Manila Standard - 2026 November 2 - Monday

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Biz pegging peso at P65 to dollar for input costs Economists see Oct. inflation going up to as high as 7.8% By Thony Rose Lesaca and Othel V. Campos

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OCAL manufacturers are using an assumed exchange rate of P65 to the US dollar for business planning as peso volatility raises uncertainty over imported input costs, Federation of Philippine Industries chair Elizabeth Lee said.

VOL. XL • NO. 260 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026 •

Lacson: Senate majority to scrub shady allocations from ‘27 budget By Ram Superable and Maricel V. Cruz THE Senate majority supports efforts to remove questionable allocations from the proposed 2027 national budget, including public works projects linked to politically influential lawmakers, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said Sunday. Lacson said no allocation would be exempt from scrutiny, citing the need to cleanse the spending plan of questionable projects and ensure transparency in its preparation. “Cleanse the 2027 budget of unwarranted, whimsical and corruption-prone items. All means all,” Lacson said. He confirmed that the review would include public works allocations for the congressional district of Next page

• Maintaining operations,

keeping workers priority • PSA to issue data Nov. 5 • ‘Slim room to pass costs’

Meanwhile, economists expect inflation to have accelerated to between 7.5 and 7.8 percent in October from 7.2 percent in September, citing higher oil prices, peso depreciation and rising food costs. Their estimates were made ahead of the Philippine Statistics Authority’s scheduled release of October data on Nov. 5. Lee stressed that P65 was neither a forecast nor the prevailing exchange rate, but a planning assumption to hedge against uncertainty. The peso’s rapid movement from P63 to P64 had made it difficult for companies to plan purchases and manage dollar exposure, particularly because the country relies heavily on imported oil, energy and industrial inNext page puts, she said.

Undas generally orderly, peaceful nationwide—PNP By Vince Lopez, Darwin G. Amojelar and Pot Chavez SUSTAINED law enforcement measures and early public safety preparations helped maintain peace and order across the country during the observance of All Saints’ Day on November 1, the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) raised its alert status from white blue as early as Friday to intensify monitoring and ensure public safety during Undas. In another development, the executives of the country’s three telecommunications met with the National Next page

HONORING THE DEAD. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joins millions of Filipinos nationwide yesterday in honoring their dead by visiting cemeteries and columbariums. Top photo shows the President, together with the former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, his sister Irene Marcos-Araneta paying their respects at the tomb of his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., on Friday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. At bottom left, hundreds of thousands gather at the Manila North Cemetery to remember their loved ones while residents of Hagonoy, Bulacan brave the floodwaters to visit their dead Hagonoy Public Cemetery. PCO, Norman Cruz, and Revoli Cortez

Girl group BINI issues ASEAN unity song By Charles Dantes

BINI’S ASEAN SONG. In this file photo, chart-topping P-Pop girl group BINI stands with Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay (center) after they were officially named as the country’s newest Tourism Ambassadors in July. DOT

FILIPINO girl group BINI has released a music video for “Sama-Sama Tayo” (We Are Together), a song celebrating Southeast Asian unity, cultural diversity and shared aspirations as the Philippines prepares to host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on Nov. 16 to 18 in Manila. Promoted by Philippine tourism officials, the music video highlights friendships and cultural connections among Southeast Asian nations, reinforcing the message of regional solidarity as the Next page

Bishops warn vs. devices, urge families to revive prayer, unity By Vito Barcelo CATHOLIC bishops have urged Filipino families to restore regular family prayer, saying declining religious practices and excessive use of electronic devices are weakening family bonds and contributing to fewer priestly and religious vocations. Bishop Crispin Varquez of Tagbilaran City, vice chairman of the Committee on Bishops’ Concerns

of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), called on Catholic families to revive the practice of praying the Rosary together and attending Sunday Mass. Varquez, a member of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace, warned that excessive use of mobile phones and other gadgets was eroding family unity.

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DepEd's El Niño protocols must not upset student learning—Gatchalian By Ram Superable and Maricel V. Cruz SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure its El Niño protocols guarantee students' safety

without aggravating learning loss. Meanwhile, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin of Iloilo said Congress continues to work on the national budget and preparations for a potentially severe El Niño despite the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Next page

IRAN WARNS US, ISRAEL VS. NEW ATTACKS

BUSINESS SENTIMENT LESS GLOOMY IN SEPT. — BSP

PINOY SURFERS STUN HEAVIES IN SIARGAO TILT

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BUSINESS / B1

SPORTS / A8

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Men can be victims of sexual violence—SC T In its 17-page decision promulgated in February, the SC En Banc said that "sexual violence devastates equally, regardless of gender." The High Court said that some rulings continue to describe rape as

a crime committed by men against women, adding that this is not only sexist but also excludes male victims who suffer the same trauma. “Thus, while there must be recognition of the historical injustice

women have suffered, the law, as well as its interpretation, must be resilient enough to provide equal protection to all victims and guard against stereotypes that all women are victims and all men are perpetrators. When laws are not genderneutral, male victims suffer twice: once at the hands of their abuser and second through the judicial system.” According to the SC, many countries have adopted gender-neutral rape laws to protect everyone's rights and encourage both male and female

Biz...

Tacandong & Co. senior adviser Jonathan Ravelas, Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion, and Metrobank chief economist Nicholas Mapa all projected it at 7.8 percent. Bank of the Philippine Islands lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. forecast 7.7 percent, while Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort estimated 7.6 percent. Security Bank chief economist Angelo Taningco gave the lowest estimate at 7.5 percent. Ravelas attributed the expected increase to elevated global oil prices, which are pushing up energy, food and logistics costs. He said persistent price pressures could keep the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on guard. Mapa also cited supply-side pressures involving rice, meat, fish and energy-related products. Asuncion said high food prices, peso depreciation and lingering supply constraints likely drove the October increase. Weather-related risks and higher input costs added pressure on food prices, while the weaker peso raised the domestic cost of imported fuel and other goods. “Although some agricultural commodities showed signs of easing during the month, these were likely insufficient to offset the broader upside

pressures on prices,” Asuncion said. Gains offset by earlier price shocks Neri of BPI said the broader effects of earlier price increases outweighed some relief from lower food and fuel costs. Easing supply disruptions as the Habagat season ended helped moderate food prices, while pump price rollbacks provided some relief on transport costs. However, these gains were offset by earlier price shocks spreading to fares and wages, he noted. October also marked the first full month of the P1 to P2 public transport fare increase that took effect on Sept. 28 and the P60 Metro Manila minimum wage hike implemented on Sept. 26, Neri said. Peso depreciation also raised the cost of fuel and food imports, as well as dollar-denominated power supply contracts. Ricafort said higher import and labor costs could be partly offset by local pump price rollbacks and improved weather conditions. Taningco cited higher fuel, logistics and food costs, along with wage and fare increases and more expensive imports due to peso depreciation. British against pork import restrictions Meanwhile, the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) warned that a proposed increase in pork import tariffs and a

possible two-month suspension of imports could drive up food prices and undermine efforts to contain price pressures. BCCP executive director Chris Nelson said restricting pork imports would be counterproductive as the government addresses rising food costs and prepares for possible El Niño effects next year. He said the main concern was the potential impact on consumers and the country’s food supply, rather than losses exporters might incur from higher tariffs. “If inflation is an issue, you need to have food supply, and obviously imports,” Nelson said during a media thanksgiving event Friday. He noted that food prices were rising by around 6 percent and said imports would help cushion possible disruptions to domestic production from hotter-than-usual weather and El Niño. Nelson reiterated the chamber’s opposition to the Department of Agriculture’s proposal to suspend pork imports for two months by withholding sanitary permits. He said the move could create uncertainty for traders and disrupt established trading arrangements. “If you fill the conditions and rules, you should issue them. It shouldn't be an export ban,” he said, referring to permits required for shipments from the United Kingdom.

141k police, force multipliers deployed The PNP earlier deployed more than 141,000 police personnel and force multipliers nationwide to secure cemeteries, transport terminals, major thoroughfares, churches, tourist destinations, and other strategic areas where large crowds were expected. To ensure public safety, Nartatez inspected several transport terminals and the Manila North Cemetery, together with National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Brig. Gen Christopher Abrahano and Manila Police District (MPD) director Brig. Gen Arnold Santiago. With the traditional observance flowing into All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2, Nartatez directed the NCRPO, particularly the MPD, and all police regional offices to sustain police presence in cemeteries, transport terminals, major thoroughfares, and other convergence areas. “I have directed all police commanders to sustain heightened police visibility, intensify patrols, and ensure immediate response to any security concern in their respective areas. We must not allow complacency to undermine our preparations. Our goal is to maintain public safety and ensure that the entire Undas observance remains peaceful until the last visitor safely returns home,” he said. He also reminded deployed person-

nel to observe maximum professionalism, courtesy, and restraint in dealing with the public while remaining firm against criminality and violations of the law. The PNP likewise urged the public to observe cemetery regulations and cooperate with security personnel. Prohibited items and activities include firearms, sharp objects, alcoholic beverages, gambling, overnight stays, and loud sound systems. Under NDRRMC Memorandum No. 308 issued by Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros, government agencies were directed to strengthen monitoring and coordination amid the exodus on All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Cellphone signals satisfactory The NTC said DITO Telecommunity Corp., Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. delivered generally satisfactory network performance during monitoring on Oct. 29, ahead of the expected increase in passenger traffic for Undas 2026. The 128 tests covered 12 major bus terminals. Of these, 114 recorded download speeds of at least 50 Mbps, while 14 fell below that mark. DITO posted the highest download speed at 851 Mbps at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), followed by Smart at 456 Mbps at the same terminal.

Globe recorded its highest speed of 330 Mbps at the Raymond Transportation terminal in Quezon City. The NTC monitored terminals operated by Victory Liner, Superlines, Baliwag Transit, Five Star, HM Transport, Raymond Transportation, Bicol Isarog and Florida Bus, as well as Araneta Bus Terminal and PITX. The sites included terminals in Cubao, Quezon City, and Sampaloc, Manila. For text messaging, Globe, DITO and Smart posted an average SMS success ratio of 100 percent, exceeding the NTC-prescribed standard of more than 99 percent. DITO and Globe recorded average call drop ratios of zero percent, within the prescribed limit of less than 2 percent. Smart, however, posted a call drop ratio of 5.26 percent, exceeding the allowable threshold. NTC Deputy Commissioner Andy Castelar said reliable mobile connectivity is essential at transport terminals, particularly during peak travel periods when many Filipinos travel to reunite with their families. “The Commission commends our MNOs’ readiness to heed the public’s reliance on mobile telecommunications services to communicate with their families, coordinate their trips and access essential information throughout their journey this Undas 2026,” Castelar said.

Impeach trial not bar to House performance Meanwhile, Garin rejected claims that the impeachment proceedings prevented lawmakers from fulfilling their legislative responsibilities, saying Congress remained on schedule in considering proposed measures, including the national budget and preparations for the anticipated climate phenomenon. “First of all, Congress has been on time with its work on proposed measures, including the budget and preparations for the Super El Niño,” Garin said. She said the impeachment proceedings were not initiated at the request of the House but required lawmakers to perform their constitutional duties. “The impeachment complaint was not something we wanted, nor was it something Congress wanted,” she said. Garin maintained that the House must perform its constitutional role in initiating and prosecuting impeachment cases while continuing its work on legislation, appropriations and oversight of government agencies. She compared the process to the handling of complaints by trial courts, saying authorities cannot simply refuse to act when a case is filed.

Bishops...

time on electronic devices than on shared religious and family activities. “Only a few families still practice it because family unity is being eroded by the gadgets people use, especially children. Even mothers and fathers are now affected,” he said. He described the family as a sanctuary of human life and said praying together helps preserve love and unity in the household. “We value our family so much because a family is a sanctuary of human life,” he said. Varquez also encouraged Catholics to deepen their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, stressing that Marian devotion should lead believers closer to Christ. “We should deepen our relationship with Mary because she leads us to her Son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior,” he said. As the monthlong observance ended, he urged families and communities to pray the Rosary for peace, particularly amid ongoing wars and other challenges facing society. ‘Vocational discernment requires prayer’ Drawing lessons from the biblical accounts of Samuel and St. Peter, Gaa said vocational discernment requires prayer, patience and freedom.

By Pot Chavez

HE Supreme Court (SC) announced on Friday its ruling that men can also be victims of sexual violence, noting that the law must protect all victims of abuse.

From A1

A weaker peso raises the cost of imported raw materials, fuel and other production inputs, squeezing manufacturers’ margins. ‘Limited room to pass on costs’ Companies are hedging their foreign-exchange exposure and negotiating with suppliers but have limited room to pass on higher costs because consumer demand is already weak. “If the peso actually slid about 10 to 11 percent, at the end of the day, the product will increase 10 to 11 percent. On the cost of the currency alone,” Lee said. “Manufacturers also cannot just push that whole increase in cost down the line because we already have demand destruction,” she added. Lee said manufacturers would prioritize maintaining operations and retaining workers while putting expansion plans on hold until conditions improve. “We want to hold on to our workers as much as possible. Because there's so much equity already put in the workers, the training, and all of that. But in terms of expansion, that will be on the shelf first,” she said. Oil prices pushing up costs On the October inflation rate, Reyes

Undas... From A1

Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) to ensure mobile broadband quality standards at major bus terminals in Metro Manila, with 114 of 128 tests, or nearly 90 percent, recording download speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps). In Metro Manila, authorities said as of 5 p.m. on Sunday, an estimated 1.5 million people had trooped to the Manila North and South cemeteries. Both cemeteries and the upscale Heritage Park and the iconic Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City were open only up to 10 pm. Nartatez also said the overall security situation remained generally peaceful as people flocked to cemeteries, transport terminals, places of worship, and other convergence areas nationwide. “So far, our security operations have helped maintain a generally peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ Day across the country. We remain vigilant, however, because our responsibility does not end with a favorable assessment. Every Filipino must be able to honor their departed loved ones without fear or disruption,” the PNP chief said.

DepEd’s... From A1

Instead of being imposed across the board, the Gatchalian suggested that class suspensions should be localized to avoid causing learning loss and worsening the country's education crisis. "El Niño threatens not only the safety of students, but also their ability to learn. We must make sure that the knowledge of our students does not regress," he said. A policy note from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) stated that a typical public elementary school lost 20 teaching days in school year 20252026 because of class suspensions tied to various hazards. The same report showed that each day of suspended classes costs students about 1.4 days of reading progress. DepEd recently launched the 4H Framework, which is meant to guide the suspension of learning activities amid the threat of El Niño. Under the framework, all physical and home-based learning activities will be suspended once the heat index reaches 42 degrees Celsius or higher.

From A1

“Gather your children. Set aside time for the family to pray. Bring back the Family Rosary and restore Family Sunday Mass,” Varquez said in his homily on Oct. 31 during the patronal fiesta of Holy Rosary Parish in Antequera, Bohol. The celebration also marked the conclusion of the Month of the Holy Rosary. Meanwhile, Bishop Roberto Gaa of Novaliches, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Vocations, said parents play a vital role in nurturing priestly and religious vocations by establishing a consistent culture of prayer where children can learn to listen to God. “We have been praying less and less as a family. As a result, fewer and fewer vocations are being discovered,” Gaa said during a Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Oct. 31. He said teaching children to pray regularly from an early age could help them recognize a possible calling to the priesthood or consecrated life. ‘Family prayer increasingly rare’ Varquez lamented that family prayer was becoming increasingly rare as parents and children spent more

victims to seek support and legal remedies. “There must be recognition in our laws that sexual violence devastates equally regardless of how it was committed or, at the very least, a reevaluation of whether the historical justifications for the distinctions in our rape laws are still relevant—and, more importantly, fair.” In this case, the High Tribunal found a woman guilty of committing acts of lasciviousness against her 11-year-old nephew.

The sexual violence suffered by the child caused intense shame and guilt, leaving him traumatized. Had the genders been reversed, the incident would have been considered rape. However, as it stands, the acts penalized do not fall within the legal definition of rape under the law at the time the crime was committed. As such, the SC clarified that the proper offense is statutory acts of lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).

Lacson:... From A1

presidential son Rep. Sandro Marcos of Ilocos Norte, which he said received the largest net increase under the House version of the spending bill. Asked in an interview with One News whether those projects would be reviewed, Lacson replied: “Yes, absolutely.” He said senators were united in correcting questionable allocations, including those linked to allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Senate minority under Minority Leader Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, however, had yet to issue a statement on the move as of press time. Thousands of projects added postNEP The review will cover thousands of public works projects added after the executive submitted its National Expenditure Program (NEP). The number of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects rose to 16,244 in the Housetransmitted General Appropriations Bill (GAB) from 11,420 in the NEP, according to Lacson’s office. Lawmakers introduced 6,271 projects that had not undergone initial executive review. Over the weekend, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Jose Victor “JV” Ejercito secured a commitment from the DPWH to remove infrastructure projects lacking complete supporting documents before plenary deliberations, unless the agency submits the required documents by Nov. 3. Budget watchdogs had also flagged projects without supporting documents as a major risk in the House-approved bill. Lacson said the Senate majority supported greater transparency in the remaining budget deliberations and agreed to retain reforms introduced by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian when he chaired the Finance Committee. Groups invited to observe bicam Ejercito said civil society groups would be invited to observe the bicameral conference committee’s deliberations, which would also be livestreamed. Lacson said he was unaware of any majority senator seeking to insert personal or favored projects into the bill.

Girl... From A1

Philippines approaches the culmination of its 2026 chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The release also pays tribute to the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, held in Cebu in May, which marked the start of the Philippines’ chairship and a year of regional cooperation and engagement. “One region, one shared future. Crossing the seas together, we sail as one,” the campaign said, echoing the song’s message. BINI performs the song, which was composed by Ejay Yatco, Paw Castillo and Moophs. Yatco arranged the original version, while Moophs produced the track. Mel Cortez and Lai Sison handled post-production. The Philippines holds the ASEAN chairship this year under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” with priorities focused on peace and security, economic integration and people empowerment. The chairship also aims to strengthen regional resilience, promote inclusive growth and deepen connections among ASEAN communities. The Nov. 16-18 summits will bring together leaders of the 11-member regional bloc and its dialogue partners to discuss cooperation and shared regional concerns.

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DepEd, OVP execs still not off the hook—Luistro RECOVERED PLASTIC SALE.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong announces the city’s first sale of plastic waste recovery certificates to Coca-Cola and By Maricel Cruz SplashV. Corp., covering 80 tons of recovered FFICIALS of the plastic worth Department of P320,000.

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By Rex Espiritu

Education (DepEd) and the Office of the Vice President implicated in allegations of confidential fund misuse and bribery may still face criminal or civil proceedings despite the withdrawal of three articles from the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro said. Luistro said the Office of the Ombudsman had been investigating allegations involving officials of both agencies since 2024, although the investigations do not necessarily imply their liability. She said the House prosecution team remained prepared to provide evidence gathered during congressional hearings and the impeachment proceedings. “As early as 2024, the issues involving confidential funds and bribery, which concern officials of the Department of Education and the Office of the Vice President, have already been under investigation by the Ombudsman,” Luistro said. She assured the public that withdrawing the articles on confidential funds, bribery and grave threats would not end separate investigations or possible legal proceedings arising from the allegations. The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability previously investigated P612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the OVP and DepEd during Duterte’s tenure. The inquiry examined liquidation records, acknowledgment receipts and the disbursement of public funds.

BEYOND the thousands of graves visited by families every Undas, Manila North Cemetery also draws people who come to pay tribute to some of the country’s most prominent figures whose lives and legacies remain part of Philippine history. From former presidents and politicians to artists, entertainers and other public personalities, the cemetery is the final resting place of individuals whose contributions continue to resonate with generations of Filipinos. As families flock to cemeteries for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, some visitors make time to stop by the graves of these wellknown figures to offer flowers, light candles, say prayers or simply pause to remember them. For some, these visits go beyond curiosity or admiration. They offer an opportunity to revisit the country’s history and remember personalities who helped shape Philippine politics, culture, entertainment and public life. Manila North Cemetery, one of the country’s oldest and largest cemeteries, is the resting place of several personalities whose names remain familiar to many Filipinos. Among those remembered is the late Fernando Poe Jr., widely known as the “King of Philippine Movies.” Jesusa Nita, a resident of Sta. Ana, Manila, visited the grave of the late action star, whom she admired along with his wife, actress Susan Roces. “I idolize Da King, as well as Susan Roces,” she said.

EXPLORING INTRAMUROS. Tourists explore Intramuros during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, visiting historic sites and discovering the Walled City’s attractions and experiences.

De Lima urges passage of animal welfare bills By Rio N. Araja and Dennis Abrina

WARM WELCOME. The Philippine Red Cross provides medical, welfare, and assistance services to 801 returning Filipinos from Sabah, Malaysia, upon their arrival at the Zamboanga International Sea Port on Oct. 30 to Oct. 31.

MAMAMAYANG Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Sunday called on her colleagues at the House of Representatives to pass the proposed Animal Welfare Enforcement Act and Revised Animal Welfare Act to prevent violence against animals and promote understanding of their proper and humane treatment. She said the dumping of 29 dogs and cats in San Jose del Monte was “so shameful.” “How could they have committed such an evil act against innocent souls and the families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones? They are not garbage to just throw them away,” she said. Such violence against animals must never be tolerated, she added. In Cavite, a pet owner broke down while speaking to the media after discovering that her beloved dog was among the remains of 29 dogs and cats found dumped in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. The pet owner, identified by the alias “Jill,” a resident of Pasay City, immediately went to the area on Saturday, Oct. 31, to find out what happened to her pet, Ivy. According to Jill, Ivy was 10 years old when she died on Oct. 23. After her death, the family entrusted her remains to an animal crematorium in Bacoor City, Cavite, believing that the cremation would be conducted properly and with dignity. However, the family was confronted with a painful discovery when an investigation by the San Jose del Monte City Police revealed that Ivy’s remains were among those found dumped in the area. As a result, serious doubts have emerged over whether the cremation was actually performed and whether the ashes given to Jill’s family truly came from their pet. What the family had expected to be their final remembrance of Ivy has now raised more serious questions about what happened to their pet after her remains were entrusted to the service.

Domestic travel dominates Undas, but overseas grows By Ram Superable More Filipinos are heading abroad for the Undas long weekend this year, though most travelers are still staying in the Philippines, according to booking data from travel app AirAsia MOVE. International flights accounted for 17% of Undas 2026 bookings, up from 14% in 2025, while the share of international hotel bookings more than doubled, climbing from 18% to 38%, the company said. Domestic destinations still account for the majority of flight and hotel reservations during the holiday, which includes All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, when Filipinos traditionally return to their hometowns, gather with relatives and remember departed loved ones.

How Filipinos remember icons at Manila North Cemetery

Domestic flights accounted for 83% of bookings, a slight dip from 86% last year. The decline was sharper for hotels, where domestic stays fell by 20 percentage points, from 82% to 62%, as international stays took a bigger share. Boracay remained among the top domestic choices across flights, hotels and SNAP!, the app’s flight-and-hotel package, while Cebu and Manila also maintained strong positions across all booking categories. Iloilo and Tacloban were among the leading domestic destinations for both flights and hotels. Among overseas destinations, Taipei topped the rankings for flights, hotels and SNAP! this year, while Da Nang was among the leading international choices for flights and hotels.

IN BRIEF Stronger protection for kids in emergencies IN observance of National Children’s Month this November, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Sunday urged the government and all sectors to uphold children’s rights and ensure their care and protection, particularly during emeragencies and disasters. The CHR said preparedness and response measures must protect children’s rights before, during, and after emergencies. It stressed that child-protection measures must be inclusive and accessible, especially for children with disabilities and those in disadvantaged situations. It also called for children to be recognized as rights-holders whose experiences and recommendations should help shape disaster preparedness plans, essential services, and recovery efforts. Rio N. Araja

PNP: Mental health support for UPLB stude THE Philippine National Police (PNP) underscored the importance of immediate psychological intervention for a fourth year University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) student who had been missing for six days and was later found in San Pablo City, Laguna following a series of police operations and coordination with other law enforcement agencies. The 21-year-old student, whose identity was withheld for privacy, was rescued on Oct. 30 through CCTV-assisted tracking by the Taguig City Police Station, led by Col. Julius Añonuevo, in coordination with the Southern Police District, other law enforcement agencies, her family, and members of the public. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the case highlights the need for police to look beyond locating missing persons and ensure they receive appropriate assistance. Vince Lopez

Group condemns ‘activities’ near shoal

DOING THE ROUNDS. Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval checks on families visiting Tugatog Public Cemetery on All Saints’ Day and inspects the deployment and readiness of personnel tasked with ensuring a safe and orderly Undas 2026 observance. Andrew Rabulan

THE Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD) on Sunday condemned reported Chinese underwater activities near Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), warning that such operations could threaten Philippine maritime security and undermine the country’s sovereign rights. ABKD chairman emeritus Jose Antonio Goitia expressed concern over reports that retrofitted People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia vessels, described as “ghost research ships,” may be conducting underwater operations under the guise of civilian scientific research. The reported activities allegedly involve autonomous underwater vehicles being deployed to map submarine transit corridors and collect data that could be used for anti-submarine warfare rather than marine scientific research. Vito Barcelo

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DHSUD bares gains in socialized housing By Rio N. Araja

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HE Pag-IBIG Fund has recorded a sharp increase in socialized housing financing for minimum wage and low-income members under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

PCG TO THE RESCUE. The Philippine Coast Guard station at the Calayan off Cagayan rescues eight distressed sailors and tows their motorized boat which capsized for still unclear reason. The sailors and their damaged banca are taken to safety at Barangay Magsidel where the crewmen were given medical assistance. PCG photo

IN BRIEF Chiz hails opening Teach children to pray at young age—Bishop THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has raised concern over the declining family prayer because of fewer priestly and religious vocations, and urged parents to teach their children to prayer at an early age “to help them discern their calling.” Bishop Roberto Gaa, chairman the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Vocations, said families play a vital role in nurturing vocations by establishing a consistent culture of prayer “where children can learn to listen to God.” “We have been praying less and less as a family. And as a result, less and less vocations are discovered,” he said in a homily during a Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Oct. 31. Gaa said teaching children to pray consistently from a young age could help more of them recognize a possible calling to priesthood or consecrated life. Vito Barcelo

Bataan ratifies P4.15-b prov’l budget for 2027 BATAAN Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia enacted on Oct. 23 a ₱4.15-billion provincial budget for 2027 passed earlier by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP). The SP examined the proposed expenditures to ensure that funding would support programs and projects that would benefit Bataan residents. The 2027 budget will finance programs and services in health, education, and peace and order, including the upgrading of district hospitals and the adoption of modern technologies such as CCTV cameras and artificial intelligence-assisted systems. It will also provide funding for the improvement of provincial government offices and facilities responsible for delivering social services. Butch Gunio

Tulfo eyes partnership with UAE on oil storage SENATOR Erwin Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, on Sunday announced that he is pushing for a business partnership with the United Arab Emirates through the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. The partnership aims to build a large oil storage facility that would serve as a regional oil hub and help strengthen the Philippines’ oil and electricity supply. “We are speeding up the construction of the oil storage facility because it will greatly help Filipinos who struggle whenever the prices of petroleum and electricity go up, since we really don’t have much access to supply,” Tulfo told the UAE delegation during an Oct. 29 bilateral discussion. The UAE is ready to continue the discussions and has offered to send a sample contract for the Philippine government to study, with the project targeted to begin in the second half of 2027, once the exact location, costs and other details are agreed on. Ram Superable

of Bangsamoro parliament By Ram Superable

SENATOR Francis Escudero lauded over the weekend the convening of the first elected Bangsamoro Parliament which he said will act as a springboard for economic opportunities and development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Escudero described the parliament’s inaugural session on Friday as proof that decades of conflict can be turned into chances for peace, stability, and self-governance. “I congratulate Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and members of the first elected Bangsamoro Parliament, and wish them success as they lead the region toward greater peace, stability, and development,” he said. Escudero also urged the Muslim lawmakers to work together to advance the interests and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. “This is a victory not only for the Bangsamoro people but for the entire country. It is proof that peace, when nurtured through dialogue, patience and cooperation, can lead to stronger institutions and more empowered communities,” he added. The region’s first elected parliamentary government opens a new chapter in Bangsamoro self-governance following years of institutionbuilding under the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

CANDLE VIGIL FOR LOST TREES. Youth environmental advocates from YoungBEAN and the Nuclear Free Bataan Movement (NFBM) Youth hold a candle vigil ceremony in Limay, Bataan, over the loss of trees cut along the Roman Highway and other national and provincial roads in the province under the color of development. Teddy Brul

The number of housing units financing rose by 173 percent from the previous year, according to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. Data from Pag-IBIG Fund also showed that 10,904 socialized housing units were financed in 2026, up from 3,987 units in 2025. The amount released for socialized housing financing increased to P12.10 billion from P4.45 billion, raising its share of Pag-IBIG Fund’s total housing financing from seven percent in 2025 to nearly 16 percent in 2026. “These results show how President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand access to decent and affordable housing is gaining ground through the Expanded 4PH Program. By making home financing more affordable, we are helping more minimum wage and low-income workers move closer to owning a home of their own,” DHSUD Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund chairman Jose Ramon Aliling said. Under the Expanded 4PH, qualified member-homebuyers of socialized housing units can avail themselves of Pag-IBIG Fund’s subsidized home loan rate of three percent. The reduced rate was among the first adjustments Aliling made to the original 4PH Program upon assuming office last year. Pag-IBIG Fund also offered promotional home loan rates of 4.5 percent for loans of up to P4.9 million and 5.75 percent for loans above P4.9 million and up to P10 million. The financing options aim to give more Filipinos opportunities to purchase homes, including those in the open market, the DHSUD said. From January to September 2026, Pag-IBIG Fund also recorded a 15-percent increase in the number of homes financed and a 20-percent rise in housing loan releases, reflecting continued growth in its housing finance operations.

Villafuerte extols digital payment of cash gifts for senior citizens By Maricel V. Cruz A HOUSE leader has lauded the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC)’s shift to digital payments for cash gifts under the Expanded Centenarians Act (ECA), saying the new system will make it faster and more convenient for qualified elderly Filipinos to claim their benefits.

Camarines Sur Fifth District Rep. Miguel Luis Villafuerte said the new payment scheme would spare senior citizens the burden of traveling long distances and waiting in line to receive their cash gifts, adding that the move “marks another step toward modernizing government services and making public assistance more accessible.” “Our senior citizens deserve a system

that recognizes their contributions and respects their time and dignity. They should not have to spend an entire day traveling and lining up just to receive the cash gifts due them,” Villafuerte said. “Making these benefits accessible through digital payment channels is a practical way to ease that burden and ensure that government assistance reaches our elderly beneficiaries with greater

convenience,” he added. Villafuerte, chairman of the House Committee on Information and Technology, co-authored with then-congressman-now CamSur Gov. LRay Villafuerte, said the measure that became Republic Act (RA) No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024, amended the Centenarians Act of 2016.

DSWD backs NCDA on regulated LGU issuance of PWD ID cards By Maricel V. Cruz THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Sunday expressed support for the call of its attached agency, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), urging local government units (LGUs) to strictly follow guidelines on issuing person with disability (PWD) identification (ID) cards. Supporting the NCDA’s statement, DSWD Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, concurrent DSWD spokesperson, said determining disability should not be based solely on a person’s medical diagnosis, but must also consider how a health condition affects an individual’s functional capacity, daily activities, and ability to participate fully in society. “While certain medical conditions do not automatically qualify as disability, they may result in functional limitations

that fall under recognized disability classifications set by the Department of Health (DOH), and therefore warrant proper assessment,” Dumlao explained. She stressed that the issuance of PWD IDs must be guided by Republic Act 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities; Republic Act No. 10747, or the Rare Diseases Act of 2016; RA 11215, or the National Integrated Cancer Control Act; and relevant DOH and NCDA administrative issuances. “Individuals whose disabilities are not immediately visible or non-apparent may qualify for persons with disabilities ID cards, provided they meet the requirements and submit the necessary certification from a qualified medical specialist. The DOH has an administrative order issued that only appropriately qualified medical professionals may issue certifications for particular disability categories,” she pointed out.

BRIDGE OVER SHALLOW WATER. Two men negotiate a makeshift bridge on stilts linking Quezon City and Rizal province on their way to visit the graves of the departed on All Saint’s Day. The shallow water and discernible muddy riverbed underscore effects of an extended El Niño currently sweeping the country. Edd Castro

OPINION

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MONTDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL

A task for the people

Honor Blanco Cabie

Beyond the Senate rostrum FORMER Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III once said “the perfect vote is a book about principle – not popularity.” He added: “It is choosing what is right and beneficial for Filipino families, and standing firm for the welfare of this nation.” We cannot help but sense the 78-year-old senator, who has spent nearly 25 years as a legislator in the upper chamber (1992-2004, 2010-2022, and returning in 2025), was referring to the recently released book titled ‘The Perfect Vote’ published and printed by Central Book Supply. The 240-page book was written by firsttimer Michael D. Caber, a former reporter for the Manila Times and Manila Standard and was media relations officer in Sotto’s office from 2010 to 2022. The author looked at Sotto’s legislative record on major controversial issues which included, but not limited to, reproductive health and social issues, dangerous drugs and public order, media and defamation, institutional goverrnance. Beyond doubt, Sotto, who authored and sponsored more than 250 landmark laws across his five terms in the Senate, had critics, those who questioned his legislative advocacy which primarily focused on public health, social justice, the war on drugs and government accountability. The book appears to have been crafted to show that while Sotto, who transitioned from entertainment and sports to legislation, had critics, the Filipino masses, from Batanes to Tawi Tawi, must know that he is fighting for them. One only has to look at some of the laws he authored: Mental Health Act of 2017. the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, and the Universal Health Care. He also co-authored the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, a measure that drew heavy criticism from human rights advocates who feared it could be used to curtail civil .liberties. As Senate President at some point, Sotto navigated turbulent political waters with a steady hand, and proved to political observers, friends and foes, that effective leadership is rooted in parliamentary mastery, consensus-buildiing and the maintenance of the upper chamber’s dignity. Some observers share the opinion, after reading the 6” x 9” book in hard cover, apparently written against a newsroom deadline, chronicles how someone from the world of entertainment morphed into a pillar of the Senate. Sotto, beyond historians’ critical eyes

at the moment, appears to have left behind a legacy where the loudest voice is often superseded by the most resolute one observers describe as “an enduring example of quiet dedication to national service.” His performance appears to be a testament to the power of unwavering consistency, spanning decades of dedication from his time spearheading anti-drug councils to his stint at the helm of the 24-member Senate. The release in October of the book, while the Senate has its tight schedule and minds on an impeachment trial after his fall as Senate President, proves the rule in the most ironic way.

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While Sotto, who transitioned from entertainment and sports to legislation, had critics, the Filipino masses, from Batanes to Tawi Tawi, must know that he is fighting for them The volume arrives on bookshelves just as the fortunes of the Senate have shifted, leaving the once-powerful boss replaced at the helm. But beyond the immediate sting of lost titles, the book offers a remarkably deep, inside look at the mechanics of power – chronicling bills submitted, passionately debated, and ultimately approved. The author’s intimate defense of a leader’s legislative legacy is seen, concluding with a concept on “the perfect vote.” Rather than focusing on political gossip, the author pulls back the curtain on the grueling work of governance, evaluating the senator’s true legislative skills through the bills he championed and the impassionaed, if enthusiastic, interpellations he weathered. It is an insider’s look at the anatomy of lawmaking, building toward a provocative conclusion on what truly constitutes “the perfect vote.” Layout for the book was done by Maria Victoria R. Ayeng and book cover design by Heracles Lord Bernardo A. Cabie,

Winds of change: Laos looks up for renewables push LAOS – Rising from verdant ridgelines of southern Laos, 133 Chinese-built wind turbines help power Vietnam’s surging growth and represent part of a regional rush to diversify energy sources. “The view is beautiful. They’re bigger than trees,” 23-year-old Toukta Phonsala told AFP inside her wooden stilt house in Dak Wai village, her baby bouncing on her lap. Hydroelectric dams have proliferated across Southeast Asia in recent years, but production drops off in the dry season and critics lament the ecological impacts. Experts say wind is now set to take off, and point to Laos’s 600-megawatt Monsoon Wind Power Project, which began operating in August 2025, as a bankable case study. Spanning an area the size of Singapore, the $700-million scheme is the first crossborder wind project in Asia and the largest wind farm in Southeast Asia. Built by a Chinese state firm and owned by a Thai-led consortium, it sells electricity exclusively to Vietnam’s national grid via dedicated transmission lines. Manufacturing hub Vietnam, Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economy, was already importing hydropower from Laos, its poorest neighbor. But “the economics are moving in favor of wind”, said Tristan Bellingham, technical program lead at nonprofit EnergyLab Asia. “Similar to hydro 20 to 30 years ago, there’s a bit of a rush on to secure concessions and development rights” for new wind projects, he told AFP. Laos already hosts 90 hydropower plants and there are dozens more in neighboring nations, leaving few optimal sites remaining. ‘Better for development’ Bellingham said other wind farms were now riding “the coattails of Monsoon”, with one Laos official pointing to 10 to 15 projects under development nationwide. For Toukta, the 18 family members she lives with and other rice and coffee farmers residing near the turbines, Monsoon has brought new roads and improved access to fresh water and healthcare.

What it has not brought to her community, however, is power. Residents say they still experience outages during heavy storms, as Laos’s own electricity infrastructure is outdated and the state utility is heavily in debt. Still, Toukta is glad Laos can send power abroad. “It’s better for development and can bring prosperity,” she said. For Vietnam, the project offers a reliable source of less costly energy.

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Hydroelectric dams have proliferated across Southeast Asia in recent years, but production drops off in the dry season and critics lament the ecological impacts There were severe blackouts in 2023 when drought cut into hydropower supply, and the government warned in September of the risk of electricity shortages from next year due to delays in planned power projects and increasing demand. Through Monsoon, “wind power is being sold significantly cheaper to Vietnam than what Vietnam is buying wind power for locally”, said Thomas Jakobsen, managing director at Indochina Energy Partners. He estimated state utility Electricity Vietnam (EVN) was paying Monsoon around six cents per kilowatt-hour -- two to four cents less than the Vietnamese rate. Representatives of Monsoon Wind, EVN and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Monsoon project’s financial arranger, declined to share the rate during a press tour last week. ‘Something unique’ The project is also key to Vietnam reaching net-zero emissions targets by 2050, according to Ninh Xuan Hiep, an

T

HE Senate has committed to remove infrastructure projects inserted by the House of Representatives in the latter’s version of the 2027 budget if these did not have supporting justification. The finance committee would remove from the General Appropriations Bill projects without feasibility studies, certificates of implementability, programs of work, geotagged photos, and resolutions from the local government units concerned. All relevant information, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, should be available online for the public’s scrutiny. In the Department of Public Works and Highways alone, the number of projects grew from 11,420 in the National Expenditure Program to 16,244 after it passed the House of Representatives. Last week, civil society group People’s Budget Coalition criticized the House version of the budget and flagged billions of pesos worth of insertions in the original NEP submitted by the Executive department. The group’s representatives said that while this did not automatically mean corrupt acts, many of the House members’ insertions did not come with publicly available sup-

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Let us keep watching those tasked to hold the nation’s purse strings, and shame the hypocrites. In response, a congressman said civil society did not understand the budget process and called them ignorant. For its part, the Senate has been

THE Philippines is attracting global attention for its nickel, copper and other critical minerals. Yet the real opportunity is not simply to sell more ore. It is to use these resources to build industries, develop Filipino skills and strengthen an economy that can withstand shifts in global markets. That was the challenge at Mining Philippines 2026. In a message delivered by Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for responsible mineral development that supports industrialization and gives Filipinos a larger role in the value chains their resources make possible. His message is timely: the world wants more secure mineral supplies, but the Philippines must decide what it wants in return. Executive Order 122 provides a national framework for developing the critical minerals industry, prioritizing projects and strengthening coordination through the Mining Industry Coordinating Council. Its emphasis on domestic processing and value addition is a welcome shift. But an executive order cannot, by itself, build a processing plant. Progress will depend on whether public policy makes responsible investment possible in practice. The economics matter. Processing requires dependable mineral supply, affordable electricity, efficient ports and transport, financing, technology, skilled workers and customers prepared to buy the output. Indonesia’s experience shows how investment in processing can change a country’s place in global supply chains, although its model cannot simply be transplanted here. Philippine projects face their own constraints, including high energy costs and substantial capital requirements. Investors will look beyond diplomatic announcements to whether a facility can operate competitively over time. Nor should we assume every mineral development project must follow the same path. The Philippines can build on existing copper processing and manufacturing capabilities, while identifying realistic opportunities in nickel and other miner-

als. Value addition should follow sound market analysis, not a one-size-fits-all mandate. This is why critical minerals must be understood as more than export commodities. They underpin renewable energy, electronics, advanced manufacturing and technologies with national security implications. Countries that develop processing and industrial capabilities gain more than revenues: they gain options, resilience, and influence. The Philippines should approach this competition as a genuine player, not a prize for larger powers.

Our objective should be diversification, not decoupling. Engagement with one partner need not exclude another, but every partnership must be judged by its contribution to Philippine interests. Initiatives such as Pax Silica and the Luzon Economic Corridor could help link mineral resources with infrastructure, technology and manufacturing. Their promise, however, will be measured not by signed statements but by investments made here, technology transferred, Filipinos trained and employed, and long-term markets secured for locally processed products. Government has an equally important part to play. Investors need a stable, transparent and predictable framework, with clear decisions and consistent coordination among national agencies and local governments. The President has pointed to fiscal reforms and streamlined mining application procedures as steps toward greater certainty.

Such reforms must be implemented fairly and consistently. Unresolved delays and shifting requirements can discourage legitimate projects long before they produce jobs or revenues. National priority status should mean more effective coordination and accountable decisions, not exemption from the laws that protect people and the environment. Predictability, however, must never mean diminished environmental protection or weaker community rights. Mining and processing affect land, water, livelihoods and public health. Indigenous peoples and host communities deserve meaningful consultation, transparent information and the safeguards guaranteed under Philippine law. The lasting damage associated with past mining failures is a reminder that public confidence cannot be assumed. Companies must demonstrate compliance and deliver credible benefits; regulators must monitor performance and enforce standards. Responsible development is not a concession to be traded away for faster approvals. It is the foundation of projects that can endure. These priorities are connected. Reliable rules make investment more feasible; responsible operations build trust; and competitive processing creates opportunities for skilled work and local enterprise. The task now is to turn the national framework into coordinated decisions on permits, power, infrastructure, workforce development and investment partnerships, without compromising legal and environmental obligations. The measure of success should be concrete: functioning facilities, stronger Filipino participation in supply chains, greater value retained at home and lasting improvements in host communities. As the President reminded the conference, “Our mineral resources are finite. The progress they help create must endure.” That is the critical choice before us: not merely how much we extract, but what kind of Philippine economy we build from it.

official at EVN’s National Power Transmission Corporation. At a substation in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, he told AFP that by 2030, Laos imports would equal nearly 10 percent of Vietnam’s total installed capacity -- its maximum possible production. Monsoon Wind plans to boost capacity by 1,000 megawatts and is working to ensure some of this additional power is used inside Laos, according to general manager Narut Boakajorn. “Laos has so much natural resources”

-- wind, hydro and solar, Narut told AFP in an interview held below the spinning blades of a 110-metre-high turbine. “Not many countries have all the good renewable energy in the same place. Laos has something unique.” The government was set to reap $180 million over the 25-year contract period, including taxes and community development and environmental protection funds, according to Narut. He insisted nobody was forced to relocate because of the project -- although

public dissent is severely restricted in communist Laos. He said 1,600 grievances logged, mainly from farmers requesting compensation for construction impacts on their crops, were resolved. In the shadow of the turbines, 23-yearold farmer Phonekhan Sengsopha said he was proud that electricity produced in his country was being sent to its neighbor, also a communist nation. “Because Vietnam and Laos are like brothers. They help one another.” AFP

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That is the critical choice before us: not merely how much we extract, but what kind of Philippine economy we build from it

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser

Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

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MEMBER

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Critical minerals, critical choices

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

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

porting documents. This could mean a repeat of the flood control scandal that exploded to the public’s consciousness in 2025.

encouragingly open to having additional pairs of eyes to look into its performance of its budget mandate, even inviting civil society as resource persons instead of as mere observers. As a result, the public is cautiously optimistic that with assurances from the Senate leadership and sustained attention on the budget process every step of the way, budget deliberations would tilt more to the people’s interest -- as it should, in the first place. The operative word, however, is “cautiously” – Filipinos have been swayed countless times by commitments, promises, and reassurances from their politicians who end up pursuing their own interests after all and covering up for their colleagues’ shady practices. By all means, then, let us keep watching those who are tasked to hold the nation’s purse strings. Let us clamor for transparency, avail ourselves of the benefits of technology, and raise hell when we learn of lawmakers’ attempts to bend or circumvent the rules. Let us remember the names of those pushing for – and actually implementing -- real reform, and shame hypocrites who say they are public servants but serve only themselves.

Mario R. Policarpio Jr. Head - Finance

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Head - Suppplements

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Aytch dela Cruz

Online Editor

Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

News Editor

Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

WORLD

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Iran warns US, Israel vs. new attacks T

EHRAN – Iran’s supreme leader warned the United States and Israel during the weekend of fresh attacks following their threats to resume strikes after crucial elections, as fears increased over a return to fighting.

EUROPE-WIDE PROTESTS. Protesters light smoke flares after a demonstration organized by “GenZ regelt!’ – inspired by similar movements across Europe, including in France and Italy, which have seen young protesters voice anger at political elites whom they accuse of ignoring their concerns – turn violent. Tensions peaked in the evening as some groups of young people refused to disperse, with violence breaking out in major cities including Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg. AFP

President Donald Trump suggested he could launch fresh military action after the United States holds its midterm elections early next week. But US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Saturday: “If there is a diplomatic solution, we would be open to it.” In Israel, which is coming off a general election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken of a “historic, one-time opportunity” to topple the Iranian government. The elections in both countries could determine the direction of the conflict, with Israel having voted on Tuesday but yet to form a new government. “Any level or type of threat must be met with an immediate, impactful and geographically unrestricted response,” Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei told top military commanders, according to a statement. Khamenei also ordered commanders to update Iran’s target list to include “all types of tangible and intangible assets belonging to the American-Zionist enemy”. Iran has previously warned it would consider severing undersea cables in the Strait of Hormuz. This was the first reported meeting between Khamenei and military top brass. The supreme leader has not been seen publicly since before he took the helm in March, after the killing of his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. Rubio warned that “we can achieve military objectives if we seek to”, adding that Trump had not made a decision on any fresh strikes. Since the initial US-Israeli bombardment in February, ordinary Iranians “have been left in a state of limbo for the past year”, Fariba, a Tehran housewife, told AFP. AFP

Z’rioters IN BRIEF ‘Gen loot shops, demos The sprawling probe into Swiss fire disaster FBI: N. Korea behind $6-b crypto theft

NEW YORK – The FBI on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) accused North Korea of stealing more than $6 billion in virtual assets from the cryptocurrency exchange Binance in what is thought to be the biggest-ever crypto heist. The US law enforcement agency’s statement came as Binance offered reassurances it was covering the losses from the hacking attack, saying it has used company funds to buy tokens to replenish 90 percent of what was stolen. Binance is the world’s largest crypto exchange by daily trading volumes. News of the cyberattack caused the prices of most major cryptocurrencies to fall sharply on Friday. The FBI confirmed earlier suspicions from private investigators and analysts that a North Korea-affiliated group called TraderTraitor was behind the hack. TraderTraitor is the same group blamed for a $1.5 billion theft from the Bybit platform in February last year. AFP

Thousands build Buddhist monuments GELEPHU, Bhutan – Tens of thousands of volunteers took part Sunday to build 108 Buddhist stupas in Bhutan, marking the Himalayan kingdom’s ambitious plans for a “mindfulness” city aimed at driving economic growth. The 15-metre (49-foot) tall solid towers -- sacred Buddhist monuments found across the Himalayas -- stretch along 12 kilometers of riverbank near the Indian border, at the site of the future Gelephu Mindfulness City. Over 40,000 volunteers participated in building all 108 structures in a single day as “a physical form of prayer” after starting work post-midnight, officials said. Landlocked Bhutan, with a population of just under 800,000 and wedged between China and India, is known for its policy of prioritising “Gross National Happiness” alongside economic growth. Bhutan hopes the city will boost its economy and persuade more young people to stay, attracting investment in sustainable business, green technology, education,

turn ruinous

FRANKFURT – Masked rioters looted shops in the German city of Frankfurt on Saturday as massive demonstrations turned violent across the country, with police also firing water cannons at youths hurling Molotov cocktails. Several police officers were injured in the violence after tens of thousands joined youth-led protests across the country organised by the group “GenZ regelt!” (Gen Z has got this!). The demonstrations, inspired by similar movements in France and Italy calling for political elites to heed the concerns of the younger generation, were largely peaceful during the day. But tensions peaked in the evening as some groups of young people refused to disperse, with violence breaking out in major cities including Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg. It was especially bad in the financial hub of Frankfurt, where police faced protesters hurling stones, fireworks and petrol bombs, and responded with water cannon and pepper spray. “Violent riots” were taking place, police said in a statement. “Windows have been smashed at several shops. Molotov cocktails are also being thrown at emergency personnel.” A gun store was among the shops looted, with its windows smashed. Police said they arrested a suspect and seized two weapons. A trainer shop and a perfume store were also targeted, the Bild daily reported. A large section of Frankfurt’s main shopping street was closed off as authorities sought to quell the unrest, with police vans and riot police stopping anyone from entering, according to an AFP journalist. A police helicopter hovered overhead as sporadic blasts were heard on the street. At least one police officer was injured there and was receiving medical treatment. AFP

GENEVA – The criminal investigation into the Crans-Montana fire disaster could last several years, given the number of suspects and plaintiffs involved in the sprawling case. Le Constellation, a bar in the upmarket Swiss ski resort, rapidly caught fire on January 1 as young revellers, many of them teenagers, celebrated the New Year. The tragedy claimed 41 lives and injured 115 others. Public prosecutors have focused on Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the French couple who owned and ran the bar, with Jacques Moretti due to be questioned again on Monday. But 10 months in, the case has also

cases -- including allegations of fraud -though he was not convicted. In March, a report by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Police, seen by AFP, revealed suspicions of money laundering involving the couple, who own three establishments in Wallis. Investigators referred to “an alleged criminal financial scheme” based on loans they said were likely obtained in an “improper manner”. In August, Jacques Moretti was taken into custody following allegations of domestic violence against his wife. He had previously spent 14 days in custody in January as part of the investigation into the fire. AFP

ATTACK ON FREEDOM.’ A protester flashes a ‘V’ sign with a street fire in the background during nationwide demonstrations over the rising cost of living and inequality organized by Yellow Vest movement, labor unions and high school and university students, in Nantes, western France during the weekend. ‘Exceptional’ security deployment with 70,000 police officers and gendarmes mobilized and an alarmist tone: for Act III of the protests against the high cost of living, right in the middle of Halloween festivities, the authorities fear a repeat of the Oct. 17 nightmare. AFP

Bangladesh to form new wage board as garment workers keep up protests

Day of the Dead parade inspired by 007 MEXICO CITY – While the Day of the Dead is a centuries-old tradition in Mexico, its parade Saturday in the capital is a newer addition -- with thanks to Bond, James Bond. The Day of the Dead, when Mexico honors its deceased by blending pre-Columbian traditions with the Christian All Saints’ Day, is historically a family affair. Relatives visit cemeteries and set up altars with food and other items their loved ones enjoyed in life. Then came 007. The 2015 Bond film “Spectre” opens with the British spy walking through a crowd dressed as the dead in downtown Mexico City. On Saturday, giant skeletons, floats and performers in feathered headdresses and masks filled the streets of Mexico City for the 10th anniversary of the Day of the Dead parade. AFP

put local authorities and officials under the spotlight. The investigation into the Morettis has primarily focused on three areas: compliance with fire safety standards; emergency exits and safety equipment; and whether they knew the risks their customers were exposed to. While the investigation by the Wallis canton’s public prosecutors has seemingly uncovered some shortcomings, other aspects remain unclear. Jacques Moretti’s criminal record has also come to light. He was convicted in France in 2008 for pimping. He was also implicated in seven other

EPSTEIN FILES. Two U.S. AN/TWQ-1 Avenger Air Defense Systems are seen stationed on a floating platform in Lake Worth Lagoon on the Mar-a-Lago club shoreline, Florida, where President Donald Trump is staying, on Sunday, Manila time. Trump was campaigning for Republican candidates last night in Daytona Beach, Florida ahead of next week’s midterm elections. In Washington, a US judge dismissed Trump’s defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and media magnate Rupert Murdoch over a report that Trump sent a bawdy birthday letter to notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. AFP

DHAKA – Bangladesh will form a new board Sunday to review the minimum wage for garment workers, as authorities sought to quell protests that have disrupted key industrial hubs around Dhaka. Despite the move, thousands of workers continued demonstrations in industrial areas around Dhaka on Sunday, leading to clashes with police who fired tear gas and sound grenades. The garment sector is the backbone of Bangladesh’s export-driven economy, employing millions of workers and generating the bulk of the country’s foreign earnings. The wage board, comprising representatives of the government, workers, and factory owners, will determine a new minimum wage.

“The issue of forming the wage board has been resolved. There will be no more problems now,” Labour and Employment Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain Chowdhury said at a news briefing. “The workers should return to work and work smoothly.” Labour leaders said their grievances extended beyond the creation of the board, citing inflation and rising household expenses. Workers currently earn about 13,000 taka ($106) a month, according to Kalpona Akhter of the Bangladesh Center for Workers Solidarity. “This time we are demanding a bit more than 30,000 taka, considering inflation and the rising cost of living,” Akhter told AFP. AFP

SPORTS

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson soars past Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang during Game 3 of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. PBA Images Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez AFP

Alvarez wins back WBC title from Mbill

‘Pinoy ako!’ Rondae tells fans after steering TNT to sweep of Magnolia really mean it,” the three-time PBA champion said. RHJ also opened up about the challenges he faced over the past year, including his mother’s inability to walk, the death of his grandmother, and his torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him for 10 months. “You guys accepted me, supported me (during) highs and lows, especially my TNT family. This past year has been really tough on me,” he said. “My mother not being able to walk. My grandmother passing away. Me tearing my Achilles. All this happening in one year. It’s definitely been a lot,” he added. The former NBA player said he found comfort from his TNT teammates and the Filipino basketball community

during those difficult times. “I leaned on my teammates and these guys in the Philippines a lot in terms of love and support. That’s why you guys see me so much. I just really appreciate it and that was just a big shoutout to you guys. Thank you.” His “Pinoy ako” declaration sparked questions about his interest to play for Gilas Pilipinas, but Hollis-Jefferson playfully dodged the query. “We appreciate you guys. Thank you,” he said with a smile. A Gilas stint remains unlikely for now as Hollis-Jefferson has represented Jordan as its naturalized player since 2023. Still, RHJ’s message made it clear that the Philippines already has a special place in his heart.

Valkyries edge Dream to capture 1st WNBA crown

crowd of more than 18,000 at the Chase Center that cheered the home side to a crown as the Dream lost the finals for the fourth time in the team’s 18-year history. “We have an incredible team. What you did was unbelievable,” team owner Joe Lacob said. Williams sank a three-pointer with 2:19 remaining to give Golden State a 60-57 lead and after Atlanta’s Allisha Gray missed a layup added two free throws for a five-point edge. Kiah Stokes put back a Williams miss for a 64-57 lead and free throws by Tiffany Hayes and Veronica Burton down the stretch sealed the victory. “This is for all the people that have been underrated, misunderstood,” Nakase said. “This is proof that if you put in all your heart and all your soul you can ... win championships.” Golden State seized an 8-0 lead as the Dream missed their first nine shots. Atlanta answered with a 21-6 run to seize the lead, starting the second quarter with a 9-0 streak on the way to a 30-24 halftime lead. The Valkyries, however, closed the third quarter with a 17-7 run to seize a 45-44 edge entering the fourth quarter, Williams scoring 15 points in the third period. AFP

By Jeremiah Sevilla

ONDAE Hollis-Jefferson made sure to show his appreciation for Filipino fans after steering TNT to a clean sweep of Magnolia in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.

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“Pinoy ako!” the three-time Best Import exclaimed at the end of his postgame television interview after delivering another dominant performance in the Tropang 5G’s 9887 victory on Saturday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Hollis-Jefferson poured 29 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal in 40 minutes of play as the defending champions completed a 3-0 sweep of

SAN FRANCISCO—Gabby Williams scored 30 points and the Golden State Valkyries captured their first Women’s NBA title on Saturday, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a winner-takeall championship showdown. Williams scored a WNBA Finals one-half record 28 points in the second half as the second-year expansion Valkyries won the series four games to three, the longest title matchup in league history. “I wasn’t going to lose on Halloween,” Williams said. “It’s easy when the energy is this good and positive. I wouldn’t change a thing.” Despite only two points in the first half, Williams seized command in the second with the game on the line and lifted Golden State ahead to stay in the dying minutes to earn the WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player award. “I just, I don’t know. I love moments like this,” Williams said. “Nat (coach Natalie Nakase) told me to be patient in the first half. It was hard but I listened to her and she was right as always.” “All it took was good people. We

the top-seeded Hotshots and secured a spot in the semifinals. The 31-year-old American forward later explained that his shoutout was a heartfelt way of thanking Filipinos for embracing and supporting him throughout his nearly four-year career in the country. “One of my friends taught me that word and what it meant. (That friend) said I had to say it with some gusto. I

The Golden State Valkyries, led by Veronica Burton, celebrate during the final buzzer of their 2026 WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. AFP

have winners. “We have people who are ready to put their bodies on the floor to win a game. They don’t care about scoring.

They just want to do defense and rebounding. Do whatever it takes and we built a beautiful culture here.” The victory came before a sellout

Bisera’s ace seals thriller; Que rules PGT OOM anew A CLUTCH ace at the most crucial moment saved Yvon Bisera’s season and delivered one of the narrowest victories in Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit history, while Angelo Que relied on consistency and a strong early-season surge to secure a second straight PGT OOM crown. Both fashioned out two victories to seize early control of their respective OOM races, but neither had an easy ride to the coveted season-ending plum. As the circuit unfolded, a host of determined challengers emerged, turning the races into gripping battles of momentum, resilience and nerves, with the women’s title eventually decided by a razor-thin P4,550 margin. While Que built a comfortable cushion through a series of strong finishes in the closing legs, Bisera saw her oncecommanding position come under serious threat, setting up a dramatic showdown with Harmie Constantino in the final stop at Apo.

Yvon Bisera

Angelo Que

The ladies’ race proved particularly unpredictable, with the lead chang-

ing in significance from one leg to the next and the outcome remaining

uncertain until the final round. Bisera had seen her bid for a third leg victory fall short by just one stroke to Chanelle Avaricio at Summit Point. She came up two shots short of Tiffany Lee at Pueblo de Oro, then struggled to make a bigger impression at home at South Pacific, settling for fourth. Still, she carried the OOM lead into the Apo finale, albeit with Constantino closing in. And when Bisera opened with a 74 and followed it up with a 73 in the second round, the door swung wide open for Constantino, who was coming off a four-win campaign in 2024 and had saved her best performance for the season’s final leg. Constantino made her move count, claiming the Apo leg by two strokes and putting Bisera’s OOM crown on the line. At one point, the Davaoeña ace faced the prospect of finishing sixth and losing the season-long race by a mere P2,000 in earnings. Then came the shot that changed everything.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—Mexican veteran Saul “Canelo” Alvarez produced a commanding performance to defeat French fighter Christian Mbilli and regain his WBC super middleweight title in an emotional victory in Saudi Arabia. Alvarez won a 12-round decision in Riyadh after exerting his influence in the second half of a fight that went ahead despite the escalating conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement. The 36-year-old Mexican was returning to the ring for the first time since he was beaten by American Terence Crawford in September 2025. That loss ended Alvarez’s reign as holder of the division’s four major titles. He faced Mbilli, 31, who was elevated to titleholder in January, but a fight that started off as a tight contest turned into a convincing victory for Alvarez. The judges scored the contest 115112, 116-111 and 117-110 in Alvarez’s favour. The Mexican superstar struggled for words after receiving the belt. “It’s so difficult to explain, it’s so difficult to explain,” Alvarez said in English. “It’s something unbelievable. It feels like my first title. Now, after 20, 21 years as a professional -- 16 years ago, I won my first title. Now I won the title again.” Alvarez added another world title to a haul that stretches from lightmiddleweight to light-heavyweight in a 20-year career. A host of other sporting events have been called off in Saudi Arabia since the Houthis launched drone attacks and the Saudis intercepted missiles this week. AFP

Foreign contingent brings firepower to 108th PH Open CAMONA—The foreign contingent seeing action in the 108th Philippine Open presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will not lack the firepower, with former Asian Tour Order of Merit winners John Catlin of the United States and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond leading the field. The finale of the Tour’s 2026 season will be held from Nov. 12 at the Masters of Manila Southwoods here, and Catlin and Janewattananond still have shots at winning their second OOM with a victory and take Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolpasert out of No. 1. Catlin will come to the Philippines seeking to win a seventh national open title--and one which is the oldest in Asia. “You know, anytime you can win a national open, I think it just adds a little bit of extra prestige,” Catlin, who has also won in Australia, England, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Ireland, said after triumphing in Hong Kong last May. “Anytime you can win a national open is just incredible.” Catlin won twice in his OOM year in 2024, and one of them was a victory in Macau where he shot the Asian Tour’s first sub-60 score, a 59 in the third round to finish with a 23-under tally before beating David Puig on the first hole of sudden death of the International Series event. John Catlin ASIAN TOUR

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

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

Eala seeks winning start to her final ‘26 tourney

John Mark ‘Marama”’Tokong conquers the waves at the World Surf League Championship Tour Philippines Pro on Sunday in Siargao.

By Jeremiah Sevilla ALEXANDRA”Alex” Eala seeks a winning start to her final tournament of the year when she faces familiar foe Alycia Parks of the USA in the first round of the Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium. World No. 19 Eala takes on No. 65 Parks for the third time this year in a Round of 32 clash in the WTA 250 tournament scheduled for either Monday or Tuesday. The Filipina ace aims to wrap up her breakthrough 2026 season on a high after sparking her maiden quarterfinal run in the Asian swing at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, Japan. Eala notched her first back-to-back victories of the Asian hard-court season after beating United Kingdom’s Mika Stojsavljevic, 6-1, 6-2, and Australia’s Talia Gibson, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. The 21-year-old Pinay lefty then absorbed a 6-2, 6(5)-7, 4-6 loss to Russia’s Diana Shnaider in a grueling second meeting in as many weeks. Now seeded second in Hong Kong following Shnaider’s withdrawal, Eala is determined to put that setback behind and punctuate a historic season that saw her make a fourth-round finish at Wimbledon and lift a first-ever Tour trophy at Mubadala DC Open. “I’m super excited and I’m going in with high motivation,” said Eala, who is also out to surpass her second-round finish in last year’s edition, where she won over British Katie Boulter via walkover before losing to Canadian Victoria Mboko in a three-set match. Eala looks to draw confidence from her previous tussle with Parks, having beaten the American, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, in the third round of the National Bank Open last August.

Tokong, Alciso stun surfing heavyweights in world tilt S

IARGAO — They literally made waves.

Filipino surfers John Mark “Marama” Tokong and Jayuard Alciso turned Cloud 9 into a celebration of homegrown talent, stunning a Brazilian world No. 11 and a French Olympic gold medalist to advance in the World Surf League Championship Tour Philippines Pro on Sunday. Tokong delivered the first shock of the opening round by defeating Brazilian World No. 11 Samuel Pupo, while Alciso followed with an equally impressive victory over French Olympic gold medalist and World No. 9 Kauli Vaast. Riding the support of an enthusiastic home crowd, Tokong dominated his heat with 16.60 points from waves scoring 8.60 and 8.00, leaving Pupo with just 11.00. The Filipino surfer handled the pressure of competing before his

countrymen in the 6-to-8-foot waves, relying on a simple approach to get the job done. “It’s crazy and amazing. There was a lot of pressure, but I just told myself to relax, keep things simple and enjoy the waves,” Tokong said. He admitted that hearing his family, friends and supporters cheering from the shore whenever he emerged from a wave made the victory even more meaningful. “I’m not doing this just for myself, but also for my family, friends, fans and especially the Philippines. Representing my country is very important to me,” he added. Alciso, meanwhile, showed nerves of steel in Round 1, Heat 8, compiling 12.93 points to eliminate Vaast, one of the world’s leading surfers. The Asian Games’ bronze medalist produced a 7.33 on his seventh wave and added a 5.60 on his ninth to secure the victory over the Frenchman. “I’m so happy to win this heat. This is my first time competing here, and

Jayuard Alciso raises his hand in triumph

beating an Olympic gold medalist is not easy. I’m really proud of myself,” Alciso said. “I’m 100 percent focused because all my friends, my family and my girlfriend were there watching me. Their support helped me stay focused, and I was able to come up with big scores,” he said. With both Filipinos advancing

to Round 2 on Monday, the home crowd will have more reasons to rally behind the country’s representatives as the historic international surfing competition continues at Cloud 9. The Philippines Pro is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), with the support of Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga. The event is also backed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and NEA/SIARELCO. Surfers eliminated in the opening round will receive US$13,000 (approximately P830,000), while the champion stands to pocket US$80,000 (around P5.1 million). The competition is being livestreamed on the One Sports YouTube channel and Cignal Play.

PH’s teen surfer Lopez gets high praise from world no. 1 Picklum

Philip Ella Juico

Former PSC chief Popoy Juico dies PHILIP Ella “Popoy” Juico, a former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and longtime sports administrator who played significant roles in Philippine athletics and volleyball, passed away on Saturday night, October 31. He was 78. Juico’s son, Vincent, confirmed his father’s passing in a social media post, saying he died at 8:18 p.m. at the Makati Medical Center. His other son, Quezon City first district Representative Joseph Juico, said the former sports official had been courageously battling cancer since 2022. “After courageously battling cancer since 2022, my Papa passed away peacefully in his sleep. While our hearts are filled with sadness, we find comfort in knowing that he is finally free from pain and suffering and is now resting in God’s loving embrace,” Joseph said in his announcement. Funeral arrangements would be announced once finalized. A prominent figure in Philippine sports administration, Juico served as the fourth chairman of the PSC from 1996 to 1998 during the administration of former President Fidel V. Ramos. He later returned to sports leadership when he became president of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) in 2015, a position he held until his resignation in June 2022. Juico also served as vice president of the Asian Athletics Association and chaired its School and Youth Commission. He was likewise instrumental in the development of Philippine volleyball, helping establish the Philippine Super Liga in 2013 and the Shakey’s Super League in 2022.

SIARGAO – Despite bowing out of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro, 15-year-old Filipino surfer Mara Lopez earned something more meaningful than a victory after drawing praise from none other than world No. 1 Molly Picklum. The Australian surfing star was impressed by the young La Union native, who faced her in Round 1 and Heat 5, and saw in Lopez a promising talent capable of inspiring the next generation of Filipino surfers. Lopez finished with 4.50 points against Picklum’s 11.50 in the competition at the famed Cloud 9 reef break here Sunday morning. The young wildcard managed a 2.50-point ride on her third wave and added 2.00 on her fourth. The reigning world No. 1 produced scores of 5.33 and 6.17 to secure the victory in the historic competition presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and backed by Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga. But beyond the result, Picklum was

Mara Lopez

particularly touched after learning that she may have been one of Lopez’s inspirations in taking up the sport. “Maybe I’m one of her inspirations. And that stuff to me is just so special,” Picklum

said, reflecting on her encounter with the young Filipino surfer. Picklum also had encouraging words for Lopez, praising her surfing ability and revealing that the teenager is also an outstanding longboarder. “I said to her, you’re surfing so well. And she’s also an A-one longboarder,” the Australian star said. More than recognizing Lopez’s talent, Picklum believes the young surfer can become a role model for other aspiring athletes in the country. “Either way, she’s going to inspire the next generation, which is just so cool,” she added. The world No. 1 also expressed admiration for Siargao’s closely-knit surfing community, pointing out how the small island has built a strong culture around the sport. “Siargao is such a small island and they have such a strong surfing community. So that was really cool,” Picklum said. For Lopez, the encounter with one of the sport’s biggest names provided a valuable experience despite the early exit. Picklum’s words also served

Molly Picklum

as a strong vote of confidence in the young Filipina’s ability to make her mark in the sport. Also backing the event are the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and NEA/SIARELCO.

Shnaider clips Fernandez to win Pan Pacific Open crown

Russia’s Diana Shnaider (right) talks with Canada’s Leylah Fernandez after her victory during the women’s singles final of the WTA Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo. AFP

TOKYO—Russia’s Diana Shnaider won her first title of the year on Sunday with a hard-fought 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory over Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo. World number 13 Shnaider looked to be cruising to victory after winning the first set and taking a 4-0 lead in the second. World number 23 Fernandez came back to win the second set, but Shnaider regained control to close out the match and pick up the sixth title of her career. “It means definitely a lot,” she said on court after receiving the trophy. “It’s a great achievement and a great finish to the season.” It was Shanider’s first title since Monterrey in August last year. Fernandez went into the final with 16 wins in her previous 20 matches. That run included victory at

the Singapore Open in September and a runner-up finish at last week’s Ningbo Open in China behind world number one Elena Rybakina. Fernandez struggled with her serve, double-faulting five times throughout the match and landing only half of her first serves in the first set. She got it together when it mattered though, stunning Shnaider in the second set with some tenacious tennis to even the score at one set each. Shnaider regained her composure as she returned for the final set, breaking Fernandez twice to leave herself serving for the match at 5-2. She clinched the title on her first match point, celebrating with a calm pump of her fist. Shnaider was appearing in her first final of the year after losing in the semi-finals four times before this week. AFP

BUSINESS

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

Business sentiment turns less gloomy -8.4% Confidence index in September

-10.9% Confidence index in August

20.9%

By Thony Rose Lesaca

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HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday that Philippine business sentiment turned less pessimistic in September, although high fuel and energy costs, rising inflation and the Middle East conflict kept confidence in negative territory. Business confidence improved to -8.4 percent in September from -10.9 percent in August, the BSP said. Firms cited elevated fuel and energy costs, rising inflation, the Middle East conflict, peso depreciation and weather-related disruptions to operations and production. Firms were less optimistic about the next three months, with the confidence index dipping to 20.9 percent from 24.6 percent in August.

Respondents still expected business activity to pick up during the holiday and rice harvest seasons. Optimism for the next 12 months slipped to 26.5 percent from 36.4 percent a month earlier. “Year-ahead optimism, on the other hand, reflected growth opportunities in selected sectors, particularly healthcare, education, tourism, financial services, real estate development, and trade-related

activities,” the BSP said. Expectations of easing inflation, streamlined business procedures, a possible resolution of the Middle East conflict and improved investor confidence also supported the outlook. Employment prospects for the next three months declined to 10.0 percent from 13.4 percent, while the 12-month index plunged to 14.4 percent from 30.7 percent. More industry firms, however, reported plans to expand operations, with the three-month and 12-month outlook climbing to 23.1 percent and 22.8 percent. “Meanwhile, respondents expected inflation to remain above 4.0 percent, the upper bound of the BSP’s tolerance range of 1 percentage point above or below the 3.0-percent target,” the BSP said.

Index for next 3 months

British chamber pushes passage of economic bills By Othel V. Campos THE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) asked the government to speed up passage of four priority measures covering cybersecurity, digital payments, open finance and the blue economy, saying delays could weaken investor confidence and slow economic activity. BCCP executive-director Chris Nelson said the group’s priority legislation includes the Cybersecurity Act, Digital Payments Act, Open Finance Act and Blue Economy Act. “We need to see legislation get passed. Legislation has slowed down in terms of passage,” Nelson said, noting that timely approval would signal to companies and investors that the Philippine economy is moving forward. Nelson said some of the measures have already passed the House of Representatives but still need Senate action before the process can move to implementing rules and eventual enforcement. “Obviously, what we need now is the version of the Senate, and then move forward. So we would really urge the government to pass those acts. I hope that’s clear why we think it’s so important,” he said. Nelson said digital payments have continued to expand since the pandemic, making stronger safeguards increasingly important as more transactions shift away from cash. “If you want digital payments, you’re also going to have to make sure everything is very secure,” he said, citing the need for robust cybersecurity amid the continued prevalence of phishing attempts and online scams. He said the Open Finance Act could also expand access to credit by allowing consumers, particularly those who remain unbanked or have limited access to financial services, to build stronger financial histories.

ENERGY COOPERATION. The Philippines’ Department of Energy and Singapore’s Minister for Energy, Trade

and Industry exchange letters of intent (LOIs) to advance cooperation on cross-border electricity interconnections and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The agreements seek to explore regional electricity trading opportunities and strengthen collaboration on advanced nuclear technologies, capacity building and nuclear safety.

Japanese chamber seeks clarity on mining asset turnover By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Inc. (JCCIPI) asked the government to clarify the legal basis of an assetturnover requirement for existing operators bidding for mining and resource contracts, warning it could hurt investor confidence. The group, in a position paper submitted last week to the Department of Energy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, raised concerns about Joint Administrative Order No. 2026-01, particularly its effect on existing operators taking part in bidding. JCCIPI said it noted that Section 6.10 of the order appears to require the surrender of covered assets upon contract expiration, subject to the conditions specified therein. “This raises questions regarding the legal basis for the requirement, its consistency with existing contractual arrangements, and its implications for private asset ownership and investor confidence,” JCCIPI said. The group said some of its members have joined previous auctions without being required to surrender their operational assets. “The apparent introduction of a

different requirement raises concerns about regulatory predictability and the consistent treatment of existing operators. Bidding rules should be clear, transparent, and applied equally to all qualified participants,” it said. “While contract renewal should not be automatic, existing operators should not be placed at a disadvantage solely because of investments made

under their current contracts,” the group said. JCCIPI said it wants to keep growing alongside the Philippine economy and supports the responsible development of the country’s natural resources. It said this requires a regulatory environment that is predictable, transparent, and respectful of applicable laws and contractual rights.

Gov’t approves $1m for LRT-1 concession restructuring By Darwin G. Amojelar THE government has approved $1 million in assistance to support the restructuring of the concession agreement for the Manila Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Extension Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Project. The Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) Committee of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center approved the funding request of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Oct. 23, 2026. It said the money will finance transaction advisory services to evaluate proposed amendments to the concession agreement and help DOTr and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) negotiate with private concessionaire Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC). The advisers will ensure the revised PPP contract is financially sustainable, legally sound and consistent with applicable laws and government policies. LRMC and the implementing agencies, DOTr and LRTA, will share the cost equally, subject to the final terms of the engagement and the execution of a trust agreement with the PPP Center. The PDMF is a revolving fund managed by the PPP Center. It provides financial support to government agencies for project preparation, feasibility studies, tender documents and transaction advisory services for public-private partnership projects. The LRT-1 Extension O&M Project covers the operation and maintenance of the existing rail system, as well as the financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the South Extension. LRT-1 averaged more than 440,000 passengers daily as of February 2026, according to LRMC.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Stock trading seen volatile this week

B2 MOBILE SWITCHGEAR. Manila Electric Company (Meralco) deploys the Philippines’ first 34.5-kilovolt (kV) mobile switchgear, an innovative solution designed to supports substation upgrades and helps maintain reliable electricity service. The portable, trailer-mounted 34.5 kV switchgear is equipped with one bus-tie, three feeder breakers and protective equipment. Designed for deployment at different locations, it gives Meralco greater operational flexibility during emergencies and planned equipment replacements, allowing the company to carry out critical upgrades while maintaining power service to customers.

SM Supermalls opens second rainwater treatment facility

SM Supermalls opens its second Luzon rainwater treatment facility at SM City Masinag, treating up to 200,000 liters a day to ease water demand during El Niño.

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

SM SUPERMALLS has installed its second Rainwater Treatment Facility (RTF) in Luzon at SM City Masinag, as the country prepares for an El Niño expected to bring drought and dry spells until 2027. The facility can treat up to 200 cubic meters, or 200,000 liters, of rainwater per day and convert it into potable water for mall operations and tenant use. That would cover one-third of the mall’s annual water consumption of 23,000 cubic meters, or about 9 Olympic-sized swimming pools. By lowering demand on municipal water systems, the facility gives nearby communities more access to freshwater for daily needs and

essential services, the company said. “As a historically rainfall rich area, SM City Masinag was strategically chosen for SM’s second RTF,” said SM Supermalls vice-president for corporate compliance Liza Silerio. “This facility transforms water runoff into more valuable use, innovating our approach in supporting the community and national water conservation efforts not just during El Niño, but for the future,” she said. The facility uses a multi-stage treatment process that combines disinfection, filtration and reverse osmosis, with monitoring and testing to ensure the water is safe and meets required standards.

MARINA suspends 2 vessels after mishaps

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Belle’s income increases 26%

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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

B2 Manila

Standard TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER XX, 2026 TODAY

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH stock market seen volatile on peso weakness, oil risk in shortened trading By Jenniffer B. Austria

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HILIPPINE stocks may remain volatile during this shortened trading week as concerns over the peso, oil prices, geopolitical tensions and interest rate uncertainty continue to weigh on the market. Given these market risks, online brokerage

firm 2TradeAsia.com advised investors to stay on the sidelines, favoring dollar-earning companies and those with strong balance sheets while avoiding interest-rate-sensitive and governmentspending-exposed stocks. “We stay in sit-out mode, continuing our preference towards dollar earners and well-capitalized names, and to avoid rate-sensitive and bud-

Republic of the Philippines National Capital Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Branch 85, Quezon City rtc1qzn085@judiciary.gov.ph /09161222996 LETICIA P. LIGON, Plaintiff, -versus-

CASE NO. R-QZN-20-06216-CV For: Revival of Judgment

SPOUSES SATURNINO M. BALADJAY and ROSARIO A. BALADJAY, and OLIVIA MARASIGAN, Defendats. x------------------------------------------------------x

COMPLAINT COMES NOW Plaintiff LETICIA P. LIGON, by counsel and to this Honorable Court, respectfully states that: 1.Plaintiff LETICIA P. LIGON is of legal age, Filipino, and a resident of 846 Harvard St., Wack Wack Subd., Mandaluyong City. She may be served with Orders, Notices and other processes of this Honorable Court through the office address of the undersigned counsel indicated below. 2.Defendants SPOUSES SATURNINO M. BALADJAY and ROSARIO A. BALADJAY, of legal age, Filipino, with last known address at 23/F Aspen Tower, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, and OLIVIA MARASIGAN of legal age, Filipino, with last known address at No. 58 St. John St., Maricaban, Pasay City. They may be served with Summons, Orders, Notices, and other processes of this Honorable Court through their respective addresses. They are impleaded in this action being named defendants in the judgment sought to be revived. 3.In 2002, Complainant filed an action for Collection of Sum of Money against Spouses Saturnino M. Baladjay and Rosario Baladjay (referred herein as Sps. Baladjay) / Olivia Marasigan, before the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City, which was raffled to Branch 101, docketed as Civil Case No. Q-02-48145. This case is referred herein as “Quezon City Case”. 4.During the proceedings of the Quezon City Case, the Plaintiff secured an Amended Writ of Preliminary Attachment (referred herein as WPA) dated November 26, 2002 commanding the Branch Sheriff to attach the properties of the Defendants.

AMENDED ORDER Pursuant to the inherent power of the court to amend its processes and orders, as provided for in Section 5 (g), Rule 135 of the Rules of Court, the Order2 dated May 17, 2021 is hereby amended herein. For Resolution is the plaintiff-movant Leticia P.Ligon’s Motion for Leave to Serve Summons by Publication3 filed through her counsel Atty. Glenn A. Remigio Jr. on March 11, 2021. In her Motion, the movant averred that the Sheriff’s Return of Summons1 4 dated February 1, 2021 could not be served to defendants Spouses Saturnino Baladjay and Rosario Baladjay as well as to Olivia Marasigan. She emphasized that despite Sheriff IV Alquero’s efforts and diligent inquiry in determining the whereabouts of the said defendants through investigations made upon several persons who personally knew the latter, still their whereabouts are unknown. Hence, the movant prayed, with leave of court, to serve summons by publication considering that the defendants were no longer residing in their last known address.5 Hence, this resolution.

ISSUE Whether or not the plaintiff-movant’s Motion for Leave to Serve Summons by Publication should be granted.

THE COURT’S RULING The plaintiff-movant’s Motion for Leave to Serve Summons by Publication is granted. As a rule, summons should be personally served on a defendant. When summons cannot be served personally within a reasonable period of time, substituted service may be resorted to, Service of summons by publication can be resorted to only if the defendant’s “whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry.”6 The relevant sections of Rule 14 of the Rules of Court provide, thus: SEC. 6. Service in person on defendant. – Whenever practicable, the summons shall be served by handing a copy thereof to the defendant in person, or, if he refuses to receive and sign for it, by tendering it to him. SEC. 7. Substituted service. – If, for justifiable causes, the defendant cannot be served within a reasonable time as provided in the preceding section, service may be effected (a) by leaving copies of the summons at the defendant’s residence with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein, or (b) by leaving the copies of defendant’s office of regular place of business with some competent person in charge thereof. Xxx SEC. 14. Service upon defendant whose identity or whereabouts are unknown. – In any action where the defendant is designated as an unknown owner, or the like, or whenever his whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry, service may, by leave of court, be effected upon him by publication in a newspaper of general circulation and in such places and for such times as the court may order. Simply put, personal service of summons is the preferred mode. The rules on the service of summons other than by personal service may be used only as prescribed and only in the circumstances authorized by statute. Thus, the impossibility of prompt personal service must be shown by stating that efforts have been made to find the defendant personally and that such efforts have failed before substituted service may be availed.7 Furthermore, these rules must be followed strictly, faithfully and fully as they are extraordinary in character and considered in derogation of the usual method of service.8 In Manotoc vs. Court of Appeals,9 the Supreme Court enumerated and explained the requirements to effect a valid service of summons other than by personal service, viz: (1)Impossibility of Prompt Personal Service Xxx Sheriffs are asked to discharge their duties on the service of summons with due care, utmost diligence, and reasonable promptness and speed so as not to prejudice the expeditious dispensation of justice. Thus, they are enjoined to try their best efforts to accomplish personal service on defendant. On the other hand, since the defendant is expected to try to avoid and evade service of summons, the sheriff must be resourceful, persevering, canny, and diligent in serving the process on the defendant. For substituted service of summons to be available, there must be several attempts by the sheriff to personally serve the summons within a reasonable period of one month which eventually resulted in failure to prove impossibility of prompt service. “Several attempts” means at least three (3) tries, preferably on at least two different dates. In addition, the sheriff must cite why such efforts were unsuccessful. It is only then that impossibility of service can be confirmed or accepted. (2) Specific Details in the Return The sheriff must described in the Return of Summons the facts and circumstances surrounding the attempted personal service. The efforts made to find the defendant and the reasons behind the failure must be clearly narrated in detail in the Return. The date and time of the attempts on personal service, the inquiries made to locate the defendant, the name/s of the occupants of the alleged residence or house of defendant and all other acts done, though futile, to serve summons on defendant must be specified in the Return to justify substituted service. The form on Sheriffs Return of Summons on Substituted Service prescribed in the Handbook for Sheriffs published by the Philippine Judicial Academy requires a narration of the efforts made to find the defendant personally and the fact of failure Supreme Court Administrative Circular No. 5 dated November 9, 1989 requires that “impossibility of prompt service should be shown by stating the efforts made to find the defendant personally and the failure of such efforts,” which should be made in the proof of service. In Express Padala (Italia) S.P.A., now BDO Remittance (Italia) S.P.A., now BDO Remittance (Italia) S.P.A. vs. Helen M. Ocampo, 10 the sheriff resorted to substituted service upon Ocampo through her uncle, who was the caretaker of Ocampo’s old family residence in Tanauan, Batangas. The Supreme Court held that substituted service was improperly resorted to. It found that since Ocampo’s “whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry, service may be effected only by publication in a newspaper of general circulation.”11 Here, the Branch Sheriff filed his Sheriff’s Return of Summons12 on February 17, 2021, stating that Spouses Saturnino are no longer residing at Aspen Tower, Alabang, Muntinlupa City for almost fifteen (15) years. Also, the Chief Security Officer Lenard Brosas revealed that Spouses Saturnino were merely tenants of the said building. Further, Sheriff Alquero emphasized that the other defendant Marasigan was no longer residing at #58 Saint John Street, Maricaban, Pasay City. Upon inquiry, certain Leonie Tagawa who is a resident thereof informed Sheriff Alquero that defendant Marasigan was last seen there in 2011. Clearly, there was diligent effort exerted to find the defendants and properly serve them the summons. Howerver, despite such diligent efforts, personal service of summons or substituted service could not be had. Hence, it has become now impossible to locate the residence of the defendants and their whereabouts considering that they are no longer residents at their respective addresses. Thus, the circumstances surrounding the case justifies the movant’s motion. It must be emphasized that the service of summons is a vital and indispensable ingredient of a defendant’s constitutional right to due process.13 WHEREFORE, the Motion for Leave to Serve Summons by Publication is hereby GRANTED. Accordingly, let summons by publication be served to the defendants SPOUSES SATURNINO M. BALADJAY and ROSARIO A. BALADJAY, and OLIVIA MARASIGAN at the expense of the plaintiff. Accordingly, let the copy of the Complaint, Summons dated January 5, 2021, and this Amended Order dated May 17, 2021 be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation pursuant to Section 1614, Rule of the 2019 Amended Rules of Court. SO ORDERED. In Chambers, Quezon City, Philippines, May 17, 2021.

Copy furnished: ATTY. GLENNA A. REMIGIO, JR., Counsel for the Plaintiff Unit 8, Ground Floor, Prince David Condominium 305 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City LETICIA P. LIGON Plaintiff 846 Harvard St., Wack Wack Subdivision Mandaluyong City RTC-Office of the Clerk of Court Quezon City

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(Sgd.) JURIS S. DILINILA-CALLANTA Presiding Judge

5.The aforementioned WPA was supposed to be annotated on TCT No. 8502, covering a parcel of land (referred herein as Subject Property) with an area of 2,309 square meters situated in Alabang, Muntinlupa under the name of Defendant Rosario Baladjay, married to Saturnino Baladjay. However, Plaintiff discovered that the subject Property was transferred to Polished Arrow Holdings Inc., (referred herein as Polished Arrow) which resulted in the cancellation of TCT No. 8502 and issuance of a new one, TCT No. 9273 under the name of Polished Arrow. 6.Contending that the transfer to Polished Arrow was made in fraud of creditors, Plaintiff was able to annotate the WPA on TCT No. 9273 under Entry No. 32667 and inscribed on December 3, 2002. Copy of the title is attached as ANNEX A, and the annotation of the said WPA is bracketed and marked as ANNEX A-1. 7.On March 26, 2008, Plaintiff obtained a favorable Decision, the dispositive portion of which states: “WHEREFORE, the Court finds for the plaintiff and hereby orders the defendants Spouses Saturnino M. Baladjay and Rosario A. Baladjay to pay Leticia Pasion Ligon the following: 1.The sum of P3,000,000.00 representing the face value of the dishonored / unpaid Allied Bank Check No. AAA0003485001; 2.The sum equivalent to 12% per annum as interest based on no. 1 above computed from October 24, 2002 until the principal is fully paid for; 3.The sum equivalent to 6% per annum as damages based on no. 1 above computed from November 4, 2002 until the principal has been fully paid for; 4.The sum of P30,000.00 as and by way of attorney’s fees; 5.The costs of the suit The complaint with respect to the defendant Olivia Marasigan is hereby DISMISSED. SO ORDERED.” This Decision is referred herein as “Quezon City Decision”, a copy of this Decision is attached as ANNEX B. 8.The Decision became final and executory on September 25, 2008 by virtue of an Entry of Final Judgment issued by the Branch Clerk of Court on September 26, 2008, a copy of which is attached as ANNEX C. 9.Then in the process of implementing the Quezon City Decision, the Plaintiff found for the first time that her victory in the Quezon City Case has become inutile, futile, useless and worthless as said Decision could no longer be implemented for the reason that the annotation of the WPA had been deleted from TCT No. 9273 when the Subject Property was sold on September 9, 2005 by way of public auction to the highest bidder, a certain Leonardo J. Ting (referred herein as Ting), where TCT No. 9273 was cancelled and a new one issued TCT No. 19756 under the name of Ting. Copy of this new title is attached as ANNEX D. 10.The sudden deletion of Plaintiff’s annotation clearly prevented her to execute the favorable final and executory judgment by levy on execution. It was at this moment when Plaintiff’s ordeal to restore the WPA annotation started and took her several years in litigation to finally restore the same on DECEMBER 13, 2019. 11.The long period of time was due to Plaintiff resorting to the Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, and finally with the pertinent Court which ordered the deletion of the WPA annotation. In resorting to the Supreme Court, it ruled partially in favor of the Plaintiff, the dispositive portion of which is as follows: “WHERFORE, the petition is PARTIALLY GRANTED. The Decision dated October 30, 2009 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 106175 is REVERSED and SET ASIDE. Accordingly, the Assailed Orders subject of this case are hereby declared NULL and VOID only insofar as they relate to the issuance of Transfer Certificate of Title No. 19756 in the name of respondent Leonardo J. Ting free from any liens and encumbrances. The Register of Deeds of Muntinlupa City is DIRECTED to carry over and annotate on TCT No. 31001 in the name of respondent Benito G. Techico the original attachment lien of petitioner Leticia P. Ligon as described in this Decision. The indirect contempt charges are, however, DISMISSED.” (Emphasis supplied) 12.To ensure that factual circumstances of the case are accurate, Plaintiff respectfully adopts the above-stated Supreme Court Decision (referred herein as SC Decision) docketed as G.R. No. 190028 entitled LETICIA P. LIGON, Petitioner, vs. THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 56 AT MAKATI CITY AND ITS PRESIDING JUDGE, JUDGE REYNALDO M. LAIGO, SHERIFF IV LUCITO V. ALEJO, ATTY. SILVERIO GARING, MR. LEONARDO J. TING, AND MR. BENITO G. TECHICO, Respondents, promulgated on February 26, 2014, and attained finality on August 8, 2014. Copies of the Decision and Entry of Judgment are attached hereto as ANNEXES E and F. 13.The pertinent factual circumstances in the aforementioned SC Decision are as follows:

“The Facts On November 20, 2002, petitioner Leticia P. Ligon (Ligon) filed an amended complaint before the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City, Branch 101 (Quezon City RTC) for collection of sum of money and damages, rescission of contract, and nullification of title with prayer for the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment, docketed as Civil Case No. Q-10-48145 (Quezon City Case), against Sps. Baladjay, a certain Olivia Marasigan (Marasigan), Polished Arrow Holdings, Inc. (Polished Arrow), and its incorporators, namely, Spouses Julius Gonzalo and charaine Doreece Anne Fuentabella (Sps. Fuentabella), Ma. Linda Mendoza (Mendoza), Barbara C. Clavo (Clavo), Bayani E. Arit, Jr. (Arit, Jr.), and Peter M. Kairuz (Kairuz), as well as the latter’s spouses (individual defendants). In her complaint, Ligon alleged, inter alia, that Rosario Baladjay (Rosario) enticed her to extend a short-term loan in the amount of P3,000,000.00, payable in a month’s time and secured by an Allied Bank post-dated check for the same amount. Ligon likewise claimed that Rosario, as further enticement for the loan extension, represented that she and her husband Saturnino were in the process of selling their property in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City (subject property), covered by a clean title, i.e., TCT No. 8502 in the name of Rosario Baladjay, married to Saturnino Baladjay, and that the proceeds of the said sale could easily pay-off the loan. Unfortunately, the Allied Bank check was dishonored upon presentment and, despite assurances to replace it with cash, Rosario failed to do so. Moreover, Ligon discovered that the subject property had already been transferred to Polished Arrow, alleged to be a dummy corporation of Sps. Baladjay and the individual defendants (defendants). As a result, TCT No. 8502 was cancelled and replaced on October 11, 2002 by TCT No. 9273 in the name of Polished Arrow. Thus, Ligon prayed that all defendants be held solidarily liable to pay her the amount of P3,000,000.00, with interest due, as well as P1,000,000.00 as attorney’s fees and another P1,000,000.00 by way of moral and exemplary damages. Asserting that the transfer of the subject property to Polished Arrow was made in fraud of Sps. Baladjay’s creditors, Ligon also prayed that the said transfer be nullified, and that a writ of preliminary attachment be issued in the interim against defendants’ assets, including the subject property. Subsequently, an Amended Writ of Preliminary Attachment was issued on November 26, 2002, and annotated on the dorsal portion of TCT No. 9273 on December 3, 2002 (December 3, 2002 attachment annotation). On February 18, 2003, a similar complaint for collection of sum of money, damages, and cancellation of title with prayer for issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment was lodged before the Makati City RTC, docketed as Civil Case No. 03-186 (Makati City Case), by Spouses Cecilia and Gil Vicente (Sps. Vicente) against Sps. Baladjay, Polished Arrow, and other corporations. In that case, it was established that Sps. Baladjay solicited millions of pesos in investment from Sps. Vicente using conduit companies that were controlled by Rosario, as President and Chairperson. During the proceedings therein, a writ of preliminary attachment also against the subject property was issued and annotated on the dorsal portion of TCT No. 9273 on March 12, 2003. Thereafter, but before the Quezon City Case was concluded, the Makati City RTC rendered a Decision dated December 9, 2004 (December 9, 2004 Decision), rescinding the transfer of the subject property from Sps. Baladjay to Polished Arrow upon a finding that the same was made in fraud of creditors. Consequently, the Makati City RTC directed the Register of Deeds of Muntinlupa City to: (a) cancel TCT No. 9273 in the name of Polished Arrow; and (b) restore TCT No. 8502 “in its previous condition” in the name of Rosario Baladjay, married to Saturnino Baladjay. Meanwhile, in the pending Quezon City Case, Polished Arrow and the individual defendants (with the exception of Marasigan) were successively dropped as party-defendants, after it was established that they, by themselves directly or through other persons, had no more ownership, interest, title, or claim over the subject property. The parties stipulated on the existence of the December 9, 2004 Decision of the Makati City RTC, and the fact that the same was no longer questioned by defendants Sps. Fuentebella, Arit, Jr., and Polished Arrow were made conditions for their dropping as party-defendants in the case. In view of the foregoing, the Quezon City Case proceeded only against Sps. Baladjay and Marasigan and, after due proceedings, the Quezon City RTC rendered a Decision dated March 26, 2008 (March 26, 2008 Decision), directing Sps. Baladjay to pay Ligon the amount of P3,000,000.00 with interest, as well as attorney’s fees and costs of suit. On September 25, 2008, the March 26, 2008 Decision of the Quezon City RTC became final and executory. However, when Ligon sought its execution, she discovered that the December 3, 2002 attachment annotation had been deleted from TCT No. 9273 when the subject property was sold by way of public auction on September 9, 2005 to the highest bidder, respondent Ting, for the amount of P9,000, 000. 00 during the execution proceedings in the Makati City Case, as evidenced by the Officer’s Final Deed of Sale dated October 27, 2006 (Officer’s Final Deed of Sale) issued by Sheriff Alejo. In this regard, Ligon learned that the Makati City RTC had issued its first assailed Order dated February 9, 2007 (First Assailed Order), directing Atty. Garing, as the Register of Deeds of Muntinlupa City, to: (a) register the Officer’s Final Deed of Sale on the official Record Book of the Register of Deeds of Muntinlupa City; and (b) cancel TCT No. 8502 in the name of Sps. Baladjay and issue a new title in the name of Ting, free from any liens and encumbrances. Atty. Garing manifested before the Makati City RTC that it submitted the matter en consulta to the Land Registration Authority (LRA) as he was uncertain whether the annotations on TCT No. 9273 should be carried over to TCT No. 8502. In response to the manifestation, the Makati City RTC issued its second assailed Order dated March 20, 2007 (Second Assailed Order), directing Atty. Garing to comply with the First Assailed Order under pain of contempt. It explained that it could not allow the LRA to carry over all annotations previously annotated on TCT No. 9273 in the name of Polished Arrow as said course of action would run counter to its December 9, 2004 Decision which specifically ordered the cancellation of said TCT and the restoration of TCT No. 8502 in its previous condition. It further clarified that:

JSDC judgy

Republic of the Philippines National Capital Judicial Region Regional Trial Court Branch 85, Quezon City LETICIA P. LIGON, Plaintiff, -versus-

CASE NO. R-QZN-20-06216-CV For: Revival of Judgment

SPOUSES SATURNINO M. BALADJAY and ROSARIO A. BALADJAY and OLIVIA MARASIGAN Defendants. x---------------------------------------------------------x SUMMONS

[I]f there were liens or encumbrances annotated on TCT No. 8502 in the name of Rosario Baladjay when the same was cancelled and TCT No. 9273 was issued by the Register of Deeds of Muntinlupa City in favor of Polished Arrow Holdings, Inc. based on the Deed of Absolute Sale executed between the former and the latter, only such liens or encumbrances will have to be carried over to the new Transfer Certificate of Title that he (Atty. Garing) is mandated to immediately issue in favor of Leonardo J. Ting even as the Order of the Court dated February 9, 2007 decreed that a new TCT be issued in the name of Mr. Leonardo J. Ting, free from any encumbrance. On the other hand, if TCT No. 8502 in the name of Rosario Baladjay was free from any liens or encumbrances when the same was cancelled and TCT No. 9273 was issued by the Register of Deeds of Muntinlupa City in favor of Polished Arrow Holdings, Inc. by virtue of that Deed of Absolute Sale executed between Rosario Baladjay and Polished Arrow Holdings, Inc., it necessarily follows that the new Transfer of Certificate of Title that the said Registrar of Deeds is duty bound to issue immediately in favor of Leonardo Ting will also be freed from any liens and encumbrances, as simple as that. (Emphases and underscoring supplied) Based on the foregoing, it pronounced that it was Atty. Garing’s ministerial duty “to promptly cancel TCT No. 8502/T-44 in the name of defendant-spouses Baladjay and to issue a new Transfer Certificate of Title in the name of the highest bidder, Leonardo J. Ting.” Separately, Ting filed a motion before the Makati City RTC on account of Atty. Garing’s letter dated March 26, 2006 requiring him to comply with certain documentary requirements and to pay the appropriate capital gains,documentary stamp and transfer taxes before a new title could be issued in his name. In its third assailed Order dated April 25, 2007 (Third Assailed Order), the Makati City RTC directed Ting to pay the aforesaid taxes and ordered Atty. Garing to immediately cancel TCT No. 8502 and issue a new title in the former’s name.

TO

: Olivia Marasigan No. 58 St. John St. Maricaban, Pasay City

On June 7, 2007, Atty. Garing issued TCT No.1 9756 in the name of Ting, free from any liens and encumbrances. Later, Ting sold the subject property to respondent Benito G. Techico (Techico), resulting in the cancellation of TCT No. 19756 and the issuance of TCT No. 31001 in Techico ‘s name.

TO

: Saturnino M. Baladjay 23/F Aspen Tower, Alabang Muntinlupa City

In view of the preceding circumstances, Ligon filed, inter alia, a certiorari petition against respondent Presiding Judge Reynaldo Laigo (Judge Laigo), Sheriff Alejo, Atty.Garing, Ting, and Techico (respondents), alleging, among others, that the Makati City RTC committed grave abuse of discretion in issuing the Assailed Orders. In this relation, she prayed that the said orders be declared null and void for having been issued in violation of her right to due process, and resulting in (a) the deletion of the December 3, 2002 attachment annotation on TCT No. 9273 which evidences her prior attachment lien over the subject property, and (b) the issuance of new titles in the names of Ting and Techico.

GREETINGS: Pursuant to A.M. No. 19-10-20-SC, you are hereby required, within thirty (30) days after service of this summons upon you, to file with this Court and serve on the petitioner your answer to the Complaint, copy of which is attached herewith, together with the annexes. You are reminded of the provision in the IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines, dated March 12, 2002, to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the Answer. If you fail to answer within the time fixed, the petitioner will take judgment by default and may be granted the relief applied for in the complaint. WITNESS, the HON. JURIS S. DILINILA-CALLANTA, Presiding Judge of this Court, this 5th day of January 2021.

(Sgd.) ATTY. SYLVIA PATRICIA DC SARMIENTO-CASTILLO Branch Clerk of Court REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Quezon City Branch 85 LETICIA P. LIGON, Plaintiff, vs.

SPOUSES SATURNINO M. BALADJAY and ROSARIO A. BALADJAY, and OLIVIA MARASIGAN, Defendants. x---------------------------------------------------x

Civil Case No. R-QZN-20-06216-CV For: REVIVAL OF JUDGMENT

sia sees the possibility of another round of tightening, with a potential Fed rate hike on Dec. 9 followed by a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas rate increase on Dec. 17. Despite the 50-basis-point interest rate hike by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the peso last week hit an all-time low of 64.20 against the U.S. dollar before closing at 63.74 on Friday.

The grave abuse of discretion of the Makati City RTC lies with its directive to issue a new certificate of title in the name of Ting (i.e., TCT No. 19756), free from any liens and encumbrances. This course of action clearly negates the efficacy of Ligon’s attachment lien and, also, defies the legal characterization of attachment proceedings. It bears noting that Ligon’s claim, secured by the aforesaid attachment, is against Sps. Baladjay whose ownership over the subject property had been effectively restored in view of the RTC’s rescission of the property’s previous sale to Polished Arrow. Thus, Sps. Ligon’s attachment lien against Sps. Baladjay as well as their successors-in-interest should have been preserved, and the annotation thereof carried over to any subsequent certificate of title, the most recent of which as it appears on record is TCT No. 31001 in the name of Techico, without prejudice to the latter’s right to protect his own ownership interest over the subject property.” (Emphasis supplied) 15. As mentioned above, the SC Decision became final and executory on August 8, 2014 evidenced by the Entry of Judgment, attached herein as ANNEX F. 16. Pursuant to the foregoing SC Decision, it was clear that the deleted WPA Annotation should have been “preserved and carried over” on TCT No. 31001. 17. Hence, on MARCH 12, 2015, the Plaintiff filed a Motion for Execution before the Court of Appeals. However, a month later or on April 24, 2015, Plaintiff, through counsel, received a Letter from the Clerk of Court of the Court of Appeals dated April 8, 2015 acknowledging receipt of the said Motion for Execution, and informing Plaintiffs counsel that the records of the case were already remanded to Regional Trial Court, Branch 56, of Makati City (RTC Makati), with a directive that Plaintiff may re-file the Motion for Execution to the court of origin which has the custody of the records of the case. Attached in the said Letter is the Transmittal dated February 24, 2015. Copies of these Letter and Transmittal are attached as ANNEXES G and G-1, respectively. 18. Pursuant to the foregoing Letter, on APRIL 30, 2015, the Plaintiff filed a Motion for Execution before the RTC Makati, copy of which is attached as ANNEX H. 19. On NOVEMBER 7, 2017, RTC Makati issued an Order for the issuance of a Writ of Execution, copy of which is attached as ANNEX I. 20. On AUGUST 15, 2018, annotation was made on TCT No. 31001 under Entry No. 2018004781 and entered on August 15, 2018. For reference, attached herein is TCT No. 31001, marked as ANNEX J, where the said annotation was made particularly on Page 5 thereof, bracketed and marked as ANNEX J-1. 21 . However, a perusal of the foregoing annotation showed that the same was not in accordance with the SC Decision. This compelled Plaintiff to file, on NOVEMBER 9, 2018, an Urgent Motion to Correct Annotation before RTC Makati. Copy of this Motion is attached as ANNEX K. 22. On DECEMBER 18, 2019, Plaintiff through counsel, received an Order from RTC Makati dated November 27, 2019, the dispositive portion of which states: “Accordingly, as prayed for, the Register of Deeds of Muntinlupa City is hereby directed to CANCEL Entry No. 2018004781 on TCT No. 31001; and to TRANSFER Entry No. 32667. 9273 from (cancelled) TCT No. 9273 to TCT No. 31001. SO ORDERED. “ (Emphasis supplied) Copy of this Order dated November 27, 2019 is attached as ANNEX L. 23. Pursuant to the foregoing, the deleted WPA Annotation on TCT No. 9273 was finally restored, carried over, and annotated on TCT No. 31001 under Entry No. 2019007253 and entered on December 13, 2019, in accordance with the SC Decision, which is bracketed and marked as ANNEX J-2. 24. While it may be true that under Section 6 of Rule 39 of the Revised Rules of Court provides execution of final and executor judgment or order be made by motion within five (5) years from date of entry, or by independent action within ten (10) years in relation to Articles 1144(3) and 1152 of the Civil Code, the present case, by reason of EQUITY and peculiarities of the case, calls for an exception of the said provisions considering that Plaintiff was clearly prevented from executing the QC Decision by levy on execution against the property without any fault on her part. The delay in executing the QC Decision should not prejudice Plaintiff especially she took the necessary legal steps and remedies to enable her to execute said Decision. Unfortunately for her, the legal remedies Plaintiff availed of took several years, without any delay or fault on her part, to finally restore the deleted WPA Annotation. It must be remembered that the prescription of 10 years is to prevent judgment obligors from sleeping on their rights, which herein Plaintiff was never guilty of. Hence, the filing of this Complaint. 25. There are several cases where the Supreme Court applied the principle of equity as an exception to the 5-year and 10-year prescriptive period in execution of judgments, to wit: a. Lancita vs. Maqbanua. G.R. No. L-15467. January 31. 1963. “There has been no indication that respondents herein had ever slept on their rights to have the judgment executed by mere motions, within the reglementary period. The statute of limitations has not been devised against those who wish to act but cannot do so, for causes beyond their control.” b. Gonzales vs. CA, G.R. No. 62556, August 13, 1992. “In the case before Us, We agree with the trial court that the time during which the records of Civil Case No. 0-5550 were lost or misplaced through no fault of herein petitioner shall be deducted or subtracted from the period for execution of judgment by motion, and in its holding that the motion for execution was filed within the period when the final and executory decision of the Court of Appeals may be enforced by motion. It is thus clear that petitioner had never slept on his rights as the delay in the execution was beyond his control. Verily then, under the circumstances and in the interest of equity and justice, the writ of execution issued by the lower court on August 27, 1979, should be deemed proper and timely. “ c. Camacho vs. CAr G.R. No. 118339 March 19, 1998. “The purpose of the law in prescribing time limitations for enforcing judgments or actions is to prevent obligors from sleeping on their rights. Far from sleeping on their rights, respondents persistently pursued their rights of action. It is revolting to the conscience to allow petitioner to further avert the satisfaction of her obligation because of sheer literal adherence to technicality. After all, the Rules of Court mandates that a liberal construction of the Rules be adopted in order to promote their object and to assist the parties in obtaining just, speedy and inexpensive determination of every action and proceeding. This rule of construction is especially useful in the present case where adherence to the letter of the law would result in absurdityand manifest injustice. “ d. Villeza vs. German Management and Services, Inc., G.R. No. 182937, August 8, 2010. “The Court has pronounced in a plethora of cases that it is revolting to the conscience to allow someone to further avert the satisfaction of an obligation because of sheer literal adherence to technicality; that although strict compliance with the rules of procedure is desired, liberal interpretation is warranted in cases where a strict enforcement of the rules will not serve the ends of justice; and that it is a better rule that courts, under the principle of equity, will not be guided or bound strictly by the statute of limitations or the doctrine of laches when to do so, manifest wrong or injustice would result. These cases, though, remain exceptions to the general rule. The purpose of the law in prescribing time limitations for enforcing judgment by action is precisely to prevent the winning parties from sleeping on their rights. This Court cannot just set aside the statute of limitations into oblivion every time someone cries for equity and justice. Indeed, “if eternal vigilance is the price of safety, one cannot sleep on one’s right for more than a 10th of a century and expect it to be preserved in pristine purity. “” e. Rubio vs. Alabata, G.R. No. 203947, February 26, 2014. “Due to the peculiarities of this case, the Court, in the exercise of its equity jurisdiction, relaxes the rules and decides to allow the action for the revival of judgment filed by petitioners. The Court believes that it is its bounden duty to exact justice in every way possible and exercise its soundest discretion to prevent a wrong. Although strict compliance with the rules of procedure is desired, liberal interpretation is warranted in cases where a strict enforcement of the rules will not serve the ends of justice; and that it is a better rule that courts, under the principle of equity, will not be guided or bound strictly by the statute of limitations or the doctrine of laches when to do so, manifest wrong or injustice would result. “ f. Piedad vs. Bobilles, G.R. No. 208614, November 7, 2017 “To reiterate, jurisprudence is consistent that when the delay in filing a motion or action for execution could not be attributed to the prevailing party, a liberal interpretation of the rules of procedure should be resorted to where a literal and strict adherence will most likely result in miscarriage of justice.“ 26. Consistent with the principles laid down by the Supreme Court, the present case is no different with the afore-cited cases. Upon finality of the QC Decision, she let no time pass in executing the said Decision but because of the sudden deletion of her WPA annotation, without her knowledge, execution became legally impossible. It was only after several years of asserting her right, even spending considerable amount of money, where she can finally be able to reap the fruits of her long and hard-fought legal battle. To deny her this legally established right would clearly result in miscarriage of justice. 27. For purposes of jurisdiction and venue, the filing of the instant case is laid before the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City pursuant to the case of Heirs of Numeriano Miranda Sr., et. al. vs. Miranda, G.R. No. 179638, July 8,2013, where the Supreme Court held: “RTC has jurisdiction over the Petition for Revival of Judgment As to whether the RTC has jurisdiction, we rule in the affirmative. An action for revival of judgment may be filed either “in the same court where said judgment was rendered or in the place where the plaintiff or defendant resides, or in any other place designated by the statutes which treat of the venue of actions in general. “ In this case, respondent filed the Petition for Revival of Judgment in the same court which rendered the Decision dated August 30, 1999.” (Emphasis supplied)

COMPLIANCE TO SECTION 6 OF RULE 7 (A.M. No. 19-10-20-SC, October 15, 2019) 28. The following are the witnesses the Plaintiff intends to present including the summary of their intended testimonies: a. Plaintiff Leticia P. Ligon. The following is the summary of her intended testimony: i. She is the Plaintiff in the present case. II. She obtained a final and executory judgment in Civil Case No. Q-02-48145 in the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City, where she was the Plaintiff. III. She was prevented from executing the judgment by levy on execution because the Writ of Preliminary Attachment (WPA) annotated in the title of the subject property was suddenly deleted without her knowledge. IV. She had to file cases before the Regional Trial Court of Makati, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court to restore the deleted WPA Annotation. v. The delay in the execution was beyond her control without any fault on her part. vi. She will also prove other material allegations in this Complaint. The Judicial Affidavit of Plaintiff Leticia P. Ligon is attached as ANNEX M. b. Respective court and government officers who will identify and testify on the documentary evidence of the Plaintiff. Considering that they are public officers, the Plaintiff is constrained to request issuance of Subpoena Duces Tecum and Ad Testificandum at the proper time, and for such purpose, is reserving to file their respective Judicial Affidavits, if warranted.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, Plaintiff respectfully pray of this Honorable Court that, after due hearing, a Decision be rendered reviving the Decision of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City dated March 26, 2008. Further and other reliefs as may deemed just and equitable are likewise prayed for. Quezon City, August 24,2020. (Sgd.) ATTY. GLENN A. REMIGIO JR. Counsel for Plaintiff LETICIA P. LIGON Unit 8, Ground Floor, Prince David Condominium 305 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City 09178223696/09176789090 glennremigiojr@gmail.com PTR No. 9327357/01 .02.20/Q.C. IBP No. AR 56672763/01.02.20/Q.C. Roll No. 56592 MCLE Compliance No. VI - 0026753 05.24.19

Consolidated with Ligon’s certiorari petition is a complaint for indirect contempt against respondents, whereby it was alleged that the latter unlawfully interfered with the court processes of the Quezon City RTC, particularly by deleting the December 3, 2002 attachment annotation on TCT No.9273 which thereby prevented the execution of the Quezon City RTC’s March 26, 2008 Decision.

The CA Ruling

VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATIONAGAINST FORUM SHOPPING

In a Decision dated October 30, 2009, the CA dismissed Ligon’s certiorari petition, finding that the Makati City RTC did not gravely abuse its discretion in issuing the Assailed Orders, adding further that the same was tantamount to a collateral attack against the titles of both Ting and Techico, which is prohibited under Section 48 of Presidential Decree No. (PD) 1529. Likewise, it dismissed the indirect contempt charge for lack of sufficient basis, emphasizing that the Assailed Orders were issued prior to the Quezon City RTC’s Decision, meaning that the said issuances could not have been issued in disregard of the latter decision.

I, LETICIA P. LIGON, of legal age, Filipino and presently residing at 846 Harvard St., WackWack Subd., Mandaluyong City, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, depose and say:

Aggrieved, Ligon filed the present petition.” 14. In resolving the Petition of Plaintiff, the Supreme Court ruled as follows: “A. Issuance of the Assailed Orders vis-a-vis Grave Abuse of Discretion. Attachment is defined as a provisional remedy by which the property of an adverse party is taken into legal custody, either at the commencement of an action or at any time thereafter, as a security for the satisfaction of any judgment that may be recovered by the plaintiff or any proper party. Case law instructs that an attachment is a proceeding in rem, and, hence, is against the particular property, enforceable against the whole world. Accordingly, the attaching creditor acquires a specific lien on the attached property which nothing can subsequently destroy except the very dissolution of the attachment or levy itself. Such a proceeding, in effect, means that the property attached is an indebted thing and a virtual condemnation of it to pay the owner’s debt. The lien continues until the debt is paid, or sale is had under execution issued on the judgment, or until the judgment is satisfied, or the attachment discharged or vacated in some manner provided by law. Thus, a prior registration of an attachment lien creates a preference, such that when an attachment has been duly levied upon a property, a purchaser thereof subsequent to the attachment takes the property subject to the said attachment. As provided under PD 1529, said registration operates as a form of constructive notice to all persons. Applying these principles to this case, the Court finds that the CA erred in holding that the RTC did not gravely abuse its discretion in issuing the Assailed Orders as these issuances essentially disregarded, inter alia, Ligon’s prior attachment lien over the subject property patently anathema to the nature of attachment proceedings which is well-established in law and jurisprudence. In this case, Ligon, in order to secure the satisfaction of a favorable judgment in the Quezon City Case, applied for and was eventually able to secure a writ of preliminary attachment over the subject property on November 25, 2002, which was later annotated on the dorsal portion of TCT No. 9273 in the name of Polished Arrow on December 3, 2002. Notwithstanding the subsequent cancellation of TCT No. 9273 due to the Makati City RTC’s December 9, 2004 Decision rescinding the transfer of the subject property from Sps. Baladjay to Polished Arrow upon a finding that the same was made in fraud of creditors, Ligon’s attachment lien over the subject property continued to subsist since the attachment she had earlier secured binds the property itself, and, hence, continues until the judgment debt of Sps. Baladjay to Ligon as adjudged in the Quezon City Case is satisfied, or the attachment discharged or vacated in some manner provided by law.

1. That I have caused the preparation and filing of the foregoing pleading. 2. That I have read the contents thereof and the same are true of my personal knowledge and based on authentic records. 3. That the foregoing pleading is not filed to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation. 4. That the factual allegations therein have evidentiary support or, will likewise have evidentiary support after reasonable opportunity for discovery. 5. That I have not theretofore commenced any action or filed any claim involving the same issues in any court, tribunal or quasi-judicial agency and, to the best of his or her knowledge, no such other action or claim is pending therein. If there is such other pending action or claim, a complete statement of the present status thereof, and if he or she should thereafter learn that the same or similar action or claim has been filed or is pending, I shall report that fact within five (5) calendar days therefrom to the court wherein my aforesaid complaintor initiatory pleading has been filed. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this AUG 24, 2020 at Quezon City, Philippines. (Sgd.) LETICIA P. LIGON Affiant AUG 24, 2020 at Quezon City, Philippines, by LETICIA P. LIGON whom I identified SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ______________ through competent evidence of identity bearing her photograph and Signature.

Doc. No.433; Page No. 88; Book No. XI; Series of 2020.

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

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

B3 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

NFA pilot cuts palay handling time, costs

SHELL’S AWARD.

Shell Pilipinas Corp. technical advisor Janet Marc receives the Sustainability Rising Star Award at the ACES Awards. Shell Pilipinas was recognized for its program spanning community engagement, employee volunteering, circularity initiatives and business operations.

By Othel V. Campos THE National Food Authority cut palay handling time by 75 percent and costs by half in a pilot test of 1-ton bags, potentially allowing the agency to speed up procurement, improve warehouse use and buy more palay with the same budget. NFA administrator Larry Lacson said handling work that previously took an hour can now be completed in 15 minutes using flexible intermediate bulk containers, or tonner bags. “Our pilot test showed a 75 percent reduction in handling time and a 50 percent cut in handling costs,” Lacson said. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who chairs the NFA Council, said the savings could allow the agency to stretch its procurement funds and buy more palay from local farmers. “For our rice farmers, this means we can potentially procure more palay with the same resources,” Tiu Laurel said. Lacson inspected the system at the NFA’s Triplex Warehouse in Davao del Sur on Oct. 29. The pilot, launched in October 2025, covers three NFA branches in Nueva Ecija, Occidental Mindoro and Davao del Sur. Each bag holds 1 metric ton of palay and can be moved by forklift, reducing manual lifting, sack sewing and stacking. The Davao trial covers receiving, weighing, handling and stacking but excludes milling and distribution. Initial monitoring showed safe moisture levels and minimal spillage, although pest infestation ranged from light to moderate. The NFA said wider adoption would require standardized fumigation procedures, tests on bag strength and safe stacking limits, and improved pestcontrol protocols for bulk storage.

MARINA suspends 2 vessels after mishaps By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE Maritime Industry Authority ordered the immediate suspension of the safety certificates of MBca Rose Marie 1 and MV Ocean Jet 788 following separate maritime incidents in Cagayan and Bohol on Oct. 31.

Initial reports suggest that rough sea conditions and uncontrolled livestock movements caused MBca Rose Marie 1 to capsize at around 8:15 a.m. between Dalupiri Island and Fuga Island. All seven crew members survived, while six of the 11 livestock animals died.

Meanwhile, MV Ocean Jet 788 experienced an electrical failure affecting its bridge engine remote control and throttle system at approximately 10:57 a.m. while maneuvering to dock at the Port of Tagbilaran in Bohol, temporarily compromising its maneuverability.

BCDA inks P85-m tourism deals in Clark, Baguio

MARINA deputy administrator for operations Loumer Bernabe directed the Enforcement Service and all MARINA regional offices to intensify nationwide compliance monitoring, onboard inspections and enforcement actions. MARINA stressed that decisive regulatory action will be taken against vessels and operators that compromise the safety of passengers, crew, cargo and the traveling public. “No vessel should be allowed to sail unless its safety and seaworthiness are assured. Our priority remains the protection of lives at sea and the prevention of maritime accidents,” Bernabe said.

BOHOL APP. Bohol-Panglao International Airport partners with local discovery app tana! to elevate the visitor experience with locally curated guides. The collaboration aims to help visitors experience Bohol through the lens of a local, offering curated routes, insider recommendations and community-driven insights.

GREEN LIGHT

The ‘invisible’ actors that power Southeast Asian economies —“—

Jan Jumine T. Reyes

SOUTHEAST Asia doesn’t lack entrepreneurs; it lacks visibility. Millions of micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) drive local economies and sustain livelihoods, yet remain unseen by the very institutions meant to support them. Cash remains king, with transactions confined to informal networks beyond digital reach. As a result, MSMEs often fall outside the view of policymakers, financial institutions, researchers, and investors. This data blindness has become one of the region’s most consequential development challenges. Looking at the daily cash box of Maria, a karinderya owner in Manila, and Nurhayati, a warung owner in Yogyakarta, makes their geographic distance disappear. Both have loyal customers, strong business acumen, and are highly resilient. This shared reality became clear to our team, DLSU TANGLAW— composed of Franchette Romjin Kim Miller, Fernando Granada, and myself, under the guidance of our faculty adviser, Dr. Mary Margaret Que—as we participated in the BRI GAMA International Business Case Competition (IBCC) 2026. Organized jointly by Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), and the UGM Economics and Business Alumni Association (KAFEGAMA), the competition challenged us to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for MSMEs, the backbone of Indonesia’s economy. The IBCC attracted 366 teams from Asia and beyond, with 65 competing in the Graduate Students Category. International participants included leading institutions such as Singapore Management

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority secured at least P85 million in committed investments from three lease agreements for tourism and leisure developments in Clark, Pampanga, and Camp John Hay in Baguio City. The projects cover a nature resort in Clark, along with a restaurant and an educational family adventure park in Camp John Hay. “Through these lease agreements, we are opening more opportunities for private sector partners to invest in BCDA properties,” BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang said, adding that the developments would generate jobs and economic activity while expanding tourism offerings. Grace Farm Nature Resort Corp. secured a 15-year lease in Clark and committed at least P50 million for the development and improvement of a leisure and recreational facility. Anrey Inc. will invest at least P15 million within one year to establish its Sizzling Plate restaurant on a 500-square-meter property in Camp John Hay. The Baguio-based restaurant brand has been operating for 47 years. Zoo and Theme Park Services Inc. committed at least P20 million over 10 years to develop an integrated educational family adventure park in Camp John Hay, featuring a nature adventure park and related facilities. The project will adopt green measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water and power consumption, and waste generation. “We hope that through this initiative, we can contribute to the growth of tourism in Camp John Hay and create opportunities for the community,” said Zoo and Theme Park Services business development head Ren Christopher Siccion. Othel V. Campos

University, Nanyang Technological University, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, and Krakow University of Economics. The contest unfolded in three stages: a pre competition round where teams designed strategies to build supply side capacity, expand demand side market access, and deepen social value creation; Phase 1, where the top 20 teams crafted green financing strategies to resolve BRI’s inclusion-credibility dilemma; and Phase 2, where the final 10 teams redesigned BRI’s microbusiness digital ecosystem for sustainable upgrading. The culminating presentations were delivered in Jakarta before a panel of judges drawn from academia, startups, and BRI’s microfinance leadership. But the lessons stretched far beyond the case studies. We realized that while these micro-enterprises are perfectly visible to the communities they serve, they remain largely invisible to the financial systems that shape economic opportunities. This data poverty has become a major restraint for MSMEs. Without digital footprints, they cannot build credit histories, access tailored financial products, or prove their capacity to scale. Because transactions remain undocumented and customer relationships exist only in memory, institutions are left to rely on risk averse assumptions instead of their real potential. Supporting MSMEs requires moving beyond a transactional view of their journey toward a humanistic view. Digital adoption cannot be forced; it must be cultivated carefully with guidance and collaboration across different sectors of society.

The entrepreneurs that power Southeast Asian economies have never lacked resilience, creativity, or determination. The butterfly is known as kupu-kupu in Indonesia, and paruparo in the Philippines. Nature doesn’t allow shortcuts, and neither does sustainable business upgrading. Every butterfly starts as an egg, like many entrepreneurs. At this stage, survival is the main concern: cash is scarce, the risks are high, and opportunities remain uncertain. Next comes the caterpillar. These resilient entrepreneurs consume every available resource to grow. Vulnerability persists with overlapping personal and business finances; a single disruption can erase months of hard work. The hardest phase is the cocoon, where demand grows but capacity stalls. Informal habits no longer sustain expansion. Entrepreneurs must abandon familiar habits to transform, stepping blindly into structural transition. Only then can the butterfly take flight. Empowered by technology, capital, and discipline, MSMEs scale beyond mere survival. But even then, the story is unfinished. Enduring development happens when opportunity passes to the next generation. That legacy is the real butterfly effect of MSME development. The Philippines and Indonesia are not suffering from a shortage of policies, programs, or entrepreneurial ambition. What remains

scarce is coordination. Too many institutions pursue the same goals through disconnected efforts, creating fragmented pathways for the very people they seek to help. The entrepreneurs that power Southeast Asian economies have never lacked resilience, creativity, or determination. They have been creating value long before governments launched initiatives, long before banks introduced digital platforms, and long before universities began studying innovation ecosystems. The challenge is not teaching them to dream bigger; they already do that every single day. The challenge is whether institutions can finally learn to see them. The future of inclusive growth will not be determined by the corporations that dominate headlines or the companies that fill our business school case studies. It will be determined by whether the millions of invisible actors already powering our economies are recognized, connected, and enabled to thrive. Until then, Southeast Asia’s greatest economic assets will continue to remain invisible, carrying our economies forward while remaining unseen by the very systems built to support them. Jan Jumine T. Reyes is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University. He was the team lead of DLSU TANGLAW for the BRI GAMA IBCC 2026. The team bagged the gold trophy for the Graduate Students Category. The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

BUSINESS

B4

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

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

Belle’s income grew 26% in first 9 months B By Jenniffer B. Austria

ELLE Corp., a property and gaming firm owned by the Sy family, reported a 26-percent increase in net income to P1.66 billion in the first nine months of 2026 on the back of higher revenues and lower financing costs. Belle said in a disclosure to the stock exchange consolidated net income for January to September rose from P1.32 billion a year ago. Consolidated revenues rose 11 percent to P4.32 billion from P3.88 billion, supported by growth in real estate operations, gaming revenue and lottery services. Revenues from real estate operations increased 2 percent to P2.22 billion. Leasing income from City of Dreams Manila, operated by Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corp., contributed P1.77 billion, while the Tagaytay Highlands complex generated P452.9 million. The company’s share in gaming revenue at City of Dreams Manila, through subsidiary Premium Leisure Corp., rose 13 percent to P1.48 billion from P1.32 billion in the same period last year. Pacific Online Systems Corp.,

in which Premium Leisure holds a 50.1-percent stake, reported a 59-percent increase in revenues to P617.3 million. Its income comes through PinoyLotto Technologies Corp., a 50-percent-owned joint venture that leases online lottery equipment to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Lower financing costs also supported earnings. Interest expense and other finance charges fell 30 percent to P358 million from P510.5 million as the company reduced its outstanding debt. Debt outstanding stood at P3.1 billion at the end of September, down 54 percent from P6.75 billion a year earlier. Third-quarter net income reached P684.6 million, up 28 percent from P534.8 million in the same quarter last year. Gross revenues improved 13 percent to P1.59 billion.

CUSTOMER SERVICE. PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. believe the companies that will gain the most from the technology will not necessarily be those that automate the fastest, but those that best combine AI with human judgment, empathy and trust. Shown during ‘The Human Edge in the Age of AI,’ a special edition of the PEGUsapan Natin learning series for employees and stakeholders as part of PLDT and Smart’s Customer Experience Month celebration are (from left) AWS head of AI acceleration for banking, FSI and digital Naveen Asrani, Ikigai Philippines CMO Abigail Ho-Torres, PLDT vice-president and head of customer care operations Chiqui Abad-Arevalo, PLDT chief operating officer Butch Jimenez, MicroSourcing Group chief executive and Customer Experience Association of the Philippines (CXAP), president Haidee Enriquez and Smart first vice-president and head of customer care Brenda Dichoso.

ERC approves ACEN unit’s plan to build P7.35-b line By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved the application of Giga Ace 6 Inc. (GA6), a unit of ACEN Corp., to develop P7.352 billion in dedicated point-topoint limited facilities that will connect the 344.5-megawatt Quezon North Wind Power Plant Project to the Luzon Frid. “The evidence presented shows that approving GA6’s Application to connect its QNWPPP to the Grid through (a) the San Jose–Tayabas 500kV Transmission Line of NGCP as in-

terim connection scheme, and (b) Sta. Maria 500kV Substation of NGCP as the final connection scheme, will benefit electricity consumers in terms of continuous, reliable, and efficient power supply in accordance with Section 2 of the EPIRA [Electric Power Industry Reform Act],” the ERC said in its decision promulgated Oct. 29, 2026. The approval is subject to conditions. Energy generated by the plant will be subject to curtailment and dispatch prioritization until NGCP completes the Taguig–Silang and Baras–Pinamucan 500-kilovolt trans-

Revenues to cover 75% of P7.2-trillion 2027 budget, says DBM chief DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) acting Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said revenues will finance 75 percent of the government’s projected spending in 2027, with borrowing covering most of the rest, as he explained how the proposed P7.2trillion 2027 national budget will be funded. The DBM chief, in Episode 16 of “A.S.K. — Alamin Kay Sec. Kim”, said every peso the government spends has a source and that public borrowing carries obligations the government must manage responsibly. “It is important that we understand this because every peso the government spends has a source. And when the government borrows, it also has an obligation to pay,” De Leon said. The episode shows how sound fiscal planning funds essential services while taking future generations’ needs into account. He said the government has two

primary revenue sources: tax revenues and non-tax revenues. Tax revenues include income tax, value-added tax (VAT) and other taxes imposed by law. Non-tax revenues come from government fees, charges and income from certain government properties and operations. These collections finance education, healthcare, infrastructure, social assistance and other essential services. The proposed FY 2027 budget totals P7.2 trillion, but De Leon said the government will not pay the entire amount within the year. “Just because there is a proposed P7.2-trillion budget does not mean the entire P7.2 trillion will be paid right away in 2027,” he said. He cited a multiyear hospital construction project, where the government pays portions as the work progresses and finishes, subject to contractual terms and applicable rules.

Uncle John’s reopens Glorietta 3 store to serve mobile customers UNCLE John’s, the convenience store chain of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., has reopened its Glorietta 3 store in Makati’s Ayala Center, bringing its fried chicken and rice meals back to one of Metro Manila’s busiest commercial and lifestyle districts. The store is on Level 1, Glorietta 3 West Street, where office workers, shoppers, commuters and tourists pass every day. It carries the chain’s full lineup of fried chicken, rice meals, ready-to-eat items, snacks, beverages and daily necessities. “Glorietta is one of the country’s most dynamic retail and business des-

tinations, making it a strategic location for us to serve customers who are constantly on the move,” Uncle John’s general-manager Donna Leoncio said. “Through this reopening, we are strengthening our accessibility while continuing to deliver the quality, value and convenience that customers have come to associate with Uncle John’s,” said Leoncio. The reopening represents the company’s continued investment in dense urban locations, where consumers increasingly look for convenient, affordable meals that fit fast-paced schedules.

Casino Plus eyes broader Evolution tie-up By Darwin G. Amojelar

LEARNING RESOURCES. 2GO, a leading integrated transportation and logistics provider, teams up with Culion Foundation Inc. (CFI) to deliver essential learning resources to 19 public schools across Culion, Palawan, helping make educational materials more accessible to students in one of the country’s island communities. Through 2GO’s integrated transport and logistics network, CFI delivered 17,239 books to elementary and high school students across the coastal municipality.

IN BRIEF Econergy plans 150-MW wind project in N. Samar

ECONERGY Renewable Power Philippines Inc. is developing a 150-megawatt wind project in Northern Samar with estimated investments of about P5.67 billion, according to project documents submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The company said the site covers 3,159 hectares across the municipalities of Allen, Victoria, San Isidro and Lavezares. It plans to install 30 wind turbines of 5 megawatts each, along with 2 substations. “The project is intended to address power supply constraints at both the local and regional scale. Site selection was based on the effectiveness and efficiency of the area in harnessing wind energy potential, weighed against the number of affected communities/families, the anticipated duration of the land acquisition process, and the provision of just compensation to affected stakeholders,” the company said. Econergy said it is among several private companies exploring the country’s wind potential to support the government’s clean energy expansion and sustainable development goals. The Philippines plans to raise the renewable energy share in its generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and to more than 50 percent by 2050. Alena Mae S. Flores

DOT, Myriad team up to launch FunRide PH

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) said it signed a partnership with multimedia company Myriad on Oct. 29, 2026 to launch FunRide PH, a new cycling event that will take participants across Manila’s heritage and scenic attractions. Led by cycling advocate and award-winning actor Alden Richards, FunRide PH will bring together wellness, sustainable mobility and domestic tourism under the theme “Moving People, Inspiring Change.” Scheduled for Dec. 19 at the Quirino Grandstand, the event will welcome experienced and first-time cyclists in three categories: a beginner 5-kilometer ride, an intermediate 10-kilometer ride and an advanced 21-kilometer ride. The proposed route will pass through landmarks such as Intramuros, Rizal Park, Roxas Boulevard, Manila Bay and the National Museum Complex. The DOT and Myriad also plan to expand FunRide PH to other destinations nationwide to showcase the country’s diverse scenic and cultural attractions, encourage environmentally responsible travel and foster a safer, more inclusive environment for cyclists.

Bistro Group announces holiday bulk order promo

Uncle John’s, the convenience store chain of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., reopens its store at Glorietta 3, reinforcing its presence in one of Metro Manila’s busiest commercial and lifestyle destinations. Attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) Nathan Clark, head of leasing, AyalaLand Malls Inc.; Mae Dichupa , asset management lead, AyalaLand Malls Inc.; Paul Birkett, chief operating officer, AyalaLand Malls Inc.; Dr. Leo Obviar, poultry and animal nutrition business cluster general manager, San Miguel Foods Inc.; Dino Salvador III, vice president food service and e-commerce head for San Miguel Food Inc. - Great Foods Solution; Cheri Moran, vice president for sales at URC BCFG; JC Cuadrado, customer business manager for Unilever Philippines Inc.; and Zack Apaya, sales business manager, Monde Nissin Corp.

mission line projects and the San Isidro 500-kilovolt substation project. The commission said GA6’s wind project will use the facilities exclusively. Construction must comply with NGCP’s system impact study and facility study, and GA6 and NGCP must complete all compliance requirements before commercial operations begin. The metering point for the interim and final connections will be at the GA6 take-off substation and the Sta. Maria 500-kilovolt Substation, respectively, consistent with the Philippine Grid Code, the ERC said.

THE Bistro Group is offering P5,000 worth of complimentary gift certificates to customers who spend at least P150,000 on holiday bulk orders through its VIP (Very Important Parties) program. VIP Bulk Orders is the company’s dedicated sales channel for corporate accounts, government agencies, schools and other organizations that need food for teams, meetings, celebrations and large gatherings. The service delivers food in bulk quantities to customers’ doors for company-wide events, team celebrations and big family reunions. Customers can choose from Bistro’s 29 restaurant concepts to match their guests’ tastes and event themes. Bistro also offers three formats for different occasions. Individual Meal Boxes suit corporate gatherings, Party Trays suit family get-togethers and batch homecoming socials, and full Catering Services cover large holiday parties, milestone events and year-end festivities.

CASINO Plus said it is looking at expanding its nearly five-year partnership with global gaming provider Evolution through new gaming experiences and joint online and offline campaigns in the Philippines. The two companies recently brought their online partnership into a live setting, with Casino Plus hosting Evolution’s first offline collaboration with a Philippine operator on Oct. 30 at Dusit Thani in Makati City. Casino Plus chief executive Evan Spytma said the event marked the start of a broader collaboration, with both companies committed to developing new experiences for Filipino players. “A historic first only matters if it leads somewhere. Game Night is the first chapter, not the last,” Spytma said. Evolution Asia chief executive Gionata La Torre said the companies plan to keep building their relationship through new gaming offerings and joint activities, including offline engagements. “Our biggest goal is to keep building our relationship over time and create experiences that matter to Filipino players,” La Torre said. As part of the expanded collaboration, Evolution plans, where possible, to give Casino Plus players early access to selected new games, alongside continued joint online and offline campaigns in the country. Casino Plus is the first Philippine operator to host an offline collaboration with Evolution, taking a partnership that started with online slot games into a face-to-face setting. The companies began working together in November 2021, initially offering Evolution’s slot games through Casino Plus. They expanded the partnership in May 2023 to include Evolution’s live casino portfolio. La Torre described Casino Plus as Evolution’s trusted partner in the regulated Philippine market and the natural choice for its first offline engagement in the country. He said Evolution values the operator’s reliability, platform management and commitment to responsible gaming and player experience. “For Evolution, partnering with Casino Plus means taking a relationship we have built over several years and bringing it to life in a new way for Filipino players,” La Torre said. “We share a focus on quality, innovation, responsible gaming and the player experience,” he added.

REAL ESTATE

C1

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com Jenniffer B. Austria, Issue Editor

Metro Manila office vacancy may top 20% by end-2026

M

ETRO Manila’s office vacancy rate could exceed 20 percent by year-end as new supply enters the market and companies return more space than they lease, according to property consultancy Savills Philippines.

In its third-quarter 2026 Metro Manila office report, Savills said net take-up turned negative at 23,900 square meters in the Julyto-September period, reversing the previous quarter’s positive take-up of 144,700 sq m. Office demand weakened as space returns of 142,100 sq m outpaced gross leasing of 118,200 sq m, ending six consecutive quarters of positive net take-up. The vacancy rate rose to 19.2 percent in the third quarter from 18.9 percent in the previous three months. Despite weaker demand, average office rents increased for the third consecutive quarter, rising 0.5 percent quarter-on-quarter to P861.10 per sq m per month. New supply to test the market About 231,600 sq m of new office space is expected to be completed in

the fourth quarter, bringing projected full-year supply to 329,800 sq m. The combination of new buildings and uneven leasing demand could push vacancy above 20 percent by the end of 2026, Savills said. The impact, however, is expected to vary across business districts. Greater Ortigas and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) continued to post relatively low vacancy rates of 10.3 percent and 7.7 percent, respectively. The Bay Area had the highest vacancy rate at 35.3 percent, while Alabang central business district and Quezon City could offer tenants more options as available space and upcoming completions increase competition among landlords. Rental trends were also mixed. Alabang CBD recorded the strongest quarterly increase, at 2.8 percent, while BGC rents slipped 0.4 percent.

Megawide tops off P3.9-billion My Enso Lofts in Quezon City MY Enso Lofts, a 45-storey residential development along Timog Avenue in Quezon City, has reached its structural topping-off stage, marking a key milestone for the P3.9-billion project developed by PH1 World Developers Inc. The project, built by Megawide Construction Corp., was launched in October 2020 during the pandemic. It has a total construction floor area of 80,292 square meters, with 1,204 residential units and a roof deck on the 46th floor overlooking Quezon City. About 90 percent of the building’s structural components used precast technology, which allows components to be produced before being assembled on site. Megawide said the method helped maintain consistent quality while reducing labor requirements. The project also recorded three million safe man-hours during construction, reflecting the company’s focus on worker safety despite pandemic-related restrictions and worksite challenges. “Reaching this stage while recording three million safe man-hours demonstrates our ability to combine design and engineering expertise with construction innovation and rigorous safety practices,” said Frederick Tan, chief operating officer of Megawide. PH1 World Developers president Gigi Alcantara said the project was part of the company’s effort to develop residential properties suited to urban living. My Enso Lofts is among PH1 World’s residential developments outside major business districts. Its other projects include The Hive Residences, which is ready for occupancy, and the ongoing Modan Lofts Ortigas Hills in Taytay, Rizal, and Lykke Kondo in Amang Rodriguez, Pasig City. Megawide said it had recorded more than 10 million safe man-hours across its construction projects as of the end of September 2026.

Certified buildings retain an edge Buildings accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and those with green certification continued to report stronger occupancy than non-certified properties. Their occupancy rate reached 82.3 percent, compared with 70.6 percent for non-certified buildings, highlighting the advantage of properties that meet the requirements of certain corporate occupiers. Savills said landlords in districts with higher vacancy may face greater pressure to offer leasing incentives to attract and retain tenants. Occupiers could gain more negotiating power as additional space becomes available. BGC and Greater Ortigas may be better positioned to sustain rental performance because of their relatively low vacancy rates and tighter supply conditions. “While rental rates may continue to strengthen in supply-constrained districts, increased vacancy and uneven leasing demand could intensify competition among landlords and improve negotiating conditions for tenants,” Savills said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Mitsukoshi BGC adds holiday attraction to Federal Land community scheduled for Nov. 8, 15, 22 and 29, and Dec. 6 and 13. Santa Claus appearances are set for Dec. 19, 20 and 25. The Hello Kitty Gift Shop will operate on the ground floor from Nov. 4 to Dec. 29, selling plush toys, accessories, stationery and collectibles. Mitsukoshi Fresh will also offer Japanese-inspired holiday hampers featuring snacks, sweets, teas and beverages. Other seasonal offerings include Japanese gift-wrapping services from Nov. 12 to Dec. 27 for shoppers who spend at least P1,500 in a single receipt at any Mitsukoshi BGC store, and Holiday Dining Deals from Dec. 4 to 27 at participating food and beverage outlets. The “A Very Kawaii Christmas” campaign runs until Dec. 29 at Mitsukoshi BGC in Bonifacio Global City.

MITSUKOSHI BGC is adding a festive attraction to Federal Land’s Grand Central Park in Bonifacio Global City, with a Hello Kittythemed Christmas campaign aimed at drawing shoppers and families to the Japanese-inspired retail and residential community. The “A Very Kawaii Christmas” celebration, which opened on Oct. 29, features themed decorations, shopping promotions and character appearances at the mall, which occupies the podium of The Seasons Residences. The campaign adds to the Japanese retail and lifestyle offerings in Grand Central Park, Federal Land’s master-planned development in BGC. The community brings together Mitsukoshi BGC and The Seasons Residences, a residential project designed around Japanese influences. For residents, the mall provides direct access to Japanese dining, retail and lifestyle experiences. The development combines Japanese-inspired

design with the conveniences of city living. The Seasons Residences’ third tower, Aki, has begun unit handovers, while the project’s fourth and final tower, Fuyu, has a limited selection of one- and two-bedroom suites available. The development also features The Guest House, a dedicated space for residents’ visitors. At Mitsukoshi BGC, the Christmas campaign features a tree installation at the ground-floor main event space, with pink accents, candy-cane details and Hello Kitty decorations throughout the mall. The holiday activities include the Christmas Fukubiki Game and Kawaii Christmas Stamp Rally, both running from Nov. 6 to 30. Shoppers spending at least P2,500 in a single receipt can participate in the prize-wheel game, while the stamp rally encourages visitors to explore selected mall establishments. Hello Kitty meet-and-greet sessions are

Robinsons Malls named energy efficiency champion ROBINSONS Malls, the commercial centers division of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), has been recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) for its energy conservation efforts, after avoiding about 5.8 million kilowatt-hours of grid electricity use in the second quarter of 2026. The mall operator received the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Champion award at the inaugural Philippine Energy Awards on Oct. 7, recognizing its voluntary initiatives to promote responsible energy use beyond regulatory requirements. The company said it avoided about 5.8 gigawatt-hours of grid electricity imports across its mall network from April to June. This is equivalent to the average monthly electricity consumption of about 29,000 Filipino households. Energy Secretary Sharon

Garin and DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella presented the award to Robinsons Land corporate energy head Lucky Jay Damaso during a ceremony held alongside major Association of Southeast Asian Nations energy industry gatherings. Robinsons Malls deputy business unit general manager Maria Kristina Real-Lim, said the recognition affirmed the company’s efforts to improve resource management and make mall operations more energy-efficient. “This recognition from the Department of Energy affirms our commitment to continuously improve how we manage our resources and operate our malls,” Real-Lim said. Robinsons Malls said energy efficiency measures are part of its mall operations, including the use of energy-saving technologies, building design and

participation in government-led conservation programs. One such initiative is the DOE’s O.N.E. (Oras Natin sa Efficiency) campaign, launched at Robinsons Galleria in May. Under the program, Robinsons Malls properties nationwide switch off nonessential lighting every Monday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. to help reduce electricity demand.

The award supports the objectives of Republic Act No. 11285, or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, which promotes energy conservation and efficient energy use. Robinsons Land, which is marking its 46th year, said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to improve the environmental performance of its properties.

C2

SHOWBIZ

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

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

By Nickie Wang

FRONT ROW

T

HE Philippines is undoubtedly one of the world’s pageant capitals. With a massive and fiercely loyal community of pageant enthusiasts, the country has turned beauty competitions into a thriving industry, launching careers, creating celebrities, and inspiring countless fans who follow every move of their favorite queens.

Now, imagine putting more than two dozen beauty queens and pageant veterans in one competition. The result, as Red Crown promises, is one spectacular battle for the crown, except that losing could cost you your life. Directed by Dominic Zapata, the GMA Pictures production gathers 25 beauty queens at a remote compound to compete for the 25th-anniversary title of the fictional Queen of the Islands pageant and a staggering P25million grand prize. What begins as a glamorous competition soon turns into a deadly game of survival, with sabotage, betrayal, and life-threatening challenges replacing the usual question-and-answer portions and runway walks. Written by Kit Villanueva and Ken de Leon, the film knows exactly which audience it wants to entertain. It serves up familiar pageant elements, from towering stilettos and shimmering evening gowns to elaborate national costumes, while giving viewers glimpses of the contestants’ backgrounds. Its biggest attraction, however, is the unusual premise: What happens when beauty queens are forced to compete under circumstances where the stakes go far beyond losing a title?

The star-studded cast includes Michelle Dee, Ahtisa Manalo, Gazini Ganados, MJ Lastimosa, Ariella Arida, Sanya Lopez, Ashley Ortega, Faith da Silva, Shuvee Etrata, Herlene Budol, and Ruffa Gutierrez. Michael De Mesa, Epy Quizon, Bianca Manalo, Vince Maristela, Roxie Smith, and Tim Yap are among the supporting cast. The film’s strongest asset is its willingness to poke fun at the pageant world while embracing the spectacle that comes with it. Red Crown is a satire infused with comedy, drama, action, and horror, giving the familiar beauty competition format an outrageous twist. Its gory sequences are presented with comic exaggeration, while its action scenes often lean toward the ridiculous. The result is a film that does not take itself too seriously, a welcome approach for a story built around such an absurd premise. However, the film’s campy treatment can also work against it. Some scenes stretch credibility, while the story occasionally throws logic out of the window in favor of shock value and comic effect. The shifts between gore, comedy, and drama may also feel uneven, particularly for viewers expecting a more tightly constructed

One of the film’s memorable contestants is played by Ahtisa Manalo, who joins a cast of beauty queens taking familiar pageant personalities into deliberately over-the-top territory

‘Red Crown’ takes pageant drama to the extreme

thriller. At times, the spectacle takes precedence over character development and narrative consistency. Still, Red Crown knows how to entertain its intended audience. Pageant fans will have plenty to enjoy, particularly with so many familiar faces from the local pageant circuit

The contestants face increasingly outrageous challenges as the film uses pageant culture, backstage intrigue and bloody comedy to drive its survival story

Paul Soriano draws on folklore, West Philippine Sea tensions for ‘The Fisher’ By Angelica Villanueva FILIPINO coastal folklore and tensions surrounding the West Philippine Sea shape Paul Soriano’s “The Fisher,” a drama exploring grief, forgiveness, and the possibility of finding common ground amid conflict. The film follows Pedro, a fisherman whose encounter with Chinese fisherman Hai leads to an uneasy relationship shaped by suspicion, loss, and survival. During the film’s press conference, Soriano explained how a documentary about a coastal superstition inspired the story’s unusual premise. He recalled accounts from a Philippine coastal community involving a woman who allegedly gave birth to a fish. “I already had the ending. It’s about a woman who didn’t give birth. Then I kind of worked backwards and tried to figure out how I can get to that ending,” the director said of developing the film with co-writer Anton Santamaria.

sharing the screen. There is also an undeniable curiosity in seeing beauty queens take on a story that plays with the rivalries, pressures, and backstage intrigues associated with pageantry. Ultimately, Red Crown is a wildly entertaining cinematic romp. It may not always make sense, but its combination

The filmmaker also drew inspiration from the maritime tensions between the Philippines and China, using the relationship between Pedro and Hai to explore cooperation despite political differences. “So I used that whole conflict that we see today, that what if we practice peace, what if we practice grace, that yeah, maybe we don’t deserve it, but yet we give it our peace,” Soriano explained. “If you can find a way to put aside all the violence, if you work in harmony, if you work in peace, there’s prosperity for both,” he added. Mon Confiado, who plays Pedro, spent a month immersing himself in a fishing community before filming to understand the character’s occupation and daily routine. “I really don’t know about fishing, about a fisherman. I really need to study it. The fishing, the handling of fish, the handling of fish, and everything. It needs to enter me,” Confiado

The film’s cast and creative team, including (from left) Mon Confiado, Tommy Alejandrino, Mercedes Cabral and Paul Soriano, bring a Philippine coastal story centered on loss, survival and reconciliation

told Manila Standard Entertainment. He joined fishermen on their earlymorning trips, beginning around 3:00 a.m., and initially hoped to live in the character’s actual hut. “I lived there. Originally, I wanted to live in our actual house. There’s no electricity there. It’s so far away from the main room. It’s impossible,” he said, explaining that the production team raised safety concerns because of the remote location. Despite the difficulties, Confiado valued the experience. “I enjoyed the process and I’m very proud that I was able to play it in the execution and direct. It was a great experience,” he added. Soriano said the actor’s preparation made a difference during filming. “I mean, he literally became a fisherman so that, I believe, when we were shooting, I was not anymore giving him direction,” the director shared. The production also faced physical challenges during scenes filmed at sea, while the black-sand beaches and sand dunes of Ilocos Norte provided the stark setting Soriano envisioned for the story. Soriano said the team waited for a more favorable climate for local cinema before releasing the film. “We just wanted to wait and see, you know, we’d rather wait than rush something,” he said, expressing hope that audiences would support original Filipino and independent films. After screening at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival in 2023, The Fisher is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Produced by TEN17P Films and Black Cap Pictures, the film also stars Enchong Dee, Heaven Peralejo, Mercedes Cabral, Tommy Alejandrino, and Eula Vadez.

A satirical take on the glitz and glamour of beauty pageants, Red Crown pulls back the curtain on the realities contestants face behind the stage

of pageant glamour, outrageous humor, and bloody spectacle makes it an amusing watch, especially for audiences who know that the drama behind the crown can sometimes be just as fascinating as the competition itself. Red Crown is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

In ‘Red Crown,’ Shuvee Etrata joins a 25-woman competition where rivalry quickly becomes a matter of survival

First-time lead partners Kolette Madelo (left) and River Joseph move star in ‘Dead Girl Walking’ a story that mixes revenge, friendship and an unexpected romance

Kolette Madelo, River Joseph

team up for suspense-romance series KOLETTE Madelo and River Joseph are taking their on-screen chemistry to a new level as they team up for the first time in the vertical series Dead Girl Walking, which premieres exclusively on iWant on Nov. 6. Following viewers’ calls for the two to become an official pair after their appearance in the primetime series Blood Vs Duty, Kolette and River are finally sharing the lead in a suspense-romance story about revenge, redemption, and an unexpected love that blossoms amid a deadly mission. Produced by JRB Creative Production, the series follows Luna (Kolette), a student who becomes the target of relentless bullying by the popular crowd at school. Her life takes a tragic turn when her tormentors involve her in a cruel prank that ends in tragedy.

But revenge has a way of finding its way back. A new transfer student, Selene, arrives on campus with one mission: to hunt down everyone who wronged Luna. As she carries out her revenge plot, she finds an unlikely ally in Elio (River), the school’s heartthrob. Their partnership soon develops into a genuine friendship, eventually giving way to romantic feelings. The cast also includes Allyson McBride, Reich Alim, Hannah Vito, Desiree del Valle, and Nikki Valdez. Emerald Silvestre directs the series. All episodes of Dead Girl Walking will be available on iWant starting Nov. 6. The first five episodes will also be accessible for free on iWant and the official TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube pages of ABS-CBN Entertainment.

LIFE

C3 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

The New Nocturnals delivers a cinematic Halloween spectacle By Nickie Wang

H

OLLYWOOD came alive at The Peninsula Manila on Oct. 29 as celebrities and social media personalities descended on the red carpet in spectacular transformations inspired by some of cinema’s most celebrated characters. From iconic silver-screen personalities to daring couture interpretations, the arrivals turned the hotel’s grand entrance into a parade of cinematic glamour for the fifth edition of The New Nocturnals, themed “Silver Screen: The Director’s Cut.”

This year’s celebration carried added significance as it coincided with The Peninsula Manila’s 50th anniversary, bringing together the hotel’s five decades of hospitality and the event’s celebration of fashion and self-expression. Moving away from conventional Halloween costumes, guests interpreted classic and contemporary cinema through bespoke couture, archival runway pieces, and fashion tributes to memorable moments on the big screen. Raymond Gutierrez, co-producer and founder of The New Nocturnals, described the gathering as more than a party, calling it a space where fashion, art, and individuality meet. His co-founder and fellow producer, Ash Rye, said the partnership with The Peninsula Manila during its Golden Jubilee gave the occasion added signifi-

Maris Racal takes inspiration from Rihanna’s daring fashion style

Ruffa Gutierrez pays homage to Nicole Kidman’s character, Satine, in ‘Moulin Rouge’

Andrea Brillantes channels silent film icon Charlie Chaplin in a black bowler hat, tailored black suit, white shirt, tie, gray wide-leg trousers and gloves

Lovi Poe portrays Pennywise, the dancing clown from the horror film ‘IT’

Raymond Gutierrez (left) arrives as Vampire Lestat from ‘Interview with the Vampire’ while Christina Nadin sports a feline-inspired look at Halloween Party event

cance, with the cinematic theme paying tribute to timeless glamour through contemporary fashion. The hotel’s iconic lobby, upper lobby, conservatory, and halls served as the setting for the celebration, with the historic property transformed into an elaborate backdrop for the evening’s festivities. The red carpet drew an array of celebrities, fashion personalities, and digital tastemakers, whose interpreta-

tions of the theme turned arrivals into a showcase of individual style and cinematic references. Music and performances kept the celebration going, with Roll The Dice, DJ Uggo, DJ Omoloko, DJ Xi, DJ Zid, DJ Xtina, and Marina Summers among the featured performers. Guests also enjoyed anniversary cocktails inspired by cult films and memorable cinematic moments, crafted in partnership with Don Julio 1942.

Travel perks for tourists exploring the Philippines

City of Dreams Manila attributes its win to its employees’ dedication to service and commitment to providing high standards of hospitality

City of Dreams Manila wins sixth Asia casino resort title CITY of Dreams Manila has won Asia’s Leading Casino Resort for the sixth time at the 2026 World Travel Awards, while retaining its title as the Philippines’ Leading Casino Resort. Nobu Hotel Manila, one of the integrated resort’s three luxury hotels, also received the Philippines’ Leading Lifestyle Hotel award at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony held at CROSSROADS Maldives. The annual awards recognize achievements across the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries. City of Dreams Manila property president Mark Tricano credited the latest honors to the resort’s employees and their commitment to service. “We are honored to receive these recognitions once again, which we credit to our team’s unwavering dedication and passion for providing guests with high standards of service delivered with the warmth of Filipino hospitality,” Tricano said. He added that the awards would encourage the property to further develop its hospitality, dining, wellness, entertainment, and gaming facilities

while supporting the Philippines’ appeal as a tourism destination. The resort houses three Forbes Travel Guide Star-rated hotels: Nobu Hotel Manila, Nüwa Manila, and Hyatt Regency Manila. Its facilities include more than 20 dining outlets, gaming areas, retail spaces, and DreamPlay, a family entertainment center inspired by DreamWorks Animation. Nobu Hotel Manila, meanwhile, combines Japanese-inspired design with Filipino influences in its accommodations and dining experiences. City of Dreams Manila has also received the Asia’s Leading Fully Integrated Resort award three times and was named the World’s Leading Casino Resort five times. In 2023, it earned the World’s Leading Fully Integrated Resort title. Other Melco Resorts properties in Macau and Sri Lanka also received recognition at the regional ceremony. Along with City of Dreams Manila, they have been nominated for the World Travel Awards Grand Final in Tanzania in December. Now in its 33rd year, the World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to recognize excellence in travel and tourism.

TOURISTS exploring the Philippines can now get more out of their trips with new travel and lifestyle deals from Globe Prepaid, which has expanded the benefits of its Traveler SIM through partnerships with GrabCar, KKday, and Kultura. The latest offers cover transportation, sightseeing, and shopping, giving foreign visitors more ways to explore local destinations, book activities, and bring home Filipino-made products.

Through GrabCar, Traveler SIM users can enjoy 50 percent off rides nationwide, with a minimum fare of P300 and a discount capped at P150. The deal gives tourists a more affordable way to travel between airports, hotels, restaurants, and popular attractions. Those keen to venture beyond the usual tourist circuit can also get P150 off bookings on KKday with a minimum spend of P1,000. The travel platform features local tours, day trips, is-

The Traveler SIM provides mobile connectivity and travel perks, making it easier for visitors to explore the country and bring home souvenirs (AI-generated image)

land activities, and other experiences for visitors looking to discover more destinations around the country. Meanwhile, Kultura is offering P300 off purchases worth at least P3,000 at select stores. Tourists can shop for local crafts, cultural keepsakes, and Filipino-made products to take home as souvenirs of their visit. The new deals are available to buyers of newly purchased Globe Prepaid Traveler SIMs, which combine mobile connectivity with travel and lifestyle privileges. Visitors can choose from data packages of 20GB, 30GB, 80GB, and 120GB. The SIM also provides access to Globe’s 5G network, recognized by Ookla. Tourists can purchase an eSIM through the GlobeOne app before arriving in the country or get a physical SIM at designated airport booths. “We want tourists to experience the Philippines with the confidence that they are connected and supported throughout their journey,” said Eric Tanbauco, head of Globe Consumer Mobile Business. “With our Traveler SIM, we are going beyond connectivity by giving visitors practical and meaningful perks that make it easier to move around, discover local experiences, and bring a piece of the Philippines home. It is our way of helping travelers make the most of every trip while experiencing the warmth and richness of our country,” he added. The expanded benefits come as more visitors venture beyond established tourist destinations, with Globe positioning its Traveler SIM as a travel companion that combines mobile data access with savings on everyday travel expenses and local experiences. For details on Globe Prepaid Traveler Packs, visit www.globe.com.ph/ international.

LIFE

C4

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

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

What does MICHELIN seal mean

to the Philippine culinary landscape?

NOW & NEXT By Nickie Wang

I

T PUTS Filipino food on the global culinary map while creating opportunities for the people and communities behind the industry. In his speech during the announcement of the MICHELIN Guide Philippines 2027 Selection List, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the recognition could introduce the country’s diverse culinary landscape to a wider international audience and encourage travelers to explore food destinations beyond Manila and Cebu. Growing interest in Filipino cuisine could also generate jobs and livelihoods through culinary tourism, benefiting restaurants, hotels, farmers, food producers, suppliers, and local communities. Marcos stressed the need to improve infrastructure and air and sea connectivity to make regional destinations more accessible, while supporting culinary education and skills development for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals. “For our part, the government will continue to improve infrastructure and air and sea connectivity to make these destinations more accessible. We also support culinary education and skills development for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals,” Marcos guaranteed. On Thursday, Oct. 29, the Philippines unveiled its second Michelin Guide selection, with Helm retaining its Two Michelin Stars and newcomer FLOW earning its first. The two Makati establishments were among the major talking points of the ceremony held at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport World Resorts. Led by Chef Josh Boutwood, Helm retained its Two Michelin Stars, while FLOW, under Chef Kevin Jonathan Uy, made an impressive debut with One Michelin Star. FLOW is the only newcomer in this year’s one-star category. All eight previously recognized one-star restaurants also retained their distinctions, demonstrating the consistency of the country’s established fine-dining names. Helm continues to impress Inspectors with seasonal menus drawing from Boutwood’s half-British, half-Filipino heritage and Spanish influences. Its cooking combines technical precision, bold flavors, and meticulous presentation, complemented by an open-kitchen setting and attentive service.

Chefs and representatives of the nine restaurants awarded with One MICHELIN Star at the 2027 MICHELIN Guide

The MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs | Cebu 2027 selection recognizes 127 dining establishments, including starred restaurants, Bib Gourmand awardees, and MICHELIN Selected restaurants

Chef Josh Boutwood leads Helm, which retained its Two MICHELIN Stars in the 2027 selection

Helm continues to be recognized for its seasonal menus and technically precise cooking

FLOW earned recognition for its carefully executed dishes, thoughtful techniques, and distinct culinary direction, grounded in local ingredients and flavors. The eight restaurants retaining their One Michelin Star distinctions are Asador Alfonso in Cavite, Celera in Makati, Gallery by Chele in Taguig, Hapag in Makati, Inatô in Makati, Kása Palma in Makati, Linamnam in Parañaque, and Toyo Eatery in Makati. The 2027 selection recognizes 127 establishments, including 31 Bib Gourmand restaurants and 86 Michelin-Selected establishments.

Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado

E

VER since I took on the position of head of a government agency, any ordinary day for me has always been filled with meetings, oculars, giving talks, etc. Sometimes I even forget about lunch as I try to keep up with the punctuality required by the schedules of my commitments. Many times, I just have to content myself with munching on a chocolate bar inside the van, en route to my next appointment. So, how do I give myself a break from all these tasks that demand sustained effort and energy? Either I go for a relaxing cocktail in the company

The Bib Gourmand category, which recognizes quality food at moderate prices, welcomed eight new entries, while two restaurants earned promotions. The Michelin-Selected category added 18 newcomers. Filipino cuisine emerged as a defining strength, accounting for nearly 60 percent of newly selected establishments. Across Manila, Cebu, Pampanga and Cavite, Inspectors found chefs drawing inspiration from local ingredients, regional traditions, and culinary heritage. Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec noted the

The 2027 MICHELIN Guide Special Awards also recognize outstanding contributions to the Philippine dining scene, honoring individuals in the fields of young culinary talent, restaurant service, cocktails, and new restaurant openings

Makati restaurant Flow makes its debut in the MICHELIN Guide Philippines 2027 with one MICHELIN Star under Chef Kevin Jonathan Uy

growing confidence of Filipino chefs in presenting regional flavors through fresh culinary perspectives. “The Philippines continues to impress with the way its culinary scene is evolving while remaining deeply connected to its roots. Our Inspectors found chefs expressing a growing confidence in showcasing local ingredients, traditions and regional flavors, while bringing fresh perspectives and creativity to their craft,” Poullennec shared via a video message. The 2027 edition also introduced the Michelin Opening of the Year Award, presented for the first time in

Easing up between layers of stillness

of friends or treat myself to a nice, delicious dinner at any of my favorite restaurants.

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE SIGN ON A FENCE: Is there life after death? Trespass here and find out.

Every now and then, I get lucky to have Conrad Manila’s Of Art and Wine Series offer me all of the above—relaxing cocktails with good friends, as we talk about everything else except work.

SMHCC senior VP Cathy Nepomuceno led the ceremonial toast, joined by (from left) Conrad Manila Hotel manager Akshat Sinha, art collector Mary Lou Hilado, SMHCC president Elizabeth Sy, artist Benjie Cabangis, and Metropolitan Museum president Tina Colayco

After a most enjoyable repartee, we then proceeded to have a sumptuous dinner at the hotel’s main food and beverage outlet, Brasserie On 3. The 43rd edition of this popular art exhibit recently rolled out at the hotel’s Gallery C, featuring popular abstract artist Benjie Cabangis’ 22-piece collection, themed Between Layers Of Stillness. I like looking at abstract masterpieces because they challenge my mind to create a story for every piece of art. Other people may see nothing in an abstract painting, but I see a story in each one of them, no matter how plain the abstract piece may appear to others. My interpretation of such artwork may differ from the artist’s, but it’s my story that makes such a masterpiece attractive to me. The twenty-two evocative artworks, thoughtfully selected by Conrad Manila’s resident curator, my friend Nes Jardin, explore the subtle interplay of gesture, texture, and light, giving viewers a contemplative visual experience. Cabangis declared that this exhibit reflects his ongoing concerns with painting as an act of presence and perception. This is exactly how my mind, as a viewer, sees an abstract piece of art. The artist manifests his exploration of texture, light, and layered forms through works that encourage quiet reflection.

the Philippines. Chef Frances Tariga received the inaugural award for Tadhanà in Makati, where she presents a personal interpretation of Filipino cuisine through refined techniques and creative presentation. Other special awardees were Chef Francis Lacson of Digámo in Marikina, recipient of the Michelin Young Chef Award; Restaurant Manager Clyde Joshua Zafra of Tito Boy in Pampanga, who received the Michelin Service Award; and Ron Job Sanchez of Automat in Makati, winner of the Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award.

Popular abstract artist Benjie Cabangis in front of one of his masterpieces at Conrad Manila’s ‘Of Art and Wine Series’

Built through layers of pigment that are applied, scraped, and subtly revealed, each painting unfolds gradually in the minds of viewers, allowing traces of earlier marks and colors to emerge beneath the surface. As if offering relaxation to my harassed self, the artist uses his artworks to invite viewers to slow down, be present, and discover moments of calm amid the pace of everyday life. I took time to go over the twenty-two pieces on display and found two that I really liked. One looks very attractive in red, with patches of gleaming white around it, making it look like a blazing doorway. My mind saw this as an occasion in life when we have to make a decision whether to get involved with or join something hot and popular, but without a clear indication of what it will result in, or to just stay away from it and consider other options. The other piece I like is a patch of

pale blue surrounded by shades of black, brown, beige, and light yellow, all of which make it look like my view, from the rigmarole of an energy-sapping day, into a quiet, soothing, and relaxing environment, which is how I always want my day to end. On hand for the usual ribbon-cutting ceremony and toast were Conrad Manila Hotel manager Akshat Sinha, art collector Mary Lou Hilado, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) president Elizabeth Sy, featured artist Benjie Cabangis, Metropolitan Museum president Tina Colayco, and SMHCC senior vice president Cathy Nepomuceno. Benjie Cabangis’ masterpieces will be on display at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C until Nov. 28. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com