Living away from the Philippines, you sometimes miss the simple things—the

language, the jokes, the conversations, and just being around people who understand your culture. Playing with fellow Filipinos gives me that sense of belonging.” Kabayan also welcomes players from outside the Filipino community. Among them is Vietnamese entrepreneur Nguyen Thi Nhat Linh, who joined as a beginner and le arned alongside more experienced members. “I think what makes Kabayan different is the vibe, connection, and friendship within the group,” Linh said. “I gained much more than just pickleball skills. I met new people, made new friends, became more active, and enjoyed being part of a social community.” “I never felt judged for being a beginner, which made it much easier and more enjoyable to learn,” she added. The club’s growth comes amid a pickleball boom in Vietnam. A UPA Asia and YouGov study found that more than 37 percent of Vietnamese respondents had played the sport, the highest participation rate among the 12 Asian markets surveyed. In July, Ho Chi Minh City hosted the 2026 Asia Open Pickleball Championships, drawing more than 1,000 players from Vietnam and abroad.

Wide-open ICTSI Iloilo Challenge set for thrilling finish ILOILO—With two of the last three Philippine Golf Tour legs decided by one stroke and the other by two, the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge is shaping up for another tense and unpredictable finish when the P2.5-million championship gets going Tuesday (Sept. 29) at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club here. And if the depth of the field is any indication, identifying a clear favorite could prove as difficult as winning the title itself. A different champion could emerge yet again, adding another layer of intrigue to the seventh leg of the 10-stage circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. The field brings together proven champions, seasoned campaigners and a crop of young contenders eager to disrupt the established order, making the outcome virtually impossible to call. The former Santa Barbara layout should provide a fitting stage for the battle, with hazards at every corner and a premium placed on precision and

Clyde Mondilla

Angelo Que

judgment from one hole to the next. At the par-70 course, where a single mistake can quickly erase a hardearned advantage, one quality figures to be crucial throughout the four-day championship: course management. Each player, meanwhile, arrives with a different mission. Angelo Que is chasing a third victory of the season after ruling the Caliraya Springs and Summit Point legs. The veteran has already shown his ability to close out tournaments, but the depth of the Iloilo field leaves little room for complacency. “I’m just out here to have fun since, you know, I like this golf course. It’s a thinking course. At least nakapagpahinga ako nang kaunti. Nakauwi ako and then I rested before coming here, so hopefully I’m not as tired as I was last week,” said Que, the Summit Point leg winner who was still finding his form after a stint in Taiwan and finished tied for 12th in Negros Occidental last week.

UST, FEU-D stay unbeaten in UAAP boys’ volleyball tilt UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University-Diliman established themselves as the early leaders of the UAAP Season 89 High School Boys’ Volleyball Tournament after repulsing separate foes on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Karl Escobal continued to make his presence felt on attack, helping UST put away defending champion University of the East, 27-25, 25-18, 25-18, to remain unbeaten at 3-0. UST pulled away from a one-point advantage late in the third set with a 4-0 run highlighted by three straight aces from Ivbo Bucaya to take a 19-14 l0ead. Three more consecutive points, punctuated by a Bernard Capuno ace, put the Junior Golden Spikers at match point. Emman Marcelino kept the Junior Warriors alive briefly before Markus Julian closed out the match with a block. “Very proud ako sa mga bata kasi talagang kita na nagpupursigi sila na gustong gusto nila manalo sa season na ‘to,” said UST head coach Clarence Esteban. “Sabi ko nga sa mga players, ‘di naman tayo dun sa nanalo. One game at a time lang…basta tayo maglalaro nang maayos [and] basta every game maglaro lang sila ng sistema namin tsaka gustong gusto nilang manalo.” Escobal capped his outing with 18 points on 14 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Capuno chipped in 11 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Chester Esteban tallied 11 excellent sets to run UST’s offense, while Carl Detoyato provided defensive support with eight excellent receptions and five digs in the 69-minute match. Jack Parde provided UE with a teamhigh seven points, all from attacks, as the Junior Warriors dropped to 1-2. On the other hand, Kenneth Maliwanag turned in another big outing for FEU-D, powering the Baby Tamaraws to a 25-22, 19-25, 2725, 26-24 victory over the National University-Nazareth School Bullpups to extend their perfect run to 3-0.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

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

World champion Sibol MLBB squad opens Asiad gold bid By Peter Atencio

The Philippine women’s team in action against Laos.

PH women beat Laos, face Vietnam for sepak takraw gold By Riera U. Mallari

AGOYA (Powered by PLDT Home)—The Philippine women’s sepak takraw doubles team moved within one victory of the country’s first Asian Games gold in the sport after sweeping Laos, 15-12, 15-10, in the semifinals of the Aichi-Nagoya Games on Monday. Captain Abegail Sinogbuhan and Jean Marie Sucalit, with substitute Nelly Jay Salon, completed the

victory in 43 minutes to assure the Philippines of at least a silver medal. They will face Vietnam in

Tuesday’s final at 8 a.m. Manila time. The Filipinas reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group A with a 2-1 record. They defeated host Japan and India before losing to South Korea in their final preliminary match. Against Laos, the Philippine pair held firm in a close opening set before taking control of the second to earn a shot at the title. The women’s doubles team will now try to turn its assured silver into a landmark gold for

Philippine sepak takraw. The country also picked up a bronze in the men’s regu event after Jason Huerte, Glindel Phori, Jom Lerry Rafael, Reynaldo Asilum Jr. and Ronsited Gabayeron fell to Malaysia, 15-10, 11-15, 7-15, in the semifinals at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Gymnasium. The Filipinos took the opening set but could not hold off Malaysia’s comeback, settling for a podium finish as their women’s teammates prepared for Tuesday’s gold medal match.

PH Sibol’s Honor of Kings squad takes Asiad bronze By Jeremiah Sevilla NAGOYA (Powered by PLDT Home) —Sibol snared its second bronze medal in the 20th Asian Games esports competition after its Honor of Kings team yielded to powerhouse China, 0-2, in the semifinals on Monday at Aichi Sky Expo. The Filipinos struggled against a Chinese squad with nearly a decade of experience in Honor of Kings, a mobile game launched in China in 2015 before reaching the Philippines in 2024. Despite the defeat, Sibol HoK, composed of Justine Ritchie Tan, Golden Hart Dajao, Dragon Hart Dajao, Charles Roman Esguerra, Jhon Mike Tungol and Chammy Paul Nazarrea under head coach Gerald Gelacio, seized the Philippines’ second esports bronze following the Pokémon UNITE team’s historic podium finish on Sunday. “Sobrang proud pa rin ako sa mga players ko kasi nakakuha pa rin kami ng medal, and history ’yun kasi mahirap din yung nakalaban namin sa semis, which is ’yung top contender na China,” Gelacio said. Gelacio’s squad finished second in

From left, SIBOL overall head coach Ralph Llabres, Mark Lenon, PESO Executive Director Marlon Marcelo, Gerald Gelacio, Dragon Hart Dajao, Juschie Tan, Chammy Nazarrea, Jhon Mike Tungol, Golden Hart Dajao, PESO project manager Victor Cabuay, Charles Esguerra, Ire Gomez, Jeff Victoriano, PESO Executive Secretary Jack Tamboboy, Manjean Faldas, and PESO secretary-general Joebert Yu.

Group B with a 1-1 record. The team opened with a dominant 2-0 win over Kazakhstan before losing to Malaysia, 1-2, on Sunday. Sibol HoK then hacked out a 2-0 sweep against South Korea in the quarterfinals to secure the bronze. Sibol’s Identity V squad fell to a lethargic start, suffering back-to-back 0-2 defeats to Thailand and Chinese Taipei in Group A and getting on the

PH beach volley pairs reach AG quarterfinals brink of elimination. The team can still get the group’s third seed and the last quarterfinal berth when it faces Indonesia on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Sibol’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) team, meanwhile, begins its highly anticipated campaign on Tuesday. Leading the charge is Karl Gabriel “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, widely regarded as the greatest MLBB player of all time. He is joined by his Team

Liquid PH teammates Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya, Alston “Sanji” Pabico, Dave “Teddy” Viana and Jaypee “Jaypee” Gonzales, along with ONIC Esports star Duane “Kelra” Pillas. With Sibol MLBB touted to deliver a gold after Filipino squads won six of the seven MLBB World Championships, head coach Allec Alvarado acknowledged the pressure that comes with high expectations.

Eala routs Thai foe, faces Taipei’s Garland in quarters NOT even a lengthy rain delay and a change in venue could stop Filipina tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala from igniting a rousing start to her Asian Games gold medal hunt. Top-seeded Eala made quick work of Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej, 6-1, 6-0, to cruise to the 20th Asian Games women’s singles quarterfinals on Monday at the Indoor Court C of the Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Japan. World No. 18 Eala needed just 55 minutes to flaunt her dominance and easily dispatch the No. 510 Cheapchandej in their second-round (Round of 16) clash. The 21-year-old Filipina had to wait more than four hours for her Asiad debut after heavy rains forced the match to be moved from the outdoor center court to an indoor venue.

Once play finally got underway, Eala quickly took control. The left-hander raced to a 4-0 lead before serving a breadstick in the opening set, followed by a bagel in the second frame. The highest-ranked Southeast Asian player dominated her Thai foe in service points (30-5) and receiving points (25-17) won while converting all her seven break-point opportunities. Eala’s fiery debut at the AichiNagoya Games also marked a strong response following her early exit from the Singapore Tennis Open. The Filipina ace will next face world No. 143 and eighth-seeded Joanna Garland of Chinese Taipei, who ousted Iran’s Mandegar Farzami, 6-1, 6-1, in 45 minutes. Eala will also see action in the women’s doubles with Shaira Hope

THE Philippines’ world champion Mobile Legends: Bang Bang squad opens its campaign in the 20th Asian Games esports competition on Tuesday, seeking to tur n its inter national success into a gold medal at Aichi Sky Expo in Japan. Sibol enters the Group C matches with high expectations after Philippine teams won the last six Mobile Legends world championships. Coach Allec Alvarado said his players are prepared to handle the pressure that comes with that record. “I think that’s just part of being at the top. We just have to embrace it, use it as motivation, and learn to see the pressure in a more positive way,” Alvarado said ahead of the team’s opening matches. Leading the lineup is Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, the first player to win two M-Series World Championships with different teams. The 22-year-old won the M2 title with Bren Esports in 2021 and the M4 crown with ECHO in 2023. He is joined by Team Liquid PH teammates Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya, Alston “Sanji” Pabico, Dave “Teddy” Viana and Jaypee “Jaypee” Gonzales. ONIC Esports gold laner Duane “Kelra” Pillas completes the squad. Sibol faces Jordan at 2 p.m. before taking on Kazakhstan at 5 p.m. Alvarado said both opponents present a challenge because the Philippine team has had limited opportunities to practice against squads outside Southeast Asia. “Against Jordan and Kazakhstan, there could be new heroes that fit the meta, unfamiliarity with play styles and heroes that we have to face and adapt to on the go, especially since we haven’t been able to scrim with different regions outside of SEA,” he said. Meanwhile, Sibol’s Identity V team opened its Group A campaign with a 0-2 loss to Thailand. The Thais won the best-of-two encounter by scores of 8-1 and 8-2. Johannes Juico and Joshua Gumaro led the seven-member Philippine squad in the asymmetrical survival game.

Rivera. The Filipina pair is set to collide with Hong Kong’s Lai Ching Laam and Kallista Liu in the opening round expected on Tuesday. Earlier, the other Filipina tandem of Tenielle Madis and Stefi Aludo took down Indonesia’s Anjali Junarto and Meydiana Reinnamah, 6-3, 7-6 (4), to reach the Round of 16. Madis and Aludo will next take on Chinese Taipei’s fifth-seeded pair of Chan Hao-ching and Wu Fang-hsien. Meanwhile, veteran Francis Alcantara and Rivera will tangle with Japan’s seeded duo of Shuko Aoyama and Yusuke Kusuhara in the mixed doubles second round. Alcantara and Rivera advanced after surviving Iran’s Kasra Rahmani and Meshkatolzahra Safi, 6-5, 1-6, 10-8, in a gutsy opening-round victory on Sunday. Jeremiah Sevilla

Alex Eala shows who’s boss in her dominant win against Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchande. POC Media Pool

NAGOYA (Powered by PLDT Home) —Two Philippine women’s beach volleyball pairs advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian Games after winning their round-of-16 matches Monday at the Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Court. Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons defeated Japan’s Sakura Ito and Mayu Sawame, 21-17, 21-15, while Khylem Harl Progella and Sofiah Shanine Pagara overcame N.L. Tsang and M.C. Wong, 2624, 21-18. Rondina and Pons said their opening-day loss to Kazakhstan pushed them to respond in the knockout stage. “Siguro yun yung nagpatibay sa amin kanina kasi yung from the past game namin, di talaga namin tanggap na ganun yung nilaro namin,” Rondina said. Pons called the defeat a “wake-up call” and said they had worked to stay composed. “Sometimes our biggest opponent is not on the opposite side of the court but what’s inside our minds,” she said. Coach Leonardo Gomes said both pairs executed their plans well. Pagara, meanwhile, credited Filipino supporters for lifting her and Progella through a tight opening set. “Yung sigaw sa labas ng court nakaka-boost ng confidence. Madinig yung ‘Laban Pilipinas,’” Pagara said. Progella said they would keep fighting together as they prepare for a quarterfinal match against Japan.

BUSINESS 29,611 Vehicle sales in August 2026

37,319

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

August vehicle sales fell 18.1% despite EV surge By Othel V. Campos

Vehicle sales in July 2026

7,066

Electrified vehicle sales in August

EHICLE sales in the Philippines fell 18.1 percent in August 2026 from a year ago, even as demand for electrified vehicles (xEVs) jumped 215 percent, according to a joint report from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA). CAMPI and TMA members sold a combined 29,611 units in August, down 20.7 percent from 37,319 units in July. Including estimates for other automotive brands, total industry sales reached 34,390 units in August, while estimated industry sales for January to August totaled 300,550 units. CAMPI blamed the slowdown on adverse weather that dampened the

market recovery seen in June and July. “We’re still optimistic that vehicle sales will bounce back over the next few months through yearend. The August dip appears to be a short-term disruption rather than a reversal of market momentum,” CAMPI president Jose Maria Atienza said. Electrified vehicle sales held nearly

steady at 7,066 units in August, down just 0.3 percent from 7,089 units in July, as demand for battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid models continued to rise sharply. Data showed that in the first 8 months, xEV sales surged 146.2 percent to 45,403 units from 18,439 units a year ago, lifting their share of CAMPI-TMA sales to 16.73 percent from 6.04 percent. Across all three electrified segments, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales jumped 293 percent to 12,883 units, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales soared 1,420.1 percent to 8,756 units and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) sales rose 62.9 percent to 23,764 units. The August figures showed the resilience of the xEV segment amid the market slowdown. BEV sales fell 2.8 percent from July to 2,449 units but rose 270.5 percent year-on-year.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Maynilad cuts water losses by 150m liters

IMF CONSULTATION. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. leads the Philippine delegation in

discussions on domestic economic developments during the culminating meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Article IV Consultation Mission to the Philippines at the BSP head office in Manila on Sept. 25, 2026. The discussions covered recent economic developments and the economic outlook, as well as macroeconomic policies and structural reforms.

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

DigiPlus Brazil expansion hits snag on online gaming ban By Jenniffer B. Austria DIGIPLUS Interactive Corp. said Monday that Brazil has banned fixed-odds betting and online gaming, creating a setback for its planned overseas expansion. DigiPlus said in a stock exchange disclosure Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued a provisional measure prohibiting the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting and online gaming. The measure took effect upon publication. It requires approval by the Brazilian Congress within the constitutionally prescribed period, which may extend to 120 days. DigiPlus said it was assessing the development and its potential implications. “DigiPlus is closely monitoring recent regulatory developments in Brazil and is taking all necessary steps to comply with the government’s directive. The situation remains fluid and is not final, as the relevant legislative and legal processes continue to develop,” the company said. “Our immediate priority is to ensure an orderly response, including the timely processing of customer withdrawals and the return of customer funds within the prescribed period,” it said. DigiPlus entered Brazil in 2024 as part of its strategy to diversify into new markets. It soft-launched its GamePlus platform in September 2025 but paused operations the following month to refine its offerings for local players. The company later resumed operations, and the updated platform generated revenue, although the business remained in its early stages.

PH could gain up to 7.1% of GDP through fiscal reforms, says World Bank By Thony Rose Lesaca

October air fares expected to rise

MGEN breaks ground on Singapore plant

B4 HOUSING REFORMS. Government and private sector leaders discuss practical approaches to housing affordability, property valuation and investment during the PSAC Infrastructure Sector’s special meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang on Sept. 22, 2026. Source: PCO

THE Philippines could unlock fiscal gains equivalent to 3.6 percent to 7.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by broadening its tax base, improving collection efficiency and making public spending more efficient and equitable, the World Bank said Monday. The bank, in its public finance review, identified three sequenced reform packages: Fiscal Space at Hand (Package 1), Closing Fiscal Gaps (Package 2) and Targeting Human

Capital (Package 3). “What is needed is a higher-quality fiscal system: one that collects revenue more efficiently and more equitably and converts public spending into better outcomes for households and the economy. That quality improvement is itself what makes durable revenue scale possible,” the bank said in the report. The bank said the Philippines has the tools and evidence to pursue fiscal sustainability and inclusive growth as one complementary agenda, not as competing objectives.

The first package covers reforms within the authority of the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Finance. The bank said these could yield fiscal savings of 2.2 percent to 4.4 percent of GDP without new legislation. Priority reforms include consolidating procurement, easing tax payments, streamlining corporate tax incentives, tightening limits on unprogrammed appropriations and strengthening the medium-term fiscal framework with a structural balance rule and an inde-

pendent fiscal council. The second package could generate fiscal savings of 1.4 percent to 3.1 percent of GDP through improved revenue and spending, the bank said. It calls for expanding electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) and audits, rationalizing value-added tax (VAT) exemptions and modernizing fiscal management systems, all without raising statutory tax rates. The bank said that expanded cash transfers could help protect poor and vulnerable households.

Semirara asks gov’t to focus on coal bidders’ technical capacity By Alena Mae S. Flores SEMIRARA Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) on Monday cautioned the government against awarding coal bidding contracts based solely on the highest offer, urging officials to focus instead on a bidder’s technical capacity. “The new bidding rules should ensure a fair process, including proper prequalification of prospective bidders based on technical capability, operating experience and financial capacity,” SMPC said in a statement. The Department of Energy (DOE) expects to hold a new coal bidding round in October. It canceled the 2026 Coal Bid Round, which covered

three predetermined areas, to reassess the parameters for awarding coal operating contracts. “Basing the award on the highest bid is fraught with risks, especially if the winner has no mining capability and track record. In this instance, zero coal production could happen, and that means zero royalty payment to the government, which is exactly the opposite of what the bidding hopes to achieve,” SMPC said. SMPC holds the current contract for the Semirara coal blocks in Antique province, which expires in July 2027. The government did not renew the contract because it reached the 50year constitutional limit. SMPC plans to join the upcoming bid round.

LOVE BUS. Commuters in Pampanga will soon have access to 16 fully electric Love Buses through a public-private partnership between the MVP Group Tulong Kapatid and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), providing a cleaner and more inclusive option for persons with disabilities (PWDs), women and senior citizens. The partnership was formalized through a ceremonial signing led by MVP Group chairman Manuel Pangilinan and DSWD Central Luzon regional director Venus Rebuldela, with Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda and heads of the MVP Group’s CSR Tulong Kapatid participating in the event.

TP launches new Pasay operations hub to open over 1,000 jobs GLOBAL digital business services provider TP is expanding in the Philippines with a new Pasay City operations hub that will create more than 1,000 jobs, as demand grows for services that combine Filipino talent with artificial intelligence and digital technology. The new facility at Four E-Com Center in the SM Mall of Asia complex is TP’s 29th site in the Philippines and its second in Pasay. It complements the company’s operations at the MAAX Building, which employs more than 5,000 customer experts. TP said the hub will support global clients expanding in the Philippines as businesses seek technologyenabled services for more complex customer and business processes. “AI is reshaping work while expanding what peo-

ple can achieve. For TP, the opportunity is to combine AI with our people’s expertise and emotional intelligence, empowering them to take on more complex work,” said TP Philippines chief executive Rahul Jolly. The Philippine IT-BPM industry continues to grow despite rapid adoption of generative AI, which has raised concerns that automation could cost outsourcing jobs. HSBC Global Investment Research said the feared AI-driven contraction in Philippine outsourcing has yet to materialize, with exports and employment still growing. It said AI could further boost the sector’s competitiveness through higher productivity, better quality control and remote service delivery. Othel V. Campos

BUSINESS

Manila

Standard

TODAY

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

PSEi, peso decline as ME conflict sparks oil worries By Jenniffer B. Austria LOCAL stocks fell Monday as renewed concerns over oil supplies and the Middle East conflict kept investors cautious. The peso also closed lower Monday at 62.545 to the U.S. dollar, compared with 62.465 on Friday. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) shed 37.10 points, or 0.64 percent, to close at 5,788.87. The broader all shares index declined 0.72 percent, or 23.49 points, to 3,222.72. Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said sentiment turned negative after US

President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. “The development renewed concerns over the prolonged disruption of oil supplies and the potential for crude prices to remain elevated,” Limlingan said. “Investors conse-quently remained cautious, keeping the local market under selling pressure.” The mining and oil index posted the steepest decline, falling 3.25 percent. Industrial stocks lost 1.61 percent, holding firms slipped 0.98 percent, financials fell 0.92 percent and services eased 0.14 percent. The property index bucked the trend, edging up 0.05 percent.

Market breadth was negative, with 128 decliners against 51 advancers, while 66 stocks were unchanged. Value turnover amounted to P4.90 billio. Shares of Ayala Land Inc. climbed 1.32 percent to P15.32, while the stock price of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. fell 6.47 percent to P7.95 after the company’s planned ven-ture in Brazil stalled. Oil prices spiked with bond yields Monday as Donald Trump’s rejection of an Iranian offer of a seven-day truce stoked inflation concerns, while stocks were mixed as traders look ahead to the release of key US data. With AFP

TECHNICAL TRAINING.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) strengthens its role in the regional automotive industry as it leads the first technical training for Body, Paint and Estimation (BPE) in the Philippines for instructors from Toyota Asia affiliates at TMP’s industrial complex from Sept. 7 to 18, 2026. The training, initiated under the global direction of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), ensures consistent after-sales skill development across markets in alignment with the competency standards of TMC.

Career Opportunity in Vehicle Master Service Corp.

Career Opportunity in Guangxi Hotel Inc.

Marketing And Sales Consultant

Assistant Marketing Supervisor

Job Description:

Five (5) Vacancy

•

Qualification:

• • •

•

EST Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. cut its daily nonrevenue water (NRW) by more than 150 million liters per day (MLD) as of June 2026 compared to a year earlier, recovering enough water to serve about 770,000 people. The recovered volume is equivalent to the output of a water treatment plant and pro-vides additional supply for distribution to customers without requiring a corresponding increase in water production, the company said. Maynilad said the reduction resulted from targeted leak repairs and the rehabilitation of tertiary, secondary and primary pipelines across several areas within its concession. “Reducing water losses enables us to make better use of the water already available in our system. This becomes even more important as we prepare for possible supply con-straints associated with El Niño, since every liter we recover helps strengthen our sup-ply buffer without requiring an equivalent increase in water production,” said Maynilad

Congressional hearings must produce concrete results Knowledge of data analysis and market research.

Qualification:

•

Intuition about customer desires and practical needs.

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Address: Address: THE most revealing part of a Congressional hearing is 27 T. Santiago St., Canumay West 1. Paranaque City 2. Pasay City 3. Quezon City 4. Manila City 5. Valenzuela City the question that forcesTaguig a government agency to put its Nationality: findings on the record. This is as true of hearings on pub1-5. Chinese Nature of Business: Repairs And as ofIntended period of employment: projects. lic-works projects other government Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles 1-3,5 - Three 3(years), 4 - Two 2(years) Hearings should open doors to public scrutiny ofand Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declaresthe that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to government projects. employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. Any Filipino should be able to examine governEvery government ment projects. project must be Projects should properly documented, be put on the table for inspecphysically verified and tion. That is a assessed better approach to accountability than asking the public to take a legislator’s word for it. Government projects are not simply about concrete structures and project completions. In the case of flood control, other interconnected factors — especially urbanization, waterways, waste management and no-build zones — need to be taken into account. This is where Congressional hearings need to go. This country does not merely need infrastructure facilities. It needs facilities that work, are properly designed, located and maintained and form part of a broad strategy for managing increasingly dense and urbanized communities. Whatever disagreements may arise over individual projects, practices that can be studied, improved and replicated should be identified. Government projects ultimately will be judged according to whether they have serve the communities around them. Congressional hearings on government projects are not abstract debates over project lists and competing completion claims. People need to know that their money is being spent on projects that reduce their vulnerability. They need infrastructure projects that are designed and maintained by government agencies that can explain what they have accomplished and where the people’s money has gone. Every government project must be properly documented, physically verified and assessed as to whether it has fulfilled its intended purpose. Deficiencies must be corrected. Where there are violations, accountability must follow. Implementation of projects that are sound and useful should not be held back by unresolved questions. Filipinos need answers, but, more than answers, they want infrastructure management systems that they can rely on. The government’s responsibility is to make sure that every peso of public infrastructure spending delivers protection where protection is needed most. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

—“—

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office and marketing tools or graphic design software is an advantage.

• •

Name: 1. Li Man Wai, 2. Chen Xing, 3. Li Xiaobo, 4. Dong Bolin, 5. Sun Shishi

The role supports the Marketing Supervisor in increasing brand awareness, attracting guests, and achieving business objectives through both traditional and digital marketing initiatives. Strong knowledge of digital marketing, social media management, and promotional strategies.

• •

Applications may be sent to: vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com

Strong organizational and analytical skills. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Applications may be sent to: mengcaixiu@gmail.com Company/Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name: Guangxi Hotel Inc.

Name: 1. Li Dekong

Company Address: Ground Flr And 8Th Flr V8 Business Center Malugay St., Cor Talisay San Antonio Makati City

Address: 1. Muntinlupa City

Nature of Business: To Engage In Hotel Administration/Business

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

Nationality: 1. Chinese

Guangxi Hotel Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna..

Marketing And Sales Consultant Job Description:

•

• •

Identify effective marketing campaigns that will reach targeted audiences effectively and efficiently. Strong knowledge of sales and persuasion techniques coupled with excellent knowledge of the products. Knowledge of data analysis and market research. Intuition about customer desires and practical needs. Applications may be sent to: vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com

Company/Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name: Vehicle Master Service Corp.

Name: 1. Li Man Wai, 2. Chen Xing, 3. Li Xiaobo, 4. Dong Bolin, 5. Sun Shishi

Company Address: 27 T. Santiago St., Canumay West Valenzuela

Address: 1. Paranaque City 2. Pasay City 3. Quezon City 4. Manila City 5. Taguig City Nationality: 1-5. Chinese

Nature of Business: Repairs And Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles

Intended period of employment: 1-3,5 - Three 3(years), 4 - Two 2(years)

Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. Ê Career Opportunity in DITO TELECOMMUNITY CORPORATION Position title: Senior Advisor – Technical Strategy & Governance Job Description: • • • • • •

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

 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Thai and English language Experience working in an international and cross-cultural environment Courteous with strong customer service orientation. Must be fluent in Thai and English speaking, reading, writing, and listening Skilled in multi-tasking; including the ability to be flexible and adapt to changes quickly. Demonstrate patience in all customer contact situations, including maintaining a pleasant and professional tone and manner Strong analytical, organizational and problemsolving skills Experience in software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook and Internet Clarity of verbal communication (pace and tone) Excellent written communication (grammar)

Applications may be sent to: PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix.com

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the Company/ Employer position Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc. Name: Teerada Naiyasap Complete Address: 10th 11th 12th 14th 15th Floors GBF Address: Quezon City Center 2 Bridgetowne C5 Road Ugong Norte District 3, Nationality: Thai Quezon City 1110 Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) Years Nature of Business: Business to Business IT Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Will lead the execution of VSU processes across Specialized Training): One (1) Vacancy manufacturing projects, ensuring successful project • University degree in Engineering or a related deployment, operational readiness, and achievement of Job Description: technical discipline. VSU targets while maintaining compliance with safety, • andAssistant Marketing and monitoring marketing • implementing, 5 years of manufacturing experience, including quality, operational standardsSupervisor assists in planning, campaigns to promote the hotel's services, accommodations, and events. leadership responsibilities. Job Description: • Knowledge of Project Management, Initiative The role the Marketing Supervisor in increasing brand awareness, attracting • • Manage the supports Production Project Masterplan, Management, RTT, and VSU methodologies. including resource planning and projectobjectives readinessthrough guests, and achieving business traditional and digital marketing • both Practical experience with Open+ pillars and activities. continuous improvement tools. initiatives. • Lead VSU and Initiative Management processes, • Strong leadership, stakeholder management, Qualification: including CQV planning, assessments, and start-up communication, and presentation skills. • readiness. Strong knowledge of digital marketing, social media management, promotional • Fluent in Englishand and proficient in Microsoft • Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver Office applications. strategies. projects safely, on time, within budget, and to quality • Knowledge of OHSAS 18001 and ISO 14001 • standards. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. standards is an advantage. • project progress, risks, deliverables, and • Monitor Proficient in Microsoft Office and marketing tools or graphic is an Applications maydesign be sentsoftware to: mitigation plans to ensure successful execution. • Drive advantage. compliance with EHS, Sustainability, Management System, and Open+/IOS • Quality Strong organizational and analytical skills. Brielle Chan <Brielle.Chan@pmi.com > requirements. • • CoachAbility and develop Leads, Representatives, to workVSU under pressure and meet deadlines. and project teams to build organizational capability. • Provide project governance, Applications stakeholder may be sent to: communication, and regular updatesmengcaixiu@gmail.com to senior management. Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Company/Employer Name of foreign national intending Company/ Employer to apply for the position Company Name: Guangxi Hotel Inc. Name:

Assistant Marketing Supervisor

Five (5) Vacancy

Qualification:

Position Title: ADVISOR I, SALES Job Description:  Assist external users of the client's technical products or services; identify, investigate, research and provide resolution to user questions and problems  Ensure service delivered to our customers meets contractual Key Performance Indicator (‘KPIs’)  Listen attentively to customer needs and concerns; demonstrate empathy while maximizing opportunity to build rapport with the customer.  Participate in activities designed to improve customer satisfaction, team camaraderie, and business performance.  Participate in activities designed to improve customer satisfaction, team camaraderie, and business performance.  Troubleshoot basic and routine customer issues that are technical in nature; including hardware, software, networking, or other designated client products  Follow appropriate escalation paths to resolve technical issues; including making follow up outbound calls to customers or other parties as needed  Solve problems that are generally unstructured and require extensive use of conceptual thinking skills  Greet customers in a courteous, friendly, and professional manner using agreed upon procedures

Career Opportunity in PMFTC Inc. Career Opportunity in Guangxi Hotel Inc. Position Title: Manager Vertical Start-Up (VSU)

Career Opportunity in Vehicle Master Service Corp.

•

chief operating officer Christopher Jaime Lichauco. The company’s average NRW level fell to 31.5 percent in the first half of 2026 from 36.7 percent in the same period last year. Maynilad allocated P7.7 billion in 2026 for its NRW management program, which co-vers pipe and meter replacement, active leakage control, the establishment and maintenance of district metered areas, and network diagnostics. Maynilad is targeting an average NRW level of 29 percent for 2026. It expects the NRW rate to decline to about 25 percent by year-end, which would put its December level ahead of the 25 percent NRW target set for 2027 under its business plan approved by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).

Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC.

Assistant Marketing Supervisor assists in planning, implementing, and monitoring marketing campaigns to promote the hotel's services, accommodations, and events.

•

Strong knowledge of sales and persuasion techniques coupled with excellent knowledge of the products.

Company/Employer

By Othel V. Campos

One (1) Vacancy

Identify effective marketing campaigns that will reach targeted audiences effectively and efficiently.

Company Name: Vehicle Master Service Corp.

Maynilad cuts water losses by 150m liters

Company Name: PMFTC Inc. Name: Feri Kurniawan 1. Li Dekong Complete Address: Plant C & D Champaca Street, Address: Taguig City Company Address: Address: Barangay Fortune, Parang, Marikina City Nationality: Indonesian Nature Of 8Th Business: Trade;City Intended Period of Employment: Three (3) Years Ground Flr And Flr V8 Wholesale Business And1. Retail Muntinlupa Manufacturing Center Malugay St., Cor Talisay San Nationality: Antonio Makatihereby City declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the Company 1. Chinese services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and of of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6th Floor, Banco apply an AlienTo Employment the Bureau Nature of for Business: Engage In Permit Hotel with Intended period employment: Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila. Administration/Business 1 - Three 3(years)

Guangxi Hotel Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to Careerthe Opportunity Telephilippines Incorporated perform servicesinand 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 Position-title: Senior Capital Director Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. Employment National Vacancy: (1)

Provide independent and forward-looking technical advice aligned with business strategy. Analyze complex technical issues and propose feasible solutions. Support solution design and evaluation to ensure scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Review vendor proposals and system architectures, offering optimization recommendations. Assess vendor capabilities and support procurement compliance. Participate in contract negotiations with clear technical terms and SLAs.

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • 20 years international working experience, including new market developing, overseas branch internal management and operation analysis and project management • 12 years overseas bidding experience, familiar with EU region bidding progress, strong project management capability and risk identification ability. • Strong communication and negotiation skills • Strong market sensitivity, good judgement for marketing opportunity and competitor, strong strain capacity for emergencies. • Team working or independent working ability, good at communication and coordination, organize internal and external resource effectively Applications may be sent to: sharmaine.rendon@dito.ph SHARMAINE RENDON Company/ Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name: DITO TELECOMMUNITY CORPORATION Complete address: 11/F UDENNA TOWER, RIZAL DRIVE CORNER 4TH AVENUE, BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY, TAGUIG CITY Nature of business: Telecommunications Company

Name: ZHANG, YINGHUA Address: Unit 2316, Two Serendra Aston, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Nationality: CHINESE Intended period of employment: ONE (1) YEAR

DITO TELECOMMUNITY CORPORATION hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila.

Job Description: • • •

Primarily handle operations and may also be required to manage multisite operations. Selects, managers, and develops a high performing team of managers, supervisors, and agent staff. Consistently demonstrates a commitment to company values. Makes business decisions based on client contract terms, ensures adherence to client contracts, and participates in the setting and meeting of project goals.

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • Bachelor's and advanced degree, specialized training, with at least 8 years previous related experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. • Computer literate with proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel and MS Powerpoint. Applications may be sent to: Name of Company HR: Rachel Majito-Cacabelos Email address: mobility@teleperformance.com Company/ Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name:

Name: Bhaskar Roy Address: Cebu City Nationality: Indian

Telephilippines Incorporated Complete address:

Intended period of employment: (2) years

Teleperformance Tower I and II, Cebu IT Park, Lahug Cebu City Nature of business: a domestic corporation primarily engaged in contact center management, Telephilippines Incorporated ereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave. Intramuros, Manila 1002 If there are any objections or inquiries, please contact the concerned DOLE Regional Office. Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at Department of Labor and Employment Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave. Intramuros, Manila 1002 after this publication Please inform Department of Labor and Employment Bureau of Local Employment, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

Manila

Standard

TODAY

DA deploys P64m in farm support to Camarines Norte By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has deployed P64 million worth of farm machinery, post-harvest facilities and production support in Camarines Norte to address bottlenecks in crop production, storage and processing. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the distribution and turnover of the assistance in Vinzons and Labo on Monday. The package includes a P10.8 million modular cold storage facility in Vinzons to support the province’s Queen pineapple industry, which counts about 1,570 growers. “This temperature-controlled storage facility will help safeguard the Queen, the pineapple variety prized worldwide for its crisp texture, aromatic sweetness and distinctive reddish margins, and produced by some 1,570 growers in Camarines Norte,” Tiu Laurel said. The 40-foot insulated facility runs on a hybrid system combining solar panels, a wind turbine and a diesel generator. It will give growers additional storage capacity to preserve pineapple quality, reduce spoilage and extend the marketing period for their produce. The facility can also store other perishable commodities, including lowland vegetables, allowing farmers to better manage their produce after harvest and potentially reduce losses caused by inadequate storage. In Labo, the DA’s National Corn Program turned over a P10.6 million feed mill, hauling truck and processing equipment to the Unlad Magsasaka Mais Sagana Farmers Association, along with P2.02 million worth of farm inputs. Rice farmers in Labo and Vinzons received another P23 million worth of hybrid palay seeds and fertilizers for the dry season. The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) provided P14.7 million worth of heavy farm machinery, including four four-wheel-drive tractors and four rice combine harvesters. The DA also provided P450,000 in assistance for high-value vegetable production in the two municipalities, while the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) contributed two composting facilities for biodegradable waste and one solar set worth P2.23 million to support waste management and the production of organic soil amendments.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

October air fares expected to rise A By Darwin G. Amojelar

IRLINE tickets in the Philippines are expected to become more expensive in the first half of October after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised the fuel surcharge amid higher jet fuel prices.

The CAB said in an advisory that the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights will rise to Level 17 for Oct. 1 to 15 from Level 14 for Sept. 16 to 30. Under Level 17, the surcharge for domestic passenger flights will

range from P559 to P1,635, depending on distance. For international flights, it will range from P1,846.10 to P13,726.58. Airlines may charge a fuel surcharge of P2.87 to P8.40 per kg for domestic cargo and P9.49 to P70.57 per kg for international cargo under

Level 17. The CAB is implementing a 15-day price monitoring and implementation cycle for passenger and cargo fuel surcharges on domestic and international flights. The interim measure replaces the standard one-month cycle and temporarily suspends specific provisions of CAB Resolution No. 25 (2022). The agency said the measure aims to mitigate the impact of surging fuel prices on passengers and airline operations. It will remain in effect until the situation stabilizes or until the CAB revises or revokes it. “Airlines wishing to impose or col-

lect fuel surcharge must file its application with CAB on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” the CAB said. The fuel surcharge is an optional fee that carriers impose and collect to recover higher fuel costs and offset losses from sharp price increases. Global jet fuel prices averaged $194.90 per barrel as of Sept. 18, up 24.2 percent from the previous month and 116.5 percent from a year earlier, according to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Jet Fuel Price Monitor.

STARTER PACK.

The local government of Imus City led by Mayor Alex Advincula presents a livelihood starter kit to eight residents for their Paresan and Rice-in-aBox livelihood, with the help of DOLE Cavite and Imus Public Employment Service Office (PESO) on Sept. 25, 2026 at the new City Hall Building in Malagasang 1-G. Each package is worth P25,000, including equipment and starting raw materials such as rice, meat and aluminum pots. Dennis Abrina

PH, UN strengthen tie-up on Article 6 implementation, carbon market THE Climate Change Commission (CCC) said any domestic carbon pricing framework should support national development, uphold market integrity and mobilize concrete investments toward a low-carbon economy, as the Philippines and the United Nations (UN) deepen cooperation on carbon market readiness under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The CCC made the statement at the Philippine Country Workshop on Carbon Pricing Towards a Carbon Diagnostic in Southeast Asia on Sept. 18 at the UN House Manila. The event brought together government, the private sector, civil soci-

DTI to expand EV financing, aid for transport operators THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is expanding financing and digital support for businesses, pushing more transport operators to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) and taking Negosyo Center services online nationwide, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said. The DTI is working with Philippine Veterans Bank and the Small Business Corp. (SBCorp.) to finance operators replacing combustion-engine vehicles with EVs, Roque said, citing rising fuel costs and the need to prepare businesses for cleaner transport. Under a memorandum of understanding signed Monday with Philippine Veterans Bank, the DTI and SBCorp. will refer qualified enterprises to the bank for financing tailored to their operational needs. Roque said the financing would cover operators ranging from small tricycle and ride-hailing businesses to larger transport companies. The DTI already has an e-transport loan facility through SBCorp., but Roque said more financing partners are needed because the state-run lender has limited funds. “We are providing ways for our operators to shift from combustion vehicles to electric vehicles,” Roque said at the launch of the portal on Monday. She said the transition could help operators cut costs and deliver environmental benefits. The government is accelerating the shift partly because of higher fuel costs linked to the continuing Middle East crisis, she said, though the move is also part of longer-term preparations for the future of transport. The DTI is also seeking more financing support for businesses that use digital platforms, as it tries to help more enterprises tap e-commerce and expand their markets, Roque said. The initiatives complement the nationwide launch of the Negosyo Center Online Portal 2.0 (NCOP 2.0), which consolidates Negosyo Center services on a digital platform. Through the portal, micro, small and medium enterprises, including those in remote areas, can get help with business registration, advisory and learning resources and free one-on-one virtual business coaching without visiting a physical Negosyo Center. Roque said the digital platform is particularly important for the Philippines given its geography and the DTI’s network of 18 regional offices and nearly 1,400 Negosyo Centers nationwide. “We are 7,600 islands, and sometimes we cannot reach the farflung regions unless we use the digital space or the digital platform,” she said. Othel V. Campos

ety, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss the country’s carbon market readiness and Article 6 implementation. CCC vice-chairperson and executive-director Robert Borje said the Philippines should first establish what policy problem carbon pricing is meant to address and whether it is the right instrument given the country’s development priorities and climate commitments. “For the Philippines, the first question is not how to build a carbon market. It is what policy problem a carbon price is expected to solve, and whether carbon pricing is the appro-

priate instrument designed around national development priorities and our NDC [nationally determined contribution],” Borje said. He said the carbon-pricing diagnostic should consider the sectors and emissions to be covered, the appropriate policy instrument, institutional capacity, impacts on households and businesses, use of revenues and safeguards for market integrity. Borje said carbon pricing should complement, not replace, climate finance, technology transfer, capacitybuilding and investments in enabling infrastructure. “The relevant test is not whether a

carbon market can generate trade. It is whether the chosen instrument can reduce emissions cost-effectively, distribute burdens fairly, and support Philippine development and implementation of our NDC,” he said. The Philippines does not yet have an economy-wide mandatory carbonpricing system, but it has advanced related initiatives. These include its Article 6 Implementation Agreement with Singapore, the transition of its Joint Crediting Mechanism with Japan toward Article 6, guidelines for carbon credits in the energy sector and the Roadmap to Readiness in the Voluntary Forest Carbon Market.

SOLDIVO BOND FUND, INC.

SOLDIVO STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC.

8 Floor 8 Rockwell Bldg., Hidalgo Drive. Rockwell Center, Makati City, Metro Manila Tel. No. 8814-7800; Fax No. 8814-0315

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders' Meeting (ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 23 October 2026 at 2:00PM via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can register at https://bit.ly/SoldivoFundsASM2026. Webinar password will be sent via email after registration.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders' Meeting (ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 23 October 2026 at 3:00PM via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can register at https://bit.ly/SoldivoFundsASM2026. Webinar password will be sent via email after registration.

The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:

I. Call to Order II. Certification of Notice and Quorum III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 29 August 2025 IV. Management Report V. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2025 VI. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting VII. Election of Directors for 2026 to 2027 VIII. Appointment of External Auditor for 2026 IX. Other Matters X. Adjournment Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 24 August 2026 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled stockholders’ meeting.

Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their vote in absentia must notify the Corporate Secretary by registering through the Company’s website for the 2026 annual meeting of the stockholders on or before 12 October 2026. All information submitted will be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate Secretary by 16 October 2026. Successful registrants will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access an online web address which will allow them to join the meeting and cast votes in absentia or by proxy in favor of the Chairman of the meeting.

The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting their votes in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement. The Definitive Information Statement including its exhibits are to be released to the shareholders via email on September 29, 2026, and will be available on the Company’s website.

Makati City, Philippines, 28 August 2026.

(Sgd.) ATTY. TRANQUIL S. SALVADOR III Corporate Secretary

Makati City, Philippines, 28 August 2026.

(Sgd.) ATTY. TRANQUIL S. SALVADOR III Corporate Secretary

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

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

MGEN unit breaks ground on hydrogen plant in Singapore By Alena Mae S. Flores

ERALCO PowerGen Corp.’s (MGEN) Singapore-based subsidiary PacificLight Power Pte. Ltd. (PLP) broke ground on a S$1.2-billion, 670-megawatt (MW) hydrogen-ready power plant on Jurong Island, Singapore. GIS TRAINING. The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), through its Building Resilience through Inclusive

Development and Gender Equality (BRIDGE) Project and in partnership with the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), trains 23 Antipolo City government staff from key offices and enables them to secure a certification in Advanced Geographic Information System (GIS). The foundation is implementing BRIDGE Project with the support of the government of Canada through a funding grant from the Global Affairs Canada.

DOF eyes deeper ties with UK-ASEAN Business Council By Thony Rose Lesaca THE government is exploring stronger partnerships with the UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) on education, training and workforce development, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Monday. DOF Undersecretary and Government Corporations and Investments Group head Ma. Angela Ignacio pointed to the country’s growing pool of skilled workers and its potential to

support advanced industries and attract investment. “It is therefore an opportune time to invest in the Philippines as it offers a larger, more capable workforce, a rapidly growing consumer market with rising purchasing power, and with institutional capacity to house advanced industries,” she said during a roundtable meeting on Sept. 21. Discussions focused on closing skills gaps and strengthening industry-aligned training, particularly in

IN BRIEF Globe’s digital business to drive long-term growth

GLOBE Telecom Inc.’s expanding digital businesses are becoming a key driver of its longterm growth as the company moves beyond traditional telecommunications into fintech, enterprise technology and digital infrastructure, a market strategist said. H.E. Bennett Securities Inc. market strategist and chief trader Joel Dela Peña said the transformation is changing how investors should view Globe. “The bigger investment story is Globe’s expanding portfolio of digital businesses,” Dela Peña said, citing fintech, enterprise technology and digital infrastructure as increasingly important growth engines. He said Globe’s future growth would increasingly come from businesses beyond traditional voice and SMS services. “Globe has effectively transformed into a diversified tech fund that pays investors a premium dividend to wait while its digital engines redefine the modern Philippine economy,” Dela Peña said. The shift is already visible in Globe’s operating mix. The company reported that data-driven services, including mobile internet, fiber broadband and enterprise solutions, accounted for 91 percent of consolidated service revenues in the first quarter of 2026, up from 87 percent a year earlier. Mobile-data revenues rose 11 percent year-on-year, while mobile-data traffic grew 18 percent. Darwin G. Amojelar

MWIS earns ‘B’ ESG rating from Synesgy

MANILA Water Infratech Solutions (MWIS), the non-east zone operating unit of Manila Water Company, has earned a “B” environmental, social and governance (ESG) rating from digital assessment platform Synesgy for 2026, the company said. Synesgy evaluates organizations on their environmental impact, social responsibility and governance practices. Using a standardized, data-driven framework, it assesses companies on resource efficiency, environmental stewardship, ethical governance, stakeholder engagement and operational resilience. The rating reflects MWIS’ efforts to embed ESG principles across its operations as it delivers water, wastewater and environmental solutions to industries, communities and local government partners. The assessment also recognizes how the company integrates sustainability into its decision-making, risk management and service delivery, beyond regulatory compliance. Climate-related challenges, resource constraints and tighter regulations are making ESG an increasingly important measure of organizational resilience and accountability. The rating validates MWIS’ work to help clients manage water and wastewater resources more sustainably while supporting broader environmental goals and community well-being, the company said. MWIS is the engineering, procurement, construction, operations and maintenance arm of Manila Water Company. It develops and operates infrastructure that supports sustainable development, and its water and wastewater expertise helps customers improve operational efficiency, strengthen environmental compliance and adopt solutions that promote long-term resource security.

Strong employment masks Cordillera labor-market gaps

STRONG employment in the Cordillera region masks labor-market gaps, as workers with skills still face barriers to using them productively, researchers said at the Cordillera Policy Research Forum 2026. Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) senior research fellow Michael Ralph Abrigo said having a skill does not automatically mean a worker can find a job where that skill can be put to productive use. “Actually, you can have skills, but you cannot deploy those skills, because deploying those skills could be expensive,” he said. Abrigo said barriers such as distance, job-search costs, workplace limitations or lack of training and resources can make skills difficult to use productively. He also examined how the tasks Filipino workers perform have changed over time, including the shift toward more cognitive work. The issue emerged during the forum’s morning session on labor supply and future-proofing the region’s workforce, where researchers examined why skills do not always translate into productive work and better economic outcomes. The session also showed that people’s ability to sustain their livelihoods and recover from disruptions depends not only on their capacity to work but also on the resources and support available to them.

BIR suspends excise tax on LPG, kerosene THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Monday issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 100-2026, implementing the renewed suspension of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene under Executive Order (EO) No. 125, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued on Sept. 25 under Republic Act (RA) No. 12316. The Department of Energy (DOE) certified that the 1-month average Dubai crude oil price, based on the Mean of Platts Singapore, reached $99.41 per barrel from Aug. 13 to Sept. 11. That is above the $80 threshold set by RA No. 12316. BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the new round of temporary suspension follows the DOE certification. Under EO No. 125, excise taxes

on LPG are fully suspended, except when the fuel is used as raw material for petrochemical production or for motive power. The excise tax on kerosene is fully suspended, except when the fuel is used as aviation fuel. “The regular excise tax rates shall automatically revert, without need of further issuance, one week after the one-month average Dubai crude oil price falls below $80 per barrel, as certified by the DOE, or three months from the effectivity of the EO, whichever comes first,” the BIR said. The BIR implemented a similar suspension under EO No. 114, which took effect April 17. The suspension was lifted effective July 8 after the DOE certified that the 1-month average Dubai crude price had fallen below the $80 threshold. Thony Rose Lesaca

semiconductor manufacturing, engineering, digital skills and emerging technologies, the DOF said. Both sides also explored possible partnerships in infrastructure, digitalization and financial inclusion. “The opportunities before us—in strategic investments, public-private partnerships and blended finance— are concrete pathways to expand industries, create quality jobs and equip our people with the skills needed for the future,” Ignacio said. UKABC also looks forward to deeper engagement with the DOF and the Department of Trade and Industry on further collaboration, the DOF said.

The facility, owned by PLM Power Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned PacificLight subsidiary, will be the first in Singapore to pair a gas turbine with large-scale battery storage. “Following MGEN’s commercial operations of MTerra Solar in the Philippines this year, this project marks another significant milestone in our growing energy portfolio and reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that support a more secure, sustainable and resilient energy future across the region,” MGEN president and chief executive Emmanuel Rubio said. The plant will be Singapore’s largest and most efficient single generating unit when it starts up in 2029. It will generate enough electricity to meet the needs of up to 1.2 million four-room flats in Singapore. The plant’s integrated battery energy storage system will enable dynamic energy management and increase grid resiliency by helping align electricity supply with demand. The plant will be capable of supporting sectors such as advanced manufacturing,

digital economy and transport electrification. The investment reflects MGEN’s long-term confidence in Singapore’s energy future and its commitment to supporting PacificLight as a trusted energy partner, the company said. It said that by combining highly efficient, hydrogen-ready power generation with battery energy storage, the project strengthens energy security while advancing a more flexible and sustainable energy system. An engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) consortium of Mitsubishi Power, the power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI), and Jurong Engineering Ltd. (JEL) is building the plant. The plant will use Mitsubishi Power’s M701JAC gas turbine, recognized as the world’s most efficient large-frame gas turbine model, with more than 64 percent combined-cycle efficiency and proven reliability through more than 3.7 million operational hours across the J-series gas turbines.

ICON AWARD.

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso is recognized as an Asia’s Modern Hero for Public Service and Financial Leadership during the awards ceremony at Okada Manila on Sept. 25, 2026. Under his leadership, GSIS introduced and expanded member-focused programs such as Balik Ginhawa, Ginhawa Solar Energy Loan (GSEL), and Ginhawa Bike and E-Mobility Loan (GBEL), providing government workers and pensioners with more accessible financial support. The award is presented by the Golden Icons Foundation and produced by Asia’s Golden Icon Awards & Events Inc.

EO Executive tops NielsenIQ survey of PH optical brands By Othel V. Campos EO EXECUTIVE Optical ranked as the leading optical brand among Filipino consumers in favorite brand, most recommended eyewear brand and most patronized optical shop, according to an independent 2026 study by NielsenIQ Philippines. Nearly three out of four Filipino optical consumers aged 12 to 44 from Socioeconomic Class (SEC) CD households named EO their favorite optical shop or eyewear brand. Seventy-six percent said they would recommend EO to others, and 65 percent said they patronize it most often. Among SEC AB respondents aged 28 and above who had bought and paid for optical products in the past two years, about 85 percent named EO as their favorite optical shop or eyewear brand. Eighty-seven percent of the same group said EO was the brand they would most recommend. About 7 in 10 AB consumers and 6 in 10 CD consumers agreed that EO is the most trusted optical brand in the Philippines. NielsenIQ said the figures were significantly higher than those of competing brands in the study. EO said the results reflect the confidence consumers place in the brand when choosing eyewear for themselves and their families. NielsenIQ conducted the study from March 21 to May 13, 2026, across key urban areas nationwide.

COREnergy, DEDON sign solar supply deal CORENERGY, the retail electricity supplier of Vivant Energy, signed a two-year supply agreement with DEDON Manufacturing Inc., the first customer of its new Sunshine Plan. The contract covers 0.55 megawatts (MW) of capacity. DEDON Manufacturing is the Philippine manufacturing arm of a luxury outdoor furniture brand. The Sunshine Plan combines stable daytime rates backed by solar generation with flexible pricing based on the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) during non-solar hours. It lets businesses align electricity costs with how and when they operate. “DEDON’s adoption of the Sunshine Plan is an early signal of where we see this product going,” said COREnergy vice president and head of operations Marko Sarmiento.

“There’s a growing segment of manufacturers whose operations are concentrated during the day, and we built this plan specifically for them. We’re excited to bring this same value to more businesses across our manufacturing portfolio in the months ahead,” said Sarmiento. DEDON, whose operations run mostly during the day, can use the plan to lower one of its largest operating expenses and advance its sustainability initiatives. “For more than three decades, DEDON has been committed to creating world-class outdoor furniture through exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and the dedication of our people in Cebu,” said DEDON general director Rosy Grace Cabradilla. Alena Mae S. Flores

COREnergy signs a 2-year, 0.55-megawatt supply deal with DEDON Manufacturing Inc., the first customer of its Sunshine Plan pairing solar-backed daytime rates with WESM pricing. Signing the agreement are (from left) DEDON Manufacturing operations manager Hannes Matthias Engeler, production manager Florindo de Castro and COREnergy head of operations Marko Sarmiento.

ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com RAY S. EÑANO, Editor

& SUSTAINABILIT Y

Preparations reduce risks and disasters, says UNDP T

HE United Nations Development Program (UNDP) said preparations will minimize damage from climate-related and other shocks, and save livelihoods at the same time,

The UNDP, through its work on disaster recovery, governance and local resilience across Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, has seen that recovery depends on how risks are reflected ex ante in planning, how institutions are organized, and whether financing and implementation mechanisms are already in place. This requires treating recovery readiness as a core development and governance function, embedded in national planning, public investment, financing systems, and local governance structures before crisis occurs. “UNDP’s work shows that recovery is more than responding after a disaster. It is also about anticipating what will be needed when hazards strike: the right systems, the right capacities, and the ability to act quickly so communities can rebuild safer and faster,” said Christophe Bahuet, UNDP Resident Representative in the Philippines. Development gains can be quickly lost when disasters disrupt livelihoods, strain public finances and deepen existing vulnerabilities. The risk is particularly acute in Southeast Asia, where communities, economies and public institutions are repeatedly

exposed to climate-related and other shocks. Financing is key. Too often, recovery finance is viewed solely through the lens of reconstruction after a disaster. However, resilient recovery requires financing systems that encourage risk-informed investments before disasters occur and support rebuilding efforts that strengthen resilience rather than recreate vulnerabilities. Clear institutional roles and stronger local capacity are also essential, so that recovery decisions can be translated into timely action in the cities, municipalities, and communities where reconstruction takes place. At the regional level, the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Program 20262030 identifies Resilient Recovery as one of its priority programs. In this context, UNDP is working with the ASEAN Secretariat and the AHA Center to help advance a more practical regional conversation on recovery readiness, including how countries can prepare before disasters occur and learn from one another’s experience.UNDP Philippines News

A Philippine palm civet (Paradoxurus philippinensis) was among the 12 wildlife species rescued by residents of Makilala, Cotabato and turned over to the provincial environment office last week. DENR photo

DENR cites public role after release of rescued wildlife By Marita Moaje THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) noted the public’s role in wildlife conservation after two Cotabato residents voluntarily turned over 12 rescued wildlife species to its provincial office on Sept. 10. “The recovery highlights growing community initiative and adherence to Republic Act (RA) No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and its implementing rules and regulations,” the DENR said in a news release. “After learning that the collection, possession, transport and keeping of wildlife are strictly regulated, the residents coordinated directly with environmental authorities.” The animals consisted of two Philippine palm civets (Paradoxurus phil-

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga— More than 1,700 volunteers across Central Luzon collected over 75,000 kilograms of waste from participating coastal areas as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its partners called for sustained community action to keep marine and coastal ecosystems clean. Volunteers from national government agencies, local government units, the academe, uniformed services, non-government organizations, private groups and local communities joined this year’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), held under the theme “Clean Seas for Resilient Communities.” DENR Regional Executive Direc-

tor Ralph Pablo said the annual activity is not only about removing waste from shorelines but also about documenting the types of garbage collected, providing communities and stakeholders with information that can guide efforts to address marine litter. “Initial findings showed that plastic bags, food wrappers, diapers, clothes and foam pieces were among the most common types of waste collected during the cleanup, reaching more than 75,000 kilograms of waste collected across the participating areas,” Pablo reported. The findings highlight the continuing need for communities and institutions to work together to reduce waste at its source and prevent garbage from being carried into waterways and coastal areas. Pablo said keeping these areas free from waste is important in protecting

Volunteers from government institutions, local communities, schools, businesses, civil society groups and other organizations participate in the International Coastal Cleanup in Central Luzon, highlighting the shared responsibility to protect marine and coastal resources. DENR photo

ecosystems and supporting communities that depend on healthy coastal and marine resources for their livelihoods and daily needs. PIA Region 3-Pampanga

Ifugao community discontinues ‘kaingin’

Report cites forests’ crucial role in food security

By Debbie E. Gasingan

First of 2 parts ROME—Forests and trees play a crucial role in providing nutritious food, and more than 5 billion people worldwide rely on them to some extent for their livelihoods. Yet their contribution to food security and nutrition remains largely overlooked in national statistics and policy frameworks. A new global report published last week by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and developed jointly with the Landscape Alliance, highlights the importance of forests in reducing hunger and poverty and calls on countries to include them into agrifood system policies. “By working together and fully integrating forests into national, regional and global strategies, we can build agrifood systems that are more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. We must do so–because conserving and sustainably managing forests is fundamental to nourishing people, sustaining the planet and improving the well-being of present and future generations,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu wrote in the report’s Foreword. The report, titled Forests for food: Nourishing people, sustaining the planet, comes at a critical moment. According to the latest UN report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, around 645 million people experienced chronic hunger in 2025. At the same time, forests worldwide continue to face challenges. Over the last decade, the world lost an average of 10.9 million hectares of forest each year. Deforestation and forest degradation reduce biodiversity, weaken ecosystem services and can ultimately undermine agricultural productivity and access to nutritious food.

The DENR said the turnover began with two separate encounters with wildlife: resident Joel Gastones rescued one Philippine palm civet from a rubber farm, while another civet was turned over after being cared for by another resident, Isagani Bagyo. Instead of keeping the rescued animals, the residents sought help from environmental authorities, allowing the DENR to assess their condition and determine the appropriate course of action for each animal. The DENR highlighted the importance of such public cooperation, noting that rescued wildlife may require veterinary assessment, temporary care and monitoring before they can be safely returned to the wild. The turnover also helps prevent wildlife from remaining in private captivity without the required legal authorization. PNA

Central Luzon coastal cleanup picks up 75,000 kilos of waste By Rick P. Quiambao

UNDP Resident Representative in the Philippines Christophe Bahuet shares insights during a session on strengthening recovery readiness and disaster risk financing to support more resilient recovery. Blue Motus/UNDP

ippinensis), two Philippine ducks (Anas luzonica), four white-eared brown doves (Phapitreron leucotis), three spotted doves (Spilopelia chinensis), and one juvenile whitebreasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus). The DENR said it brought all 12 to the Kidapawan City Veterinary Office, where they underwent a thorough medical examination and were certified fit for release. The four white-eared brown doves, three spotted doves and the juvenile white-breasted waterhen were subsequently released into their natural habitat, while the two Philippine ducks and two Philippine palm civets were placed at the temporary wildlife rescue center of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) for observation before their release.

Forests and trees support food security and nutrition by providing fruits, nuts, tubers, mushrooms, edible insects and wild meat, with more than 50,000 wild species used for food, medicine and other purposes. ©FAO/Jianxing Zhu

Key contributions There are strong links between forest cover and dietary quality. For example, a study in Africa found that children living in areas with greater tree cover tend to have more diverse and nutritious diets. Forests and trees support food security and nutrition (FSN) by providing fruits, nuts, tubers, mushrooms, edible insects and wild meat. More than 50,000 wild species are used for food, medicine and other purposes, including at least 10,000 species consumed directly as food. In some forest-dependent communities, forest foods can supply up to 80 percent of daily protein requirements. Forest fruits are rich in minerals and vitamins, while seeds and nuts contribute calories, oil and protein to diets. Edible roots and tubers are sources of carbohydrates, and mushrooms provide important nutrients such as potassium, selenium and vitamins. Wild leaves are rich sources of protein and micronutrients, including vitamin A, calcium and iron, which are often lacking in the diets of nutritionally vulnerable communities. (To be continued) FAO News

BAGUIO CITY— A quiet environmental shift unfolded in the mountains of Aguinaldo, Ifugao. For decades, the encroachment of slash-and-burn farming threatened to convert existing forests but now, local indigenous communities are reclaiming the ecosystem, one tree at a time. Through the Community-Based Forest Management (CBMF) Program of the government, the Eastern Aguinaldo Community Development Association (EACODEA) was granted formal stewardship of over 1,170-hectare forest lands from 2005 to 2030. In July 2022, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Cordillera extended livelihood assistance to the EACODEA until they were able to establish a turmeric enterprise. EACODEA president Juanito Maguiwe said that before the program was implemented, they were already feeling the effects of climate change due to reduced forest cover. He said the implementation of the program is a big help not only in preserving the environment but also in sustaining their livelihood. “Since the implementation of the National Greening Program and CBMF program of DENR, the trees that we have planted are growing and we can now feel mountain breeze,” he said. Noli Mangiuwe, a member of the association, said widespread kaingin was a major problem prior to the implementation of the program. He recalled how unmanaged farming practices nearly erased the remaining woodlands. “Before the implementation of the CBFM, there were already problems. The exiting forests were being converted to kaingin,” he said. But with the CBFM, forest cover is slowly being restored. “The areas previously used as kaingin have been planted with forest trees and fruit trees which now serve as a source of income of the community,” he said. PIA CAR with reports from DENR

SHOWBIZ

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

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

Madonna collects seven trophies, including Artist of the Year, during a night that also marks her first VMAs performance in 23 years

Director marvels at RabGel’s growth in ‘Dating Alys Perez’

Taylor Swift takes Video of the Year and the inaugural Artist Director Honors, bringing her career total to 31 VMA trophies

Taylor Swift sets record, Madonna dominates 2026 MTV VMAs By Angelica Villanueva MADONNA dominated the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, taking home seven awards, including Artist of the Year, at the ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday night, Monday morning in Manila.

BTS earns three VMAs, including Song of the Year for ‘SWIM,’ following the group’s return to fullmember activities

The singer won for “Confessions II,” including Best Dance, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Visual Effects. She also shared the Best Collaboration award with Sabrina Carpenter for “Bring Your Love.” Madonna entered the ceremony as the most-nominated artist with 11 nods. She also opened the show with her first VMAs performance in 23 years. Taylor Swift also had a major night, winning Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and receiving the inaugural Artist Director Honors for her work behind the camera on visual storytelling. The awards brought Swift’s career total to 31 VMA wins, making her the most-awarded artist in the ceremony’s history. She had been tied with Beyoncé at 30 Moonman statuettes before the new honor. Swift dedicated her Video of the Year award to country music legend Dolly Parton, praising the late performer’s music and storytelling. “She handled this fame with such grace and love and gratitude,” Swift said. K-pop supergroup BTS took home three awards, including Best K-Pop, Best Group, and Song of the Year for “SWIM.” The song, the title track of BTS’ fifth studio album ARIRANG, earned the group its first Song of the Year win at the VMAs. It also competed in the Best K-Pop category against releases from Blackpink, Cortis, Katesye, Lisa, and Le Sserefim featuring BTS member j-hope. The wins came after BTS returned to group activities following years of solo projects and mandatory military service. ARIRANG marked the group’s first studio album as a full group in more than five years. Other winners included Lisa, who took Best Pop for “Dream,” featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi. Nirvana received the Video Vanguard Award. AFP

UNDREDS of fans packed Eastwood Cinema 6 on Sept. 26 for a special screening of the muchawaited finale of the series starring Rabin Angeles, Angela Muji, and Zeke Polina. The screams came fast and often, but the talkback session that followed right after the screaming offered a more reflective look at what the series meant to its cast.

From left: Zeke Polina, Angela Muji, and Rabin Angeles close out the final season of ‘Dating Alys Perez’

Asked how they wanted Dating Alys Perez to be remembered, Nickie Wang Angela returned to the message she has carried throughout the series. “All stories are beautiful, no matter how difficult or painful the journey may be. I’ve said this before: it’s not the end if it’s not happy,” she said. “I want the series to remind everyone to keep going and never give up on what they wish for in life.” Rabin agreed, simply saying he felt the same way. The actors have been surprised to discover viewers from other countries following the series, even when they cannot understand the dialogue. “I see comments all the time saying, ‘Love from this country’ or ‘Love from that country,’” Zeke said. “It surprises me every day to see how the love for the show, its impact, and its influence have crossed borders.” Zeke agreed that international response gives the series an even greater sense of purpose. “That’s the reason we’re doing this: to influence people,” he said, adding that knowing the story serves as a reminder to viewers is “such a blessing.” Angela admitted she initially assumed the series would be followed mainly by Filipino viewers. Instead, she discovered that audiences in other Asian countries were watching and even posting about it online. “It’s really heartwarming to know that our story has reached other countries,” she said. Rabin remains equally surprised. “Until now, I still can’t believe there are so many people supporting me,” he said. “I’m very happy that they are always there for us. I never expected the support for Dating Alys Perez to reach other countries.” But while the fans were busy celebrating the finale, director Crisanto Aquino was looking back at something else: just how much his young actors have changed. The director has worked with Rabin and Angela from Seducing Drake Palma to A Werewolf Boy and finally Dating Alys Perez, giving him a front-row seat to their development. And he remembers when emotional scenes

Very Wang

Jeff Fernando draws the line on showbiz stories in TV return By Angelica Villanueva ENTERTAINMENT journalist Jeff Fernando believes not every showbiz story needs to make it to the public, even as he prepares to trade celebrity scoops and blind items on GTV’s new daily program Chika Cart. Fernando, who has worked in media for more than 30 years, acknowledged during the show’s press conference that entertainment journalists sometimes come across stories they choose not to pursue because of the possible consequences for the people involved. “There are stories that are better left untold because a lot of people could get hurt. If you reveal everything you know, showbiz would have exploded by now,” Fernando said. For him, knowing what to report remains part of the job. He said his approach to Chika Cart is not far removed from his work as a journalist, where identifying the important points of a story or interview is part of the process. He added that the difference is the audience. “You have to be more careful because more people are watching. There are children watching, too. You have to be more careful about the news you choose because it’s more for the family. You can’t control your audience,” the journalist said. Chika Cart leans toward the lighter side of entertainment, mixing celebrity news, exclusive stories, blind items, and interviews with product features and online selling. Fernando hosts the program with comedian and host Donita Nose and content creator Baninay Bautista. His co-hosts admitted they were initially conscious about working with a longtime entertainment reporter. Baninay, who said she had not previously worked on a show centered on showbiz talk, recalled being careful about what she said around Fernando. She eventually found him willing to guide her on how to approach entertainment topics. “Instead of being scared, I became more inspired because you learn along the

At Eastwood Cinema 6, the leads of the Viva One series and their co-stars meet supporters for a special finale screening and talkback

were anything but easy. “They had a hard time crying,” the seasoned director recalled of Seducing Drake Palma. “Specifically, Rabin had difficulty crying. With Angela, I even had to shoot one scene again just to get her to shed a tear.” Now, he barely recognizes the actors he once had to patiently coach through those moments. “With Dating Alys Perez, I’m sometimes surprised by how good they have become,” he said. “I find myself thinking, ‘Why are they so good now?’” The biggest difference, he said, is the time it takes them to find the emotion. During Seducing Drake Palma, the director said, it could take as long as five minutes. Now, Rabin can be ready in less than a minute. “With Rabin, I don’t even have to give him much direction. He starts crying almost immediately,” he said. “They really faced the work, took it seriously, and gave it everything they had. They listened to me.” “I was genuinely surprised to see how far they have come,” he added. “That’s why I’m very, very proud of these two. I’m extremely proud of them.”

Veteran entertainment journalist Jeff Fernando brings more than three decades of media experience to his return to daily television

way,” Baninay said. Fernando also acknowledged one complication that comes with d e v e l o p i n g friendships in the industry. Becoming close to celebrities, he said, can make covering them difficult when they become involved in an issue. Still, he rejected the notion that every piece of information should

automatically become a story. “Showbiz is about getting along. We’re here to help each other. We know which stories should be put out,” he explained. The program also put its hosts on the other side of celebrity talk. Chika Cart premiered on Sept. 28 and airs from Monday to Friday from 5:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on GTV. Its online after-show, Chika Cart Add Pa More, follows from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on ATM’s YouTube and TikTok channels. From left: Jeff Fernando joins Baninay Bautista and Donita Nose for ‘Chika Cart,’ a weekday program mixing celebrity updates, interviews, blind items, and lighter entertainment fare

LIFE

C3 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

By Jasper Valdez

UXURY on a Filipino table does not always have to mean caviar, truffles, or imported ingredients. For Metiz executive chef and coowner Stephan Duhesme, it can also mean finding an exceptionally made nilupak or ube halaya, food that carries its own sense of place and familiarity.

Stephan Duhesme and his team draw on fermentation, drying and smoking to build bold flavors without reshaping Filipino food around European conventions

Duhesme said the restaurant has long been interested in looking at Filipino food without “Frenchifying” or “European-ifying” it. “Something such as nilupak, for example, or ube halaya, the really good stuff is hard to find,” he said. “And when you find something that’s really good, I think it’s worth as much as an expensive can of fish eggs.” For Duhesme, that search also raises a broader question about what Manila’s fine-dining scene can offer on its own terms. “What is something truly unique to Manila, to the Philippines, to Filipinos, that you can’t get in Paris, New York or London?” he said. “What is luxury for a Filipino in the Philippines, in the finedining scene? That’s what we’re trying to figure out.”

Luxury through a Filipino palate Executive chef Stephan Duhesme approaches fine dining by treating familiar Filipino ingredients and preparations as expressions of value in their own right

“Luxury is very cultural. What is luxury for one culture is not luxury for another. What we wanted to do was really push what we consider luxury as Filipinos,” Duhesme said. That idea formed the basis of a recent collaboration between Visa Infinite and Michelin Selected restaurant Metiz, where an exclusive dinner explored changing ideas of affluence through Filipino food. Visa Philippines country manager Jeffrey Navarro said the company is seeing a shift in what affluent Filipino consumers look for from premium experiences. “The modern Filipino affluent is evolving to seek more intentional and globally connected experiences, prioritizing personalization and meaning over traditional signals of status,” Navarro said. Visa is also expanding its experience-led programs through

Infinite Tastes: Beyond the Menu, centered on chef-led dining and the stories and craft behind it, and Visa Destinations, which focuses on curated travel. The Philippines is expected to join the Beyond the Menu roster. Alongside these experience-led programs, Visa has reorganized its Infinite offering into three tiers, with Visa Infinite covering the core travel and lifestyle benefits, Infinite Privilege adding a more curated level of access, and Infinite Private serving as an invitationonly tier for ultra-high-net-worth clients with more individualized services. Metiz gave that broader thinking a distinctly Filipino frame, organizing the dinner around four movements: Discovery, Elevation, Vitality, and Meaning. Discovery began with gulay at daing, using vegetables, bagoong, and gata. Elevation turned to merienda, pairing caramelized ensaymada with a “cheesy” Hokkaido scallop. Vitality took the form of hapunan, with dishes including dry-aged pork rack with adobo jus, patis, kalabasa, sitaw, shellfish, and bamboo shoot rice. Meaning closed the meal with himagas, including mangosteen, pomelo and mushrooms, followed by white tea ice cream with ube, carioca, and soybean. The menu also drew from preservation methods such as buro, drying and smoking, techniques Metiz uses to build stronger flavors rather than simply dress familiar dishes in a fine-dining format.

Guests experience a four-part menu that moves through different tiers while examining what indulgence can mean in a Filipino context

Much of that search comes back to flavor. Metiz leans into fermentation and bold levels of umami, salt, and acidity rather than tempering them to fit a more conventional fine-dining mold. “What we like to focus on is that we’re in pursuit of flavor. Flavor in itself is an experience,” Duhesme said.

Honoring decades-old appliances and the families that kept them

Diners can take advantage of the buildyour-own offer from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Build your own weekday lunch A customizable weekday menu lets diners choose a starter, main, side and drink, with selected upgrades available for a more substantial midday meal

The P595 starting price gives diners flexibility to build either a lighter lunch or a heartier combination depending on appetite and schedule

By Angelica Villanueva WEEKDAY lunches are often shaped by the clock, squeezed between meetings, errands and the rest of the day’s demands. LongHorn Steakhouse is taking a different approach with its Wild West Steakhouse Plates, giving diners room to slow down and build a midday meal around what they actually feel like eating. Available Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the customizable lunch offer starts at P595 and lets diners choose their own combination of starter, entrée, side, and drink, with optional upgrades for selected dishes and dessert. The format moves away from the usual fixed lunch set. Diners begin with a starter, choosing from Mixed Greens Salad or Shrimp and Lobster Chowder, while Loaded Potato Soup and Wild West Shrimp and Buffalo Chicken Bites are available for

an additional charge. The main course offers another round of choices. Garlic Herb Pork Cutlet, Oak-Smoked Barbecue Pork, and Wrangler Fried Chicken are among the standard selections. Diners can also upgrade to Wild Golden Barramundi, Pork Spare Ribs, Smokey Glazed Bacon Steak, or Braised Beef Shortplate. Each plate comes with a side, with options including sautéed French beans and onions, corn riblets, and glazed carrots and baby corn. More than the number of choices, the setup allows diners to decide what kind of lunch they want on a particular day. A lighter combination can work for a quick stop between appointments, while a heartier main and a few add-ons can turn the same offer into a longer sit-down meal. Iced tea or lemonade comes with each set. Those looking for something different can upgrade to one of LongHorn Steakhouse’s handcrafted drinks for P115. Dessert can also extend the meal beyond the usual weekday lunch routine. Strawberry Shortcake or Chocolate Stampede may be added for P275. The build-your-own approach also works for groups with different preferences, since each diner can put together a separate combination instead of ordering from a single predetermined set. It gives the lunch a degree of flexibility while keeping the experience within the restaurant’s Western steakhouse theme. With prices starting at P595, the Wild West Steakhouse Plates offer another way to approach the midday break, particularly for diners who want something less hurried than the usual grab-and-go lunch. The Wild West Steakhouse Plates are available during the designated weekday hours and cannot be combined with other discounts and promotions, including BFF and senior citizen discounts.

AS Hanabishi marks its 40th anniversary this year, the appliance brand is celebrating consumers whose longtime appliances have remained in their homes for decades. “With the help of Eat Bulaga, we came up with the Subok sa Tibay at Kalidad Awards to highlight the stories of trust and endurance of Filipinos with Hanabishi,” said Candice OngAng, vice president for operations of Hanabishi Appliances. Through Eat Bulaga, Hanabishi invited viewers to share stories about their old Hanabishi appliances. Five winners were selected from entries submitted from different parts of the country, along with a special prize for the owner of the oldest Hanabishi appliance. The winners were recently honored during the Subok sa Tibay at Kalidad Awards ceremony on the long-running noontime show, which has also been associated with Hanabishi for 16 years. Bossing Vic Sotto, Eat Bulaga host and Hanabishi brand ambassador, shared that the brand has been part of the show for 16 years and was among the first to support its popular Sugod Bahay segment. The top award went to Caroline Marcelo of Taytay, Rizal, whose Hanabishi Flat Iron is 39 years old, just a year younger than the brand itself. “This Hanabishi Iron is way older than me,” her daughter wrote in her letter entry to Eat Bulaga. “This was gifted to my parents for their wedding on March 7, 1987. And up to this day, we are still using that iron. It’s so durable and reliable.” The Marcelos received P20,000 in cash, along with Hanabishi appliances including the newly released Digital Pressure Cooker HDIGPC18IN1, Flat Iron HI83, Rice Cooker HHRC14FS, Mini Jumbo Fan HMJF7, Oven Toaster HO70, and Juice Blender HJB115. The other winners were Odessa Sengseng, whose Hanabishi Flat Iron has been with her family for 35 years; Dwight Jason Malabag, who

The local appliance brand’s vice president for operations Candice Ong-Ang (center) marks the company’s 40th year by recognizing Filipino households that have kept their appliances in use across generations

Caroline Marcelo (second from left) joins Vic Sotto (leftmost) and Allan K (rightmost) as her family’s nearly four-decade-old flat iron earns a top award

inherited a 36-year-old Hanabishi Super Blender from his grandfather; and Hermie Gavino, whose 30-year-old Hanabishi Oven Toaster was a prize her husband won in a Christmas party raffle. Also recognized were Epifania Ablaza, who has kept the Hanabishi Electric Fan used by her first grandchild for 20 years, and Raquel Tolentino, who has kept her Hanabishi Rice Cooker, a wedding gift, for 33 years. Each received P10,000 in cash, along with a Hanabishi Flat Iron HI38, Rice Cooker HHRC14FS, Mini Jumbo Fan HMJF7, Oven Toaster HO70, and Juice Blender HJB115. The winning appliances will be displayed during Hanabishi’s 40th anniversary celebration on Sept. 30 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. “As we mark our milestone 40th year, we are inspired by our consumers’ stories,” Ong-Ang said. “We look forward to being part of your household for 40 more years to come.”

Caroline Marcelo receives the top recognition for a flat iron her family has continued using since it was given to her parents as a wedding gift 39 years ago

LIFE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

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

PEOPLE

How an AI strategist

sees the human side of the AI revolution

AI strategist Justine Therese R. Malabanan emphasizes the importance of preparing people, not just deploying technology, as organizations navigate artificial intelligence adoption

By Nickie Wang

RTIFICIAL intelligence is often discussed as a technology story. But AI strategist Justine Therese R. Malabanan sees it as just as much a story about people.

A strategist and operator, Malabanan has developed operational frameworks across tier-one management consulting, Fortune 500 consumer goods, early-stage technology companies, and major tech platforms. Her trajectory includes consulting at Boston Consulting Group, brand management at Procter & Gamble, AI solutions management at a high-growth startup, and strategy leadership at Google. All insights, analyses, and opinions presented are entirely her own. An organization can have sophisticated AI tools, strong data, and ambitious plans. But if employees do not understand how the technology fits into their work or leaders fail to establish clear expectations, the investment may never translate into meaningful change. “AI is a catalyst or poison,” Malabanan observes. Used well, it can augment human work and accelerate decision-making. Used carelessly, it can introduce security risks, unreliable information, and poor business decisions The difference, in her view, comes down largely to how people are prepared to use it. Her career has moved between consumer brands, consulting, and technology. At Procter & Gamble,

she worked on Olay and Tide before gaining consulting experience in transformation and operating-model change and moving into technology and AI roles. Those experiences convinced her that technology is ultimately a means to an end. “Technology in general is just a vehicle to getting to the destination,” she explains. She learned that lesson during a digital transformation project with sales teams. A new digital tool helped log and process sales, but the biggest improvement came from changing the sellers’ mindset. Salespeople who had been largely reactive became more proactive and consultative, using purchase history and customer needs to recommend products and developing more strategic approaches to finding customers. A tool can enable a new way of working, but people still have to change how they think and behave. That is why Malabanan believes organizations sometimes misunderstand AI adoption. Some treat AI as a magical technology capable of doing everything. Others expect employees to start using it immediately. Neither reflects the reality of

Johann Michael T. Fronda is considering job offers from a cake shop and SM Investments while preparing for his board exam

can produce incorrect or misleading information. Malabanan points to hallucination risks and stresses that users should not treat every output as fact. Security is another concern. Employees may enter confidential information into AI tools or rely blindly on AI-generated findings. Organizations therefore For Justine, effective AI implementation requires need governance clear ownership, training, governance and human mechanisms covering oversight what information can be used, what actions AI can take, and when human review is effective implementation. AI needs required. training and refinement. Employees Malabanan identifies three need to know when to use it, how to important organizational capabilities: review its output, and what to do with champion trainers, governance teams, the results. and innovation teams. Successful adoption, she Champion trainers help employees emphasizes, requires end-tounderstand how AI applies to their end engagement. Teams should workflows. Governance teams understand what the AI tool is for, establish security and accuracy how to refine its outputs, and what guardrails. Innovation teams explore actions should follow. The workflow how AI applications can evolve. should then be documented so others Leadership also has an important can reproduce it. role. Leaders need to communicate “There needs to be clear ownership not only that AI matters but also how it of the AI tool by the individuals and is expected to be used. Organizations the team,” she notes. should share quick wins, demonstrate That ownership matters because AI

Victoria A. Kimmayong, a magna cum laude graduate in Business Administration from St. Louis University, now works as an operations assistant at SM Baguio

Davao City-born Khyle Aaron Montebon, a Computer Science graduate, was part of the SM ScholarGraduates Class of 2023

SM scholars living out the founders’ vision THE graduation ceremony may have lasted a few hours, but for 274 SM scholars, Sept. 21 marked the beginning of something much bigger. SM Foundation welcomed its newest batch of scholar-graduates at the SMX Convention Center during the 2026 Presentation of the SM College Scholar Graduates, celebrating not only the diplomas they earned but also the opportunities waiting beyond the classroom. For many, that next chapter is already underway: a first job, a growing career, and, in some cases, the chance to help others in the same way they were helped. Among the Class of 2026 graduates now employed is Victoria A. Kimmayong of Sagada, Mountain Province. Kimmayong graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Business Administration, major in Financial Management, from St. Louis University in Baguio, and now works as an operations assistant in tenant relations at SM Baguio. Her most memorable moment as a scholar came during her scholarship interview. A former SM scholar conducted the interview and

encouraged her, giving Kimmayong the confidence that eventually led to her acceptance. With her tuition covered, she was able to focus on her studies. A summer apprenticeship at Supplies Stationery Inc., arranged through SM Foundation’s summer job program, later gave her practical experience that helped her secure her current position at SM Baguio. “I look forward to working hard with SM Baguio, not only to support my family but also to upskill myself to prove my worth,” she said. Fellow Class of 2026 graduate Johann Michael T. Fronda is also preparing for what comes next. The Taguig City native is weighing two job offers, one from Goldilocks and another from SM Investments, while studying for his board exam in October. The eldest of two children, Fronda graduated cum laude with a degree in BS Electronics Engineering from National University-Manila. His mother teaches at Athens Academy, while his father works as a call center agent. Khyle Aaron Montebon’s story takes the scholarship journey in another direction.

The Davao City-born Computer Science graduate is now CEO of Gap Linker Technologies Inc., a startup he co-founded.

The second of four children of a saleswoman and a driver, Montebon credits resourcefulness and patience as the most valuable lessons from

affected KPIs,, and show concrete examples of how AI has improved workflows. Before-and-after process maps can help employees see AI as a way to improve their work rather than add another layer. Malabanan’s approach to stakeholder alignment rests on executive sponsorship, internal allies, and objective truths. Executives provide authority and advocacy. Internal allies understand the business well enough to demonstrate why change is worthwhile. Objective metrics provide a basis for determining whether it is working. Her work on Olay and Tide also taught her the importance of customer centricity, a principle she continues to apply in B2B technology. “A successful sale isn’t won from charm or luck,” she notes. “It’s from a productive exchange of value between businesses and clients.” That principle applies to AI adoption, too. The technology must make sense to the people who use it. Malabanan believes AI is not a temporary business trend, comparing its transformation to the arrival of the Internet. She sees AI’s future as depending on how quickly companies adopt new technology and how effectively they learn to adapt. his scholarship years. “The opportunity the foundation gave me didn’t just fund my education,” he said. “It became the solid foundation for where I stand in my professional and entrepreneurial life today.” His experience reflects the vision of SM founder Henry “Tatang” Sy Sr., who believed that helping one scholar could eventually help an entire family move forward. Montebon now supports two younger siblings still in school, including one pursuing medicine, as well as a cousin in college and his grandparents’ medical needs. “It is a privilege to pay forward the opportunity I received and live out the foundation’s vision,” he said. “Step by step, we are improving our living standards through house renovations and by investing in our family’s future.” Montebon also carries a lesson he once learned from Sy. “You have to have a dream, whether big or small. Then plan, focus, work hard, and be very determined to achieve your goals.” The stories of Kimmayong, Fronda, and Montebon show where a scholarship can lead: into a first job, a professional career, or even a business of their own.

Khyle Aaron Montebon (first from right) now leads Gap Linker Technologies Inc. as CEO and co-founder, building on lessons in resourcefulness and patience he first learned as an SM scholar