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Peso falls below 63 to US dollar, raises import, production woes By Thony Rose Lesaca, Charles Dantes and Othel V. Campos VOL. XL • NO. 244 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 •

THE Philippine peso sank to a record low of P63.06 against the US dollar on Thursday, raising concerns over imported inflation and production costs.

‘Mindanao politician is drug plane funder’

Politician, 10 other suspects face raps over P3.54b Laos shabu bust By Rio N. Araja, Gwyneth Nolasco, and Vince Lopez

OMBUDSMAN HITS DEEP FAKES ON SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS / A4

EAST TIMOR SHUTS SCHOOLS DUE TO HAZE WORLD / A6

REMITTANCES RISE TO $3.035B IN AUG. BUSINESS / B1

HE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday tagged an opposition politician from Mindanao as the financier of a private plane that carried 521 kilos of shabu worth P3.54 billion in Laos last October 1. Lawyer Joseph Frederick Calulut, PDEA spokesperson, said the agency had identified the financier of the drug deal, a politician based in Mindanao. “He paid $45,000 for the chartered plane, and not only that amount for the other expenses,” he added. Alias “Fahad,” the Filipino arrested at Luang Prabang International Airport in Laos for the illegal possession of the 521 kilos of shabu, and another Filipino, alias “Boyet,” who made the bank payment, were not the only Filipinos involved in the foiled drug smuggling operation, he said. “We will be filing in the coming days against this politician and his cohorts for violation of Republic Act 9165,” Calulut told the media.

Manufacturers also warned of higher expenses and Malacañang cited global and domestic pressures behind the currency's decline. Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed the peso weakened by 19 centavos from Wednesday's close of P62.87.

‘Water in Luzon’s major dams drop below normal levels’ By Rio N. Araja and Charles Dantes

OPEN FOR BUSINESS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. holds a model UPS plane given to him yesterday by officials of United Parcel Service (UPS) at the opening of the company’s Clark International Air Hub in Angeles, Pampanga (Story on A2). PCO

THE water levels in six major dams in Luzon continues to drop amid the El Niño, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that agricultural losses and damage from El Niño across the country have reached ₱6.56 billion, affecting more than 216,000 farmers and fisherfolk across 12 regions. This as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is working to improve roads, bridges, and transport systems to better connect agricultural production areas to ports and businesses. The weather bureau reported that the water level of Angat Dam in Bulacan Next page

2027 budget not weaponized against VP Sara — Lacson By Ram Superable and Charles Dantes

ENDURANCE. Homeless Filipinos living beneath the Skyway along Araneta Avenue in Quezon City make do with whatever is given or earned by them as they endure extreme poverty and hunger in the country’s capital. Edd Castro

Polls: Hunger rises, most Pinoys demand gov’t acts on inflation By Katrina Manubay, Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz INVOLUNTARY hunger among Filipino families rose to 22.6 percent in September, while controlling inflation remained the country's most urgent national concern, with 71 percent of Filipinos calling on the government to address rising prices immediately, according to separate surveys by Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Pulse Asia. The SWS survey, conducted from Sept. 21 to 27, found that involuntary hunger increased by 2.3 percentage

points from 20.3 percent in June, exceeding both the 2025 average and the record-high annual average recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest findings also showed that self-rated poverty rose to 55 percent in September from 49 percent in June, while self-rated food poverty increased to 44 percent from 36 percent over the same period. The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it would use the results to assess and strengthen its anti-poverty and anti-hunger programs, particularly as disasters and rising commodity prices amid the Middle East crisis add to household Next page pressures.

SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Thursday rejected Vice President Sara Duterte’s allegation that the proposed 2027 national budget could be weaponized to influence senator-judges in her impeachment trial. Lacson, chairman of the Senate accounts committee, asserted that the remaining funds of around P11 million would be more than enough to cover the impeachment trial. Meanwhile, Malacañang challenged

NBI to file raps vs. ‘Machong Chismisan’ hosts By Joel E. Zurbano and Gwyneth Nolasco THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will investigate and file the necessary charges against the "Machong Chismisan" hosts for mocking Kris Aquino's eldest son Josh and his disability in the program Talk show host Boy Abunda shared a message sent by NBI Director Melvin Matibag to his program, saying that he was "deeply moved and saddened" by the issue raised by Abunda. Abunda said Matibag will direct the NBI Cybercrime Division (CCD) and Next page

WORLD-CLASS PICKLEBALL. The growing

popularity of pickleball takes the spotlight as world No. 1 player Anna Leigh Waters visits SM Mall of Asia, joining SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and Franklin’s Jared Franklin is championing active lifestyles through SM Active. As a destination for maxed-out experiences, SM Mall of Asia continues to bring sports and recreational activities closer to Filipinos, inspiring communities to discover the game, stay active, and connect through their shared love for sports.

the Vice President to substantiate her allegation surrounding the 202. “A sweeping statement from no less than the country’s second-highest official is unfair to those of us who have consistently upheld the integrity of the national budget and served as its vanguards,” he said, pointing to his track record of refusing any form of pork barrel allocation and actively opposing political influence. Lacson was reacting to a social media post by Duterte raising allegations of cash distributions and political maneuvering surrounding the Next page 2027 fiscal plan.

NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

UPS logistics hub to cut transpo costs—PBBM By Charles Dantes

RESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the opening of United Parcel Service’s $80-million (P5.04 billion) international air hub in Clark would strengthen the Philippines’ logistics network and help address the high cost of moving goods across the country. He said the facility would expand cargo-handling capacity, improve connections to global markets, and create employment opportunities outside Metro Manila, as the government

seeks to reduce logistics costs that account for as much as 27 percent of sales, among the highest in Southeast Asia. “For an archipelagic country such

Peso...

‘Mindanao...

From A1

It opened at P62.83 before touching an intraday low of P63.15, surpassing its previous record low of P62.90 recorded on Oct. 8. Philippine Institute for Development Studies senior research fellow John Paolo Rivera attributed the peso's weakness to a combination of global uncertainty, elevated oil prices and sustained demand for the US dollar, alongside domestic concerns over inflation and investment inflows. “We can expect continued foreign exchange volatility, with a depreciation bias in the near term,” Rivera said. Effect on import costs He cautioned, however, that breaching the P63 level did not necessarily signal a sustained depreciation. The bigger concern, he said, was the effect on import costs, inflation and household purchasing power. “The priority should be managing excessive volatility while preserving price stability and investor confidence,” Rivera said. A currency trader, requesting anonymity, told Manila Standard the peso's movement was also driven by a stronger-than-expected US consumer price index report released overnight, which revived market expectations that the US Federal Reserve might consider raising interest rates by the end of the month. The trader expected the peso to remain volatile and biased toward further weakness, noting that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas had entered its quiet period ahead of next week's policy meeting. The period leaves market participants uncertain about the central bank's response to the latest developments. Palace cites other factors Malacañang, meanwhile, cited the continuing Middle East crisis, the onset of El Niño and what it described as political noise and fake news as possible factors contributing to pressure on the peso. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the crisis was affecting the Philippine economy, while drought conditions in some areas were hurting farmers and fisherfolk. “These are among the factors that could contribute to the dollar's rise or the peso's decline in value,” Castro said. She also argued that negative publicity and false information about the administration could undermine investor confidence and efforts to attract investments to the Philippines. Castro stressed, however, that the BSP had the mandate over foreign exchange matters and the peso's performance. She said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration were monitoring developments and studying measures to mitigate the effects on Filipinos. Depreciation could hike costs The peso's depreciation could increase the cost of imported goods and commodities priced in dollars, including fuel, adding to inflationary pressures. The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) said the weaker peso was also increasing cost pressures on manufacturers that rely on imported raw materials, components, machinery and fuel. FPI chairperson Elizabeth H. Lee said currency depreciation could raise production expenses and put upward pressure on prices, with the impact extending across industrial supply chains. “For manufacturers, the broader trend matters more than any single day's movement,” Lee said. She added that the weaker peso could also benefit exporters by making Philippine-made goods more competitive in foreign markets. However, manufacturers would need competitive production costs and reliable supply chains to turn that advantage into stronger export performance.

“After the arrest of Fahad, the PDEA, the Philippine National Police and other agencies created a task force,” he said, adding that authorities were able to trace the suspects’ activities, including their bank transfers. According to Calulut, Fahad is from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has identified 10 persons and entities of interest in connection with the seizure in Laos of 521 kilograms of shabu, which authorities

‘Water... From A1

dipped to 209.24 meters on Thursday 8 a.m. against its normal high level of 210 meters. Angat Dam supplies over 90 percent of the National Capital Region’s water demand. Dr. David Sevillo Jr., National Water Resources Board (NWRB) executive director, said “Angat Dam still has enough water for Metro Manila” despite the reduced water supply. “It is important that we conserve water because of this very strong El Niño. This El Niño is different from the previous episodes. Pagasa said this is a very strong one. We should be prepared as early as now so we can meet our needs once the full impact of El Niño is felt, and is to last until 2027,” he said. The NWRB has reduced the water October allocation from Angat Dam to the Metropolitan Waterworks and

2027... From A1

In her post, the Vice President questioned whether the national budget is still intended to serve the Filipino people or if it has been converted into a bargaining chip to pressure trial judges. Reiterating his independence, Lacson underscored his consistent refusal of bribes, lobbying funds, and financial incentives offered during legislative hearings or voting processes. To demonstrate his stance, the senator cited his refusal of a P50-million project allocation offered in a caucus following the impeachment trial of the late Chief Justice Renato Corona. Present evidence, Palace asks VP Sara Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Duterte had yet to present evidence that the national budget would be used as a political bargaining chip, echoing President Marcos’ call

NBI... From A1

Special Action Unit (SAU) to investigate the hosts and file charges against them. "Today, I am directing our CCD (Cybercrime Division) and SAU (Special Action Unit) to investigate and file appropriate charges against those who mocked him, in accordance with law," said Matibag in his message. "As head of a law enforcement bureau, I cannot turn a blind eye to such acts. It is my legal and moral duty to uphold justice for Josh, his family, and all persons with special needs who deserve respect, dignity, and compassion,” he added. Earlier, several senators condemned the hosts for the derogatory remarks made against Josh Aquino, son of media personality Kris Aquino, on the “Machong Chismisan” podcast, calling for greater respect for persons with disabilities and accountability among content creators.

as the Philippines, efficient logistics is vital to economic development and the well-being of our people,” Mr. Marcos said during the hub’s inauguration at the Clark Civil Aviation Complex. The facility is expected to handle about 46,000 packages and cargo shipments daily, more than nine times the estimated volume handled by UPS’ existing hub, according to Marcos. It also has 17 electric ground service vehicles and equipment units, with nine more scheduled for delivery next year. Dedicated immigration and customs lanes are expected to streamline

cargo clearance. The President said improving logistics requires both public infrastructure investments and private-sector participation, citing congested ports, inadequate road networks and insufficient cold-chain facilities as factors that delay deliveries and drive up costs for consumers. The Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation are working to improve roads, bridges and transport systems to better connect agricultural production areas with ports and businesses, he said.

The new hub will also support healthcare and pharmaceutical shipments through UPS Premier, a specialized service that uses sensor-based tracking, real-time shipment visibility and intervention capabilities to protect time- and temperature-sensitive cargo, including vaccines, medicines and biologics. Meanwhile, the chief executive said the investment demonstrated confidence in the Philippines as a logistics and business destination and would help bring skilled employment and business opportunities to Central Luzon.

said was intended for shipment to the Philippines. In a press briefing on Thursday, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau had leads in the investigation and was validating the identities of other associates while coordinating with the PDEA and its foreign counterparts. Matibag declined to name those allegedly involved in transporting the drugs. The PDEA earlier identified two Filipinos allegedly involved in transporting the drugs to the Philippines: Dibaroson Fahad, who was arrested at a Laos airport, and alias “Boyet” from

Luzon, who allegedly chartered the aircraft and paid for it through a bank transfer. Asked about the alleged links between the two suspects and a Davao drug syndicate, Matibag said the NBI had yet to establish its findings. “We do not yet have solid findings on that. There are indications that there are drug syndicates that are related, but I am not prepared to say which drug syndicates those are because we have to coordinate with the PDEA, which is the lead agency investigating this,” Matibag said.

Separately, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and other law enforcement agencies are strengthening cross-border security and intelligence-sharing to prevent drug shipments intercepted in Laos and Thailand from reaching the Philippines. At an inter-agency meeting on Oct. 14 at the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) building in Camp Crame, Quezon City, officials discussed measures to improve the detection, prevention and investigation of transnational drug trafficking through the country’s ports of entry and exit.

Sewerage System to 44 cubic meters per second from the usual 50 to 52 to conserve water supply ahead of the extreme El Niño. As of Thursday 8 a.m., water levels in Ipo Dam, Bulacan also decreased to 100.71 meters (against its normal high level of 101.10 meters); La Mesa Dam, Quezon City to 79.40 meters from 80.15 meters; Ambuklao Dam, Benguet, 751.16 meters from 752 meters; Binga, Benguet, 573.71 meters from 575 meters); Pantabangan Dam, Nueva Ecija, 209.55 meters from 218.50 meters, and Magat Dam, Isabela, 192.24 meters from 193 meters. The water mark in San Roque Dam, Pangasinan reached 283.38 meters (280 meters), while Caliraya Dam in Laguna remained at 286.20 meters. (Agriculture losses mounting In its latest report, the NDRRMC said total agricultural losses surpassed P6.556 billion over 242,200 hectares of farmlands affected. Of the total affected area, 51,614 hectares were classified as totally

damaged, while 189,076 hectares partial destroyed. Estimated production losses reached 159,883 metric tons. Cagayan Valley (Region), logged the highest losses at P4.97 billion, affecting 194,249 farmers. The Cordillera Administrative Region followed with P934.90 million losses involving 13,035 farmers and fisherfolk, while Davao Region reported P410 million in damage. The report also placed losses in livestock, poultry and fisheries at P35.33 million. Beyond agriculture, El Niño has affected 451,889 people, or 121,185 families, across 1,019 barangays nationwide, the NDRRMC said. A total of 109 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity, including 66 in Region 2 and 23 in Caraga. The government has provided P46.47 million in assistance to 36,275 affected families, representing 74.62 percent of the 48,616 families identified as requiring aid.

Intensifying El Niño hikes temperature An intensifying El Niño pattern set an all-time temperature high in a key Pacific zone in September and could help make this year the hottest globally on record, the director of the EU's climate monitor said Monday. Global forecasters have been warning for months that this El Niño would likely become the strongest ever observed and the latest record has tumbled even before the episode's expected peak later this year. The warming phase of a natural climate cycle, El Niño temporarily raises sea temperatures in the tropical Pacific, triggering changes in weather that can increase the risk of drought and flooding, and exacerbate manmade global warming. The Copernicus Climate Change Service said sea surface temperatures in a tell-tale El Niño monitoring region of the Pacific, known as Nino3.4, had reached an "all-time high" of 29.70C last month. With AFP

for proof to support allegations of wrongdoing. “It is easy to point fingers but difficult to prove,” Castro said. Duterte had questioned whether the 2027 budget would serve the Filipino people or become "a bargaining chip to pressure senators who will sit as judges and reward those who vote yes in the House of Representatives." She also warned against allowing the national budget to become a means of ensuring the political survival of corrupt officials. Castro said the proposed budget was being handled by Congress, adding that Duterte should participate in the bicameral conference committee proceedings to better understand how public funds would be disbursed. Citing figures from Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, Lacson noted that over P14 million has been spent so far from the 2025 General Appropriations Act's 25.7-million-peso continuing appropriation allocated for the proceedings.

Polls...

cern, cited by 71 percent of respondents, up 14 percentage points from the previous survey. Fighting corruption ranked second at 39 percent, followed by increasing workers' pay at 36 percent. Other major concerns included fighting criminality at 24 percent and reducing poverty at 21 percent. Creating jobs and fighting illegal drugs were each cited by 18 percent, while 14 percent identified lowering gasoline prices as an urgent concern. Despite the public's concern over inflation and hunger, respondents expressed widespread disapproval of the administration's handling of several issues. Disapproval reached 81 percent for controlling inflation, 71 percent for fighting illegal drugs, 70 percent for fighting corruption, 67 percent for reducing poverty, 65 percent for lowering gasoline prices and 57 percent for fighting criminality. On the administration's response to involuntary hunger, 49 percent expressed disapproval. The same proportion disapproved of its efforts to increase workers' pay, while 50 percent disapproved of its handling of taxes. Other survey fundings In a separate response to the latest SWS findings, Malacañang cited government assistance programs, including the Walang Gutom Program, school-based feeding initiatives and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government wanted to identify communities that remained underserved and noted that nearly 600,000 food-poor households had benefited from the Walang Gutom Program, according to the DSWD. The Pulse Asia survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 2,400 adults from Sept. 17 to 24, with a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

Senator Joel Villanueva on Thursday condemned the podcast for its disrespectful and insulting comments. Villanueva called on digital platforms to implement measures against content that diminishes the dignity of persons with disabilities. The senator described the comments made on the “Machong Chismisan” podcast as infuriating and offensive, saying, “There is no room for this kind of behavior in our society or in the digital space.” As a parent, he said, it was deeply painful to hear someone mock a child with a disability. He emphasized that regardless of one's perspective, a disability, including autism, should never be treated as a subject of humor. “Those who ridicule people with disabilities should not be given a platform. Who in their right mind would make a mockery of a person on the autism spectrum? What kind of entertainment is derived from humiliating someone who cannot defend themselves? Let me remind the hosts: the things you said do not make you any more macho,” Villanueva said.

From A1

“We recognize the third-quarter SWS survey result, which showed that self-rated poverty in the Philippines climbed to 55 percent in September from 49 percent in June,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said. To address food insecurity, the DSWD is expanding the Walang Gutom Program, which provides 600,000 household beneficiaries with P3,000 in monthly food credits redeemable for nutritious and affordable goods at partner retailers. The department is also expanding its Walang Gutom Kitchen initiative, which operates four community soup kitchens in Pasay City, Mandaue City in Cebu, Zamboanga City and Catbalogan City in Samar. Hunger highest in NCR, Mindanao The SWS survey found that hunger was highest in Metro Manila at 27 percent, followed by Mindanao at 23.7 percent and Balance Luzon at 23.6 percent. The Visayas recorded the lowest incidence at 16 percent. Compared with June, hunger rose by 6.3 percentage points in Balance Luzon, from 17.3 percent, and by six points in Metro Manila, from 21 percent. It declined by 6.3 points in the Visayas, from 22.3 percent, while Mindanao's rate was essentially unchanged at 23.7 percent, compared with 24 percent in June. Among families assessing themselves as poor or borderline in terms of food, 44 percent said they were food-poor, nine percent food-borderline and 47 percent food-not-poor. Hunger rose from 29.9 percent to 33.2 percent among food-poor families but eased from 14.7 percent to 14.3 percent among food-borderline and food-not-poor households. Inflation ‘most urgent concern’ Meanwhile, the latest Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan survey found that inflation was the most urgent national con-

NEWS Standard

TODAY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

4. Prior to the celebration of their marriage, it was their mutual understanding that upon completion of petitioner’s service with the U.S. Air Force, petitioner and his wife would retire to the Philippines;

IN RE: PETITION FOR JUDICIAL RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN DIVORCE DECREE AND FOR THE ANNOTATION/CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CIVIL REGISTRY RECORD OF MARRIAGE,

By Charles Dantes

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday joined Filipinos and Catholics around the world in praying for the swift and full recovery of Pope Leo XIV after the pontiff underwent surgery for lung cancer.

“The entire Filipino nation joins the Catholic faithful around the world in praying for the swift and full recovery of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” President Marcos said in a statement. “We look forward to his return to good health and to his continued spiritual leadership, guidance and blessings for the faithful,” he added. The pope, 70, underwent surgery Tuesday at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung after tests confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. The operation lasted about 90 minutes and was reported to have been completed without complications. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has also called on bishops, priests, religious communities and the faithful to offer Masses, pray the Rosary and perform acts of charity for the pope’s recovery. The Vatican has canceled the pope’s public engage-

Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila with the Hon. Hilario L. Laqui, as the solemnizing officer The aforesaid October 15, 1987 marriage between petitioner and his wife was registered with the respondent Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Mandaluyong City. Copy of the Certificate of Marriage and Petitioners U.S. Passport No. A72509212 which expires on 17 November 2035 are attached to this petition marked Annex A and Annex B, respectively;

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 210 MANDALUYONG CITY Tel. Nos. 02-85295825 Email address: rtc1mdl210@judiciary.gov.ph

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PBBM joins Filipinos praying for Pope Leo P

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila

ments through Oct. 20 as he recovers. His planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru remains uncertain pending further developments in his health. In a status update on Thursday, the Vatican said Pope Leo had a “good night” in the hospital and had eaten breakfast as his recovery continued. “The pope had a good night in the hospital. He got up and had breakfast,” the Vatican said in a short statement on Telegram. The 71-year-old leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics announced on Sunday that he would undergo an operation to remove a nodule from his lung. After the procedure at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, the Vatican revealed that the growth was cancerous and that surgeons had removed part of his right lung. On Wednesday, his doctors were quoted by the Vatican as saying that the pope’s recovery was “proceeding as expected.”

SP CASE NO. R-MND-26-00952-SP JOSE NESTOR NOSCE y REYES, Petitioner, -versus-

5. Few months after the October 15, 1987 marriage between petitioner and his wife, Lilybeth Reyes-Nosce, the latter moved to the United States to live with petitioner and raise a family there. Lilybeth Reyes-Nosce worked in the United States as school teacher and later on also became an American citizen. Considering the estranged relationship between petitioner and his wife, petitioner could not produce his wife’s existing U.S. Passport. Petitioner is, hence, attaching to this petition copy of her U.S. Passport NO.512839918 which expired on 25 February 2024 marked Annex C; 6. Sometime in 2002, petitioner’s marital relationship with his wife Lilybeth Reyes-Nosce turned sour when after filing for retirement from U.S. military service in October 2002 petitioner was told by his wife that she is not joining him in his retirement to the Philippines. The said decision of petitioner’s wife not to join him in retiring to the Philippines led to frequent quarrels and their eventual separation from bed and board;

ORDER Before this court is the Compliance dated August 10,2026, received by this court on September 1, 2026, filed by petitioner, through counsel, stating that, pursuant to the court’s Order dated August 3, 2026, which directed petitioner to file an amended petition impleading Lilybeth R. Nosce as an indispensable party, the Office of the Civil Registrar, Philippine Statistics Authority, as the office maintaining the civil registry, and the Office of the Solicitor General, as statutory counsel of the Republic of the Philippines, petitioner filed an Amended Petition dated August 10, 2026. Petitioner thus prays that the same be considered as substantial if not full, compliance with the court’s Order. ACCORDINGLY, the Compliance dated August 10 2026 is hereby NOTED and deemed sufficient compliance with the court’s Order dated August 3, 2026. The appended Amended Petition dated August 10, 2026 is likewise NOTED and ADMITTED. As stated in this court’s Order dated August 3, 2026 a perusal of the Petition shows that petitioner seeks not only judicial recognition of a foreign divorce decree issued by the District Court of Clark County Nevada, U.S.A., but also the annotation and/or correction of the parties’ Record of Marriage maintained by the Office of the City Civil Registrar of Mandaluyong City. Consequently. pursuant to Rule 108, Section 41 of the Rules of Court, the Amended Petition is hereby set for hearing on November 11, 2026 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning before this court at the 2nd Floor, New Justice Hall Building, Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City. Notice is hereby given to all interested persons to appear and show cause, if any, why the Amended Petition should not be granted. The Local Civil Registrar concerned, the Civil Registrar General/Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Lilybeth R. Nosce, as the other spouse, the Republic of the Philippines, through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), and any person having or claiming any interest in the entries sought to be corrected or cancelled, or whose legal interest may be affected thereby, may file an opposition to the Amended Petition within fifteen (15) days from notice thereof or from the last date of publication of this Order, whichever is applicable.2 The Petitioner is directed to: 1. Cause the publication3 of this Order and the Amended Petition once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, to be selected by raffle conducted by the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court of MandaIuyong City; and 2. Serve a certified copy of this Order together with a copy of the Amended Petition and its annexes, upon the following: a. Lilybeth R. Nosce; b. the Local Civil Registrar of Mandaluyong City; c. the Civil Registrar General/Philippjne Statistics Authority’ d. the Office of the Solicitor General; and e. such other persons, if any, who have or claim an interest in the entries sought to be corrected or cancelled and whose legal interests may be affected by the grant of the Amended Petition. In addition thereto, the Petitioner is directed to submit to this court proof of publication and proof of service at least five (5) days before the scheduled hearing. Failure to comply with this Order, without justifiable cause, shall warrant dismissal4 of the Amended Petition pursuant to the applicable Rules of Court.

7. Honestly believing that his marriage with Lilybeth Reyes was already beyond repair after having lived separately with each other for a considerably long period of time already, petitioner filed for divorce sometime in 2025 before the District Court, Family Court, Clark County, Nevada and docketed therein as Case No. 0-25719398-D; 8. The aforesaid petition was granted by District Court Judge Mari D.Parlade of the District Court, Clark County, by virtue of the laws of the State of Nevada, U S.A., which allows for the dissolution of marriage and capacitation of the parties to remarry. The fallo of the Divorce Decree held that: “NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the bonds of matrimony now existing between the parties are hereby wholly dissolved, and an absolute Decree of Divorce is hereby granted to the arties, and each of the parties are hereby restored to the status of a single, unmarried person” (emphasis ours) The copy of the Divorce Decree dated 16 March 2026 and, the Apostille (Official Certificate) issued by Francisco V. Aguilar, Secretary of State of Nevada, U.S.A. are hereto attached and marked as Annex D and Annex E, respectively. 9. To prove that the above-mentioned divorce decree was issued pursuant to the laws of the State of Nevada, U.S.A., copy of Chapter 125 of the Nevada Revised Statute which refers to the law governing Dissolution of Marriage, such as divorce, is hereto attached marked Annex F; 10. To authenticate the copy of Chapter 125 of the Nevada Revised Statute, the Legislative Counsel Bureau of the State of Nevada, the legal custodian of copy of the Nevada Revised Statute, which includes Chapter 125 which refers to Dissolution of Marriage, certified to the fact that it is a true and correct copy of the same. The afore-mentioned certification issued by the Legislative Counsel Bureau of the State of Nevada, through its clerk, Amanda Yau, is attached to this petition marked Annex G; 11. Paragraph 2 of Article 26 of the Family Code of the Philippines states that: “Art. 26. Xxxxx

xxxxx

“Where a marriage between a Filipino citizen and a foreigner is validly celebrated and a divorce is thereafter validly obtained abroad by the alien spouse capacitating him or her to remarry, the Filipino spouse shall have capacity to remarry under Philippine law. (As amended by Executive Order 227)” 12 While petitioner and his wife, Lilybeth Reyes-Nosce, were both American Citizens at the time the divorce decree was obtained by petitioner in the state of Nevada, U.S.A on 16 March 2026 - a circumstance that would not trigger the application of the Article 26 (2) provision of the Family Code - petitioner, nevertheless, humbly submits that the instant petition is a proper remedy to effect the correction of the entry of their marriage certificate that is being kept and/or on file with the respondent Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Mandaluyong City; 13. Further, even if the Nevada divorce decree expressly indicated that “each of the parties are hereby restored to the status of a single, unmarried person”, the fact remains that record availing in the civil registry of Mandaluyong City shows that petitioner was still married to his former wife, Lilybeth Reyes. Thus, should in the future the petitioner decide to remarry in the Philippines the legally required certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) will not issue to him dashing his hope of living a legally recognized married life again; Name of Witness/es:

SO ORDERED. September 15, 2026, Mandaluyong City.

Petitioner himself will testify to establish the following facts:

(Sgd.) BENEDICT R. PICHAY III Presiding Judge

i.. Witness, an American citizen and member of the U.S. Air Force, and Lilybeth R. Nosce, then a Filipino citizen, married each other on October 15, 1987 in a civil ceremony held at Me TC of Mandaluyong City;

Copy Furnished:

OVERSUPPLY. Farmers dump overripe and unsold tomatoes in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, as oversupply

at the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Trading Center drives prices down and leaves produce unprofitable. Some tomatoes are given away, while the rest are discarded along the roadside. Dave Leprozo

Marcos trusts son’s decision to join Lakas-CMD By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. trusts his son, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, to make the right decision after he left the ruling Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) and joined Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), Malacañang said Thursday. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said she had not personally

asked the president about his son’s move but stressed that Marcos trusts his children’s decisions. “The president trusts his son’s decision. Whatever his son does, the president trusts that his son’s actions, as well as those of his other children, are right,” Castro said. Castro made the statement when asked about the president’s reaction to Sandro Marcos’ decision to join Lakas-CMD and how the Palace views the political development. She said the president had been

attending several events and activities since early Thursday, preventing her from personally seeking his comment on the matter. His move marked his departure from PFP, the political party headed by his father. President Marcos ran for office under PFP, which remains associated with the administration. Lakas-CMD is led by former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, the president’s cousin and Sandro Marcos’ uncle.

IN BRIEF The Medical City expands healthcare in Central, North Luzon THE Medical City (TMC) continues to expand its services, medical expertise, facilities, and technology to make global-quality healthcare more accessible to Filipinos nationwide. Through The Medical City Clark and The Medical City Pangasinan, patients across Central and North Luzon can receive advanced medical care closer to home. TMC, the Philippines’ largest healthcare network operating under a single brand, has five hospitals and more than 70 clinics nationwide. It

continues to invest in specialized services, medical equipment, technology, and patient care. Its connected network allows patients to access appropriate treatment near their communities and tap the broader expertise and capabilities of the group when necessary. “Our goal is to ensure that Filipinos do not have to leave their communities to find world-class care,” said TMC President and Group CEO Dr. Stuart Bennett, adding that regional hospitals are being strengthened as centers of excellence.

DOJ, DHSUD to strengthen campaign vs. squatting syndicates THE Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) are intensifying efforts to combat squatting syndicates nationwide. During their third-quarter inter-agency meeting on October 5, Justice Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez announced the formation of a prosecutors’ committee to strengthen investigations and prosecutions involving professional squatters and squatting syndicates. The committee, composed of designated state prosecutors and prosecution attorneys, will sup-

port the DOJ’s responsibilities under the National Drive Against Professional Squatters and Squatting Syndicates. Other participating agencies include the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, and Land Registration Authority. The meeting also covered capacity-building and technical assistance in Las Piñas, Carmona, and Malabon, as well as coordination with selected Metro Manila local government units to establish or revitalize local anti-squatting committees. Pot Chavez

Addressee

Address

Atty. Jose P. Ventajar, LLM Counsel for the Petitioner

Ground Floor, Doña Elena Bldg., J. Miranda Ave., Naga City ventajarlawoffice@gmail.com

Jose Nesto Nosce y Reyes Petitioner

Block 10 Lot 16, Vesuvio St., Camella Heights, Barangay Cararayan, Naga City (Camarines Sur)

Lilybeth Respondent

Nosce

Unit 34K, Fifth Avenue, Plaza Condominium, 5th Avenue cor. 21st Drive, BGC, Taguig City

Local Civil Registry of Mandaluyong City Respondent

2nd Floor, Mandaluyong City Hall, Maysilo Circle, Brgy. Plainview, Mandaluyong City

Office of the Civil Registrar General/Philippine Statistics Authority Respondent

PSA Headquarters, PSA Complex, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 1101

Office of the Solicitor General Counsel of the State

OSG Building, 134 Amorsolo St., Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229 Philippines

Mode of Service

1 Rules of Court, Rule 108, Section 4, Notice and publication. – Upon the filing of the petition, the court shall, by an order, fix the time and place for the hearing of the same, and cause reasonable notice thereof to be given to the persons named in the petition. The court shall also cause the order to be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province. 2 ld. Section 5. Opposition. – The civil registrar and any person having or claiming any interest under the entry whose cancellation or correction is sought may, within fifteen (15) days from notice of the petition, or from the last date of publication of such notice, file his opposition thereto. 3 Supra notce 1. 4 2019 Revised Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 17, Section 3. Dismissal due to fault of plaintiff, - If no justifiable cause, the plaintiff fails to to appear on the date of presentation of his or her evidence in chief on the complaint, or to prosecute his or her action for unreasonable length of time, or to comply with these Rules or any order of the court, the complaint may be dismissed upon motion of the defendant or upon the court’s own motion, without prejudice to the right of the defendant to presecute his or her counterclaim in the same or in a separate action. This dismissal shall have the effect of an adjudication upon the merits, unless otherwise declared by the court.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 210 Mandaluyong City,

IN RE: PETITION FOR JUDICIAL RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN DIVORCE DECREE AND FOR THE ANNOTATION/CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CIVIL REGISTRY RECORD OF MARRIAGE, JOSE NESTOR NOSCE y REYES, Petitioner, -versus-

SP CASE NO. R-MND-26-00952-SP

LILYBETH R. NOSCE, OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR OF MANDALUYONG CITY, OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL and OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL, PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (PSA), Respondents. x-------------------------------------------------------x AMENDED PETITION PETITIONER, by counsel, unto this Honorable Court, most respectfully avers that: 1. Petitioner is of legal age, a citizen of the United States of America, single/divorced and with residence and postal address at Block 10, Lot 16, Vesuvio St., Camella Heights, Barangay Cararayan, Naga City (Camarines Sur), where he may be served with notices and other processes should the Honorable Court also require service to him; 2. Respondent, Lilybeth R. Nosce, if of legal age, a citizen of the United States of America, single/divorced and has as her last known address Unit 34K, Fifth Avenue Place Condominium, 5th Ave., Cor. 21st Drive, BGC, Taguig City 1625; respondent. Office of the Civil Registrar of Mandaluyong City is an office in the local government of the City of Mandaluyong, Philippines created under Republic Act 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991, which has among its primary functions the recording and maintaining of vital civil status events like births, deaths, marriages and legal name changes occurring within its territorial jurisdiction. The respondent can be located at Mandaluyong City Hall, 315 Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines; respondent, Office of the Civil Registrar General (PSA), is herein Impleaded being the national government agency which provides overall-direction in the implementation of the Civil Registry Law and related issuances and exercises technical supervision over all civil registrars. It holds office at the PSA Headquarters, PSA Complex, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 1101; and, respondent Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is impleaded being the statutory counsel of the Republic of the Philippines. The OSG holds office in OSG Building, 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City 1229 Philippines. The respondents may be served summons and other processes of the Honorable Court at their respective addresses. 3. On October 15, 1987, petitioner, a citizen of the United States of America (U.S.A.) and working there as member of the U.S. Air Force, married a certain LlLYBETH REYES, a Filipino Citizen,in a civil ceremony held at the Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) of

ii. That such marriage was recorded, and still subsisting up to the present, in the civil registry of Mandaluyong City; iii. After their marriage they lived together in the U.S., with Lilybeth R. Nosce working as a school teacher and there raised a family; iv. Sometime in 2002, the marital relationship between petitioner and Lilybeth R. Nosce went sour due to the latter’s decision not to go live with the petitioner in the Philippines after his retirement from the US Air Force leading to their separation in fact; v. Honestly believing that their marriage was already beyond repair after living separately with each other for a considerably long period of time, petitioner filed for divorce against his wife before the District Court, Clark County, Nevada some time in 2025 vi. The petition was granted and evidenced by a divorce decree dated March 16, 2026 which, among others, held that the parties therein are restored to their unmarried status and hence are capacitated to remarry; vii. He may also testify on matters relevant and/or material to the issue in the above-entitled case. WHEREFORE, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Court that after notice and hearing judgment render granting the herein petition by declaring/ordering. to wit: 1. The judicial recognition of the divorce decree dated March 16, 2026 issued/promulgated by District Court Judge Mari D. Parlade of the District Court, Family Court, Clark County, Nevada. U.S.A.; 2 That petitioner Jose Nestor Reyes-Nosce is capacitated to marry under Philippine law; 3. That the respondents Office of the City Civil Registrar of Mandaluyong City and/or Office of the Civil Registrar General, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) effect the annotation in the marriage certificate of the petitioner of the judgment rendered by the Honorable Court recognizing the Divorce Decree dated May 16, 2026 Issued by the District Court Judge Mari D. Parlade of the District Court, Family Court. Clark County. Nevada, U.S.A. in Case No. D-25-719398-D entitled Jose Nestor R. Nosce vs. Lilybeth R. Nosce. . Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for. Naga City, (Camarines Sur), July 27, 2026.

(Sgd.) JOSE P. VENTAJAR, LLM. Counsel for the Petitioner Roll No. 41390; IBP OR No.INV583316, January 2, 2026 PTR NO.5971681 : January 5, 2026; MCLE Exemption No. IX-JMCTCr002348, Pursuant to Rule 7, Section 1 © of Bar Matter No. 850 and Section 5 © of the Implementing Regulations: Valid until April 14, 2031 Ground Floor, Doña Elena Bldg. J. Miranda Ave., Naga City ventalarlawoffice@gmail.com/ 09696282907 VERIFICATION & CERTIFICATION OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING I, JOSE NESTOR R. NOSCE, of legal age, single/divorced, after having been sworn according to law, hereby depose and state: That I am the petitioner in the above-entitled case for Recognition of Foreign Judgment/Divorce Decree, that the allegations contained therein are true and correct based on my personal knowledge and on authentic documents; that the complaint is not filed to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation; and, that the factual allegations therein have evidentiary support or, if specifically so identified, will likewise have evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for discovery. I hereby certify that I have not commenced any other action involving the same issues in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency and to the best of our knowledge, no such action or proceeding is pending in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency; and that If I should thereafter learn that a similar action or proceeding had been filed in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency, we undertake to report it to the Court within five days from my learning of it. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this __ day of 0 6 AUG 2026 in the City of Naga (Camarines Sur), Philippines. (Sgd.) JOSE NESTOR R. NOSCE Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me in the City of Naga (Camarines Sur), Philippines, this 06 AUG 2026 with affiant exhibiting to me his USA passport no. A72509212 issued on Nov. 18, 2025.

Doc. No.718; Page No.65; Book No. II; Series of 2026

(MStandard - Oct. 2, 9, & 16, 2026)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DENR bares plan to lessen impact of super El Niño

OMB hits deep fakes on socmed

By Rio N. Araja

By Rex Espiritu

MBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla has urged the public to remain vigilant against paid social media propaganda aimed at misleading Filipinos about corruption cases. In his first anniversary address, the Ombudsman warned that online manipulation, money, and political connections would not stop his office from pursuing accountability. at the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City on October 12, Remulla warned against the proliferation of paid comments, reactions, and fake accounts to distort public opinion and influence perceptions of ongoing corruption investigations. “Our cases are not decided by trending topics, hashtags, or the loudest comment section,” Remulla declared. “Social media, such as Facebook, are being used for black propaganda. There are people who pay for comments, reactions, fake accounts, to make lies sound like the voice of the people,” he stressed. The Ombudsman also called on Filipinos to exercise critical judgment when encountering social media content involving corruption allegations, emphasizing that official records, court filings, and evidence should serve as the basis for assessing the cases. “Let us not be deceived by these people who buy comments and reactions. If you want to know the truth, don’t look at the comment section. Look at the documents,. Look at the

cases that have been filed. Look at the evidence,” he added. Remulla emphasized that the Office remained firm in pursuing corruption cases regardless of the position, wealth, or influence of those implicated, and would not allow attempts to manipulate public opinion to derail its investigations and prosecutions. “To those still hoping that time, money, connections, or a paid army online will save them: they will not,” he warned. The Ombudsman also called on the judiciary to act on the cases already filed before the courts, stressing the importance of an independent and impartial judicial process in ensuring accountability. “The charges are already in the courts. We have done the hardest part: building them. The next chapter belongs to our courts,” Remulla said. “We expect our courts to be what the Constitution asks of them: impartial, independent, and attuned to the times,” he added. Remulla disclosed that 39 cases arising from the multibillion-peso flood control scandal had been filed before the courts, including 35 before the Sandiganbayan and four before Regional Trial Courts, involving 52 respondents.

IN BRIEF TIEZA earmarks P49m for eco-tourism dev’t RAMON, Isabela—This municipality is set for a major tourism boost with the official allocation of ₱49 million from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for the rehabilitation and development of Camp Vizcarra. TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid announced the funding approval during his inspection visit at the site of the proposed project which aims to transform the camp into a premier nature and eco-tourism hub expected to draw significant numbers of local and foreign visitors. Mayor Giovanni Vizcarra welcomed the initiative, underscoring its long-term impact for the town. Vizcarra said the project will integrate the 30-hectare Camp Vizcarra with the Magat Dam and the rolling hills of Barangay Planas into a unified tourism facility for Ramon. Jessica M. Bacud

Israel honors 8 Pinoy victims of Hamas siege THE Israeli embassy in Manila has honored the eight Filipino victims of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks in a commemoration rite marking the third anniversary of the incident. The rite, led by Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh, had the theme “Three Years of Resilience Despite the Loss.” The event that brought together bereaved families, survivors, and Philippine government officials also featured a photo exhibit honoring the victims and recognizing the courage and experiences of the survivors. “We will be standing together in times of sorrow, in hugging those eight families, and God willing, in times of many celebrations and times ofy peace in Israel,” Kursh said. Vito Barcelo

HALF-DRESSED OBLATION. The iconic Oblation at UP Baguio gets spruced up anew this month in conjunction with the celebration of Buwan ng Unyon 2026. Organizers urge the entire UP community—teachers, research, extension and professional staff, workers, and student—to answer the call for genuine change and social justice. Conrad Rotor

REMEMBERING THE FALLEN.

Israeli ambassador to Manila Dana Kursh and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac lead commemorative rites for eight Filipino victims of the Hamas-led attacks in Israel. The affair has for its theme ‘Three Years of Resilience Despite the Loss.’

OPAPRU, DAR map out land use for ex-MILF camps By Rex Espiritu THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) have launched a report mapping land claims and land use in priority areas within six former camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The Parcellary Inventory Project (PIP) Final Report was launched on Tuesday, Oct. 13, providing the government and the MILF with an initial Geographic Information System (GIS)-based inventory of statutory and customary claims in-

volving land tenure, occupancy and use. The project covers priority areas in seven barangays out of the 36 barangays across the six camps: Bushra, Bilal, Abubakar, Rajamuda, Badre and Omar. The findings are intended to guide future socioeconomic development and land tenure interventions, including potential housing for decommissioned MILF combatants, as well as programs on land governance, livelihood and normalization. Presidential Peace Adviser and Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace Implementing

Panel chairman Mel Senen Sarmiento said understanding conditions on the ground is essential before deciding how to address land issues in the Bangsamoro. “When we talk about land in the Bangsamoro, we are talking about something deeply personal. This is why we need to understand the situation on the ground before deciding what to do,” Sarmiento said. He committed to advancing the report’s findings and recommendations with the MILF, the Bangsamoro government, concerned institutions and affected communities.

Aragones, health firm deny irregularity raps

BI halts four victims of illegal recruitment THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) four Filipino women believed to be victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking bound for Myanmar. The women, identified as “Lin,” 27; “Tina,” 22; “Mela,” 25; and “Shelly,” 41, initially claimed they were co-workers traveling to Thailand for a five-day, company-sponsored incentive trip. During closer investigation, admitted that their actual destination was Myanmar, where they had been promised customer service jobs paying $1,000 to $1,500 a month. The women said they were recruited through Facebook, Telegram and other online platforms, with recruiters allegedly providing their travel and employment documents. Immigration officers also found questionable employment papers and inconsistencies in their return-ticket arrangements. Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Environment and Resources (DENR) is promoting bamboo plantations, soil conservation, and water impounding systems to help farmers cope with the effects of severe El Niño, Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said. During a Cabinet meeting on El Niño, Cuna said the agency presented naturebased solutions to conserve soil moisture, protect agricultural lands and sustain the natural resources that farming communities depend on. Bamboo plantations help retain soil moisture, while soil conservation measures prevent topsoil erosion. Water impounding systems can also provide alternative water supplies for farms, he said. Cuna said the initiatives support the Marcos administration’s directives to accelerate preparations for El Niño, plan for worst-case scenarios, and have the Department of Agriculture develop measures to address the anticipated effects on farmers and fisherfolk and identify the assistance they may need. “Climate-resilient agriculture is essential to maintaining national food and water security during severe El Niño events,” he said. “Through innovative projects like the Capas Bamboo Ecopark in Tarlac, soil conservation structures in Zambales, and small water impounding systems in Catanduanes and SOCCSKSARGEN, the DENR is providing practical, nature-based tools to our upland farming communities,” Cuna said. “By conserving soil moisture and regulating local microclimates, we are ensuring that rural livelihoods remain viable even during extended dry spells,” he added.

By Rex Espiritu and Roy Tomandao

TRANSFORMATION OF IDLE WAR CAMPS. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) launch a report on mapping land use in priority areas within six former camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) encompassing 36 barangays in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. OPAPRU photo

A PRIVATELY owned healthcare provider has denied allegations of irregularities in its free chemotherapy program with the Laguna provincial government, saying no provincial funds were being used for the treatments. This was Laguna Gov. Sol Aragones reportedly faced a fresh graft complaint over the alleged operation of an unlicensed chemotherapy center. Aragones denied any wrongdoing and described the complaint as political harassment. She said her office had yet to receive a copy of the latest filing, but was prepared to respond through proper channels. The complaint was filed Tuesday before the Office of the Ombudsman by Jonel Osio, a former supervising administrative officer of the Laguna Medical Center, and provincial board members Karla Adajar-Lajara and Lorenzo Zuñiga.

OPINION

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

House of Representatives slowly winning back public trust THE latest survey showing improved public trust and approval of the House of Representatives offers a welcome sign that the country’s much-maligned lower chamber may be beginning to regain the confidence of Filipinos. After years of controversies involving political patronage, questionable spending and partisan maneuvering, even a modest improvement deserves attention. But the more important question is whether the House can sustain this progress through meaningful legislation, responsible leadership and a firm commitment to public accountability. The second-quarter 2026 survey of OCTA Research found that trust in the House rose from 36 percent in the first quarter to 38 percent in the second. Satisfaction with its performance increased from 35 to 37 percent, while distrust declined from 33 to 28 percent. These figures suggest a positive shift, although they also remind us that a substantial portion of the public remains unconvinced or undecided. The House still has much to prove. One possible explanation is the more measured leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III. Since assuming the speakership, Dy has emphasized legislative productivity, cooperation among lawmakers and closer engagement with ordinary Filipinos. His approach has been less about political grandstanding and more about keeping the institution working. Under his leadership, the House reported on October 12 that it had passed 448 bills on third and final reading and acted on 32 of the 61 priority measures identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council. By then, 13 measures had become Republic Acts, according to the chamber’s report. These are substantial indicators of legislative activity, although the ultimate test is whether the measures improve people’s lives. Among the important measures advanced are proposals addressing political dynasties, land use, energy regulation, educational assistance and social protection. The House also approved a proposed restriction on social media access for children under 13, a measure intended to strengthen child protection in an increasingly digital world. The proposed antipolitical dynasty law deserves particular attention because the concentration of political power in a few families has long undermined equal access to public service and democratic competition. These proposals must still complete the applicable legislative process before they can deliver their intended benefits. Legislative output, however, is only one measure of an effective House. Its willingness to hold powerful officials accountable is just as important. This brings us to the House prosecution panel’s pivotal role in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. The House exercised its constitutional responsibility when it voted overwhelmingly to impeach Duterte, sending the

charges to the Senate for trial. The prosecution panel subsequently presented evidence concerning allegations that include unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential funds, bribery, and threats against senior government officials. These are serious allegations, not findings of guilt, and the burden remains on the prosecution to establish its case through credible evidence and due process. The proceedings have since taken a significant turn. On October 13, the prosecution dropped three of the four impeachment articles, maintaining that the remaining charge concerning unexplained wealth and undisclosed business interests could be sufficient to secure conviction. This decision narrows the case and places greater weight on the evidence supporting that allegation.

—“—

But will the Lower House sustain the progress? The significance of the House’s role goes beyond the political fate of one vice president. Impeachment is a constitutional mechanism for holding high-ranking officials accountable when their alleged conduct threatens the integrity of public office. The prosecution must therefore be guided by evidence and the public interest. This is also where Dy’s leadership will face one of its most consequential tests. A productive legislature must do more than pass bills and improve its survey numbers. It must demonstrate that constitutional principles apply equally to powerful officials and ordinary citizens. Neither popularity nor political connections should shield anyone from legitimate scrutiny. The latest survey should encourage the House, but it should not become a reason for complacency. With only 38 percent expressing trust in the institution, public confidence remains far from secure. The challenge is to translate legislative activity into tangible improvements in education, health care, employment, social protection and the cost of living, while ensuring transparency in the use of public funds. The House will earn lasting public trust not through speeches or political promises, but through results and accountability. If Speaker Dy can maintain a productive, responsible and independent chamber, and if the prosecution panel continues to perform its constitutional duty fairly and rigorously, the improvement in public opinion may prove to be more than a temporary rise in the numbers. It could mark the beginning of a more credible House of Representatives, one that Filipinos can respect because it serves the nation rather than the interests of political personalities. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Congolese city devoured by race for critical minerals KOLWEZI, DR Congo -- From his yard, Chibang Kasump sees the comings and goings of the miners who dig for copper and cobalt, day and night, deep below his small, brick home in the southern Democratic Republic of Congo. The 47-year-old has lived for more than a decade in the Musonoi area of Kolwezi, the country’s mining capital, which sits atop coveted deposits at the center of a global race for critical minerals. “I bought this house because it was quiet, close to the city center and near the lake,” he told AFP. “I didn’t know there were minerals beneath my feet,” he said. “Now I live with a well in my yard.” The vast central African nation produces around 70 percent of global cobalt output -- key for making electric batteries and in defence technology -- and holds some of the world’s richest deposits of copper, a metal in growing demand as countries expand electrical networks to harness renewable energies. Mining companies and foreign investors have stepped up their expansion efforts, explorations and asset acquisitions. The next few years are expected to bring exponential growth in demand for critical metals that are indispensable to global industry. China has been investing in the DRC for two decades. The United States signed a strategic partnership deal with the Congolese government in December, hoping to shore up supplies for its high-tech industry. Kasump’s plot lies within the Tondo Mining Company’s concession.

The Congolese firm holds the operating licence for the site, which is next to the vast copper and cobalt deposit of the Chinese company Commus. Ahead of an industrial mining operation being set up, artisanal miners -known as diggers -- have moved into the area -- right up to Kasump’s yard.

—“—

Even the slightest collapse can prove fatal. Relocated The boundary between urban space and mining land is fading in Kolwezi, in the heart of the African copper belt. Open-pit mines are gradually eating away at neighborhoods, while concessions are piling up on top of one another. In Musonoi, the houses have numbers spray-painted on them. “All the houses are identified for relocation,” Kazadi Roger, a local administrative official, said. “The mining company is going to provide compensation, but people still don’t know when they’ll be leaving,” he added. Under Congolese mining law, a land title does not confer any rights over the minerals present in the subsoil. But a mining title also does not cancel out the rights of the occupants of a plot, who must be compensated in the event of expropriation. Kasump initially refused but said “with the pollution, the explosions linked to the

The Dutertes must answer questions about their finances

HE Duterte family can no longer dismiss questions about its financial accountability as politically motivated attacks. The amounts involved in controversies surrounding family members and government offices they headed are substantial enough to demand clear, credible explanations backed by documentary evidence.

Consider the ₱51 billion in infrastructure appropriations allocated to the congressional district represented by Paolo Duterte in Davao City from 2020 to 2022, the final three years of his father’s presidency. The Department of Public Works and Highways confirmed the allocation during a House inquiry in September 2025. This covered infrastructure projects generally, not just flood control. More recently, the National Bureau of Investigation reported that floodcontrol contracts worth approximately ₱7 billion in Davao City had been awarded to a single contractor, Genesis88 Construction. Initially, investigators identified ₱1.9 billion in projects

ManilaStandard

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

They deserve the presumption of innocence, but the public deserves transparency. Questions also surround confidential funds handled by Sara Duterte. A review of Commission on Audit reports found that Davao City recorded ₱2.697 billion in confidential expenses from 2016 to 2022, when she served as mayor. Separately, the Office of the Vice President received ₱500 million in confidential funds from December 2022 to September 2023, while the Department of Education received ₱112.5 million in 2023, when she was education secretary. Together, these amounts total ₱612.5 million. COA disallowances involving OVP expenditures, including ₱73.287 million and ₱375 million, have further intensified scrutiny. Disallowances do not by themselves establish criminal liability, but they require satisfactory explanations and compliance with audit requirements. Financial transactions involving

THE Philippines faces a defining moment for renewable energy. Clean power can drive growth, jobs, and energy security. That promise depends on a stable policy environment. Investors need rules they can trust and predict. They need agencies that coordinate instead of compete. They need regulators who solve problems early. Our long-term energy targets depend on these conditions. Government must create them with urgency and resolve. I write as a renewable energy expert and advocate. My work in this sector spans three decades. I also serve as spokesperson for Senator Loren Legarda. I speak as well for her son, Leandro Leviste. That role prompted me to study the sector again. I took a deep dive into the renewable energy terrain. What I found deserves public attention. Recent government allegations have unsettled the entire industry. One company sits at the center of these actions. The ripple effects reach every developer in the country. Business confidence suffers when accusations replace analysis. Investor sentiment weakens when political narratives drive policy. Punitive approaches to ordinary project risks deepen uncertainty. This sector urgently needs clarity and coordination. It needs support from the agencies that oversee it. Instead, it is receiving suspicion and hostility. Government has also ignored problems that predate this controversy. These issues have confronted developers for many years. They deserve far more attention than headline-grabbing charges. Consider what renewable energy investors have achieved. They expanded generation across the archipelago. They supported government electrification targets. They mobilized billions in private capital for national infrastructure. Many of their projects already power Filipino homes. Yet hundreds of projects never reached commercial operation. They stalled somewhere between paper and power. Their stories reveal how difficult this business

truly is. Any fair discussion must begin there. These stalled projects carry real costs for Filipinos. Every unbuilt plant means less clean power available. Consumers then pay for costlier and dirtier alternatives.

Energy security also suffers when capacity lags demand. Our economy keeps growing, and so does consumption. Data centers, factories, and households all need reliable supply. Imported fuels expose us to volatile global prices. Homegrown renewable power reduces that dangerous exposure. This is why project failure deserves serious study. Each failed project holds lessons for regulators. Ignoring those lessons guarantees more failures ahead. Learning from them could unlock thousands of megawatts. The Department of Energy keeps its own records. Those records tell a revealing story. By end-2025, 180 renewable energy contracts had ended. Some were terminated by the agency itself. Developers voluntarily relinquished others. Either way, those projects never delivered power. Each one represents capital, effort, and lost time. Together they show how routinely developers hit walls. The barriers are well known across the industry. Permitting takes too long and involves too many offices. Land acquisition drags on for years. Grid access and transmission capacity remain painfully scarce. Policies across agencies often pull in

different directions. These are structural problems with structural causes. A cancelled contract does not prove criminal conduct. The broader trend makes this even clearer. The Renewable Energy Act passed eighteen years ago. Since then, DOE has awarded contracts for 1,337 projects. Their combined potential capacity reaches 137,275 megawatts. As of April 2026, installed capacity stood at 8,899 megawatts. That is roughly six and a half percent. Over ninety percent of awarded capacity remains unbuilt. That gap is the real story of this sector. Every policymaker should be asking why it exists. Instead, government has chosen a different target. It has directed its wrath at Solar Philippines and affiliates. It alleges monopoly and other baseless wrongdoing. Consider the actual scale of these companies. Collectively, they hold under a tenth of all projects. A monopoly claim cannot survive that arithmetic. The singling out looks selective at best. At worst, it looks politically driven. Meanwhile, the real warning signs keep flashing. Several large-scale contracts were recently surrendered voluntarily. Developers abandon projects when obstacles become insurmountable. Those surrenders should alarm any serious policymaker. So I ask a simple question. Is anybody in government asking why this happens? Investors, consumers, and the public deserve an answer. Answering it requires honesty about government’s own role. Agencies set the rules that developers must follow. They control permits, contracts, and grid planning. When those systems fail, projects fail with them. Accountability must therefore run in both directions. One case shows this failure with painful clarity. It involves Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation. Its experience exposes how governance gaps damage confidence. I will examine that case in the next installment.

extraction, I ended up saying ‘yes’”. He does not know how much he will receive or where he will move to, though. Behind him, dumper trucks rolled by, nonstop, along the road carved out by the neighboring Chinese industrial mine. The dust settles on the rooftops and rainwater seeps into houses that have cracked as a result of the mining. Under a white tarpaulin adjoining his house,

a yawning chasm appeared in the ground into which a young digger disappeared. A pump hummed softly, sending oxygen to those who had descended into the darkness. At a depth of around 100 metres (328 feet), some 30 men hacked away at the rock with pickaxes, filling sacks. Using a rope, a human chain carried the ore -- mostly copper -- to the surface.

Risking lives to dig “We follow the vein,” one of the diggers said. “When we see the grade is good, we stop.” The timber lining the walls acts as a support but even the slightest collapse can prove fatal. Some diggers earn around $500 a month, others much less, depending on how much ore they have recovered and its quality. AFP

—“—

Hundreds of projects never reached commercial operation. They stalled somewhere between paper and power.

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Sara and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, have raised another set of questions. During congressional proceedings in 2026, the Anti-Money Laundering Council initially reported ₱6.7 billion in covered and suspicious transactions associated with their accounts. On October 5, the AMLC executive director testified that a bank correction had reduced the figure to ₱4.4 billion. These are financial transactions, not proof that public money was stolen. Inflows and outflows may involve the same funds, and the total cannot automatically be treated as illicit wealth. Nevertheless, the nature, sources and purposes of the transactions warrant clarification. Other allegations include ₱8 billion in allegedly overpriced laptop purchases during Sara Duterte’s tenure as education secretary and approximately ₱12 billion in DepEd audit disallowances. These figures must be examined separately, with care taken to distinguish allegations, audit findings and established wrongdoing. Public office carries a fundamental obligation: to account for the use of public money and to explain financial dealings that reasonably raise questions about their sources and purposes. The Duterte family deserves the presumption of innocence, but the public deserves transparency. The ultimate test is whether the documentary evidence, audit findings and financial records can withstand independent examination. Accountability requires nothing less.

Why renewable projects stall in the Philippines

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

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linked to the company before expanding their estimate in coordination with the Commission on Audit. These contracts are under investigation for possible irregularities.

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WORLD

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

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E. Timor shuts schools over Indonesia haze D ILI—East Timor began a three-day school closure on Thursday prompted by thick haze that has drifted over from raging forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia.

In the capital Dili, people were out as normal under a yellowtinged sky, but most were wearing masks, as the government advised a day earlier in announcing the school closures. Residents welcomed the decision, although they said the pollution had been even worse earlier in the week. “Recently, the pollution in Dili has been very severe,” 30-yearold midwife Sonya da Costa Soares told AFP. “We can’t see the sun, the pollution is heavy,” she added. Though her child is still too young for school, she said the deci-

sion to keep students home was “very important so that children are not put in danger.” Indonesia experiences forest fires regularly during its dry season, but this year the blazes have been especially severe because a strong El Nino has brought drought. The fires have burned through hundreds of thousands of hectares of forest and plantations in Sumatra, Borneo and Papua, and caused air pollution to surge locally, as well as in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and East Timor. East Timor’s government said Wednesday it was necessary to close schools “to protect the health of students, teachers and other members of the educational community, given current air quality conditions.” It urged families to keep children indoors and advised citizens

to wear masks if venturing out. Vitaliano da Costa Calapes, an 18-year-old student at St. Ignatius Loyola College, said he was preparing for upcoming exams. “We are staying at home, but we are continuing to study... We’re facing our final exams,” he said. “We believe in the coming days there will be no pollution and school will return to normal, that’s what we hope,” he added. Felicidade Alves dos Santos Martins, whose daugher Febrianti was home from middle school, said the pollution had been even worse earlier in the week. “It felt like smoke from fires was covering all of Dili and the mountains,” she said. “This pollution is very dangerous, it can make us sick.” AFP

UNSAFE AIR QUALITY. Motorists commute in the afternoon in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan in Indonesia amid thick haze from forest and land fires in the region. AFP

Trump says he wants to see Pope ‘get well’ BULLHEAD CITY, United States—US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he wants to see Pope Leo XIV “get well” after the pontiff underwent surgery in Rome this week to remove a cancerous tumor. “I want to see Pope Leo get well,” Trump told reporters after addressing a campaign rally in Arizona. “It’s big stuff. Anytime you have cancer, but the prognosis seems to be good.” “I just want to wish him well. Get better fast,” the president added. Pope Leo’s doctors said Wednesday that he was out of bed, walking and eating after the removal of a cancerous tumor from his lung.

Now the 71-year-old awaits the results of a biopsy to determine if the cancer has spread. Prayers for the recovery of the Catholic leader of 1.4 billion faithful have been sent from around the world, from the northern Peru city of Chiclayo where he was bishop for eight years, to his US hometown of Chicago and beyond. Other global leaders also offered best wishes, including Britain’s King Charles III, who is being treated for an undisclosed cancer and last year became his country’s first monarch to pray publicly with the pontiff since the Church of England broke with the Vatican 500 years ago.

Earlier this year, the pope said he has “great love” for the United States, but his stances urging tolerance and protection for migrants, have often put the Vatican at odds with the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration and use of detention camps. On Wednesday, Trump also noted that he had spoken to the first American pope’s brother, Louis Prevost, in the past. “His brother’s a friend of mine who’s a great, he’s a fantastic guy, and his wife. You know, they’re big Trump supporters,” Trump said, adding “his brother loves him a lot, loves the Pope a lot, and that’s good. That’s good enough for me.” AFP

New four-lane bridge opens between China, Nokore DANDONG, China—A new four-lane road bridge linking China and North Korea finally opened on Thursday, 12 years late, enabling the Asian giant and its isolated nuclear-armed neighbour to step up cross-border trade substantially. China is its neighbor’s largest trading partner and a vital diplomatic and political backer, although relations have not always been smooth with the ruling Kim dynasty. Hundreds of people gathered on Thursday in the northern Chinese border town of Dandong, taking selfies in front of the 3,026-meter (9,927-feet) New Yalu River vehicle bridge before it opened. Trucks bearing the nations’ flags began moving in both directions late morning, AFP reporters at the scene said, some of the North Korean vehicles decorated with flowers. “It’s great,” one woman who came to watch told AFP in the town dotted with Chinese as well as Korean shops and restaurants, where residents were relieved the bridge had finally open. “It’s already been over 10 years. It’s certainly going to be good for business,” she said, without wishing to be named, accompanied by her friend and her dog. “I hope the standard of living in North Korea can rise to the level we have here,” Dandong local Yu Shuyan, who before the pandemic had visited North Korea, told AFP. Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that the bridge symbolised Beijing’s friendship with Pyongyang and that relations were “entering a new stage and opening a new chapter.” “Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, the successful opening of the bridge will not only strongly boost economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, but will also further facilitate people-to-people exchanges and tighten the bonds of affection between the two peoples,”

NEW INFRA. A general view as seen from Dandong, Liaoning Province on October 15, 2026 shows the new cross-border bridge linking China and North Korea. The four-lane road bridge opened 12 years late, enabling the Asian giant and its isolated nuclear-armed neighbour to step up cross-border trade substantially. AFP Li said by video link at the opening ceremony, Xinhua reported. The structure was completed in 2014 but its opening was delayed due to a lack of connecting roads and customs facilities on the North Korean side, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported. North Korea also sealed its borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and train journeys between the East Asian neighbours only restarted in March after a sixyear halt. The new bridge is not the only border crossing between the two countries. But the new structure will supersede the “extremely narrow” rail-and-road SinoKorean Friendship Bridge downstream on the Yalu River, said Lim Eul-chul, a North Korea expert at Kyungnam University. “Previously, transporting heavy cargo such as industrial machinery, raw mate-

rials, construction materials and energyrelated supplies required extreme caution because of safety concerns surrounding the ageing bridge,” Lim told AFP. “The new crossing will make such shipments much easier and more efficient,” he said, calling it a “groundbreaking development” that will will triple of quadruple cargo traffic. The opening came a day after North Korea test-fired two types of cruise missile from a submarine, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The two Koreas have engaged in a titfor-tat series of missile tests this month, with both sides test-firing hypersonic weapons. Seoul and Pyongyang remain technically at war as the Korean conflict ended in 1953 with a truce rather than a peace treaty. AFP

SPORTS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

SKP athletes vie for boxing titles at Tagaytay card THREE women from Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas will pursue boxing titles when Tagaytay Fight Night unfolds on Oct. 18 at Hotel Casiana in Tagaytay City. Aime Ramos leads the charge against Thailand’s Pumkrathok Bantita for the vacant WBC OPBF women’s strawweight title, headlining an evening card that follows a morning program of kickboxing matches. Renz Dacquel will face Charimae Salvador for the Philippine women’s flyweight championship, while veteran Gretel de Paz takes on Carleans Rivas for the Philippine women’s super flyweight crown. The three title fights put the spotlight on SKP’s female fighters as they trade their kickboxing arsenal for an all-boxing challenge. Also representing the team is Mikko Camingawan, who will meet Marvin Silvano in a four-round super bantamweight contest. Another bout on the professional boxing program features Mugicha Nakagawa against Romel Oliveros in an eight-round super featherweight encounter. Batang Tol Promotions, led by Tagaytay councilor Micko Tolentino, is promoting the boxing event in partnership with UKC of Elorde Sports Promotions. Amateur boxing matches are also included in the program. Before the evening boxing action, eight kickboxing bouts will be staged under World Association of Kickboxing Organizations low Aime Ramos kick rules, with two belts at stake in the main event and co-main event. The morning kickboxing program is promoted by MFT Promotions in partnership with UKC and the Tagaytay City government. All kickboxing matches are sanctioned by SKP, the sport’s national governing body. The combined program will give spectators a full day of combat sports, with the morning sessions devoted to kickboxing before the professional boxers take center stage in the evening. Tickets are available through the Tagaytay Fight Night Facebook page. Randy M. Caluag

Cebu makes MPBL semis CEBU leaned on Limuel Tampus’ fourth-quarter rampage to stun Batangas City, 70-67, on Wednesday and barge into the South Division semifinal round of the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Batangas City Coliseum. Tampus, a 6-foot-2 high flyer from the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, pumped in 12 of his 14 points in that span to push the fifth-seeded Cebu Greats to their second straight win over the fourth-seeded Batangas City Tanduay Athletics in the best-of-three quarterfinal series. With Batangas ahead, 61-58, Cebu bunched 9 points, five by Tampus and four by Dhon Reverente, 67-61, only 14.2 seconds remaining, sending many Athletics supporters heading to the exits. Batangas’ Rhinwill Yambing canned a triple with 11 seconds left, but Ron Dennison made two free throws to decide the outcome, 69-64 with 9.2 seconds to go. Ichie Tampus also collared six Altamirano rebounds. highlighted by a of Cebu follow-up off his own miss in the last 36.2 seconds to clinch the SportsPlus best player honors over Mark Meneses, who posted 10 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. Ichie Altamirano contributed 10 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists before fouling out in the homestretch, and Wowie Escosio added 11 points for the Greats, who took Game 1 via a 78-77 thriller. Batangas City, the 2018 inaugural MPBL champion and owner of eight straight playoff stints, drew 14 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks from Ced Ablaza; 15 points, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks from Ino Comboy; and 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals from Yambing.

The Philippine para athletes during the welcome ceremony. PPC

By Randy M. Caluag

T’S the Philippine para sports athletes’ turn to shine as action kicks off in wheelchair basketball, table tennis, and badminton on Friday at the 5th Asian Para Games here.

Bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission with adidas as official uniform provider, the 69-strong national contingent aims to secure between four to five gold medals across multiple disciplines. “We have high hopes in all the sports we’re participating in,” said Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo. Leading the opening-day charge is the national wheelchair basketball team, which faces 2023 Hangzhou silver medalist South Korea in the classification phase at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya.

Para athletes launch campaign in Nagoya The squad features Mark Vincent Aguilar, Alfie Cabanog, Jannil Canete, Kyle Carandang, John Dawal, Anthony Demesa, John Escalante, Miko Esperanza, Edgardo Echavez, Jodriel Piol, and Kenneth Tapia. Bracketed in Group B alongside South Korea, Hangzhou bronze medalist Iran, and Iraq, the Filipinos compete in a single round-robin format to determine quarterfinal pairings. Group A features host and defending champion Japan, China, ASEAN Para Games champion Thailand, and Kuwait. With only eight countries entered in wheelchair basketball, the Nationals are al-

Sunday’s opening ceremony alongside taekwondo’s Allain Ganapin. Joining her in the table tennis event are Smith Billy Cartera, Leo Macalanda, Jan Wilfred Redulla, Noriko Arielle Batuhan, and Jhona Pena. Meanwhile, the national badminton squad—comprising John Cyrus Maclang, Kathleen Pedrosa, and Khian Kyle Urbano—opens its campaign at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium. Philippine chef-de-mission Francis Diaz, who arrived in Nagoya early last Saturday to oversee final preparations, confirmed that all 69 Filipino athletes are accounted for, healthy, and ready for competition.

Palawan Group, PCA join forces to nurture future tennis champs THE Palawan Group of Companies is strengthening its commitment to Philippine tennis through its partnership with the Philippine Columbian Association, supporting the development of Filipino athletes while helping make the sport more accessible to aspiring players. The partnership takes center stage at the Palawan PCA Open 2026, a tournament widely regarded as the “Wimbledon of the Philippines,” which has long served as a breeding ground for the country’s top tennis talents. Alberto Lim Jr. seeks to defend his men’s singles title in the 43rd edition of the tournament, slated from Nov. 2 to Dec. 13 at the PCA clay courts in Paco, Manila. The netfest offers a total cash prize of P1.3 million, with P200,000 going to the men’s singles titleholder. “We believe that Filipinos have so much potential. Ang kailangan lang natin ay mabigyan sila ng pagkakataon to develop their skills, gain experience and show the country and maybe later on, the world, what they can do,” said Bobby Castro, Chairman and Founder of the Palawan Group of Companies. Registration and preparations for this Philippine Tennis Association-sanctioned netfest is ongoing.

Juniors’ age-group competition will be held from Nov. 2 to 8, followed by inter-high school on Nov. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22. Men’s team tennis is set on Nov. 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 and Dec. 12, while women’s team

tennis is on Nov. 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 and 29. An inter-college meet is scheduled on Nov. 27, 28, 29, and Dec. 4, 5 and 6, while men’s 40, 50, 60 and above doubles is set from Dec. 8 to 12.

‘Shown here are (from left) Chris Cuarto, PCA Open Committee Member & ADMU Tennis Head Coach; Roland Kraut, PCA Open Committee Member & DLSU Tennis Head Coach; Ivan Ong, PCA Open Committee Representative; Bobby L. Castro, Founder and Chairman, Palawan Group of Companies and Bernard V. Kaibigan, Chief Marketing Officer, Palawan Group of Companies.

PNVF rolls out major organizational reforms THE Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has overhauled its organization with some key appointments that aim to boost the national teams in future international events. PNVF Executive Director Atty. Miguel Carlos Pacifico F. Suarez announced the major changes in the Alas Pilipinas Men’s and Women’s indoor volleyball teams, while the beach volleyball squads will remain intact following their successful campaign in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya recently. Leading the list of appointments will be the return of Dante Alinsunurin as head coach of the Alas Pilipinas Men’s squad. Alinsunurin, the head coach of the National University Bulldogs in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier

ready guaranteed to surpass their ninth-place finish out of 10 teams during their debut in Hangzhou three years ago. Following their opener against South Korea, the ASEAN Para Games silver medalists face Iran tomorrow before wrapping up group play against Iraq on Monday. Over at the Sky Hall Toyota, table tennis action also gets underway, headlined by 23-year-old standout Lhey Marie Manginsay. Fresh off a gold-medal performance at the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand last January and a silver at the Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai, Manginsay will also serve as one of the country’s flag-bearers in

PSC chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio (seated, middle) rallies behind the new administration of the PNVF with Frank Lao as president. Also shown are (seated, from left to right) PNVF Marketing Director Cedelf Tupas, PSC Chief of Staff Loujaye Sonido, PNVF Board Members Atty. Wharton Chan and Sienna Olaso, PNVF Vice President Atty. Donn Kapunan, PNVF Treasurer Rommel Ng, PNVF Executive Director Atty. Miguel Carlos Pacifico F. Suarez, Rebisco executive Alan Acero, and PNVF Deputy Executive Director Juanito Gregorio, together with the players and coaches of the beach volleyball squads that competed in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya recently. PSC PHOTO

Volleyball League (PVL), will regain the role he had seven years after steering the Alas Pilipinas Men squad to a historic silver medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019. He will take over from Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni, who has been tasked to handle the Alas Pilipinas Women squad in an interim capacity as the federation begins its long-term development for the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup that the country will host in 2029. Suarez added that to avoid conflict, PNVF president Frank Lao will focus his resources on the Alas Pilipinas Men squad through his Strong Group Athletics (SGA), the organization behind the PVL franchises Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee. A distinguished business leader and avid sportsman who was elected as PNVF president just last August, Lao vows to direct all the financial resources to the national athletes to streamline the administrative process and eliminate the delay in the dis-

bursement of allowances. So far, Lao has used his personal funds to cover the financial liabilities and other obligations that he inherited from the previous PNVF administrations. Lao will also chair the national team commission together with Bo Perasol of the UAAP, Victor Calvo of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Sherwin Malonzo of the PVL, and Dr. Ian Laurel of the Shakey’s Super League. “Our president, Mr. Frank Lao, is delivering on his commitment to drive reforms within the federation,” Suarez said in an official statement on Thursday. “He wants to eliminate delays in the issuance of allowances, which is why he is disbursing his financial support directly to our national athletes. By doing so, he is setting a clear precedent for other potential sponsors to follow. Through these steps, we are laying a strong foundation of integrity, credibility, and good governance — values that will anchor our organization moving forward.”

SPORTS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

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

Golden Booters stun Blue Eagles for 1st triumph Matches on Saturday (UP Football Stadium) 2 p.m. – UP vs NU (Women’s) 4:30 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Women’s) 7 p.m. – DLSU vs Ateneo (Women’s)

The UST Golden Booters celebrate their 2-0 dumping of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

British legend Rusedski wants to help Eala reach tennis elite By Jeremiah Sevilla

RITISH tennis legend Greg Rusedski has expressed his desire to work with Filipina ace Alexandra “Alex” Eala to improve her serve, believing it could help the Filipina break into the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour’s top five. The former world No. 4, known for his powerful serve during his playing career, said he would welcome the chance to work with the No. 19 Eala during the offseason after the 2026 tour. “I’d love to have a crack at it. I don’t know if I’d ever be invited to do so, but during the offseason, that would be something I would be very interested to do,” Rusedski said in a recent episode of his Off Court with Greg podcast. Rusedski, who is also a lefty like Eala, pointed to the Filipina’s elbow and ball toss positions as well as

her shoulder alignment as areas that need improvement. “If you can change that angle, which isn’t that difficult a thing to do, but it’s making it a habit that takes a little bit longer, then she can use the explosiveness of the elbow to throw and loosen up the wrist on the serve, which will definitely get her a few more miles per hour,” he said. The 52-year-old, who won 15 ATP singles titles and once held the record for the fastest serve at 149 miles per hour, believes the 21-year-old Eala already has the tools to compete with

Alexandra Eala

Greg Rusedski

the world’s best players. “Her groundstrokes are immaculate. Her return to serve is exceptional. Her movement is great and she reads the game exceptionally well,” he said. “So if you added that (great serve) on to her, all of a sudden she’s crack-

ing in the top five if you get the extra speed and accuracy.” American coach Rick Macci, who previously worked with American icons Serena and Venus Williams, also stressed the need to improve Eala’s serve.

RENAN Ballespin stepped up to help the University of Santo Tomas secure its first win in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament, powering the Golden Booters to a 2-0 victory over Ateneo de Manila University on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. The midfielder made the most of two counterattacking opportunities against the Blue Eagles, helping UST collect three points and improve its goal difference to zero as it climbed to fifth place in the standings. Ballespin found Novie Paraiso making a run toward the middle of the box just seconds before halftime, setting up his teammate for the opening goal. The graduating senior then capitalized on the space afforded to him just four minutes into the second half, doubling UST’s lead and giving the Golden Booters enough cushion to see out the victory as their defense held firm against Ateneo’s attempts to fight back. “Actually, it was a good factor (‘yung rest), but in the first half we were surprised because we were very flat,” said UST assistant coach Carlos Santiago. “The coaching staff was very hysterical dito sa sidelines because we weren’t expecting that start eh.” “We are actually fortunate Ateneo wasn’t able to capitalize and we were very fortunate that we able to convert that goal given it was all already injury time, the first half we were flat but in the second half we came back. It’s a good thing we were able to score the goal.” Ateneo, meanwhile, had several opportunities to take the lead in the first half, but team captain Dov Cariño struggled to find room to operate as UST kept him in check. The graduating midfielder also had a golden opportunity to pull one back in second-half stoppage time, but he was unable to get back inside the box before Mark Daig collected the ball. The Blue Eagles remained in sixth place with one point and a goal difference of minus-six. UST will look to make it two consecutive wins when it faces the University of the East on Sunday, October 18, at 4:30 p.m. Ateneo, meanwhile, will seek its first victory against the same UE squad on Thursday, October 22, at 2 p.m.

World no. 1 Waters praises passion of PH pickleball fans WORLD No. 1 pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters was impressed by the passion of Filipino players and noted the sport has become more than just a game in the country. “They’re very passionate about the game,” Waters said during a media event presented by her brand partners IAM Worldwide and Franklin Sports at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati on Thursday. “I feel like the locals in the Philippines not only are they enjoying playing every day; it’s become part of their lifestyle, and it’s maybe even become part of the culture here in the Philippines, which is really nice to see,” she added. The 19-year-old American stalwart noted that while pickleball continues to grow in the United States, the sport has developed a stronger cultural connection in the Philippines. “Even though in America the sport

Pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters (second from left) poses with officials of IAM Worldwide and Franklin Sports, alongside her parents, during a media event at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati.

is really growing, I feel like it doesn’t have that cultural element that it does here in the Philippines,” she said. Waters was also touched by the warm

reception she received from Filipino fans, describing her three-day Manila visit as one of the most memorable experiences of her life.

“I just had some of the best three days of my life visiting this new place. I felt so much love and support from so many people that I never met before. It’s pretty incredible what the sport of pickleball can do,” she beamed. “I felt like I already knew everybody I met and they knew so much about me. And just the warm welcome they were giving me made me really love everybody here,” she added. Waters visited the Philippines as part of her Asia tour, headlining the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on Wednesday. She also came to the country to promote health and fitness as the new global sports ambassador of wellness company IAM Worldwide, and offer a glimpse of an upcoming paddle from Franklin Sports designed for everyday pickleball players. Jeremiah Sevilla

Zaragosa wins wild Pueblo de Oro thriller, without knowing he had it sealed CAGAYAN DE ORO—Rupert Zaragosa summoned precision to overcome his lack of length, delivered clutch birdies when the pressure peaked, then endured an anxious final-hole bogey before discovering he had done enough to win the ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship on Thursday. In a rain-soaked final-round shootout marked by dramatic lead changes, costly mistakes and pressurepacked shots, Zaragosa fired a four-under 68 to finish at 276, edging Keanu Jahns and Zanieboy Gialon by one stroke in one of the most gripping finishes of the Philippine Golf Tour season. The diminutive but gifted shotmaker appeared to have seized control with birdies on Nos. 16 and 17, the latter punctuated by a superb 16-foot putt and an emphatic roar. Yet even as the final-hole drama unfolded around him, Zaragosa remained unaware of the state of the leaderboard – and of just how close he was to ending his winless run this season. Holding what he believed was no assured advantage, he drove safely on the par-4 18th but came up short of the green. His chip stopped six feet from the cup, only for his par putt to slide by, leaving him

with a bogey and a closing-round card that suddenly looked vulnerable. After holing out, Zaragosa turned to ask whether he had won. He had. His 12-under total stood up as both Jahns and Gialon failed to make the birdies they needed to force a playoff, giving Zaragosa an emotional victory forged through patience, precision and nerves of steel. “I didn’t know that I won until after holing out,” said Zaragosa in Filipino, still seemingly catching up with the drama that had unfolded over the closing holes. “I knew I was tied with Keanu and Zanieboy after the 14th hole, but from there, I just stayed focused on my game,” said Zaragosa. With the winding par-5 17th demanding a bit of everything, Zaragosa opted for a 3-wood off the tee before laying up and hitting his approach to within 16 feet. He then sank the putt for a crucial birdie that proved decisive. “The birdie on No. 17 really made the difference and gave me the win,” he said.

Rupert Zaragosa is doused with water by his peers after winning the ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship. Manny Marcelo

Letran, San Beda fight to stay alive in playoffs race Games Friday (Rizal Memorial Coliseum) 1 p.m. --- Letran vs San Beda 3 p.m. --- JRU vs CSB 5 p.m. --- NU vs Perpetual

LETRAN and San Beda University battle for survival in the race for the last playoffs berth in Pool A of the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. With the unbeaten reigning champion National University already through to the second round, four other squads in the pool are scrambling for the final bus ride to the next phase. The Lady Knights and Lady Red Spikers are looking to get back on the winning track when they collide at 1 p.m. to open the busy triple-header playdate of the league’s centerpiece competition, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R&B Milk Tea. Letran, the reigning NCAA champion, suffered a 21-25, 14-25, 19-25, defeat at the hands of the Lady Bulldogs last week and slipped to a 1-1 win-loss slate tied with University of Perpetual Help System DALTA. Winless San Beda, on the other hand, squandered a 2-1 match lead against Lady Altas in a sorry 30-28, 19-25, 25-23, 17-25, 14-16, loss last Saturday for a 0-2 slate, pushing the team on the brink of elimination. Meanwhile, NU shoots for a group stage sweep when it takes on desperate Perpetual at 5 p.m. The five-peat-seeking Lady Bulldogs rolled past their first three opponents without dropping a single set. But head coach Norman Miguel is not taking the Lady Altas lightly.

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

August remittances hit $3b By Thony Rose Lesaca

ASH remittances from overseas Filipino workers rose 1.9 percent to $3.035 billion in August 2026 from $2.977 billion a year ago, matching July’s growth pace, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday. August inflows were the lowest since May 2026, when remittances totaled $2.71 billion and fell from $3.24 billion in July. Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion said the data show remittance inflows remain resilient, but growth is moderating because of weaker deployment and global uncertainties. “While geopolitical risks continue to pose challenges, remittances have

historically been among the country’s most stable external inflows,” Asuncion said in a Viber message. Land-based workers sent the bulk of the money at $2.40 billion, while sea-based workers transferred $630 million. The United States remained the top source of remittances, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia, the BSP said. Personal remittances, which include cash sent through banks and informal

channels and transfers in kind, rose 2.0 percent to $3.372 billion. Data showed that eight-month cash remittances grew 2.2 percent to $23.424 billion, while personal remittances increased 2.3 percent to $26.098 billion. “These inflows continued to underpin household spending and domestic economic activity, reflecting the resilience of remittance flows as a key source of household income and external financing,” the BSP said. Asuncion said the BSP’s remittance growth target of 2.7 percent for 2026 remains achievable as holiday-related transfers typically pick up in the fourth quarter. “With seasonal holiday-related transfers typically picking up in the fourth quarter, the BSP’s 2.7 percent growth target for 2026 remains within reach, provided current trends hold through year-end,” Asuncion said.

Onion traders $3.035 billion face P1.76b Remittances in in fines—PCC August

$3.24 billion

Remittances in July

$23.4 billion Eight-month remittances

Aznar Shipping to pursue IPO in December By Jenniffer B. Austria AZNAR Shipping Corp. is pushing through with its planned initial public offering (IPO) and may price the shares at a 10 to 15-percent discount to the maximum offer price of P0.67, given market conditions, sources said. The company is still awaiting regulatory approvals for its maiden share offering. The Cebu-based shipping operator filed its IPO application with the Securities and Exchange Commission in September. It plans to raise up to P737 million and will use the net proceeds to fund fleet expansion and other growth initiatives. Under the filing, Aznar seeks to sell up to 1 billion primary common shares, with an over-allotment option for another 100 million secondary shares. Aznar operates nine vessels across four major interisland routes, with regular port calls at eight locations in the Visayas. It plans to add vessel capacity, develop more routes and upgrade facilities as it expands its regional operations. Among the potential growth routes is the Bacolod-Dumangas/Iloilo corridor, which could complement its existing Tabuelan-Escalante operations. The company plans to hold its offer period from Dec. 1 to Dec. 8 and list its shares on Dec. 18 on the Philippine Stock Exchange’s Small, Medium and Emerging Board under the ticker symbol “ALX.” Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines and PNB Capital and Investment Corp. are the joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners for the offering. Aznar could be the second company to hold an IPO this year. Mynt Inc., the parent of e-wallet giant GCash, is set to list on the PSE’s main board on Oct. 20. PLDT unit VITROREIT Inc. has postponed its planned IPO to 2027.

BENGUET LEARNERS. About 96 learners at Piminggan Elementary School in Tuba, Benguet now experience more engaging lessons through digital presentations, educational videos and interactive activities made possible by AuroraPH of Aboitiz Foundation. Located 43 kilometers from Baguio City, Piminggan Elementary School had long struggled with limited access to electricity.

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has fined six onion importers and traders and their responsible officers P1.76 billion for allegedly dividing the market and controlling nearly half of import clearances for red and yellow onions in 2020 and 2021. “This represents the biggest amount imposed so far by the Philippine Competition Act on violators of the law,” PCC executive-director Kenneth Tanate said Thursday. The commission said it found the respondents liable under Section 14(b)(2) of the Philippine Competition Act, which prohibits agreements among competitors to divide or allocate markets. Golden Shrine International Freight Forwarders Corp., La Reina Fresh Vegetables and Young Indoor Plants Inc., Yom Trading Corp., VegeFruit and Rosal Fruit were each fined P330 million. Tian Long Corp. was ordered to pay P118.32 million. The respondents should permanently cease the arrangement and pay within 15 days of receiving the decision, which was issued on Oct. 1. As of Thursday’s briefing, none had paid, Tanate said, adding that failure to comply could result in additional penalties. Tanate said the respondents coordinated import clearances, shipments and cold storage operations through arrangements that consolidated permits under separate corporate entities. Golden Shrine used importers’ credentials, assigned consignees, monitored permit allocations and coordinated shipments, the PCC said. Imported onions were routed to cold storage facilities managed under Tian Long for nationwide distribution, it said. “By accumulating permits across separate corporate entities, the respondents collectively controlled nearly 50 percent of all import clearances for red and yellow onions,” said PCC Enforcement Office director Christia Loren DeLos Santos.

NTC flags 29 weak mobile signal sites in Metro Manila in test campaign By Darwin G. Amojelar THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) expressed concern over 29 test points that yielded unsatisfactory mobile broadband results in joint quality-of-service (QoS) tests of Smart, Globe and DITO, even as most areas covered recorded satisfactory speeds. It said of the 142 test campaigns in Quezon City, San Juan, Pasig and Taguig, 113 recorded download speeds above 50 megabits per second (Mbps). “The NTC notes the very satisfactory speeds recorded in most areas tested. However, the NTC expresses serious concern about 29 test points that yielded unsatisfactory results. There is a need to immediately address the identified deficiencies,” NTC deputy commissioner Andres Castelar said. The NTC conducted the joint tests after issuing show-cause orders, so that representatives of the three mo-

ERC allows bigger power plants

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has lifted long-standing capacity limits on prospective power plants across the country’s major grids, paving the way for larger facilities. It issued Resolution No. 34, Series of 2026, on Oct. 9, repealing caps of 600 megawatts (MW) for Luzon and 150 MW for the Visayas and Mindanao grids. Prospective grid-connected plants are no longer bound by unit ceilings but should secure a system impact study from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) or an accredited thirdparty provider. The study will determine whether a proposed facility can connect without degrading grid reliability, ensuring compliance with singleoutage contingency limits and thermal loading thresholds. The ERC also directed the system operator to adjust ancillary service levels, incorporate provisions into the transmission development plan and update regulations such as the Philippine Grid Code to safely manage the entry of larger generating capacities. “By removing outdated capacity restrictions, we are opening opportunities for greater investments and additional power supply. More generation capacity can strengthen competition, improve energy security, and help achieve more competitive electricity prices for Filipino consumers,” ERC chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Stocks rise as peso hits 63 per US dollar

PHILIPPINE stocks closed higher Thursday as foreign investors bought oversold stocks after two straight days of losses, even as the peso fell to a record low against the US dollar. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose 45.94 points, or 0.82 percent, to close at 5,663.17 after touching an intraday low of 5,564.47. The broader all-shares index gained 15.83 points, or 0.50 percent, to 3,174.69. The peso hit an intra-day low of 63.15 against the dollar Thursday

bile network operators could witness its testing methodology. It used the Rohde & Schwarz QualiPoc measurement tool, installed on commercial 5G-capable Android smartphones, to assess network performance under actual field conditions. DITO recorded the highest download speed at 422 Mbps along Boni Serrano Avenue in Barangay Socorro, Quezon City. Globe and Smart posted peak speeds of 381 Mbps and 377 Mbps, respectively, along San Francisco Street near SeaOil Plainview in Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City. The tests also uncovered significant gaps in connectivity. DITO recorded no measurable download speed, or 0 Mbps, outside Farmers Market in Cubao. Globe registered its lowest speed at 11.10 Mbps along Mercedes Avenue in Barangay San Miguel, Pasig City, while Smart posted its lowest at 6.32 Mbps along Coronado Street in Mandaluyong City, toward J.P. Rizal in Taguig City.

IN BRIEF morning before closing at 63.06. Analysts said the stock market dipped below the 5,600 level in the morning session after the peso sank to an all-time low of 63 to the dollar. “The local index rebounded following two consecutive trading sessions of declines, supported by bargain hunting across the board,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said. “Moving forward, the market is expected to remain wary of economic and geopolitical developments, with investors closely monitoring peso movements and broader macroeconomic conditions,” he said. Jenniffer B. Austria

BIR tax collection rose 11% in September THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said Thursday it collected P203.581 billion in gross revenue in September 2026, up P20.056 billion, or 10.93 percent, from the same month last year. BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza credited voluntary tax compliance and proactive taxpayer assistance by the bureau’s revenue regions, large taxpayers service and support units. “Our taxpayers are doing their part, and our revenuers are doing theirs. By reaching out and helping taxpayers comply correctly and on time, we are showing that good taxpayer service and stronger revenue collections go hand in hand,” Mendoza said. Data showed that in the first 9 months of 2026, the BIR collected P2.465 trillion in gross revenue, up P130.372 billion, or 5.58 percent, from the same period in 2025. Mendoza pointed to reforms under the BIR DARES agenda, including the rollout of the taxpayer portal, that have made compliance more convenient. Nationwide BIR CHAT (Counsel, Help, Assist Taxpayers) activities complemented the reforms by bringing direct assistance to businesses and communities. Thony Rose Lesaca

FASTER FINANCING. Finance Secretary Frederick Go (left) and Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon (right) meet with World Bank managing director of operations Anna Bjerde on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, to discuss the bank’s portfolio in the Philippines, which includes development policy operations (DPOs) and catastrophe deferred drawdown options (CATDDOs) in the pipeline. The DOF and the World Bank agreed to collaborate in shortening the processing timelines between the two institutions, to hasten financing support for development projects in the country.

DHSUD, Pag-IBIG Fund to offer 50,000 homes at housing expo THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and Pag-IBIG Fund will bring 50,000 housing units from more than 80 partner developers to the 2nd National Housing Expo on Oct 19 and 20 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, giving Filipino workers and their families more options to find homes suited to their needs and budgets. The two-day event builds on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program, which combines higher housing loan limits, lower interest rates and stronger developer partnerships. It will feature house-and-lot properties, condominiums and ready-foroccupancy units, including homes within Metro Manila that let workers live closer to their workplaces. Under Expanded 4PH, Pag-IBIG Fund offers financing options across income levels. Qualified members buying socialized housing may avail of a subsidized interest rate of 3 percent, while promotional rates of 4.5 percent and 5.75 percent make higher-priced homes more affordable for middle- and upper-middleincome members. Housing loans go up

to P10 million, allowing more families to consider homes closer to employment centers. The promotional rates are offered until Dec. 31, 2026. DHSUD Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund board chairman Jose Ramon Aliling said the expo strengthens collaboration between government and the private sector to increase housing supply and make homeownership more affordable. “President Marcos has given us a clear directive to provide every Filipino family the opportunity to own a quality and affordable home in a safe community. We are building on the gains of Expanded 4PH by strengthening partnerships with leading developers to increase housing supply, including ready-for-occupancy homes within cities. Together with Pag-IBIG Fund’s higher housing loan limits and lower interest rates, these efforts are opening more opportunities for Filipino workers across income levels to own homes, including condominium units, closer to their workplaces. The National Housing Expo brings these gains together, demonstrating how government and the private sector can address both sides of the housing equation,” Aliling said.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

B FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 3

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

WORLD FOOD DAY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

advertise@manilastandard.net

World Food Day and World Bread Day 2026:

Innovate today, nourish tomorrow By Alwyn Lukas Ferraz

VERY year on October 16, people around the world celebrate World Food Day to raise awareness about ending hunger, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The observance serves as a global call to action, reminding governments, communities, and individuals of the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food.

World Bread Day is commonly attributed to the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners (UIBC), which reportedly established the observance in 2006. It recognizes bread’s enduring role in human diets and its importance across cultures and communities. Bread has long been a staple food, providing energy and, depending on its ingredients and preparation, essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Often described as the “staff of life,” it has become more than a source of nourishment. Across societies, bread symbolizes hospitality, tradition, livelihood, and community. From traditional loaves to locally produced varieties, bread reflects the diverse culinary practices and cultural identities of communities around the world. Its production also supports the livelihoods of farmers, millers, bakers, and other workers involved in the food supply chain. B e y o n d its cultural and nutritional significance, World Bread Day offers an opportunity to highlight broader challenges related to food security, hunger, and malnutrition. Although bread remains an everyday staple for millions of people, access to affordable and nutritious food continues to be uneven. Rising food prices, poverty, and disruptions in food production and distribution can prevent many families from

obtaining adequate nourishment. The Latin expression “Fiat Panis,” meaning “Let there be bread,” is associated with the FAO’s mission to combat hunger and promote food security. It reflects the broader aspiration of ensuring that everyone has access to sufficient food to live a healthy and productive life. As World Bread Day coincides with World Food Day, both observances reinforce the importance of making food accessible, affordable, safe, and nutritious for everyone. They also recognize the contributions of those who grow, harvest, process, bake, transport, and distribute the food that sustains communities. Ultimately, World Food Day and World Bread Day remind us that addressing hunger requires collective action. Governments, agricultural workers, food producers, businesses, and communities all have a role to play in building food systems that are productive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable. In line with the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” these observances encourage individuals and organizations to support practical solutions that reduce food waste, strengthen sustainable agriculture, improve food distribution, and expand access to nutritious meals. Ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food is an achievable goal, but it requires sustained commitment, shared responsibility, and meaningful action. By combining innovation with traditional knowledge and working together across communities and sectors, the world can move closer to a future where food nourishes everyone and no one is left behind.

State of Snacking: Responding to Consumer Needs for Well-being • •

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu delivers a speech during the World Food Day ceremony at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome on October 16, 2025. AFP

Established in 1979 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Food Day was first observed on October 16, 1981. The annual celebration supports the achievement of the second United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2), known as Zero Hunger, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. It also reinforces the principle that access to adequate and nutritious food is fundamental to human well-being. With the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” World Food Day 2026 highlights the importance of combining traditional knowledge with innovative ideas, science, and technology to build more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. The campaign emphasizes the need for practical solutions that improve food production, strengthen distribution systems, and ensure that nutritious food reaches more people without compromising the planet’s resources. Despite advances in agricultural technology and food production, hunger and malnutrition remain pressing global challenges. According to the 2026 edition of the United Nations report The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, approximately 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, while an estimated 2.69 billion people could not afford a healthy diet. These figures highlight persistent inequalities in access to affordable, nutritious food, underscoring the need for more inclusive and sustainable food systems. In his video message for World Food Day 2026, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the world’s capacity to address hunger, stating, “We have the knowledge, technology and capacity to feed the world. It’s time to use it.” (UN Web TV) From food production to distribution and marketing, the United Nations advocates the use of science and technology alongside the knowledge and expertise of agricultural workers, including farmers, fishers, herders, and other food producers. By combining technological advancements with traditional practices,

communities can develop more effective and sustainable approaches to food production and distribution. Guterres also highlighted the potential of data, innovation, and technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food. According to the FAO, scientific and technological advancements can transform agrifood systems in several ways. Information and communication technologies (ICTs), for instance, can make agricultural information more accessible and help bridge the digital divide among farmers and other food producers. Innovative farming methods, such as hydroponics, can support crop production in limited spaces, while advances in veterinary science can help protect animal health and reduce the risk of diseases that threaten human health. Furthermore, sustainable innovations throughout the food value chain can improve productivity, reduce food losses, strengthen local economies, and create better opportunities for producers and consumers. These approaches demonstrate that innovation is not limited to developing new technologies; it also involves finding inclusive, practical, and environmentally responsible ways to nourish present and future generations.

World Bread Day: Celebrating a Staple of Life October 16 also marks World Bread Day, an international observance that celebrates the cultural, culinary, and nutritional significance of one of the world’s oldest staple foods.

2026 State of Snacking report shows consumer trend in making more mindful choices Meeting rising consumer demand for better options form part of corporate responsibility

THE 2026 State of Snacking Report, a comprehensive global study conducted by Mintel in partnership with snacks company Mondelēz International, reveals a powerful and accelerating trend: consumers worldwide are independently choosing healthier, more mindful snacking behaviors—driven not by external mandates, but by personal values, evolving preferences, and the growing availability of better-for-you options in the marketplace. The report, which draws on consumer research across more than thirteen countries including the Philippines, demonstrates that the global snacking landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation led by consumer demand and industry innovation. Filipino Consumers Snack for Function, Not Just Indulgence The Philippines emerges as one of the most consistent snacking markets in the world, with Filipino consumers among the least likely globally to skip snacking occasions throughout the day: • Only 5% of Filipino consumers skip morning snacking, and the same for afternoon snacking—among the lowest skip rates in all countries surveyed. • Thirty-seven percent of Filipino consumers seek energy-boosting snacks in the morning and 30% in the afternoon showing that snacking fills critical nutritional and functional gaps throughout the workday. • Importantly, while Filipino consumers do enjoy indulgent snacks—the data reveals that finding filling snacks far outpaces indulgence as the primary driver of snacking behavior. These findings demonstrate that for Filipino consumers, snacks and beverages are not luxury items or discretionary indulgences—they are daily nutritional necessities woven into the rhythm of Filipino working life. The Middle Class Rely on Snacking The report reveals that snacking is deeply embedded in the daily routines of middle-income consumers — the very demographic most sensitive to price changes in everyday goods. According to the survey, a big portion of consumers globally now use snacks as meal replacements — meaning any cost increase directly impacts basic nutrition, not discretionary spending. Consumers Are Choosing Health —On Their Own Terms The data is unequivocal: approximately 4 in 10 consumers globally now actively seek healthier snack options at least some of the time—a figure that has grown organically since 2022. This trend is most pronounced among younger demographics, with Gen Z and Millennials across multiple markets adopting portion control strategies and prioritizing functional nutrition. Consumer expectations for better-for-you snacks are measurably higher in 2025 than in 2022, demonstrating a sustained, market-driven trajectory. In the Philippines, 38% of snackers choose snacks which offer nutritional benefits like being high in fiber or a source of vitamins. The implication is clear: the market is self-correcting. Consumers are already making better snacking choices. “These findings confirm what we’ve long believed—more consumers are empowered, informed, and making smarter

STATE OF SNACKING 2026 THE PHiLiPPiNES

SOURCE: 2026 MiNTEL STATE OF SNACKiNG REPORT GLOBAL SNAPSHOT

6 iN 10 CONSUMERS SNACK AT LEAST ONCE

4 iN 10 ACTiVELY SEEK HEALTHiER SNACK

~50% OCCASiONALLY REPLACE

GEN Z & MiLLENNiALS

DAiLY

OPTiONS

LEAD SNACKiNG FREQUENCY AT 2+ TiMES DAiLY

MEALS WiTH SNACKS

THE FILIPINO SNACKER

SKiP MORNiNG OR AFTERNOON SNACKiNG — AMONG THE LOWEST GLOBALLY

37%

SEEK ENERGY-BOOSTiNG SNACKS iN THE MORNiNG; 30% iN THE AFTERNOON

38%

CHOOSE SNACKS WiTH NUTRiTiONAL BENEFiTS (FiBER, ViTAMiNS)

KEY INSIGHT

"FiNDiNG FiLLiNG SNACKS OUTPACES iNDULGENCE" AS THE #1 DRiVER

SNACKiNG = DAiLY NUTRiTiONAL NECESSiTY, NOT A LUXURY

CONSUMERS ARE SELF-CORRECTiNG TOWARD HEALTHiER CHOiCES

choices every day,” said Caitlin Punzalan, Corporate and Government Affairs Lead of Mondelēz International in the Philippines. “We as manufacturers are responding to what consumers want: Great taste, transparent nutrition, and appropriate portions. This new consumer demand and resulting industry innovation is a sustainable path to better public health outcomes.” Industry Is Reformulating Ahead of Regulation —And Delivering Results The report’s findings align with demonstrated industry commitments to voluntary reformulation and proactive product improvement—well ahead of any regulatory mandate. The Company’s aim is to offer all its snacks in either individually wrapped portions or feature the Mindful Portion label to encourage mindful snacking. In 2025, ~94% of the company’s net revenue came from Mindful Portion snacks. As consumer needs and desires evolve, Mondelēz International periodically renovates its recipes in an effort to address changing expectations without compromising taste or quality. This voluntary, innovation-led approach has proven effective in countries worldwide, delivering measurable health improvements while preserving consumer choice, affordability, and access. Manufacturers are not waiting to be told to act—they are already investing in reformulation because the consumers demand it. Incentives Over Penalties: The Path That Actually Works The global evidence is clear: positive reinforcement drives better outcomes than punitive measures. Across more than thirteen countries, the 2026 report reveals that consumers respond to: • Brand guidance and education on portion sizes (62% of Australian consumers want more of it) • Pre-portioned options, for example with ≤200 calories and clear front-of-pack labeling • Product innovation that delivers taste and nutrition simultaneously • Voluntary industry commitments to improve its products A Call for Partnership The 2026 State of Snacking Report presents a clear evidence base: Consumers are already moving toward more mindful snacking behaviors, manufacturers are already reformulating ahead of any mandate, and the market is self-correcting at a pace that outstrips regulatory timelines. After all, the path to a healthier Philippines runs through empowerment, innovation, and partnership.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com Darwin G. Amojelar, Issue Editor

TRANSPORT

PAL named Asia’s leading cultural airline for 2026 PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) has been named Asia’s Leading Cultural Airline for 2026 at the prestigious World Travel Awards, an honor recognizing the airline’s distinct expression of Filipino hospitality, culture, and service. The recognition highlights the Philippine flag carrier’s commitment to deliver an experience that reflects the warmth, sincerity, and genuine care of the Filipino people to travelers around the world. For 85 years, the PAL experience has been defined by this distinct brand of service that places human connection at the heart of every journey. “Receiving this recognition is a source of pride for Philippine Airlines and for the people who bring the Filipino spirit to life in every part of the journey,” said Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines. “This award reflects the dedication of our employees who bring Filipino warmth to our passengers wherever PAL flies.” The recognition comes as PAL advances its fleet modernization, upgrades its cabin interiors, and strengthens its connectivity. As the airline looks ahead, it remains grounded in the Filipino values that have shaped its service for more than eight decades, bringing the Philippines closer to the world while sharing the warmth and care of the Filipino with every passenger. The World TravelAwards recognizes excellence across the global tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors. In the Asia’s Leading Cultural Airline category, PAL emerged as the winner from a field of 13 nominated airlines. Winners are determined through an online voting process involving travel and tourism executives and consumer travel buyers. The votes from verified industry professionals carry double weight, and all votes are internally audited.

Gov’t struggles to meet LRT-2 passenger demand

HE government is struggling to meet rising passenger demand on the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), as daily ridership has surpassed prepandemic levels following the implementation of a 50-percent fare discount for all passengers in March 2026. Data from the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) showed that average daily ridership exceeded 200,000 passengers from August to October 2026, up from the average of 159,615 recorded in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Total passenger traffic also rose to 48.32 million in the first nine months of 2026, from 42.04 million during the same period last year. LRTA Administrator Hernando Cabrera attributed the increase in ridership to the 50-percent acrossthe-board fare discount for LRT-2 and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), which took effect on March 23, 2026. The initiative followed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide financial relief to commuters amid rising global fuel prices and inflation. While the discounted fares have made train travel more affordable, the increase in passenger volume has put additional pressure on LRT-2’s limited train fleet, contributing to longer waiting times and heavier passenger loads, particularly during peak hours.

The higher ridership also came with lower revenue collection. LRTA revenue reached P676.48 million from January to September 2026, down from P942.33 million during the same period last year. The LRTA acknowledged passengers’ concerns over train availability and reliability, saying it continues to conduct regular maintenance and procure spare parts to keep its trains operational. However, maintaining the fleet has become increasingly difficult as the train sets have been in service for more than two decades. Some components have become obsolete or are no longer commercially available, complicating repair and maintenance work. As part of its comprehensive rehabilitation plan, train manufacturer Hyundai Rotem and TÜV Rheinland Philippines Inc. conducted a midlife assessment of the LRT-2 fleet in 2024. The assessment found that eight of the original 18

train sets were beyond repair and no longer suitable for rehabilitation. The two firms recommended acquiring new train sets as a more sustainable longterm solution. The remaining 10 train sets are also being assessed based on their age, condition, and the availability of spare parts. The LRTA said rehabilitating these units is no longer considered economically feasible as a long-term solution. With only 10 train sets currently available for regular operations, the railway has limited capacity to accommodate the growing number of passengers. The LRTA said it is working to secure funding for additional train sets to increase capacity and improve service reliability. In the meantime, it will continue maintenance activities and spare-parts procurement to maximize the availability of its existing fleet. To help ease congestion, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez earlier directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the LRTA to study the issuance of special permits allowing public utility buses (PUBs) to operate along the LRT-2 route, from Antipolo Station to Recto Station and back, with designated stops at LRT-2 stations. The proposed bus service will also examine operational arrangements, compliance with existing franchising and regulatory requirements, and passenger fares. The initiative aims to provide commuters with an alternative mode of transportation and ease congestion at LRT-2 stations, particularly during peak hours. LRT-2 operates 13 stations along its route from Recto Station in Manila to Antipolo Station in Rizal. Darwin G. Amojelar

PPA, PANTALAN sign 2026-2029 labor agreement

CAAP training center wins seat on ICAO Steering Committee THE Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has secured a seat on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) TRAINAIR PLUS Steering Committee (TPSC), marking a first in the training center’s history. CATC received 76 votes, earning one of the 21 seats available to nominees from around the world in the recently concluded selection process. “This achievement is a proud milestone for CATC and CAAP. It gives us an opportunity to contribute to international discussions on aviation training, share our experiences, and learn from other countries as we work to strengthen the competencies of the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals,” said CAAP Director General, retired Lt. Gen. Raul L. Del Rosario. CATC’s representation on the TPSC gives the Philippines a platform to help shape international aviation training initiatives and contribute to global efforts to strengthen aviation workforce development. CAAP reaffirmed its commit-

ment to advancing Philippine civil aviation through quality training and workforce development, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and employees’ union Pambansang Tinig at Lakas sa Pantalan (PANTALAN) have signed their ninth Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) for 2026-2029, reaffirming their commitment to employee welfare, harmonious labor-management relations, and improved public service. The agreement was signed at the PPA head office, with PPA General Manager Jay Santiago leading the management delegation during the negotiations and signing. The CNA establishes a framework for employees to exercise their rights to self-organization and collective negotiation while promoting shared responsibility between management and employees on matters concerning workers’ rights, benefits, and welfare. It also seeks to ensure fair, humane, reasonable, and equitable working conditions while supporting productivity, workplace discipline, and positive employer-employee relations.

PPA and PANTALAN signed the 9th Collective Negotiation Agreement reaffirming its commitment to strengthen labormanagement relations

Among its provisions are the continued grant of applicable economic benefits and CNA incentives, employee training and career development, recognition and rewards, and programs promoting health, safety, and physical and mental well-being. PANTALAN Chairperson Israel Cambi thanked PPA management for its openness and support throughout the negotiations, saying the agreement reflected their shared goal of improving employees’ welfare. He added that both sides shared the

objective of helping employees benefit from the negotiations. The PPA assured its employees and PANTALAN that it would faithfully implement the agreement’s provisions, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a workplace where employee welfare and organizational objectives advance together. A joint CNA Steering Committee and Monitoring Committees will oversee the agreement’s implementation and address concerns that may arise during the process.

CEB honors Cebuano roots with Bisaya version of 30th anniversary OST

CEBU Pacific is celebrating its Cebu roots and three decades of connecting Filipinos through the release of a Bisaya version of its 30th anniversary original soundtrack (OST), “Where Dreams Fly,” performed by Original Pilipino Music (OPM) band Oh! Caraga. The new rendition gives the anniversary song a distinct regional identity, highlighting Cebu’s cultural heritage and the aspirations of Filipinos across generations. “Oh! Caraga brings an anthemic feel to ‘Where Dreams Fly,’ giving our 30th anniversary OST a new energy that transcends language. The dreams of our passengers, both in the Philippines and beyond, have

always been at the heart of Cebu Pacific’s story. Through this Bisaya version, we hope more travelers connect with the song in a language that feels close to home,” said Mi-

chelle De Guzman, CEB marketing director. The accompanying music video pays tribute to Cebu, where the airline’s journey began, and celebrates

the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and dreams of Cebuanos that continue to inspire generations of Filipinos. It features familiar symbols from Cebu Pacific’s special 30th anniversary Airbus A321neo, dubbed the Dreamer Plane, including puso or hanging rice, mangoes, guitars, and stars, alongside the Dreamer Girl. Cebu-based artist Happy Garaje, who designed the aircraft’s anniversary livery, also makes a cameo appearance. The video also features a boy riding a bicycle as a tribute to the airline’s founder, John Gokongwei Jr., whose early experiences selling goods in Cebu helped shape his entrepreneurial journey.

SHOWBIZ

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

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

Pops Fernandez

on finding happiness, career longevity

ONCERT Queen Pops Fernandez has a simple piece of advice for young artists hoping to build careers that stand the test of time: Take the work seriously, love what you do, and be prepared for the challenges that come with it.

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

Concert Queen Pops Fernandez credits discipline, genuine passion, and hard work for sustaining her decades-long career in show business

Pops Fernandez enters a new personal chapter with a stronger focus on peace, family, and doing the work that continues to matter to her

The celebrated singer, who has spent decades in the entertainment industry, knows that show business is not always as glamorous as it appears. “If you love it so much, and this is really what you want, and this is really your career, take it seriously. Love it,” she told Manila Standard

Entertainment during the press conference for Pops, a birthday concert happening on Nov. 26 at Newport Performing Arts. According to Pops, who is turning 60 on Dec. 12, many people see the entertainment industry as an easy path to fame, overlooking the hard work and sacrifices required

to stay relevant. Artists must also learn to deal with public scrutiny, outside opinions, and the pressure of working in an environment where people are often quick to judge without knowing the full story. For aspiring performers, she believes that genuine passion must go hand in hand with commitment and a willingness to work hard. But while Pops has learned to handle the demands of her profession, she has also discovered the importance of protecting her peace. She admitted that there was a time when the pressures and challenges of life became overwhelming. Eventually, she realized that she needed to change her outlook and stop allowing circumstances beyond her control to dictate how she felt. “I think it was a decision to just be at peace with life and everything else happening,” she opened up. “I don’t owe it to you guys, but I owe it to myself. Because I have to feel good about myself,” she said. Taking care of herself is a personal choice that allows her to feel confident and happy despite life’s inevitable difficulties. Asked what brings her the greatest happiness these days, Pops did not hesitate to name the people who matter most to her. “My boys. My only answer,” she said of her sons. Seeing her children doing well and knowing that her family is happy give her a sense of fulfillment that makes the challenges of life worthwhile. “It makes everything worth it. So that’s what makes me happy,” she added.

Michael V. finds new room for his comedy in ‘Family Feud’

Back in a hosting role he has missed, Michael V. balances the game show with his other commitments

By Jasper Valdez MICHAEL V. is no stranger to making people laugh, but Family Feud has given him a different kind of challenge, one where the contestants often provide the material for his next punchline. During a recent set visit, the comedian, also known as Bitoy, admitted that he initially held back on his jokes when he first took over hosting duties from Dingdong Dantes, unsure whether his humor might slow down the taping. “During the first few episodes, I was still a little hesitant. I wasn’t sure what would happen or if the jokes I delivered would work,” he said. He eventually learned that the production team could trim lengthy exchanges for broadcast, while unused jokes could still be shared on social media. Although known for his quick wit, Michael V. explained that his jokes on the game show are not entirely spontaneous. He prepares material beforehand, sometimes researching contestants to come up with jokes

suited to their personalities. “There’s always preparation. If you’ve noticed, I already have certain jokes ready, and we try to tailor them to the guests,” he said. “Of course, some jokes just come out spontaneously, but more often than not, especially when I’m standing at the podium, I already have something prepared.” Still, the comedian finds the unpredictable nature of Family Feud particularly enjoyable. Rather than treating unexpected answers as a challenge, he sees them as opportunities to improvise. “Even before I became the host, whenever I watched Family Feud and heard an answer that could be turned into a punchline, I would already come up with jokes while watching,” he recalled. “I’d think to myself, ‘If I were the host, this is what I’d say.’ Now that I’ve actually been given the opportunity to host, I get to do those things.” Aside from finding humor in spontaneity, Michael V. enjoys meeting contestants who give him

Michael V. adapts his trademark humor to game-show hosting, preparing jokes around contestants while leaving room for spontaneous punchlines

fresh ideas. “What excites me about hosting is the interaction with people. When I meet people I don’t know, I get new ideas from them. Getting to know them better is what’s exciting for me,” he said. He also appreciates how the game encourages everyone to participate, including viewers watching at home. “Sometimes, when you watch the show on social media, you can

Unexpected answers and contestant interactions become fresh material for Michael V. as he settles into his temporary hosting stint

see people answering the questions in the comments section,” he said. “They really get absorbed in it. Sometimes, they even get angry, which is actually a good reaction.” Michael V. began his temporary hosting stint in September while Dingdong focused on filming his action-drama series The Master Cutter. He said the arrangement has allowed him to revisit a part of television work he had missed

after years of concentrating on other commitments. “I haven’t been hosting much lately, and I’ve missed doing shows like this,” he said. For now, he remains open to continuing as guest host while Dingdong’s schedule remains packed, provided his own commitments to Bubble Gang and Pepito Manaloto can be accommodated.

LIFE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

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

When disability becomes a punchline The controversy surrounding the ‘Machong Chismisan’ podcast has renewed calls for greater sensitivity toward people with disabilities

Uniqlo and British designer JW Anderson’s fall/winter 2026 collection combines traditional British styles with contemporary designs

The fall/winter 2026 collaboration features knitwear, including sweaters and vests, alongside accessories designed for layering during colder weather

JW Anderson reinterprets British classics for Japanese casualwear brand GLOBAL apparel retailer Uniqlo is launching its latest collaboration with British designer JW Anderson today, Oct. 16, featuring a fall/ winter wardrobe inspired by theater, academic culture, and artistic expression. The Uniqlo and JW Anderson 2026 Fall/Winter collection combines traditional British styles with contemporary silhouettes, vintageinspired details, and practical designs for everyday wear. The lineup includes outerwear, knitwear, shirts, trousers, skirts, and accessories for men and women, with prices ranging from P1,490 to P4,490. Among the featured pieces are the genderless Short Blouson, which comes in a cropped length and relaxed silhouette, and the women’s Padded Short Jacket, designed with voluminous padding and functional details. Knitwear options include V-neck sweaters, crew neck vests, and Lambswool Fair Isle Crew Neck Sweaters in different colors and patterns. For colder days, the collection offers a men’s Windproof Fleece Jacket and a women’s Fleece Short Blouson, both designed for comfortable layering. The women’s Pleated Skirt

The fall/winter 2026 collection features women’s knitwear and accessories, including pieces designed to be layered for versatile everyday styling

Center Cebu, SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio High Street, SM Lanang Premier, Power Plant Mall, Nuvali Roadside, and Alabang Westgate Roadside. Selected items will also be available at all Uniqlo stores in the Philippines. The collaboration continues the partnership’s approach of combining JW Anderson’s interpretation of traditional British clothing with Uniqlo’s focus on fit, materials, and functionality under its LifeWear philosophy. The collection offers men’s outerwear and separates that combine classic styling with practical details

features an asymmetrical design that adds movement to the silhouette. The collection also includes Flannel Boxy Shirts, Straight Jeans, Straight Work Pants, Heattech Socks, wool-cashmere beanies and stoles, and shoulder bags. “This season reflects the worldview of theater and academic culture, the intersections of unbound creativity,” JW Anderson said. “Building on traditional styles, we’ve created a collection that incorporates colors, patterns, and functionality to be enjoyed in a range of everyday settings.” The collection features 13 women’s items, 12 men’s items, and four accessory styles. The full lineup is available at select Uniqlo stores and through the brand’s Philippine online store. Participating locations include the Uniqlo Manila Global Flagship Store, SM City North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Greenhills Mall, Ayala

S a sister to a brother with Down syndrome, hearing the words “walang kuwenta” [worthless] and “nakatunganga” [doing nothing] used to mock another person with special needs in a podcast clip hits differently. It may seem like an overreaction to some, but the comments laughed at by a group of men upset me.

I felt tears in my eyes after watching, and I realized they came from frustration and annoyance that we still have to explain why people with special needs deserve dignity and respect. The controversy surrounding the Machong Chismisan podcast has left me asking a question I honestly thought we would no longer have to ask in 2026. How can a group of grown men still find it funny to insult a person with special needs? How come not one of them insisted that the insulting part be edited out before publishing? In a re-uploaded clip from one of their episodes that went viral, one of the hosts discussed Joshua “Josh” Aquino, the eldest son of television host and actress Kris Aquino, and compared him with his younger brother, Bimby. The words “walang kuwenta” and “nakatunganga” were used in the discussion, prompting laughter among the men. The comments are now drawing public criticism, and the podcast team and host Tito P have issued apology statements. Josh is the grandson of the late former president Corazon Aquino and the late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. His family name may be familiar to millions of Filipinos, but that should have nothing to do with whether he deserves respect. Even if Josh were a nobody in the eyes of the public, he would still deserve dignity. Even if his parents were not famous, even if his grandparents had not been part of Philippine history, he would still deserve to be treated with kindness. I cannot help but think of the families who understand what it means to love and care for someone who experiences the world differently.

Random Talk Kate Adajar

People with special needs did not choose their conditions. They did not ask to be born with a disability or face challenges that others may never understand. While I think this is already basic, it seems there is a need for emphasis: they are not punchlines. Their worth is not determined by how quickly they learn, how independently they live, or how much society believes they can contribute. No one should have to prove their usefulness before being treated with dignity. I acknowledge that the men behind Machong Chismisan have apologized and that the offensive episode was taken down. An apology matters, and people should be given the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. Still, given that damage has been done and sensibilities have been offended, I believe this conversation must go beyond an apology. Discussing the incident is not about humiliating the men involved. It is about acknowledging the gravity of what happened. Removing the clip does not automatically erase the things it exposed or the message that viewers may have taken away from it. While parents, teachers, caregivers, and fellow advocates continue working toward a more inclusive society, careless comments like those we saw in the podcast make things a bit harder. That is why this conversation also needs to reach our homes. Parents should teach their children that a disability is not a punchline.

They should be reminded that another person’s appearance, behavior, abilities, and especially a medical condition should never be used to entertain others. Trying to be funny does not excuse anyone from being cruel. May they be taught, too, that they do not have to laugh along just because everyone else is laughing. They can speak up. They can say that something is wrong. To the men involved, I hope this becomes an opportunity for genuine reflection, not just because a clip went viral or because people expressed their anger, but because there is a real person and a family behind the words that were treated as entertainment. I hope you recognize the responsibility that comes with having an audience and use this experience to help others understand why such comments are unacceptable. While the men involved may be legally liable under a law that protects people with disabilities, we should call them out, but not totally cancel them, to hold them accountable. We do not need to respond to cruelty with more cruelty. But neither should we be so quick to move on that we lose the chance to learn. An apology is necessary, but changed behavior is even more important. Again, may the limited word count I have be enough to express that people with disabilities and special needs are not nobodies. They are somebody’s child, somebody’s sibling, and somebody’s friend. They deserve respect for the basic reason that they are human beings. I think, in 2026, that is not too much to ask.

SNAPSHOT

Layered pieces, including patterned knitwear and casual jackets, is part of the fall/ winter 2026 lineup

Healthcare institutions unite to make specialized cancer care more accessible GLOBAL Care Cabuyao chairman of the Board Engr. Ricardo D. Celino and PhilHealth PRO IV-A Acting Regional vice president Dr. Edwin M. Oriña lead the ceremonial signing of the PhilHealth Z Benefits Package contract to expand access to specialized cancer care. Also present at the ceremony were board members Attorney Imelda P. Cirilo, Dr. Blesilda Cuadra, and Olondriz Javier; president Dr. Angellie Campos; and medical director Dr. Kenn Cathrell C. Acdal. The event was witnessed by Global Care officials and PhilHealth representatives, including Dr. Kristianne BautistaCayad-an, Dr. Robert Joseph Almoro, Dr. Anna Teresa Olmedo, Mr. Carlowen O. Cantara, Ms. Edelyn C. Laqui, Dr. Roan Michelle De Belen, and Mr. Ricardo Valenzuela, Jr., marketing director and film producer.