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HOG PRODUCERS WARN OF INDUSTRY COLLAPSE

MARCOS UNFAZED BY DROP IN NET SATISFACTION RATING

PAL FLIGHT SUSPENSION TO RIYADH UNTIL OCT. 11

NEWS / A2

NEWS / A3

BUSINESS / B2

Sale of CALE88 shares fake, alleges prosecution counsel By Maricel V. Cruz THE prosecution has alleged that the sale of CALE88 Foods Corp., a business entity partly owned by Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, was “a fake” but defense counsel Kristine Ferrer objected

to the conclusion and corrected the name of the supposed buyer as Pikimong Pikimong. Impeachment court presiding officer Sen. Francis Escudero sustained the objection. Prosecution counsel Erwin Matib Next page

VOL. XL • NO. 238 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026 •

ICC: Rody fit to stand trial, his health better Palace hopes Duterte well enough to respond to charges By Gwyneth Nolasco, Charles Dantes and Pot Chavez

EXPERT WITNESS. Financial Analyst Atty. Alexander Cabrera testifies during the 37th day of the Senate Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte at the Senate in Pasay City. Lino Santos

HE International Criminal Court (ICC) has declared former president Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial on Nov. 30 after an expert panel reported an apparent improvement in his overall health while in detention, rejecting his defense team's bid for additional medical examinations and an indefinite postponement of proceedings. In a decision dated Sept. 28 and made public on Oct. 8, Trial Chamber III said the medical findings were sufficiently conclusive to determine that Duterte could participate in the proceedings and effectively exercise his fair trial rights. Meanwhile, Malacañang said it hoped Duterte would remain healthy enough to face the charges for alleged crimes against humanity when the trial begins. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Filipinos wanted the former president to recover his strength and mental well-being so he could respond to the accusations. Castro also suggested that Duterte could disclose details of alleged plans to carry out killings during his administration's anti-drug campaign when the time came for him to testify. Victims’ families thankful for ruling The relatives of the victims of the Duterte administration’s drug war expressed their gratitude for the ruling, with Common Legal Representative of the Victims (CLRV) Gilbert Andres saying the victims await the opening of trial proper next month.

Witness claims P817m undeclared assets of VP Sara, husband Manases By Maricel V. Cruz and Joel E. Zurbano

ACTING UP. Volcanic lightning streaking through the ash plume from Taal Volcano’s minor phreatomagmatic

eruption is caught on video by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Thursday evening. The plume rose 4,000 meters above Taal Volcano’s crater. The eruption triggered the evacuation of residents of Agoncillo town in Batangas province. (FB/PHIVOLCS-DOST)

Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. answers questions during an interview with the Straits Times newspaper in Singapore. Straits Times photo grab

By Charles Dantes

Soldier dies, 8 others hurt in new Basilan ambush A SOLDIER died Friday following an ambush on a military convoy in Lamitan City, Basilan, while six other Army personnel and two

IN COURT. Vice President Sara Duterte responds to questions thrown by reporters before appearing at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court which rescheduled her arraignment on grave threat charges. See story on A3. Manny Palmero

civilians, including a 10-year-old boy, were wounded, the Philippine Army’s 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade said. The attack, carried out by still unidentified gunmen Thursday

PBBM defends F1 race attendance: Chance to meet potential investors

AT STRAITS TIMES. President

By Rex Espiritu

VICE President Sara Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, allegedly amassed a total of more than P817 million in undeclared assets from 2022 when she won the vice presidency up to 2025, according to a witness presented by the prosecution in the ongoing impeachment trial against her. However, the defense team, led by counsel Sheila Sison, objected to the prosecution’s presentation of lawyer

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended his decision to attend the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2026, saying it offers opportunities to link up with potential investors. In an interview with The Straits Times, Mr. Marcos described it as a “happy coincidence” that the race will be held during his working visit. Mr. Marcos was personally invited by Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong

to attend the race during his working visit to the city-state. He recalled the last time he attended an F1 race before he became President, he was able to meet with business leaders and investors as well as Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. “I was walking around. I met Lee Kuan Yew, I met this businessman... and I came to the conclusion: You come to the Singapore F1, you can meet anybody, everyone that you want," Mr. Marcos said. Next page

night in Barangay Sabong, occurred as troops from the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion were returning to their unit aboard a six-by-six truck after picking up personnel from a local port. Next page

‘Courts can question withdrawals from dead person’s account’ By Pot Chavez PROBATE courts may require banks to explain withdrawals from a deceased person’s accounts to determine whether the funds are part of the estate, according to the Supreme Court (SC). Next page

EXPERIENCE SARIBUHAY. Enchanted Kingdom continues to share more

stories of biodiversity through new immersive experiences at its award-winning flying theater, AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY, which will be unveiled on October 17 as part of the theme park’s 31st anniversary celebration.

NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

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Hog producers warn of industry collapse The alarm was first raised by AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones, who warned that the industry could lose as much as P22.5 billion over three months as farmgate prices fell to as low as P95 per kilo in some areas.

Briones estimated that backyard raisers, who account for about 60 percent of the industry, could incur P13.5 billion in losses through December, while commercial producers could lose another P9 billion. He called on President Ferdinand

Marcos Jr. to issue an executive order during the congressional recess from October 10 to Nov. 8 raising pork tariffs to 30 percent for imports within the minimum access volume and 40 percent for out-quota imports, from the current 15 percent and 25 percent, respectively. Briones also sought a temporary suspension of pork import permits and warned of a possible industrywide “pork holiday.” The call has been echoed in a joint manifesto signed by hog raisers and allied groups on Friday, who said farmgate prices have fallen to P90 to P120 per kilo while feed and other

ICC:...

and consequences of the proceedings, follow the trial, understand the evidence and instruct his lawyers in preparing and presenting his defense. The panel reported that Duterte's “general physical health appears to have been optimized,” with an “apparent improvement” since its previous assessment. It attributed the improvement to the high standard of medical and nursing care, including diagnostic rigor and the rationalization of medication. However, the experts noted that some physical and mental functions had slowed with age and that Duterte could experience fatigue consistent with his age and frailty. The panel also said it could not rule out mild or preclinical cognitive slowing and some reduction in memory compared with his younger years but found no reliable evidence of such impairment in formal testing. Although Duterte's test scores indicated significant cognitive impairment, the experts unanimously expressed reservations about their validity, citing inconsistencies and evi-

dence of underperformance for which they found no medical explanation. The chamber said any age-related or preclinical changes identified by the panel did not render Duterte unable to fulfill the mental and functional requirements for trial. Victims’ lawyers filing granted The ruling followed calls by lawyers representing victims of Duterte's anti-drug campaign for the court to declare him fit to stand trial. In a filing dated Sept. 17, the victims' common legal representatives said the expert panel's findings supported a determination that Duterte could meaningfully exercise his fair trial rights. “Under the court’s jurisprudence, the absence of any impairment preventing the meaningful exercise of fair trial rights is determinative of fitness to stand trial,” lawyers Gilbert Andres, Joel Butuyan and Paolina Massida said. The prosecution also argued that the expert panel's report demonstrated Duterte was fit for trial. The defense, meanwhile, asked the judges to order another medical exam-

ination to assess what it described as Duterte's cognitive impairment. Alternatively, it sought permission for the parties to question the experts about their findings orally or in writing. The expert panel submitted its joint and individual reports on Aug. 21, following its examination of Duterte. The reports came a day after the 81-year-old former president appeared in person at the third status conference on Sept. 16, his first inperson appearance before the ICC since his arrest on March 12, 2025. At that conference, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said the chamber would issue a written decision on Duterte's fitness for trial, along with rulings on other pending motions. Chamber to determine accused’s fitness Under Rule 135 of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the chamber said it was solely responsible for determining an accused's fitness to stand trial when a medical examination is ordered. The parties and appointed medical experts assist the judges in making that determination.

The judges rejected Duterte's requests for further medical examinations, questioning of the expert panel and an oral hearing. They also adopted measures to facilitate his participation in the proceedings. The chamber directed the ICC Registry to ensure that the medical officer at the court's detention center continues to monitor Duterte's health and immediately report any changes in his medical condition through the appropriate procedures. The judges said hearing hours would be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the circumstances of Duterte and individual witnesses. Further directions on the trial's opening and practical arrangements for attending or viewing the proceedings will be issued in due course, the ICC said. Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity linked to alleged murders and attempted murders committed between Nov. 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, in connection with the anti-drug campaign. The period covers his tenure as Davao City mayor and as President.

Diokno made Cabrera read the figures in his report one after the other. The report showed, as read by the witness, that the Duterte-Carpio couple had “total undeclared cash” amounting to P60.2 million at the end of 2022, P80.7 million in 2023, P23.2 million in 2024, and P43.6 million in 2025. The value of their “total undeclared other personal and real properties” amounted to P76.1 million in 2022, P3.9 million in 2023, P52 million in 2024, and P11.4 million in 2025, according to the report. On top of the unlisted cash and other personal assets, the Vice President and her husband had “total computed undeclared income” amounting to P50.5 million in 2022, P12.2 million in 2023, P28 million in 2024, and P21.1 million in 2025, based on Cabrera’s analysis. They also had “total computed undeclared income from CALE88 and Metro City” amounting to P3.8 million in 2022, P14.8 million in 2023, P86.9 million in 2024, and P36.7 million in 2025. From GenCorp., the couple had “total computed undeclared income” totaling P55.7 million in 2023, P74.1

million in 2024 and P82.9 million in 2025. The report did not show any undeclared income from GenCorp. In 2022. Thus, the undeclared earnings and assets of the couple, based on Cabrera’s analysis and computations, amounted to P190.6 million in 2022, P167.3 million in 2023, P264.2 million in 2024, and P195.7 million in 2025, for a total of P817.9 million. CALE88 Foods Corp. was formed in 2021 as principally a banana chips and snacks exporter with Carpio as 47.5-percent owner and business partner with an equal level of ownership. According to a report presented to the impeachment court by the AntiMoney Laundering Council, CALE88 received “inward remittances” totaling P776 million from 2022 to 2025, including P319.2 million from Chinese companies. Based on the 2025 general information sheet filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it was majority-owned on that year by an entity named Pikimong-Pikimong.

In the case of GenCorp., the Vice President listed it in her SALN, although according to a SEC witness, she did not appear as a shareholder in the company’s general information sheets filed with the agency. According to Senator-judge Paolo Benigno Aquino, GenCorp. reported sales amounting to P360 million in 2024 but declared a net profit of P3 million only. Meanwhile, Sison argued that confidential financial records belonging to the Vice President, her husband, and business associates were provided to Cabrera without proper legal authorization. She asserted that the Senate impeachment court had not issued a subpoena for Cabrera, nor had it authorized a third-party expert to access these private documents. Sison also maintained that the presentation should be considered questionable, labeling the document a “supposed forensic report” due to concerns over how the underlying information was obtained. Nonetheless, Diokno defended the forensic report’s integrity, asserting that it was fully lawful and prepared by an established expert witness.

Sale...

transactions affecting estate property posted by petitioner after the death of Ignacio, especially where the explanations on record appear insufficient or raise legitimate questions," the Court added. The High Court cited the Rules of Court allowing the probate court to examine a person and require him to render a full accounting under oath of such property and his dealings. It rejected the bank's argument that the administrators were improperly seeking to recover the money, noting that estate administrators have a duty to protect the deceased’s assets for the benefit of heirs and creditors. According to the SC, the petitioner also failed to show that it exerted diligent efforts to recover the allegedly deleted or irretrievable email correspondences.

Soldier... The six wounded soldiers were transferred from Lamitan District Hospital to Camp Navarro General Hospital, operated by the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City. They were reported to be in stable condition and continued to receive medical attention. The two civilians injured in the crossfire were a 10-year-old boy and his father. The 1101st IB said authorities were investigating the incident and implementing security measures to protect troops and nearby communities. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are being thoroughly assessed by the concerned authorities. Appropriate security measures are likewise undertaken to protect our troops and nearby communities,” the brigade said in a statement. Thursday’s ambush came days after a similar attack in Barangay Badja, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, left 13 soldiers wounded. The military believes the first attack was carried out in retaliation by an armed faction under Saddam Siddick for the killing of his wife in a recent operation in Lamitan City.

what’s happened with the Singapore F1, it’s become such an event that all these other events are scheduled around it because so many people come." The President said in-person interactions help establish familiarity and provide a foundation for more substantive discussions in subsequent meetings. "It’s not the same as when you sit down over coffee, and you say, okay, okay, we’ll continue this," Mr. Marcos said, explaining that meeting face-toface allows participants to develop a

better understanding of the issues before continuing their discussions. "We all know, especially for Asians, the face-to-face meeting is the most important part of any relationship," he added, citing familial, business, and political relationships. President Marcos’ Singapore visit includes participation in the Forbes Global CEO Conference and meetings with business leaders and investors from Singapore and other countries, as the administration seeks to attract investments and strengthen

By Othel V. Campos

OG raisers are losing as much as P9,000 per animal as farmgate prices collapse to as low as P90 per kilo, threatening not only the survival of local producers but also the wider rural economy that depends on the pork industry.

From A1

"The surviving families of the war on drugs rejoice and are thankful at the Chamber decision finding Mr. Duterte fit to stand trial," Andres told Manila Standard. "For the victims, this is one step further towards their quest for truth and justice for their murdered loved ones. And the victims eagerly await the opening of the trial on November 30," Andres added. Duterte's defense team had sought an indefinite postponement of the proceedings, citing his advanced age and poor health. The trial is scheduled to open on Nov. 30, 2026, and is expected to continue until the week before the Christmas break before resuming in January and running until the Easter break. ‘Some functions had slowed with age’ The chamber said the expert panel unanimously found that Duterte could understand the charges, the purpose

Witness... From A1

Alexander Cabrera’s report, questioning its legitimacy and appropriateness as to the source of the material. Lawyer-accountant Alexander Cabrera made the allegation when he was presented by House prosecutor Akbayan Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel Diokno during Friday’s hearing at the Senate sitting as impeachment court. Cabrera was qualified as an “expert witness” after Diokno questioned him at length about his education, his work experience as an accountantlawyer and auditor, his involvement with private institutions and his advocacies, and his qualifications. Diokno asked Cabrera about his 37-page report on his analysis of the SALNs of the Vice President, which included Carpio’s assets, their bank balances for 2022 up to 2025, their real property assets as declared in the Vice President’s SALNs, their insurance policies and investments, and their financial stake in GenCorp., CALE88, and Metro City Chow Foods Corp.

‘Court... From A1

In its ruling made public on Friday, the SC’s Third Division upheld the order of the Regional Trial Court’s (RTC) requiring Union Bank of the Philippines to explain withdrawals from the accounts of the late Ignacio T. Arroyo. "The Court finds that the directives requiring petitioner to further explain the withdrawals in question and to produce the specified email exchanges between its officers and Atty. Fe are well within the RTC's authority in the settlement of the estate of Ignacio," the SC said in its 9-page Decision. "In the exercise of its jurisdiction, the RTC has the authority to clarify bank

PBBM... From A1

The President on Thursday highlighted the value of the Singapore Grand Prix as a venue for face-to-face meetings, noting that major business and other events are scheduled around the race because it draws influential figures from different countries. Speaking at the 24th Forbes Global CEO Conference, Mr. Marcos said: "All of these meetings that I’m having happened because

production costs continue to rise. They estimated losses at P50 to P90 per kilo, or about P5,000 to P9,000 for every hog raised. “The very survival of the local hog industry is at stake,” the groups said, warning that piggeries are closing, investments are being wiped out and livelihoods built through generations are at risk. The groups said the impact of the crisis extends beyond hog farms, with the industry supporting a wider network that includes corn farmers, feed mills, veterinarians, animal-health and pharmaceutical companies, transporters, slaughterhouses, processors, cold-

storage operators, traders and retailers. They warned that as hog raisers cut production or close farms, demand for feed and corn could weaken, while veterinary and animal-health businesses, transporters, slaughterhouses, and meat processors could also lose volume. The groups said the loss of productive hog farms would also weaken the country’s domestic food-production capacity. “The survival of the local hog industry is not merely an agricultural concern. It is a rural economic concern; it is a mass unemployment concern; it is a food security concern; it is a national economic concern,” the manifesto said.

From A1

economic ties. Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig earlier said Mr. Marcos does not need to pay for a ticket for the race. "That was an invitation from Prime Minister Wong so, naturally, we hardly incurred any expenses for it," Macaraig said. The visit comes as the Philippines prepares to conclude its term as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Singapore is scheduled to take over the chairmanship next year.

From A1

made the statement in the course of direct examination of witness, lawyer Anne Lorraine Garcia Marquez of the Bureau of Internal Revenue on CALE88, which a previous witness has told the Senate impeachment court received a total of P319 million in “inward remittances” from several Chinese companies. The corporation, 47.5-percent owned by Carpio from 2021, when it was formed, up to 2024, and alleged to be engaged in the export business, also received inward remittances from other foreign sources. Matib asked Marquez if an electronic certificate authorizing registration (ECAR) was obtained or if an application for ECAR was pending with the BIR in relation to the supposed sale of CALE88. The BIR witness answered that there was no such document obtained and no application was pending. “Ibig sabihin, peke ang sale ng shares ni Atty. Carpio sa Pekemong Pekemong,” Matib concluded. (This means the sale of Atty. Carpio's shares in Pekemong Pekemong was fake) Marquez explained that the BIR requires ECAR before a sale or transfer of property such as shares of stock or a business entity to ensure the payment of taxes. She said such sale or transfer cannot be recorded in the books of the concerned corporation or business entity without such registration document from the BIR. She said the corporation code imposes penalties on the corporate secretary if the ECAR requirement was not complied with. SEC witness testified Carpio no longer owns shares in CALE88 In the course of questioning Marquez, Escudero said he has a particular problem in the case of CALE88. He recalled that testimony had been presented to the impeachment court by a witness from the Securities and Exchange Commission showing that in 2025, CALE88 was majority owned by Pikimong Pikimong, and that Carpio was no longer a shareholder of the export firm. Escudero raised a scenario where Pikimong Pikimong has not yet obtained an ECAR and paid the corresponding taxes on Carpio’s supposed sale of his shares, if indeed there was a sale. Responding to the presiding officer’s question, Marquez said in such a case, it would be the responsibility of the CALE88 corporate secretary to report the sale to the BIR, obtain and ECAR and pay the corresponding taxes.

NEWS IN BRIEF 4 Taguig cops axed over failed operation THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday that it had relieved four members of the Taguig City police after they failed to arrest an alleged drug suspect. At a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the four personnel of Substation 9 in New Lower Bicutan were relieved of their duties following the botched operation against a suspected drug offender reported by the barangay. “Regarding the four individuals reported to be police officers, we confirmed that they were indeed our personnel. They said they detected the smell of marijuana, but when they tried to make an arrest, the suspect ran away. The initial report described four people in civilian clothes who claimed to be police officers, although it was unclear at the time whether they were,” Co said. Vince Lopez

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Marcos unfazed by declining ratings By Charles Dantes

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will continue working despite fluctuations in his public satisfaction ratings, Malacañang said Friday after a new Social Weather Stations survey showed his net satisfaction score had declined.

Embassy warns vs. illegal recruitment to Myanmar THE Philippine Embassy in Myanmar on Thursday reminded Filipinos that the deployment ban to the country remains in effect and warned that immigration violations could result in up to five years in prison and fines. In an advisory, the embassy urged job seekers to avoid suspicious recruitment schemes linked to human trafficking and scam hub operations. The embassy also advised job seekers to accept only legitimate offers verified by the Department of Migrant Workers before leaving the Philippines. The embassy also warned that deceptive job advertisements, including positions labeled “Customer Service Representative,” have been used to facilitate human trafficking. “The Philippine Embassy in Myanmar strongly reiterates its urgent warning to all Filipino nationals to exercise utmost vigilance against suspicious job offers, unauthorized travel agencies and fraudulent recruitment schemes that may lead to human trafficking, particularly those linked to scam hub operations in mainland Southeast Asia,” the advisory said. Katrina Manubay

Quezon City offers vets tax breaks for spaying THE Quezon City Veterinary Department lauded the City Council’s passage of an ordinance granting tax incentives to veterinary clinics that perform spay and neuter surgeries on pets owned by indigent QCitizens. Calling the measure’s approval “a huge win for our furry friends,” the department praised District 6 Councilor Vito Sotto Generoso and District 1 Councilor Joseph Juico for introducing the landmark measure. Under the ordinance, participating veterinary clinics that perform at least 20 qualified spay and neuter surgeries in a calendar year may claim a tax credit against their local business tax for the following year, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society said on its website. A veterinary clinic may receive a tax credit of P1,000 for each qualified animal spayed or neutered, subject to the ordinance’s overall tax credit cap of 30 percent. The department said it marked a major step forward in animal welfare, responsible pet ownership and humane stray population management. Rio N. Araja

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS. Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center surgeons light up the facade of the hospital on Oct. 9 in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, joining the nationwide campaign to promote awareness and early detection. Dave Leprozo

VP’s grave threats arraignment postponed again By Gwyneth Nolasco THE arraignment of Vice President Sara Duterte on three counts of grave threats, scheduled for Friday, has been postponed again. Duterte’s counsel, Paul Lawrence Lim, said the second postponement was due to a pending motion for partial reconsideration ad cautelam filed with the Quezon City court. The defense also has a pending petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court. “The presiding judge deemed it best to review all these matters first, cancel today’s hearing for now and reset it for

another date,” Lim said. He declined to disclose the new date out of respect for the court. Duterte arrived Friday morning at Branch 98 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court ahead of the postponement. The grave threats case stems from Duterte’s online statement in November 2024 that she had arranged for the assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed. The arraignment was initially scheduled for Sept. 11 but was deferred that day. “I thank all my friends and supporters for their continued support and for con-

tinuing to believe in me,” Duterte said in Filipino. “I also thank my lawyers and the defense team, particularly those handling my grave threats case at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, for their dedicated work. Thank you very much,” she added. Lim said Duterte’s camp had sought the judge’s inhibition at the previous hearing. The request was denied, although the arraignment was deferred. Judge Maria Angelica De Ramos is presiding over the Vice President’s case. “We filed the motion for partial reconsideration to ask the judge to reconsider the part of the order that denied our request for inhibition,” Lim said.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Mr. Marcos remained focused on his duties and would not be distracted by survey results. “Regardless of when a survey is conducted or which firm conducts it, whether the ratings rise or fall, the president is not affected. He continues to work. He is not on vacation; he is working,” Castro said at a press briefing in Singapore. The latest SWS survey, released Thursday, showed Mr. Marcos’ net satisfaction rating fell to minus 11 in September from minus 7 in June, placing him in the polling firm’s “poor” category. The survey found that 35% of adult Filipinos were satisfied with Mr. Marcos’ performance, 46% were dissatisfied and 20% were undecided. The results were based on face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults conducted from Sept. 21 to 27. Castro also noted the timing of the survey’s release, saying it came as Vice President Sara Duterte faced several controversies. “The release is very timely because the vice president is involved in several issues,” she said. Castro reiterated that survey figures would not influence the President’s work. Mr. Marcos is in Singapore this week for a working visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting Philippine investment opportunities. According to the Presidential Communications Office, the trip includes meetings with Singapore Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong to discuss trade, investment, digital technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, and regional developments as Singapore prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship next year. During the visit, Mr. Marcos is also participating in the 24th Forbes Global CEO Conference, where he is pitching the Philippines as a key investment destination for digital technology, AI, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and healthcare. He is presenting reforms such as the new Public-Private Partnership Code and Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, which aim to streamline approvals and attract foreign capital.

Escudero Senate panel advances sweeping housing reform package By Ram Superable THE Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement, led by Senator Francis Escudero, has secured passage of a four-part legislative package aimed at overhauling urban housing regulations, providing financial relief to disaster victims and expanding affordable housing options nationwide. Leading the package is the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report reconciling Senate Bill 2420 and House Bill 2286. The measure would replace outdated provisions of Republic Act 4726, enacted in 1966, and establish updated rules for maintaining, repairing, reconstructing and redeveloping residential and commercial towers to reflect modern urban density. Owners facing the dissolution of a condominium corporation could either

sell the entire development or distribute the proceeds as shareholder dividends. If a complex is sold, unit owners could obtain an advance on their share of the purchase price before the final settlement. The Senate also approved Senate Bill 1992 on third reading to streamline land acquisition under the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992. Two rental measures, Senate Bills 2503 and 2507, would establish a statebacked rental subsidy for displaced and low-income families and provide tax and operational incentives to developers of low-cost rental housing. To ease the financial burden on disaster-hit communities, Senate Bill 2508 would cancel more than P9.5 billion in unpaid housing loans, interest and penalties owed by calamity survivors. It would also exempt government-awarded disaster housing from estate taxes.

TAM-AWAN FESTIVAL. Artists, cultural advocates and delegates gather for the opening of the 16th Tam-Awan International Arts Festival on Oct. 9 at Tam-Awan Village in Baguio City. The three-day event, themed “Obra ken Tawid: Panagtitipon,” celebrates indigenous heritage through art, cultural exchanges and creative collaboration. Conrad Rotor

CBCP warns against misleading religious groups By Vito Barcelo

ABUNDANT HARVEST. Water spinach farmers enjoy a bountiful harvest at Laguna de Bay in Lower Bicutan, Taguig City. Revoli Cortez

THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has warned the faithful about religious groups that may cause confusion by using Catholic names, terminology and clerical attire. Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes cautioned Catholics against people soliciting donations under the name “Romano Catolicos” and using the name Simbahang Catolico Pilipino Inc. In an Oct. 6 circular, Cortes said the group’s solicitation letter gave an address

in Panag, New Bataan, Davao de Oro. Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, after consulting the Diocese of Tagum, confirmed that the group was neither affiliated with a Catholic parish nor recognized by either diocese. Cortes urged the faithful to report any further solicitations made in the group’s name to their parish priest or diocesan chancery, preferably with copies of the documents. He also called on Catholics to remain united with the Church and exercise discernment when making donations.

In Eastern Samar, Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez separately warned Catholics about the Apostolic Catholic Church, also known as Apostolika’t Katolikang Simbahang or Simbahang Apostolika Katolika. On Oct. 5, Varquez reissued a diocesan circular dated June 25, 2025, saying the group had entered several barangays in Borongan and communities in Guiuan. He described it as non-Catholic and said its ministers’ use of attire resembling that of Catholic clergy had caused confusion.

NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

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IN BRIEF SC, Fulbright ink pact on graduate studies THE Supreme Court (SC) and the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop and promote graduate scholarship and training programs for members of the judiciary. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo thanked Fulbright Philippines for strengthening academic and professional exchanges between the Philippines and the United States. “Fulbright in the Philippines has proven a remarkable force not only in promoting international education and exchange between our nations, but also in empowering the leaders, problemsolvers and innovators of today and tomorrow,” Gesmundo said. Since its establishment in the Philippines in 1948, Fulbright has provided grants, awards and fellowships for study, research and teaching to thousands of Filipinos across generations, he said. Pot Chavez

AFAB mourns passing of vice chief Paderanga

THE Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) community mourned the passing of its deputy administrator for operations, lawyer Michael Angelo “Mike” G. Paderanga. He was 54. AFAB announced Paderanga’s death on its public information page. No further details were given about his untimely demise. AFAB said it honored Paderanga for his dedicated public service, leadership, and contributions to the Freeport community. Paderanga was a familiar presence in AFAB activities, often joining events with administrator and chief executive officer Hussein Pangandaman. He was also popular among FAB investors and locators as one of the key officials of the agency. Butch Gunio

NMIS grants Nagtipunan slaughterhouse license NAGTIPUNAN, Quirino -The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) has granted a license to operate a slaughterhouse to the municipal government here in conjunction with the observance of the Meat Safety Consciousness Week. NMIS Deputy executive director Dr. Roberto Umali formally handed the AA License to the local government unit under Mayor Noel Lim. “This recognition is a testament to the LGU’s unwavering commitment to food safety, sanitation, quality meat inspection, and the protection of public health,” the mayor noted. “More than just a license, this AA accreditation represents our commitment to providing our constituents with safe, clean, hygienic, and quality meat products,” he added. Jessica M. Bacud

GESTURE OF RECOGNITION. Speaker Faustino Dy III personally conveys the House of Representatives’ deep gratitude for the honest and dedicated services of the chamber’s 400 security and housekeeping personnel. With the Speaker as House Committee on Accounts chairperson Maria Carmen Zamora, Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil and other non-legislative officials of the House.

DOJ flags rampant use of fake PWD cards, causing biz losses By Pot Chavez

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) has flagged the widespread use of fake persons with disability (PWD) identification cards, saying it has caused significant losses to businesses and the government. In a press briefing Thursday, chief state counsel Dennis Arvin Chan said the DOJ had received a request from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) concerning the issue. Chan said the NCDA reported that while the country had about 2.8 million registered PWDs, an estimated 8.5 million people were using PWD IDs, suggesting that about six million users might

be unlawfully using the privilege. The discrepancy, he said, could result in substantial economic losses for business owners and the government. Chan said the DOJ had drafted an opinion advising the NCDA that establishments cannot require prior verification of a PWD card before granting the benefits provided by law. However, businesses may subsequently check the au-

thenticity of the identification card. He said establishments could pursue legal action against those using fraudulent IDs, including charges for falsification of public documents and estafa through falsification. Public officers who issue PWD IDs to unqualified applicants may also face sanctions under Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Chan said. Business owners may coordinate with their respective local government units (LGUs) to verify whether holders complied with the requirements for obtaining PWD IDs. Chan said the DOJ was preparing to issue its opinion to guide the NCDA, restaurant owners and the public on the proper use of PWD identification cards.

PH Embassy in Jeddah tells Pinoys to stay safe By Katrina Manubay

DepEd assessing conditions of old school buildings

By Gabriel Oliva

THE Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday said it is pushing for a “condition-based” assessment of school buildings 50 years old and above before ordering demolition. In a statement, DepEd said public basic education infrastructures will have to undergo ‘detailed’ examinations with hopes of extending their serviceability by means of specific repairs instead of being torn down outright for replacement. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said should a classroom with more than 50 years of use still have strong foundations, the Department will assess it with an eye on rehabilitation, thereby lengthening its serviceability. According to Angara, the DepEd’s initiatives in repairing old education facilities are meant to ensure the safety of students and teachers in basic education schools, while at the same time ensuring that the public’s money is utilized. The DepEd said it will use a “systematic, risk-informed evaluation” framework, through its Education Facilities Division (EFD) tasked to assess school infrastructure ‘individually’ and guide the allocation of funds. Citing data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) which said some 51,222 classrooms will hit the 50-year malestone by 2028. The DepEd said the age of infrastructures cannot be the sole basis in determining its demolition. “Under the DepEd framework, aging classrooms are categorized based on structural readiness,” said DepEd.

“This is a wake-up call to everyone— from PWD ID users and business owners to LGUs and the doctors who issue medical certificates—that the DOJ is taking a keen interest in the matter,” he said. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, meanwhile, urged the public to act honestly and with integrity, citing the financial impact of fraudulent claims. Vida said that for every P1,200 restaurant bill paid using a PWD ID, the government could lose P50 in taxes while the restaurant owner could lose P120. He noted that the tax treatment of PWD discounts differs from that of senior citizens, whose discounts are covered by a tax credit. Vida also said the NCDA might need two to three years to fully roll out verifiable PWD identification cards.

FIRE VICTIMS RECEIVE AID. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte hands over the local government’s financial aid to the victims of a recent fire in Barangay Central. She also assures the victims who are currently staying in evacuation centers of her administration’s full assistance while trying to rebuild normal lives. QC photo

THE Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah on Thursday urged Filipinos in the city and the Western Region of Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant and follow local authorities’ instructions amid recent security developments in the kingdom. In an advisory, the consulate urged Filipinos to remain alert, avoid areas that may pose security risks, and stay indoors when necessary, especially during security threats. “Follow official instructions. Comply with directives from Saudi authorities, including Saudi Civil Defense, and monitor official announcements,” the advisory read. The consulate also advised the public to keep away from suspicious objects and debris and not to approach, touch, or collect unidentified objects or fragments that may have come from intercepted missiles or drones. “Share only verified information. Avoid circulating unconfirmed reports, photos, or videos about security incidents. Rely on official sources,” the consulate said. “Check your flight. Confirm your flight status with your airline before going to the airport. Delays, cancellations, or other changes may occur,” it added. The consulate vowed to continue operating normally and remain ready to provide consular assistance. Earlier, reports indicated that multiple explosions occurred in Saudi Arabia amid ongoing fighting between the kingdom and Yemen-supported Houthis.

SC expands high-performance courts initiative to boost judicial proficiency By Gwyneth Nolasco THE Supreme Court has expanded its High-Performance Courts (HPC) Initiative to 32 second-level courts in a bid to improve court efficiency and provide faster and more accessible judicial services. The expanded initiative is being implemented under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI). The kickoff program was held Sept. 11, 2026, at the Clark Marriott Hotel in Angeles, Pampanga, where SC Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, chairperson of the Committee on HighPerformance Courts, introduced the 32 participating second-level courts. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, other SC officials and representatives of the European Union Governance in Justice Program (EU-GOJUST), a develop-

ment partner, also attended. Under the expanded initiative, the 32 second-level courts will join 41 first-level courts already participating in the HPC pilot. The courts will use a performance framework that identifies strengths and areas for improvement based on data and feedback from court users and personnel. The initiative also provides intervention measures and tools to help courts improve their performance and service delivery. Caguioa said the initiative is not intended to punish or rank courts but to improve access to judicial services and strengthen public trust in the Judiciary. “Why does access to justice matter? When the judicial services are accessible, court users are able to trust the justice system, and public trust is the very lifeblood of the judiciary,” he said.

HOG INDUSTRY IN A BIND. Hog raisers and other industry players urged the government to temporarily suspend the importation and restore tariffs on imported pork, citing as reason the dropping farm-gate prices and rising costs of hog production. In a press briefing, they called on the government to take immediate action to protect the local hog industry from further decline. Manny Palmero

OPINION

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Honor Blanco Cabie

From the shadows to the searchlight COLORADO SPRINGS — For generations, the stories of Filipino-Americans in the Rocky Mountain area remained woven in the community’s background. Every October, starting in 2024, Filipino-American History Month has provided an important mirror for the 10,000 plus Filipinos who call the Colorado Springs metro area their home. This annual celebration is not just about nostalgia. It serves as a central education on the far-reaching, if intense, sacrifices and structural hurdles survived by local healthcare workers, military veterans and retirees as well as educators. Celebrating this heritage ensures that younger generations recognize their own relevance and identity with the broader American patchwork. Historically, this energized diaspora lacked a formal seat at the local council table, and often celebrated in isolation. That dynamic shifted in October 2024 through a civic monumental stone, after a Proclamation was read at the Satellite Hotel by City Councilor Nancy Henjum. We were there during the event hosted by the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Southern Colorado Springs (PACCSoCo). PACCSoCo, headed by Founding President and CEO Harmony CabieQuinto, assumed the historic role of unifying fragmented cultural networks to seek visible recognition. The chamber initiated a thorough campaign to formalize the community presence. Cabie-Quinto used her background in community leadership to bridge grassroots advocacy with local governance. PACCSoCo meticulously drafted and lobbied for a formal city document that detailed the community’s multigenerational contributions to the Springs. Thanks to this calculated and tactical push, the City Council officially signed a historic proclamation in 2024, designating October as Filipino-American History Month. This official endorsement validated decades of unseen labor and transformed a cultural celebration into what is seen as a recognized civic legacy. Last October 2025, PACCSoCo once again lobbied for a formal recognition of the month of October as Filipino American History Month in Colorado Springs. This time, no less than the Mayor of the Olympic City, Hon. Yemi Mobolade, stepped forward as an ally. A Proclamation from the Mayor’s Office recognized October 2025 as Filipino American History Month in Colorado Springs celebrating the various contributions of Filipino Americans to the city. Today, the proclamations stand as testaments to the strength of economic and cultural leadership. By honoring their past, FilipinoAmericans in Colorado Springs build a more inclusive, equitable, and resonant future for all residents. Celebrating this month allows resi-

dents of Colorado Springs to learn about crucial moments in history, including the arrival of the first Filipinos in the continental United States in October 1587. It highlights the spirit of bayanihan, or tagnawa in northern Philippines -- a traditional Filipino value of communal unity and collaboration that PACSoCo models daily. Cultural history is a significant pillar of a city’s strength that offers a gleaming understanding of what makes a community strong and unified. The 2024 City Council Proclamation and the 2025 Proclamation from the Mayor’s Office act as enduring beacons, reminding everyone that local history is incomplete without the Filipino narrative.

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The celebration allows residents to learn about pivotal landmarks like the arrival of the first Filipinos in the continental United States in October 1587. They serve as invitations for local schools, businesses, and civic organizations to engage with and learn from the Filipino tradition endorsed and championed by PACCSoCo. As we reflect on these hard-won milestones, the importance of the FilipinoAmerican History Month becomes increasingly clear. Thanks to the dedicated leadership of Cabie-Quinto and PACCSoCo, a permanent space has been established for Filipino culture and heritage to thrive openly. This year, there can be no better proof as to how the City of Colorado Springs values the contributions of the Filipino Americans in this part of the Mountain Region than to have a Filipino American represent the immigrants in the city in the Freedom to Thrive exhibit of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. In the celebration of Colorado’s 150th year anniversary as a state, the Freedom to Thrive exhibit highlighted various community stewards and leaders, storytellers, and trailblazers. A Filipino American, PACCSoCo’s Harmony Cabie-Quinto, proudly stands among giants in the exhibit. Cabie-Quinto shares a narrative linking the arrival of the Sakadas in Hawaii, her paternal grandfather among them, to her own contributions to this country as President and CEO of the very first Filipino American Chamber of Commerce in Southern Colorado. Celebrating this Filipino American history this month ensures that our shared narrative remains loud and proud as well as aesthetically visible for scores ahead.

Anne Carson: modern takes on Greek classics By Michel Comte OTTAWA — Canadian-born poet, essayist and translator Anne Carson, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday, brings a modern twist to mysticism and antiquity in her unclassifiable writings about love, desire and despair. A professor of classics with a background in dead languages, literature, anthropology and history, she was described by The New York Times in 2001 as “one of the great pasticheurs.” Her work, however, was ignored for years, until a series of recent critical and commercial hits -- and awards including the Princess of Asturias Award for Letters in 2020 and now the Nobel Prize. The 76-year-old Carson is notoriously private, preferring interviews by email from her home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she lives with her husband Robert Currie. The couple also spends time in Iceland, where they received citizenship in 2022. Among her many admirers are literary luminaries Alice Munro, Michael Ondaatje, Harold Bloom and Susan Sontag. “She is one of the few writers writing in English that I would read anything that she wrote,” said Sontag, quoted in The New York Times in 2000. “When you’re reading her work, you’re taking in a huge range of intellect and wit and emotion, which are not usually found in the same person,” said Ondaatje, also

quoted in the Times. Inspired by the ancients Born in Toronto on June 21, 1950, Carson is the second child of a banker and a housewife. She was introduced to Hellenic literature, which deeply influenced her writings, by a Latin instructor in high school who agreed to tutor her during lunch hours. Carson twice dropped out of university before returning to complete her doctorate. She went on to teach at several respected universities in Canada and the United States, including the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

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Despite her exceptional writing skills, Carson says she struggles with language, its inaccuracy and clumsiness. Her publishing career began in 1986 with “Eros the Bittersweet: An Essay,” which charts the concept of “eros” in ancient Greek poetry and showcases her unique approach. “In the abbreviated, free-associative mode that she instantly established as her trademark, any thought might set off any

EARLY NINETY-SIX years ago, on Oct. 13, 1930, the passionately independent newspaper Sakdal was born in the Philippines to accuse the powerful and demand absolute freedom from colonial chains. Today, its ink is long dry, but its radical spirit offers a classic blueprint for a digital generation scrolling through an ocean of algorithmic noise. In an era where independence is often reduced to an aesthetic branding, Sakdal reminds us that true sovereignty is collective, hardfought, and deeply rooted in social justice. The paper gave voice to landless, illiterate farmers who understood a nation cannot be genuinely free if the citizens are bound by economic servitude. Modern youth may wield the power of instant viral communication, but they face unseen empires of disinformation and corporate monopo-

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Let the memory of Sakdal ignite a flame in the modern conscience. The historical closure of Sakdal underlines the fragile nature of free speech, demonstrating that platforms

IN March 2020, homeowners at Bria Homes’ Northridge Grove subdivision in Bulacan did something radical: they complained. They said they could not get internet service from anyone except Planet Cable—an ISP owned by the same family that built their homes. Converge, they alleged, was blocked from installing infrastructure. This was not a complicated case. It was the telecommunications equivalent of a landlord saying you can only buy groceries from his brother’s store. Six years later, on February 16, 2026, the Philippine Competition Commission closed the investigation for “insufficient evidence.” Six years. Zero charges. And an explanation that raises more questions than it answers. The PCC’s own rules required only “reasonable belief” to file a Statement of Objections—a threshold deliberately lower than final proof. After six years, the agency could not meet it. Its official reasoning reads like a masterclass in passive-voice exculpation. The Commission cited “delays and difficulties obtaining categorical statements from complainants.” Translation: homeowners living in a subdivision controlled by a family with three sitting senators became hesitant to testify. It noted that Converge was “present” in Northridge as early as 2021. Translation: one competitor showed up at some point, so there must be robust competition. It observed that some ISPs “withdrew rather than were barred.” Translation: if the exclusion was not formal, the PCC apparently believes no harm occurred. This is not how competition law works. The Philippine Competition Act defines “agreement” to include tacit understandings, informal arrangements, and concerted action—whether written or oral, explicit or implicit. The word “tacit” exists for a reason. Sophisticated foreclosure rarely leaves a signed confession. It works through burdensome requirements, opaque approval processes, and strategic delays that make entry economically irrational. When competitors “voluntarily” abandon applications after being told they must submit letters of intent to the developer rather than the

homeowners’ association, that is not competition. That is exclusion by attrition. The PCC itself recognized this principle in 2019, when it fined 8990 Holdings and Urban Deca Homes P27.11 million for essentially the same conduct—exclusive ISP arrangements that blocked competitors. The difference? In that case, the developer left a paper trail and admitted wrongdoing. In the Bria case, the developer denied everything and avoided documents. The lesson is perverse: sophisticated firms learn that if they avoid smoking guns, they can engage in exclusionary conduct with impunity. The PCC’s message becomes: we only prosecute when you confess.

The six-year timeline itself demands scrutiny. The Show Cause Order was issued in October 2022. Negotiations with Bria stretched through 2024. In December 2024, the PCC rejected Bria’s proposed measures as “insufficient” and ordered the investigation to continue— a clear signal that the Commission still found merit in the case. Then, fourteen months later, the case was closed. What changed between December 2024 and February 2026? New exonerating evidence? Witness recantations? A change in leadership priorities? Political intervention? The PCC will not say. And that silence is itself an answer. Throughout this process, the PCC possessed extraordinary investigative tools. It could issue subpoenas, compel testimony, require document production, and conduct inspections. It could have subpoenaed Bria’s internal communications, Streamtech’s installation records, Converge’s correspondence with the developer, HOA minutes, and security logs. Did it? The public record does not show it. An enforcement agency that depends on voluntary cooperation from witnesses

who fear retaliation from a powerful developer is not enforcing competition law. It is hoping respondents will incriminate themselves. The political economy cannot be ignored. The Villar family’s influence is extraordinary: Manny Villar is a former Senate President and presidential candidate; Cynthia, Mark, and Camille Villar currently hold or have held Senate seats. The PCC is nominally independent, but its commissioners are presidential appointees. This does not prove interference. But when a regulator closes a case involving a politically powerful family after six years, citing “insufficient evidence,” and refuses to explain what evidence was gathered or why it fell short, suspicion becomes rational. The appearance of independence is part of institutional legitimacy—and that appearance has been damaged. There is a larger lesson here. Residential broadband is no longer a private amenity. It is essential infrastructure. The Konektadong Pinoy Act, enacted in 2025, now embraces open access and nondiscriminatory infrastructure rules. It shifts the regulatory question from “did the developer secretly exclude a competitor?” to “are access rules open, fair, and transparent?” That is a more administrable standard and a more powerful model. But it does not answer what happened at Northridge Grove between 2020 and 2026. The PCC owes the public a fuller explanation. Not a press release. A detailed, transparent accounting of what evidence was gathered, what evidence was unavailable, and why six years was necessary to conclude that six years was not enough. The homeowners of Northridge Grove deserve that answer. And the credibility of Philippine competition enforcement depends on it. A developer may own the subdivision. It may impose legitimate technical and security requirements. But it should not own the resident’s freedom to choose an internet provider. Until the PCC can enforce that principle against the powerful as vigorously as it does against the compliant, its mandate remains a promise unfulfilled.

other thought, or even a demi-thought,” said the Times in 2001. Opposites attract Carson’s unique contemporary poetry earned her several key literary prizes in the 1990s, including the 1996 Lannan Award and the 1997 Pushcart Prize. A year later, “Autobiography of Red: A Novel in Verse” -- loosely based on the Greek myth of the monster Geryon and Herakles but transformed into a modern tale of a gay love triangle -- received widespread praise. “She brings the ancient Greeks alive, and makes them speak in the 20th century without betraying what’s been bequeathed to us from antiquity,” said academic Emmet Robbins in the Times in 2001. “Men in the Off Hours” (2001) is a collection of poetry and prose in which Carson characteristically mixes opposites -- classical/modern, cinema/print,

narrative/verse -- and reimagines famous figures. In 2001, Carson also became the first woman to receive the T.S. Eliot Prize for Poetry, and in 2010 she won the PEN Award for Poetry in Translation. Timeless struggle In 2014, Carson received a second Griffin Poetry Prize for her verse novel “Red Doc>,” a kind of sequel to her acclaimed “Autobiography of Red.” “To engage so fluidly, so originally and compellingly, with a story first told more than 3,000 years ago, is astonishing: her ambition is one thing; the fact that it is so completely achieved is, frankly, something else,” said The Guardian in 2013, the year the book was published. Her spoken and sung performance piece “Norma Jeane Baker of Troy,” released in 2019, was inspired by Euripides’ “Helen.” Carson superimposes Mar-

ilyn Monroe over the legendary character from Greek mythology. And then in 2021, she released “The Trojan Women: A Comic” -- a comic book reimagining of the Euripides classic. Despite her exceptional writing skills, Carson says she struggles with language, its inaccuracy and clumsiness. “We’re talking about the struggle to drag a thought over from the mush of the unconscious into some kind of grammar, syntax, human sense,” she told The New York Times in 2013. “I feel I am blundering in concepts too fine for me.” In an essay published in the London Review of Books in 2024, Carson revealed that she had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. “It is hard to live within the word ‘degenerative,’ which means that, however I strive, I do not win,” she wrote. AFP

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The PCC’s quiet surrender in the Villar ISP case

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lies that threaten their intellectual autonomy. Sovereignty matters in the modern era. Without it, we merely trade physical foreign masters for digital algorithms that dictate how we think, vote, and value ourselves.

of dissent are always targeted when they know that an uninformed public is an easily controlled populace. For today’s hyper-connected generation, algorithmic convenience must not turn into compliance and apathy. True independence requires the same critical eye that the Sakdaliustas used to analyze government mismanagement and foreign hegemony. Freedom is not a static relic of the past to be celebrated once a year. It is a dynamic responsibility that must be defended across every analog and digital frontier. By studying the courageous legacy of this historic print movement, today’s youth can learn to use their digital platforms not just for validation, but for systemic accountability. Let the memory of Sakdal ignite a flame in the modern conscience, transforming casual internet users into passionate guardians of national sovereignty and truth.

Six years, zero charges

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

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WORLD

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF New York mayor to ask Trump to withdraw ICE

SAFE RETURN. This picture provided by NASA shows the SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft as it lands with NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev aboard in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles, California. Adenot (inset) became the first French female astronaut to venture outside the International Space Station (ISS) for a spacewalk in late August 2026. AFP

Trump rules out new Iran attack W

ASHINGTON—President Donald Trump ruled out attacking Iran before the US midterms on November 3, saying Washington was holding “productive discussions” with Tehran.

Trump’s announcement on his Truth Social platform followed a surge in oil prices driven by media reports suggesting potential new US strikes prior to the elections. “I want to make it clear to everybody that, while Iran is in very bad condition, both Economically and Militarily, and while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect...we will not be attack-

ing Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections,” he wrote. “We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he added. The Atlantic magazine reported on Wednesday that the White House had asked the Pentagon to develop options to strike Iranian targets that could be

used before the midterms. The New York Times said Thursday the plans were being developed despite Trump’s “ambivalence.” The surge in crude oil prices has also been fueled by persistent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz – a strategic chokepoint for the global oil trade – as well as hostilities between Yemen’s Iranbacked Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Polls suggest American voters are strongly dissatisfied with fuel prices, which have soared since US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28 triggered the conflict. Brent North Sea crude, the interna-

Malaysia closes schools in KL due to haze KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia closed schools in Kuala Lumpur and other parts of the country on Friday, as haze from fires in neighboring Indonesia again plunged local air quality to among the world’s worst. Toxic smoke from peatland and forest fires has shrouded cities in the region for more than a month, sending respiratory complaints skyrocketing. The school closures came as Malaysia’s leader discussed the choking smoke with his Indonesian counterpart and called for an urgent regional meeting. Air quality in Kuala Lumpur has been firmly in “unhealthy levels” this week, with a Swiss-based air quality monitor ranking the Malaysian capital among the world’s most polluted cities on most days. Malaysia’s Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said she has instructed whole school closures in four states and two federal territories as well as one partial closure in the central Pahang State. “In the future, we will ensure that any decision to close schools is notified in advance so that parents have sufficient time to prepare,” Fadhlina said late on Thursday. AFP

tional benchmark, rallied to as high as $105.88 a barrel on Thursday before retreating to $104.28. Russian President Vladimir Putin promised Thursday to “do everything” to help end the Middle East war when he met Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian for talks ahead of a regional summit, Russian media reported. “We are ready to do everything that is in our power to contribute to the settlement of this situation,” Putin said after arriving in Turkmenistan for a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) that starts Friday in the Caspian Sea resort of Avaza. AFP

HAZE CASUALTY, TOO. This

handout image taken on September 18, 2026 shows a mother orangutan and her baby being evacuated by joint team members from the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and YIARI after they were trapped by smoke from forest and land fires in a palm oil plantation area in Pelang village in Indonesia. AFP

Walking thru flames: Orangutans rescued in Borneo PALANGKARAYA, Indonesia – The orangutan clings to the top of a mostly leafless tree in Indonesia’s Borneo, as waves of thick smoke from the forest fires burning below waft over her. Nicknamed Novita, the ape shown in footage released by a conservation group is among dozens that have been rescued from wildfires burning across parts of Sumatra and Borneo in recent months. They include Bara, a male orangutan plucked from the haze on Thursday, authorities told Agence France-Presse. “He was found on top of a tree on

razed land. The haze was quite thick in the area because fires were burning around there,” Handi Nasoka, a local natural resources conservation agency official, said on Friday. “Seeing the condition of the recently burned lands... we didn’t dare to gamble and assume he’ll survive.” Bara was “relatively healthy, with minor burn injuries,” Handi added, and will be moved to a nature reserve elsewhere in the Central Kalimantan region where he was rescued. Wildfires have piled pressure on already endangered orangutans, forcing

local groups and authorities to carry out high-stakes rescues of animals suffering smoke inhalation and burns. Novita, a female estimated to be three to four years old, remains at the Nyaru Menteng rehabilitation center in Indonesia’s Palangkaraya after being rescued last month. “Novita is still receiving intensive care,” Andi Muhammad Khadafi, head of the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency, told reporters on Thursday. AFP

NEW York – New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he would ask US President Donald Trump to remove federal immigration agents from the city as tensions flared over the latest shooting involving ICE. The New York Police Department said a man had been shot around 4:00 pm in the Marble Hill neighborhood of the Bronx during an altercation with federal agents. Mamdani and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later confirmed that the shooting occurred during an operation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency responsible for Trump’s immigration crackdown. A DHS spokesperson said in a statement that agents were attempting to “to arrest a criminal illegal alien from the Dominican Republic with a prior criminal conviction for grand larceny, and multiple prior arrests for assault, robbery, possession of drugs, and weapons possession.” It did not state how many officers fired their weapons or why. “ICE officers immediately rendered aid. The individual is alive and at a local hospital,” the DHS spokesperson said. AFP

Okinawa resolution seeks revision of US forces pact TOKYO – Lawmakers in Okinawa adopted a resolution on Friday calling for revisions to a pact seen as giving the United States military preferential treatment in Japan, following a murder allegedly committed by an American Marine. The recent killing of a Japanese woman has triggered outrage in Japan, where any crimes involving US forces have long inflamed criticism of the troops’ presence. The resolution, which will soon be submitted to the US embassy, was carried 45 in favor and two against, local media said. The assembly also adopted an opinion statement to the same effect, which will be sent to the Japanese government. “We are seeing the limitations of the US military’s training program and ability to maintain discipline, and have to say that it is not functioning as an organization,” said Ryotaro Odo, who leads the assembly’s special committee on US military bases. AFP

India deploys thousands of police ahead of protest NEW Delhi – Thousands of police were deployed across the Indian capital on Friday, a day before planned protests to demand the election commission chief step down over alleged voter-roll irregularities. Demonstrations have erupted this month over the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) “special intensive revision” of electoral rolls, which the commission says is intended to remove duplicate and ineligible voters. Opposition parties and critics allege the exercise could disenfranchise voters to the benefit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A wave of street protests, including in New Delhi, has attracted key leaders from India’s main opposition Congress party, including Rahul Gandhi, who was briefly detained during rallies this week. AFP

US to livestream firing squad execution WASHINGTON—The execution by firing squad of convicted military base shooter Nidal Hasan will be livestreamed, a Pentagon official said, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it would be carried out in “public.” Hasan, a US Army psychiatrist, shot dead 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009. His execution will be the first by the US military since 1961, and the first it has carried out by firing squad since World War II. “It will be livestreamed. Details will follow,” the Pentagon official told Agence France-Presse on condition of anonymity. Hegseth had said in a video posted on X by official Pentagon accounts earlier Thursday that Hasan is “going to get a firing squad of soldiers, as it should be, and we’ll make sure that people are able to watch it, that it’s public.” “People need to understand that...there’s serious

consequence for these types of things,” Hegseth told right-wing influencer Jack Posobiec while aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. Hegseth noted that it would be the military’s first firing squad execution since the Second World War – a reference to the case of Eddie Slovik, who was put to death for desertion in 1945. “I kind of like the mentality we had in World War II, which was to win, which was to understand when the enemy attacks you, you need to stand your ground,” Hegseth said. In a separate clip, Posobiec asked the Pentagon chief if Hasan had made any final request. “Don’t care. We’ll see him on December 3,” Hegseth said – the day Hasan is slated to die. The last US military execution was carried out in 1961, when John Bennett was hanged for rape and attempted murder. AFP

PUSH BACK. Demonstrators with the feminist-led movement Women’s March hold signs and chant in protest in

Washington, DC on October 8, 2026 (Friday, Manila time). US prosecutors have reopened an investigation into an alleged 2024 gang rape at Cornell University following claims the elite university failed to properly punish the men involved. The alleged victim said in a civil lawsuit this month she was drugged with ketamine, assaulted and raped in 2024 by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity – a social club for male students. Cornell expelled the students involved and closed the fraternity, but the graphic details of the alleged incident have provoked public outrage and reignited a debate over sexual assault on US campuses. AFP

SPORTS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

PH hosts Men’s U-18 Asia Cup

LeBron James of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. AFP

By Peter Atencio THE Philippines is preparing to showcase its hosting capabilities as it plays host to the second Men’s Under-18 Softball Asia Cup from December 1 to 7 at The Villages in Clark City, Pampanga. Jean Henri Lhuillier, longtime president of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL), expressed optimism during a presentation at the PJL Corporate Center in Makati City, noting that six countries have initially confirmed their participation. “We’re looking forward to hosting the Under-18 championships here in the Philippines for the first time. We have six countries joining, and we are hoping to welcome even more,” said Lhuillier. Reigning champions Japan—who claimed the inaugural title in 2023— will defend their crown alongside Singapore, China, India, Indonesia, and host nation Philippines. The tournament holds extra significance as participating teams will battle for two coveted qualification spots in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup in 2027. “The last time we hosted a tournament at this level was the women’s under-18 in 2018, so this hosting comes at a very timely moment,” Lhuillier added. The Philippine Under-18 team, known as the Blu Boys, will be making their tournament debut at this age group. Under the guidance of head coaches Isidro Abello and Julius Vinuya, the young squad recently built momentum by competing against older, more experienced opponents in the national men’s open. Led by standout pitcher Vinz Dominic Sandil, the Blu Boys have been undergoing intensive training to ensure peak performance.

LeBron shines for re-tooled Sixers in pre-season debut N

EW YORK (AFP) -- NBA superstar LeBron James delivered a solid first half in his first preseason game for Philadelphia on Thursday, but the new-look 76ers fell 114-108 to the Nets in Brooklyn. James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, announced in July that he had signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers, ending weeks of speculation over where the four-time NBA champion would land as a free agent after eight seasons and one title with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 41-year-old superstar, entering a record-extending 24th NBA season, won two titles with Miami, another with Cleveland and a fourth with the Lakers and is aiming to help the Sixers win their first title since Julius Erving led the club to the crown 43 years ago.

Thursday’s game marked his first chance to line up alongside new teammates Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown -- a new arrival from the Boston Celtics. “It felt a little different,” James said. “Obviously, just wearing a new uniform, but the game is the game. “We’re still trying to put each other in a position to be successful and complement each other the best way we can out on the floor,” he added. “But it’s going to take some time. Tonight was a good sample size for us to build on.” James scored 10 points, connecting on

his lone shot from the floor and making all eight of his free-throw attempts. He added four rebounds, five assists and a steal in 18:04 minutes in the first half. Brown led all scorers with 18 points. Julius Randle had 14 for the Nets, who out-scored the Sixers 37-23 in the third quarter to take control. All eyes on James But all eyes were on James, starting with his first signature pre-game chalktoss in a 76ers uniform. James smoothly directed the Sixers offense in his time on the floor, making all five of his assists in the first quarter and combining effectively with Maxey. “I think there was some really good things happening, you know, right off the bat,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said after seeing his starters together for the first time. “A bunch of back cuts and good

passing et cetera... there were segments where obviously we turned the ball over a lot... just the little clunky segments, too. But, again, it’s pre-season, first time they’re together. “I think you look at it as what’s good and what are the learning experiences, things that we can improve.” The 76ers have two more pre-season games, both against Boston, before opening the NBA regular season against the defending champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20. James’s arrival has already found the 76ers battling outside “noise.” James took to Instagram to refute a report from a play-by-play announcer during the team’s first pre-season game on Monday that James had admonished Embiid for being late to a practice. AFP

Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo set to launch in Gran Turismo 7 ASAPHIL president Jean Henri Lhuillier talks to members of the national team

PVL turns 10 with bold new format, opens in Cebu City Games Oct. 10

(SM Seaside Cebu Arena) 1 p.m. – Capital1 vs Choco Mucho (PVL) 3:30 p.m. – Alpha Insurance vs Savouge (Spikers’ Turf) 6 p.m. – Creamline vs Akari

CEBU City—The stars will be out, the crowds will be roaring, and the stakes will be higher than ever as the Premier Volleyball League kicks off its landmark 10th season on Saturday (Oct. 10) at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena here. Creamline and Choco Mucho are expected to draw the usual throngs of loyal supporters who have followed their teams and turned their players into household names. But a new crowd favorite could emerge in Capital1, which enters the season armed with a roster packed with star power, depth and talent. At the center of the Solar Spikers’ transformation is Bella Belen, who brought her UAAP pedigree to an impressive rookie campaign last season. This time, she will be joined by established stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, giving Capital1 a formidable frontline that could rank among the league’s most imposing. Janel Maraguinot and Jasmine Nabor will alternate at setter, giving the Solar Spikers multiple options as they look to make their offense hum from the opening serve. Capital1, which joined the PVL in 2024, has so far managed a seventhplace finish in last year’s Reinforced Conference as its best showing. With Belen and former Cignal aces Gandler and Santos now leading a deeper lineup, however, the Solar Spikers are determined to make a quick leap from also-ran to championship contender.

SINGAPORE—At the Gran Turismo World Series (GT World Series) 2026 Round 3 in Singapore, Gran Turismo series Producer Kazunori Yamauchi and Jean-Arthur Madelaine, Head of Design from Xiaomi Europe R&D and Design Center at Xiaomi Auto, announced that Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo (Xiaomi Vision GT) will join Gran Turismo 7 (GT7) this October. The announcement also introduced Gran Turismo’s first EV Driving Experience, featuring dedicated driving challenges and training with Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo. Yamauchi and Madelaine took the stage together to discuss the development of Xiaomi Vision GT and the evolving experience of electric performance driving. Xiaomi Joins the Vision Gran Turismo Project as Its 36th Participating Brand Launched in 2013, Vision Gran Turismo invites leading brands to imagine and create original concept cars exclusively for the Gran Turismo series. Over the past decade, the project has brought together some of the world’s most renowned automotive marques and pro-

2026 Gran Turismo World Series

duced 50 Vision Gran Turismo models, establishing a unique platform at the intersection of automotive design, engineering and virtual racing culture. Xiaomi is the 36th brand, and the first technology company, to join the Vision

Gran Turismo project. Xiaomi Vision GT made its global debut at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, where it was unveiled by Xiaomi Auto Chief Designer Li Tianyuan and drew strong interest from automotive commu-

nities and car enthusiasts worldwide. The physical concept was subsequently showcased at Auto China 2026 in Beijing. Its arrival in Gran Turismo 7 marks the next milestone in Xiaomi Vision GT’s journey from design vision to an interactive driving experience for players worldwide. Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo: Sculpted by the Wind Xiaomi Vision GT is guided by the design philosophy “Sculpted by the Wind.” Rather than relying on deliberately sharpened surfaces or add-on aerodynamic elements, the car is shaped around a suspended teardrop-like cabin, with every surface aerodynamically optimized and every structural element designed with an airfoil cross-section. Building on aerodynamic solutions proven in production vehicles such as Xiaomi SU7 and Xiaomi YU7, Xiaomi Vision GT takes the approach further: its cross-shaped headlights also function as airflow guides, while the signature halo-shaped taillight is integrated into the rear air channel. Together with an active wake-control system, these features enable an aerodynamic efficiency value of 4.1 and a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.29.

Who knew a game of pickleball could end with brand-new vivo V80 Lite? VIVO Philippines officially launched the vivo V80 Lite in the Philippines on October 4, bringing the smartphone’s “Living at Full Bar” experience to life through a pickleball-themed launch event at Market! Market! in BGC. The event brought together pickleball enthusiasts and vivo fans for

a day of competition, activities, and entertainment, with vivo brand ambassador Marian Rivera joining the celebration. Giving it their all: vivo V80 Lite crowns Pickleball Challenge champions The pickleball tournament tested players’ skills, teamwork, and stam-

vivo V80 Lite crowns Pickleball Challenge champions

ina as they battled it out across the court. From powerful swings to quick sprints, participants gave their all in pursuit of the championship title. After several rounds, Karl de Leon and Mimi Abesamis claimed the championship title, each earning a vivo V80 Lite as their prize. Just as players need stamina to stay in the game, the vivo V80 Lite is designed to give users the power to keep going throughout their day. Its 10000mAh BlueVolt Battery provides ample power for work, entertainment, communication, and everyday activities without constantly having users plan around their next charge. Marian Rivera shares her “Living at Full Bar” lifestyle vivo brand ambassador Marian Rivera also shared what “Living at Full Bar” means in her everyday life. As an actress, wife, and mother, Marian balances a busy schedule across work, family, and personal time, making it important for her to stay connected wherever the day takes her. ‘’I can start my morning with fami-

ly time, then may work, meetings, errands — walang pause button. Kaya happy ako sa 10,000mAh BlueVolt Battery, hindi ko kailangang isipin agad kung saan ako makakapagcharge. Kahit mahaba ‘yung araw ko, I know I have that extra power to keep going,’’ Marian said. ‘’I think ‘yun ‘yung meaning ng ‘living at full bar’ para sakin. Kapag fully charged ang phone ko, feel ko din na I’m fully free din ako para mag-enjoy every day,’’ she added. Power that keeps up with a full day Powered by a 10,000mAh BlueVolt Battery and backed by IP68 and IP69 protection, the vivo V80 Lite is built for busy days and everyday adventures. Its long-lasting power gives users more freedom to stay focused on what matters, whether they are working, spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply making the most of their day. From the pickleball court to work, family, and everything in between, the V80 Lite is designed to keep users powered and ready to live at full bar.

SPORTS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

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

FEU’s Lovely Lopez defies two SSC-R defenders and scores in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Roman Prospero

FEU sweeps SSC-R, takes solo lead in SSL Unity Cup Games on Saturday (Rizal Memorial Coliseum) 1 p.m. --- Arellano vs NU 3 p.m. --- UST vs Mapua 5 p.m. --- UP vs Adamson FAR Eastern University barely broke a sweat to claim its second straight win at the expense of San Sebastian CollegeRecoletos, 25-14, 25-16, 25-21, in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Lovely Lopez scored nine of her 13 points in the third set, punching in crucial hits to help the Lady Tamaraws repel the Lady Stags’ desperate fightback as FEU took the solo top spot in Pool C. “Pinag-igihan lang naming yung serve-pass namin, yun ang wino-workout namin. And yung kung papaano kami mag-spike, kung paano namin lalagyan ng option yung spike na gagawin namin,” said Lopez, who had 11 kills, one ace and one kill block while adding three digs. Mitzi Panangin and Alyzza Devosora added six markers each while Kyle Pendon chipped in five markers in the Lady Tamaraws’ 75-minute domination of SSC-R in the league’s centerpiece competition, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R&B Milk Tea. FEU took advantage of the Lady Stags’ 23 errors, including a service fault to end the showdown, and outgunned SSC-R, 41-24, in attacks. The Lady Stags showed signs of resistance in the third set, threatening the Lady Tamaraws with repeated rallies. FEU saw its 12-5 lead trimmed to just three, 12-9, after SSC-R scored four straight points aided by Lopez’s three consecutive errors. Lopez stopped the Lady Tamaraws’ bleeding with a down the line kill.

Ateneo coach Alas suspended for a game; Tams eye best start L OUIE Alas, head coach of Ateneo de Manila University, has been handed a one-game suspension following the accumulation of three infractions in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament. Alas will serve his suspension on Saturday, October 10, when the Blue Eagles face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Two of the three infractions occurred during Ateneo’s game against De La Salle University on Wednesday. At the 3:42 mark of the fourth quarter, following a foul call, Ateneo assistant coach Kerby Raymundo was observed verbally taunting DLSU’s Vhoris Marasigan from the bench. Coach Alas was subsequently assessed a direct technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior, which was later changed to a bench

technical foul. Also at the 3:42 mark of the fourth quarter, Alas was observed engaging in physical misconduct involving opposing players. He forcefully attempted to pull an opposing player to his feet before making further physical contact by nudging another player with his elbow. Although the incident was not seen by the game officials on the floor, the Commissioner’s Office reviewed the incident and subsequently assessed the physical misconduct as a disqualifying foul under the UAAP House Rules and applicable FIBA regulations. Alas’ first infraction occurred on

Games Saturday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 8 a.m. – FEU-D vs DLSZ (16U) 10 a.m. – UST vs NU (Women) 12 noon – FEU vs Ateneo (Women) 3 p.m. – UST vs NU (Men) 5:30 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Men)

September 19, during Ateneo’s game against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. During the game, assistant coach Kerby Raymundo was assessed a technical foul for improper bench decorum, which is charged to Coach Alas. Ateneo de Manila University can appeal the decision. Meanwhile, league-leading Far Eastern University seeks to sustain its best start in 11 years when it tangles with Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Tamaraws, who last opened a

Louie Alas

season with a 4-1 record in 2015 during their championship run, are bracing for a major Blue Eagles’ rebound in their 5:30 p.m. matchup.

La Salle stuns unbeaten UP to forge 3-way tie for chess lead Las Vegas Aces center-forward A’ja Wilson AFP

Aces star Wilson wins record 5th WNBA MVP title NEW YORK—Las Vegas Aces centerforward A’ja Wilson was named the WNBA Most Valuable Player for a record fifth time, bagging the award for an unprecedented third straight season, the league said Thursday. Wilson, who earned MVP honors in leading the United States to Olympic gold in Paris in 2024, became the first WNBA player to average 25 points, 50% shooting and 40% from threepoint range in the 2026 regular season. She averaged 26.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.9 blocked shots and 1.4 steals per game, leading the league in points per game for the third straight season. Drafted number one in 2018, she has been the face of the franchise that relocated to Las Vegas in her rookie season. This year the Aces won their last seven games of the regular season, finishing 31-13 to claim the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. They are chasing a fourth title but trail the Golden State Valkyries 2-0 in the semi-finals ahead of Friday’s game three. Wilson received 65 of 74 first-place votes and nine second-place votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Minnesota Lynx rookie guard Olivia Miles finished second in the voting. Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson are the only other players to win three WNBA MVP awards. AFP

DE La Salle University forged a threeway tie atop the women’s division after handing erstwhile unbeaten University of the Philippines a 3-1 defeat in the third round of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Chess Championships on Thursday at the BGPOP Building inside the University of Santo Tomas campus in Manila. The Lady Woodpushers joined idle Far Eastern University and UP at four match points apiece, provisionally claiming the top spot with seven board points, ahead of their rivals’ identical 6.5-point tallies. FEU drew a bye in Round 3. Lovely Geraldino [2.5/3.0] spearheaded La Salle’s impressive victory on Board 2 with a queen sacrifice that forced rookie Woman National Master Antonella Racasa [1.5/3.0] to resign after 34 moves amid a mating attack. Juzeia Agne [2.0/3.0] followed suit

Games on Sunday (BGPOP building, UST) 8:30 a.m. - UP vs AdU (men’s) 8:30 a.m. - UST vs Ateneo (men’s) 8:30 a.m. - FEU vs DLSU (men’s) 8:30 a.m. - DLSU vs NU (women’s) 8:30 a.m. - AdU vs UP (women’s) 8:30 a.m. - FEU vs Ateneo (women’s)

on Board 3, deploying two rooks on the seventh rank to mount a dangerous attack, win a piece, and defeat erstwhile unbeaten Maryss Caldoza [2.0/3.0] after 48 moves of an English Opening. Checy Telesforo [2.0/3.0] completed La Salle’s three-board haul on Board 4, sacrificing a rook for a knight to create two powerful passed pawns and secure a 51-move victory over Janice Monsales [0.0/1.0].

La Salle’s Lovely Geraldino

UP’s Woman National Master Jerlyn San Diego [3.0/3.0] kept her perfect

record intact with a third straight victory, defeating Woman National Master Heart Padilla [0.5/3.0] on the top board to deliver the Diliman-based squad’s lone point of the round. Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University broke into the win column with a commanding 3.5-0.5 victory over Adamson University. Ma. Elayza Villa [2.0/3.0] set the tone on Board 1 with a win over Elaine Antonio [0.0/2.0], while Alphecca Gonzales [1.0/3.0] and Francine Magpily [1.5/3.0] defeated Janna Alindogan [0.0/2.0] and Ma. Kristina Dacuno [0.0/1.0] on Boards 3 and 4, respectively. Yzabelle Nabor [1.0/3.0] drew with Adamson’s Ma. Christina Samarta [0.5/2.0] on Board 2 to complete Ateneo’s tally. Defending champion National University likewise secured its first win of the season, overpowering host University of Santo Tomas, 3.5-0.5.

Ormoc’s rising star Fiel joins PHILTA junior training pool By Randy M. Caluag

Bibilin Fiel

ORMOC City’s Ma. Caroliean “Bibilin” Fiel has earned a spot in the Philippine Tennis Association’s national junior training pool, giving the 13-year-old another chance to develop her game after a string of victories on the age-group circuit. Her inclusion will require the Leyte-based prospect to attend regular training sessions in Manila, scheduled every Thursday to Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Tennis Center. The commitment presents a logistical challenge for her family, but also gives Fiel access to a structured training program as she pursues bigger goals in the sport. “Thank you, Lord, at nakasama si Bibilin sa PHILTA junior training pool. God bless you always, anak,” her mother said in celebrating the selection. Standing 5-foot-9, Fiel has made her presence felt against older opponents, collecting titles in tournaments organized by PHILTA, Palawan Pawnshop, B-Meg and Cebuana Lhuillier across the Visayas and Mindanao. The pride of Barangay San Isidro in Ormoc City has also earned several Most Valuable Player awards in Pala-

wan Pawnshop tournaments in Leyte, Negros and Puerto Princesa, Palawan. She recently added another achievement by completing a title double in the 15-under and 16-under divisions of a tournament in Cebu. For Fiel, however, competing offers rewards beyond trophies. Each tournament brings opportunities to improve, build friendships and discover new places. “Tuwing sumasali po ako ng tournament, lagi ko pong iniisip na sobrang blessed po ako dahil hindi lahat ng bata ay nabibigyan ng opportunity na makapaglaro at makasali sa age-group tournaments,” she said. “Lahat po ay panalo. Mayroon akong new friends at nakakapunta sa ibang mga lugar. Lagi ko pong iniisip na sa laro, ibubuhos ko ang mga pinagpraktisan namin ng Papa Coach (Bam Omega) ko para hindi masayang ang pera at mga pinagsikapan namin.” Fiel is expected to face another test in November when she competes in a junior tournament in Manila. Her family is also exploring overseas training opportunities to broaden her exposure and prepare her for stronger competition.

BUSINESS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

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

WHAT’S INSIDE? Peso, stocks rebound as crude prices ease

B2 OIL RESERVES. Energy ministers from 11 Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) members pledged on Thursday to expand oil stockpiling systems and regional joint reserves to protect their economies from volatile global supply chains and maritime transit risks, while holding talks with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on the supply market.

P167.25 32nd RTB offering proceeds

2.5 years Tenor of RTB-32

6.875% Gross coupon rate

CALAX nears completion, says MPCALA By Darwin G. Amojelar and Roy Tomandao MPCALA Holdings Inc. is building the remaining 18.5 kilometers of the 45-kilometer Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), the company said. Crews are working on Subsections 1 and 2, covering mainline pavements, bridge superstructures, drainage systems, interchange ramps and other supporting infrastructure. The four-lane expressway, with two lanes in each direction, currently runs from Mamplasan in Biñan, Laguna, to Governors Drive in General Trias, Cavite. Once the two subsections open, it will extend through Open Canal to Kawit and connect to the ManilaCavite Expressway (CAVITEX) through the CAVITEX-CALAX Link (CCLink). The completed road will give motorists a more direct route across the Cavite-Laguna corridor and toward Metro Manila, an alternative to major local roads. It will also improve access to residential, commercial and industrial areas. MPCALA said the better connectivity will support logistics and business activity by linking industrial areas, warehouses, distribution hubs, commercial centers and major markets in Cavite, Laguna and Metro Manila. Logistics and delivery operators will gain more efficient routes for moving cargo, raw materials and finished goods, while businesses will find it easier to move workers and supplies. CALAX is a public-private partnership (PPP) project. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is the government grantor, and MPCALA, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., is the private concessionaire.

Gov’t raises P167b from RTB-32 offering T By Thony Rose Lesaca

HE Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised P167.25 billion in new money from its 32nd retail Treasury bond (RTB 32) offering, which carried a gross coupon rate of 6.875 percent and a 2.5-year tenor, the agency said Friday. It said of that amount, P84.86 billion came from the rate-setting auction on Sept. 29, while P82.39 billion came from the public offer period, which ran from Sept. 29 to Oct. 7. The BTr will announce the amount raised through the bond switch component at a later date. The pesodenominated bonds mature on April 12, 2029.

“Proceeds from the RTB-32 issuance will support the government’s budgetary requirements for various projects and programs such as education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, among others,” it said. The BTr offered RTB 32 in minimum denominations of P5,000 and multiples thereof through its Online Ordering Facility via China

Banking Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines and First Metro Securities. The bonds were also available through application-based channels, including the Land Bank and Overseas Filipino Bank mobile banking apps, GCash via GBonds, PDAX, ATRAM Prime, ATRAM PERA and RCBC Pulz. The Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank served as joint lead issue managers for RTB 32. BDO Capital & Investment Corp., BPI Capital Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., PNB Capital and Investment Corp., Unionbank of the Philippines and Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. served as joint issue managers.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION.

The Philippines’ push for greater financial inclusion takes the global stage as Mynt president and chief executive Martha Sazon shares how technology can help close the country’s financial access gap at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2026 in New York. Taking the main stage on Sept. 23, 2026, Sazon delivered a keynote address during ‘Capital and Markets as System Levers,’ a session that brought together business and finance leaders to examine how capital and financial decisions can help build more inclusive and sustainable markets.

MPIC completes P12.4-billion Meralco stake acquisition By Jenniffer B. Austria INFRASTRUCTURE conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) completed the acquisition of an additional 1.9-percent stake in Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) from San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP) for P12.4 billion. SMGP told the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. that it sold 21.414 million Meralco shares to MPIC through a special block sale at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Thursday. The shares were sold at P580.99

each, a 16.2-percent premium to Meralco’s 90-day volumeweighted average price of P500.09 as of Sept. 30. The deal raised MPIC’s direct and indirect interest in the power distributor to about 49.4 percent from 47.5 percent. MPIC earlier said it would fund the purchase with internallygenerated cash and financing. The transaction is subject to conditions, including PSE approval of the block sale. Early this week, Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan also agreed to buy P2.19 billion worth of Meralco shares from SMGP,

Foreign firms asked to invest in PH transport THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) asked European businesses to explore investment opportunities in Philippine transport infrastructure projects to improve mobility and ease the daily commute of Filipinos. “The DOTr is optimistic that the private sector sees the endless possibilities of the Philippine transport projects that will contribute to the country’s economic growth and address the concerns of the commuting public,” Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said. “We hope that expanded public-private partnerships can help sustain our efforts in pursuit of a revitalized Philippine transportation system,” he said. DOTr undersecretary for planning and project development Teodorico Delfin said partner countries and the

business community would play a crucial role in improving mobility and connectivity across the Philippines. He said Lopez had directed the agency to expedite construction of transport infrastructure projects to deliver immediate benefits to commuters. “We need the private sector and our development partners. And with partners such as the ECCP and the European business community, we can connect more Filipinos to jobs and opportunities, move people and goods more efficiently, and strengthen the Philippines’ connections with ASEAN and the wider world,” Delfin said during the ASEAN 2026 Transportation Forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP). Darwin G. Amojelar

representing about 0.33 percent of the company’s issued and outstanding common shares. SMGP, the power arm of San Miguel Corp., said the sale will unlock value from a long-held investment and free up capital for more renewable energy projects. The deal also fits the company’s strategy of directing resources to businesses where it has a direct operating role. SMGP acquired the shares from the Land Bank of the Philippines in 2025 at P90 per share. Meralco shares rose 5.3 percent on Friday to P437.

Filipino farmers are getting older

B3 PH to adopt global bond pricing

B4 Economic zone investments to top P300b—PEZA By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) expects investment approvals to exceed its P300-billion target for 2026, with four major projects in the pipeline, as its board prepares to meet next week. PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said the agency expects to approve at least P10 billion worth of projects at the meeting and will assess which investments could be registered before year-end and which could move to January 2027. “We will meet next week to assess what projects will be approved. Definitely we’ll end 2026 with more than P300 billion approvals,” Panga said on the sidelines of ARANGKADA 2026, a multisectoral economic forum organized by the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) of the Philippines. Panga said the agency was confident of surpassing its 2026 target as more companies consider shifting production out of China, with Taiwan, Japan and South Korea among the sources of potential investments. PEZA is also considering raising its 2027 target to P400 billion, but Panga said the figure had yet to be finalized. Some large projects could be registered early next year as the agency manages its pipeline. At least four major projects worth $1 billion each are in the pipeline in sectors such as semiconductors, aviation and hyperscaler, Panga said. They include a Japanese hightech investment within Carmelray Industrial Park and Laguna Technopark in Laguna.

KADIWA EXPO. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and assistant secretary for agribusiness, marketing and consumer affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra lead the opening of the 3rd Kadiwa ng Pangulo Expo 2026 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

BUSINESS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PAL extends Riyadh flight suspension through Oct. 11

MGEN COMMENDED.

Meralco PowerGen Corp. receives a commendation from the Department of Energy for its investments in Singapore-based subsidiary PacificLight Power’s 670-megawatt hydrogen-ready combined-cycle gas turbine power plant, recognizing its contribution to advancing ASEAN energy cooperation. From left: DOE undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella; MGEN president and CEO Emmanuel Rubio; and DOE Secretary Sharon Garin.

By Darwin G. Amojelar PHILIPPINE Airlines said Friday it is extending the suspension of its Riyadh flights through Oct. 11 due to security concerns in the region. The flag carrier said flights PR654 and PR655 will remain suspended for another 72 hours, covering Oct. 9 to 11, while it continues to evaluate airport conditions and safety risks. PAL said affected passengers are being notified of the cancellations and travel options. Flight resumption remains subject to a comprehensive safety evaluation. “We understand that this extended disruption creates additional uncertainty for our passengers,” the airline said. “We apologize for the inconvenience and remain focused on assisting them with their travel arrangements while closely monitoring developments. Manila “The safety and well-being of our Standard passengers and crew remain our TODAY highest priority,” it added. “We will provide updates as appropriate.” PAL initially suspended the route after attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement targeted two Saudi Arabian airports, according to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation. The separate strikes on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh occurred Tuesday and Wednesday.

PSEi jumps 1.6% to reclaim 5,700 as global oil prices ease

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HILIPPINE stocks rebounded strongly on Friday, outpacing regional Asian markets as global oil prices eased.

The peso likewise strengthened against the U.S. dollar, closing at 58.801 from 58.900 on Thursday. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index jumped 1.62 percent, or 90.60 points, to close at 5,700.99. The broader all shares index gained 1.47 percent, or 46.30 points, to finish at 3,191.85. Global oil prices fell Friday as supply concerns eased following statements by US President Donald Trump that the US will not strike Iran before

the US elections. All six sectoral indices ended higher. Mining and oil led the advances, climbing 2.8 percent, followed by services, which rose 2.36 percent. The industrial index climbed 2.33 percent, while financials added 1.5 percent. Holding firms increased 0.62 percent, and property rose 0.79 percent. Advancers beat decliners, 120 to 57, with 62 issues unchanged. Trading value reached P7.82 billion, with 630.34 million shares changing

hands across 82,746 transactions. But confidence wobbled after the The market closed back above Financial Times reported that Opethe 5,700 level after recent declines nAI, the maker of ChatGPT, expected pushed the index to an 11-month low. to make $50 billion in annualzed revMAGENTA YELLOW BLACK DigiPlus Interactive Corp. led CYAN inenue this year, far less than the $70 dex gainers, surging 12.5 percent to billion flagged previously. P8.21. Conversely, shares of conHowever, Bloomberg later cited glomerate SM Investments Corp. fell unnamed sources as saying the firm 1.44 percent to P515. expected to hit the original estimate. Asian stocks mostly rose on Friday Chris Weston at Pepperstone said as traders weighed the outlook for “the discrepancy may reflect differthe AI investment boom, with supences in revenue measurement rather port coming from a drop in oil prices than an outright deterioration in Opeafter Donald Trump ruled out a prenAI’s underlying business”. election strike on Iran. Still, he said, “in a market where Fresh optimism over artificial invaluations are increasingly dependent telligence has provided a boost to on ambitious revenue and cash flow the tech sector in recent weeks, with projections, the headlines have been investors upbeat about the upcoming enough to trigger a meaningful oneearnings season. day repositioning.” With AFP

Bottled water firm ramps up production ahead of super El Niño By Othel V. Campos

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given that OAKBRIDGE INTEGRATED, Notice hereby that OAKBRIDGE INTEGRATED, OPC with Sec OPC iswith Secgiven Number: 2026030240969-01, a corporation Number: 2026030240969-01, a corporation duly and existing duly organized and existing under and inorganized accordance with under and in accordance with laws of the Republic of the Philippines with laws of the Republic of the Philippines with formally close formally close and terminate its operation effective November 20, 2026. Manila and terminate its operation effective November 20, 2026.

Standard

All persons having claims against Corporation are requested to present the All persons havingoffice claims against are requested same at its principal located at B3Corporation L19 P1 MICA THE CAMBRIA SANTO DOMINGO , BAY, at LAGUNA, REGION IV-A located (CALABARZON), 4033, to present the same its principal office at B3 L19 for immediate settlement. P1 MICA THE CAMBRIA SANTO DOMINGO , BAY, LA-

TODAY

GUNA, REGION IV-A (CALABARZON), 4033, for immedi-

This announcement serves as notice to all concerned and of the legal ate settlement. dissolution of a foresaid corporation. This notice has been published in compliance with SEC MC NO. 05 Series of 2022

ThisManila announcement serves as notice to all concerned and

of the legal dissolution of a foresaid corporation. This noStandard tice has been published in compliance with SEC MC NO.

TODAY

05 Series of 2022

PHILIPPINE Spring Water Resources Inc., maker of Nature’s Spring bottled water, is extending production hours and building reserve stocks to meet an anticipated surge in demand during El Niño, assuring consumers that supplies will remain sufficient nationwide without price increases. The company provided the assurance during a visit by Trade Secre-

tary Cristina Roque to its Bulacan plant on Thursday, where officials reviewed production capacity, inventory levels and distribution arrangements ahead of the dry spell. Roque said PSWRI’s manufacturing, logistics and distribution network, which spans 200 locations nationwide, will allow it to move products quickly to areas facing higher demand and prevent supply disruptions. “There is no need to panic buy or hoard—buy only what your house-

hold needs because there is enough supply,” Roque said. She added that other bottled water manufacturers coordinating with CYAN MAGENTA YELLOWthe BLACK the Department of Trade and IndusGREENSTRUM, electric vetry have also assured the agency that hicle charging subsidiary of ACMomarket supply remains adequate. bility, is exploring partnerships with PSWRI operates manufacturing property developers to deploy batplants across Luzon, Visayas and tery energy storage systems that can CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW Mindanao. It is maintaining reserve support EV chargingBLACK in residential inventory with retail partners and developments. leveraging its products’ 18-month The company, together with Huashelf life to build stocks ahead of wei Technologies Philippines Inc., peak demand periods.

Career Opportunity in 3M Service Center APAC Inc.

Career Opportunities in HUAN ASIA ENERGY CORPORATION Position title: Inside Sales Representative (Vietnamese)

Position Title:

(1) MARKETING CONSULTANT

Vacancy (1) JobDESCRIPTION Description: JOB 

Responsible for developing and growing relationships with end users representing the Transportation and Energy Business Group’s product



Meet monthly set goals through sales forecast, customer interactions, and data gathering

portfolio Consultant in a B2B sales environment through telephone sales to design, build, and run marketing plans to grow their business A Marketing advises companies on how  Handling customer questions (inbound calls) and up selling and cross selling strategically aligned products and reach target detailed customers.  Utilizing product knowledge to provide technical assistance to customers and assist them in identifying products to meet their needs

QUALIFICATION: Professional SkillsLANGUAGE Certification, Specialized Training): AND VERBAL. • Qualification MUST BE(Education, FLUENTExperience, IN MADARIN AND License, ENGLISH BOTH WRITTEN • COMPUTER SPECIALLY MICROSOFT OFFICE OR WPS.  Possess aLITERATE bachelor’s or associate degree or equivalent experience Minimum one (1) yearOF of combined experience in sales and/or customer service is required • AT LEAST 2-3of YEARS WORKING EXPERIENCE.  Advanced English and Vietnamese, written and spoken • REQUIRES CAREFUL ATTAINTION TO DETAILS. Applications may be sent to: • ABILITY TO MANAGE MULTIPLE PRIORITIES IN FAST-FACED ENVIRONMENT. 3M GSC Philippines Talent Acquisition Email address: ph-gscrecruitment@mmm.com

Applicants may be sent to: Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position HUAN ASIA ENERGY CORPORATION Name: Ngoc Kim Ngan Nguyen huanasiaenergycorporation@gmail.com

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Company/ Employer

Company Name: Address: Makati City Notice is hereby that OAKBRIDGE INTEGRATED, 3M Service Center APAC given Inc. Name of foreign national intending Nationality: Vietnamese Employer Notice is hereby given that OAKBRIDGE INTEGRATED, OPC with Sec OPC with SecCompany/ Number: 2026030240969-01, a corporation Complete address: to apply for the position Number: 2026030240969-01, a corporation duly and of existing duly organized and existing under and inorganized accordance with Intended period employment: one (1) year under18th, and19th, accordance with laws of the Republic of the Philippines with Floors Bonifacio Stopover Corporate Center, E-Square laws of in the Republic of the Philippines with formally close Company Name: HUAN ASIA ENERGY Name: GE, JIAXIN formally close Technology and terminate its Global operation effective Information Park Bonifacio City, Taguig City 1634November 20, 2026.

and terminate its operation effective November 20, 2026. CORPORATION. Address:

2115 THREE CENTRAL COND.

Nature ofhaving business: a domestic corporation engage in Shared All persons claims against Corporation are requestedVALERO to present theBRGY. BEL-AIR, MAKATI CITY Complete Address: SUIT C 8/F, THE VALERO ST., Services. All persons havingoffice claims against are requested same at its principal located at B3Corporation L19 P1 MICA THE CAMBRIA 122 VALERO ST., SALCEDO VILLAGE, Nationality: CHINESE SANTO DOMINGO , BAY, at LAGUNA, REGION IV-A located (CALABARZON), 4033, toTOWER, present the same its principal office at B3 L19 3M Service Center APAC Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job for immediate settlement. BRGY . BEL-AIR, MAKATI CITYhas Intended period ofanemployment: 3 YRS. P1 MICA THE CAMBRIA SANTO , BAY, description for this position. The company the intentionDOMINGO to employ the said foreign nationalLAand apply for Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, GUNA, REGION IV-A (CALABARZON), 4033, for immedi- Malate, Manila. Of Business: ENERGY ThisNature announcement serves as notice to all concerned and of the legal ate settlement. dissolution of jobseeker a foresaid This notice hasthebeen published Any Filipino who iscorporation. competent, able and willing to perform services for which the in foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an HUAN ASIA ENERGY CORPORATION. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, compliance SEC MC NO.and 05Employment Series of- 2022 objection with at Department of Labor National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila after this publication

willing and qualified to serves perform as the notice servicestoand descriptionand for this position. The company has the This announcement all job concerned Please inform Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national. ofintention the legal dissolution a foresaid corporation. to employ the saidof foreign national and apply for anThis Alien noEmployment Permit with the Department tice has been published in compliance with SEC MC NO. of Labor and Employment – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing 05 Series of 2022 cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines.

Career Opportunity in 3M Service Center APAC Inc. Position title: Inside Sales Representative (Vietnamese) Vacancy (1) Job Description:    

Responsible for developing and growing relationships with end users representing the Transportation and Energy Business Group’s product portfolio in a B2B sales environment through telephone sales Handling customer questions (inbound calls) and up selling and cross selling strategically aligned products Utilizing detailed product knowledge to provide technical assistance to customers and assist them in identifying products to meet their needs Meet monthly set goals through sales forecast, customer interactions, and data gathering

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

Possess a bachelor’s or associate degree or equivalent experience Minimum of one (1) year of combined experience in sales and/or customer service is required Advanced English and Vietnamese, written and spoken Applications may be sent to: 3M GSC Philippines Talent Acquisition Email address: ph-gscrecruitment@mmm.com

Company/ Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name:

Name: Ngoc Kim Ngan Nguyen

3M Service Center APAC Inc.

Address: Makati City

Complete address:

Nationality: Vietnamese Intended period of employment: one (1) year

18th, 19th, Floors Bonifacio Stopover Corporate Center, E-Square Information Technology Park Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City 1634 Nature of business: a domestic corporation engage in Shared Services. 3M Service Center APAC Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila. Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila after this publication Please inform Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

GIGIL’S AWARD. The Business Manual CEO Awards 2026 recognizes GIGIL partners, from left, Jake Yrastorza, Badong Abesamis and Herbert Hernandez as among the 10 visionary leaders honored during ceremonies at Bonifacio Global City for their bold, unconventional and distinctly Filipino approach to creativity. Photo courtesy of Business Manual

EastWest opens next-gen branch at Cebu I.T. Park EASTWEST Banking Corp. has opened its new Cebu I.T. Park Store, introducing a next-generation design intended to give customers greater flexibility, convenience and personalized support. Located in one of Cebu’s main business and lifestyle districts, the new store demonstrates how banking is evolving alongside customer needs. Whether managing day-today transactions, growing wealth or seeking financial advice, customers can choose how and when they bank through digital self-service and in-person guidance. The store features a 24/7 self-service banking area equipped for essential transactions, including cash deposits, allowing customers to bank beyond traditional branch hours. Inside, customers can use digital facilities for routine transactions or consult EastWest personnel for more complex needs. Service pods and private consultation rooms provide dedicated spaces for personalized discussions

Greenstrum eyes BESS partnerships with property firms

and financial planning. “Banking should fit seamlessly into our customers’ lives, not the other way around,” said Ivy B. Uy, head of the Branch Banking Group at EastWest. “Our Cebu I.T. Park Store was designed to give customers the freedom to choose how they want to manage their finances, whether through self-service convenience, expert advice or a combination of both. It gives customers a more relevant, accessible banking experience shaped around their needs.” The store also houses a dedicated EastWest Priority Center, offering Priority clients access to relationship managers, private consultation rooms, a Priority Lounge and tailored financial solutions. Customers can also explore EastWest Horizons, the bank’s wealth management offering for emerging affluent individuals seeking guidance on investments, insurance and long-term financial growth.

presented integrated battery storage and EV charging solutions during their first business-to-business showcase in Bonifacio Global City. The event demonstrated how battery storage can help address power capacity constraints as buildings accommodate more EV chargers. Huawei’s battery energy storage system, or BESS, stores electricity during periods of low demand and releases it during peak hours. Integrated with Greenstrum’s EV chargers, the system helps property operators maximize existing electrical capacity, manage peak demand and improve charging efficiency. “Greenstrum and Huawei bring together expertise in implementation and the capability to do the design engineering in order to optimize the output of a battery storage system for the client,” Greenstrum Chief Operations Officer Carl Decleodt said. “We don’t come in just to provide hardware. What we do is we come in and provide a solution”. Decleodt said the system can also help businesses achieve energy savings while requiring a footprint of about 2 square meters. “One of those solutions is BESS,” Decleodt said. “Through this technology, we can help you implement savings immediately with a small two-square-meter footprint. It also opens up your business to having your own EV charging station”. Property developers attending the showcase cited power capacity as a key consideration in expanding EV charging facilities in residential buildings. Greenstrum and Huawei are also targeting hospitality, utility and logistics companies, particularly those operating cold storage facilities or requiring fleet-charging infrastructure. Othel V. Campos

BUSINESS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Filipino farmers are getting older—DA T By Othel V. Campos

HE Philippines is pushing to make agriculture and fisheries more profitable and attractive to young people as the government confronts an aging farm workforce.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Willie Ann Angsiy said replacing aging farmers and fisherfolk requires more than land distribution, loans and subsidies. The sector must offer viable businesses and career opportunities for the next generation. “For the Philippines, generational renewal in agriculture and fisheries is not simply about replacing an ageing generation,” Angsiy said. “It is about creating conditions that give young people a compelling reason to see agriculture and fisheries as a profession, an enterprise, and a future.” Angsiy represented the Department of Agriculture at the XII Ibero-American Conference of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries in Córdoba, Spain, where delegates discussed food security, financing, digitalization, innovation, climate pressures and generational renewal. She cited programs such as the Young Farmers Challenge, which provides startup capital, business support and mentoring to help young people establish agricultural enterprises. The Agricultural Training Institute and youth councils also support youth participation in the sector. Angsiy said the government must also address climate change, inflation and geopolitical pressures because they make farm in-

JOB SEEKERS. About 4,000 job seekers gather at SM City Trece Martires for the Mega Job Fair organized by PESO Trece Martires in partnership with SM on Oct. 8. The event featured local and overseas employment opportunities, with participating employers and recruitment agencies conducting on-the-spot interviews and accepting applications across various industries.

OceanaGold upgrades Didipio tailings dam monitoring system OCEANAGOLD Philippines Inc. has upgraded monitoring at its Didipio Mine tailings storage facility to strengthen oversight of structural performance, operational safety and long-term integrity, particularly during the rainy season. The upgrade, completed in January in partnership with global engineering advisory group GHD, consolidates data from geotechnical instruments and satellite monitoring systems into a single remotely accessible dashboard. The system provides continuous visibility of the facility’s performance, using vibrating wire piezometers to monitor water levels within the tailings dam and Global Navigation Satellite System sensors to track ground movement and deformation. The system, which has accumulated data through August, generates automated alerts and email notifications when readings reach predefined thresholds. The alerts support the company’s early warning protocols, allowing engineers to assess performance changes more quickly. Automated data collection also improves monthly monitoring and reporting to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Jonathan Dickson, global leader for dams and geotech management solutions at GHD, said the technology provides consistent, data-based insights by linking monitoring data with engineering design. “Engineers can now access real-time information remotely and act with confidence in a challenging and evolving environment,” Dickson said, noting that design criteria align with the Australian National Committee on Large Dams. Company officials said automation complements human expertise by providing accurate information for earlier decisions. “Responsible mining requires us to continuously improve how we monitor and manage risk. Through this initiative, we are strengthening our TSF monitoring capabilities and reinforcing our commitment to safe and responsible operations,” said Joan AdaciCattiling, OceanaGold Philippines president and general manager for external affairs. Othel V. Campos

comes increasingly unpredictable and discourage young people from entering agriculture. She also called for greater opportunities for women, particularly in financing, technology, training, markets and leadership.

“Recognition must be accompanied by measurable access to financing and technology, training and markets, and leadership opportunities in cooperatives, producer organizations and other agricultural institutions,” Angsiy said.

Delegates at the meeting adopted the Córdoba Declaration, which calls for stronger cooperation on food security, innovation, sustainability and digitalization, while promoting youth and women’s participation in food systems.

BUSINESS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

BIR flags fake website on registration THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) warned taxpayers on orus. ph, a website that imitates the bureau’s Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) and may expose users to privacy and cybersecurity risks. The site may show suspicious pop-ups, unfamiliar prompts or other potentially unsafe content, the BIR said in an advisory.

PH to adopt global bond pricing By Thony Rose Lesaca

HE Philippines will start using the global standard for pricing peso bonds issued by the government and companies on Jan. 4, 2027, financial regulators said Friday. The change is expected to make bonds easier to trade and to draw more investors. It seeks to remove the price adjustment, or tax imposed on bond premiums or discounts, from the calculation of the final settlement amount. Tax obligations will remain the same, with investors still required to

pay a 20-percent final withholding tax on accrued interest. “The transition will not alter the contractual terms of the bonds, and investors will continue to receive the scheduled interest payments (coupons) and principal at maturity, in accordance with the terms of their bonds,” the regulators said.

The change will align the country with common international market practices and make bonds easier to buy and trade. Regulators said some investors may see changes in how settlement values are calculated, but those who hold bonds to maturity will see no actual impact. The Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. will incorporate the change into its revised fixed-income market rules and trading conventions. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission and Insurance Commission will support the industry and the public throughout the transition.

Regulators said all relevant regulations and systems will be in place before the end of the year, and financial institutions and market participants are expected to carry out transition activities from Jan. 1 to Jan. 3, 2027. National Treasurer Sharon Almanza said the initiative marks an important step in making the Philippine bond market more accessible and attractive to international investors. “Broader participation in the government bond market will help lower borrowing costs, enabling the government to finance more productive spending, including public infrastructure and services,” Almanza said.

CONDO DEMAND.

The BIR urged taxpayers not to open or interact with it, enter personal information or grant any requested permissions. Taxpayers should access the official ORUS portal only at https:// orus.bir.gov.ph/ and verify the web address before entering personal or tax-related information, the BIR said. The BIR said it takes the security of taxpayer information seriously. It asked taxpayers who encounter suspicious pop-ups, unfamiliar links or webpages claiming an association with the bureau to document the incidents and report them to the BIR for verification. The bureau also asked the public to stay vigilant against websites that imitate official government platforms and to use only official BIR online services.

Leechiu Property Consultants associate director and head of research Sharon Joy Roset-Saclolo says developers and government programs are helping bridge affordability and financing gaps that have historically prevented some buyers from entering the market. Metro Manila’s residential condominium take-up rose 17 percent from the previous quarter to 8,454 units in the third quarter of 2026, as developer promotions and government housing programs supported buyers despite affordability pressures, elevated inventory and cautious sentiment.

Filipinos lost over P1b to scams in 12 months as fraudulent schemes spread FILIPINO adults lost some P121.8 billion to scams in the past 12 months as exposure to fraudulent schemes continued to rise, the Global AntiScam Alliance (GASA) said in its 2026 State of Scams report released Thursday. The study found that 84 percent of Filipinos encountered a scam attempt in the past year, up from 77 percent in 2025. The average Filipino faced 151 scam encounters annually. Scammers carried out 88 percent

IN BRIEF DOE unveils oil contingency plan

ENERGY Secretary Sharon Garin on Thursday unveiled the government’s roadmap to protect the country from volatile global crude markets while sharply cutting long-term oil dependency. Garin presented the 2026 National Oil and Gas Contingency Plan (NOGCP) and the Fuel Transition Plan (FTP) at the Philippine Energy Investment Forum, part of the ASEAN Energy Business Forum 2026. The dual policy framework addresses immediate fuel emergency responses while charting a multi-decade shift toward alternative fuels and electrification. “One strengthens our ability to manage fuel disruptions under present conditions. The other guides the investments and technologies that will progressively reduce our exposure to those disruptions,” Garin said. She said the Middle East crisis has shown how developments in global energy markets can quickly affect domestic economies. “Supply chain disruptions and climaterelated events have made resilience central to energy security. Oil accounts for 47.7 percent of our final energy consumption. Around 90 percent of our crude oil imports comes from the Middle East, while about 70 percent of our oil demand goes to the transport sector. Earlier this year, the sharp increase in global oil prices placed additional pressure on households, transport operators, and businesses across the country,” Garin said. Alena Mae S. Flores

DOTr orders study on special bus permits THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) to study special permits for public utility buses (PUBs) to carry passengers affected by the limited operations of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), Secretary Giovanni Lopez said. The proposal would ease commuter congestion and prevent long queues at LRT2 stations by allowing buses to run along

the railway’s route from Antipolo Station to Recto Station and back, with designated stops at LRT-2 stations. “On behalf of the DOTr and LRTA, we apologize to the affected passengers. We understand the hardships being experienced by commuters who use the LRT-2,” Lopez said. “That is why we have instructed the LTFRB and LRTA to coordinate on the proposed issuance of special permits for buses, ensuring our passengers have a means of transport while we address the shortage of trains,” he said. The LTFRB and LRTA will jointly study the proposed bus service, including its operations, compliance with franchising and regulatory requirements, and the fares passengers would pay, the DOTr said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Sari-sari stores keep supplies flowing during floods NEIGHBORHOOD sari-sari stores in flooded areas of Luzon placed larger restocking orders during the AugustSeptember monsoon floods even as customers cut their spending, according to a study by Philippine tech startup Packworks. Packworks compared transaction data from July 10 to Aug. 9, before the flooding, with Aug. 10 to Sept. 9, during it, across flooded municipalities in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pangasinan and Tarlac. Bulacan was the hardest hit. In flooded cities including Malolos, Calumpit, Hagonoy and Bocaue, median gross merchandise value (GMV) at megastores fell 33 percent to P238,340.60 from P355,741.12, and median transaction counts dropped 18 percent. Small sari-sari stores in flooded Bulacan towns posted a 28 percent drop in median GMV. Larger Bulacan stores gained a combined P1 million in GMV as shoppers moved to better-stocked hubs, while smaller stores lost a combined P1 million. “Our data reveals a fascinating divergence during climate shocks: while end-consumers tighten their belts and make smaller, ‘tingi’ purchases, sari-sari store owners do the exact opposite by placing significantly larger restocking orders,” said Packworks chief data officer Andoy Montiel.

of attempts on platforms with a direct message function. SMS and text messages remained the most common channel, followed by instant messaging apps and social media posts. “At the same time, digital wallets saw a sharp increase in reported abuse by scammers, rising from 34 percent in 2025 to 73 percent in 2026,” the report said. Shopping, investment and employment scams were among the most common types Filipino adults encountered. Victims lost money, per-

sonal information or both. Victims reported an average loss of P10,427 each, which contributed to the estimated P121.8 billion in annual losses. The impact extended beyond finances, with 82 percent of victims saying the experience hurt their mental well-being. Another 22 percent said they were unable to pay for basic necessities after falling for scams. “Behind every scam statistic is a person: someone who trusted the wrong message, clicked the wrong

PH secures P15-b World Bank loan for water security

LA LOLA EXPANSION.

La Lola Churreria continues its expansion across Metro Manila with the opening of two new branches with more stores to open soon. It recently opened a branch at Ayala Malls Feliz and will launch a new store at The Block, SM North EDSA on Oct. 10, 2026. This move aligns with its upcoming first anniversary in the Philippines.

PH, Japan sign pact to boost nuclear power cooperation By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Philippines and Japan have signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen the Philippines’ preparations for nuclear power development, focusing on technical expertise, institutional capacity, nuclear safety and responsible deployment. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa signed the agreement on the sidelines of the 4th Asia Zero Emission Community Ministerial Meeting. “As we prepare to introduce nuclear energy into our power mix, we must ensure that the necessary expertise, institutions and safeguards are in place. Japan’s experience will help us strengthen our technical capabilities,

link, or simply believed the person on the other end of the phone. What is most concerning is that scams are becoming part of everyday life in the Philippines, with real consequences for people’s financial security, wellbeing, and families,” said GASA Asia-Pacific director Brian Hanley. Hanley said the burden of stopping scams should not fall on consumers alone, citing the need to build an environment where people are protected before a scam becomes a loss. Thony Rose Lesaca

regulatory preparedness and public confidence in the safe and responsible development of nuclear energy,” Garin said. Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country targets at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear capacity by 2032, rising to 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050. Under the agreement, the Department of Energy and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, or METI, will set up a joint working group to identify priority cooperation activities, monitor progress and facilitate technical exchanges. The cooperation may cover nuclear safety and emergency preparedness, disaster response, nuclear security and safeguards, health impact studies, export controls and public engagement.

THE Philippine government has secured 212.7 million euros (P15 billion) in financing from the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to improve water security, supply and sanitation in underserved areas, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Friday. The funding will support the Accelerated Water and Sanitation Project in Selected Areas (AWPSA), to be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The project seeks to address water security and disinfection challenges in poor and underserved areas, improve water supply and sanitation efficiency and mitigate environmental risks from water scarcity. It includes construction of a bulk water supply system, a septage treatment plant and water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in Bohol, Siargao and Sulu. “The financing comes at an opportune time and provides a significant boost to strengthen our efforts to improve water security and cleanliness. We thank the World Bank-IBRD for its continued partnership with the Philippines as we pursue reforms to deliver more reliable services to our people,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said. The DOF said AWPSA is the first phase of the IBRD’s Multiphase Programmatic Approach Water Security and Resilience in East Asia & Pacific Program, which supports sustained investments for greater water security and resilience to water-related climate risks. Thony Rose Lesaca

TECH

C1 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph rieramallari@yahoo.com

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

OPPO Find X10 Series to launch with next-gen true-to-life imaging Pre-order latest iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max O with Home Credit PPOSHENZHEN, CHINA— OPPO announced that its latest flagship smartphones, OPPO Find X10 Series, will make their global debut on October 21 in Mallorca, Spain. Built to be a “Hasselblad Trueto-Life Camera”, the new series combines industry-leading camera hardware with the next-generation LUMO True Image Engine, marking a new chapter in OPPO’s pursuit of true-to-life imaging. “Find X Series reflects our relentless pursuit of exceptional mobile imaging,” said Pete Lau, SVP and Chief Product Officer at OPPO. “Together with Hasselblad, we are taking another significant step forward with Find X10 Series, bringing trueto-life detail, color and tone to everyday photography. Simply open the camera and capture the moment as you see it, with no extra settings required.” Find X10 Series carries forward the Find X Series’ minimalist design language with premium materials and thoughtfully crafted details. Its all-new Borderless Design features One-Piece Sculpted Glass that flows seamlessly into the camera module, softening the visual impact of the camera bump for a clean, cohesive look. Find X10 Pro Max in Luna White draws design inspiration from classic cameras. Its LUMO Camera Island features a matte silver metallic finish and houses the new-generation True Color Camera and dual-flash system, complemented by knurled detailing and Hasselblad’s signature matte

cameras. Find X10 Series also introduces Open Gate Capture, using the sensor’s full imaging area to capture more of the scene and give creators greater freedom to crop and reframe the same footage for landscape, portrait and other formats in post-production. Powering Find X10 Series are flagship MediaTek chipsets. Find X10 runs on MediaTek Dimensity 9600M, while Find X10 Pro Max is among the first smartphones to feature the 2nm MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro, delivering a major leap in both performance and power efficiency.

OPPO Find X10 Series

orange accent ring. Across the back, smooth matte glass meets a subtle fabric-inspired pattern in a distinctive two-tone finish. Find X10 will be available in Glacier Blue, Glow Coral and Mist Grey, while Find X10 Pro Max will come in Titanium Grey and Luna White. The series pairs this refined design with a major leap in imaging hardware. Find X10 features a category-first Dual 200MP Camera System co-developed with Hasselblad. Find X10 Pro Max goes even further with the industry’s first Triple 200MP Camera System, bringing 200MP sensors to the ultra-wide, main and telephoto cameras for the first time on a smartphone. Making the most of its camera hardware is OPPO’s next-generation computational photography solution, LUMO True Image Engine. It combines OPPO’s imaging expertise with the natural tone rendering of Master Mode, supported by precise color information captured by the True Color Camera. LUMO True Image Engine delivers authentic detail, accurate color and natural tone. From nuanced skin tones and fine textures to the natural contrast

Shot on OPPO Find X10 Pro Max with the Ultra-Wide Camera

of a scene, images stay true to the moment as you remember it. Find X10 Series also brings a major upgrade to videography. On Find X10 Pro Max, all three rear cameras support 4K 120fps and 8K 30fps video recording, while Find X10 brings the same capabilities to its two 200MP

Both models feature an 8,000mAh OPPO Silicon-Carbon Battery, delivering up to two days of typical use on a single charge. Designed for longterm durability, the battery is also engineered to retain over 80% of its original capacity after five years of typical use.

What would you buy with P1 million at SM? Pre-order HONOR 600S for chance to win!

Splurge with P1 million on hand.

WHAT would you do with P1 million worth of shopping? HONOR is giving consumers a chance to make it happen with the new HONOR 600S. As part of the HONOR 600S pre-order offer, customers can get a chance to win P1 million worth of shopping spree at SM Stores, adding even more excitement to the launch of HONOR’s latest smartphone. Beyond the exciting prize, the HONOR 600S delivers AIpowered features, 5G connectivity, and long-lasting battery life, making it a compelling choice for consumers looking for an everyday smartphone packed with smart and creative features. The HONOR 600S is now available for pre-order through authorized HONOR stores and online channels nationwide. Don’t miss the chance to get your hands on the new HONOR 600S—and get a shot at a P1 million shopping spree.

AS Filipinos prepare for the arrival of the latest generation of iPhone, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, is giving customers more ways to plan their upgrade through flexible financing options for the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Starting October 2, customers may preorder the latest iPhone models through Apple Authorized Resellers and partner stores nationwide using Home Credit financing options and experience eye-opening control and next-gen performance for as low as ₱137 per day, with as low as 0% interest and 0% down payment for up to 24 months, subject to applicable terms and customer eligibility. With lower upfront costs and longer payment terms, Home Credit gives customers greater flexibility to fit a premium smartphone purchase into their budget, making it easier to manage monthly expenses while upgrading to the latest technology. “A new iPhone launch is always one of the most anticipated moments for Filipino consumers. For many, however, upgrading also comes with the important consideration of how the purchase fits into their monthly budget,” said Puneet Suneja, Chief Sales Officer of Home Credit Philippines. “At Home Credit, we make it easier with clear and flexible financing options, helping customers enjoy the latest technology while choosing a payment plan that fits their budget and lifestyle,” he added. With flexible installment terms, customers can spread the cost of their iPhone upgrade over time while choosing a payment arrangement that better fits their budget and lifestyle. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available for pre-order starting October 2, at 12:01 a.m.., with nationwide availability beginning October 16, at 12:01 a.m.. Customers may visit Apple Authorized resellers and Home Credit partner stores nationwide and check out available offers, and financing options. Visit www.homecredit.ph/disclosures to learn more. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-242751 Series of 2026. For the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, corporate.homecredit.ph or follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers may likewise download the Home Credit App, available on Google Play, the App Store, and HUAWEI App Gallery to get pre-approved.

Meet Approach S72: Garmin’s most advanced golf smartwatch GARMIN has unveiled its new flagship golf smartwatch, Approach® S72, a premium, feature-rich companion on the course that also provides advanced health and wellness features for everyday wear. Available in two sizes – 43mm and 47mm – with bright AMOLED displays, the smartwatch includes a new lightweight ComfortFit fabric band, titanium bezel and sapphire lens to ensure all-day comfort and durability. With biometric data, including real-time heart rate, golfers can gain a better understanding of how their heart rate changes before and after each shot. What’s more, Approach S72 adds on-wrist swing metrics to help players implement changes to their swing based on real data rather than just feel. Players also have access to a new feature to give them a better understanding of green contour data. With an active Garmin Golf Membership™, golfers can see what direction putts will break and the average slope percentage, making it quicker and easier to determine their aim point. “We’re excited to introduce the next generation of golf technology with Approach S72 and help golfers better understand their whole game. From biometric data and swing metrics to advanced golf features and everyday smartwatch tools, Approach S72 gives avid golfers the insights they need to take their game to the next level. It’s everything players would want in a golf watch and an everyday smartwatch,” said Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

New features for the course • Golf biometric data: Look back on a completed round and see trends in how heart rate may have impacted the score. • Swing metrics: Golfers can receive advanced insights into their swing with swing metrics, including hand speed, backswing length, wrist rotation and more. • Green reading: Golfers can be more confident in their aim point with the green reading feature, which uses green contour data to make it easier to find the line. • Driving range activity: Not only track swing metrics and learn tendencies but also log driving range activities into the Garmin Connect™ app, so players’ practice sessions contribute to their fitness goals. • Putting analytics: Receive insights in the Garmin Golf app following a round on speed bias, direction bias, make rate and more to help evaluate strengths and weaknesses on the green. • Aerial imagery: Get an enhanced view of the shot ahead with real imagery of the hole to make more informed decisions about where to layup, the best place to miss and more. Built for all-day wear • Premium build: Constructed with a lightweight titanium bezel that won’t hinder a golf swing, the device also features a sapphire lens for durability and a ComfortFit fabric band to ensure a perfect fit on the golfer’s wrist. • Speaker and microphone: Make and take phone calls and perform basic tasks – on and off the course – with voice commands on Garmin’s

Players can gain a better understanding of their overall game with biometric data, swing metrics, green reading and more to help them achieve peak performance.

first golf smartwatch to offer these attributes. • Built-in flashlight: Find equipment in the golf bag or illuminate a dark area with a flashlight with variable intensities of white light and a red light.

• Battery life: Play multiple rounds without needing to re-charge as the larger smartwatch boasts up to 20 hours of battery life on the course and up to 16 days when the GPS is turned off. Maximize performance Designed for wearing both on and off the links, the Approach S72 includes many top-tier fitness features to help golfers improve their overall health and reach peak form each round. Players can get a complete health picture with wrist-based heart rate, stress tracking, Body Battery™ energy monitoring, advanced sleep monitoring and more1. The smartwatch also includes a full complement of preloaded activity profiles to help players work on their strength and mobility. Approach S72 will be available starting October 22 at a retail price of PHP52,990. It can be purchased online at www.garmin.com, in Garmin Brand Stores, Garmin Specialty Stores, and through Garmin’s official e-commerce platforms. Learn more about Garmin’s full lineup of golf products here. Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom and connect with @ Garmin Philippines and @garminph on social, or follow our blog.

TECH

Fired security researchers accuse OpenAI of ‘chilling’ safety efforts S

Trump’s ‘super intelligence’ rebrand to sell AI faces uphill battle

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

AN FRANCISCO—Three former OpenAI security researchers on Thursday accused the ChatGPT-maker of firing them for warning about the dangers of artificial intelligence, reigniting the debate over safety at a company whose software has been involved in security breaches.

“I believe we were fired for prioritizing safety over the near-term interests of OpenAI as a corporation,” one of the fired staffers, Mikita Balesni, wrote on X, breaking a weeklong silence since their very public dismissal. Balesni and the two other fired employees, Tomek Korbak and Jasmine Wang, publicly shared a letter to OpenAI on Thursday. “Our firing leaves us worried that the norms inside OpenAI are shifting,” the letter says, and continues that “terminations such as ours, executed and communicated so abruptly, are chilling the open culture OpenAI has prized in the past.” They also call on the company to keep its promise to permanently host independent auditors. “We are concerned that our firings may be used to justify ending” that work, the letter says. OpenAI, for its part, said it fired them for allegedly violating company rules. “Our investigation confirmed that these individuals mishandled sensitive information outside established company procedures, violating our policies and breaking the trust essential to our work,” OpenAI told AFP in a statement on October 1. “We do not terminate employees for raising concerns,” a research executive at OpenAI said in a memo to staff on Wednesday, an excerpt of which was shared with AFP.

Open AI CEO Sam Altman delivers the keynote address during the OpenAI developers conference at Fort Mason in San Francisco, California. AFP

A divided sector The three fired researchers worked on monitoring OpenAI’s models, which escaped their testing environment in July and hacked Hugging Face, an AI coding library. The incident sparked a heated debate in Silicon Valley over whether or not to slow the development of this technology. If OpenAI’s researchers can no longer sound the alarm or work with outside parties, “we are all at greater risk that something truly catastrophic will happen,” the researchers’ letter warns. They also claim that nearly 400 OpenAI employees signed a petition in July that called for an industry-wide slowdown on advanced development of AI models.

In September, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and SpaceX chief Elon Musk called for a slowdown as well. “Right now we’re investing more in safety, security, alignment, monitoring and that will allow us to continue to progress model capability a lot,” Altman told reporters last month. Others, like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, want to move full steam ahead. US regulators are unlikely to intervene. Last month, President Donald Trump hosted a group of American tech executives who agreed to abide by a voluntary code of conduct on AI safety. AFP

Canon launches 8 new imagePROGRAF TM Series models, including 1st large-format MFPs CANON recenlty launched eight new imagePROGRAF TM Series models, headlined by the series’ first multifunction printers (MFPs) with a builtin large-format scanner. Compact and easy to operate from the front, the lineup is made for offices, engineering firms and print shops. The range includes six printers (TM-5500, TM-5600, TM-5510, TM5515, TM-5610 and TM-5615) and two MFPs: the 36-inch TM-5610M and the 24-inch TM-5510M. • One compact machine: Print, copy and scan in a size comparable to printer-only models. Simply place originals on the flat top. • Cleaner scans: Light sources on both sides reduce shadows, wrinkles and creases. Presets for CAD drawings, blueprints and maps ensure the best result every time. • Sharper drawings: 5-colour pig-

Printed CAD drawings with imagePROGRAF TM-5510M

ment ink with a new matte black delivers deeper blacks, crisp lines and precise text at high speed.

Printing posters with imagePROGRAF TM-5610M

• Bolder posters: New colour mapping technology produces vivid prints, even on plain paper.

Parts of the printer body use approximately 5% recycled iron and 25% recycled plastic.

WASHINGTON—Donald Trump’s campaign to rename artificial intelligence as “super intelligence” is unlikely to win over a wary public and could make matters worse, experts say, even as the US president threatens to treat holdouts as enemies. On Thursday, he warned that anyone refusing to adopt the term would be considered an “ENEMY” by the White House, without saying what that would mean. He had floated the name change in September before the UN General Assembly, saying it sounded much better. “The use of the word artificial makes intelligence fake. It makes it sound fake, and it is not fake. It’s actually amazing,” he said. He later signed an executive order mandating the term in government communications. According to Jean-Pierre Dube, a marketing professor at the University of Chicago, there is a genuine concern at the White House that the backlash against AI and data centers could “stifle one of the key drivers of economic growth right now” and “cede technological dominance to China.” However, “the idea that a rebrand that mis-characterizes the technology will turn around some of the public sentiment seems like wishful thinking,” he told AFP. ‘Poor choice’ But expert opinion matters little to Trump, who wrote in his book “The Art of the Deal”: “I don’t trust fancy marketing surveys. I do my own surveys and draw my own conclusions.” He even polled users on Truth Social, where “super intelligence” beat out the other option, “superior intelligence.” Americans see Trump as overly enthusiastic about artificial intelligence, which many already use but whose consequences for safety and jobs they fear, while also worrying about the rapid construction of massive data centers. In a recent Quinnipiac University poll, only 25 percent of voters said they were satisfied with how the 80-year-old Republican is approaching AI, against 58 percent who were dissatisfied. “If we believe that ‘artificial’ already encourages fear, ‘super’ seems like something far more worrisome,” said Dube, calling it “a poor choice of new brand.” For Ronald Kline, a historian at Cornell University, “the phrase ‘super intelligence’ means more than simulating human intelligence, it means going beyond human intelligence,” he told AFP. The term “artificial intelligence” was born in 1956 at an austere summer workshop at Dartmouth College. Deliberately abstract, it was chosen to bring under one banner the research of scientists from varied backgrounds -- mathematicians, psychologists and engineers driven by the same ambition: teaching computers, at the time enormous calculating machines, to “think” like humans. AFP

Perpetual Help Medical Center–Las Piñas CEO honored with Hospital CEO of Year Excellence Award THE Hospital Management Asia (HMA) recently recognized Dr./BGen. Antonio Laperal Tamayo, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of University of Perpetual Help Medical Center–Las Piñas (PHMC-LP), as the recipient of the Hospital CEO of the Year (Excellence Award). This prestigious recognition coincides with the medical center’s milestone 50th anniversary. Established in 1976 as a modest 50bed community clinic, PHMC-LP has evolved over five decades into a leading tertiary healthcare institution servicing Southern Metro Manila. Today, the facility offers specialized care in cardiovascular medicine, oncology, kidney transplantation, neuroscience, and minimally invasive surgery. “This recognition reflects 50 years of dedication and collective effort from our medical staff and support teams,” said Dr./BGen. Tamayo. “It affirms the vision we have pursued from the beginning: to build more than a hospital, but a sustainable, future-ready healthcare ecosystem, one that continuously advances its clinical capabilities, embraces new medical technologies, and evolves with the needs of the communities we serve. Ultimately, we are building an institution that will continue to care for generations to come.”

tion Surgical System which help facilitate advanced, robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries with enhanced dexterity, range, and accuracy. The medical center plans to introduce additional cutting-edge medical technologies later this year to broaden its diagnostic and therapeutic services. Operational & Quality Certifications PHMC-LP is also the first hospital in the Philippines to earn a Quadruple ISO-Certified Integrated Management System, meeting rigorous international standards: - ISO 14001:2025 – Environmental Management - ISO 7101:2023 – Healthcare Quality Management

- ISO 50001:2018 – Energy Management Systems - ISO 45001: 2018 – Occupational Health and Safety In addition, it is also the country’s first AFP Affiliated Reserve Medical Center and the 1st Air Reserve Hospital reinforcing its role in national preparedness and its capacity to support the country’s healthcare response during emergencies and national crises. As it celebrates half a century of service, PHMC-LP remains committed to combining cutting-edge diagnostic technology with globally accredited operating standards across all departments.

Receiving the award on behalf of Dr.-BGen. Antonio Laperal Tamayo is LTC Richard Antonio M. Tamayo and Dr. Rachel Antonette G. Tamayo. With them is Richard Ireland, CEO Clarion Events Asia.

Building a Future-Ready Healthcare Ecosystem PHMC-LP demonstrates this forward-looking vision through ongoing strategic investments in advanced technology and the continuous expansion of its surgical capabilities. These advancements empower clinical teams to address complex, evolving healthcare needs while delivering highly accurate,

efficient, and patient-centered care. To enhance its specialized medical offerings in 2026, PHMC-LP introduced two key technological innovations: the Symbia Pro.Specta Advanced Molecular Imaging System which allows medical practitioners to evaluate physiological disease functions for improved precision in cancer diagnosis and treatment tracking and the da Vinci Xi Fourth-genera-

Da Vinci Xi Fourthgeneration Surgical System

SHOWBIZ

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

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

The Pag-asa leg takes Doc Nielsen Donato to the Kalayaan Island Group’s only inhabited island, where reef health remains closely tied to food and livelihood

Doc Nielsen Donato documents the conditions affecting remote wildlife habitats and the Filipinos who live alongside them

Nineteen years of exploring, saving the Philippines’ natural world

ROM the West Philippine Sea to the reefs of Tubbataha, doctors Ferds Recio and Nielsen Donato venture into some of the country’s most important marine frontiers, where wildlife and Filipino communities face mounting threats.

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

For nearly two decades, Born to Be Wild has taken viewers into the Philippines’ natural world. This October, the award-winning GMA wildlife program marks its 19th anniversary with a four-part special, “Laban ng Ating Karagatan,” examining the fragile marine ecosystems that

Through expeditions in Tubbataha, Doc Ferds Recio brings attention to the reef system’s importance to marine biodiversity and fishing grounds elsewhere in the country

On Pag-asa Island, Doc Nielsen Donato looks into how more than 400 residents rely on surrounding reefs amid pressure on fishing grounds and marine resources

sustain wildlife, livelihoods, and the country’s future. Every Sunday, hosts Doc Ferds and Doc Nielsen travel to remote outposts, from the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Sulu Sea. Their journeys reveal the richness of Philippine marine life while documenting the environmental pressures threatening its survival.

The expeditions have also deepened the hosts’ appreciation for the waters surrounding the archipelago. “My journey with Born to Be Wild reminded me na ang dami pa rin nating hindi alam about our own seas and the wildlife that lives there,” Doc Ferds shares. “Every expedition teaches me something new, and that’s what keeps the work exciting even after all these years.”

At Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Doc Ferds Recio examines how the protected reef helps replenish marine life far beyond its boundaries

Doc Nielsen, meanwhile, worries about the damage facing marine wildlife and the consequences for Filipinos whose lives depend on the sea. “I learned that there is still so much to discover in our marine frontiers,” he says. “But it’s sad that our beautiful marine wildlife is in danger of getting destroyed.” He hopes Filipinos will recognize that the country’s marine frontiers are not simply sources of food and livelihood but essential to human survival. The anniversary special opened on Oct. 4 with “Laban ng Ating Karagatan: Ito ang Ating Yaman,” taking viewers to Tubbataha and Lawak Island. At Tubbataha, Doc Ferds explores the abundance of marine life in the

protected reef system and its role in sustaining Philippine waters. Ocean currents transport fish larvae from the reefs to fishing grounds elsewhere in the country, demonstrating how these ecosystems support marine resources far beyond their immediate boundaries. On Lawak Island, Doc Nielsen documents how seabirds cope with extreme heat and limited freshwater alongside Filipino soldiers stationed to guard the country’s maritime territory. The second installment, “Laban ng Ating Karagatan: Para sa Kalikasan,” airs tomorrow, Oct. 11. Doc Ferds returns to Tubbataha, where marine park rangers spend weeks in isolation to protect the UNESCO World Heritage Site. His underwater expedition brings him face-to-face with some of the reef’s largest marine residents, including tiger sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, and whale sharks. The series moves to Pag-asa Island on Oct. 18 for “Laban ng Ating Karagatan: Ito ang Ating Pag-asa.” Doc Nielsen visits the community of more than 400 Filipinos living on the only inhabited island in the Kalayaan Island Group, which comprises seven islands and two reefs.

John Cena, Jessica Biel hit the gas in ‘Matchbox: The Movie’ JOHN Cena spent much of his childhood playing with Matchbox cars, so when the opportunity came to star in Matchbox: The Movie, he jumped behind the wheel. The action-comedy, which premieres on Apple TV, follows childhood friends reunited for a gathering that takes a dangerous turn when they become entangled in a mission to recover a nuclear warhead. Directed by Sam Hargrave, the film stars Cena, Jessica Biel, Arturo Castro, Sam Richardson, and Teyonah Parris. It combines high-speed action with humor and nostalgia for the toy cars, which originated after English engineer Jack Odell designed a model small enough to fit inside a matchbox, complying with a 1952 British school rule. “If you have childhood memories like me of Matchbox, I think you’re going to appreciate all the Easter eggs in there,” Cena told journalists during a roundtable. “And if you don’t know anything about Matchbox or the Mattel franchise, you’re going to sit down and really enjoy this movie.” The demanding action sequences challenged both Cena and Biel. Training focused on learning new movements, executing fight scenes fluidly and, as Cena put it, gaining “the courage to jump off a building.” For Biel, driving pushed her out of her comfort zone. “I’ve never learned how to spin a car, you know, in a 180 and stop it on a mark,” she said. She described driving at more than 60 mph on a freeway surrounded by camera cars, motorcycles, and large trucks as an adrenaline rush. “Going 60 plus miles an hour on a freeway ... There was a really major sense of being safe for everyone else’s sake,” Biel added. Hargrave’s stunt expertise was crucial to the production. Known for his work on Marvel Cinematic Universe films, the director favors practical stunts, which appealed to Biel. “He was such a big draw to this movie because

Meet the voice behind ‘Panaginip’ and the 39th Awit Awards’ Best New Artist

of his experience and his expertise in the stunt world, and how he likes to do things practically,” she said. The film also gave the cast an opportunity to explore friendship and share personal stories. Cena, a car collector, recalled one of his most expensive mistakes: buying a “fake Lamborghini” cheaply, hoping to restore it himself. The project ultimately cost him $825,000 and two decades of work, all for nothing. His takeaway was simple: “If you think it’s too good to be true, it’s too good to be true.” AFP

After a breakout year, Nicole Brian De Leon moves forward with ‘Kalendaryo,’ a song about lingering feelings and the search for closure after a breakup

By Nickie Wang

Under director Sam Hargrave, John Cena tackles practical stunt work and demanding action sequences built around fights, driving and highspeed set pieces

There, he examines how the community’s survival is closely linked to the health of surrounding coral reefs. Foreign vessel incursions, destructive fishing practices, and restricted access to fishing grounds pose challenges to families who depend on the sea for food and income. The final installment, “Laban ng Ating Karagatan: Para sa Kinabukasan,” airs Oct. 25, bringing the anniversary series to a sobering conclusion. Back on Lawak Island, Doc Nielsen discovers seabirds incorporating plastic waste into their nests, evidence of how pollution has reached even the country’s most remote marine frontiers. In Tubbataha, Doc Ferds encounters the territorial titan triggerfish, a reef inhabitant whose feeding habits help maintain coral health. The encounter highlights the intricate relationships between marine species and the ecosystems they inhabit. Across four Sundays, Born to Be Wild makes a compelling case for protecting the Philippines’ marine resources. The country’s waters sustain wildlife, feed communities, and support livelihoods, while the health of its reefs will have consequences for generations to come. The Born to Be Wild 19th anniversary special airs every Sunday in October at 9:00 a.m. on GMA.

AT 21, singer-songwriter nicole has turned a song written in just 30 minutes into a careerchanging hit. Now, the man behind “Panaginip” has another reason to celebrate: his first major award. Nicole Brian De Leon took home Best New Artist at the 39th Awit Awards on Sept. 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena, capping a remarkable run for a musician who never expected his first digital release to take off the way it did. The inspiration for “Panaginip” came from an everyday romantic moment. His girlfriend would repeatedly describe their dates as “parang panaginip,” or like a dream. Nicole turned that expression into a song that eventually climbed the charts and found millions of listeners. His usual songwriting process begins with a deeply personal first draft, often written through stream of consciousness. He then reshapes the material into something listeners can connect with through their own experiences.

“Panaginip,” however, came together unusually fast. Nicole wrote the song in half an hour and finalized its lyrics and arrangement within a week. There was another reason he poured so much into it: he considered the release his last attempt at making music. And the gamble paid off spectacularly. The track has amassed more than 163 million streams on Spotify and peaked at No. 2 on the platform’s weekly Top Songs chart. Other releases, including “Tulala,” “Gabi” and “Panaginip (Stripped),” have also drawn millions of streams. With the success of “Panaginip” firmly established, nicole is now turning the page with “Kalendaryo,” released on Sept. 18. The new single takes listeners back to the good old days, stirring up bittersweet memories and exploring the difficult search for closure after a breakup when love has yet to fade. Nicole collaborated with Red Ridao, the songwriter behind Cup of Joe’s chart-topping hit “Multo,” which made waves in 2025. From a song inspired by a girlfriend’s words to a major industry award, nicole’s story is a reminder that a breakthrough can come when a musician least expects it. His latest single gives listeners another glimpse into the emotions and experiences fueling his songwriting. “Kalendaryo” is available on digital streaming platforms.

LIFE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

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

Dee-tails

Ardee de los Angeles

AirAsia, Cebu Pacific launch 10.10 sales, Emirates to hold Manila pilot roadshow TRAVELERS can plan their next getaway with October promotions from AirAsia MOVE and Cebu Pacific, which are offering travel discounts and low-cost fares, while Emirates prepares to recruit experienced Filipino pilots through its first recruitment roadshow in Manila. AirAsia MOVE’s 10.10 Megasale-bration runs from Oct. 7 to 11, offering savings of up to P3,210 on hotel bookings, international flights, and SNAP! flight-and-hotel packages. Hotel bookings qualify for up to P3,210 off with a minimum spend of P6,000. SNAP! packages offer the same discount with a minimum spend of P15,000, while international flight bookings have no minimum spend requirement. The flight promotion covers travel from Oct. 7 to Dec. 31, 2026, excluding AirAsia-operated flights. Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific is holding its 10.10 seat sale from Oct. 8 to 11, with one-way base fares starting at P10 to all destinations, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period runs from Feb. 1 to June 30, 2027. The promotion covers domestic and international destinations, including Japan, Vietnam, and Palawan. Travelers planning to visit Japan during the 2027 cherry blossom season can choose from direct Manila flights to Sapporo, Narita, Fukuoka, and Nagoya. Cebu Pacific will also launch direct Cebu-Nagoya flights on Dec. 1, expanding options for travelers from the Visayas.

Filipino travelers gain more options for trips to Ho Chi Minh City and other regional destinations as October promotions cover travel into 2027 (AI-generated image)

The airline also flies from Manila to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, while passengers from Cebu can fly directly to Ho Chi Minh City. For summer getaways, its Palawan destinations include Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. On the other hand, Emirates will hold its first pilot recruitment roadshow in Manila on Oct. 28 and 29, in partnership with Industrial Personnel and Management Services Inc. (IPAMS). Sessions are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Oct. 28 and 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 29. Experienced commercial pilots can explore First Officer and Direct Entry Captain positions, as well as the airline’s Accelerated Command Programme. Participants can learn about recruitment requirements, training, career progression, and employee benefits, and speak with Emirates pilots. Khalid Al Zarooni, Emirates’ country manager for the Philippines, said the airline is recruiting more pilots as it expands its global operations. Successful applicants will be based in Dubai and have access to the carrier’s in-house training facilities. Benefits for eligible pilots and their families include a tax-free salary, annual leave, accommodation, education allowances, insurance, and travel privileges. Interested pilots may register through the roadshow’s online registration form or visit Emirates Group Careers for eligibility requirements and further details.

Youth pods

for backpackers in Cebu

Guests staying in the compact accommodations can use Plantation Bay’s lagoons, pools, restaurants, spa, and other leisure facilities

HAVE spent some time talking to tourists and backpackers, and the same story comes up again and again. They find a cheap room somewhere in the city, often little more than a bed and a fan, and that is where the experience ends. There is no pool to cool off in after a long day of walking.

The Mactan setup gives guests staying in the capsule accommodations access to the wider range of recreation available across Plantation Bay

with plenty of leisure activities to fill a day. There are four in-house restaurants serving some of the world’s favorite cuisines, and Mogambo Springs, a spa that lives up to the name. Plantation Bay has been repeatedly recognized in the readers’ polls of Condé Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure, and it No restaurant downstairs when they are too tired to hunt for food. No spa is known for its tropical village atmosphere and surroundings that to soothe legs sore from hiking and island hopping. They save money, yes, photograph beautifully. but they also miss out on everything that makes For a backpacker, that a holiday feel like a holiday. combination is unusual. You can Youth Pods by the Bay is changing that. The swim in the lagoons, explore the new capsule accommodation concept, operating grounds, try the resort activities, in partnership with Plantation Bay in Mactan, eat at any of the restaurants, book Cebu, lets young travelers stay at a five-star a treatment at the spa, or simply resort for as little as P3,500 a night. fill your phone with photos your The pitch is straightforward. Save on the friends back home may struggle to room, not on the experience. Instead of booking believe came from a budget trip. a conventional hotel room at five-star prices, The rates are designed to make guests sleep in compact, well-equipped pods that decision easy. An overnight and spend their time enjoying everything the stay costs P4,500, while stays of resort has to offer. It is a concept the team two nights or longer bring the price behind the project calls 5-Star GateCrash. down to P3,500 per night. Rates Brian Noel’s capsule concept gives younger travelers access to Brian Noel, a restaurateur and longtime are per pod, and all bookings are Plantation Bay’s resort facilities while keeping room costs below business partner of Plantation Bay shareholders, nonrefundable. Youth Pods by the conventional five-star rates is the man behind Youth Pods by the Bay. Bay operates as a separate entity His idea was simple. Young people traveling in partnership with Plantation Bay. through Asia should not have to spend their For young travelers mapping whole trip doing the ordinary. For at least a few out a route through Asia, Cebu is days in Cebu, they can backpack in luxury. already a natural stop. Youth Pods The pods themselves are top of the class for by the Bay gives them a reason to capsule quarters. Each one is set in a secure stay a little longer and remember it environment with strong air conditioning and a little more fondly. The invitation reliable internet. Guests also get dedicated areas from the team is simple. Do not for lounging, eating, meeting other travelers, go home having tasted only the and drying laundry. Everything a backpacker ordinary. GateCrash Plantation needs, without the rough edges. Bay. But the pod is only part of what guests are Those interested in Youth paying for. The real draw is access to Plantation Pods by the Bay can find further Bay itself. The 11-hectare property is built The compact sleeping quarters comes with air conditioning, details and booking information at internet access, and shared spaces designed around the needs of around expansive lagoons and swimming pools, plantationbay.com/youthpods. younger travelers

Pasig empowers women entrepreneurs with basic accounting skills

WOMEN entrepreneurs from across Pasig learned practical financial management skills during a free Basic Accounting for Non-Accountants seminar organized by Global Dominion Financing, Inc. (Global Dominion), ROL Foundation, and the Pasig City Local Economic Development and Investment Office (LEDIO). Held at the Pasig City Temporary City Hall, the seminar was part of GLOW, or Giving Limitless Opportunities to Women, a Global Dominion program that provides women-led businesses access to loans at preferential rates, networking opportunities, and business training. Participants from the food, retail, and beauty industries learned how to manage business finances, maintain accurate records, and assess profitability. “Women run many of the small businesses that keep our communities going, from the neighborhood sari-sari store to the home baker taking orders online,” said Global Dominion President and CEO Samuel Cariño. He explained that GLOW combines financing with practical knowledge to help entrepreneurs sustain their businesses. Global Dominion chief operating officer Melai Felicidario emphasized the importance of financial literacy in making sound business decisions. “Access to financing matters, but a woman who understands her numbers can make the most of her capital,” she said.

The company’s accounting manager Mary Grace Garrote (left) and chief operating officer Melai Felicidario (right) teach entrepreneurs how revenue, expenses, gross profit, and net income can help them measure the performance of their businesses

For women-led businesses, it’s important to keep personal and business finances separate and maintain regular financial records

Global Dominion accounting manager Mary Grace Garrote discussed key financial concepts, including revenue, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, gross profit, and net income after tax. Using everyday examples, she explained how tracking sales and expenses helps business owners

determine whether their products are profitable. Participants also worked in groups to prepare sample financial statements, organize sales and expenses, calculate profits, and present their results. During an open forum, Felicidario encouraged entrepreneurs to separate personal and business finances, update records regularly, and consider expanding when their businesses consistently generate positive results. For Fren Del Mendo, owner of a cake and pastry business, the seminar highlighted the value of community support. “A lot of us try to figure everything out through trial and error,” she said. “But nobody can do this alone. Support from the community and institutions makes it easier to keep going.” Global Dominion plans to bring the seminar to select cities across the Philippines in the coming months, partnering with local government units and private organizations to reach women entrepreneurs, particularly those running micro and home-based businesses. “A loan is only the start of what GLOW offers,” Cariño said, noting that entrepreneurs can benefit from the training even without borrowing from the company. Women interested in GLOW may visit any Global Dominion branch nationwide or contact the company through its official digital channels.