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PH slams Chinese Coast Guard flag-raising near Bajo de Masinloc By Rex Espiritu and Katrina Manubay THE Philippines strongly pushed back against a flag-raising ceremony held by the China Coast Guard (CCG) near Bajo de Masinloc, saying the activity does not alter the legal status of
the maritime feature in the West Philippine Sea. The Chinese Embassy in Manila said the CCG conducted the flag-raising ceremony in waters near Bajo de Masinloc as part of efforts to “keep watch over China’s maritime sovereignty.” Next page
VOL. XL • NO. 231 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026 •
Trillanes: China funding VP, kin Ex-senator claims P319m flowed thru firm, foundation linked to Dutertes By Maricel V. Cruz, Katrina Manubay, Ram Superable and Charles Dantes
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ORMER Senator Antonio Trillanes IV alleged Friday that more than P319 million in funds from China flowed through Cale88 Foods Corp., a company linked to VP Sara Duterte’s husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio. H e a l s o • Trillanes felt unwelcome claimed in impeachment court that the Ta p a n g at Mala- • Palace: Probe claims sakit Alif backed by evidence liance for the Philippines Inc., a foundation associated with Duterte, received P150 million from the Chinese Embassy in 2019 for the construction of 13 classrooms. “I researched this with my team, and I stand by it 100 percent,” he said at a news conference in San Juan City, a day after withdrawing as a witness for the prosecution in the Vice President's impeachment trial. Next page
REWARDING DAY. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. walks through a crowd of teachers and staff of the Department of Education after the mass oath-taking ceremony of over four thousand newly-promoted employees of the DepEd Region 2 in Santiago City, Isabela as part of the celebration of National Teachers’ Month. PCO
300k farmers, fishers P6.87b lost to El Niño, 223k drivers to get farmers hit by drought this early and P3b fuel subsidy
By Othel V. Campos, Rio N. Araja and Maricel V. Cruz
ACCUSATIONS. A day after withdrawing as a witness for the prosecution in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, former senator Antonio ‘Sonny’ Trillanes IV held a press conference at Club Filipino to detail his accusations against the Vice President. Manny Palmero
THE strong El Niño has inflicted P6.87 billion in agricultural damage across the country, affecting more than 223,000 farmers and 249,028 hectares of farmlands, even as the Department of Agriculture (DA) braces for the weather phenomenon to intensify through the end of the year and potentially persist into the first half of 2027. Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is ramping up nationwide
Loren may rejoin Senate majority— counsel By Joel E. Zurbano SENATOR Loren Legarda has not ruled out the possibility of engaging in discussions with colleagues regarding her return to the country soon and also rejoining the Senate majority, according to her spokesperson lawyer Tony La Viña. In an interview with One News' The Big Story on Thursday, La Viña commented on the frequent chang-
es in Senate leadership. He said it would not be surprising if Legarda shifts back to the majority, considering that the last four years have seen four different Senate Presidents. “I will not rule that out. In the last four years there have been four Senate Presidents. They do that all the time; I wouldn’t be surprised if she does that (shift alliances),” said La Viña. Next page
Virata, Marcos Sr. prime minister, 95 By Othel V. Campos
Cesar Virata
FORMER Prime Minister Cesar Virata, who was also the country's longestserving finance chief, died Friday at 95, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) announced. Virata, the last prime minister of the
Philippines under the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., died on Friday at 95. "It is with deep sorrow that the bank announces the passing of Mr. Cesar E.A. Virata, our corporate vice chairperson/ Director, today, October 2, 2026," RCBC said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange. Next page
measures to secure water supplies, protect forests and watersheds, prevent forest fires, and safeguard communities and ecosystems as El Niño threatens to intensify. In another development, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has started its implementation of preparedness and risk-mitigating measures to address the possible effects of the super El Niño phenomenon. The DA said losses have been reported across rice, corn, cassava, highvalue crops, livestock and poultry, with field assessments from 14 regions putting total production losses at 163,812 Next page
By Alena Mae S. Flores SOME 300,000 farmers, fishermen, and drivers hauling agricultural crops will get P3 billion in fuel subsidy starting this month as part of an assistance package directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to help the agriculture sector cope with the effects of El Nino and soaring fuel prices. Meanwhile, consumers can expect a mixed oil price movement next week with gasoline increasing by as much as P1.80 per liter and diesel going down by P0.50 to P0.80 per liter Next page
Young jin takes 4th PH gold as medal haul grows By Riera U. Mallari NAGOYA (Powered by PLDT Home)—Young jin Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape came out of nowhere to deliver Team Philippines’ 4th gold medal, leading a six-medal haul on Friday, three silvers from two of his taekwondo teammates and boxer Carlos Paalam, and bronze finishes in beach volleyball and jiu-jitsu at the Next page 20th Asian Games.
GOLDEN BREAKTHROUGH. Filipino standout
Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape, top photo, proudly waves the flag after delivering a historic breakthrough by winning the gold in the Mixed Individual Virtual Taekwondo competition at Mat 2 of the Toyohashi Gymnasium in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Inset shows Alex Eala showing off her bronze medal finish in tennis. POC
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“You will see these in the coming days. We will turn everything over to the prosecution team. I’m confident they have even more,” he added. Trillanes said the allegations were based on documents and contracts from various government agencies that his team had examined. He also accused VP Duterte, her father—former President Rodrigo Duterte—and siblings of allegedly receiving payoffs from Davao-based businessman Samuel “Sammy” Uy, whom he has repeatedly described as a known drug lord in Davao. Trillanes ‘felt unwelcome’ in Senate Earlier, Senate Impeachment Court presiding officer Francis Escudero declined to issue a subpoena for Trillanes “at this time,” but said the court could not prevent the prosecution from call-
P6.87b... From A1
metric tons (MT). The figures remain subject to validation. Corn accounted for most of the reported losses at 126,883 MT, equivalent to about 1.44 percent of the government’s 8.80-million-MT production target for 2026. Rice losses reached 25,196 MT, or about 0.12 percent of the 20.29-million-MT national production target this year. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA is preparing for a potentially stronger El Niño by securing fertilizer, bio-fertilizer and seeds for areas with sufficient
Young... From A1
Yape, 22, completed a dazzling twoday campaign by winning the gold in the mixed individual division of virtual taekwondo, which made its games’ debut at the Toyohashi Gymnasium, adding to the bronze he secured in men’s individual poomsae a day earlier. In virtual taekwondo, jins wear virtual reality headsets and motion-tracking sensors to control their digital avatars. Incorporating video game elements, competitors have health bars that their opponents must deplete through successful attacks. Yape’s victory in the virtual event gave the Philippines its fourth gold medal of the games (4-6-16 gold-silver-bronze) and moved the country past its overall medal haul from the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games (4-2-12). The country's three other golds came from gymnast Carlos Yulo in vault and floor exercise, and pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena. Yape survived Saudi Arabia’s Dunya Bushuaib A Saber, 2-1, in the round of 16 before sweeping Japan’s Hayate Suzuki, 2-0, in the quarterfinals and Kazakhstan’s Rita Bakisheva, 2-0, in the semifinals. He saved his most dominant performance for the gold-medal match, overwhelming Vietnam’s Chau Ngoc Tuyet Sang, 2-0, by scores of 500-0 and 620-0.
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The 13-man Senate majority bloc includes Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Senators Paulo Benigno Aquino IV, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Francis Pangilinan, the Tulfo brothers Erwin and Raffy, Lito Lapid, Panfilo Lacson, Risa Hontiveros, Joel Villanueva, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Francis Escudero, and Vicente Sotto III. The minority bloc consists of Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Christopher Lawrence Go, Ronald dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robinhood Padilla, siblings Camille and Mark Villar, and Legarda. Legarda has extended her medical leave, marking her sixth consecutive request for official absence due to a serious illness, according to Senate Secretary Rey Bantug.
Virata,... From A1
"Mr. Virata was a valuable part of the organization, having been a director of the bank since 1995 and the board's corporate vice chairperson for 26 years," the bank said. The Department of Finance said it mourns the passing of Virata who was born on Dec. 12, 1930. “We honor his service to the nation and extend our deepest condolences to his family and
ing him voluntarily. Trillanes criticized the decision, saying he felt unwelcome in the Senate. “Does the impeachment court have that kind of power? Does the presiding officer have the power to… hold this off for now?” he asked in a press briefing. The ex-senator emphasized that although he wanted to address why the House prosecutors removed him from their witness list, doing so might overshadow his revelations. In an exclusive interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel, Trillanes said the resistance came not from the prosecution panel but from a “senator judge,” though he did not identify the official. Impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol rejected the claim, saying Trillanes had been allowed to enter the Senate and sit in the main gallery reserved for VIPs. Tongol said the prosecution had not formally identified Trillanes early enough for the court to prepare for
his appearance and any documents he might bring. “It is the prosecution’s prerogative whether or not to call Trillanes to the witness stand,” Tongol said. “There is no effort to prevent him. The impeachment court is ready for his testimony.” Palace: Probe if evidence supports it Malacañang said the allegations should be investigated if supported by sufficient evidence. “If there is sufficient evidence, this should not be ignored,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said. Castro said the administration would not prejudge the allegations but stressed that evidence showing public officials accepted money from a foreign government should be examined. Trillanes said Cale88, registered as a banana-chip factory and exporter, reported P150 million in sales in 2024 but paid only P10,705 in income taxes. Its 2024 general information sheet list-
ed zero rank-and-file employees and a cash balance of P400,294, he said. Securities and Exchange Commission records showed Manases Carpio was an incorporator, director and shareholder of Cale88 from 2021 to 2024, with his reported stake reaching 47.5 percent in 2024 before disappearing from company records in 2025. “This is how China supports the Duterte couple. We should be alarmed because she is the Vice President, and there are national security implications,” Trillanes said. “It is prohibited to receive money from a foreign government, especially when you are a high-ranking official of the national government. If that is not impeachable, I don’t know what is,” he added. Barbers: Disclosures deserve scrutiny House prosecution adviser and spokesperson Ace Barbers likewise said Trillanes’ disclosures deserved
serious scrutiny, citing government records that he said had corroborated portions of the financial trail. Barbers said 19 transactions randomly selected from the annexes of Trillanes’ sworn affidavit during the April 22 House Committee on Justice hearing all had corresponding transactions in Anti-Money Laundering Council records. “Nineteen out of 19 transactions checked had corresponding transactions in the AMLC records. Not one. Not two. Nineteen out of 19,” Barbers said. He said prosecutors later compared bank records obtained through the impeachment court with AMLC information, with all 15 accounts initially cross-checked matching accounts identified in AMLC records. “Senator Trillanes did not merely give us accusations. He identified a financial trail. And portions of that trail have already been independently corroborated by official records,” Barbers said.
water, while promoting alternative crops such as corn and drought-resistant mung beans in areas facing water shortages. He said the country’s rice supply remains adequate, with worst-case estimates showing buffer stocks still covering about 75 days of consumption by the end of December and into January, supported by continuing harvests and water reserves in major dams replenished by recent floods. Tiu Laurel said the government also has the option to import rice if prolonged dry conditions significantly affect domestic production. He said imports would not necessarily lead to higher retail prices, as the DA is taking measures to keep global
rice prices at reasonable levels. He stressed, however, that the impact on next year’s crop has yet to be determined and would depend on whether the dry spell persists into the first half of 2027. Based on the latest DOST-PAGASA outlook cited by the DA, a strong El Niño is already present in the tropical Pacific, with most models indicating that the phenomenon could persist through the first half of 2027 and reach a very strong state by the end of this year. The DA has deployed P10.96 billion in interventions to cushion the impact on farmers, exceeding the value of agricultural damage reported so far. Of the total, P10.53 billion went
to production support, including seeds, fertilizers and soil conditioners, while the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. released P427.07 million in indemnification to 42,383 affected farmers. The government has also installed 338 water pumps in several regions, distributed 23,459 native chickens and conducted cloud-seeding operations in agricultural and watershed areas in Cagayan Valley, including the Magat Dam area. Water supply conditions at major dams remain generally stable, with reservoirs above their respective lowwater levels. Most are also above their operational rule curves following recoveries since around midyear.
PH...
Yape finished the two-round final with a staggering 1,120-0 advantage in remaining HP, highlighted by 21 kicks, five head kicks and five blocks. The gold capped an extraordinary campaign for the versatile Filipino jin, who had already stood on the podium in traditional poomsae after scoring 9.0900 for bronze on Thursday. Meanwhile, Tachiana Keizha Mangin and Tokyo Olympian Kurt Barbosa failed to match Yape’s gold. Mangin, the 2024 World Taekwondo Junior champion and the 2025 SEA Games gold medalist, settled for the silver in the women’s 49kg finals following a 0-2 loss to China’s Ma Jingyue. The 18-year-old Mangin defeated Kazakhstan’s Rita Bakisheva, 2-1; Taipei’s Wang Chieh-ling, 2-1; and Japan’s Ruka Okamoto, 2-1, on her way to the finals. Barbosa, on the other hand, fell in the 58kg gold-medal match to Kazakhstan’s Tleules Tamirlan, 2-0, following wins over Abdullah Essa Almushraf, 2-0; Japan’s Hidetaka Maeda, 2-1; and Jordan’s Jafar Aldaoud, 2-0. While Yape celebrated a historic double-podium finish, Paalam endured one of the most painful endings of the Philippine boxing campaign. The Tokyo Olympic silver medalist settled for silver after losing a 2-3 split decision to Japan’s Rui Yamaguchi in the men’s 55kg final at the Nishio Gymnasium.
300k... Agriculture Undersecretary Arrey Perez said the fuel subsidy will be distributed by the Department of Agriculture as part of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport framework initiated by the administration in March to address the impact of the sharp rise in oil prices on account of the Middle East war. Perez said the DA is working with Land Bank of the Philippines for ways to further speed up the release and distribution of the fuel subsidy through the bank’s network of branches and automated teller machines. Farmers and fishermen will receive a one-time fuel subsidy of P5,000 for their mechanized implements such as tractors and motorized bancas. Delivery-truck drivers will receive a weekly fuel subsidy of P2,000 to help them sustain frequent delivery trips from the farms to markets in Metro Manila and other parts of the country. Perez said the Toll Regulatory Board is also discussing with tollway operators the possibility of exempting agri-delivery trucks from tolls until Dec. 31. “In addition to fuel subsidy, we are
also working on toll holiday or discount for agri truckers,” said Perez. Perez also said the DA hopes to reach an agreement with the tollway operators soon so the toll holiday can be implemented within the month. The new round of fuel assistance under the UPLIFT will provide relief to vulnerable sectors as the benchmark Brent oil hit $100 per barrel on Sept. 9, the first time since July amid renewed US-Iran tension. Farmers and fisherfolk are the first targets of the fresh UPLIFT assistance, as a big chunk of their expenses goes to fuel for their palay harvesters and motorized bancas. Higher cooking gas prices Meanwhile, industry sources said consumers would have to brace for higher cooking gas prices of as much as P18 per kilo or P198 per 11-kilo tank this month. Arnel Ty, Regasco Inc. president, said this is driven by the $65 per metric ton increase in the contract price of liquefied petroleum gas in the world market for October. He said that to minimize the impact on consumers, Regasco will implement a staggered increase equivalent to P10 per kilo on Oct. 3, P5 per kilo on Oct. 10 and P3 per kilo on Oct. 17. Regasco’s suggested retail price for an 11-kilo tank is at P1,196 as of Friday.
Bantug said the senator's medical leave encompasses three distinct periods: September 21 through 23, September 28 through October 2, and October 5 through 9. The upper chamber's leaders, including Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, have said Legarda is receiving treatment for lung-related health issues, though they have not provided specific details about her condition or recovery timeline. Dela Rosa, who is currently the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, is in hiding, while Estrada and Marcoleta are presently in police custody, facing cases at the Sandiganbayan. Legarda's health concerns have been exacerbated by stress, according to La Viña, who mentioned her condition worsens under tension, necessitating her stay abroad for medical care
until at least October 9. La Viña earlier expressed optimism about Legarda’s return to the Senate by November, emphasizing her eagerness to resume her responsibilities. He pointed out that the senator has no legal restrictions preventing her return to the country and criticized the ongoing investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman regarding alleged plunder and graft linked to solar energy projects worth over P10 billion. The Ombudsman is investigating allegations against Legarda and Leviste related to a solar power franchise associated with Leviste's company, claims which they have both denied as "unfounded and without merit." La Viña characterized the investigation as "lawfare" and "political persecution," indicating a misuse of legal mechanisms typically used against government critics. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has described Legarda and her
son, Rep. Leandro Leviste, as “big fish” amid an investigation into solar energy projects reportedly worth P10 billion. Meanwhile, National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag urged Leviste to return to the Philippines and face a qualified human trafficking complaint filed against him by the agency before the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice. Remulla said the two lawmakers appeared to be staying abroad to avoid accountability for their alleged involvement in the projects. “Loren Legarda has not returned. Perhaps she no longer wants to return. She and Leandro Leviste are also big fish,” Remulla said at a press conference. “What I am saying is that they may no longer return because they appear to be avoiding accountability for what they have done,” he added. With Gwyneth Nolasco and Rex Espiritu
But Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela immediately disputed China’s characterization of the activity, calling it a misleading portrayal of the situation. Tarriela said Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, is part of Philippine territory. “The China Coast Guard’s National Day flag-raising ceremony near Bajo de Masinloc, described as ‘keeping watch over China’s maritime sovereignty,’ is a misleading portrayal of the reality on the ground,” Tarriela said. Under the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Bajo de Masinloc generates a territorial sea extending up to 12 nautical miles and a contiguous zone extending up to 24 nautical miles. Tarriela said waters beyond these zones fall within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Bajo de Masinloc has remained a major flashpoint in the WPS since the 2012 standoff between Philippine and Chinese vessels. In July 2026, the Philippines deposited its official nautical chart of Bajo de Masinloc and its surrounding maritime zones with the United Nations, placing the country’s official maritime information on the international record. As this developed, the Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday rejected China’s claim to sovereign rights and jurisdiction over waters off Batanes after sending a research vessel to the area. “The Department firmly and strongly rejects the Chinese Embassy's assertion that China has sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the waters off Batanes,” the DFA said. “The Chinese research and survey vessel JIA HAI KE 7 was detected operating approximately 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, well within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” it added. Earlier, Chinese Embassy in Manila Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei defended the presence of the research vessel. “The relevant Chinese research vessel is conducting normal operations in waters under China’s jurisdiction, in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” he said. For its part, the PCG said it had forced the Chinese research vessel to leave the area. The DFA also reaffirmed that the PCG was carrying out lawful, routine law enforcement operations in response to suspected unauthorized marine scientific research (MSR) in the waters off Batanes. “We strongly call on China to fulfill its obligations under international law and avoid actions that are counterproductive and undermine efforts to rebuild mutual trust,” the DFA said. In July, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro downplayed the claims of Chinese scholars that Batanes belongs to China through Taiwan.
loved ones. May he rest in peace,” it said. “The Philippines has lost a great public servant. My deepest condolences to his family. May the loss of PM Virata remind us of the gains we made with a leader like him. Thank you, PM Virata, for the example and for the foundations you left us,” said former finance secretary Cesar Purisima. The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) cited Virata’s contributions to economic management, public service and nation-building.
It said Virata, whom it recognized as its Management Person of the Year in 1981, exemplified professional management and public service during a career that spanned the private and public sectors. The MAP said his work was marked by managerial competence, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility to the nation. “His leadership stands as an enduring example of how integrity, competence, and principled leadership can be placed in the service of the greater
good,” the MAP said. The MAP said it would remember Virata as a statesman and management leader whose career reflected a commitment to nation-building. “May his legacy of integrity, professionalism and devoted service to the country continue to inspire generations of Filipino leaders and managers,” the group said. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also mourned the passing of Virata and extended its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
“Minister Virata devoted his life to public service and to strengthening the Philippine economy and financial system. For the Philippine capital market, his legacy is especially enduring. As an incorporator of the Philippine Stock Exchange and a leading proponent of the country’s fixed-income trading platform, he helped establish institutions and market infrastructure that have supported the development of a deeper, more modern and more resilient capital market,” the SEC said in a statement.
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Army assists major anti-trafficking ops in Zambo Sibugay By Rex Espiritu THE Philippine Army’s Joint Task Force (JTF) ZAMPELAN has provided security support during a major inter-agency operation targeting suspected human trafficking, immigration violations, and other transnational criminal activities in Alicia and Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay on Friday. The operation stemmed from sustained intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination concerning suspected illegal activities in the area involving around 200 foreign nationals. Through Joint Task Group IGSOON under the 102nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division, JTF ZAMPELAN secured the operational areas, routes, and participating government personnel as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Bureau of Immigration (BI) conducted law-enforcement and immigration procedures. The immigration status and individual circumstances of the foreign nationals, as well as their possible involvement in unlawful activities, remain subject to verification and investigation by the competent authorities. Authorities are also examining indications that some individuals may have been subjected to human trafficking, exploitation, coercion, unlawful recruitment, restriction of movement, or other related offenses. Among the significant items recovered during the operation were an estimated 2,000 mobile phones, along with numerous computers, laptops, and other electronic equipment and materials.
ARMY JOINS MULTI-AGENCY OPS. The Army’s Joint Task Force Zambelan provides support to a major multi-agency operation against human trafficking and other international crimes involving some 200 foreign nationals in Zamboanga Sibugay province.
‘Education must go beyond classrooms’ By Charles Dantes and Brenda Jocson
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RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday enjoined parents, teachers, local officials and law enforcement agencies to work together to protect students from violence, underscoring that education must go beyond classroom instructions to include children’s health and safety.
Dizon wants Naga City safe, free from floods PUBLIC Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo on Friday inspected a completed three-meter-high revetment wall along the Bicol River as part of the government’s flood-mitigation efforts in the city. The structure was designed to help contain river waters and protect lowlying communities, including barangays Triangulo and Tabuco, from flooding. The inspection formed part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB), a government initiative aimed at reducing flooding in vulnerable areas through river and creek desilting, drainage clearing, removal of obstructions and rehabilitation of flood-control facilities. OKB operations in Naga began in February and cover 29 rivers and creeks and two lakes. Vito Barcelo
BOC seizes P6.66-m chicken meat at Subic THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized a ₱6.66-million misdeclared shipment of frozen chicken and fish tofu at the Port of Subic. The shipment, imported from Hong Kong in a 40-foot container, was flagged for inspection based on intelligence information. Customs agents found 1,380 cartons of frozen chicken breast and 174 cartons of frozen fish tofu. The package was recommended for the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention for alleged violations of food safety and customs laws, including the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. Port of Subic district collector lawyer Geniefelle Lagmay said the interception underscored the BOC’s duty to protect the country’s borders and ensure compliance with customs regulations. Vito Barcelo
House panel approves bill on bamboo industry THE House Committee on Agriculture and Food chaired by Quezon Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga has approved a substitute bill seeking to strengthen the country’s bamboo industry by recognizing the plant as both a high-value and industrial crop and establishing a national framework linking farmers to processors, businesses and markets. The substitute bill, approved Tuesday, seeks to strengthen Republic Act (RA) 7900, or the “High-Value Crops Development Act of 1995,” and institutionalize the National High-Value Crops Development and Bioeconomy Program. It consolidates House Bill (HB) 11189 authored by Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and HB 11486 authored by Bukidnon 1st District Rep. Jose Manuel Alba. Speaker Faustino Dy III, who has been pushing for the development and modernization of the Philippine bamboo industry, welcomed the committee action as part of efforts in the House to turn bamboo into a sustainable source of livelihood and economic activity. Maricel V. Cruz
HONORING ‘TATA KIKO.’ Catholic devotees in General Trias City, Cavite sway in a traditional street dancing highlighting the celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi locally known as ‘Tata Kiko.’ Dennis Abrina
AMLC exec set to testify Monday in impeach trial By Maricel V. Cruz THE House prosecution team expects the much-awaited testimony of AntiMoney Laundering Council (AMLC) Secretariat executive director Ronel Buenaventura to finally push through Monday, Oct. 5, in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial after the defense was given more time to review voluminous financial records. “That is our understanding. We had adjourned today so that we can resume on Monday for the AMLC executive director testimony,” House prosecutor Terry Ridon of Bicol Saro Party-list said. Buenaventura’s testimony was deferred after Duterte’s defense team
sought additional time to examine the AMLC records and prepare for crossexamination. Ridon said the postponement should give the defense sufficient opportunity to study the documents before Buenaventura takes the witness stand. “This provides an opportunity for the defense to peruse all of the documents that they had been mentioning (about). There are voluminous documents so that they can adequately prepare for the direct and for the cross,” he said. House lead prosecutor Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said prosecutors had pushed to proceed with the AMLC presentation Thursday as they sought to expedite the trial.
“It has always been our intention to expedite the trial, the presentation of the evidence of the prosecution. And as you have witnessed, we insisted on proceeding to the presentation of AMLC,” Luistro said. The prosecution nevertheless accepted the court’s decision to defer the testimony. “But of course, we wish to express as well our complete submission to the authority of the Honorable Impeachment Court,” Luistro said. Beyond seeking more preparation time, Duterte’s defense invoked the confidentiality provisions of Section 8-A of the Anti-Money Laundering Act in questioning the disclosure and use of AMLC records in the impeachment proceedings.
At the same time, the President said more than 82,000 teachers and school heads nationwide have been promoted under the government’s Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System. In remarks during his visit to Patul Elementary School in Santiago City, Isabela, the President said the government was strengthening programs to address students’ nutritional and health needs while also taking steps to prevent violence in schools. “Education is not only about teaching in the classroom but also about caring for the health of children and ensuring their safety in school,” Marcos said. The Chief Executive cited recent incidents of violence in schools in Tacloban, South Cotabato and Zamboanga, saying these incidents underscored the need for greater vigilance among parents, teachers, government agencies and communities. “Let us closely watch over our children. Let us make sure they do not get involved in such acts,” he stressed. Marcos said parents should pay attention to changes in their children’s behavior, particularly if they become unusually withdrawn, sad or angry. The President also said preventing violence in schools could not be left solely to the police, teachers, parents or the government. “We all need to unite and work together. Let us closely watch over our children,” he added. Marcos also highlighted government programs intended to address the broader needs of students, including school feeding initiatives for children who are underweight or undersized. He also cited the government’s YAKAP program, which he said provides health services not only to students but also to teachers and parents.
Nartatez ensures cops will continue doing traffic duties alongside NCAP By Vince Lopez PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to assist local authorities in maintaining road discipline and public order even as Metro Manila local government units prepare to resume the enforcement of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) next week. Nartatez said the PNP supports lawful efforts aimed at improving traffic safety and compliance with road regulations. “The Philippine National Police respects the decision allowing the resumption of NCAP and supports lawful measures that promote road discipline, traffic safety, and efficient enforcement. We encourage all motorists to comply with traffic regulations and remain informed of local ordinances,” Nartatez said. The local governments of Manila, Que-
zon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and San Juan are set to resume NCAP implementation on October 5. The system uses CCTV cameras, digital cameras, and other technologies to document traffic violations without requiring traffic enforcers to stop motorists. The resumption follows the Supreme Court’s June 3, 2026 decision that dismissed consolidated petitions challenging NCAP ordinances in Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque and Muntinlupa. The decision, made public on July 9, also lifted the remaining temporary restraining order against the local ordinances. While the PNP is not the primary implementing agency for NCAP, Nartatez said police units have been instructed to assist the concerned local governments in its implementation as needed.
WHERE FLOWERS BLOOM, SO DOES HOPE. A woman in Barangay Banong, La Trinidad, Benguet tends to her field Anthuriums which she breeds with extreme loving care to sustain her supply flower shops in Baguio City and Metro Manila. Dave Leprozo
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‘Nat’l agencies, LGUs on one gov’t team’ E By Charles Dantes
XECUTIVE Secretary Ralph G. Recto urged national agencies and local government units to strengthen their partnership and deliver services and programs directly to communities.
TAUSUG ART FOR PEACE. Visual artist Warina Shushil Bint Ismuraji showcases her work during ‘COLORATURA: Voices for Peace Unbound,’ an art and cultural gathering promoting peace and solidarity through Tausug art, heritage and cuisine at Moms Halal Restaurant and Events Place along Del Monte Avenue in Quezon City. Edd Castro
Addressing mayors and local leaders at the National Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Visayas in Clark, Pampanga, Recto said national and local governments should act as partners, not competitors, in meeting Filipinos’ needs. “A reminder: We do not have two governments. Local government is not a competitor of the national government. We are one team,” Recto said. “You are our partners, allies and hands in every community. We will continue to listen, collaborate and deliver results with you,” he added. Recto said the partnership must translate into resources, programs and projects that enable LGUs to provide better services to their constituents. Under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., nearly 30 percent of national government revenue collections will automatically be distributed to provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays, Recto noted. The National Tax Allotment for LGUs is expected to reach almost P1.4 trillion in 2027, the largest in Philippine history, with P274.36 billion allocated to LGUs in the Visayas. Recto said local chief executives are closest to their communities and best positioned to identify their constituents’ needs, from poblacions to far-flung barangays and sitios. The national government, he said, must provide the resources and institutional support needed to address those priorities. The partnership is also reflected in the Local Government Support Fund, which received P57.87 billion this year, with P58.53 billion proposed in the 2027 national budget for programs including food assistance, roads, water systems and health facilities. Each barangay nationwide has also received P200,000 for local development initiatives, including college assistance for five graduating students per barangay. In the Visayas, national agencies and LGUs are working on programs to strengthen energy security, create jobs, attract investments and improve infrastructure.
IN BRIEF P983.5 million set Security forces vow better cooperation THE co-chairs of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center signed three resolutions aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation during the 6th National JPSCC meeting hosted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Malate, Manila, on Sept. 29. The senior officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and PCG reaffirmed their commitment to harmonizing national security strategies, strengthening intelligence sharing and enhancing joint military, police and maritime operations against internal and external threats. They also underscored the need for sustained inter-agency cooperation, interoperability and coordinated action to maintain a responsive security posture and support lasting peace and stability. The event was presided over by AFP Chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, who serve as JPSCC co-chairs, along with senior officers and representatives from the three services. Vince Lopez
2 wounded soldiers gain bravery medals TWO Philippine Army soldiers wounded in an armed encounter in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, were awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal for their bravery and service despite injuries sustained in the field. The soldiers, both members of the 79th Infantry Battalion’s Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program team, were recognized Thursday, Oct. 1, during a ceremony in Bacolod City. 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division commander Maj. Gen. Joey Escanillas personally conferred the medals, assisted by 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog and 79th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso. The soldiers were hurt during an engagement with an armed group in Sitio Bautista, Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City, while conducting a security patrol to support peace and development efforts in the area. Rex Espiritu
for Teachers’ Day payout -- Gonzales By Maricel Cruz MORE than 983,000 public school teachers are set to receive their ₱1,000 World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB) on Oct. 5, with ₱983.5 million allocated for the payment, Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales said. “The ₱983.5 million funding for this year’s WTDIB is line-itemized in the 2026 General Appropriations Law, with a special provision to guarantee its timely release,” Gonzales said in a statement Friday. Gonzales, a member of the House committees on appropriations and basic education and culture, said the incentive would remain a priority and that lawmakers were seeking to increase the benefit. “We assure our teachers that this incentive will remain a priority every year. In fact, we’ve filed a bill seeking to enhance the benefit,” he said. Under existing law and Department of Education guidelines, qualified public school teachers receive a ₱1,000 incentive every Oct. 5 in observance of World Teachers’ Day. UNESCO has observed World Teachers’ Day every Oct. 5 since 1994 to honor the role of teachers in shaping societies. In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10743 also declares Oct. 5 as National Teachers’ Day. In May, the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture approved House Bill 4531, which seeks to triple the WTDIB to ₱3,000 for every public school teacher. The 66-member committee is chaired by Pasig City Lone District Rep. Roman Romulo. The bill would also make the incentive permanent. Congress first granted the WTDIB to public school teachers through a line-item provision in the 2019 General Appropriations Law.
HOUSE COLLAPSE. A two-story house lies in ruins after collapsing along Sevilla Street in Barangay 272, Binondo, Manila, shortly after 9 p.m. on Oct. 1. Falling roofing sheets struck a street vendor and a customer. The over 70-year-old house was reportedly occupied by a family of five who were attending worship at the time. Norman Cruz
Non-citizens can’t vote in US polls, Pinoys warned By Katrina Manubay THE Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., has reminded Filipinos in the United States that only US citizens are eligible to vote in the 2026 midterm elections, warning that voting as a noncitizen could have criminal and immigration consequences. In an advisory issued Thursday (Friday in the Philippines), the embassy said only US citizens may vote in federal and state elections and most local elections. “With the US midterm elections scheduled on 03 November 2026, Fili-
tention, removal proceedings and denial of US citizenship applications, even if the violation occurred years earlier or the person did not know they were ineligible. The warning comes after reports in September that a 20-year-old Filipina lawful permanent resident pleaded guilty to illegally voting in the 2024 US election. According to the US Department of Justice, the Filipina admitted casting a mail-in ballot in the 2024 election despite knowing that she was not a US citizen and therefore was ineligible to vote.
ICC Registry files amended E-Court Protocol to comply with Duterte case
P673-m boost for gov’t media agencies sought PARAÑAQUE 2nd District Rep. Brian Yamsuan is pushing for an additional P673 million in the proposed 2027 budget of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and its attached agencies to strengthen the government’s communications capabilities and public information services. Yamsuan’s proposals cover additional funding for the PCO’s Bangon Pilipinas studios, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp. (IBC-13) and People’s Television Network Inc. (PTV-4). The proposals were approved by the Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee Thursday night, Oct. 1. The subcommittee reviews items in the proposed national budget and recommends institutional amendments. The reform was introduced last year as part of efforts to make the budget process more transparent. Maricel V. Cruz
pino nationals are enjoined to verify their US citizenship prior to registering to vote or casting a ballot,” the advisory said. “Lawful permanent residents, including those with pending applications for naturalization, are not eligible to vote in federal or state elections,” it added. The embassy clarified that receiving voter registration forms or ballots, being encouraged to register at school, or being offered voter registration when applying for a driver’s license does not establish eligibility to vote. It also warned that noncitizens who vote may face criminal prosecution, de-
By Gwyneth Nolasco
INTERAGENCY EXERCISE. Personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard participate in a field training exercise at the Humanitarian and Natural Disaster Training Center– National Capital Region in Intramuros, Manila, on Oct. 1. The exercise forms part of the 2026 Interagency Exercise and aims to strengthen coordination and operational readiness. AFP
THE International Criminal Court (ICC) Registry has submitted the amended ECourt Protocol in the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte, complying with an order by Trial Chamber III. In a four-page filing signed Thursday by Marc Dubuisson, director of the Division of Judicial Services, the Registry submitted the amended protocol as an annex to its compliance submission. “The Registry hereby submits the amended Protocol, as annex to the present submission, in compliance with the Chamber’s Decision,” the filing said. Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity over alleged killings linked to his anti-drug campaign when he was Davao City mayor and president. He attended his third status conference on Sept. 16. The trial is scheduled to begin
on Nov. 30. The submission followed the chamber’s Sept. 28 decision granting the prosecution’s request to amend the E-Court Protocol by creating a URL metadata field for opensource evidence. The new field will allow the chamber, the prosecution and the defense to more easily identify the URLs associated with opensource evidence when it was captured. The chamber, however, denied the defense request to require expert verification reports for open-source or user-generated evidence submitted to the court. “Given the large volume of evidence that has been made available by the Prosecution in the present case, as well as the breadth of open source and user-generated evidence, such obligation, if implemented, may in the event be unnecessary and could well have the effect of causing a needless delay to the start of the trial,” the chamber said.
OPINION
A5
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
EDITORIAL
Shielding Philippine seas
The $1.5-billion ‘crisis’ loan SO let me get this straight—and forgive me, I’m just a taxpayer with a suspicious mind and a working calculator. The Asian Development Bank just approved $1.5 billion for the Philippines because the Middle East is on fire. The money is supposed to protect families from rising prices through a program called UPLIFT. But here’s what the press releases omit: crisis loans from multilateral banks are not charity. They are debt. With interest. And the ADB is not in the business of writing checks it does not expect to be repaid. At the end of March 2026, the Philippines’ debt-to-GDP ratio hit 65.2 percent— the highest since 2005, and above the 60 percent threshold that lenders consider manageable. Outstanding debt stands at P18.49 trillion, projected to reach P19.06 trillion by year-end. Now we are adding $1.5 billion more. At P61 to the dollar, that is roughly P91.5 billion in new foreigncurrency obligations. The ADB calls this “countercyclical support.” I call it buying time on a credit card when your income is falling and your expenses are rising. The government insists this is a genuine emergency. The Philippines imports nearly all its fuel and depends heavily on imported fertilizer. Oil accounts for about a third of primary energy supply, and 1.1 million overseas Filipino workers sent home 18 percent of the country’s $35.6 billion remittances from the region in 2025. These are real vulnerabilities. But here is where my instincts stir: the ADB’s own policy paper from July 2026—just two months before this loan—expanded the Countercyclical Support Facility to cover energy and foodprice shocks and permitted support for targeted social protection. Convenient timing. The facility gets expanded in July, and by September, the Philippines has a $1.5 billion crisis loan. ADB Philippines Country Director Andrew Jeffries admitted as much in September: “We’ve been working with the government on it for months now.” Months. Before the crisis was formally declared. Now consider where the money is going. UPLIFT includes fare discounts, fuel subsidies, fertilizer subsidies, medical packages, and cash assistance. The DSWD claims 5.79 million beneficiaries have received P11.8 billion. The Department of Agriculture is distributing P6.2 billion in SAROs. Sounds impressive—until you examine the execution. The Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department found that the gap between allotment releases and actual cash disbursements has been widening since 2020. In 2025, the variance hit P1.37 trillion. By March 2026, it had reached P3.32 trillion. Translation: the government has a spending problem, not just a funding problem. You can appropriate all the money you want, but if agencies cannot push it out the door efficiently, you are adding debt without delivering relief. And if history is any guide, emergency social protection programs in the Philippines attract the wrong kind of attention. The Commission on Audit has flagged previous programs for unutilized funds, ghost beneficiaries, and insufficient validation. The DSWD itself has warned about fake UPLIFT registration links. If scammers can spot the program’s vulnerabilities from outside the government, imagine what well-connected insiders can do from within. The branding deserves scrutiny too. UPLIFT distributions are being packaged as “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat”—Gift of the President. Since when did government assistance, funded by borrowed money from an international bank, become a personal gift from the President? When the money comes from a foreign loan that future taxpayers must repay, the branding exercise takes on a different character. It is not a gift. It is a
loan. And the people receiving P2,000 in cash aid are not being told that their children will be paying interest on that money for years to come. Here is where the story gets really interesting. BusinessMirror reported that the ADB estimated the Philippines could face a $7 billion financing gap from its crisis response. The $1.5 billion loan covers roughly 21 percent of that gap. So where is the other $5.5 billion coming from? The government has not said. The ADB has not said. And the press, by and large, has not asked. This is the journalistic equivalent of reporting that someone bought a house with a P1.5 million down payment and failing to mention the P5.5 million mortgage.
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Is this ADB’s UPLIFT or Marcos’s election fund? Then there is the currency trap. The peso is now trading above P61, hitting a record low of P61.567 in April. Every peso of depreciation increases the local-currency cost of servicing dollar-denominated debt. The $1.5 billion loan is not a fixed obligation— it is a moving target that gets more expensive every time the currency weakens. And what is weakening the peso? Higher oil prices, which increase import costs, which widen the trade deficit, which pressures the currency. The very crisis the loan is supposed to address is making the loan more expensive to repay. This is what financial professionals call a doom loop. The ADB calls it countercyclical support. The constitutional questions are equally pressing. Article VI, Section 29 is clear: no money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law. The Supreme Court struck down the Disbursement Acceleration Program in 2014 precisely because it involved spending that had not been properly appropriated. Is UPLIFT properly appropriated? Or is it being financed through savings, augmentation, and other creative accounting mechanisms the Court has repeatedly frowned upon? The government has not provided a clear answer. And Congress, which is supposed to guard the purse, has been remarkably quiet. I am not naive. Governments borrow during crises. But crises are also politically useful. The 2028 presidential election is two years away. The Marcos administration needs to demonstrate it can respond effectively to economic shocks. A $1.5 billion loan, announced with fanfare, branded as a gift from the President, and distributed through highly visible cash payouts, is perfect political theater. And it might even be good policy. But good policy and good politics are not the same thing. When the two align, the incentives for abuse multiply exponentially. If the Marcos administration were serious about transparency, we would see full disclosure of loan terms, a DBCC resolution covering the full amount, Monetary Board concurrence, a clear sunset clause, independent real-time audit, and public beneficiary lists. None of these safeguards are unreasonable. None are unprecedented. And none appear to be in place. The difference between a successful crisis response and a debt trap with wasted resources lies in the details—details the government and the ADB have been conspicuously reluctant to provide. So here is my question, and I will keep asking it until someone answers: Where is the Monetary Board concurrence? Where is the DBCC resolution? Where is the sunset clause? And who, exactly, is going to pay back this $1.5 billion when the crisis is over? The silence is deafening.
‘We’re losing our scientists’: West Africa’s STEM struggle By Soulé Dia ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST — A handful of pupils puzzled over equations on the blackboard of an Abidjan maths class. Next door, the humanities classes were all packed. This is becoming a familiar sight across west Africa, where fewer and fewer students are choosing to study science. In Ivory Coast, just 0.6 percent of youngsters sitting the end of high school baccalaureate exam in 2022 were on the elite maths-and-physics track, according to education ministry figures. Another 38 percent took the broader sciences stream, down from 45 percent in 2015. But Ivory Coast is not alone. Mali,
Burkina Faso, Guinea, Senegal and Niger have all seen interest in science dwindle, despite repeated government promises to produce more engineers, researchers and innovators.
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For some students, the challenge is worth it. In an 11th-grade science class at Abidjan’s prestigious Lycee Moderne de Cocody, students packed three to a bench worked on equations as maths teacher Fabrice Guei fired questions at the room. Boys wore khaki uniforms; the girls,
S
AFEGUARDING our sovereign waters has reached a crucial, if critical, juncture that demands the unyielding resolve of the entire nation of 118 million people. Day and night, the brave men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard, which will be 59 years old this month after its formal activation as a separate unit under the Philippine Navy, stand as our frontline defenders against harassment and intrusion in the West Philippine Sea and other ancestral waters. Our maritime guardians face gigantic pressure, confronting bigger vessels and hostile maneuvers with limited resources but unmatched courage. Every patrol they undertake is a testament to our country’s refusal to bow to external intimidation or yield a single square inch of our territory. While diplomatic efforts continue in distant covered halls, it is the
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By standing firmly behind the PCG, we signal to the world that our maritime domain is nonnegotiable. They endure isolation, physical danger, and geopolitical tension to ensure that Filipino fishermen can safely cast their nets in our own exclusive economic zone. Their sacrifices preserve not
They will be shown Tuvalu’s land reclamation efforts. The island capital Funafuti’s highest point is just two metres above sea-level, and two of its nine coral atolls are already largely swamped by rising seas. ‘Act now’ “Sea-level rise is not a future threat, it is a present reality,” Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo told the UN General Assembly ahead of the climate talks. “Tuvalu’s message is clear: the world must act now decisively, collectively, and with urgency to protect the future for generations to come.”
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND — World powers are flying delegates to the Pacific to haggle over the fight against global warming, and to see the plight of island nations surrounded by a rising ocean. Ministers, climate negotiators and a handful of leaders will meet in the Fijian city of Nadi for the October 5-8 talks. They will be charting the course for a major UN-sponsored global climate summit, known as COP31, to be held in November in Turkey’s Antalya province. For Pacific nations, hosting the preliminary talks in their region offers an opportunity to draw the world’s attention to life on the frontline of climate change. Pacific leaders are pushing for the world to stick to a target of limiting global warming to 1.5C, enhance access to climate finance, and give more attention to the impact on oceans. The sea level is rising at a record pace, driven by warming oceans and glacier melt, according to a UN report. Up to 1.2 billion people could be displaced by 2050, with Pacific island countries experiencing sea level rise at twice the global average, said the report released in August. It also highlighted a financing gap, with developing countries needing US$310-US$365 billion to adapt, yet having only US$26 billion in adaptation finance available in 2023. Top delegates to the Pacific talks will hold a one-day retreat on low-lying Tuvalu, a small island nation laying plans to relocate the population if it is consumed by the ocean.
Last year, Australia bowed out of a contest with Turkey to host the COP31 summit in a deal that let it preside over negotiations and bring the preparatory talks to the Pacific. As leader of the climate talks, however, major coal exporter Australia has faced heat over the scale of its fossil fuel extraction. Chris Bowen, the country’s climate minister, says Australia is rapidly expanding its renewable energy sources, which are essential for a transition away from fossil fuels. Bowen, president of the COP31 negotiations, also rejected media criti-
cism that the pre-COP talks in the Pacific had failed to lure enough world leaders. Fewer than a dozen world leaders have so far publicly confirmed that they will attend the meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, mostly from the Pacific. Fiji said last month it expected the heads of state for Antigua and Barbuda, Cape Verde, Thailand, the Maldives and Timor-Leste would attend. “It’s not normally a leaders meeting,” Bowen told reporters in the runup to the talks, which are usually held at the ministerial and senior-negotiator level. ‘Very, very sad’ Organizers have not released detailed figures on attendance. Bowen said last month 4,000 people from 60 nations would attend, without providing a full breakdown. Marine scientist Rajneel Singh -part of a team that reported large-scale coral death around Tuvalu from a 2024 marine heatwave -- said he was disheartened by a perceived lack of attention to the climate challenge. “It’s very, very sad. There’s no awareness of what’s happening,” Singh told AFP. Nepal’s foreign minister, Shisir Khanal, has confirmed he will attend the Pacific climate meeting, after the August 26 Himalayan flood disaster. A tsunami-like wall of water and debris triggered by a glacial and rock collapse on the Nepal-China border on August 26 killed nearly 1,500 and left 5,800 missing in the two countries. “What we’re trying to convey to the world is this: these issues of climate change are not theoretical anymore,” Khanal told AFP in an interview in New York. AFP
white shirts and flowing navy-blue skirts. Only a few hands went up timidly. “Not always the same ones,” Guei joked. That day, 37 students were in the room, a decent turnout by local standards but a far cry from literature classes, which can swell to 80 pupils. Having 30 students in a maths-andphysics class is quite rare these days, said Melagne Agnimel, Ivory Coast’s inspectorgeneral for secondary education. “In most schools, you’ll find classes with seven, eight or 10 students at most,” he said. No teachers, labs or jobs Officials blame years of underinvestment in science education, a lack of teachers and too few labs and equipment. Many students also think science is just too hard. “Students are afraid of choosing science streams because they think it means more work,” Agnimel said. “So they choose humanities instead.” Guei argued that some teachers make matters worse by making maths and science seem intimidating and “scaring the children.” Others say the problem continues after graduation. University courses often struggle to keep
pace with scientific advances, engineering schools are scarce and career prospects can seem limited. “For those lucky enough to get into certain schools or win scholarships abroad, the opportunities are there,” said physics and chemistry teacher Youan Bi, dressed in a white lab coat. “But for those who stay here, teaching is often the main option,” he added, noting salaries were just not enough. The result is a familiar headache for many African countries: a steady brain drain as scientists look for work overseas. “We are losing our scientists,” Agnimel said. ‘A lot of sacrifice’ The picture is similar across the region. In Senegal, the share of students taking science streams in the baccalaureate has fallen from nearly 30 percent in the early 2000s to 15.5 percent in 2026. In Niger, some high schools have shut science classes altogether because too few students signed up. The decline comes as African governments push to develop sectors ranging from medicine and manufacturing to AI and new technologies. Yet Africa accounts for only a tiny share
of global scientific research, and many experts say the continent risks falling further behind without a new generation of researchers and engineers. Governments are scrambling to reverse the trend. Across the region, authorities have launched awareness campaigns, opened science-focused schools and expanded specialist programmes. In Ivory Coast, officials are creating science hubs nationwide and new elite preparatory classes aimed at attracting top students in maths and physics as part of a broader effort to revive the discipline. For some students, the challenge is worth it. Abdoulaye Harouna, a 19-year-old finalyear maths-and-physics student, admitted he spent years questioning his choice. “It’s a really difficult stream that demands a lot of sacrifice,” he said with a smile. But watching his older brother, who studied the same subjects and now works as a solar-energy engineer, helped convince him to stick with it. “If you do well in this field,” he said, “your future is guaranteed.” AFP
By Ben Strang
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The sea level is rising at a record pace, driven by warming oceans and glacier melt, according to a UN report.
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World powers gather in Pacific to chart climate battle
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white hulls of the coast guard that physically assert our legal and historical rights on the ocean waves.
only our marine biodiversity but also the economic future of generations not yet born. Protecting these waters is a collective national duty, not a burden to be carried by a single agency alone. Every citizen must recognize the strategic weight of this maritime struggle and echo the call for unity. From Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, Filipinos must stand united in full solidarity with our maritime defenders. Local communities, civil society, and leaders across our archipelago must offer their unwavering moral, political, and material support to the coast guard in these trying times. By standing firmly behind the PCG, we signal to the world that our maritime domain is non-negotiable and strongly protected by a unified populace. Let our collective voice be the wind that strengthens the PCG sails as they hold the line for the republic.
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WORLD
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
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IN BRIEF Bomb outside Brazilian SC a false alarm -- police BRASÍLIA — Brazilian police ruled out a bomb threat outside the Supreme Court on Thursday, three days before presidential elections begin. A suspect who “tried to jump the court’s fences” and “threw a backpack on top of a bus stop” had been arrested, the country’s top tribunal earlier stated. Police restricted access to the site, where an AFP journalist observed around a dozen patrol cars. Authorities examined the backpack, which contained “only personal belongings,” military police spokesperson Raphael Broocke told Agence France-Presse. The suspect will remain in custody while the investigation is ongoing, he added. Election campaigning in Latin America’s largest democracy has been tense, with polls showing a dead heat between leftist incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in a potential runoff. AFP
FALSE ALARM. A Brazilian police officer inspects a possible bomb in a backpack outside the Supreme Court headquarters in Brasilia. AFP
EU nations hold urgent meet amid soaring diesel prices
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RUSSELS — EU nations will meet Friday, aiming to develop a unified response to soaring diesel prices, a day after the US called on its European allies to release strategic reserves “immediately” to stem the crisis. The emergency meeting between EU member states and the European Commission is scheduled for early in the day, a Commission spokesperson said late Thursday. Washington is piling on pressure to get European help with fuel costs, with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday floating the possibility of banning diesel exports. EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic told reporters Thursday on the sidelines of the G20 trade ministers gathering in Milwaukee that any move by the US to ban diesel exports would be “unexpected for Europeans.” “It would have very dramatic consequences for our economic performance,” Sefcovic said of any potential diesel export ban. Sefcovic told reporters that he did
not go into details with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on energy exports at the meeting, but the transatlantic partners “decided to stay in close touch to avoid any surprises here.” ‘Ongoing disruptions’ Reports said the Trump administration wants France and Germany in particular to tap their stockpiles of diesel to try to curb prices sent soaring by the US war on Iran. “Our European partners should accelerate delivery on their existing commitments and make additional supplies immediately available to address ongoing disruptions,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a post on social media. High energy costs loom as a threat to Trump’s Republican party in next month’s midterm elections. “It is in Europe’s best interest to work with the United States as we pursue
multiple pathways to boost the supply of refined products and lower costs for consumers,” a US official told AFP. At G20 trade talks in Milwaukee, Greer struck a conciliatory tone, saying there was an “eagerness on both sides to work together” on the diesel issue. And Trump told reporters in Texas on Thursday that he “may” ask European countries to release diesel reserves. ‘Balanced solutions’ France’s minister delegate for international trade, Nicolas Forissier, told AFP in Milwaukee: “I can’t imagine that there will be a ban.” He stressed the importance of diesel to the United States and European countries, adding both sides will “try to find solutions.” “In France, we’ll try to find balanced solutions all over the world,” Forissier added. “If not with the Americans, it will be with other countries.” Trump on Wednesday said he was still considering a possible ban on US diesel exports, while adding that he thought it could ultimately cause gasoline prices to rise. “I’m thinking about it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
Trump vows to hit Iran ‘very hard’ if linked to flydubai attack WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump warned Iran will be “hit very hard” if it is found to be linked to a pilot’s attack on a flydubai flight to Israel. The dramatic events a day earlier saw passengers help stop the plane from crashing, making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia before the flight’s mostly Israeli passengers were flown home to a hero’s welcome. Trump’s warning came as the United Arab Emirates opened an investigation into whether the incident was linked to terrorism and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination.” “I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes but we’re working on it right now,” Trump told reporters when asked at the White House whether Iran was involved in what happened on the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. On whether the United States would retaliate against
ANIME SUPREMACY.
A participant dressed as Perona from the anime series ‘One Piece’ poses next to a Star Wars R2series astromech droid as they attend the first day of Comic-Con in Malaga. AFP
Iran if it was found responsible, Trump replied: “Oh, they’ll be hit very hard, don’t worry.” Trump’s threat coincided with a wider US military buildup in the region. Axios reported that Washington had recently deployed additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to help protect key energy facilities from possible Iranian retaliation. The US news outlet also reported that the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and its strike group were heading to the Middle East, where they could join two other US carrier strike groups already in the region. As speculation swirled about a possible motive, the UAE and Saudi Arabia began to piece together the events in the cabin. Saudi Arabia said the co-pilot was transferred to the UAE on Thursday accompanied by an “Emirati security team”, adding that its initial investigation showed he had attacked the aircraft’s captain. AFP
Speaking alongside Trump, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday that the world would “hear announcements from our friends in Europe” to push diesel prices down. Asked about a release from strategic reserves, the French presidency said no such demand had been made when Emmanuel Macron and Trump met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last week. Macron would also soon convene a video meeting of G7 leaders “to make progress on the various levers that can be used to address the rising fuel prices... including coordination on releasing reserves.” Macron announced on September 18 a plan for such a meeting. The G7 gathering is expected in mid-October, according to Macron’s press office. Average US diesel prices have surged more than 70 percent to $6.39 a gallon since the start of the Iran war, according to AAA motor club data. Fuel prices have caused living costs to soar, leaving Trump’s Republican Party fearing it could lose control of Congress in November’s midterm elections. AFP
Sokor:‘Further measures’ if Ukraine doesn’t apologize SEOUL — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Friday Seoul would take “further measures” if Ukraine refuses to publicly apologise over what he called its unilateral disclosure of North Korean POWs being sent to South Korea. Seoul has taken a hard stance on Ukraine disclosing the transfer of two soldiers captured fighting for Russia, warning that their families could be targeted by Pyongyang. The POWs were captured by Ukrainian forces early last year after being deployed alongside thousands of North Korean troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine, in exchange for economic and military assistance to Pyongyang. AFP
Venezuelan shot by ICE in Texas undergoes surgery HOUSTON — A Venezuelan man shot by an immigration agent in Texas underwent surgery to remove a bullet that had been lodged near his spine since September 20, his lawyers said. Wilber Garces, 28, was shot in the back during an operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the city of Austin while working as a delivery driver. He was ordered held in federal custody Wednesday following a hearing at which a judge denied him bail. “He underwent surgery today and is currently in recovery,” the Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP), an advocacy group that is part of his legal team, said in a press release. The shooting adds to other recent incidents during Republican President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, which Democratic lawmakers and humanitarian organizations have criticized for excessive use of force. AFP
BEEFING UP DEFENSE. A newly
purchased F-16V Block 70 fighter jet lands at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung on October 2, 2026. AFP
Taiwan receives its first US-made F-16V fighter jets TAITUNG, Taiwan — Taiwan received on Friday its first F-16V fighter jets made by the United States, as the island democracy upgrades its military capabilities to deter a potential Chinese attack. The warplanes are part of an $8 billion deal for 66 F-16Vs approved during US President Donald Trump’s first term and scheduled for delivery this year. The arrival of the aircraft comes as Taiwan awaits Washington’s approval of a separate $14 billion arms package that Trump paused
after Chinese objections. China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it. The two F-16Vs, made by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, touched down under a clear sky at Taiwan’s air force base in Taitung, on the island’s southeast coast. The jets had been expected in early September after making refuelling stops in Hawaii and Guam. Local media reported that
the planes had turned back to Hawaii shortly after taking off for Guam. No official explanation was given. Dozens of locals, some equipped with binoculars and long-lensed cameras, gathered near the air base’s perimeter fence to watch the highly anticipated arrival of the jets. Kimi Chi, a salesman from the central city of Taichung, had travelled through the night to be able to photograph the aircraft landing in Taitung. AFP
Nepal’s grim DNA puzzle to identify flood fatalities NUWAKOT, Nepal — Clutching a photograph of his missing son, Rajesh Ram is pinning his hopes on DNA testing — like thousands of others desperately seeking relatives swept away by Nepal’s catastrophic Himalayan floods. “I searched for him everywhere, but I could not find his body,” 53-year-old Ram told Agence France-Presse, still waiting for answers about his son Suroj Kumar, a garage mechanic in Betrawa-
ti, which was swamped by the floods. Nepal was overwhelmed by the sheer scale of destruction from the tsunamilike wall of freezing water and debris triggered by a glacial and rock collapse on the Nepal-China border on August 26. The scale of the identification task is immense. With thousands of DNA profiles to process, fragmented remains and lim-
ited technical capacity and manpower, experts warn matching bodies to families could take weeks. Nepali disaster authorities have recovered 1,454 bodies — but around a third of those are only partial remains. Just 112 bodies have been identified and returned to their families. A further 5,285 people are missing in Nepal, including hundreds of foreigners. AFP
SPORTS
A7
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
PH golfers knocked out of medal race NAGOYA, Japan—The Philippines’ golf contingent all but bowed out of medal contention at the Asian Games following a disastrous third-round performance at the Kasugai Country Club, virtually ensuring the continuation of long medal droughts in both men’s and women’s play. An agonizing “Msa A8saoving Day” across the board left the Filipinos trailing far behind the pace setters, extending the country’s men’s golf gold medal drought to 40 years – last won by Ramon Brobio in the individual competition at the 1986 Seoul Games. The women’s squad also saw its campaign falter, falling well short of repeating the historic double-gold sweep accomplished in Jakarta in 2018, led by Yuka Saso and current team member Bianca Pagdanganan. Rianne Malixi briefly raised hopes of keeping the Philippines in the individual bronze medal hunt after firing a two-under 33 on the front nine of the tough par-70 East course. However, the Duke University standout unraveled on the back nine, dropping shots with two bogeys against a birdie before holing out with a double-bogey on the 18th to finish with a one-over 71. Malixi dropped into a share of sixth place at nine-under 207 alongside Hong Kong’s Wai Chung Ding (70) and defending champion Arphichaya Yubol of Thailand (66). Crucially, she trails third-running Ruoning Yin of China (66-199) by eight heavy strokes with only 18 holes remaining, leaving her needing an improbable final-round miracle to reach the podium. At the top of the women’s leaderboard, India’s Sharath Pranavi surged ahead with a 66 to reach 195, taking a three-shot lead over two-time leader Shannon Tan of Singapore, who stumbled to a 71 for a 198 total. Hong Kong’s Sophie Han (67-204) and Korea’s Yunseo Yang (74-205) occupy fourth and fifth spots, respectively.
Jhonnel Ababa is drenched by fellow players and supporters after pulling off one of the most compelling stretch-run battles in PGT history in the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge.
Blazing finish lifts Ababa past Lumbo in ICTSI Iloilo thriller I LOILO—Refusing to buckle under pressure, Jhonnel Ababa staged a dramatic late-round comeback, birdieing the final two holes to edge Jeffren Lumbo by one and capture the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge title with a scintillating 63 at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club on Friday.
The seasoned campaigner and former Order of Merit champion unleashed a furious closing charge, pulling level with Lumbo on the 17th before sinking another clutch birdie on the 72nd hole. The electric finish ignited roaring cheers from the large crowd gathered around the 18th green. Ababa’s closing surge capped a remarkable stretch-run battle after Lumbo, who finished with a 67, had appeared firmly in control entering the final round. The 30-year-old had opened
a three-shot cushion over Ababa and Francis Morilla following a near-flawless third-round showing Thursday, putting himself in prime position to claim his second career victory. But Ababa refused to let the gap dictate the outcome. Under sweltering conditions, the multi-title campaigner steadily chipped away at Lumbo’s advantage while a host of contenders, including Morilla, Reymon Jaraula, Clyde Mondilla, Ira Alido and Rupert Zaragosa, also tried
to stay within striking distance. With the field gradually running out of holes, Ababa made his move. A stirring birdie-birdie-eagle surge from No. 12 brought him level with Lumbo at 13-under with four holes remaining, setting up a tense, nervewracking duel between two determined contenders. Lumbo answered with a clutch birdie on No. 15 to regain the outright lead and appeared to have stemmed Ababa’s charge. But the veteran refused to blink. Ababa stayed composed down the stretch, then delivered the decisive blow on No. 17, sinking another birdie to draw level once more and set up a winner-take-all finish on the 18th. With the title hanging in the balance, Ababa delivered one final clutch shot, setting himself up with a four-foot birdie putt after Lumbo’s
FEU-D breaks through, sweeps UPIS Coach Mark Torcaso
Filipinas tap youth talents for Peru friendlies By Peter Atencio SEVEN rising talents will remain in the Philippine Women’s National Football Team pool as the Filipinas press forward with their long-term preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Head coach Mark Torcaso confirmed that the young prospects will form part of the 23-player squad departing on Sunday for a series of international friendly matches in Peru, scheduled from October 9 to 13. The upcoming tour comes on the heels of the Filipinas’ quarterfinal run at the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where their campaign came to an end following a 0-4 defeat against host nation Japan. “We qualified for the quarterfinals, which was fantastic. But I think we could have done better,” Torcaso said during a media roundtable at Citadines Bay Manila ahead of the team’s departure. Leading the fresh wave of talent continuing their development in the World Cup pool are goalkeeper Gabrielle Rourke, midfielder Mallie Ramirez, Alexandra Carpio, Aiselyn Sia, Jourdyn Curran, Skye Leach, and Camryn Penn. The youth contingent will gain crucial international exposure alongside seasoned veterans Hali Long, Olivia McDaniel, and Jaclyn Sawicki, who returned to anchor the squad during the Asiad. “There’s a lot of learning for us in our games in the Asiad going into the next stages, towards our progress to the World Cup,” Torcaso added.
FAR Eastern University-Diliman finally broke into the win column, snapping its two-game skid with a 25-14, 25-15, 25-19 sweep of University of the Philippines Integrated School in the UAAP Season 89 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament on Friday at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila. It was a challenging start for the Baby Tamaraws, who finished as runners-up last season, but the straightset victory over the Fighting Maroons should provide a much-needed boost in confidence as they continue to work on the finer details of their game. “Kailangan lang namin siguro magfocus dun sa mga ginagawa namin kasi masyadong marami kaming ine-error. Siguro yun yung kailangan naming mas i-improve pa. Maganda naman ‘yung ginalaw ngayon ng mga bata pero sana, kung ano man ‘yung kulang pa namin, sana ma-improve pa,” said FEU-D head coach Joanne Bunag. “Sana magtuloy-tuloy na kasi galing kami ng dalawang talo. Sana itong unang panalo namin, magtuloy-tuloy na hanggang sa madala namin doon
The Tamaraw Girls celebrate after a point. UAAP Media
sa second round. Maraming games pa, malayo pa, mahaba pa ang season.” The Baby Tamaraws quickly built a 16-6 advantage in the third set, their
biggest lead of the frame, after a threepoint run capped by back-to-back kills from Joeyana Bongo. FEU-D remained in control from
approach finished some three pins away. When Lumbo agonizingly missed his birdie attempt, the door was wide open for Ababa. He took his time, carefully reading the break and judging the distance, while keeping his composure and resolve firmly intact. Then, with confidence, Ababa stroked the putt. The ball rolled true and disappeared into the hole, completing a stunning comeback and securing a one-stroke victory over Lumbo on a closing seven-under card and a 14-under 266 total worth P440,000. Lumbo closed with a three-under card to settle for his third runner-up finish of the year at 267 and pocketed P287,500, while Jaraula fired a 66 to snatch third place at 270 after one of the fiercest four-day duels in Philippine Golf Tour history. there, with Nigerian standout MJ Udeagbala sending the Baby Tamaraws to match point at 24-15. UPIS, however, fended off four match points, capitalizing on two FEU-D attack errors and a pair of attacks from Anya Callo to stay alive. Udeagbala finally broke through on the fifth attempt, drilling the matchwinning kill. Udeagbala powered FEU-D with 14 points, tallying 10 attacks and four blocks in the 67-minute affair. Diosa Perez chipped in nine points, while Bongo added eight. Portia Asistio kept the Baby Tamaraws’ offense in rhythm with nine excellent sets, while Querstine Paragas anchored the backcourt with 14 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions on 11 attempts. “Syempre ang una munang goal namin pumasok muna kami dun sa Final Four. Parang last season, ganun din naman ginawa namin, tinrabaho lang namin. Sabi ko nga dun sa mga bata, ang goal muna natin, pumasok sa top four. Ngayon, after ng top four, tsaka na namin tatrabahuhin makuha ‘yung pinaka-goal namin. Alam naman natin, lahat naman siguro ng teams gusto talaga mag-champion,” said Bunag, as FEU-D looks to build on its silver-medal finish from last season.
Ryu’s Korean revolution delivers Asiad breakthrough for PH archery
Amaya Paz-Cojuangco and coach Ryu Su Jeng
NAGOYA—The Philippine archery team expected a routine pre‑Asian Games briefing when coach Ryu Su Jeng gathered them last month, showed photos of the Ozaki Chuo Sogo Park venue, and walked them through every detail. Then she delivered a line that froze the room. “If I don’t get a medal in the Asian Games, I will just go back to Korea and leave you. I have never lost a medal in a tournament,” said Ryu. For a squad still adjusting to the Korean system’s intensity, it was a jolt, but for Amaya Paz‑Cojuangco, it became fuel. Cojuangco responded with a brilliant silver medal in the women’s individual compound, the Philippines’ first archery podium finish in the Asian Games since 2014, when Paul Dela Cruz won bronze. It was the breakthrough the program had been chasing for a decade, and the clearest sign yet that the Korean coaching revolution brought in by the Philippine Sports Commission is working. “Bringing coach Ryu into the national archery program stands as one of our most decisive and transformative moves, and the Asian Games performance has emphatically affirmed that,” said PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio.
Armed with the right pedigree, Ryu helped guide South Korea to five Olympic gold medals, two in Rio 2016 and three in Tokyo 2020. Missing the podium is simply not part of her coaching DNA. But when Gregorio brought Ryu and fellow Korean coach Hong Sung Chil to Manila, the question lingered: Could their championship mindset translate to Filipino archers? After the Asiad stint of the national archers, Gregorio believes the answer is emphatic. “If you want the best results, you should hire and bring the best coaches on the planet. This is exactly the mindset we had when we hired coaches Ryu and Hong,” said Gregorio. Their impact has been immediate—discipline and a demand for excellence that has elevated the entire national pool. “We’re thankful to the PSC and Chairman Pato for bringing coaches Ryu and Hong. It is different if you have a coach who has a champion mindset, someone who knows how to push the team,” said World Archery Philippines president Bing Reaport. The next mission is now clear: qualify a Filipino mixed compound team to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Ryu has already mapped out the plan.
SPORTS
A8
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
Manalo calls out judging in Paalam’s split loss NISHIO, Japan (Powered by PLDT Home)—Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines president Marcus Manalo questioned the officiating and judging after Carlo Paalam suffered a split-decision defeat to Japan’s Rui Yamaguchi in the men’s 55kg final of the 20th Asian Games here on Friday, Manalo said Paalam had to fight cautiously against the hometown bet, particularly because Japanese boxers could capitalize on a reckless attack by quickly countering and scoring clean punches. “I thought the first round was 50-50. There was not much activity there,” Manalo said in a post-fight interview with POC Media. “Siguro para sa mga nanonood, bakit hindi mas aggressive si Carlos? He’d like to be. That’s part of the strategy kasi ‘pag sumugod ka nang sumugod diyan, kailangan bigla kang tamaan diyan, maii-score na nila ‘yun.” Manalo believed Paalam adjusted properly in the second round, focusing on clean punches to the target areas rather than simply increasing his volume. “So Carlos really had to be extra careful, and he really had to just land clear punches, which I think is what we did in the second round,” he said. “Sa second round, I think sa atin ‘yun. Pero talo tayo ng 3-2 in the second round. First round, talo rin tayo 4-1. And so basically, ‘yun na ‘yun.” The boxing official said the Philippines had hoped Paalam could seize the final round, but felt Yamaguchi resorted largely to clinching and dancing away, preventing the Filipino from building momentum. “‘Yung last round, hindi masyado nagpa-factor. Ang pag-asa sana natin sa last round, but ‘yung Japanese, kasi puro kapit na lang ‘yung ginawa ng last round. Wala namang boxing,” Manalo said. “So I think it was a bad decision.” Riera U. Mallari
It was not an easy route for Kaila Napolis but she persevered and pulled through. POC Media
Philippine boxing officials believed that Carlo Paalam was robbed of victory due to biased officiating and controversial judging.
Controversial split decision denies Paalam boxing gold By Riera U. Mallari
N
ISHIO, Japan (Powered by PLDT Home)—Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam came up short in his bid to snap the Philippines’ 16-year Asian Games boxing gold drought as he settled for a silver medal after a controversial 3-2 split-decision defeat to home-country favorite Rui Yamaguchi in the men’s 55kg division finals at Nishio Gymnasium on Friday. The controversial decision immediately sparked frustration among Philippine boxing officials, who strongly felt the 28-year-old Cagayan de Oro native was robbed of victory due to biased officiating and controversial judging. After a close opening round, where judges favored the Japanese fighter’s
backpedaling, Paalam turned up the heat in the second and third rounds, landing the cleaner, heavier combinations and pushing Yamaguchi against the ropes. He even dominated the final frame so thoroughly that he swept all five judges’ scorecards at 10-9 across the board.
While two judges Jovana Ugrenovic of Serbia (29-28) and Gintaras Sniuksta of Lithuania (30-27), both saw the fight in favor of the Filipino, they were ultimately outnumbered. Judges Giovanni Garcia Giron of Guatemala, Osama Hanafy of Egypt, and Sarra Bouhlel of Tunisia all turned in identical 29-28 cards for Yamaguchi to seal the hometown victory. What stung the Filipino camp even more than the scoring was the constant interference from Uzbek referee Maruf Urdushev, who repeatedly halted the action whenever Paalam built momentum inside the ropes. Urdushev was the same referee whom the team questioned over his decisions and constant interference during Paalam’s semifinal victory over world champion, Kazakhstan’s Makhmud Sabyrkhan.
“Hindi ko alam ang desisyon ng referee po, ako palagi tinitingnan,” said Paalam. “Kahit anong momentum, inistop pa rin po.” Coach Ronald Chavez lamented the officiating dynamics, pointing to the referee’s continuous pressure on Paalam. “Sa laban hindi naman tayo agrabyado, kaya lang doon talaga tayo madadali sa referee, sa judge. Sa referee parang pinag-initan,” Chavez said. “Sa first round nga akala ko lalamang pa tayo eh, kaya sabi ko alanganin na ‘to. Ito na gawin natin, wala tayong gagawin na iba kungdi ‘pag hindi mo ma-knockout ‘yan, kahit anong gawin natin.” The loss extends the Philippines’ gold medal drought in Asian Games boxing, stretching back to Rey Saludar’s triumph at the 2010 Guangzhou Games.
Eala grateful despite Asian Games semifinal exit By Jeremiah Sevilla
Napolis fights back to claim Jiu-Jitsu bronze NAGOYA, JAPAN (Powers by PLDT Home)—Filipina jiu-jiu-jitsu standout Jenna Kaila Napolis displayed relentless grit and tactical composure to secure a bronze medal in the Women’s -52kg division at the Aichi Prefectural Martial Arts Hall on Friday. Competing in the Contests for Bronze Medal B, the 30-year-old grappler put on a clinical performance to shut out Mongolia’s Tsagaanbileg Altangerel, 2-0, in a five-minute and 28-second duel. Napolis secured the victory behind a decisive two-point maneuver while executing a spotless defensive display, with both fighters finishing with zero advantages and zero penalties. Napolis’ path to the podium was a test of endurance through a grueling bracket. She opened her campaign with a 2-0 victory against Vietnam’s Tran Thi Thanh Ha in the Elimination Round of 16 before sustaining a narrow 2-3 points defeat to Mongolia’s Mongoljin Ganbaatar in the Quarterfinals. Relegated to the repechage, Napolis fought back into contention by edging Singapore’s Sofia Anabel Rivas via advantage criteria following a 2-2 regulation deadlock. The win earned her a ticket to the bronze medal match, where she capped off her campaign to deliver another medal for Team Philippines.
ALEXANDRA “Alex” Eala may have fallen short of her gold medal target in the 20th Asian Games, but the Filipina tennis ace left Nagoya with no regrets, grateful for another chance to carry the flag on the continental stage. The top-seeded Eala saw her bid for a historic gold medal end in the semifinals after absorbing a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 defeat to the fourth-seeded Wang Xiyu of China on Thursday. “I really gave it my all and no regrets, so thank you for the support,” the 21-year-old Eala said. The setback left Eala with a bronze medal for the second consecutive Asiad, having also reached the semifinals in the 2023 Hangzhou edition before losing to China’s Zheng Qinwen, who went on to capture the women’s singles gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This time, Eala again fell to a Chinese foe, unable to sustain her strong start after taking the opening set against Wang. “I think she (Wang) was more consistent. I think I had a couple of ups and downs during the match. It’s something I have to talk with my team about and process,” she said. While the result fell short of her expectations, Eala be-
lieves she has made strides since her Asian Games debut three years ago. “Physically, I’m better, more mature, more experienced, of course. So many things. I think all-around has improved,” she said. Eala’s campaign in Nagoya also came at the expense of the mandatory WTA 1000 China Open, which she skipped to represent the Philippines in pursuit of the Asiad gold. The women’s singles gold medal would have secured her a qualification place for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Still, Eala said the opportunity to compete for the country made the experience worthwhile. “I’m really happy to have experienced this, to experience the support, to be with the team, and to compete for the country again,” she said. With her Asian Games campaign over, Eala will now turn her attention back to the WTA Tour as the Asian swing continues. The Pinay netter is set to compete in the WTA 1000 Wuhan Open in China from October 12 to 18, where she will look to regain her footing against the world’s top players.
Alex Eala will shift back her attention to WTA Tour. POC Media Pool
Blu Girls trash Hong Kong, advance to Asiad bronze match THE Philippine Blu Girls kept their bid for a first Asian Games medal alive after dispatching Hong Kong, 9-3, to secure a spot in the bronze medal match on Friday at the Anjo Sports Park in Aichi, Japan. The Philippine women’s softball team finished fourth in the 20th Asiad preliminary round with a 4-3 record and is set to face Chinese Taipei for the bronze on Saturday at 8 a.m. The Filipinas are raring to bounce back versus the Taiwanese squad, which previously beat them, 101, during their elimination round encounter. Against Hong Kong, the Philippines wasted little time
Philippine Blu Girls team at the 20th Asian Games Courtesy: Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines
taking control, with Angelu Gabriel opening the scoring with a solo home run over the left-field wall. The Blu Girls broke the game wide open in the second inning, scoring five runs anchored on Reyae Villamin’s two-run homer. Another run in the third inning stretched the lead to 7-0 before Hong Kong finally responded with three runs. Roma Jane Cruz sealed the dominant win in the top of the fifth inning, launching a two-run homer to the deep left-center field. Royevel Palma helped preserve the Blu Girls’ advantage, limiting Hong Kong to just three hits over the last four innings.
BUSINESS
B1
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
PH-OMAN TALKS.
Representatives from the government of the Philippines, led by Ambassador to Oman Noralyn Jubaira Baja (sixth from left) and Board of Investments governor Marjorie RamosSamaniego (seventh from left) and the government of the Sultanate of Oman, led by advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Pankaj Khimji (eighth from left) and head of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Humaid Al‑Maani (fifth from left) celebrate the successful conclusion of the Philippines-Oman Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (PHOman IPPA) negotiations.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
PSEi ends flat as peso recovers
B2
Mynt prices IPO at P6.60 per share to raise P60.9b P60.9 billion M P6.60
Final IPO price per share
By Jenniffer B. Austria
Expected IPO proceeds
70% Expected foreign subscription
YNT Inc., the parent company of e-wallet GCash, has priced its initial public offering (IPO) at P6.60 per common share, or 34 percent below its previous maximum offer price of P10.
At this price, Mynt’s planned base offering of about 8.03 billion shares would raise about P53 billion. If the full 1.2-billion-share overallotment option is exercised, total proceeds could reach about P60.9 billion, still making it the country’s largest IPO. The final price is below the maximum of P10 that Mynt set when it first filed its registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. COL Financial research head April
Lee Tan said the pricing reflects the current market conditions. “As you know the index is quite weak and if you look at the valuation, GCash would be trading around 21 to 22x PE ratio [price-to-earnings] for 2026. So that would be at the lower end of the range compared to its global peers,” Tan said. More than 20 foreign and local institutional investors had earlier committed to join as cornerstone investors if the price came in at no
EL NINO RESPONSE.
Asian port congestion seen lasting into 2027
As the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts a ‘very strong’ El Niño that could persist until the first quarter of 2027, Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV), the non-east zone subsidiary of Manila Water Company, is intensifying its preparedness measures across its service areas nationwide to help ensure reliable water supply amid projected prolonged dry weather conditions. MWPV activates a range of proactive measures across its 13 operating units serving communities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, focusing on water source development, infrastructure resilience, operational readiness and supply augmentation initiatives.
By Darwin G. Amojelar CONGESTION at major Asian container ports could persist into 2027, with weather disruptions and operational bottlenecks keeping ships tied up, cutting effective capacity and pushing freight rates higher, according to Asia Shipping Media editorial director Sam Chambers. Chambers, a maritime analyst, said the situation increasingly looks less like a temporary disruption and more like one that could last well into 2027. “History suggests the disruption will take months rather than weeks to unwind,” Chambers said. Sea-Intelligence estimates that delays are absorbing 8.5 percent of the global containership fleet, equivalent to about 3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of capacity. Chambers said that is more than the fleet of all but 4 global carriers. Based on recovery rates after the pandemic and the initial Red Sea crisis, Sea-Intelligence estimates congestion could take 7 to 10 months to return to the low levels recorded in June 2025. A return to conditions seen at the end of last year could take 6 to 8 months. That timeline could leave Asian ports dealing with congestion into the next peak cargo season. Chambers said the situation may be only partially resolved before the preChinese New Year cargo rush, with the holiday falling on Feb. 6, 2027. Repeated typhoons have been a major factor. Freightos, a digital global freight shipping marketplace and platform, said congestion at Far East origin ports has worsened as delays cascade into transshipment hubs. When carriers skip heavily affected ports, the pressure shifts elsewhere in the network. The bottlenecks are showing up sharply in intra-Asia pricing, Chambers said. Rates from Shanghai to Laem Chabang rose 22 percent to $1,609 per 40-foot container, while Shanghai-Jakarta rates increased 12 percent to $2,300 as Golden Week demand collided with constrained vessel capacity, according to Freightos.
more than P6.60. The foreign investors include subsidiaries of BlackRock, Capital Research, Fidelity, HSBC Global Asset Management, the International Finance Corp., Ninety One, T. Rowe Price and Schroders. The local institutions are ATRAM Trust Corp., BPI Asset Management and Trust Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., Metrobank Trust Banking Group, Philequity Management Inc. and RCBC Capital Corp. Foreign investors are expected to subscribe to up to 70 percent of the offer shares, while domestic investors will take the remaining 30 percent. BPI Capital Corp., BDO Capital & Investment Corp., AB Capital Securities and First Metro Investments Corp. are underwriters and joint bookrunners for the offering.
ERC allows cost recovery of P23.52b from consumers By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said Friday it resolved 26 long-pending rate filings of state-run National Power Corp. (NPC) in a single omnibus order, allowing the company to recover P23.52 billion in costs. NPC will recover the amount through an incremental universal charge for missionary electrification (UC-ME) of P0.0634 per kilowatthour (kWh), on top of the current UCME of P0.2763 per kWh. The total rises to P0.3397 per kWh beginning in the October 2026 billing period. The filings, submitted between 2013 and 2024, cover calendar years 2012 through 2022. “Some of these cases were first
filed in 2013, and the uncertainty was not serving anyone, least of all the consumers in our island and off-grid communities,” ERC chairman Francis Saturnino Juan said. “The commission had to act to ensure the continued viability of NPC’s operations and to support the regulatory framework for the missionary areas, which depends on NPC and private providers being paid what the law and the supporting documents allow, on time,” Juan said. “At the same time, we have made sure that the return we restored goes back into lowering the cost of serving these areas,” he said. The cases include NPC’s basic UCME petitions for calendar years 2017 to 2022, its UC-ME true-up petitions for
2012 to 2022, and related 10th to 14th Generation Rate Adjustment Mechanism and Incremental Currency Exchange Rate Adjustment applications. The order resolves NPC’s motions for reconsideration of three earlier ERC decisions issued in 2022, 2023 and 2025. The ERC restored about P23.52 billion in NPC costs it had previously disallowed, giving NPC additional resources to settle longoutstanding subsidy claims as providers continue serving off-grid communities amid rising fuel costs. The restored amount includes about P16.54 billion for NPC’s 12 percent return on rate base (RORB) for calendar years 2012 to 2022, as well as certain personnel and operating expenses supported by evidence.
Semirara cuts 996 jobs over mine flood
B3
NTC denies breaching due process
B4 PH signs P48-b ADB loan to fund healthcare By Thony Rose Lesaca THE Philippines signed a 119.745-billion yen or about P48billion financing agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support reforms in the country’s universal health care system, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Friday. The financing will fund the Build Universal Health Care Program Subprogram 3 (BUHC3) to strengthen health financing, improve health service delivery and enhance information management and accountability across the health system. “By signing this agreement, we are making a long-term investment in the country’s human capital and resilience. With the support of our development partners, we can advance reforms that will build a stronger, more responsive health system, and better equip it to serve Filipinos,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said in a statement. The program will support reforms in the three areas of sustainable financing and strategic purchasing for universal health care; integrated delivery of quality health services; and information management and performance accountability. It will also support reforms that address gender-specific health concerns and the health impact of climate change, making the health system more responsive to emerging needs, the DOF said.
MPIC to get P12.4-b Meralco shares from SMC INFRASTRUCTURE conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) said Friday it is acquiring an additional 1.9-percent stake in Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) from San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP), a unit of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), for P12.4 billion. The deal will raise MPIC’s direct and indirect interest in the power distributor to about 49.4 percent from 47.5 percent. MPIC said it will buy the Meralco shares through a special block sale at P580.99 per share, a 16.2-percent premium to the stock’s 90-day volumeweighted average price of P500.09 as of Sept. 30.
MPIC said it will fund the P12.4billion purchase with a combination of internally-generated cash and financing. The transaction is subject to conditions, including Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) approval of the special block sale. MPIC said the acquisition would increase its effective interest in Meralco and reflects its continued confidence in the utility’s long-term growth prospects and strategic importance. SMGP acquired the shares in 2025 through special block sales on the PSE from the Land Bank of the Philippines at P90 per share, in a deal worth P3.9 billion. Jenniffer B. Austria
FINANCIAL AID. The Department of Social Welfare and Development conducts
the first digital payout in Bacolod City led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian who committed to disburse Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) assistance via GCash until December 2026.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
BUSINESS
B2 Manila
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TODAY
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com OKADA’S AWARD.
Okada Man a s named as As a s Lead ng Enterta nment Resort 2026 at the Wor d Trave Awards mark ng another ma or m estone for the 30 hectare uxury ntegrated resort n Parañaque C ty The recogn t on h gh ghts Okada Man a s stand ng as a prem er dest nat on for hosp ta ty enterta nment and e sure C Career Oppo Opportunity un in n CHITTICK H FIRE R & & SECURITY UR CORPORATION OR ORA ON
Ca Career ee Oppo Opportunity un y in n BK E ELECTRONICS ECTRON CS PH PHILS., S INC. NC V VICE CE PRES PRESIDENT DENT (1 1 Va Vacancy) an y Job ob De Description: p on
Pa Participating pa ng on the he p president e den that ha creates ea e o organizations. gan a on
Leading, ead ng gu guiding, d ng d directing e ng and eva evaluation ua on the he wo work ko of o other he e executive e u ve leaders eade including n ud ng aassistant an vvice ep presidents e den seniors en o and manage managers. A Achieving h ev ng the he o organization’s gan a on ove overall a strategic a eg goa goals contributing on bu ng to o the he sales a e and p profitability o ab y require equ e o of the he bu business ne aas de determined e m ned by the he strategic a eg p plans. an Ove Overseeing ee ng the he complete omp e e ope operation a on o of an o organization gan a on in n aaccordance o dan e w with h the he d direction e on e established ab hed in n strategic a eg p plans. an
Qua Qualification: a on G Graduate adua e o of any 4 yea years course ou e W With h 10 yea years e experience pe en e aas vvice ep president e den in n manu manufacturing a u ng industry ndu y W Wire e Ha Harness ne and w with h technical e hn a skills. k Add Additional ona training a n ng o or certification e a on in n relation e a on to o the he po position on is a p plus u App Applications a on ma may be be sent en to: o K Kris S. Bon Bongcayao o h hrbkepi@gmail.com b ep @ m om
Company Company/ Emp Employer oye
Name o of foreign o e gn na national ona intending n end ng to o app apply y for o the he po position on
BK E ELECTRONICS ECTRON CS PH PHILS., S INC. NC
Name Name: PARK JONGHWAN ONGHWAN
Sou South h Ave Ave. Pha Phase e III CEPZ Ro Rosario, a o Cav Cavite e Na Nature u eo of bu business: ne Manu Manufacturing a u ng
Add Address: e Sou South h Ave Ave. Pha Phase e III CEPZ Ro Rosario, a o Cav Cavite e Na Nationality: ona Ko Korean ean Intended n ended pe period od o of emp employment: oymen Two (3) 3 yea years
BK E ELECTRONICS ECTRON CS PH PHILS., S INC. NC he hereby eby de declares a e that ha the he above above-named named foreign o e gn na national ona is ab able, e w willing, ng and qua qualified ed to o pe perform o m the he services e v e and job ob de description p on for o this h po position. on The company ompany ha has the he intention n en on to o emp employ oy the he said a d foreign o e gn na national ona and app apply y for o an A Alien en Emp Employment oymen Pe Permit m w with h the he Depa Department men o of Labor abo and Emp Employment oymen – Bu Bureau eau o of Local o a Emp Employment oymen located o a ed aat 6F FFirst Intramuros n amu o BF Condom Condominium n um So Solana ana SSt. cor. o A A. So Soriano ano Ave Ave. Intramuros n amu o Man Manila. a
Position Title: PROJECT RO MANAG MANAGER R R Responsibilities pon b - The h Project o M Manager, n w with h h his w wealth h knowledge, now d experience, p n expertise p and nd skills, is expected p d to o guide u d and nd recommend omm nd to o the h Project o Team methods to that the mm hod and nd techniques hn qu o ensure n u h h project is executed with p o u d in n accordance o d n w h the h contract on and will m meet the project requirements within nd w h p o qu m n w h n the h specified p d time m frame. m
In n general n terms, m the h m main n responsibilities pon b cover, o bu but are no not limited m d to, o the h following: o ow n
o on o hn p h ou hou the h PreProvision of technical expertise throughout Implementation, Implementation and Postmp m n on mp m n on nd o Implementation processes. mp m n on p o R Reviews w and nd p process o construction on u on m methods hod and nd p procedures o du for o assigned n dp project/s. o Works w with Design Wo h D n Engineering n n n Team m and nd Project o Management implementation M n m n Team m to o coordinate oo d n mp m n on activities. Calculates resources and provide proposed plan C u ou nd p o d as p opo d p n for allocation. o their h o on R Reviews w MR MRS p prepared p d for o assigned n d p projects o including n ud n the h scheduling h du n and nd p procurement/delivery o u m n d of tools necessary for project. o oo and nd equipment qu pm n n o the h p o Provides a construction budget p plan o d on u on bud n and nd assist in n monitoring project expenditures to work w within mon o n p o p nd u o wo h n the h budget. bud Manila Identifies/anticipates potential problem d n n p po n p ob m areas and nd proposes solutions/strategies for prevention or p opo o u on o its p n on o resolution. o u on Identifies and variances and d n nd evaluates u n nd implements mp m n change orders. h n o d Evaluates milestone u m on assumptions ump on and nd conclusions. on u on Assist in overseeing management of the project A no n the h m n m n o h p o schedule h du and nd d determining m n n sequence qu n and nd activity du duration. on
Standard
TODAY
R Reviews w and nd assists in n the h p preparation p on o of technical hn reports. po R Reviews w all safety codes, od requirements, qu m n po policies and nd standards nd d for o assigned n dp project/s o and nd ensures n u u h are adopted dop d du n the h implementation. mp m n on such during d h Project o m in n establishing b h n the h pun h Gu Guides the Team punch list p process and procedures. o nd close-out o ou p o du Condu Conducts inspections n p on on on a regular u b basis du during n implementation. mp m n on Keeps p M Management n m n informed no m d o of p project o status, u h highlighting h h n d deviations on form o mp plans; n and nd A Attends Coordination Meetings. nd Site Coo d n on M n Q Qualifications: du o n M Management, n m n M Marketing, n G Graduate of Bu Business Industrial ndu Engineering, n n n o or o other h related d courses. ou C Can very w well in n communicate ommun n English n h language n u Mo More than h n 6 years o of p project o m management n m n experience, p n p preferably b related d to o Industrial ndu Fire Protection o on and nd Security u Systems m d h p role o in n various ou H Has Coun Country o or m market leadership disciplines (Engineering, d p n n n n Sales, Trade d M Marketing, n Supply upp Ch Chain, n Finance n n and nd HR HR) p n nd h nd d full u responsibility pon b o H Has experience and handled of Profit o and nd Loss o (P&L) & d in n Comm o m (Sales, Trade d W Well versed Commercial Programs M n M n Marketing, Marketing) nd achieved h d short ho term m and nd long-term on m H Has set and n Comp n p n range Company plans p n n Executing u n strategic imperatives mp H Has experience in nd p n h p for o growth ow h and partnerships Applications may b be sent App on m n to: o Soraida o d Talislis m Add o d @ h ph Email Address: soraida.talislis@chittick.ph
N Name m of foreign national intending to apply for the posi Company/ m Employer m tion Company m N Name: m Chittick Fire & & Security Corporation N Name: m P Peter B Brian n Mo Moloney on Comp Complete Add Address: G Ground ound Floor, oo Telecom om P Plaza Add Address: B Batangas n Nationality: Australian Bu Building, d n 316 Sen. n G Gil Pu Puyat A Ave., B Brgy. B Belair, M Makati N on Au n City C Intended Period o of Employment: m m On One (1) Year N Nature of Business: Specialty-Fire Protection W Work Comp Company n h hereby b d declares that h the h above-named bo n m d foreign o nn national on is able, b w willing, n and nd qu qualified d to op perform o m the h services and nd job ob d description p on for o this h po position. on The h company omp n h has the h intention n n on to o employ mp o the h said d foreign o nn national on and Alien with Bureau of Local Employment located nd apply pp for o an nA n Employment mp o m n Permit m w h the h Bu uo o mp o m n (BLE) B o d at 6th Floor, oo B Banco n o Filipino p no Condom Condominium, n um Solana o n Street, Intramuros, n mu o M Manila. n
Career Opportunity in EVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION INC. MANDARIN BUSINESS MANAGER Job Description: - Coordinate with project, technical, finance, procurement, and operations teams to ensure successful project execution and client satisfaction. - Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and feasibility studies to support business expansion. - Prepare business proposals, presentations, commercial reports, and strategic recommendations for senior management. - Oversee contract administration and ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and contractual obligations. - Monitor business performance, budgets, forecasts, and key performance indicators (KPIs). - Manage client concerns and provide timely solutions to maintain long-term business relationships. - Represent the company during business meetings, conferences, and negotiations with Mandarinspeaking stakeholders. - Collaborate with management in developing operational improvements and cost-effective business solutions. - Ensure compliance with applicable laws, industry regulations, and corporate governance standards. - Perform other business management duties as assigned by senior management. Qualification: (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): - Proficiency in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese and English. - Strong knowledge of business planning, contract management, financial analysis, and strategic management. - Excellent negotiation, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. - Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and business management software. - Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. - Ability to work in a multicultural environment and manage multiple priorities. Applications may be sent to: Shyne DV. Bolasoc hrshyne.everstone@gmail.com Name of Foreign National intending to apply for the position
Company/Employer Company Name: EVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION INC. Company Address: Unit 801, 8/F Angelus Plaza, 104 V.A Rufino St., San Lorenzo, Makati City Nature of Business: General Construction
Name: GONG, ZHENGWEI Address: Bugallon, Pangasinan Nationality: Chinese Duration Of Employment: Three (3) Years
EVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION 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 - Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines.
ÊÊ Career CareerOpportunity Opportunity in in Amazon Amazon Operation Operation Services Services Philippines Philippines Inc Inc (AOSPI) (AOSPI)
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Career Career Opportunity Opportunity in in Amazon Amazon Operation Operation Services Services Philippines Philippines Inc Inc (AOSPI) (AOSPI) Position Positiontitle: title: Investigation Investigation Specialist Specialist II Vacancy Vacancy (1) (1) Position Position title: title: Investigation Investigation Specialist Specialist II Job Job Description: Description:
Vacancy Vacancy (1) (1)
➢ ➢ Provides Provides prompt prompt and and efficient efficient service service to to Amazon Amazon Sellers, Sellers,including including the the appropriate appropriate escalation escalation of of Sellers’ Sellers’ issues issues in in aa contact contact center center environment. environment. ➢ ➢ Maintains Maintains aa positive positive and and professional professional demeanor, demeanor, always always portraying portraying the the company company in in aa positive positive light light while while effectively effectively managing managing sensitive sensitive issues. issues. ➢ ➢ Demonstrates Demonstrates excellent excellent time-management time-managementskills skills and and the the ability ability to to work work independently independently while while using using departmental departmental resources, resources, policies policies,, and and procedures. procedures. ➢ ➢ Maintains Maintains acceptable acceptable performance performance metrics metrics such such as as quality, quality, productivity, productivity, first firstcontact contactresolution, resolution, and and attendance attendance..
Job Job Description: Description: ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢
➢ ➢ Actively Actively seeks seeks solutions solutions through logical logicalSellers, reasoning reasoningincluding and and data data interpretation interpretation skills skills,, and and identifies identifies trends trendsof to to the the appropriate appropriate channel, channel, improvement improvement Provides Provides prompt prompt and and efficient efficient service service to tothrough Amazon Amazon Sellers, including the the appropriate appropriate escalation escalation of Sellers’ Sellers’ issues issues in in aincluding aincluding contact contact center center environment. environment. suggestions suggestions Maintains Maintains aa positive positive and and professional professional demeanor, demeanor, always always portraying portraying the the company company in in aa positive positive light light while while effectively effectively managing managing sensitive sensitive issues. issues. Demonstrates Demonstrates Qualification excellent excellent time-management time-management skills skills and and the theLicense, ability abilitySkills to to work work independently independently while while using using departmental departmental resources, resources, policies policies,, and and procedures. procedures. Qualification (Education (Education, Experience, Professional Certification, Specialized Training): Maintains Maintains acceptable acceptable performance performance metrics metrics such such as as quality, quality, productivity, productivity, first first contact contact resolution, resolution, and and attendance attendance.. ➢ Interpersonal with the ability to communicate transactional issues,, and correctly and clearlytrends to both internal external customers. Actively Actively seeks seeks solutions solutions through throughskills, logical logical reasoning reasoning and and data datacomplex interpretation interpretation skills skills and identifies identifies trends to to the theand appropriate appropriate channel, channel, including including improvement improvement ➢ Clear, crisp, and proactive documentation of operational procedures required to tackle known risk-related patterns. suggestions suggestions ➢ Problem-solving skills, having demonstrated ability to recognize non-obvious patterns and analyze problems logically.
➢ Self-disciplined, diligent, proactive, and detail-oriented, impacting time management and organizational skills. Qualification Qualification (Education, (Education, Experience, Experience, Professional Professional License, License, Skills Skills Certification, Certification, Specialized Specialized Training): Training):
➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢
➢ Proven ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments where decisions are made without compromising on customer experience and financial losses.
Interpersonal Interpersonal skills, skills, with with the the ability ability to to communicate communicate complex complex transactional transactional issues issues correctly correctly and and clearly clearly to to both both internal internal and and external external customers. customers. Applications may be sent to: Clear, Clear, crisp, crisp, and and proactive proactive documentation documentation of of operational operational procedures procedures required required to to tackle tackle known known risk-related risk-related patterns. patterns. Name of Company HR: Ivanka Patricia Quinial Problem-solving Problem-solving skills, skills, having having demonstrated demonstrated ability ability to toEmail recognize recognize non-obvious patterns patterns and and analyze analyze problems problems logically. logically. address:non-obvious https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search Self-disciplined, Self-disciplined, diligent, diligent, proactive, proactive, and and detail-oriented, detail-oriented, impacting impacting time time management management and and organizational organizational skills. skills. Proven Proven ability ability to to work work in in fast-paced, fast-paced, dynamic dynamic environments environments where where decisions decisions are areofmade made without compromising compromising onthe customer customer experience and and financial financial Company/ Employer Name foreignwithout national intending to apply on for position experience losses. losses. Company Name:
Name: Thi Thanh Hon Ho
Applications Applications may may be be sent sentTaguig to: to: City Address: Name Name of of Company Company HR: HR: Ivanka Ivanka Patricia Patricia Quinial Quinial Nationality: Vietnamese Email Email address: address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search
Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI) Complete address:
Company/ Company/ Employer Employer
Unit No. 2C, Flr. no. 4th, One E-Com Bldg., Ocean Drive, Mall of Asia Complex St., Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City, Metro Manila, NCR, 1300
Intended period of employment: two (2) years
Name Name of of foreign foreign national national intending intending to to apply apply for for the the position position
Nature of business: AOSPI is a corporation organized under Philippine laws. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Company Company Name: Name: under SEC Certificate of Registration No. CS201722700. It is authorized to Name: Name: Thi Thi Thanh Thanh Hon Hon Ho Ho provide support services, including but not limited to remote technical support Amazon Amazon Operation Operation Services Services Philippines Philippines Inc Inc (AOSPI) (AOSPI) services, IT development, customer support, customer care services, Address: Address: Taguig Taguig City City business process outsourcing, back-office support (including but not limited Complete Complete address: address: to systems, hardware, software, financial operations, vendor management, Nationality: Nationality: Vietnamese Vietnamese and human resources relating to the back-office), and other activities necessary or usefulBldg., thereto,Ocean as well as marketing support activities, without Intended Intended period period of of employment: employment: two two (2) (2) years years Unit Unit No. No. 2C, 2C, Flr. Flr. no. no. 4th, 4th, One One E-Com E-Com Bldg., Ocean Drive, Drive, Mall Mall of of Asia Asia engaging in retail trade, the practice of a profession, or acting as an Internet Complex Complex St., St., Zone Zone 10, 10, Barangay Barangay 076, 076, District District 1, 1, Pasay Pasay City, City, Metro Metro Manila, Manila, Service Provider.
NCR, NCR, 1300 1300
Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the
Nature Nature of of business: business: services AOSPI AOSPIandis isjobaadescription corporation corporation organized organized under underhasPhilippine Philippine for this position. The company the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the of Labor Employment (DOLE) Central (SEC) Office, laws. laws. ItIt is is registered registered with with the theDepartment Securities Securities and andand Exchange Exchange Commission Commission (SEC)DOLE Building, Muralla Wing corner, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines under under SEC SEC Certificate Certificate of of Registration Registration No. No. CS201722700. CS201722700. ItIt is is authorized authorized to to Any Filipino jobseeker competent, and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired may file an objection provide provide support support services, services, including including but butwho not notislimited limited to to able, remote remote technical technical support support at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)care Centralservices, Office, DOLE Building, Muralla Wing corner, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, services, services, IT IT development, development, customer customer support, support, customer customer care services, 1002, Philippines, after this publication. Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment – NCR if you have any information on criminal offenses business business process process outsourcing, outsourcing, back-office back-office support support (including (including but but not not limited limited committed by the foreign national to to systems, systems, hardware, hardware, software, software, financial financial operations, operations, vendor vendor management, management, and and human human resources resources relating relating to to the the back-office), back-office), and and other other activities activities necessary necessary or or useful useful thereto, thereto, as as well well as as marketing marketing support support activities, activities, without without engaging engaging in in retail retail trade, trade, the the practice practice of of aa profession, profession, or or acting acting as as an an Internet Internet Service Service Provider. Provider. Amazon Amazon Operation Operation Services Services Philippines Philippines Inc Inc (AOSPI). (AOSPI). hereby hereby declares declares that that the the above-named above-named foreign foreign national national is is able, able, willing, willing, and and qualified qualified to to perform perform the the services services and and job job description description for for this this position. position. The The company company has has the the intention intention to to employ employ the the said said foreign foreign national national and and apply apply for for an an Alien Alien Employment Employment Permit Permit with with the the Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment (DOLE) (DOLE) Central Central Office, Office, DOLE DOLE Building, Building, Muralla Muralla Wing Wing corner, corner, General General Luna Luna Street, Street, Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila, Manila, 1002, 1002, Philippines Philippines Any Any Filipino Filipino jobseeker jobseeker who who is is competent, competent, able, able, and and willing willing to to perform perform the the services services for for which which the the foreign foreign national national is is intended intended to to be be hired hired may may file file an an objection objection Manila, at at the the Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment (DOLE) (DOLE) Central Central Office, Office, DOLE DOLE Building, Building, Muralla Muralla Wing Wing corner, corner, General General Luna Luna Street, Street, Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila, 1002, 1002, Philippines, Philippines, after after this this publication. publication. Please Please inform inform the the Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment –– NCR NCR ifif you you have have any any information information on on criminal criminal offenses offenses committed committed by by the the foreign foreign national national
565430658-v1\AP_DMS 565430658-v1\AP_DMS
Career Opportunity in EVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION INC.
11
Career Career Opportunity Opportunity in in AIRBUS AIRBUS HELICOPTERS HELICOPTERS PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES INC. INC. Position Position title: title: MRO MRO Network Network C295 C295 B.2 B.2 Specialist Specialist (1 (1 Vacancy) Vacancy)
MANDARIN TECHNICAL MANAGER Job Description: - Supervise, lead, and mentor a team of technicians to ensure high performance. - Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to team members. - Provide technical expertise and support on projects that require Mandarin language skills, ensuring quality and accuracy. - Ensure the proper functioning of hardware and software systems used in Mandarin technical projects. - Work with project managers to plan and execute tasks efficiently, managing schedules and budgets for technical resources. - Collaborate with external vendors or clients to address technical concerns and ensure project success. - Stay current with technological advancements in the Mandarin language sector and implement new tools or processes where applicable. - Prepare and deliver regular reports to senior management on the status of ongoing technical projects, team performance, and any technical challenges. Qualification: (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): - Strong understanding of the technical aspects of Mandarin language tools, such as translation software, speech recognition, and localization technologies. - Proven leadership and team management skills, including the ability to motivate and guide a technical team. - Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with a keen attention to detail. - Experience managing teams and overseeing technical projects from start to finish.
Job Job Description: Description: •• Working Working as as part part of of a a team, team, specific specific duties duties will will include include the the satisfactory satisfactory performance performance of of both both scheduled scheduled and and unscheduled unscheduled maintenance maintenance in in the the C295 C295 fleet, fleet, within within a a Customer Customer Services Services environment. environment. •• Undertaking Undertaking individually individually or or as as part part of of a a team, team, aircraft aircraft maintenance, maintenance, repair repair and and inspection inspection tasks, tasks, quality quality checks checks and and the the completion completion of of documentation documentation in in accordance accordance with with Company Company and and Customer Customer procedures. procedures. •• Performing Performing duties duties as as assigned assigned by by the the Team/Shift Team/Shift Leader, Leader, ensuring ensuring that that all all work work is is completed completed in in a a timely timely fashion fashion and and meets meets the the delivery delivery quality quality requirements requirements of of the the Customer's Customer's Maintenance Maintenance Organization. Organization. •• Verify Verify that that the the aircraft aircraft status status regarding regarding scheduled scheduled tasks tasks and and deferred deferred items items is is updated, updated, the the aircraft aircraft condition condition is is serviceable serviceable and and sign sign the the Release Release to to Service Service of of the the aircraft aircraft •• Ensuring Ensuring that that all all work work performed performed is is recorded recorded on on the the appropriate appropriate paperwork paperwork and and signed signed for for on on a a progressive progressive basis basis •• Ensuring Ensuring the the correct correct use use and and control control of of aircraft aircraft parts parts and and materials. materials. 565430658-v1\AP_DMS 565430658-v1\AP_DMS 11 •• Checking Checking every every time time before before to to start start any any maintenance maintenance activity activity tools/GSE tools/GSE ́ss ́ for for condition condition and and expiration expiration date, date, and and ensure ensure their their correct correct use. use. •• Checking Checking every every time time before before starting starting any any maintenance maintenance activity activity the the components components and and parts parts for for conditions conditions (damages, (damages, leaks leaks etc.) etc.) and and that that the the applicability applicability of of the the documentation documentation is is correct correct •• Adhere Adhere to to all all company, company, regulatory regulatory and and Health Health and and Safety Safety procedures. procedures. Qualification Qualification (Education, (Education, Experience, Experience, Professional Professional License, License, Skills Skills Certification, Certification, Specialized Specialized Training): Training): •• FAA FAA or or EASA EASA Part-66 Part-66 B1/B2 B1/B2 licensed licensed aircraft. aircraft. ICAO ICAO licenses licenses will will also also be be considered considered •• Bachelor’s Bachelor’s Degree Degree in in 5B071400-Aviation 5B071400-Aviation Technic Technic and and Technologies Technologies •• C-295 C-295 Aircraft Aircraft Maintenance Maintenance Type Type Training Training Course, Course, by by approved approved Part Part 147 147 •• More More than than five five (5) (5) years years of of experience experience in in C-295 C-295 aircraft aircraft maintenance maintenance in in the the last last six six (6) (6) years years •• Airbus Airbus C295 C295 Engine Engine Run Run Up Up Course Course certificate certificate •• C295 C295 ISR ISR Mission Mission Systems Systems Maintenance Maintenance Course Course •• Operational Operational ISR ISR Aircraft Aircraft Maintenance Maintenance relevant relevant experience experience •• PW PW 127G 127G Engine Engine Boroscope Boroscope Inspection Inspection capability capability •• Previous Previous experience experience of of working working in in a a military military environment environment Place Place of of Assignment: Assignment: PADC PADC Hangar Hangar 2, 2, Domestic Domestic Airport, Airport, Barangay Barangay 191, 191, Pasay Pasay City City Metro Metro Manila Manila Applications Applications may may be be sent sent to: to: MA. MA. ODESSA ODESSA DYAUCO-BANTOY DYAUCO-BANTOY odessa.dyauco@airbus.com odessa.dyauco@airbus.com
Applications may be sent to: Shyne DV. Bolasoc hrshyne.everstone@gmail.com Name of Foreign National intending to apply for the position
Company/Employer Company Name: EVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION INC. Company Address: Unit 801, 8/F Angelus Plaza, 104 V.A Rufino St., San Lorenzo, Makati City Nature of Business: General Construction
Name: YANG, PINGGUO Address: BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila Nationality: Chinese Duration Of Employment: Three (3) Years
EVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION 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 - Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines.
Career Opportunity in EVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION INC.
Company/ Company/ Employer Employer
Name Name of of foreign foreign national national intending intending to to apply apply for for the the position position
Company Company Name: Name: AIRBUS AIRBUS HELICOPTERS HELICOPTERS PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES INC. INC. Complete Complete address: address: PADC PADC Hangar Hangar 2, 2, Domestic Domestic Airport, Airport, Barangay Barangay 191, 191, Pasay Pasay City City Metro Metro Manila Manila Nature Nature of of business: business: Aircraft Aircraft Maintenance Maintenance Support Support and and Services. Services.
Name: Name: Askar Askar Chikinayev Chikinayev Address: Address: Sequioa Sequioa Tower, Tower, Two Two Serendra Serendra Taguig Taguig City City Nationality: Nationality: Kazakh Kazakh Intended Intended period period of of employment: employment: Two Two (2) (2) Years Years
AIRBUS AIRBUS HELICOPTERS HELICOPTERS PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES INC. INC. hereby hereby declares declares that that the the above-named above-named foreign foreign national national is is able, able, willing, willing, and and qualified qualified to to perform perform the the services services and and job job description description for for this this position. position. The The company company has has the the intention intention to to employ employ the the said said foreign foreign national national and and apply apply for for an an Alien Alien Employment Employment Permit Permit with with the the Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment – – Bureau Bureau of of Local Local Employment Employment (BLE) (BLE) located located at at Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila. Manila. If If there there are are any any objections objections or or inquiries, inquiries, please please contact contact the the concerned concerned DOLE DOLE Regional Regional Office. Office. Email: Email: aep_applications@ble.dole.gov.ph aep_applications@ble.dole.gov.ph Contact Contact Number: Number: 8528-0087 8528-0087 || 8528 8528 -0108 -0108
Career Career Opportunity Opportunity in in AIRBUS AIRBUS HELICOPTERS HELICOPTERS PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES INC. INC. Position Position title: title: MRO MRO Network Network C295 C295 B.1 B.1 Specialist Specialist (1 (1 Vacancy) Vacancy)
MANDARIN SITE COORDINATOR Job Description: - Monitor site activities to ensure compliance with safety regulations and operational protocols. - Conduct regular inspections and audits of the site to identify potential hazards or areas for improvement. - Maintain accurate records of site operations, including reports on incidents, inspections, and maintenance activities. - Collaborate with management to develop and implement site-specific policies and procedures. - Provide training and support to site personnel on safety practices and operational procedures. - Serve as the main point of contact for contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies. - Respond to emergencies and incidents promptly and effectively, ensuring all necessary procedures are followed. - Prepare reports and presentations to communicate site status and issues to management. - Foster a positive and safe working environment for all personnel on site. Qualification: (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): - Fluency in Mandarin (written and spoken) and English. - Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance standards. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills. - Ability to work independently and as part of a team. - Proficiency in [Relevant Software/Tools]. - Any additional certifications or licenses required Applications may be sent to: Shyne DV. Bolasoc hrshyne.everstone@gmail.com Company/Employer Company Name: EVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION INC. Company Address: Unit 801, 8/F Angelus Plaza, 104 V.A Rufino St., San Lorenzo, Makati City Nature of Business: General Construction
Name of Foreign National intending to apply for the position Name: ZHAO, HAILANG Address: Bugallon, Pangasinan Nationality: Chinese Duration Of Employment: Three (3) Years
EVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION 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 - Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines.
Job Job Description: Description:
•• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••
Working Working as as part part of of a a team, team, specific specific duties duties will will include include the the satisfactory satisfactory performance performance of of both both scheduled scheduled and and unscheduled unscheduled maintenance maintenance in in the the C295 C295 fleet, fleet, within within a a Customer Customer Services Services environment. environment. Undertaking Undertaking individually individually or or as as part part of of a a team, team, aircraft aircraft maintenance, maintenance, repair repair and and inspection inspection tasks, tasks, quality quality checks checks and and the the completion completion of of documentation documentation in in accordance accordance with with Company Company and and Customer Customer procedures. procedures. Performing Performing duties duties as as assigned assigned by by the the Team/Shift Team/Shift Leader, Leader, ensuring ensuring that that all all work work is is completed completed in in a a timely timely fashion fashion and and meets meets the the delivery delivery quality quality requirements requirements of of the the Customer's Customer's Maintenance Maintenance Organization. Organization. Verify Verify that that the the aircraft aircraft status status regarding regarding scheduled scheduled tasks tasks and and deferred deferred items items is is updated, updated, the the aircraft aircraft condition condition is is serviceable serviceable and and sign sign the the Release Release to to Service Service of of the the aircraft aircraft Ensuring Ensuring that that all all work work performed performed is is recorded recorded on on the the appropriate appropriate paperwork paperwork and and signed signed for for on on a a progressive progressive basis basis Ensuring Ensuring the the correct correct use use and and control control of of aircraft aircraft parts parts and and materials. materials. Checking Checking every every time time before before to to start start any any maintenance maintenance activity activity tools/GSE tools/GSE ́śs for for condition condition and and expiration expiration date, date, and and ensure ensure their their correct correct use. use. Checking Checking every every time time before before starting starting any any maintenance maintenance activity activity the the components components and and parts parts for for conditions conditions (damages, (damages, leaks leaks etc.) etc.) and and that that the the applicability applicability of of the the documentation documentation is is correct correct Adhere Adhere to to all all company, company, regulatory regulatory and and Health Health and and Safety Safety procedures. procedures.
Qualification Qualification (Education, (Education, Experience, Experience, Professional Professional License, License, Skills Skills Certification, Certification, Specialized Specialized Training): Training): •• FAA FAA or or EASA EASA Part-66 Part-66 B1/B2 B1/B2 licensed licensed aircraft. aircraft. ICAO ICAO licenses licenses will will also also be be considered considered •• C-295 C-295 Aircraft Aircraft Maintenance Maintenance Type Type Training Training Course, Course, by by approved approved Part Part 147 147 •• More More than than five five (5) (5) years years of of experience experience in in C-295 C-295 aircraft aircraft maintenance maintenance in in the the last last six six (6) (6) years years •• Airbus Airbus C295 C295 Engine Engine Run Run Up Up Course Course certificate certificate •• C295 C295 ISR ISR Mission Mission Systems Systems Maintenance Maintenance Course Course •• Operational Operational ISR ISR Aircraft Aircraft Maintenance Maintenance relevant relevant experience experience •• PW PW 127G 127G Engine Engine Boroscope Boroscope Inspection Inspection capability capability •• Previous Previous experience experience of of working working in in a a military military environment environment Applications Applications may may be be sent sent to: to: MA. MA. ODESSA ODESSA DYAUCO-BANTOY DYAUCO-BANTOY odessa.dyauco@airbus.com odessa.dyauco@airbus.com Company/ Company/ Employer Employer
Name Name of of foreign foreign national national intending intending to to apply apply for for the the position position
Company Company Name: Name: AIRBUS AIRBUS HELICOPTERS HELICOPTERS PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES INC. INC. Complete Complete address: address: PADC PADC Hangar Hangar 2, 2, Domestic Domestic Airport, Airport, Barangay Barangay 191, 191, Pasay Pasay City City Metro Metro Manila Manila Nature Nature of of business: business: Aircraft Aircraft Maintenance Maintenance Support Support and and Services. Services.
Name: Name: James James Fenn Fenn Address: Address: 11 11 Banaba Banaba Street Street Mahogany Mahogany Parc, Parc, Kalayan Kalayan Road, Road, Clark Clark Freeport Freeport Zone, Zone, Pampanga Pampanga Nationality: Nationality: British British Intended Intended period period of of employment: employment: Two Two (2) (2) Years Years
AIRBUS AIRBUS HELICOPTERS HELICOPTERS PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES INC. INC. hereby hereby declares declares that that the the above-named above-named foreign foreign national national is is able, able, willing, willing, and and qualified qualified to to perform perform the the services services and and job job description description for for this this position. position. The The company company has has the the intention intention to to employ employ the the said said foreign foreign national national and and apply apply for for an an Alien Alien Employment Employment Permit Permit with with the the Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment – – Bureau Bureau of of Local Local Employment Employment (BLE) (BLE) located located at at Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila. Manila. If If there there are are any any objections objections or or inquiries, inquiries, please please contact contact the the concerned concerned DOLE DOLE Regional Regional Office. Office. Email: Email: aep_applications@ble.dole.gov.ph aep_applications@ble.dole.gov.ph Contact Contact Number: Number: 8528-0087 8528-0087 || 8528 8528 -0108 -0108
PSEi closes nearly flat; peso recovers By Jenniffer B. Austria
P
rates.
HILIPPINE shares ended nearly flat Friday as investors remained cautious amid concerns over inflation and interest
The peso s reng hened o 62 535 aga ns he U S do ar Fr day from 62 775 on Thursday The benchmark Ph pp ne S ock Exchange ndex or PSE s pped 0 44 po n s or 0 01 percen o 5 629 03 The broader a shares ndex a so fe 0 14 percen o 3 152 39 “The marke s a ready down for five s ra gh days as e eva ed o pr ces and reasury y e ds oge her w h weak peso con nued o dampen sen men ” Japhe Tan angco research head a Ph s ocks F nanc a Inc sa d “Add ng o pess m sm s he con rac on of our manufac urng sec or ” he added On y wo of he s x sec ora nd ces ended n pos ve err ory Proper y advanced 0 44 percen wh e Indus r a s ga ned 0 25 percen Serv ces pos ed he b gges dec ne fa ng 0 47 percen
fo owed by financ a s down 0 15 percen and ho d ng firms wh ch s pped 0 15 percen M n ng and o dec ned 0 06 percen Marke bread h was negave w h 109 dec ners aga ns 77 ga ners and 56 s ocks unchanged To a marke urnover reached P5 56 b on Fore gn nves ors were ne se ers a P1 25 b on D g P us In erac ve Corp was he day’s op ndex ga ner r s ng 5 96 percen o P8 Sem rara M n ng and Power Corp agged a he bo om fa ng 4 96 percen o P13 40 Mos As an s ocks dropped Fr day as nves ors grow ncreas ng y concerned abou surg ng o pr ces and bond y e ds wh e key obs da a a er n he day w be pored over for an dea abou he Federa Reserve’s nex n eres ra e move W th AFP
Career O Opportunity in SUEZ U International Philippine Branch Position Title: Senior n o Contracts on M Manager n Claims m & & Change h n M Management n m n Job D Description: Ensuring that all contractual entitlements m are G General n recovered. Provide support to the Project M Manager and the M Management m of notifications (paying attention to Project Team m in all contractual and project contractual time m bars). controls issues (including reporting) w with the Preparation of claims m as necessary, and in a timely m client, engineer, suppliers, subcontractors, and m manner. partners / co-contractors. Q Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional Progress o Mon Monitoring o n License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Coordinating w with the Planning M Manager in M Minimum m m of 20 years of relevant experience in EPC preparing the project B Baseline, progress reviews w (Engineering, Procurement, m and Construction) and identifying potential claims m against (manage m projects, including substantial experience in contracts the "defense file" actions) or from m Suez m management, m commercial mm m management, m (opportunities). procurement, m construction, and project execution of Ensuring that all records w which m may be needed for large-scale infrastructure, w water, w wastewater, w or current and future claims m are being collected in industrial projects. the form m required to support those claims m (in the Fluent English (written w and spoken); additional Project D Data R Register). languages are an advantage A Analyzing effect(s) of delaying and disruption B Bachelor's D Degree in Civil Engineering, M Mechanical events in timely m m manner in coordination w with the Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a closely planning m manager (ensuring that an A As-Built B related engineering discipline. Program m is being properly prepared and A Additional training or professional certification in substantiated). Contract M Management, m Commercial mm M Management, m Procurement, m Construction Law, w or Project Communications ommun on M Management m is highly desirable. Preparing and carrying out Contract Inductions to Professional bachelor’s degree or equivalent the Project Team m as necessary. Timely m submission m certification in the home m country or jurisdiction of m monthly Contract M Manager reports each m month (preferred) and participation to CM MM Monthly call (with w Tl CM M Proficient in M MS W Word, Excel, PowerPoint, w w with strong Central Function). project coordination and m management m skills A Assisting the Project M Manager through Q Qualified Filipino applicants are encouraged to apply participation in discussions and m meetings w with A Applications m may be sent to: clients, engineer, subcontractors, suppliers, and K Kristina n Lalis/HRBP HRB partners / co-contractor(s). Email m A Address: kristina.lalis@suez.com n @ u om N Name m of foreign national intending to apply for the Company/ m Employer m position Company m N Name: m SUEZ U International Philippine Branch N Name: m Joseph o ph Patrick Bo Boyle Complete m A Address: Un Unit No No. 7008 & & 7009, Flr. No No. 7/F, A Address: Shore ho R Residences, d n B Brgy 176, Pasay City Four ou E-Com om East Tower ow B Bldg., d Lot o No No. 2, J.W. W D Diokno o no N Nationality: B Brittish h B Blvd. d St., M Mall o of A Asia Complex omp Subd., ubd D District 1, Intended Period of Employment: m m On One (1) Year B Barangay n 076, D District 1 Pasay City M Metro oM Manila n N NCR R 1300 N Nature of Business: Construction Company omp n hereby declares that the above-named m foreign national is able, w willing, and qualified to perform m the services and job description for this position. The company m has the intention to employ m the said foreign national and apply for an A Alien Employment m m Permit m w with the Bu Bureau uo of Local o Employment mp o m n (BLE) B located at 6th Floor, oo B Banco n o Filipino p no Condominium, ondom n um Solana o n Street, Intramuros, n mu o M Manila. n
Career O Opportunity in SUEZ U International Philippine Branch Position Title: Senior Industrial D Designer in W Water Q Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional Treatment m License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Job D Description: M Minimum m m 10 years' related experience in w water and Coordinate and support engineering and design w wastewater w treatment m plant EPC projects, in both proposal and execution phases. studies in the Philippines in collaboration w with Good knowledge of H Hydraulic, Instrumentation, Civil, w m regional and international design teams m based in G m mechanical equipment m (water w treatment m specific), France, M Middle East, A Australia and China. piping, pipe support. Provide technical guidance and support to the A Advance knowledge in w water treatment technologies w m Philippines design team, m ensuring alignment m w with (desalination w with reverse osmosis, ultra-filtration, SBR, m BR MBR, m micro-pollutant removal) and sludge treatment MBR m m SUEZ standards and established engineering U technologies (dewatering, w drying, digestion, CO2 O m methodologies, in particular w with the use of 3D D valorisation, biogas valorisation) w with proven software (Revit and A Aveva E3D) modelling. w R D and BBIM Mm experience in w water and sludge treatment m projects. Act as a design team manage technical English AND French m leader and m A interface w with m multidisciplinary stakeholders U University degree / BBachelor’s D Degree in w water, (including process, civil, electrical engineers; w wastewater w or sanitation systems m engineering degree or equivalent Professional bachelor’s equipment m suppliers and other design offices), to certification in the home m country or jurisdiction ensure proper integration and consistency of (preferred) design deliverables, w while considering w water and Proficient in D Design tools such as A Aveva (E3D) D and RRevit. w w m wastewater treatment best practices. Q Qualified Filipino applicants are encouraged to apply m and Prepare all related technical documentation A Applications m may be sent to: w drawings requested by external stakeholders KKristina Lalis/HRBP HRB (client, civil w works partner, etc) or internal Email m A Address: kristina.lalis@suez.com @ m stakeholders (procurement, m construction, etc) according to project’s specific requirements. m N Name m of foreign national intending to apply for the Company/ m Employer m position Company m N Name: m SUEZ U International Philippine Branch N Name: m M Mathieu D Deglane Complete m A Address: U Unit N No. 7008 & 7009, Flr. N No. 7/F, A Address: BBonifacio G Global City, Taguig, M Metro M Manila Four E-Com m East Tower w BBldg., Lot N No. 2, J.W. W D Diokno N Nationality: French BBlvd. St., M Mall of A Asia Complex m Subd., D District 1, Intended Period of Employment: m m O One (1) Year BBarangay 076, D District 1 Pasay City M Metro M Manila N NCR R 1300 N Nature of Business: Construction Company m hereby declares that the above-named m foreign national is able, w willing, and qualified to perform m the services and job description for this position. The company m has the intention to employ m the said foreign national and apply for th an A Alien Employment m m Permit m w with the BBureau of Local Employment m m (BLE) B located at 6 Floor, BBanco Filipino Condominium, m m Solana Street, Intramuros, m M Manila.
C Career Oppo Opportunity un in n SUEZ U International Philippine B Branch Position Title: P Project o Engineering n n n M Manager n Job D Description: Leads d all activities related d to od design n / engineering n n n for o the h p project o h he/she h is assigned n d to. o D Defines n and nd mon monitors o the h engineering n n n p planning nn n (in n line n w with h the h p project o o overall p planning) nn n M n op on h n n n m Manages operationally the engineering team mob d for o the h p o n the h B n hO nd mobilized project, in Branch Office and n France n in n u h technical hn oo d n on b w n the h Ensures the coordination between m m mb nd b w n the h engineering n n n team members and between d p n disciplines. d Suez u o the h d n coordination oo d n on w h the h Leads for design with C n Con u n nd o h ho d Client, Consultant, and other stakeholders/ p n partners. d h engineering n n n d b p odu d V Validates the deliverables produced b h engineering n n n team, m m n sure u h by the making they are technically hn sound ound and nd compliant omp n w with h the h contractual on u requirements. qu m n Is responsible pon b for o the h timely m submission ubm on o of the h engineering n n n d deliverables. b Identifies d n the h technical hn risks and nd oppo opportunities un and nd mon monitors o them h mw with h the h P Project o M Manager. n Is R Responsible pon b for o o organizing n n and nd conducting ondu n wo workshops hop related d to o Engineering, n n n e.g. internal n n d design n reviews, w d design n approvals pp o w with h C Client/Consultant, n Con u n HA HAZOP, OP etc. Follows o ow the h engineering n n n bud budget. Gu Guarantees n the h application pp on o of QH QHSE rules u in n h his/her h area. On Once engineering n n n is completed, omp d ensure n u the h followo ow up up and nd technical hn support uppo to o the h construction on u on team m
Q Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): M Minimum n mum 20 years' related d experience p n in n w water and nd w wastewater w treatment m n p plant n EPC PC p projects, o in n engineering, n n n construction on u on and nd p project o m management. n m n Experience p n shall h b be ideally d on on large p projects o w with h capacity p above bo 200,000 m m3/d d Good Good knowledge now d in n environmental n onm n chemistry, h m h hydraulics, d u instrumentation, n um n on m mechanical h n equipment qu pm n (water w treatment m n specific), p p piping. pn Advanced n d knowledge now d in n w water treatment m n Ad technologies hno o and nd sludge ud treatment m n technologies, hno o w with h p proven o n experience p n in n w water and nd sludge ud treatment m n p projects. o English n h AND AND French n h B Bachelor’s h o D Degree in n Ch Chemistry, m M Mechanical h n o or C Civil Engineering, n n n o or a closely o related d engineering n n n d discipline p n P Professional o on b bachelor’s h o degree o or equivalent d qu n certification home country or jurisdiction on in n the h hom oun o u d on (preferred) p d P Proficient MS Wo Word, PowerPoint, with o n in n M d Excel, Pow Po n w h strong project coordination management on p o oo d n on and nd m n m n skills Qu Qualified are encouraged d Filipino p no applicants pp n n ou d to o apply pp Applications may b be sent App on m n to: o Kristina K n Lalis/HRBP HRBP Email Address: kristina.lalis@suez.com m Add n @ u om
N Name m of foreign national intending to apply for the Company/ m Employer m position Company m N Name: m SUEZ U International Philippine B Branch N Name: m Edouard dou d V Vincent n n Ro Roger An Anicet Comp Complete Add Address: Un Unit No No. 7008 & & 7009, Flr. No No. 7/F, Add Address: W West C Crescent n P Park, Bon Bonifacio o G Global ob C City, Four ou E-Com Com East Tower ow B Bldg., d Lot o No No. 2, J.W. W D Diokno o no Taguig u Nationality: on French n h B Blvd. d St., M Mall o of A Asia Comp Complex Subd., ubd D District 1, N B Barangay n 076, D District 1 P Pasay C City M Metro oM Manila n NCR NCR Intended Period o of Employment: m m On One (1) Y Year 1300 N Nature of Business: Construction Comp Company n h hereby b d declares that h the h above-named bo n m d foreign o nn national on is able, b w willing, n and nd qu qualified d to op perform o m the h services and nd job ob d description p on for o this h po position. on The h company omp n h has the h intention n n on to o employ mp o the h said d foreign o nn national on and nd apply pp for o an nA Alien n Employment mp o m n P Permit m w with h the h Bu Bureau uo of Local o Employment mp o m n (BLE) B located o d at 6th Floor, oo B Banco n o Filipino p no Condom Condominium, n um Solana o n Street, Intramuros, n mu o M Manila. n
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
BUSINESS
B3 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com
Semirara cuts 996 jobs over mine flooding S By Alena Mae S. Flores
EMIRARA Mining and Power Corp. announced Friday it will lay off nearly 1,000 employees under a supplemental redundancy program after severe seawater inflows disrupted operations at its Acacia coal mine in Antique province. The job cuts affect 996 workers as SMPC scales down operations to align manpower with reduced capacity while facing uncertainty over future investments. SMPC said in a statement that it has been struggling to manage rising seawater inflows at the mine. Despite ongoing containment efforts, water flow has reached roughly 30,000 cubic meters per hour — a volume equal to filling 12 Olympic-
sized swimming pools every hour. The surge exceeds current pumping capacity and creates a high risk of catastrophic flooding. Managing the inflows over the long term requires significant capital investments, the company said. However, company officials said uncertainty surrounding upcoming coal bidding rounds has complicated long-term spending plans.
Financial responsibility goes beyond saving money and avoiding debt By Pia Arellano FOR generations, many Filipinos have grown up with a simple financial lesson: save what you can, spend within your means, and avoid debt. These are valuable lessons. But being financially prepared today also means knowing how to make informed choices when savings alone are not enough. If savings provide a foundation for financial security, understanding credit gives us more choices when that foundation is tested. Credit is already part of how Filipinos manage their finances. Credit cards, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, personal loans, and other financing options have become increasingly accessible. Yet while access has grown, there remains a gap in people’s understanding of how to manage credit responsibly. During CIBI Impact 2026, Atty. Ben Baltazar, president and CEO of the Credit Information Corporation (CIC), shared that only around 350,000 consumer reports had been generated at the end of 2025. This suggests that checking one’s credit standing is not yet a common financial habit. That gap matters. Many Filipinos may already be borrowing, paying installments, using credit cards, or accessing digital credit without necessarily seeing their credit information as part of their overall financial health. For years, much of the conversation around financial inclusion has understandably focused on access–helping more Filipinos participate in the formal financial system. But access is only part of the picture. Financial health also means having the knowledge to make informed financial decisions. Saving and budgeting remain essential, but so does understanding how credit works, what we can realistically afford, and how our financial decisions today can affect our options tomorrow. Savings and credit serve different purposes. Savings provide security and help fund future goals. Credit, when understood and used responsibly, can provide flexibility when savings cannot immediately cover a need or opportunity. Buying a home or car, paying for education, growing a business, or managing a significant expense can take years of financial preparation. Credit can be part of that preparation, but only when people understand what they are taking on and how it fits into their broader financial position. The question, then, should not simply be whether Filipinos should borrow. It should be whether we are prepared to recognize when credit makes sense for our circumstances and when it does not. Responsible credit use starts before the loan application. It means knowing your credit standing, understanding repayment obligations, considering the cost of borrowing, and being honest about what you can afford. It also means recognizing that not every opportunity to borrow is an opportunity worth taking. This is why I believe we need to move beyond the idea that financial responsibility simply means staying away from debt. We need to help Filipinos understand how to use credit responsibly and recognize when taking on debt may not be the right choice. Understanding credit gives people greater choice and control over their financial decisions. It puts them in a better position to decide when to borrow, how much they can afford, and when it may be better to wait. This does not mean encouraging Filipinos to borrow more. Greater access without the knowledge to make responsible decisions can create financial pressure rather than opportunity. As credit becomes more accessible, Filipinos must also be equally equipped to understand it, manage it responsibly, and know when not to use it. Making this knowledge more accessible will require financial education that treats credit as an important part of financial health, alongside saving and budgeting. This is part of the thinking behind CIBI University: helping Filipinos better understand credit, responsible borrowing, and the everyday financial decisions they make. For years, Filipinos were taught to save, budget, and live within their means. Those lessons remain essential, but they are no longer the whole lesson. Saving helps us prepare for what lies ahead. Understanding credit helps us make informed choices when we get there. Pia Arellano is the president and chief executive of CIBI Information Inc.
SMPC plans to join the bidding, but the Department of Energy has yet to issue the new bidding rules. SMPC’s coal operating contract expires in July 2027.
“Managing these seawater inflows over the longer term requires substantial investment in pumping equipment, power systems and other infrastructure. Uncertainty surrounding
the coal bid round complicates planning for these investments,” the company said. Without additional capital expenditure, the heightened flooding risk threatens access
to Acacia’s remaining coal reserves. The constraint has forced a partial suspension of stripping activities needed to uncover coal for future extraction.
BUSINESS
B4
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
NTC denies breaching due process PLDT completes full acquisition of T Radius Telecoms By Darwin G. Amojelar
HE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said Friday it is observing due process in its proceedings on the performance of mobile broadband services, rejecting concerns raised by the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO). The NTC said it promulgated the standards through Memorandum Circular No. 001-01-2026 after the required public hearing. Telecommunications operators could take part in the rulemaking process and submit comments before the standards took effect, it said. PCTO earlier said the NTC imposed fines upon issuing show cause orders, before operators received
PLDT Inc. said Friday it has completed the acquisition of the remaining 65.1 percent of Radius Telecoms Inc., giving the telecommunications company full ownership of the connectivity provider. PLDT now owns 100 percent of Radius’ issued and outstanding capital stock. Radius provides connectivity services through an end-to-end fiber optic network spanning more than 11,000 kilometers across Mega Manila and nearby provinces as well as Clark and Cebu. The company is a preferred connectivity provider in Mega Manila, offering Direct Internet Access, global networking and managed and cloud services, including SD-WAN and zero-trust networking solutions. PLDT earlier reported first-half net income of P16.4 billion, down from P17.4 billion a year earlier. Gross service revenues rose 2 percent to P108.7 billion, while net service revenues, after interconnect costs, grew 1 percent to P97.8 billion. Data and broadband remained the main growth drivers, generating P84 billion, or 86 percent of net service revenues, compared with 85 percent a year earlier. Excluding the drag from legacy services, net service revenues would have grown 2 percent. PLDT’s telco core income stood at P16.6 billion in the first half. The company said higher depreciation and amortization and softer telco operating results were partly offset by Maya’s sustained profitability. Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Philippine hog industry could lose up to P22.5 billion over the next three months as live weight hog prices plunge to as low as P95 per kilogram in some areas, prompting a lawmaker to call for immediate tariff increases and warn of a possible industry-wide “pork holiday.” AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones said Friday that projected losses through December could reach P13.5 billion among backyard hog raisers, who account for about 60 percent of the industry. Commercial producers could lose the remaining P9 billion. Briones called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to issue an executive order during the congressional recess from Oct. 10 to Nov. 8 and raise pork tariffs to 30 percent for imports within the minimum access volume (MAV) and 40 percent for out-quota imports. The current rates are 15 percent and 25 percent, respectively. He also urged the government to temporarily suspend issuing pork import permits to significantly reduce, if not stop, the entry of imported pork. “If this doesn’t happen, immediately the pork industry will protest. Hog raisers and pork producers will rally,” Briones said in a briefing Friday, warning that producers could stage a “pork holiday” anytime soon if their demands are not met. Othel V. Campos
PEZA eyes Indian pharma zone in Tarlac THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is exploring a dedicated Indian pharmaceutical and biotechnology zone at Victoria Industrial Park in Tarlac to attract high-value investments and strengthen the country’s drug manufacturing and supply chains. PEZA director-general Tereso Panga presented the industrial park as a potential investment hub at a Sept. 21 meeting with a 21-member delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Philippines Inc. (FICCI Philippines) and the ASEAN-India Business Council.
comply with these standards,” it said. The NTC said it will evaluate the operators’ submissions and defenses in accordance with applicable laws, rules and procedures. “The NTC remains committed to due process, evidence-based enforcement and transparency in ensuring reliable, adequate, and responsive telecommunications services for the public,” it said. The NTC issued an SCO on Sept. 24, 2026 against DITO Telecommunity Corp., Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc., imposing daily penalties of P100,000 after finding no measurable improvement in their mobile broadband services in several areas of the National Capital Region during its September revalidation tests.
PORT MILESTONE.
Adriatic Gate Container Terminal, International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation at the Port of Rijeka in Croatia, reports handling 4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) since joining the ICTSI Group in 2011. The milestone comes five years after AGCT crossed the two million-TEU mark. The achievement reflects growth in container traffic through Croatia’s largest seaport and AGCT’s expanding role as a regional Adriatic gateway.
PSALM extends Quezon City property bidding deadline to Oct. 8
By Alena Mae S. Flores
STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) has moved the bid submission deadline for its Diliman, Quezon City property to Oct. 8 from Sept. 24 to allow more interested parties to participate. “We had to move to give more time to the interested bidders,” PSALM president Dennis dela Serna said. PSALM is offering the property, located at Quezon Avenue corner
IN BRIEF Hog industry faces P22.5b in losses as prices plunge
what it described as adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to respond to and contest the findings. The NTC said it repeatedly notified operators of identified deficiencies in their services nationwide and gave them opportunities to address and rectify the issues. NTC deputy commissioner Andres Castelar Jr. said issuing a show cause
order (SCO) is itself part of the due process afforded to operators facing regulatory action. “The issuance of the Show Cause Order (SCO) is part of the process,” Castelar said. “It gives the concerned operators the opportunity to explain its side, present supporting evidence, and respond to the Commission’s findings, including its position on the daily penalties, its basis, reckoning point and duration,” he said. The commission said it has the legal authority to impose penalties as part of its mandate to enforce prescribed telecommunications service standards. “The existence of other investment or network expansion priorities does not dispense with the obligation to
“For PEZA, these investments are crucial to advancing pharmaceutical localization, strengthening our domestic supply chain, and contributing to more accessible and affordable medicines for Filipinos,” Panga said. The delegation expressed strong interest in available areas at the park and in the proposed exclusive Indian economic zone for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and related industries. FICCI Philippines president Vishal Vishnu Hathiramani and Puran Chand Dawar led the delegation, which included representatives from the solar, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agriculture and manufacturing sectors. They explored investment, joint venture, manufacturing and supply-chain opportunities in the Philippines. Othel V. Campos
BCDA signs 3 deals with Japanese firms THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its subsidiaries signed three partnerships with Japanese companies covering slope protection, site development and energy-efficient infrastructure, as part of the agency’s investment outreach in Japan. The agreements were signed at the Philippine Investment Forum in Osaka on Oct. 1, 2026, after a presentation of investment and co-development opportunities in New Clark City, Clark, Poro Point, Camp John Hay and other strategic areas along the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC). Poro Point Management Corp. (PPMC) signed an agreement with Daisho Co. Ltd. to explore the use of the Japanese company’s slope stabilization and protection technologies in the Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union. John Hay Management Corp. (JHMC) also signed a memorandum of understanding with Daisho to study similar technologies at Camp John Hay in Baguio City. BCDA signed a separate memorandum of understanding with Daikin Airconditioning Philippines to explore airconditioning and related energy solutions for New Clark City in Tarlac, supporting more energy-efficient urban infrastructure. Othel V. Campos
Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago Avenue (BIR Road), at a minimum bid price of P11.09 billion. Only one interested bidder joined the pre-bid conference on Sept 3. PSALM is selling the property on an “as-is, where-is” basis. Dela Serna said the bidding involves a straight sale, and the agency expects to use the proceeds to liquidate its obligations. The property consists of two lots covered by Title No. N-326294, with a total land area of 51,948 square meters. About 12,250 square meters are excluded from the sale, leaving a net
salable area of 39,698 square meters, along with the structures and improvements within that area. The excluded portion includes 5,000 square meters reserved for PSALM’s use and about 7,250 square meters occupied by System Operator (SO) and National Control Center (NCC) facilities. Under its agreement with PSALM, National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) will continue using the NCC and SO buildings for transmission operations until Jan 15, 2034. “The buyer shall respect NGCP’s
exclusive right to use the NPC Building 2, which is occupied by NGCP as its office headquarters pursuant to its concession agreement with PSALM executed on Feb. 28, 2008, until its full-term expiration date... on Jan. 15, 2034,” the agency said. The bidding is open to qualified individuals, sole proprietors, cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, consortiums, government-owned entities and local government units authorized to acquire real property in the Philippines. Private entities must be at least 60 percent Filipino-owned.
Asian Eye offers discounts as it marks 25th year
Upson International Corp. pledges P400,000 to support the University of Asia and the Pacific’s data science, analytics and AI ecosystem. Joinining the formal turnover are Upson chief operations officer Rolando Raval and executive director Tommy Roxas and UA&P vice president for finance and administrative affairs Aurea Cruz, School of Science, Engineering and Technology Dean Noemi Torre, Strategic Business Economics Program director Victor Abola, School of Management vice dean Jodie Ngo and chief librarian Hazel Pestio.
Upson pledges support for UA&P data science, analytics, AI ecosystem UPSON International Corp. has pledged P400,000 to support the data science, analytics and AI ecosystem of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), following a stronger first half in 2026. The pledge follows higher sales, stronger margins and increased profits at Upson in the first half. It supports the company’s mission to serve as a shopping gateway to digitalization in the Philippines, which includes helping develop people who can put technology to better use. Upson chief operations officer Rolando Raval and Upson executive director Tommy Roxas represented the company at the formal turnover. UA&P vice-president for finance and administrative affairs Aurea Cruz received the pledge, together with School of Science, Engineering
and Technology dean Noemi Torre, Strategic Business Economics Program director Victor Abola, School of Management vice dean Jodie Ngo and chief librarian Hazel Pestio. The UA&P Library houses a special corner for the ecosystem. It includes databases from London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), Datastream, Euromonitor, Tableau, Technistock, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and other key software. Professors and students have access to all of them. UA&P offers a Master in Applied Data Analytics, a Bachelor of Science in AI and a Bachelor of Science in Data Science. Other units, including the School of Economics and School of Management, also use the ecosystem.
ASIAN Eye Institute (AEI), a pioneer in multi-specialty eye care in the Philippines, announced discounts of up to 25 percent on selected diagnostic and surgical procedures at all its facilities from Oct. 1 to 15, 2026 as it marks its 25th anniversary. The institute also reaffirmed its support for First Lady Liza AranetaMarcos’ LAB for ALL (Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat), providing comprehensive eye examinations, free eyeglasses, medicines and protective goggles to underserved communities. It is lining up medical missions and charity activities for vulnerable sectors as well, to extend its commitment beyond its clinics. “Asian Eye Institute really began with my father’s own experience as a patient, and his realization of how difficult it was for many Filipinos to access the kind of expertise and technology available overseas,” said First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH) chairman and chief executive Federico Lopez, a son of Oscar Lopez. Piki Lopez recalled that his father described the institute at its inauguration as “a business with a social commitment.” “Twenty-five years later, that remains a true description of what it was meant to be — and what it is today,” Lopez said. “As we look to the years ahead, our responsibility is not simply to preserve what was built, but to keep building on it — embracing new technologies, reaching more communities, and continuing to raise the standards of eye care so that more Filipinos can see life clearly,” he said.
TECH
C1 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph rieramallari@yahoo.com
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Google restricts access to new extends Starlink AI model over safety concerns Globe satellite-to-mobile international access S with KDDI Japan AN FRANCISCO —Google said it would withhold its most powerful artificial intelligence model from the public for now, releasing Gemini 4 Argon only to a vetted group of cybersecurity experts to avoid misuse by hackers.
“Safely releasing frontier capabilities at this level requires a phased approach,” wrote Koray Kavukcuoglu, Google’s chief AI architect, in a blog post announcing the model. Google said it is voluntarily giving the US government early access to the model and will gather feedback from testers before making it widely available. The cautious rollout mirrors the approach of rival Anthropic, which has kept its most advanced model, Claude Mythos Preview, restricted to a small number of trusted organizations. Washington briefly forced Anthropic to suspend access to its publicly released Claude Mythos and Claude Fable models in June, and has since set up a voluntary process for vetting the most powerful AI models before release. The announcement came a day after President Donald Trump hosted top tech executives, including Google chief Sundar Pichai and Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, at the White House,
Gemini 4 Argon
where they signed a voluntary accord pledging to police the risks of their own AI systems. Cybersecurity experts fear the state-of-the-art technology could be used to hack banks, hospitals and government systems. Google said Argon excels at complex tasks in software engineering, legal and financial work and cyber defense, with a leading ability to find and fix critical software flaws. Early testers used Argon to un-
cover a flaw in software used by hospitals around the world that exposed sensitive personal information -- something other advanced models had missed, Google said. Google said Argon is designed to refuse requests that could help carry out cyberattacks or develop chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. Anthropic and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI have built similar safeguards into their most advanced models.
Google said it is monitoring the model’s reasoning to stop it from straying beyond what users intended, a risk researchers call misalignment. The issue has taken on new urgency since OpenAI disclosed in July that two of its models, including one not yet released, broke out of a sealed test environment during a cybersecurity evaluation and hacked into the servers of AI company Hugging Face. AFP
Maya links workers’ financial health to IT-BPM competitiveness MAYA is urging employers in the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector to make workers’ financial health part of their competitiveness agenda by connecting digital payroll with access to savings and responsible credit. Speaking at the International IT-BPM Summit 2026, Maya Bank President Angelo Madrid said the indus-
try’s investment in skills and technology should be accompanied by financial services that help its workforce manage everyday expenses and build savings. The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) reported that the sector supported 1.9 million workers and generated more than $40.3 billion in revenue in 2025,
Shown here are (from left) Jimbo Borja, President, S&P Global Philippines; Joon Suk Park, HSBC Country Head, Global Payments Solutions, Philippines; Angelo Madrid, Maya Bank President; Nathalie Bernardo, Vice President & Site Head, Sun Life Global Solutions, Philippines; and Melchor Plabasan, Senior Director, Technology Risk and Innovation Supervision Department, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
contributing 8% to national GDP. “Filipino workers who help customers around the world manage their finances should also have the tools to build financial security for themselves,” Madrid said. “We are working with employers to connect salary payments with savings tools and credit suited to workers’ needs and ability to repay, helping them manage everyday expenses and prepare for emergencies.” Maya, the leading digital financial services platform in the Philippines, is working with IBPAP and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies to expand employees’ access to financial services and modernize payroll, disbursement and reimbursement processes. The collaboration brings together employers’ operational needs and the financial well-being of their workforce. Through Maya Business, employers can send salaries and other employee payouts digitally and at scale. This can help reduce manual processes and administrative work, particularly for companies operating across multiple sites and around the clock, while providing visibility over employee payouts. Employees can receive and manage their pay through the Maya app, which connects everyday payments with banking services. Maya Savings, Personal Goals and Time Deposit Plus provide ways to set money aside, while credit products are available to eligible customers, subject to assessment. “The opportunity is to make payroll more efficient for employers while helping employees manage their money beyond payday,” Madrid said. “Progress should mean more businesses using digital financial tools and more employees able to save, meet their obligations and prepare for unexpected expenses.”
FOLLOWING the commercial launch of Starlink Mobile for Globe and TM customers in the Philippines, Globe is extending satellite-to-mobile connectivity to customers traveling abroad. Filipino customers traveling to Japan can now use Starlink Mobile on their compatible phones to send messages and stay connected with apps in cellular dead zones and remote locations. The international access service is made possible with Starlink Mobile’s telecom partner, KDDI Japan. With international access connectivity, customers can use select apps for messaging, navigation, and other communication needs in areas where conventional mobile coverage may be limited. Globe’s GoRoam Japan brings this together with regular terrestrial roaming, giving travelers more flexibility to stay connected as they move between covered areas and cellular dead zones. GoRoam Japan promos are now available on GlobeOne and GCash, with options to suit different travel needs. “Globe has always been at the forefront of connectivity innovation, and extending our Starlink journey into international access is the next step in that evolution,” said Eric Tanbauco, Head of Globe’s Consumer Mobile Business. “Through our partnership with KDDI, we are exploring how satelliteenabled connectivity can help overcome network boundaries and create a more seamless travel experience for customers.” This news follows KDDI’s announcement which enables its customers to leverage the Globe Starlink service when traveling to the Philip pines. “Our goal is to eliminate global cellular dead zones and deliver reliable connectivity, aiming for a world where if you can see the sky, you can connect anywhere. Through our partnership with Globe and Starlink Mobile, we are taking another step toward expanding satellite-enabled roaming beyond traditional coverage areas,” said Makoto Kadowaki, Executive Officer at KDDI Japan. “Together, we aim to deliver enhanced customer experiences and dependable connectivity for travelers in both the Philippines and Japan, while progressively expanding these capabilities on a global scale.”
Globe customers traveling to Japan can now access satellite-enable apps and messaging on their phones.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Series: Ultimate productivity powerhouse built for growth SEOUL, Korea – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. unveiled the Galaxy Tab S12 series — Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Tab S12+ — delivering Samsung’s most capable and versatile tablet experience yet. Packing breakthrough performance, longlasting battery life, and the latest Galaxy AI into Galaxy Tab’s signature ultra-thin design, the new lineup turns complex workflows into effortless, everyday achievements whether it’s mastering skills, pursuing career goals or exploring creative passions. Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Tab S12+ feature immersive displays and come bundled with the ergonomically designed S Pen for effortless notetaking and precise editing. With easy access to professional-grade apps and versatile accessories, users can pursue their passions and progress toward their goals with ease. Combining portability with professional-grade power, the Galaxy Tab S12 series gives users instant access to powerful capabilities whenever inspiration strikes. “The Galaxy Tab S12 series is designed for people who are constantly exploring new ideas, developing new skills and bringing their ambitions to life,” said Jay Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Built with industry-leading hardware, the Galaxy Tab S12 series pairs an expansive screen with the power of Galaxy AI — removing friction from
complex tasks so users can stay focused on achieving impactful results.” Peak Performance in an Ultra-Thin Design The Galaxy Tab S12 series combines powerful performance and long-lasting battery life into a thin and light design, making it easy for users to achieve more, wherever ambition takes them. At a remarkably slim 5.1mm, Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is Samsung’s thinnest Galaxy Tab, while delivering the most powerful performance of any Galaxy Tab to date, supporting productive use throughout the day. For example, users taking an online course alongside a full-time job can catch up on a lesson during the commute, then work through course exercises on the large screen at a café or library later in the day. Both models are built to go the distance, allowing users to keep going without losing momentum. On a single charge, the all-day battery lasts up to 23 hours on Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and up to 21 hours on Galaxy Tab S12+, supporting long stretches of productivity anywhere. When it is time to recharge, the battery goes from 0% to 100% in about 95 minutes with the 45W adapter — minimizing downtime so users can get back to what they were doing. Beyond long-lasting battery life, the Galaxy Tab S12 series delivers the most powerful performance of any Galaxy Tab to date, keeping pace with even intensive tasks. The cutting-edge 3nm processor delivers up to 61% faster NPU processing,
Packed into a remarkably slim, durable design with sustained peak performance, long-lasting battery life and the latest Galaxy AI, the Galaxy Tab S12 series empowers users to push their boundaries without limitations
19% faster CPU performance and 17% improved GPU power compared to Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra In everyday use, that means users can take on more demanding tasks with increased speed and responsiveness. Whether rendering complex creative projects or watching a lecture while taking notes and
asking AI for clarification — the experience stays responsive and fast with fewer interruptions to break their focus. A newly designed 3D Vapor Chamber efficiently dissipates heat to support more reliable performance during demanding tasks, whether users are editing video or designing graphics for hours. Engineered for resilience and durability to withstand the elements and give users peace of mind, the Galaxy Tab S12 series also comes with IP68rated water and dust resistance. The Galaxy Tab S12 series comes with an expansive screen designed to help users think bigger and give ideas more room to unfold. Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features a large 14.6-inch display, making it easy to explore complex topics and keep multiple perspectives in view. The Galaxy Tab S12+ features a larger 12.6-inch display and slimmer bezels than its predecessor, offering more screen space without sacrificing portability. Both models feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays reaching up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness — delivering clear, vivid visuals indoors or out. The upgraded seamless Vision Booster now adjusts brightness in real time based on lighting conditions for comfortable viewing. Sound gets a major upgrade as well, with 4-channel spatial audio — twice as many channels as the previous generation — delivering a richer, more immersive experience whether users are streaming content, following a tutorial or editing.
TECH
C2
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
Pre-order HONOR 600S for P19,999, win P1m worth of SM shopping spree G LOBAL AI device provider HONOR Philippines officially introduces the HONOR 600S, a smartphone designed to deliver reliable performance, intelligent experiences, and everyday durability.
Combining an ultra-high-capacity 8,100mAh battery, comprehensive water and dust resistance, drop protection, and AI-powered features, the HONOR 600S is built to keep up with users wherever the day takes them. Built with HONOR’s Cushioning and Fall Protection Architecture, the HONOR 600S has received the SGS Premium Performance Certification for Drop and Crush Resistance, earning a 5-Star All-Round Drop Resistance rating and tested drop protection of up to 2.5 meters under controlled conditions. With IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, the device is also designed to withstand dust, water, and high-pressure water exposure, while its Wet-hand Touch Enhancement helps maintain screen responsiveness even when the display is wet. At the heart of the HONOR 600S is an 8,100mAh battery with 45W HONOR SuperCharge, giving users the power to get through long days of streaming, gaming, creating, and working. It is also engineered to operate across temperatures from -30°C to 50°C, with HONOR’s battery testing supporting a lifespan of up to six years. “We designed the HONOR 600S around the realities of how people use their smartphones
HONOR’s latest smartphone combines an 8,100mAh battery, advanced durability, and AI-powered features designed for life on the go.
today. Users want a device that can keep up with their work, content, entertainment, and everything in between without having to constantly worry about battery life or durability,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “With its combination of a massive battery, robust protection, and intelligent AI features, the HONOR 600S brings together the ca-
pabilities that matter most to our consumers in one accessible smartphone.” Built for Everyday Performance The HONOR 600S brings together a range of features designed to support work, entertainment, and content creation. It comes with a dedicated AI Button for quick access to applications and AI-powered tools, while HONOR AI Image
Converge SME, DTI, TikTok Shop bring SellerPlus to entrepreneurs CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc., the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and TikTok Shop have officially launched SellerPlus, a tripartite initiative designed to empower Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), online sellers, livestreamers, and home-based entrepreneurs. Co-hosted by Converge and DTI at the DTI Filinvest Building in Makati City, the program equips digital merchants with highspeed connectivity, e-commerce scale-up tools, and personal security to help them succeed in discovery commerce. Resolving Operational Challenges for Digital Merchants The SellerPlus Bundle directly addresses day-to-day operational hurdles faced by content creators and live sellers by bringing together reliable connectivity, e-commerce growth tools, and personal protection. Powered by Converge’s reliable 200Mbps Fiber Internet, the bundle ensures sellers can stream live without buffering. To safeguard entrepreneurs as they expand into fast-paced digital operations, the bundle also incorporates Personal Accident Insurance from AXA. Highlighting the practical impact of the offering, Converge SME Group VP and Head of SME Marketing Angela Gutierrez shared: “The Seller Plus bundle serves as practical execution
channels for the AI and Scale-Up Center. SellerPlus equips online sellers, livestreamers, and home-based businesses with high-speed connectivity, growth tools via TikTok Shop and Personal Accident Insurance via AXA.” She added that the bundle resolves daily operational bottlenecks by pairing highspeed internet with TikTok Shop solutions, allowing live sellers and content creators to stream without buffering, grow their audience, and directly convert views into transactions. The program prioritizes traditional sectors such as food, fashion, and apparel that require digital elevation to adapt to modern e-commerce trends. Driving the AI and Scale-Up Center SellerPlus serves as a primary execution channel for the country’s first DTI Bagong Pilipinas AI and Scale-Up Center, located at the DTI head office in Makati. Converge provides the core digital backbone for the center’s physical and virtual facilities, enabling real-time live demonstrations of business AI platforms such as dynamic content generators, customer service bots, and inventory software. The center features free co-working stations, meeting pods, pitching areas, accelerator training rooms, and hands-on digital skills workshops aimed at lowering operational costs for local businesses.
CAISS project integrates biometrics data for smarter border security THE proposed Civil Aviation and Immigration Security Services (CAISS) project is designed to fill the gap and enhance existing government border security systems, not duplicate them, according to Nate Carpenter, Chief Technology Officer of Securiport LLC. In a recent online interview with reporters on the sidelines of the 21st International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) Symposium held in Montreal, Canada, Carpenter responded to concerns that the project would overlap with systems already funded and operated by the government. “This is actually not a duplication at all,” Carpenter said. “We built our system at Securiport to fit into the government’s ecosystem.” He said governments already have purchased technologies and established systems. Securiport’s tools are meant to work within that ecosystem and add capabilities, information, and risk-identification tools. “They do not replace the systems that are there. They enhance the systems that are there,” he said. “We look at it as multiplying the government’s investment that they’ve already made.” Carpenter spoke at the September 22–24 annual event that brought together member states and stakeholders from passport and civil-registry offices, border and law-enforcement agencies, aviation security and public-health authorities, airlines, and airports, international organizations, and industry experts to explore ways to make travel more seamless, secure, and efficient. “Putting Trust into Practice: Towards Trusted Travel Identity for All,” he said was the theme. The discussions focused on advancing traveler
identification, border security, privacy safeguards, and system interoperability, and aligning with ICAO standards, which are seen as key to delivering safer and smoother journeys. Beyond an API upgrade A Bureau of Immigration (BI) officer earlier said the current Advance Passenger Information (API) system launched in March 2025 covers 97.88% of international flights nationwide. The upgrade to CAISS, however, is not limited to shifting from batch API to interactive API. While API tells authorities who is expected, CAISS, as an intelligence layer, verifies who is actually, present and helps turn that information into a controlled, traceable border decision. “Yes, we’re moving from batch API to interactive API,” the officer said. “But that’s only part of the picture.” The P10.7 billion Public-Partner Partnership project, also seeks to integrate Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, which becomes available four to 48 hours before departure. PNR includes booking patterns, payment methods, email addresses, travel frequency, and even seat assignments, providing intelligence that helps detect transnational crimes before travelers even board. “If you’re using cash, that’s a red flag,” the officer said, adding that API and PNR are only part of CAISS. Integration, key to border security upgrade CAISS’s strength is its integration, which would allow authorities to cross-reference travel patterns, social media activity, and previous records. It would also enable one-to-many biometric matching, in which facial, fingerprint, and iris scans are checked against historical records. Cur-
Nate Carpenter, Chief Technology Officer of Securiport LLC
rent systems generally use one-to-one verification, or one passport against one person. The integrated system won’t be limited to airports. It will eventually cover seaports, land borders, and traditional sea routes in the southern Philippines—strengthening borders across the archipelago. E-gates, automated border control Carpenter said e-gates and automated border control are also part of any modern border solution. “It allows—we call them automated border control or ABC—because it’s essential to processing large volumes of travelers that you have e-gates, that you have electronic kiosks, for example, and that you have contactless technology to allow people just to walk across through a corridor to the border,” he said.
to Video 2.0 allows users to transform static images into dynamic video content. For photography, the device is equipped with a 50MP main camera, giving users a versatile camera for capturing everyday moments and content. Powered by the Snapdragon® 4 Gen 4 Mobile Platform, the device comes with 8GB RAM and up to 16GB RAM expansion through HONOR RAM Turbo Technology, along with 256GB storage. It also features a 6.87-inch 120Hz display, 400% Volume Dual Speakers, and MagicOS 10 based on Android 16 for a smooth and immersive user experience. The HONOR 600S comes in Velvet Black, Desert Gold, and Misty Purple. Launch offers include the 8GB + 256GB variant at PHP 19,999, with HONOR Bluetooth Speaker II and HONOR Watch 2i as pre-order benefits, while the 6GB + 128GB variant is an online exclusive available for PHP 18,999 with an HONOR Watch 2i on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop. The HONOR 600S was officially launched on October 1, 2026 through authorized HONOR stores nationwide, Globe Telecom stores, and HONOR’s official online stores. Customers can also get a chance to win P1 million worth of shopping spree when they preorder or purchase the device from October 1 to 9, 2026, subject to the promo mechanics. For more information about HONOR Philippines, you may visit: https://www.honor.com/ ph/. To stay updated on launch announcements, product information, and exclusive offers, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive launch updates, product information, and more. #HONOR600S #AnythingIsPossible #HONORPhilippines #HONOR600Series
Claire Huang, SYNOLOGY PH Country Manager
PH firms turn to AI for productivity, but data security remains a hurdle MORE than 90% of Philippine respondents to a Synology survey say AI-ready infrastructure is important to workflow efficiency and productivity, but 70% cite data security and privacy as a key challenge to AI adoption. The findings point to a practical issue for organizations putting AI to work: the value of AI depends not only on the applications themselves, but also on whether the data behind them can be accessed, managed and protected across the systems where it resides. The findings were shared at the Synology Annual Media Event 2026, where the company discussed data infrastructure, cyber resilience and AI-powered productivity as businesses expand their use of AI. “AI creates value when it helps people do their work better and enables the business to respond more effectively to its customers,” said Antoine Yang, Southeast Asia Head at Synology. “Our focus is to help organizations sustain those gains as adoption grows, with data they can trust and a dependable path to recovery when disruption occurs.” The survey points to several data-management issues that organizations need to address as AI use expands. Around 47% of respondents cite data quality and availability as challenges, while 40% report that their data is scattered across different environments. Nearly 40% also say they lack visibility into how information submitted to thirdparty AI tools is managed. Infrastructure choices are part of this picture. Approximately 74% of respondents favor onpremises or hybrid approaches, compared with 9.9% who prioritize public cloud. The survey also found a gap in confidence around recovery. While 72.4% of respondents express confidence in their ability to recover from ransomware using protected backups, only 25.4% describe themselves as very confident. “As businesses expand their data infrastructure, they also need confidence that essential services can recover when disruption occurs,” said Claire Huang, Philippines Country Manager at Synology.
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SHOWBIZ
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
BE:FIRST brings its first standalone show to the New Frontier Theater after previously performing in the country with SB19
F
By Jasper Valdez
Japan.
J-Pop rising boy group BE:FIRST sets global plans in motion
IVE years after their debut, Japanese boy group BE:FIRST is following through on a goal its members say they have shared since the beginning, bringing their music beyond
That goal comes in the form of WATCH ME, their first global EP, and the BE:FIRST WORLD SHOWCASE 2026 “WATCH ME.” Composed of Sota, Shunto, Manato, Ryuhei, Junon, and Leo, the group brings the showcase to Manila tonight at the New Frontier Theater. “We’ve been talking about releasing this kind of EP for about five years, since our debut,” BE:FIRST said during a roundtable interview with Philippine media. “It has been a goal for both the members and the agency.” The group said they had specifically looked toward their fifth year as the right time to put out a project intended for a wider market. “We were always thinking about how we could proudly say, ‘We are BE:FIRST,’ and really be proud and excited about who we are. We always targeted our fifth year,” they added. Released on Sept. 18, WATCH
ME contains five tracks, including “BRUCE WAYNE” with American rapper Flo Milli and producer ATL Jacob, the BIA-assisted title track “WATCH ME,” and “CAGLIOSTRO.” For BE:FIRST, however, working with international names did not mean reshaping the group to fit a different audience. “We didn’t force ourselves to be more than what we are,” they said. “We stayed true to ourselves and did what we wanted to do, while also doing what was expected of us.” Even as the group works with artists and producers overseas, its members said performing in Japanese remains part of what distinguishes BE:FIRST. “Just the fact that we rap in Japanese is something that is unique to us,” they said. “Even when we’re in the U.S. collaborating with global rappers and producers, we still use the Japanese language. We don’t compromise on that.”
The group keeps its Japanese identity at the center of ‘WATCH ME’ even as it works with international artists and producers for a wider audience
The current showcase follows BE:FIRST’s first world tour in 2025. This year’s run includes Bangkok, Taipei, Manila, and New York, with the Philippine stop marking another first for the group. BE:FIRST previously performed in the country with Filipino group SB19, but their Oct. 3 concert will be their first standalone performance in Manila. “This is our first time having our own show here,” they said. “To be honest, we absolutely have no idea what the crowd’s response will be, and not knowing is also something that’s quite exciting for us.” Their previous visit, however, left them with an impression of Filipino concertgoers. “We already got an idea of how passionate and energetic Filipino audiences are,” they said. “We really admire that passion and energy.” The group acknowledged that some of those coming to the showcase may have discovered them through SB19. This time, they want the audience to see what BE:FIRST has developed after five years together. “We’d like them to see where we are now in our fifth year and everything BE:FIRST has built up to this point,” the group said.
Rein Entertainment scores four Asian Academy wins with ‘Drug War,’ ‘Salvageland’ By Nickie Wang REIN Entertainment’s crime dramas Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence and Salvageland have scored four National Awards at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2026, earning spots for the Philippines in the competition’s international round for the Grand Final Award. Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence, a sixpart miniseries directed by Shugo Praico, took three awards: Best Screenplay for Praico and Jonathan Guillermo, Best Cinematography for Moises M.M. Zee, and Best Editing for Lawrence S. Ang. Salvageland, directed by Lino S. Cayetano, added a fourth win with Mon Confiado taking Best Actor in a Supporting Role. The victories come as Drug War heads toward its finale. Set against the Philippines’ deadly and deeply polarizing war on drugs, the series follows a priest, played by Ian Veneracion, and a conscience-stricken policewoman, played by Jane Oineza, as they investigate the death of his former protégé, played by Harvey Bautista. Their investigation gradually exposes a wider conspiracy involving killings, silenced witnesses, and erased evidence. The series has drawn millions of views on YouTube, with Episodes 1 to 5 currently streaming on Rein Entertainment’s official channel. The finale date will be announced through the company’s official social media channels.
Mon Confiado (left) earns Best Actor in a Supporting Role for ‘Salvageland,’ adding another Philippine honor to the crime drama’s awards run
Meanwhile, Salvageland follows a retiring police chief, played by Richard Gomez, and his rookie son, played by Elijah Canlas, who find themselves up against a powerful crime syndicate led by Confiado after a wounded woman seeks refuge at their remote police station. “These recognitions inspire us to stay true to Rein Entertainment’s mission: to push boundaries, explore fresh perspectives, discover unexpected worlds, and tell bolder Filipino stories that deserve a place on the global stage,” said Praico, Rein Entertainment’s president and head of creatives. Shugo Praico shares a Best Screenplay national win with Jonathan Guillermo as ‘Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence’ earns three Asian Academy Creative Awards citations for the Philippines
Rayver Cruz continues balancing acting, hosting and dance as he signs on for another chapter with his longtime network
Ruru Madrid carries his run of roles across different genres into a new contract period after adding an MMFF supporting actor honor to his résumé
Solid Kapuso Miguel Tanfelix, Rayver Cruz, Ruru Madrid renew ties with mother network MIGUEL Tanfelix, Rayver Cruz, and Ruru Madrid are staying firmly in the Kapuso fold after renewing their contracts with GMA Network and Sparkle GMA Artist Center. Tanfelix, who marks 20 years in show business, has come a long way since his Starstruck Kids days. His work has earned him several honors, including the German Moreno Youth Achievement Award at the FAMAS, Best Actor at the Asian Academy Creative Awards, and TV Actor of the Year at the 11th Platinum Stallion National Media Awards. Now entering another chapter with GMA and Sparkle, Tanfelix continues to take on roles that allow him to stretch his range as an actor. Cruz, meanwhile, remains one of the industry’s busiest performers, juggling acting, hosting, and dancing. He has also built a strong television career through a string of teleseryes while also making his mark on the live entertainment scene. Madrid has likewise carved out a name for himself through roles across different genres. His run of breakthrough performances has
Miguel Tanfelix marks 20 years in show business as he begins another chapter with the network that has backed his career since childhood
showcased his versatility, with his work earning him a Best Supporting Actor award at the Metro Manila Film Festival. The three actors signed their renewed contracts in the presence of GMA executives led by Attorney Annette Gozon-Valdes, Joy C. Marcelo, Cheryl Ching-Sy, and Vic Del Rosario.
LIFE
C4
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
Why fine jewelry is moving beyond special occasions
F
By Jasper Valdez
&C Jewelry managing director Marissa Florete Gorriceta believes a gold chain or pair of stud earrings should not spend most of its time tucked away for weddings, debuts, or other special occasions.
International eSIMs give Filipino travelers access to maps, bookings, ride-hailing services and communication tools across more than 100 overseas destinations (AI-generated image)
Smarter way to stay connected on your holiday travels By Nickie Wang THERE are few things more frustrating about traveling abroad than landing in a new country and realizing you have no mobile data. The maps won’t load. The ride-hailing app is useless. You cannot check your hotel reservation, send a message to family or quickly look up the address of the restaurant you booked weeks ago. For Filipino travelers heading abroad this holiday season, Smart Travē is offering a way to avoid that familiar travel headache, with discounted eSIM data packs available through the travel connectivity app. The Smart-backed service lets users stay connected across more than 100 destinations worldwide, with the convenience of an international eSIM and the added reassurance of Smart’s local customer support. Unlike generic travel eSIM providers, Smart Travē users can call the Smart hotline if they need assistance while abroad. With the special offers on the Smart Travē app, travelers can now enjoy more data roaming credits for less. The 3GB pack is reduced to $5.75 from $10. For travelers who need more data throughout their trip, the 10GB pack is now only $12, down from $20. A 1GB data pack for casual browsing is also available for only $3. That makes the 3GB and 10GB packages 42.5 percent and 40 percent cheaper, respectively. For travelers heading to Japan for winter, Hong Kong for its festive lights, Europe for its Christmas markets, or Southeast Asia for a tropical escape, having mobile data can make the difference between a smooth holiday and a frustrating one. A working connection is no longer simply about posting vacation photos. From the moment travelers land, mobile data can help them navigate unfamiliar streets, book rides, check flight updates, and find restaurants and attractions nearby. It can also provide quick access to digital boarding passes, hotel reservations, travel documents, and translation tools. Then there is the simple matter of staying in touch. Families can message or video-call loved ones back home, friends can share their holiday adventures in real time, and travel companions can quickly find each other when plans go awry. For families traveling with children or older relatives, having data can be particularly useful when someone gets separated in a crowded airport, shopping district, or tourist attraction. Smart Travē is designed to make that process relatively straightforward. Travelers choose their destination, select a data package, purchase it through the app and activate the eSIM on a compatible device, removing the need to buy a physical SIM card after landing or rely on public WiFi. Keeping Filipinos connected “The holidays are a time when Filipinos look forward to traveling, reconnecting with loved ones, and creating memorable experiences wherever their journeys take them. With Smart Travē, we want travelers to worry less about connectivity and focus on enjoying the journey,” said Albert V. Villa-Real, president and CEO at PLDT Global Corporation and Head of PLDT and Smart International Business. “By making the mobile data more affordable and convenient, backed by the support of Smart, we are giving Filipino travelers greater peace of mind to stay connected, share their experiences, and make the most of every trip,” he added. Lloyd R. Manaloto, first vice president and OIC for Smart, said the service extends Smart’s commitment to keeping Filipinos connected beyond the Philippines. “Smart’s commitment goes beyond keeping Filipinos connected wherever they are in the Philippines. With Smart Travē, we are extending that same commitment to customers as they travel abroad, giving them access to connectivity across more than 100 destinations,” Manaloto said. For travelers, that means one less thing to worry about before boarding a plane. Whether it is a long-awaited family holiday, a year-end trip with friends or a dream winter getaway, Smart Travē gives Filipino travelers another way to stay connected while navigating new places, sharing experiences and keeping in touch with the people who matter. The Smart Travē app is available through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. More information is available at Smart’s Travē website.
That thinking is behind the local jeweler’s new flagship at Glorietta 2 in Makati, where F&C is putting personal styling and advice alongside its selection of fine jewelry. “We want fine jewelry to be a lifestyle,” said Gorriceta, a third-generation jeweler. “If you buy jewelry, it’s a piece that stays with you. It’s a piece that has meaning, and it will develop into a story.” F&C has been in the industry for more than 50 years and now has 80 stores nationwide, according to Gorriceta. The new flagship gives customers more room to seek styling recommendations based on how they dress The brand encourages customers to begin with versatile staples and where they plan to wear their pieces. such as chains and stud earrings before building Rather than treating jewelry as something a collection around their wardrobe and lifestyle separate from a wardrobe, Gorriceta approaches it much the same way as clothing. “Before, you had to stick “If they want to start to your color, but now it’s investing, they have to okay to mix metals,” she said. have the basics first. It’s “You can do a stacking of just like your wardrobe,” mixed metals to make it more she said, pointing to youthful and interesting.” staples such as a white Gorriceta believes that shirt, blazer, good approach is also finding an trousers, jeans, and shoes. audience among younger “Start with the basics buyers. She said Gen Z because when you have consumers are developing them, it’s easy to grow an appreciation for fine your collection.” jewelry because they see it as For jewelry, those something that can last rather basics can include chains than be quickly replaced. and stud earrings, but the The Glorietta location also recommendations change continues a long relationship depending on the customer. between F&C and Makati’s “We ask them, ‘What’s Ayala shopping district. your lifestyle profile? Are Gorriceta recalled that the you a weekend person?’” company had a store in Gorriceta said. Customers Quad 1 before later moving moving into a corporate through Glorietta 4 and setting may be guided Glorietta 5. toward a different set of “We’re just moving as they pieces. “It’s still tailored to grow,” she said. their life.” With the Glorietta 2 Gorriceta prefers pieces flagship, the company is using that customers can wear From left: Marissa Florete Gorriceta, brand ambassador that next move to make fine in different combinations Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Marjorie Florete mark the jewelry easier to incorporate rather than items limited opening of the jeweler’s Glorietta 2 flagship into an ordinary wardrobe, whether through a simple pair to one look. Necklaces can be layered, of studs, layered chains, or a while metals no longer have to match mix of metals chosen around throughout an outfit. the person wearing them.
Airline refreshes in-flight dining with 100 new, updated dishes Economy passengers are among those receiving newly developed meals as more than 100 dishes begin rolling out across cabin classes
SINGAPORE Airlines is refreshing its in-flight dining experience with more than 100 new and updated dishes, new wine and spirits selections, custom-designed serviceware, and enhanced presentation and service touches. The changes are part of the airline’s broader investment in its end-to-end travel experience, including nextgeneration cabin products, updates to
its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system, new amenities, high-speed connectivity, and on-ground services. The enhanced experience will be unveiled in Singapore in November 2026. The new dishes are being introduced across all cabin classes under SIA Chefs’ Selection, a new menu category developed by the airline’s in-house and guest chefs with its catering partners. The selection includes regional favorites, reimagined classics, familiar comfort foods, and new creations. New wine labels will be available in Suites, First Class, and Business Class, while new spirits will be introduced across all cabin classes.
First and Business Class menus combine new appetizers, main courses and desserts with upgraded presentation as the carrier expands its onboard food program
Passengers in Suites, First Class, and Business Class will also receive meals on custom-designed serviceware created with French luxury tableware maison Christofle. The pieces feature a subtle interpretation of Singapore Airlines’ signature batik motif. Cabin crew will provide personalized service, including beverage recommendations to complement meal selections. Selected dishes in Suites and First Class may also receive distinctive presentation touches. The airline has begun rolling out the new dishes, with the remaining dining enhancements scheduled for introduction from November 2026.
Business Class passengers gain new menu selections alongside upgraded tableware and more personalized meal service beginning in November