Manila Standard - 2026 November 4 - Wednesday by Manila Standard

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CEMENT FIRM RAISING PRICES TO OFFSET COST

PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS TO GET 172,000 MACBOOKS

MAP: LEAVE EDSA BUSWAY FOR COMMUTER BUSES

BUSINESS / B1

NEWS / A3

NEWS / A4

Pressure on PNP: Arrest Bato Palace: Set aside loyalty to ex-top cop, enforce ICC warrant

By Charles Dantes, Joel E. Zurbano, Vince Lopez and Pot Chavez

ALACAÑANG on Tuesday challenged Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. anew to enforce the arrest warrant against his predecessor, fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, saying police must carry out their duty regardless of personal ties. Reiterating the order President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued last Oct. 25 or nine days ago, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said police could not pick and choose whom

VOL. XL • NO. 260 • 3 SECTIONS 18 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026

to arrest because of past loyalties. “There is a valid arrest warrant, so you cannot decide whether to arrest Sen. Bato dela Rosa simply because he was Next page

US Marine drone detachment in Palawan air base, USNI reports By Rex Espiritu and Charles Dantes A UNITED States Marine Corps drone detachment is operating from Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, expanding Washington’s intelligence and surveillance capabilities near disputed areas in the South China Sea, according to a report by USNI News. The report said Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 (VMU-1) is operating from the Philippine Air Force facility, where an expeditionary hangar believed to support the unit was recently spotted in commercial satellite imagery. The detachment operates MQ-9A Reaper drones capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over maritime areas, including the Spratly Islands. PAF has yet to confirm the report as of press time. According to Ben Lewis, founder of PLA Tracker, the deployment allows the drones to reach Second

ALL DRIED UP. Prolonger heat due to the El Niño phenomenon has partially dried up this fish pond in Sasmuan, Pampanga. Inset photo shows PAGASA’s heat map, tagging 12 areas that are expected to experience drought by the end of the month. Revoli Cortez, PAGASA Facebook page

EO 130 gives 3 routes to order class suspensions By Charles Dantes, Gabriel Oliva and Rio N. Araja PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has established three mechanisms for suspending in-person classes and onsite school activities, giving local

governments and schools greater flexibility to respond to disasters, extreme weather and other emergencies, as the state weather bureau warned that 12 areas could experience drought by the end of November. Under Executive Order No. 130,

signed on Oct. 28, suspensions may take effect automatically when government agencies issue warnings that meet prescribed thresholds, through declarations by local chief executives, or through decisions by individual schools Next page

Americans vote in midterms set to upend Trump presidency WASHINGTON—Americans deliver their verdict on Donald Trump’s tumultuous second presidency Tuesday in midterm elections that threaten to shatter his grip on Washington, with Democrats poised to seize the House and challenge for control of the Senate. Republicans losing the House would give Democrats the power to stall Trump’s legislative agenda and launch sweeping investigations of his administration. A Senate defeat would also threaten his ability to appoint Supreme

CRUCIAL SENATE RACE. People cast their ballots at a polling station in the Los Angeles LGBT Center in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on November 2, 2026. Americans voting in the midterm elections will decide who controls Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency, along with dozens of governorships and thousands of state offices. AFP

‘Senate to scrap P8.8-billion infra projects in 2027 budget’ By Ram Superable and Charles Dantes THE Senate is set to remove P8.836 billion worth of unsupported infrastructure projects from the proposed 2027 national budget due to missing documentation, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Malacañang called on budget watchdogs and civil

society groups to submit copies of documents showing alleged irregularities in the proposed 2027 national budget, saying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. needs to personally examine their findings. The planned deletions involved 295 infrastructure items that lacked supporting paperwork from the Department of Public Works and Highways. Next page

Court justices and senior officials. The election amounts to a nationwide judgment on Trump, with the mood turning sharply against Republicans amid anger over soaring living costs and the war against Iran. All 435 House seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats are at stake, along with governorships in 36 states. Democrats need only three House gains and a net four seats in the Senate to wrest both chambers from Republican hands.

‘VP’s lawyers junk all evidence offer of prosecution’

By Maricel V. Cruz VICE President Sara Duterte’s defense team has objected to all documentary evidence submitted by the House impeachment prosecution in its formal offer of evidence, including the vice president’s own asset declarations and financial records obtained from banks and government agencies. In an ambush interview Tuesday, House prosecutor Terry Ridon said the objections covered all documentary evidence supporting Article II, which accuses Duterte of possessing unexplained wealth and failing to properly Next page

RESTIVE. Photo shows a minor Strombolian activity from the Mayon Volcano summit crater recorded at 08:22 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. PHIVOLCS Facebook page

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026

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Palace: Switch to SKU brands By Charles Dantes

ALACAÑANG on Tuesday urged consumers to switch to alternative brands covered by the government’s price-monitoring program after supermarkets reported price increases in sardines and other commodities outside the list of goods protected from hikes until the end of December.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said consumers could turn to other brands included in the Department of Trade and Industry’s list of 190 monitored stock-keeping units (SKUs), whose prices are supposed to remain un-

changed until Dec. 31. Castro said supermarkets could decide whether to increase prices of products not covered by the list, noting that consumers still had other brands to choose from. “If there are products not covered by the DTI’s list of 190 items, it is up

Americans... From A1

Pressure... From A1

Trump returned to office last year promising to bring down prices, but inflation, tariffs and fuel costs inflated by the Middle East conflict have squeezed Americans. The 80-year-old’s approval rating has hovered near the low 30s. In the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, retired teacher Jane Callum, 77, was among Democrats canvassing for Senator Jon Ossoff who framed the race as a watershed moment for the country’s future. “I really feel an obligation to do everything that I possibly can to change the direction that our country is going in now, and put it more on the path to democracy and away from autocracy,” she told Agence France-Presse. Republicans insist that Trump’s tax cuts and immigration crackdown will benefit Americans and they are portraying Democratic candidates as leftwing radicals. But in his final public campaign appearance Monday, Trump barely touched on the economy and spent most of the time in a rambling talk about his problem-plagued renovation of Washington’s Reflecting Pool. “This is the last day before the midterm elections, the most important midterm I believe in our lifetime,” he said, 26 minutes into the speech, before quickly returning to talking about renovations. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer branded it a “pathetic closing message.” Some Republican supporters remain confident. “We’re going to win. As a matter of fact, we’ve probably already won,” Texas military veteran Yvonne Clouser told AFP. But while Republicans hold a 5347 Senate majority, the battlefield is extending into conservative states like Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Ohio and Alaska. Democrats must also defend competitive seats, including in Michigan, where a bitter internal dispute saw congresswoman Haley Stevens endorse Republican Mike Rogers rather than the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed. Decision Desk HQ’s final forecast forecasted 241 House seats for Democrats against 194 for Republicans, and a narrower 52-48 Democratic Senate majority. AFP

once your chief,” she said, calling the situation a test of Nartatez’s leadership. The PNP chief, meanwhile, stressed the police force “does not subscribe to a shoot-to-kill approach” to stop the senator as suggested on social media. “Our mandate is to enforce the law, not to take the law into our own hands. Every operation must be guided by due process, respect for human rights, and the rule of law,” Nartatez said. Castro said Mr. Marcos had not expressed frustration over the continuing manhunt “for now... as long as he sees our police officers and the Department of the Interior and Local Government leadership performing their duties.” The Palace remains confident in Nartatez and the police force, she said, but the situation would become more serious if authorities proved that police officers were sheltering the senator “to prevent his arrest.” Dela Rosa, as former PNP chief, is wanted over his alleged role in killings linked to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. The International Criminal Court issued the warrant for alleged crimes against humanity. Authorities have placed a P50-million bounty on the senator, who has been described as armed and dangerous.

EO 130... From A1

period, the EO noted. Officials must consult concerned barangay leaders, schools division superintendents and private school heads when necessary. Schools may also suspend in-person activities if no automatic or local government suspension is in effect and authorized officials establish an actual or imminent threat to the safety, health or welfare of students and personnel. Classes and onsite work must resume when the suspension period expires or the relevant warning or declaration is lifted, downgraded or has ceased, subject to required safety inspections. Earlier reopening during a localized suspension requires the local chief executive’s concurrence and a documented assessment that conditions are safe, the order added.

based on immediate safety risks. The rules come as several local governments and schools suspended classes Tuesday after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecast heat indices of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius in 15 areas on Nov. 3. PAGASA warned that prolonged exposure could cause heat stroke. Under EO 130, automatic suspensions apply when PAGASA, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the Environmental Management Bureau or another competent agency issues an advisory or alert that meets prescribed technical thresholds. In the absence of such a trigger, local chief executives, as chairpersons of their local disaster risk reduction and management councils, may order localized suspensions based on documented risk assessments and prevailing conditions. Local declarations must specify the areas covered and the suspension

Lacson: Due process to help Bato face ICC

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who served with dela Rosa in the PNP and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime

‘VP’s... From A1 disclose her assets. These include her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), banking documents, insurance records, and information obtained from the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Anti-Money Laundering Council. Ridon questioned the blanket objections, noting that the defense had participated in the proceedings and cross-examined prosecution witnesses who identified, authenticated and explained the financial records.

Areas declare suspensions

PAGASA also forecast danger-level heat indices in 11 areas on Wednesday, Nov. 4, including parts of Tarlac, Cavite, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Albay, Iloilo, Northern Samar, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

to them to decide whether to increase prices, since there are other brands available that are still covered by the list,” Castro said. She advised shoppers to consider their budgets and consult the DTI list when purchasing household necessities. “Consumers should consider what they can use and afford to buy and look at the DTI list,” Castro added. Her remarks came after Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association executive director Steven Cua disclosed that some supermarkets had already raised the prices of sardines and other commodities outside the DTI-monitored list. Cua attributed the adjustments to

higher raw material costs, rising oil prices, the depreciation of the peso and the minimum wage increase that took effect on Sept. 26. Asked whether the government would appeal to supermarket owners to refrain from further price increases ahead of Christmas, Castro said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque continued to appeal to manufacturers to keep prices stable. Castro said she personally sought clarification from Roque, who assured her that the 190 items covered by the DTI monitoring program remained protected from price increases through Dec. 31. “The 190 items on their list remain protected and will not increase in price,” she said.

Task Force, said due process should allow his colleague to face trial before the ICC “rather than risk violence and, worse, tragedy.” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier named dela Rosa a priority target, citing concerns over possible violent confrontations involving a powerful armed group in Mindanao. The Moro National Liberation Front, in a statement issued by the office of its Chairman Muslimin G. Sema on Monday, denied reports it was coddling the senator. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which broke away from the MNLF but whose leaders are now top officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has yet to issue its own statement on the fugitive lawmaker.

PDP-Laban national spokesperson Ferdinand Topacio submitted a two-page letter to the SC signed by acting chairman Al Cusi. The party was not seeking a ruling in its favor, Topacio said. “We are asking (the court) to issue a decision because, as the saying goes, the law abhors a vacuum,” he said. Topacio said the petitions raised questions about dela Rosa’s possible arrest and Duterte’s transfer to ICC custody, which the party claimed bypassed domestic due process.

Andres: Nothing stopping the arrest

Meanwhile, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) asked the Supreme Court to resolve pending petitions filed by dela Rosa and Duterte. The party said a ruling was needed to clarify whether an ICC arrest warrant could be enforced in the Philippines without going through local courts. The ex-President’s son, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, challenged the government to release the warrant for dela Rosa, warning police against being used in what he described as another “kidnapping,” similar to his father’s arrest and transfer to the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands. He said arresting Dela Rosa without a valid warrant would be illegal and urged officers to think carefully before carrying out the operation.

Common Legal Representative of the Victims Gilbert Andres, who is also with the Center for International Law Philippines, said nothing legally barred the arrest. Andres noted that the Supreme Court rejected dela Rosa’s request for a temporary restraining order and a status quo ante order in May. He cited Republic Act No. 9851, which allows the surrender of individuals under an ICC arrest warrant. “Bato himself has said he is ready to face the ICC. This is his opportunity. He should surrender to the ICC,” Andres said. Relatives of drug war victims renewed their appeal for authorities to arrest dela Rosa and surrender him to the ICC, saying the bounty and other measures would matter only if the warrant were carried out. Dela Rosa last week filed a manifestation before the Supreme Court through his counsel, seeking to stop the government from releasing the bounty and designating him as armed and dangerous.

The prosecution presented banking officials, government financial regulators and forensic accounting expert Alexander Cabrera, whose examination identified approximately P817.87 million in allegedly unexplained wealth, with a broader estimate reaching P1.5 billion under less conservative assumptions. The House prosecution submitted its formal offer of evidence on Oct. 21 after completing the presentation of witnesses and financial documents involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio. The Senate impeachment court must now determine which exhibits should be admitted. Ridon expressed confidence that the senator-judges would carefully

evaluate the defense objections rather than reject the entire body of evidence. The defense is entitled to challenge the admissibility of the prosecution’s evidence, but the final decision rests with the senator-judges. Ridon said the prosecution would await the court’s ruling when the trial resumes on Nov. 9, when the House panel is expected to cross-examine the defense witnesses. Meanwhile, House trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong maintained that the Senate impeachment court has been conducting Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial fairly and efficiently despite public skepticism about its ability to deliver an impartial verdict.

Among the areas that suspended classes were Mulanay, Quezon, and Himamaylan City and Hinigaran in Negros Occidental. Cavite City Mayor Denver Chua also canceled onsite classes in public schools at all levels, except Cavite National Science High School, noting that private schools could decide independently whether to suspend classes. Other institutions that announced suspensions included San Julian National High School in Malasiqui, Pangasinan; Carlos Hilado Memorial State University in Bacolod, which suspended in-person classes on Nov. 3, 4 and 6; and the University of the Philippines Visayas. Under Department of Education Memorandum No. 64, series of 2026, classes must be suspended when the heat index reaches 42 degrees Celsius. The policy adopts a four-level framework for school adjustments during climate disruptions: Hayo, Hinay, Hinga and Hinto. These range from continuing face-to-face classes with safety precautions to suspending all academic activities. The memorandum does not require blanket nationwide suspensions during

extreme heat. School heads may decide based on classroom temperature and humidity readings taken at 8 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

Resolve petitions, SC asked

Alternative learning prescribed

Mr. Marcos stressed in the EO that suspending in-person classes does not automatically suspend learning. Schools must implement alternative learning measures whenever feasible, in line with the policies of the Early Childhood Care and Development Council, DepEd, Commission on Higher Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. The order designates DepEd as the lead implementing agency, with the Department of the Interior and Local Government monitoring local government compliance. PAGASA, PHIVOLCS and the DENR-EMB will provide technical advisories, while the Department of Public Works and Highways will assess affected school facilities and infrastructure. DepEd and concerned agencies have 30 days from the order’s effectivity to issue implementing guidelines.

US Marine... From A1 Thomas Shoal faster than when operating from Basa Air Base in Pampanga. Flying from Puerto Princesa reduces the transit distance from more than 400 nautical miles to less than 200, giving the drones nearly three additional hours over their target on each sortie, Lewis told USNI News. Antonio Bautista Air Base is among the nine Philippine military facilities designated under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which allows the United States to deploy troops and equipment on a rotational basis. The facility is also near the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command headquarters, which oversees military operations in the West Philippine Sea, including resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal. Lewis said the additional operating site also provides an alternative to bases in typhoon-prone Luzon. Meanwhile, Malacañang expressed confidence Tuesday that China’s accusations against the Philippines would not affect the attendance of regional leaders at the upcoming ASEAN Summit, while hoping Chinese President Xi Jinping would attend to discuss outstanding regional disputes. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippines was coordinating with all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other participating countries ahead of the Nov. 15-17 summit. Her remarks followed China’s accusation that Manila had obstructed its participation in the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu last week. Castro denied the allegation, noting that Chinese Defense Attaché Senior Capt. Yang Lei attended the meeting and was given opportunities to convey Beijing’s views. She also said the Marcos administration would not use its authority or position to gain an advantage over other countries.

‘Senate... From A1 “The Senate is fully committed to removing line items that lack sufficient basis, including those without concrete and verifiable technical support, to ensure that every item in the final version is ready for implementation. These line items will not receive even a single peso of public funds,” Gatchalian said. Former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed in a letter that the 295 projects were classified as non-compliant following an agency evaluation. This internal assessment was triggered by eight specific budget warning signs previously flagged during legislative budget proceedings. An analysis conducted by legislative staff examined 11,395 infrastructure proposals in the National Expenditure Program and identified at least one major irregularity in more than 62 percent of the items. Identified irregularities in the proposed expenditures included missing station numbers and geographic coordinates, lump-sum allocations, overlapping or fragmented works, and contradictory job specifications.

The President retains authority to suspend or resume classes and onsite work nationwide or in specific areas when necessary for public safety, national security, disaster response, public health or general welfare.

Drought areas noted

Separately, PAGASA said 12 areas could experience drought by the end of November amid the prevailing northeast monsoon and El Niño conditions. These include Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Capiz, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Samar, Siquijor, Southern Leyte, Isabela City in Basilan and Misamis Oriental. The weather bureau defines drought as rainfall more than 60 percent below normal for three consecutive months or at least 20 percent below normal for five consecutive months. PAGASA expects way-below-normal rainfall in Metro Manila, Northern Luzon, Marinduque, Romblon, Mindoro and parts of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol and Palawan in November. Below-normal rainfall is forecast in most of Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

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Teachers to get 172,000 MacBook Neos By Gabriel Oliva

HE Department of Education (DepEd) said Tuesday it has secured more than 172,000 units of Apple’s MacBook Neo after concluding a bidding process with the global tech company. The units will be distributed to public school teachers across the country.

In a statement, DepEd described the initiative as a “milestone development” that will help improve the country’s digital education infrastructure. “DepEd secured the MacBook Neo package at approximately P43,000 per unit, about P6,900 below the base model’s Philippine suggested retail price of P49,900,” the statement read. According to DepEd, more than 231,725 laptop contracts have already been awarded to teachers nationwide through the department’s Computerization Program. The procurement covers 169,008 MacBook Neo units and 62,717 laptops running on Windows. “Deployment of all 172,654 MacBook Neo units is scheduled from November 2026 through March 2027,” DepEd said. It added that the laptops come with a five-year warranty, a first for the department, which previously provided a standard one-year warranty for gadgets procured for teachers in basic education schools. The units also include built-in productivity tools, delivery and logistics services, and professional development software for recipients. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative is part of efforts to directly address problems teachers face with gadgets and technology while recognizing their contributions.

LTFRB fines Move It P555.75m for excess riders

LOVE BEHIND BARS.

Twenty-one couples exchange vows during the annual “Kasalan sa Piitan” mass wedding ceremony at the Mandaluyong City Jail on Tuesday. Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos officiates the ceremony. Edd Castro

ICC denies request to use Tagalog in Duterte trial By Gwyneth Nolasco THE International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday denied a request by a victims’ representative to use Tagalog in some parts of the opening statements in the trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said the ICC must follow the mandate of the Rome Statute, ruling that English would be used throughout the trial starting Nov. 30, 2026. “While we understand that we want to relate the victims... I’m afraid, as I say, for a number of reasons, we’re going to follow what the Rome Statute has mandated, and it must all be in

English,” Korner said. Paolina Massidda, the legal counsel for victims, requested during the fifth and final status conference in Duterte’s crimes against humanity case that some remarks in the opening statement be delivered in Tagalog. “For them, it’s also important to listen to how we convey to the chamber what they narrated to us and their experiences, and they relate and connect much more if that is done in Tagalog,” she added, noting that the victims would better connect with the hearing if the language used reflected their accounts. She estimated that Tagalog would be used for 15 to 20 minutes during

the opening statement. Korner said ICC Trial Chamber III had carefully considered the request but maintained that the working languages of the court are English and French. She pointed out that an “exceptional reason” must be established to allow the use of a language that is not among the court’s official languages. She also acknowledged the work of interpreters who would translate statements delivered in Tagalog. However, she pointed out that allowing the use of Tagalog would make proceedings involving victims’ applications more complicated and expensive.

Western Visayas workers to get P40-P45 wage hike ABOUT 214,757 workers in Western Visayas will receive a daily minimum wage increase of P40 to P45 under new wage orders approved by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Under Wage Order No. VI-30, workers in non-agricultural, industrial and commercial establishments with more than 10 employees will get a P40 increase, raising their daily minimum wage from P550 to P590. Those in establishments with 10 or fewer workers will also receive a P40 hike, bringing their minimum wage from P525 to P565. Agricultural workers will get a P45 increase, raising their daily minimum wage from P520 to P565. Vito Barcelo

Marikina bags awards for health programs

By Rio N. Araja THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has sanctioned Move It, a ride-hailing motorcycle taxi platform, with a P555.75-million fine for exceeding its authorized number of riders. It imposed a P10,000 fine for each unauthorized rider, bringing the total penalty to P555.75 million. The agency allowed Move It to operate 17,746 rider-partners in the National Capital Region, Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro, but the company exceeded the authorized limit and hired 55,575 riders. “As such, the decision issued by the LTFRB on the matter is not yet final as there is a pending Motion for Reconsideration filed by the concerned motorcycle taxi platform provider,” its resolution read. “The LTFRB is currently crafting measures in dealing with this sensitive issue in relation to the affected riders while ensuring that the online booking system of ride-hailing services is strictly complying with the government’s regulations,” the agency said.

IN BRIEF

INDIGNATION RALLY. Members of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) hold a rally along Padre

Faura Street in front of the Supreme Court in Manila on November 3, urging the high court to immediately rule on pending cases involving former President Rodrigo Duterte, including petitions for habeas corpus. Norman Cruz

Prosecutors endorse Zalameda for CJ post By Pot Chavez

ISLAND ESCAPE. Visitors cruise through the scenic Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan, a popular tourist destination in the province. Dave Leprozo

SUPREME Court (SC) Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda has received the endorsement of 15 chief prosecutors in the National Capital Region (NCR) for the position of chief justice, following the compulsory retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. In a resolution, the NCR Chief Prosecutors Association Inc. unanimously approved the endorsement, with all its members and trustees expressing full support for Zalameda. According to the group, the judiciary’s top post requires a person with outstanding legal credentials, exceptional moral character, administrative competence and leadership qualities. They noted that Zalameda’s years

in legal practice attest to his “unyielding pursuit of justice, effective leadership skills, and administrative acumen.” As such, they described the magistrate as the most qualified candidate for the position, citing his academic excellence and impeccable record of public service. The association is composed of city prosecutors in Metro Manila. It was organized to unite the heads of city prosecution offices in the region and promote measures to improve the prosecution service. Zalameda, touted as a leading candidate for the post, was conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of the East (UE) last week in recognition of his distinguished career in public service and commitment to the rule of law.

THE Marikina City government has been recognized for its health programs and initiatives at the 2026 NCR SubayBayani Awards organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG-National Capital Region gave the city two awards in the Most Significant Change Category, including a Grand Award for its implementation of local health programs that address community needs and improve residents’ quality of life. It also received an Exemplar Award for its health development practices that promote community welfare and sustainable public benefits. One initiative involves a partnership with a dialysis center to provide free hemodialysis services, improving access to healthcare and easing the financial burden on residents with kidney disease. Mayor Maan Teodoro credited the recognition to city government employees and the support of Marikina residents, saying the programs continue to improve public services. Joel E. Zurbano

AdZu pushes transparent bags, ballpens for safety THE Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZu) on Monday urged students at its Junior High School campus to use transparent school bags and lunch bags as part of its enhanced Return-to-School Safety Protocols. In a statement, Ateneo said the initiative is part of efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the school community, adding that all student bags will be subject to inspection, although transparent bags are highly encouraged. Students may keep personal hygiene items in pouches. Those without transparent bags may use backpacks measuring up to 44.5 centimeters in height, 14 centimeters in width and 32 centimeters in length. They are also advised to bring only essential items, including notebooks, one pencil, stationery materials and a maximum of two ballpoint pens with transparent barrels. Gabriel Oliva

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MAP: Leave EDSA busway exclusive for commuter buses By Othel V. Campos THE Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) urged the government to keep the EDSA Busway exclusive to high-capacity public transport and reject proposals to open it to private cars. MAP underscored that student transport needs do not justify exemptions that could undermine the system’s ability to move large numbers of commuters. In an official statement, MAP president Donald Lim and Infrastructure committee chair Eduardo Yap said transport policies should prioritize the movement of high volumes of passengers rather than private vehicles. Instead of opening the busway to private cars, MAP called on the government to address the declining number of public buses along the route by providing greater support to operators, shortening intervals between bus arrivals, and completing missing stations along key corridors, including Roosevelt, Cubao, Rockwell, Ayala, Magallanes, Malibay and Pasay to PITX. The business group also called on the House of Representatives and the Senate to restore the funding allocation for the EDSA Busway System in the proposed 2027 national budget. MAP pointed out that the busway carried 341,307,847 passengers from its launch on June 1, 2020, through December 2025. Daily ridership peaked at 454,649 passengers on December 27, 2023, underscoring the system’s capacity to move large volumes of commuters.

Meralco plan to hike rates anew bucked By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago on Tuesday criticized Manila Electric Company (Meralco)’s latest warning of a possible electricity rate hike as the continuing depreciation of the peso is expected to increase power generation costs. The peso hit its 33rd record low against the US dollar at ₱64.17 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, amid rising global crude oil prices. Meralco customers are being warned that the weakening peso could translate into higher electricity costs. “They always find a reason to raise electricity rates. When oil prices go up, there’s a rate hike. When the peso weakens, there’s another rate hike. But when costs go down or company earnings improve, where is the corresponding relief for consumers?,” Elago noted. “Every market price fluctuation should not be automatically passed on to consumers. After all, workers’ wages do not increase whenever Meralco raises its rates. In the end, it is ordinary families—who are already struggling to afford food and other basic necessities—who are once again forced to pay more for electricity,” she added. The lawmaker called on Meralco to stop treating consumers as automatic shock absorbers of every increase in generation costs.

BUS STOP, WET DAY. Commuters armed with umbrellas wait for their right along Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City amid a downpour. Edd Castro

Pet crematorium scandal whips public indignation By Vince Lopez, Joel E. Zurbano and Ram Superable

HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Tuesday called on pet owners who may have been victimized by a pet crematorium in Bacoor City, Cavite to formally file complaints and submit evidence for official case build-up against the facility.

Meanwhile, some senators echoed public outrage over the discovery of 29 dead pets allegedly dumped into a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, saying they

will look into the incident and revisit existing animal welfare laws to prevent similar cases in the future. Nartatez issued the call following the discovery of 29 dead dogs and cats allegedly dumped in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan by workers of the Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium based in Bacoor. Nartatez said the concerned pet owners should come forward and help investigators establish the alleged fraudulent transactions and identify those responsible. “Any form of deception that exploits the trust of grieving pet owners is deeply concerning and must be addressed with the full force of the law. We will not tolerate acts that victimize the public and undermine the trust that should exist between service providers and the communities they serve,” Nartatez explained. He directed police units in Bulacan and Cavite to coordinate with

other law enforcement agencies and provide investigative assistance, particularly in identifying the individuals who transported and dumped the animal remains. Among the possible cases being eyed in connection with the irregularity is estafa under the Revised Penal Code. Other possible complaints included syndicated estafa and violations of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and the Consumer Act of the Philippines. Affected customers may also pursue civil claims for damages, the PNP said. Meanwhile, Nartatez encouraged complainants to preserve and submit receipts, cremation certificates, transaction records, and other relevant documents that could help establish possible violations of the law.

CHARITY SERVICE. The Philippine Red Cross extends humanitarian assistance at a port in Walled City, Jolo, Sulu, to

Filipinos returning from Sabah, Malaysia. The initiative is undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Services and Development. Red Cross photo

QC hospital bares cybersecurity breach By Ram Superable

PCG PROMOTION. Philippine Coast Guard commandant Vice Admiral Rommel Supangan is promoted to the next rank in ceremony presided by Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon, witnessed by his family. PCG FB photo

THE St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City has taken down its mobile application offline following an Oct. 29 cybersecurity breach involving a thirdparty service platform. The hospital administration has assured the public through an official statement that it was able to immediately isolate the compromised network segment and launch containment protocols to secure the system. “Consistent with regulatory requirements, we immediately reported the incident to the National Privacy Commission. We are currently notifying, directly and individually, those whose personal information may have been affected,” the hospital’s commu-

nication department said. External cybersecurity specialists were brought in to carry out a comprehensive forensic investigation and improve existing network safeguards while a public notice was also posted on the hospital’s official website to alert the broader community and encourage precautionary steps, it said. Core clinical infrastructure and Electronic Medical Records systems remained completely secure throughout the event, ensuring patient care was not disrupted. “We sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience this incident may cause. We remain deeply committed to safeguarding the data of the people we serve,” St. Luke’s said.

IN BRIEF Ease of doing business pays off in QC—mayor WITH its intensified red tape program and expansion of digital services in place, the Quezon City government has contributed P1.4 trillion to the national economy in 2025, accounting for six percent of the country’s gross domestic product. Home to over 70,000 registered businesses, Quezon City also ranked first among cities in revenue collection for 2025, surpassing its previous years’ figures. Mayor Joy Belmonte said the city is building on this growth by reducing paperwork, connecting government systems, and making services more accessible to business owners. QC is the first local government unit to integrate with the Philippine Business Hub, eGovPH, and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Business Name Registration System. Rio N. Araja

BOC, PDEA foil attempt to smuggle P99-m drugs THE Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), has intercepted at the Port of Clark, Pampanga two shipments containing 19.89 kilograms of ketamine worth ₱99.445 million. Acting on intelligence provided by the PDEA Airport Interdiction Unit, BOC agents subjected the two incoming shipments to rigid physical examination. The first shipment, originating from Switzerland and weighing 9,882 grams, was declared as coffee beans, a coffee machine, and coffee equipment consigned to Mandaluyong City. The second shipment arrived from Amsterdam weighing 10,007 grams. It was declared as sodium bicarbonate cleaning powder and was consigned to an address in Montalban, Rizal. Vito Barcelo

JBC discloses vacancies for trial judges nationwide THE Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) announced on Tuesday the opening of vacancies for first-level and second-level court judges across the country. JBC Ex-Officio Secretary Marife Lomibao-Cuevas said the vacancies cover the National Capital Region and Regions I to XII. Online applications must be submitted through the JBC Online Registration and Application System (ORAS) until 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18, 2026. The JBC reminded applicants that the date of submission of their formal online application will be considered the official filing date. It also advised applicants with existing ORAS profiles to update their personal data and other information and complete additional fields, when applicable. Pot Chavez

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Gov’t must not let funds for sick patients go to waste WHAT good is a government appropriation if the people it was intended to help never receive its benefits? That question demands attention as two overcrowded government hospitals in Samar await the release and implementation of P440 million already appropriated for their improvement. Calbayog District Hospital recorded 181 inpatients on October 19 against only 75 authorized beds. Samar Provincial Hospital, with 100 authorized beds, was accommodating approximately 200 to 250 patients. Behind these figures are suffering patients, exhausted healthcare workers, and families who cannot afford private hospitals. Under the 2025 national budget, P140 million was allocated for Calbayog District Hospital: P70 million for infrastructure and P70 million for medical equipment. Another P300 million was appropriated under the 2026 budget for infrastructure improvements at Samar Provincial Hospital. These allocations were secured through the efforts of Samar Representatives Stephen Tan and Michael Tan. The congressmen appealed to Health Secretary Edwin Mercado on October 27 to facilitate their release and implementation. Governor Sharee Tan supported their appeal in her October 30 letter. The immediate concern is the December 31, 2026 validity deadline affecting the P140 million under the 2025 budget. Unless necessary budgetary requirements are completed on time, the appropriation could lapse, leaving the funds unavailable for their intended purpose. According to recent news reports citing findings from the Commission on Audit’s 2025 audit of the Department of Health, more than P17.27 billion worth of health infrastructure projects were delayed, idle, underutilized, or unimplemented. The reports also cited P242.358 million worth of idle medical equipment and project delays involving permits, changes in construction plans, and poor coordination among stakeholders. These nationwide findings should serve as a warning, not as an allegation that Samar’s projects have already suffered the same fate. Government must protect public funds. Procurement rules, accounting requirements, and legitimate regulatory safeguards are essential, particularly amid controversies involving questionable infrastructure projects. But too often, bureaucracy seems more interested in identifying obstacles than finding solutions. The problem arises when government agencies fail to resolve administrative and procedural issues promptly. Funds remain unused, implementation is pushed back, and deadlines approach without meaningful progress. In the end, it is not the bureaucracy that pays the price, but the patients who are deprived of better healthcare services. Surely, safeguards should prevent waste, not become excuses for inaction. Officials should identify what the law actually requires, eliminate duplication where permitted, and help complete necessary steps promptly.

Imagine hundreds of millions of pesos allocated for hospitals but unavailable because of avoidable red tape. Meanwhile, patients suffer in crowded wards, families watch helplessly as loved ones struggle, and doctors and nurses work beyond the limits of existing facilities. To his credit, Secretary Mercado responded promptly to Governor Tan’s appeal. He directed DOH Eastern Visayas to arrange temporary patient accommodation, emergency medical teams, and additional healthcare personnel. He also ordered an assessment of congestion and hospital referral arrangements.

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Samar must not become another example of health appropriations that look impressive on paper but deliver little relief at the bedside Those directives deserve recognition, although emergency measures cannot replace permanent improvements. Governor Tan has thanked Mercado and expressed confidence that he will address the funding concerns as well. His leadership now offers an opportunity to show that government can resolve administrative obstacles without compromising accountability. The DOH and Department of Budget and Management should identify outstanding requirements, assign responsibility, and establish a realistic timetable for lawful release and implementation. Governor Tan has offered provincial cooperation, including possible implementation arrangements consistent with existing laws. Mercado and DBM Acting Secretary Kim de Leon can demonstrate that coordinated action is possible, even when procedures are complicated and deadlines are tight. But releasing money is only the beginning. Buildings must be completed, equipment delivered, and facilities adequately staffed and operated. Otherwise, even fully funded projects may fail the people they were designed to serve. There is no need for finger-pointing. What is needed is urgency, coordination, and results. Every week lost brings the 2025 funding deadline closer. Every week, more patients arrive at hospitals already stretched beyond capacity. Samar must not become another example of health appropriations that look impressive on paper but deliver little relief at the bedside. The money has been appropriated. The need is undeniable. What Samar urgently needs now is decisive action from Secretary Mercado and Secretary de Leon to ensure that these funds finally reach the hospitals and the patients they were intended to serve. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Manila’s new property theory (Last of two parts) IN OUR first of two inbstallments, we said the government’s strongest precedents support its authority to regulate; they do not support its authority to appropriate JCCIPI is not alone. The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and the Philippine Nickel Industry Association issued a joint statement warning the JAO “introduces regulatory uncertainty” and “investment risks.” They flagged the asset-surrender requirement for incumbent operators, bidding rules that factor in closure liabilities and asset costs in ways that may disadvantage existing operators, and evaluation criteria giving insufficient weight to technical expertise, operational track record, and environmental performance. The statement also invoked the “Pax Silica” initiative—the government’s push for critical minerals investment—warning that “the country must not let this golden opportunity pass for questionable and even illusory gains.” Translation: the government is so eager to extract a few more pesos from the Semirara bidding that it may scare off the investors it needs for the next decade of mineral development. The constitutional problem nobody wants to discuss is this: Section 9, Article III provides that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation. Section 10 prohibits laws impairing the obligation of contracts. The government will argue no taking occurs because assets revert under the JAO’s terms, and the JAO is a valid exercise of police power. But the JAO is not a law; it is an administrative order. And the Supreme Court has held that ad-

ministrative regulations cannot exceed the authority granted by the statute they implement, cannot override legislation, and cannot create new substantive rights or obligations not found in the enabling law. If PD 972 allows the operator to remove its movable assets within one year after termination, the DOE cannot use a JAO to declare those assets government property immediately upon cost recovery. That is not regulation. That is legislation by fiat.

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The national patrimony deserves protection. So does the rule of law. The Joint Administrative Order protects neither. JCCIPI represents companies invested in artificial intelligence, mineral processing, semiconductors, and energy infrastructure—not just coal. Its intervention signals that the JAO’s assetsurrender theory is being watched far beyond mining. If the Philippines establishes the principle that private assets used in regulated industries can be appropriated through administrative order when the government decides the inves-

High-stakes polls

IDTERM elections in the United States are happening today. It is not only Americans who are watching this referendum on US President Donald Trump’s second (albeit non-consecutive) term with keen interest. The Philippines, and the rest of the world, are – and for good reason. There are 470 congressional seats (435 in the House and 35 in the Senate) at stake in an election with 250 million voters, even as the abstention rate in midterm polls has averaged at 43 percent since 2002. Mail-in voting has been open since September 4 in some states. Republicans enjoy a narrow majority in both Houses, and today’s elections may or not flip the balance. The seven most controversial races are in the states of Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas. While President Donald Trump’s name are nowhere on the ballots, the implications of his decisions in the past two years weigh heavily on the vote. His approval ratings are historically at the lowest they have been, with just 36 percent of likely voters saying they approved of his performance and 59 percent saying they disapproved, according to a New York Times/ Siena poll conducted October 12-17. Trump’s decision to start a war that sent the prices of oil and all other goods have led to the decline. His increasingly unhinged behavior offline and online have also caused alarm among the in-

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The Philippines, and the rest of the world, should be watching. The quality of life of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the US will be of consequence to their families here in the Philippines. And even if a family living here does not have relatives in the US, the surging prices of oil and consumer goods will take an economic toll on everyone – more so for those

PATIENCE has become part of the Filipino way of life. We endure long queues, spend hours in traffic, adjust to delayed services, and find ways to manage when government falls short. We have become remarkably resourceful in dealing with difficulties that seem to have become permanent features of everyday life. We often celebrate this resilience as a national virtue. There is good reason to admire it. Our capacity to persevere has helped families survive hardship and communities recover from adversity. Yet there is a troubling consequence when patience becomes our usual response to poor public service. We gradually lower our expectations. What once caused frustration becomes familiar. Eventually, even small improvements begin to feel like favors for which we should be grateful. This gradual adjustment reveals how standards are formed, and how easily they can deteriorate. A government office may consider a transaction successful because it was completed within the prescribed processing period. Yet a citizen may have spent an entire day traveling, waiting, and securing requirements that different agencies could have coordinated themselves. From the agency’s perspective, the transaction was completed. From the citizen’s perspective, an entire working day was lost. Both experiences can be true. Yet our performance reports usually capture only the former. This explains why government can report administrative accomplishments while people continue to experience poor service. Institutions tend to measure what their procedures require rather than what citizens actually experience. Over time, these internal measures become the standards by which agencies judge themselves. Compliance becomes sufficient evidence of performance, even when the underlying service remains inconvenient, expensive, or unreliable. Changing this requires a different understanding of accountability. A service standard should reflect the reasonable expectations of the person receiving

the service. Processing time should include the citizen’s actual waiting time. Infrastructure performance should account for reliability, accessibility, and the quality of service it makes possible. Behind these institutional shortcomings are substantial social costs that rarely appear in government accounting. An employee spending four hours commuting daily loses twenty hours over a five-day working week.

Those hours represent time with family, opportunities for additional income, rest, or personal development. For a patient returning repeatedly to a public hospital, delays mean additional transportation expenses, missed work, and prolonged uncertainty. For a farmer, unreliable irrigation can affect an entire planting season. These losses accumulate quietly across millions of households. Their consequences are particularly serious because people experience government inefficiency differently. A family with sufficient resources can often find alternatives. Those living on daily wages have far fewer choices. This creates a disturbing contradiction. Public services are intended to help reduce inequality, yet their inefficiency can deepen the disadvantages already experienced by poorer households. A delayed service therefore carries consequences beyond administrative inconvenience. It affects household income, access to opportunities, and the ability of families to plan

their lives with reasonable certainty. Government efficiency should consequently be treated as a serious question of social justice. Every unnecessary requirement, avoidable delay, and unreliable service transfers part of the cost of government failure directly to the people who depend upon it. Addressing these problems ultimately requires stronger stewardship of public authority and resources. We have become accustomed to evaluating government through budgets approved, projects completed, and funds disbursed. These measures serve legitimate administrative purposes. Yet they can also create incentives that reward spending and procedural compliance even when the benefits to citizens remain uncertain. An agency may successfully utilize its budget while delivering services that people continue to find inadequate. A completed facility may satisfy contractual requirements while remaining poorly equipped, understaffed, or difficult to access. Such outcomes reveal a weakness in how responsibility is assigned. Officials are frequently held accountable for completing their assigned activities, while responsibility for the actual public benefit becomes scattered across agencies and administrative processes. Better governance requires clearer ownership of results. The institutions responsible for planning, financing, implementing, and operating public services must share accountability for their eventual performance. This means judging public investments by the improvements they produce in people’s lives and making those results visible, measurable, and open to public scrutiny. Filipinos have shown extraordinary patience with government. That patience has allowed our institutions considerable room to improve. It has also allowed persistent weaknesses to survive longer than they should. The responsibility now rests with government to justify the trust and understanding it continues to receive. A government that depends on people’s patience to excuse its shortcomings eventually turns a national virtue into a public burden.

tor has “recovered” their cost, every long-term investment becomes vulnerable. Power plants. Transmission facilities. Ports. Telecommunications infrastructure. All can be recharacterized as “cost-recovered” and therefore subject to turnover. This is not a hypothetical slippery slope. It is the logical extension of the government’s argument. The DOE and DENR should immediately clarify that depreciation, amortization, and cost recovery do not, by themselves, transfer

ownership. They should amend Section 6.10 to align with PD 972’s express provisions allowing removal of movable assets within one year after termination. They should establish an independent valuation mechanism for any assets the government genuinely needs for transition, with compensation where constitutionally required. And they should revise bidding criteria to give meaningful weight to technical capability, operational experience, and environmental performance—not just the highest check. The Philippine government owns the coal.

It does not own the excavator. If the DOE and DENR cannot understand this distinction, they should not be writing rules that govern billions of pesos of private investment. And if they persist in conflating depreciation with expropriation, they should not be surprised when the Japanese Chamber—and every other investor with a long memory and a competent lawyer—decides that the Philippines is not a place where property rights mean what the dictionary says they mean. The national patrimony deserves protection. So does the rule of law. The JAO protects neither.

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A government that depends on people’s patience to excuse its shortcomings eventually turns a national virtue into a public burden

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser

Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

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A nation’s patience and better governance

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

ternational community. Filipinos should not be apathetic about how these polls go. Some 4.6 million people in the US identified as Filipino in 2023, according to estimates of the US Census Bureau and reported by the Pew Research Center. Filipino Americans are the third-largest Asian origin population living in the U.S., accounting for approximately 19% of the country’s Asian population.

who will feel the difference than those who will not. And then, the US is also our primary defense ally. Just this week, during his visit, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed his country’s “ironclad” commitment to the Philippines. While these words can be viewed as reassuring given the security provocations we have been experiencing of late, the Philippines has no intention of being a pawn or a proxy in a battle between bigger, more powerful states. The reassurance would also sound better if uttered by officials more cautious and deliberate, and less egocentric, in their decisions. Finally, the US is also an economic partner, taking the lead in Philippine initiatives like the Luzon Economic Corridor and Pax Silica. Both have been cited by Filipino groups concerned with the allocation of our resources and the displacement of indigenous groups, even as proponents have been highlighting supposed economic gains in terms of jobs and competitiveness. Scenarios of an administrationcontrolled and a non-administrationcontrolled Legislature will be starkly different in the next two years under Mr. Trump. There will be greater check and balance in the latter – something that appears of prime importance given his manifestations of cognitive instability. The US remains to be the leader of the free world, but the quality and consequences of that leadership is now, more than ever, precarious.

Mario R. Policarpio Jr. Head - Finance

Baldwin R. Felipe

Head - Ad Solutions

Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie

Opinion Editor

Feliciano T. Buscas Jr. Head - IT-MIS

Paula A. Reynoso

Head - Suppplements

Virgilio DC Galvez

Aytch dela Cruz

Online Editor

Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

News Editor

Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

WORLD

MEMORIAL SERVICE. People attend a funeral mass for the 69 fatal victims of a high-speed train collision on October 28, in Urda, during the weekend. Residents and local officials gathered in a Spanish village near the site of the high-speed train collision that killed at least 69 people for a memorial Mass honoring the victims. The pews inside the San Juan Bautista church in Urda, in the central province of Toledo, were packed, while dozens more people gathered outside to listen to the service. AFP

US strikes Iranian islands in Hormuz W

ASHINGTON, DC – The United States launched limited strikes on an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, US media reported, hours after President Donald Trump signalled diplomatic progress with Tehran. The strikes, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, hit Qeshm Island, where Iranian state media reported five explosions in rapid succession. Unnamed US officials cited by the Journal and other outlets described the attacks as defensive in nature, while the paper said it was just the latest of several undeclared strikes. It said they had not been publicly announced to avoid the impression Washington intended to resume major combat operations. US Central Command did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. The US, alongside Israel, launched the war with a massive wave of surprise strikes on Iran in late February, but it has not achieved its war aims and the conflict has been stalemated for months. On Monday, a day before voters were predicted to hand his Republican party a drubbing in midterm elections in part over dissatisfaction with the war and the inflation it has brought, Trump said a deal with Iran “could happen”. “Iran wants a settlement, as soon as possible,” Trump posted on his Truth Social Platform. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, meanwhile, said indirect talks were taking place. “Given the sensitivity and gravity of the current situation, consultations and deliberations are

very intensive,” Araghchi told state media. On Tuesday, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who has been Tehran’s chief negotiator in talks with the US, said that while Iran was ready for war it had given Washington a “rational response”. “The ball is now in America’s court to prevent war.” Oil prices had plunged by more than seven percent on Monday on optimism over a possible end to the eight-month-old conflict. US Vice President JD Vance said both he and Trump were optimistic about securing an agreement. “We’ve certainly made some progress. We’ll see if we can make some more,” Vance told reporters on Monday. China also called for a return to diplomacy, while Iran’s security chief discussed the conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Last week, the Axios news outlet reported that Vance had sent a letter to Iranian national security chief Mohsen Rezaei about possible new talks, marking the highest-level move in months. Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said the messages received from Washington were “an acknowledgement of our victory.” AFP

North Korea test fires strategic cruise missiles SEOUL – North Korea test-fired strategic cruise missiles, state media reported Tuesday, in the latest display of its weapons capabilities as tensions persist on the Korean peninsula. The Monday launch came a day after North Korea tested cluster bomb warheads, as tensions with Seoul have risen after a landmine blast along their heavily fortified border wounded three South Korean soldiers. “The middle-sized dispersal warhead tipped on the cruise missile is capable of turning into ashes a target area of 5 to 6 hectares with its highest-density power,” the official Korean Central News Agency reported Tuesday. The test “perfected the capability to deliver a vertical strike against the target by improving the terminal maneuverability of the cruise missile,” KCNA said, “taking into consideration the natural and geographical characteristics of the targeted area.” A North Korean official was quoted as saying the test was conducted “because our armed forces should defend the security of the country and deter all sorts of threats.” “Various combat functions of such strongest weapon system will help defend the DPRK from potential threats from outside and renew the military capabilities of the state,” the general director of the Missile Administration said, using the acronym for North Korea’s official name. AFP

RUSSIA FORTIFIES POSITION. Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova addresses the audience while attending a press conference in Moscow on Monday, following a humanitarian mission in the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky, amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Footage posted by the Ukrainian emergency services showed the building reduced to piles of smoldering rubble and rescuers working at the site AFP

Ukraine: Russian strikes dash fragile peace hopes

KYIV — Ukraine has said Russian strikes on a school distributing humanitarian aid killed at least 26 people, dashing fragile hopes of “progress toward peace” after a local ceasefire in the south expired without violations. Russia resumed its strikes on the southern region of Kherson after the end of a ceasefire in the area, the longest truce in the war raging between the neighbours since Russia’s 2022 invasion, Kyiv said. A rare pause in the fighting, brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump to enable a mission to the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky, ended Sunday after starting on Tuesday, with neither side reporting breaches. But hours after the truce, Russia targeted a village in Zaporizhzhia, adjacent to Kherson, with repeated strikes that killed at least 26 people, the acting regional governor said. Some of the dead had come to collect aid at a local school. Footage posted by the Ukrainian emergency services showed the building reduced to piles of smoldering rubble and rescuers working at the site. AFP

SPORTS Manila Digger seeks more football glory

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026

Caitlin Simmers rides the waves adeptly at the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro at Cloud 9.

By Peter Atencio FRESH from capturing their maiden Philippine Football League (PFL) championship, Manila Digger FC are preparing for an even bigger challenge, with three competitions lined up in the coming months. Under newly appointed Spanish coach Joan Esteva, the Diggers will defend their domestic crown while seeking further success in the AFC Challenge League and the ASEAN Club Championship, also known as the Shopee Cup. “We started the (2025-2026 PFL) season in a very good way. We did a really good performance,” said Esteva, who replaced Kim Versales after previous coaching stints with CE Constància, Sporting Mahonés and United City FC. Manila Digger finished atop the regularseason standings and maintained its dominance through the championship round, clinching its first PFL crown on June 17 following a 1-1 draw with One Taguig. The club also advanced to the quarterfinal playoffs of the 20262027 AFC Challenge Antonio Mauricio League after topping Group E with two wins and one defeat, highlighted by a 4-0 victory over Myanmar’s Shan United in Yangon on Oct. 24. The Diggers likewise secured their first-ever Shopee Cup group-stage appearance after overwhelming Brunei’s Kasuka FC, 9-2 on aggregate, in the qualifying playoffs. The club recently celebrated its achievements while announcing a kit sponsorship partnership with Hisense Philippines, which will provide the team’s official uniforms for the 2026-2027 PFL and its AFC and ASEAN competitions.

Thunder to retire Westbrook jersey ‘0’ in February WASHINGTON—The Oklahoma City Thunder will retire the number “0” jersey of star guard Russell Westbrook at a February 7 home game against New York, the NBA club announced on Monday. The 37-year-old guard announced his retirement in August after 18 NBA seasons in which he became the all-time league leader in triple doubles with 209. Westbrook spent 11 seasons with the Thunder from 2008-2019 and had stints with Houston, Washington, the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers, Denver and Sacramento. Westbrook won the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player award with the Thunder and led the club into the playoffs nine times, including four trips to the Western Conference finals and a run to the 2012 NBA Finals, where Oklahoma City lost to Miami. “We are incredibly proud to retire Russell’s number,” Thunder chairman Clayton Bennett said. “Russell made a lasting mark on the city and state during his time with the team, and his involvement in the community has endured long after. “We are deeply grateful for his genuine care for the people of Oklahoma and he will always be considered a member of the Oklahoma City community.” AFP

Simmers, Medina make history as 1st WSL PH Pro champions

IARGAO—Caitlin Simmers and Gabriel Medina claimed the women’s and men’s titles, respectively, in the first-ever World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro at Cloud 9 on Tuesday.

Simmers, the American world No. 6, defeated Australia’s Isabella Nichols, 12.00-10.77, in the women’s final to become the first women’s champion of the Philippine leg. Simmers secured her place in the championship round after beating world No. 2 Carissa Moore in the semifinals. Moore’s campaign came to an end after she received an Interference Penalty 2, which wiped out the wave where the violation occurred and her second scoring wave. Nichols reached the final after defeating fellow Australian Tyler Wright in the other semifinal but fell short against Simmers in the title match. The prestigious competition 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. In the men’s final, Brazilian world No. 4 Gabriel Medina defeated Australian Jack Robinson to claim the inaugural men’s crown, finishing with 16.93 points against Robinson’s 14.50.

Caitlin Simmers (right) and Gabriel Medina hold their trophies.

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. Fans can watch the competition through the One Sports YouTube channel and Cignal Play.

Gutierrez says U15 World Cup proved homegrowns can compete THE Philippine Under-15 Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT U15) recently concluded its maiden FIFA World Cup & Festival at a respectable 110th place out of 189 countries in the world’s biggest football tournament held in Baku, Azerbaijan in terms of participation. ``Our U15’s performance tells us that our homegrowns, when given a platform, can compete well against opponents from other continents,’’ said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez. The Philippine side had a total of 19 goals in 10 games, highlighted The Philippine Under-15 Men’s National Football Team by four victories against Belize (10) and Curacao (8-1) in the Group He praised the players for their results show where the national youth Stage while defeating Macau (2-0) attitude through a demanding program stands. and Aruba (5-2) in the Classification schedule. “Because of FIFA President GiStage. The Filipino U15s drew ``The group stage was a litmus anni Infantino’s push for a tournaZimbabwe (2-2). test of how far our local talents ment of this scale, we have a clearer The Designated Kitsaid Man The homegrown Designated Kit Man PFF sent a mostly can go in the global stage,’’ vision in building a system that Erel Cabatbat Erel Cabatbat squad from regional football associaGutierrez. produces world-class youth athletes tion (RFAs), schools, and clubs, and “These boys never backed from our RFAs and domestic clubs several players took part in the 2026 down. They faced strong, unwho can stand alongside our heriPFF U16 National Championship in familiar teams, played five tage talents abroad in future internaBago City last May. Gutierrez said the matches in three days, and kept tional competitions,” Gutierrez said.

Dreams PLYOMETRIC drills at a young age. Mentored by coaches. Played championship basketball at the Palarong Pambansa and SBP-Passerelle. Attended esteemed educational institutions because of a basketball scholarship. Played in the Philippines, Canada, and now in the US. Wow. Andy Gemao’s basketball journey is the dream of every Filipino basketball player. And there are a lot of us. We love basketball. We play with fire and fervor. Sun-kissed skin, calloused feet, and the scent of dried sweat on our shirts are tokens of playing basketball from sunup until we are sapped of energy. Basketball under any conditions is a rite of passage. Concrete, dirt, even sloping, uneven terrain; it does not matter where, as long as there is a hoop and a ball. Even if it is raining and the court is flooded, there is still someone out there shooting hoops. We put in this kind of effort, living and breathing basketball. But do we have the same intensity dreaming our basketball dreams? Andy Gemao dreamed big. For many of us, this feels too much, too difficult, too improbable, like threading the needle. But Andy got through. But perhaps intimidated by the demands of big dreams, we were the first to become skeptical about

Medina built his winning score with a 9.43 on his opening wave and a 7.50 on his second. Robinson, ranked No. 12 in the world, posted an 8.23 and a 6.27 but settled for second place. Before reaching the final, Medina eliminated world No. 1 Yago Dora in the semifinals, while Robinson secured his finals berth by defeating fellow Australian Ethan Ewing. Medina and Simmers will each receive US$80,000 for winning the men’s and women’s titles, respectively, while runners-up Jack Robinson and Isabella Nichols will take home US$40,000 apiece. Yago Dora, Ethan Ewing, Carissa Moore and Tyler Wright, who finished third in their respective divisions, will each pocket US$20,000. Meanwhile, Filipino bets John Mark “Marama” Tokong and Jayuard Alciso will each receive US$14,000, while Noah Arkfeld will take home US$13,000. Young Filipina surfer Mara Lopez, meanwhile, will receive US$13,500. Also supporting the event are the Philippine

Free Throw Shooter Nathaniel Dela Cruz

our own chances for success, and so we scaled down. For the rest of us still chasing basketball dreams that haven’t come true yet, we are still stooped, our heads on the ground, still looking for that darn needle lost in the haystack. Some gave up and moved on. I know life is not fair. We may have the same big dreams, but we have lived through different circumstances. Life is different for everyone. We are all ardent dreamers, and the demands of our dreams may be similar, but we are built differently based on our experiences, our resources, the people around us, and the voices that influence us. We dream, we make decisions, and discipline and dedication put us to the test. Someone will break. Natural selection is brutal. There is no blaming. No excuses. No sour grapes and bitterness, even when stories of rags-to-riches success nag me as I am reminded of the times I gave up, and it is because of this that I ask myself this question: Did I dream big, too? Did I have big basketball dreams growing up?

fighting. That attitude is what we want in every Philippine national team,” he added. Gutierrez was at the FIFA World Cup in June 2026, when Infantino announced the staging of the inaugural U15 World Cup. Gutierrez said an event with 189 participating member associations is significant for young Filipino players. “Our youth players competed in a global tournament, against teams from around the world. That kind of exposure was out of reach for most Filipinos in the past. We thank FIFA for creating this event because now, we can play against and learn from countries from distant lands,” he said. The tournament uses the 8v8 format, which PFF and the Department of Education have implemented at home early this year. It was used in the Palarong Pambansa elementary football tournament in May 2026, and it is being used in the under-13 and under-11 divisions of the ongoing PFF RFA Youth League.

very few I had and starting over? I should’ve. It should’ve come naturally to me, I think it’s not just me. I think many people since basketball was a big part of my life when abandon their dreams because they come with tough I was young, and I look up to personalities who decisions and big sacrifices, and many of us are not showed me what I could dream of becoming. I inclined to leave our comfort zones, thinking that is looked up to players who inspire success, with all we have, and when you are young, that’s ok. It is their multimillion-peso contracts, celebrity status, normal. and all-around life of comfort. Free Throw Shooter You’re just starting to see the world. You are just I wanted to make the team. I want to compete and finding I want to win. I want to have the low-post finesse of Dela Nathaniel Cruz your footing and finding your place in the sun and a place among those you want to call your friends. Alvin Patrimonio. I want to be a good shooter and You are just starting to build your life, your personality, become fearless like Michael Jordan. I want to get and your world. You don’t have much yet, so anything the ball when the game is on the line and I want you feel is yours, you want to hold on to. teammates who would trust me in these moments, Now, as adults, we are left holding our own wins in and I want to win it. one hand and our unfulfilled dreams in the other. We These were my dreams, dreams that I now put dismiss basketball dreams coming to life for others under scrutiny. Were these the wrong dreams to as “destiny” so that they are easier for us to accept. It have? Did I dream small dreams? When I dug deeper was not our hands that picked the blessed. into my introspection, I exhumed something more Nonetheless, this breakthrough is the silver lining. disheartening: I did dream big, but the weak in me It makes the improbable doable and real. Now there didn’t believe it could happen. So I kept it hidden under is a path to follow. Andy Gemao is a proof of concept. the pillow and slept, even when others were already up Soon, many more will dream big, and they will have bright and early to train and do plyometrics. the courage to go with it. Big dreams mean big decisions and big sacrifices, And if Filipino basketball kids start to think about and I think the young me was insecure and easily their future and dream big, encouraged by parents discouraged. Big basketball dreams like Andy Gemao’s who might’ve missed their chance in their youth mean leaving the country. It means leaving my friends, and learned the lessons of dreams and decisions and my hometown, and my comfort zone. Moving to sacrifices in adulthood, I’ll say, go ahead and shoot different schools is hard because it means losing friends your shot. and having to meet new ones, and back in high school, I’ll be there cheering for the dreamers and for making friends is something the socially awkward me dreams that came true, even if these weren’t mine. was still trying to learn. Would I be okay with losing the

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026

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

Maroons eye stronger hold on top spot Games Wednesday

(Smart Araneta Coliseum) 8 a.m. – UST vs DLSU (Women) 10 a.m. – UE vs FEU (Women) 12 noon – UP vs AdU (Women) 2:30 p.m. – UE vs FEU (Men) 5 p.m. – UP vs AdU (Men)

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines looks to move closer to securing its sixth consecutive Final Four appearance when it takes on Adamson University on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. A victory in the 5 p.m. matchup would not only strengthen the Fighting Maroons’ Final Four bid but also help them gain some separation in the race for a twice-to-beat advantage. Carrying a 7-2 record, UP currently sits ahead of second-running National University (7-3) and defending champion De La Salle University (6-4). Meanwhile, fresh from snapping a three-game losing streak, Far Eastern University looks to strengthen its bid for a return to the Final Four after missing out on the semifinals in the past four seasons when it faces University of the East at 2:30 p.m. The Tamaraws currently occupy fourth place with a 5-4 record, just ahead of fifth-running Ateneo de Manila University (5-5), which is also looking to secure a postseason berth. As the elimination round enters its crucial stretch, the Fighting Maroons are focused on maintaining consistency in their performances. “Coaches are never content and that’s the reality of it because it’s an imperfect game … there were lapses from a scheme standpoint, defensively and offensively. But that’s the process for our team. What’s important is that everybody is committed to it, kumbaga ang mantra ng UP ‘Walang bibitaw.’ Importante sa amin ‘yun,” assistant coach Christian Luanzon said.

Nocom faces biggest test of young career WITH less fanfare and greater resolve, 14-year-old Filipino karter Mariano ‘Axel’ Nocom is making a lot of heads turn on the international circuit. Nocom, who is based in the Philippines but has taken his act across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, is facing the biggest race of his young and promising career – the Champions of the Future final round in Italy. The race is scheduled Nov. 13 to 15 at the demanding Franciacorta Karting Track. Nocom is running second overall among 35 karters, mostly Europeans, and a victory and the overall title will cement his place in history. “I want to make our nation proud. May pressure but I’m carrying the hopes of our nation. If I win this I can make a name for myself,” said Axel in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission media room. The forthcoming race is the fifth and final round of the prestigious Champions of the Future, where the best young karters compete, including those whom Nocom described as future F1 drivers. “This is the highest level of karting,” said Axel, who was accompanied to the weekly forum by his father, Michael Nocom, who plays basketball but never tried racing. “I represent the Philippines all around the world and I’m very proud of that. I want to be number one in the world,” said Axel, who placed second in the first leg in Spain, crashed out in Greece in the second leg after taking pole position on the second day, finished third in the third leg in Italy, just behind a Mercedes program karter, and then won the fourth leg in Spain, beating 34 karters. He became the first Filipino karter to achieve the feat, and is confident that if he can do it in Spain, he can do it in Italy.

Michael and Axel Nocom

The NU Bulldogs display their UAAP badminton championship banner and trophy.

Bulldogs, Fighting Maroons crowned badminton champs N

ATIONAL University and the University of the Philippines emerged as the inaugural UAAP Badminton men’s and women’s overall champions under the three-event format, following the conclusion of the tournament on Tuesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

The Bulldogs secured their record-extending 10th men’s overall crown with a maximum 25.875 points, capping a dominant campaign that saw them nearly sweep the gold medals in the team event, finish 1-2 in singles, and collect a silver in doubles. “Doble ‘yung saya na nakuha namin ‘tong overall championship; malaking tulong talaga ‘yung naging panalo namin sa team event,” said NU’s graduating skipper, Lanz Zafra. “After nung team event, kumain lang talaga kami sa labas, nag-rest, and, then, focus uli.”

The UP Fighting Maroons hold their championship trophy.

With Zafra graduating as the only member of the championship squad set to leave next season, the former national team standout expressed confidence that his teammates could sustain NU’s winning tradition. “Itong legacy na iniwan ko sa NU, sana maging momentum para sa kanila para magtuluy-tuloy ‘yung championship. Kampante akong kaya pa rin nila next

year at mas lalo pa nilang gagalingan,” he said. On the women’s side, UP claimed its record 11th overall championship after edging out Ateneo de Manila University and NU with 20.875 points. The Fighting Maroons sealed the crown with a gold-medal finish in women’s doubles. Despite encountering setbacks and upsets during the competition, the team managed to regroup and deliver when it mattered most, according to graduating captain Susmita Ramos. “There were upsets nitong mga nakaraang araw, but nag-reset lang kami. Nag-restart at nag-refocus na kung ano pang pwede naming gawin, gawin na namin. Ibuhos na namin, tigas lang,” said Ramos. “Sobrang saya ko lang kasi last season ko na; nadagdagan ‘yung saya ko na hindi lang kami naka-bronze pero nakuha pa rin namin ‘yung overall.” The Fighting Maroons will have their work cut out for them in defending the crown, with Ramos, Kimberly Lao, Anthea Gonzalez, and Pat De Leon all graduating. However, the team captain remains confident in the program’s future. “Masasabi ko lang sa girls, and sa men’s na rin, na sana huwag nilang gawing pressure ‘to, kundi maging motivation ‘to to work hard pa,” she said.

Highrisers break long slump, shock Chargers in 5 GALERIES Tower finally broke through, ending its four-match losing streak with a stirring 25-22, 26-24, 2325, 15-25, 15-10 victory over Akari in a pulsating five-set showdown in the PVL All Filipino Conference Siklab Series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday. After coming agonizingly close to another heartbreaking defeat, the Highrisers rediscovered their composure when it mattered most, weathering the Chargers’ fightback before unleashing a decisive finishing kick in the fifth set to claim their first victory of the conference. It was a roller-coaster encounter that swung wildly from one side to the other, with Galeries Tower taking the first two sets only to squander its advantage as the Chargers roared back to force a decider, the seventh five-setter of the series. But unlike in their previous outings, the Highrisers refused to buckle under pressure, delivering the clutch hits and crucial defensive stops to finally get over the hump.

Games Thursday (Philsports Arena) 1 p.m. – ZUS Coffee vs Farm Fresh 3:30 p.m. – AFP vs Alpha Insurance 6 p.m. – PLDT vs Creamline

The Galeries Tower Highrisers celebrate.

The victory was particularly sweet for a team that had endured four straight defeats and last tasted success in March against Capital1 Solar Spikers.

Erika Deloria spearheaded the breakthrough with an all-around performance worthy of MVP consideration, tallying 20 points,

11 excellent digs and 28 excellent receptions to anchor the Highrisers on both ends of the floor. Deloria, however, credited the team’s collective resolve and composure rather than her individual numbers. “We’ve been through a lot so this win means a lot to us,” she said. “We came here to compete and play hard to win. Despite our 0-4 card, we refused to give up and we finally won.” For Deloria, the difference came down to keeping their heads when the match threatened to slip away. “It boiled down to composure in the fifth set,” she said. “It’s a game, hindi mo alam kung hanggang saan yung momentum, so we just maintained our composure and reminded each other that we got each other’s back.”

Florida bronze boosts Chino’s 2028 LA Olympic bid By Randy M. Caluag FOR Filipino judoka Chino Tancontian Sy, the bronze medal he won at the 2026 Florida Panamerican Open represents another small step toward his biggest goal—qualifying for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Coming off a difficult Asian Games debut, Sy regained his footing with a podium finish in the men’s under100-kilogram division in Gainesville, Florida, drawing renewed confidence from a campaign that tested him against seasoned international opponents. “Worth it,” Sy said in a social media post reflecting on his performance. “We’re slowly moving forward with little steps towards bigger goals and closer to the dream we’re chasing. LA 2028.” The 25-year-old Davao City

standout opened with a convincing round-of-16 victory over Chile’s Guztavo Zepeda, scoring two wazaari, before beating American Alex Kulyk in the quarterfinals. His run to the final was stopped by Cuba’s Ivan Felipe Silva Morales, the top seed and eventual champion. But the encounter gave Sy a clearer picture of the level he hopes to reach. “Got the chance to showcase my skills and have a good performance against a three-time Olympian from Cuba,” Sy said. “He was the more experienced judoka but I will strive to reach that level and give a better fight the next time we face each other.” Sy responded to the semifinal defeat by overcoming American Nathanial Keeve, the 2024 Montreal Panamerican Open gold medalist, in their bronze-medal contest. The Filipino scored a waza-ari and protected his advantage through the

end of the four-minute bout to secure his place on the podium. Silva Morales claimed the gold ahead of the Dominican Republic’s Robert Florentino, while Argentina’s Ivo Dargoltz took the other bronze. For Sy, the result offered reassurance after a demanding stretch that included a round-of-16 exit at the Asian Games in AichiNagoya, Japan, last month. “I had a rough couple of months competing but seeing results of my training and standing again on the podium is a reminder for me that every training and every day I dedicate my life on this journey eventually pays off,” he said. The Florida campaign provided valuable international experience as Sy continues building toward his Olympic ambition. His next challenge is the Montreal Panamerican Open in Canada on Nov. 7 and 8.

Chino Tancontian-Sy with coach Ace Larida Chino Sy

BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026

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

WHAT’S INSIDE?

49.1 PMI in October

49.6

Tubig readies P1.83-b offering

FARM TECH. Farmers from the LIBADATATAMA Irrigators Association in Oroquieta City gain access to digital tools

and agricultural learning resources with a FarmTech package turned over by the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Region 10. FarmTech is part of the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), the digital inclusion program for farmers by the DA-ATI in partnership with PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. (Smart).

Petron’s 9-month income fell 44%

B6 European MRO firm investing $50m in Clark By Jenniffer B. Austria

A EUROPEAN maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company plans to invest at least $50 million at Clark International Airport, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang said Tuesday. Bingcang told reporters on the sidelines of the Shareholders Association of the Philippines general membership meeting in Makati that the company will lease 40 hectares for its MRO facility. He said the $50 million covers only construction of the building, and the actual investment could be higher. The deal involves a 25-year lease. The European firm plans to work with a local partner. Bingcang did not name the company but said the deal could be finalized this month. An American aerospace company is also looking to invest in Clark, he said. The investments are expected to strengthen the airport’s role in aircraft maintenance, cargo handling and regional logistics. Lufthansa Technik Philippines and FedEx have earlier announced investment plans at Clark. Lufthansa Technik is developing a new MRO facility at the airport, while FedEx plans to invest about $240 million to expand its Clark gateway into a regional hub. Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative leaders of Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp. (RTNMC) celebrate after receiving the Gold Cross-Cutting Award, the highest recognition under the TSM Excellence Awards. In photo are DENR Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns Michael Cabalda (far right), Mines and Geosciences Bureau Director Larry Heradez (second from left), Mining Association of Canada President Pierre Gratton, and RTNMC Resident Mine Manager Ronel Suguitan (fourth from left). The awards program’s Cross-Cutting category assessed how effectively companies integrated responsible mining principles into their governance, leadership, decision-making and organizational practices. Meanwhile, TVI Resource Development Philippines, CTP Construction & Mining, Filminera Resources, Philex Mining, Taganito Mining, and OceanaGold Philippines received Silver Awards in this category.

50.0

PMI in September Neutral mark

October factory output fell deeper By Thony Rose Lesaca

HILIPPINE manufacturing activity worsened in October, with the S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) falling to 49.1 from 49.6 in September, S&P Global said. A reading below the 50.0 neutral mark signals contraction. It marked the second consecutive monthly decline and the third time this year that the sector’s health deteriorated, but the latest drop was modest. Output and new orders kept falling. Output fell at a softer pace, while the downturn in new orders deepened. Job cuts and purchasing

declines also persisted, with stronger reductions in both. “Although declines in output and new orders remained modest, the sharper fall in purchasing activity and further job losses suggest manufacturers remain cautious amid subdued demand,” said S&P Global market intelligence principal economist Siân Jones. Some firms said weak demand

from domestic and foreign customers, as well as hot weather some panelists linked to El Niño, weighed on output and new orders. “As a result, new export orders remained in contraction. Nonetheless, the drag on total new orders from foreign sales lessened during the latest survey period and was only modest,” S&P said. Firms raised inventories in anticipation of higher production in the coming months. Price pressures eased, with cost burdens rising at the weakest pace in 8 months. Confidence for the year-ahead production outlook rebounded in October.

Cement maker raising prices to offset higher cost

GREEN ECONOMY.

The Philippines, through the Climate Change Commission, chairs the virtual intersessional meeting of ASEAN Task Force on Carbon Neutrality to advance the Green Economy Framework Agreement (GEFA). The Philippines led the discussions on the feasibility of GEFA, which seeks to strengthen regional cooperation on the green economy.

Economists see sluggish third-quarter economic growth ECONOMIC growth is expected to remain sluggish at about 2 percent in the third quarter of 2026 as sticky oil prices and slow government spending weigh on activity, economists from the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) said Tuesday. The economists said in their October 2026 Market Call third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth is likely to remain slow, although a rebound is seen in the fourth of the year. “We see subdued [third-quarter] GDP growth hovering around 2 percent, on the back of sticky oil prices and slow [national government]

“A rebound in business confidence to a near two-year high nevertheless offers some encouragement, with firms anticipating that new projects and customers will support production growth over the coming year,” Jones said. Jones said, however, that stronger optimism has yet to translate into a recovery in orders or hiring. “The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ latest 50-basis-point rate increase, taking its policy rate to 5.50 percent, could further restrain demand and investment through higher borrowing costs,” Jones said.

spending. Growth may pick up in [the fourth quarter] of this year onwards,” the economists said in the report. GDP growth slowed to 2.3 percent in the second quarter from 2.8 percent in the first quarter as gross capital formation and industry contracted. Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan earlier said the economy should grow at least 4.4 percent in the second half to meet the government’s 2026 growth target of 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent. UA&P economists said the expected momentum will likely come from seasonal Christmas spending, robust

peso-denominated cash remittances from overseas Filipinos and faster year-end infrastructure disbursements. Favorable weather and targeted Pag-IBIG loan allocations to clear developer inventories in Metro Manila should also add to the momentum. “Nevertheless, accelerating inflation approaching 8 percent presents a significant headwind that is expected to cap overall market gains,” the economists said. Inflation surged to a five-month high of 7.2 percent in September on higher food, housing, utility and transport costs. Thony Rose Lesaca

CEMENT manufacturer Concreat Holdings Philippines Inc. (CHP) plans to raise cement prices by P28 to P40 per bag starting this month to offset higher production and logistics costs, its president said. CHP president Herbert Consunji said on the sidelines of the Shareholders Association of the Philippines general membership meeting Monday that the company will implement the increase in tranches to avoid hurting sales. Tensions in the Middle East have pushed up fuel and power costs, which account for a large share of cement production expenses. CHP targets sales volume of 4.4 million this year, up from 3.8 million last year. It expects volume to rise to 4.8 million next year on stronger construction demand and improved plant efficiency. Since the Consunji group took over CHP, it has invested P5 billion to improve operating performance. Operations have turned positive, but depreciation expenses continue to weigh on the bottom line and keep the company in a net loss. CHP’s Cebu operation, Apo Cement, has returned to positive territory despite strong competition from cement imported from Vietnam, China and Indonesia. The company is also monitoring coal prices and assessing alternative sources in case its long-term supply arrangement with Semirara Mining and Power Corp. is disrupted. Jenniffer B. Austria

Chamber of Mines recognizes 7 companies By Othel V. Campos THE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) recognized seven member companies for adhering to responsible mining standards, with Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp. winning the gold award in the cross-cutting category of its inaugural Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Excellence Awards. COMP presented the awards during the Mining Philippines 2026 International Conference and Exhibition at Conrad Manila, recognizing performance in the 2024 and 2025 external verification cycles. The awards cited Rio Tuba for integrating responsible mining into its leadership, governance, innovation and community relations. TVI Resource Develop-

ment Philippines Inc., CTP Construction & Mining Corp., Filminera Resources Corp., Philex Mining Corp., Taganito Mining Corp. and OceanaGold Philippines Inc. each received silver awards in the same category. COMP chairman Michael Toledo said responsible mining should be demonstrated through actual performance in environmental protection, worker safety, community engagement and corporate governance. “Responsible mining isn’t measured by good intentions. It is proven in how we safeguard our lands and waters, protect the health and safety of our people, partner with local communities and Indigenous peoples, and maintain strong, transparent governance,” he said.

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT (PSA) BETWEEN ILOILO II ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND MALITA POWER INC., WITH MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION AND MOTION FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY OR INTERIM RELIEF ERC CASE NO. 2026-178 RC ILOILO II ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (ILECO II) AND MALITA POWER INC. (MPI), Applicants. x-------------------------------------x NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 28 October 2026, the Iloilo II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ILECO II) and Malita Power Inc. (MPI) filed their Joint Application dated 01 October 2026, seeking the Commission’s approval of their Power Supply Agreement (PSA), with motions for confidential treatment of information and issuance of provisional authority or interim relief. ERC CASE NO. 2026-178 RC The OF docketed copyHEARING of the Joint Application, excluding its NOTICE VIRTUAL annexes, attached as Annex “A” hereof. PAGE 2 isOF 4 The Commission has set the Joint Application for hearing, pursuant to the pertinent rules of the Commission, as follows: Date and Time

Platform

Activity

09 December 2026 Determination of (Wednesday), at two compliance with o’clock in the afternoon jurisdictional requirements (2:00 P.M.) Microsoft and Expository Presentation Teams 16 December 2026 (Wednesday), at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.)

Pre-Trial Conference and Presentation of Evidence

Accordingly, Applicants are directed to mirror the virtual hearings, to be hosted by the Commission, at ILECO II’s Principal Office located at Brgy. Cau-ayan, Pototan, Iloilo, as the designated venue for the conduct thereof and ensure that the same is open to the public. Moreover, Applicants shall guarantee that, during the conduct of the expository presentation, the participation of the public shall not be impaired. Any interested stakeholder may submit its comments and/or clarifications at least one (1) calendar day prior to the scheduled initial virtual hearing, via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph. The Commission shall give priority to the stakeholders who have duly submitted their respective comments and/or clarifications, to discuss the same and propound questions during the course of the expository presentation. Moreover, any person who has an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the initial virtual hearing. The verified Petition to Intervene must follow the requirements under Rule 7 of the Commission’s 2026 Rules of Practice and Procedure1 (2026 RPP), indicating therein and stating the following: ERC CASE NO. 2026-178 1) Applicable docketRC number and title of the proceeding; NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING PAGE2)3 OFPetitioner-intervenor’s 4 name, address, and e-mail address; 3)

Nature of interest in the subject matter of the proceeding, and the way and manner in which such interest is affected 1 Resolution No. by the issues involved in the proceeding; and 31, Series of 2026 entitled, “A Resolution Adopting the 2026 Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Energy Regulatory Commission”.

4) A statement of the relief desired. ERC CASE NO. 2026-178 RC NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING PAGEA4Petition OF 4 to Intervene filed by an organization, association, or ERC NO. 2026-178 RC entityCASE shall be accompanied by a Special Power of Attorney, Board or NOTICE OFResolution, VIRTUAL aHEARING Sanggunian Secretary’s Certificate, or any competent PAGE 2 OF 4 proof of authority, authorizing the signatory thereto to file the same WITNESS,thetheorganization, Honorable Chairperson FRANCIS and represent association,andorCEO entity in the SATURNINO C.theJUAN andthethe Commissioners The Commission has set JointHonorable Application for hearing, proceedings before Commission. FLORESINDA G. BALDO-DIGAL, MARKO ROMEO L. pursuant to the pertinent rules of the Commission, as follows: FUENTES, AMANTE A. LIBERATO, and PARIS G. REAL, all other persons in who mayCity. want their views known to EnergyLikewise, Regulatory Commission, Pasig Date and Time Platform the Commission with respect to the subject matterActivity of the case may file through e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the LegalofService 09 December 2026 Determination through legal@erc.ph, thereon (Wednesday), at two their Opposition or Comment compliance withat least five (5) calendar days prior to theFOR initial virtual hearingrequirements and subject to AND BY AUTHORITY o’clock in the afternoon jurisdictional the requirements 5, THE Rule 7Expository of the 2026 RPP. No OF COMMISSION: (2:00 P.M.) under Section and Presentation Microsoft particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the Teams 16 December document, letter,2026 or writing should contain the following: (Wednesday), at two Pre-Trial Conference and o’clock in the afternoon ATTY. MARIA CORAZON PresentationC. of GINES Evidence 2 1)(2:00The name, address, and e-mail address of the person; P.M.) Director III, Legal Service 2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and Accordingly, Applicants are directed to mirror the virtual 3) toThe grounds upon. hearings, be hosted byrelied the Commission, at ILECO II’s Principal Office located at Brgy. Cau-ayan, Pototan, Iloilo, as the designated venue the conduct thereof andbeensure that to thejoin samethe is Finally, all for interested persons may allowed open to the virtual public. hearings Moreover,byApplicants that,through during scheduled providingshall the guarantee Commission, the conduct of the expository presentation, the participation of the legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph, ERC CASE NO. RCtheir respective e-mail addresses, public shalltherein not be2026-178 impaired. indicating the caseHEARING number of the instant Joint Application. NOTICE OF VIRTUAL The Commission PAGE 4 OF 4 will send the access link/s to the aforementioned hearing within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled Anyplatform interested stakeholder may submit its comments and/or hearings. clarifications at least one (1) calendar day prior to the scheduled initial virtual hearing, via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the the Honorable Chairperson and CEO FRANCIS Legal WITNESS, Service through legal@erc.ph. The Commission shall give SATURNINO C. JUANwho and Commissioners priority to the stakeholders havethe dulyHonorable submitted their respective FLORESINDA BALDO-DIGAL, ROMEO L. comments and/or G. clarifications, to discuss MARKO the same and propound FUENTES, AMANTE A.ofLIBERATO, PARIS G. REAL, questions during the course the expositoryand presentation. Energy Regulatory Commission, in Pasig City. LS: JRBC/ARG

space iswho intentionally left blank.) Moreover,(This any person has an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, a verified Petition to Intervene at least FOR AND BY AUTHORITY five (5) calendar days prior to the the initial virtual hearing. OF date THEofCOMMISSION: The verified Petition to Intervene must follow the requirements under Rule 7 of the Commission’s 2026 Rules of Practice and Procedure1 (2026 RPP), indicating therein and stating the following: ATTY. MARIA CORAZON C. GINES2 Director 1) Applicable docket number andIII, titleLegal of theService proceeding; LS: JRBC/ARG

Petitioner-intervenor’s name, address, and e-mail address;

2 Authority granted pursuant to Office Order No. 71, Series of 2025.

1 Resolution No. 31, Series of 2026 entitled, “A Resolution Adopting the 2026 Rules of Practice and

Procedure of the Energy Regulatory Commission”.

178 2 Authority granted pursuant to Office Order No. 71, Series of 2025.

October 28, 2026

(MS-NOVEMBER 4 & 11, 2026)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

Tubig Pilipinas files for P1.83-b follow-on offering to resume trading By Jenniffer B. Austria

ATER utility firm Tubig Pilipinas Holdings Inc. plans to raise up to P1.83 billion from a follow-on offering scheduled in January.

The company said Monday it filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Oct. 28 to sell up to 18.055 billion primary common shares, including an overallotment option. The shares will be offered at P0.10 to P0.101 apiece. The offer shares will account for 12.85 percent to 14.5 percent of Tubig Pilipinas’ issued and outstanding common shares. If all the offer and overallotment shares are sold, the company’s public float will rise to 23.6 percent from 10.64 percent, lifting it above the Philippine Stock Exchange’s 20 percent minimum requirement for backdoor-listed firms. The company will use part of the proceeds to fund its equity contributions to a bulk water project in Cebu and a water project in Bataan. Other planned uses include acquiring stakes in companies with existing water projects, expanding and upgrading water supply and distribution systems, and developing wastewater treatment plants in Mandaue City, Cebu; Coron, Palawan; and San Jose City, Nueva Ecija. Tubig Pilipinas has 12 operating projects nationwide and five awarded projects in the execution phase, alongside others in development. The company tapped China Bank Capital Corp. as the sole underwriter for the offering. The offer period is scheduled for Jan. 4 to Jan. 8, with listing set for Jan. 18. Trading of Tubig Pilipinas shares is suspended after its public float fell below the PSE requirement. The stock last traded on Oct. 16, closing at P0.063 per share.

PSEi slips as tech sell-off hits region THE Philippine stock market opened November on a weak note as concerns over technology stocks and broader regional weakness weighed on investor sentiment following the Undas holiday break. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) shed 56.18 points, or 0.99 percent, to close at 5,624.17. The broader all shares index dropped 18.58 points, or 0.58 percent, to 3,159.84. COL Financial Group research analyst Denise Joaquin said the market traded higher during the morning session after oil prices plunged on optimism over U.S.-Iran talks ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. “However, gains were short-lived as broader regional weakness, driven by renewed concerns over AI and technology stocks, weighed on investor sentiment,” Joaquin said. Four of the six sectoral indices declined, led by services, which fell 2.71 percent, and mining and oil, which lost 1.51 percent. Industrial shares slipped 0.87 percent, while financials edged down 0.02 percent. Property shares fell 0.30 percent, while holding firms bucked the trend, gaining 0.22 percent. Market breadth was negative, as decliners beat advancers, 106 to 79, with 72 stocks unchanged. Value turnover reached P4.89 billion. Meanwhile, the peso strengthened against the U.S. dollar, closing at 63.47 on Tuesday from 63.74 on Friday. Asian stock markets struggled Tuesday following another AI-fueled tech selloff on Wall Street that overshadowed a possible breakthrough in talks to end the Middle East war. However, oil prices clawed back some of Monday’s plunge in oil prices following a report that US forces had struck an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz. Investor fears about the vast sums being invested in the artificial intelligence complex have cast a pall over trading floors in the second half of the year, with many questioning firms’ profitability. Earnings reports from titans including Amazon, Alphabet, Meta and Microsoft have shown they will keep pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into data centers and chips even as investors grow impatient for returns. Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026

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

Petron’s 9-month income fell 44%

By Alena Mae S. Flores

IL refiner Petron Corp. posted a net income of P5.4 billion for the first nine months of 2026, down 44 percent from P9.7 billion in the same period last year, as higher crude costs and tensions in the Middle East squeezed margins.

Revenues rose 56 percent to P928.2 billion on higher oil prices and increased sales volume. Operating income fell 28 percent year-on-year to P19.1 billion. “Our diversified portfolio, financial discipline, and robust risk management equip us with the resilience

needed to navigate these challenging times, while still keeping our business viable and competitive,” Petron chairman and chief executive Ramon Ang said. “Despite external pressures, our commitment to help ensure fuel security, meet the needs of our custom-

ers, and fulfill our responsibility as the nation’s energy backbone remains strong and unwavering,” Ang said. The Philippines’ largest oil company, which also has an extensive presence in Malaysia, continued to navigate market volatility as the U.S.-Iran war disrupted regional oil trade flows and weighed on the global economy in the third quarter. Benchmark Dubai crude rebounded sharply from an average of $77 per barrel in July to $114 in September, bringing its nine-month average to $92 per barrel, up 29 percent yearon-year. Threats to critical shipping routes and damage to key oil in-

frastructure across the Middle East drove the increase. Petron’s consolidated sales volume rose 3 percent to 103.5 million barrels, including sales from its Singapore-based regional trading arm, which grew 33 percent. Stronger retail sales in the Philippines and Malaysia, which rose 16 percent and 2 percent, respectively, supported the growth. Combined sales volume in the two markets declined 3 percent to 82 million barrels because of reduced refinery production. Petron said rising crude costs, import premiums and freight kept margins under pressure. Lower refining

margins in Malaysia compounded the pressure, as refinery operations remained constrained by the continued unavailability of the Port Dickson product jetty. Petron Malaysia remains on track to complete a replacement jetty, which Tropical Storm Senyar damaged almost a year ago. The company targets commissioning in the first quarter of 2027. Petron said it remains focused on sustainable growth through retail expansion, aggressive customer acquisition and continued optimization of its refining, storage and distribution facilities.

IN BRIEF Alternergy energizes 64-MW Alabat wind farm

BUILDING DONATION. Newport World Resorts Foundation Inc. signs a memorandum of agreement for the P379-million construction of the Lakan Leadership Hall at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite, on Oct. 21, 2026. Leading the ceremony are (from left) PNPA Alumni Association Inc. chairman Gilbert Cruz, Newport World Resorts president and chief executive Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco, PNP deputy chief for administration Police Lt. Gen. Wilson Joseph Lopez and PNPA officerin-charge Police Brig. Gen. Ericson Dilag.

Vista Land opens more mall, office space to tenants By Jenniffer B. Austria VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc. is opening more of its mall and office spaces to tenants as it seeks to boost its leasing business. The property developer is offering more than 1.6 million square meters of gross floor area across its investment properties to local and international brands looking to expand in the Philippines. Vista Land aims to broaden its tenant mix by bringing in retailers, food and beverage operators, lifestyle

brands and service providers across its properties in various cities and growth centers. “Vista Land sees strong potential in its nationwide portfolio of investment properties. By welcoming more tenants, we aim to create mutually beneficial partnerships, strengthen our commercial offerings, and provide businesses with opportunities to reach more markets and consumers across the country,” the company said. The leasing push comes ahead of the holiday season, when malls

typically see higher consumer activity. The company is holding holiday activities at its malls nationwide to draw shoppers and give tenants more chances to reach consumers. The property firm earlier reported that its net income fell 59 percent in 2025 to P3.8 billion from P9.37 billion in 2024. Residential revenues declined 8.7 percent to P15.18 billion from P16.63 billion, due to lower completion rates for sold inventory across some business units.

ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. said Tuesday it energized its 64-megawatt Alabat wind farm in Quezon province, with the first three turbines now generating electricity and delivering power to the Luzon grid in time for the Amihan season. “With the Alabat Wind Farm now energized and generating electricity, our focus is on completing the remaining testing and commissioning activities needed to bring Alabat into commercial operations,” Alternergy president Gerry Magbanua said. “This milestone brings us closer to transforming our investment in the project into operating capacity, recurring revenue, and additional clean energy for the Luzon grid,” Magbanua said. The P6.7-billion project is among the first wind projects awarded under the Department of Energy’s second Green Energy Auction Program to achieve transmission line energization. It is also the first wind project in Quezon to reach this milestone under the program. The first three turbines, each with 8 MW of capacity, are generating pre-commissioning revenues. They are connected through a 37-kilometer, 69-kilovolt transmission line to National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ Gumaca-Lopez (Hondagua) 69-kV line. Alena Mae S. Flores

AboitizPower unit buys 60% of solar-storage developer ABOITIZ Power Corp. said Tuesday its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aboitiz Renewables Inc. (ARI), will acquire a 60-percent equity interest in Manolo Fortich Power Corp. (MFPC). AboitizPower told the Philippine Stock Exchange that MFPC, ARI and ABC Energy Inc. (ABCEI), a unit of A Brown Co. Inc., signed a joint development and investment agreement on Oct. 30, 2026. MFPC plans to develop, build, finance and operate a solar power facility integrated with a battery energy storage system and

DOE names 9 top bidders in first waste-to-energy auction THE Department of Energy (DOE) named nine top bidders for 12 projects with a combined offered capacity of 428 megawatts (MW) in the country’s first special green energy auction for waste-to-energy (Special GEA-WTE). The DOE said inclusion in the notice of award does not constitute a final award. Potential winners should complete post-auction requirements before DOE issues their certificates of award, the department said. The auction was oversubscribed by 28 MW against the 400 MW DOE offered at an Energy Regulatory Commission-approved reserve price of P9.2959 per kilowatt-hour for pioneer waste-to-energy (WTE) projects. “This first waste-to-energy auction opens new opportunities to turn municipal solid waste into a productive energy resource. It is an important step toward encouraging investments

that can support electricity supply while helping communities address growing waste management challenges,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said. Pan Pacific Renewable Power Philippines Corp. won two projects, with capacities of 34 MW in Cavite and 80 MW in Navotas. San Mateo Sanitary Landfill and Development Corp. and International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist Inc. each won 2 projects of 42 MW each in Luzon. The other winners are North Maharlika Energy Corp. (10.2 MW in Pangasinan), Forza Development Corp. (12 MW in Bacolod City), Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (12 MW in Luzon), LECRA Eco Sustain Philippines Inc. (13.8 MW in Luzon), Manila Integrated Environment Corp. (76 MW of its 100-MW Manila facility) and the Davao city government (11 MW). Alena Mae S. Flores

DPWH to start P2.5-b C-5 rehabilitation THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will begin the P2.5-billion rehabilitation of the 23-km Circumferential Road 5 (C-5) in the last week of November, Secretary Giovanni Lopez said. The project covers the stretch from Kalayaan Interchange to Commonwealth. It is expected to take 420 calendar days, with completion targeted for the last week of January or February 2028, Lopez said. The project is in the post-qualification stage of bidding. The Notice of Award is expected by Nov 18, and the Notice to Proceed a week later, he said. The work will involve road repairs and asphalt overlay to improve the road’s structural integrity and motorist safety. Sidewalks along C-5 will also be widened to give pedestrians and cyclists more space, he said. As with the EDSA rehabilitation, construction will be scheduled to minimize the impact on motorists, with work generally taking place from 10 am to 4 pm, depending on the scope of repairs, Lopez said. The DPWH will coordinate closely with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to manage traffic and limit disruptions during the rehabilitation, he said. Darwin G. Amojelar

ACTSI teams up with Gogo for connectivity By Darwin G. Amojelar

OFF-GRID SCHOOL. One Meralco Foundation (OMF), in partnership with B&M Global Services Manila (GSM), brings clean, reliable solar energy to Libis Elementary School in Antipolo City, Rizal. Through OMF’s School Electrification Program, over 200 students and teachers—many of whom belong to the indigenous Dumagat Remontado tribe—now have the power necessary to support modern, interactive learning in their off-grid classroom.

Retro Woman levels up ‘pre-loved’ luxury fashion shopping experience

Retro Woman Philippines co-founders Jena Fetalino and Nikki Fetalino lead the opening of their first physical showroom on the ground floor of King’s Court II Building along Pasong Tamo corner Dela Rosa Street on Oct. 28, 2026. Retro Woman began in 2021 as an online boutique for preloved luxury and vintage designer fashion and became known for its Friday livestreams on social media.

related interconnection facilities. The project has an estimated capacity of 191 megawatts and is located in Barangay Dalirig, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. “The execution of definitive subscription agreements and issuance of shares to ARI are subject to the completion (or waiver) of customary closing conditions, including completion of relevant due diligence for the project, among others,” AboitizPower said. The company said closing and initial equity funding are expected after certain conditions are met. The total subscription price for the 60 percent stake is less than 10 percent of AboitizPower’s consolidated assets as of Dec. 31, 2025. Alena Mae S. Flores

RETRO Woman Philippines, an online boutique for preloved luxury and vintage designer fashion, opened its first physical showroom in Makati City on Oct. 28, 2026, allowing shoppers to see, touch and try on authentic bags instead of watching them on smartphones. The showroom sits on the ground floor of King’s Court II Building along Pasong Tamo corner Dela Rosa Street. The larger space is meant to win new clients and bring the business closer to its online followers and to Makati’s homes, offices, and shops. “It is a new space for more beautiful finds and the same great deals you’ve come to love,” said Retro Woman Philippines co-founder Jena Fetalino. Retro Woman began in 2021 with a handful of pre-owned designer bags

in Jena’s townhouse in Paranaque City. Jena and her niece, Nikki Fetalino, both public relations practitioners, startedive it as a family-run side hustle. “We started live selling in November 2021, right in my townhouse, with very limited stocks. Thankfully, it went well,” Jena said. “Since we were also busy running our PR business, we decided to do live selling just once a week, every Friday. It became something our customers looked forward to, and before we knew it, Friday live selling had become a regular thing,” she said. The ritual stuck. Customers learned to clear their Friday evenings for a show where handbags were the stars, and the founders learned that a small, steady audience could grow into a business.

AVIATION Concepts Technical Services Inc. (ACTSI), a member of the Razon Group, has teamed up with Gogo Business Aviation to add aircraft connectivity solutions to its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services in the Philippines. Under the partnership, ACTSI is authorized to market, sell and install Gogo products in the country. Business aircraft owners and operators will get onboard wireless communications and content delivery services, including broadband data and voice connectivity. Gogo Business Aviation Asia-Pacific regional director Tom Phillips said the partnership would strengthen the company’s presence in the region amid growing demand for reliable inflight connectivity. “As demand for seamless, reliable inflight connectivity continues to grow across the Asia-Pacific region, expanding our global network with high-caliber partners like ACTSI is essential,” Phillips said. He said ACTSI’s technical expertise and commitment to customer service would help support business aircraft operators in the Philippines through Gogo’s connectivity solutions. ACTSI president and chief executive Officer TJ Trinidad said the partnership would broaden the range of services the company can offer as connectivity becomes more important to business aviation. He said the agreement would allow ACTSI to provide more responsive and personalized support to aircraft operators, particularly those flying the Philippines’ substantial King Air fleet.

COMMUNITY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026 DIGITAL.MANILASTANDARD@GMAIL.COM / DIGITAL.MKTG@MANILASTANDARD.NET PETER PAUL DURAN, Issue Editor

A seat at the table: PUP students push for more plant-based food choices S

By Brylle Varela

TUDENTS at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) are open to trying plantbased meals, according to a survey by Youth for Just Food Systems (YJFS). But a check of campus food options found these meals were barely available.

Members of Youth for Just Food Systems (YJFS) showcase dishes served during Gulayaán: A Plant-Based Food Tasting, where participants explored plant-based meal options for university campuses, considering taste, nutritional value, affordability and ease of preparation.

Urban gardening: A path to stronger food security? By Robert Harland IN the bustle of Metro Manila, where concrete towers rise and traffic never seems to ease, the idea of growing one’s own food might sound quaint — rather like suggesting window boxes could feed a nation. Yet across the city, and in other Philippine urban centers, a quiet revolution is taking root: urban gardening. It is a movement that promises not only fresher vegetables but also a measure of food security in a metropolis where supply chains are fragile and prices unpredictable. The principle is simple enough. With a few square meters of space — be it a balcony, a rooftop or a corner of a barangay lot — residents can cultivate vegetables, herbs and even fruit. Techniques such as container gardening, hydroponics and vertical planting make it possible to grow food in places once thought unsuitable. Globally, urban gardening has been embraced in cities from Los Angeles to Mumbai. In the Philippines, it is beginning to gain momentum. A recent initiative in Las Piñas illustrates the potential. Five hundred residents

underwent a 20‑day training program in urban gardening, learning everything from soil preparation to composting and seedling propagation. For many, it was their first encounter with the practicalities of growing food. The impact is immediate: households can now supplement their diets with home‑grown produce, reducing reliance on expensive market vegetables. If scaled across Metro Manila, such programmes could transform thousands of kitchens, easing household budgets and improving nutrition. The benefits extend well beyond the dinner table. Locally grown food reduces dependence on imports and long supply chains, which are vulnerable to disruption. Fresh vegetables at hand mean better nutrition, particularly for low‑income families who often rely on processed food. There are environmental gains too: less transport means fewer carbon emissions and hydroponic systems can use up to 90 per cent less water than traditional farming. Perhaps most importantly, shared gardens foster community spirit, turning neglected corners into green spaces where neighbors meet and children learn.

Urban gardening shows how even the smallest spaces can help feed the country’s growing appetite

New Laguna facility brings opportunities closer to Filipinos BIÑAN, Laguna — From a single Filipino engineer in 2015 to a workforce of more than 100, Interconnect Cable Technologies Corporation (ICTC) is expanding its Philippine operations, bringing more opportunities for local employment, technical training and careers in advanced manufacturing. The US-founded electronics manufacturer inaugurated its new facility at Laguna Technopark Phase 7 on October 23, strengthening its capacity to serve international customers while developing Filipino talent. For ICTC Global CEO Sareet Majum-

dar, the expansion reflects the potential to bring opportunities traditionally sought overseas closer to Filipino workers and their families. “I believe one of the great opportunities for the Philippines is to bring more of those opportunities home. And in our own small way, that is what ICTC is trying to do here in Laguna.” “But we cannot buy dedication, pride, loyalty, or the determination to succeed. Those qualities come from our people. And when Filipinos are given those opportunities, remarkable things happen.” Founded in Florida in 1988, ICTC man-

ICTC General Manager Shaun Majumdar (second from left), Biñan City Mayor Angelo ‘Gel’ Alonte (third from left), and ICTC Global CEO Sareet Majumdar (fourth from left) join other company officials and guests for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting during SINAYA: Where New Beginnings Shape the Future, marking the inauguration of ICTC’s new manufacturing facility at Laguna Technopark Phase 7 in Biñan City on October 23, 2026.

ufactures cable assemblies, printed circuit boards and other electronic components, with operations in the United States, China and the Philippines. Its new Laguna facility provides additional production space and modern equipment, while industry-based training helps Filipino employees develop specialized manufacturing skills. ICTC General Manager Shaun Majumdar said the expansion would accommodate new projects and strengthen the company’s Philippine operations. For Biñan City Mayor Angelo “Gel” Alonte, the investment represents an opportunity to improve livelihoods in the community. “It’s an opportunity to create jobs, open doors for our people, nurture local talent, and build a better future for our families,” Alonte said. ICTC Philippines Operations Director Myrna Alvarez also credited the dedication and teamwork of employees who helped bring the facility into operation. Held under the theme SINAYA: Where New Beginnings Shape the Future, the inauguration highlighted plans for greater automation and digital manufacturing over the next three to five years. As ICTC explores opportunities in medical devices, consumer electronics and industrial applications, its growing Philippine operations could provide more avenues for Filipinos to gain specialized skills and participate in global manufacturing.

That gap between students’ willingness and their choices became the starting point of the YJFS’ Plant Forward University campaign. Rather than simply urging students to change what they eat, the campaign aims to give them a say in what their campus serves. For Rich Lee Rasco, YJFS national deputy convener, changing the food system means involving the people in it, especially youth, who are often left out of decisions that affect their daily lives. “Youth are often tokenized,” Rich explained, noting that young people are invited to discussions but rarely given power over the outcomes. The organization wants to change that by creating spaces where youth can help shape a fairer food system. Its work began at PUP during the pandemic, when its predecessor, Stray Watchers PH, started as a National Service Training Program project helping stray dogs and cats on campus. The group later broadened its advocacy after recognizing that animal welfare is tied to food production, farmers, human rights, and the environment, which led to the formation of Youth for Just Food Systems. Early on, it engaged young people and developed a three-year youth agenda with input from individuals, youth organizations, and institutions nationwide. It also began studying how students understood and responded to plant-based food and food system issues. At PUP, the group found that students were willing to try plant-based meals and join the advocacy but had few chances to do so on campus. This led to a three-year partnership with the university under the Plant Forward University campaign. The campaign pairs an annual plantbased program with a sustainable dining initiative that seeks to bring more plantbased options to campus food stalls. The first-year goal is at least one plant-based meal on campus, with a longer-term aim of a more plant-forward menu. But that takes more than asking students what they want to eat. University officials also help decide what gets served. So the organization engaged administrators and other stakeholders through food tastings to test whether plant-based dishes can work in the campus setting, while also building student demand. One example is plant-based sisig, a dish students already know, developed as an alternative to the meat-based version. The group also hopes to work with campus food merchants through capacity-building activities that teach them to prepare plant-based meals. Community cooking activities and food festivals are other ways it hopes to bring students, teachers, staff, and merchants together.

National Library brings books, ASEAN culture to life in 36th LISM celebration THE National Library of the Philippines (NLP) holds the opening ceremonies of the 36th Library and Information Services Month (LISM) today, November 4, with activities designed to bring reading, cultural appreciation and learning opportunities closer to Filipino communities.Organized in partnership with the National Committee on Library and Information Services of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the month-long celebration carries the theme “ASEAN-LINK (ASEAN Libraries: Integrating Networked Knowledge) for Culture.” The initiative highlights how libraries can connect Filipinos with the traditions, stories and shared knowledge of neighboring Southeast Asian countries while making educational resources more accessible to the public. Beyond their traditional role as places for reading and research, libraries are being promoted as community spaces where people can discover different cultures, exchange ideas and develop a deeper appreciation of the region’s heritage. Today’s opening ceremonies feature guest speakers, live performances and cultural presentations, alongside an exhibition and bazaar showcasing local products, educational resources and regional cuisine. Throughout November, the NLP will also hold activities that bring books and learning beyond library walls. Among these is LISM @ the Mall (ASEAN), a nationwide initiative offer-

ing reading programs, library services and cultural activities in public shopping centers. In South Cotabato, an Outreach Book Picnic will take place in Lake Sebu from November 19 to 21, encouraging children, families and other community members to enjoy reading and storytelling in an outdoor setting. Other activities include Layb Chikahan, a series of online conversations about libraries and education; the Book Theatre Concert, which combines literature, music and performance; and webinars and workshops for students, educators, librarians and the general public. Participants can also join LibraryFeud: The Linked Ka Na Ba? ASEAN Library Quiz Challenge, a social media bookguessing contest using emojis, and activities recognizing outstanding research in library and information science.

SHOWBIZ

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026

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

Bamboo rides the changing waves of music with ‘Alon’

Israel president welcomes Boy George, rare supportive pop star ALL eyes are on Israel’s president as he is expected this week to name the person tasked with forming the next government. But first, on Monday, he had another important guest—Boy George. The British singer, a rare Western pop celebrity who not only defies pro-Palestinian calls to boycott Israel but is an outspoken supporter of the country, is visiting for two concerts in Tel Aviv. Isaac Herzog, who holds a mostly ceremonial role, welcomed the former Culture Club singer to his Jerusalem office, saying, “Welcome, dear Boy George. You’re such a great friend.” Boy George, sporting a black beret with confetti dangling across his brow, responded in Hebrew, “The people of Israel, we will dance again!” The allusion is to a message of solidarity shared after the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, the deadliest day in Israel’s history in which militants stormed from Gaza and, at one of the sites of the worst bloodshed, gunned down young people at the Nova music festival. Boy George will visit the site Tuesday. In July, he released a song entitled “We Shall Dance Again” with lyrics offering unabashed support for Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza, triggering a backlash that included him dropping out of a West End musical. The 65-year-old singer and LGBTQ trailblazer, whose real name is George O’Dowd, has often spoken of feeling a kinship with the Jewish community around which he grew up in London. Few major international pop stars have performed in recent years in Israel, with campaigners urging a boycott due to the Gaza war, which has reduced the vast majority of the territory to rubble. AFP

British singer Boy George visits Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem ahead of his two concerts in Tel Aviv

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

Filipino rock icon Bamboo returns to the music scene with ‘Alon,’ his first single in 11 years

HE music industry has changed dramatically over the years. New platforms have emerged, listening habits have shifted, social media has become part of an artist’s everyday work, and artificial intelligence is challenging long-held ideas about creativity. Yet, for Bamboo, one thing remains constant: music must have meaning. After 11 years without releasing a new single, the Filipino rock icon returns with “Alon,” a haunting track that also marks his reunion with PolyEast Records, the label that helped shape an important part of his musical journey. Time has given Bamboo a different perspective, both as an artist and as a person. He has learned to pause, reassess his priorities, and allow life to influence the music he makes. “It took me 11 years to find myself and figure out what I was supposed to do next,” he tells Manila Standard Entertainment. “I didn’t really understand what direction I wanted to take because the landscape had changed. I had to ask myself what would excite me.” His return to PolyEast, through its sub-label filtered music, was not an immediate decision. He initially had reservations but eventually recognized that both sides had evolved. “I realized that not only had I grown over the past 11 years, but they had

Kennedy Center names Paul Anka, Andy Garcia among 2026 honorees THE Kennedy Center, the famed Washington arts hub that President Donald Trump has sought to overhaul, on Monday named singer Paul Anka and actor Andy Garcia among five honorees recognized for lifetime artist contributions. Composer and producer David Foster, playwright David Mamet, and musician Barbara Mandrell were also listed as recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, one of the United States’ highest arts awards. This year’s ceremony will for the first time be hosted at Washington’s Capital One Arena rather than the Kennedy Center, which has been shuttered since September amid a legal battle over renovations. The Kennedy Center—inaugurated in 1971 following the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy—is also the target of Trump’s contested effort to rename it the TrumpKennedy Center. Trump hosted last year’s awards program, which included Rocky actor Sylvester Stallone, country singer George Strait, disco legend Gloria Gaynor, and rock band KISS. The Kennedy Center had long

The OPM singer describes the track as a reflection of personal growth and his decision to embrace life with joy

grown as well,” he says. Bamboo’s partnership with the label began in 2004, followed by his solo albums No Water, No Moon (2011) and Bless This Mess (2015). More than two decades after their first collaboration, they are finding common ground in an industry vastly different from the one they knew. Bamboo admits that younger colleagues are introducing him to TikTok, social media strategies, and content creation. He describes himself as being in the dark about much of it, relying on their crash courses to understand how these platforms work. Still, he is not intimidated. He sees content creation as another form of storytelling, comparable to producing a television show designed to reach an audience. His willingness to learn extends to developments such as AI, which he regards with curiosity and caution. “I think it can be both a threat and an

‘Sukdulan’ stars (from left) Shalanie de Vera, Benz Sangalang, and Alexa dela Cruz at the film’s press conference

By Jasper Valdez

2026 Kennedy Center Honors recognizes Paul Anka for his lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts

enjoyed bipartisan support before Trump appointed himself board chairman in February 2025, pledging to end “woke political programming” at the site. A host of artists canceled concerts at the venue in response to Trump’s takeover, while US media has reported that Kennedy Center ticket sales have plummeted. AFP

ACTRESS Shalanie de Vera believes that a lack of communication about sexual needs can create frustration in relationships, something she came to understand while portraying a woman caught between love and desire in the VMX remake of Sukdulan. During the film’s media conference on Oct. 16, Shalanie discussed how women sometimes struggle to express what they want from their partners, particularly when it comes to intimacy. “I think one of the things I learned as a woman from Sukdulan is the importance of having control over my own body,” she told Manila Standard Entertainment. Shalanie plays Elaine, a condominium maintenance worker whose relationship with her partner, Orly, played by Benz Sangalang, becomes strained as their conflicting schedules and personal frustrations begin to affect their intimacy. Elaine eventually becomes involved with another man, Miguel, played by Chad Solano, putting her relationship with Orly at risk. Understanding Elaine meant looking beyond her decisions and examining the frustrations that influenced her behavior, Shalanie said. “Women’s sexual desires are something we don’t really talk about. There’s this expectation that women should always be the ones giving and pleasing their partners. We don’t always address or communicate what we want sexually,” she explained. She pointed out that intimacy plays an important role in relationships and that avoiding conversations about it can lead to bigger problems.

opportunity,” he says, acknowledging AI’s potential as a creative tool while raising concerns about employment, privacy, and the individuality of music. “I don’t want to be generic. I don’t want to sound like something that’s been done a million times before. I want there to be a distinct sound to it.” That principle explains why “Alon” took years to complete. Written by composer and keyboardist Ria Osorio, the song underwent changes after Bamboo felt its initial arrangement did not capture what he wanted. He returned to the demo, reconsidered its musical direction, and introduced a new section. Working with Osorio and guitarist Ardie de Guzman, he eventually arrived at a strippeddown electronic sound layered with textured guitar elements. “I didn’t want to simply release a song for the sake of putting something out there. Songs are something you have to live with,” he explains. Although its haunting arrangement suggests melancholy, Bamboo does not consider Alon a sad song. Instead, he hears resistance to pain and a decision to embrace life despite difficult emotions. “I choose to live with a lot of joy these days. I choose to be with people who I like to be with,” he says. “It’s the best job in the world because I get to play with friends.” The accompanying live performance video follows an art-installation-inspired concept, using people, movement, and visual interpretation rather than a literal retelling of the lyrics. He hopes younger listeners will find their own meaning in the song and recognize difficult emotions as part of growing up. Perhaps this is where Bamboo’s continued relevance lies. The music landscape may change, but the human experiences behind the songs remain familiar. “Alon” is now available on major digital streaming platforms under filtered music.

Shalanie de Vera tackles women’s unspoken desires in ‘Sukdulan’ remake “That’s where the frustration starts, and things begin to fall apart. Sex is a big part of a relationship, and if you can’t even communicate about that, everything else starts to fall apart,” she added. The actress also acknowledged that she and Elaine have different approaches to relationships, particularly when it comes to making personal decisions. “She’s very dependent on others when it comes to making her own choices. If I were in her situation, I would have left right then and there,” Shalanie said. Despite their differences, she found herself relating to Elaine’s attachment to Orly’s family, particularly his mother, who is blind. Shalanie said one of the film’s most difficult moments involved a confrontation between Elaine and Orly’s mother, which brought out the character’s guilt over her affair. The role also required a different approach from the performance of Katya Santos, who originally portrayed Elaine in the 2003 film directed by Mac C. Alejandre. Rather than imitate Katya, Shalanie said she focused on understanding Elaine’s background and motivations to develop her own interpretation. Directed by Law Fajardo, the 2026 remake also features Alexa dela Cruz. Sukdulan is now available for streaming on VMX.

Shalanie de Vera emphasizes the importance of women expressing their desires to avoid relationship breakdowns

LIFE

C3 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026

Filipino moments

‘Mga Bukton sa Baybayon (Arms of the Coast)’ by first runner-up Seth Nuñez, depicting the noble act of a person with disability protecting the mangroves in Barili, Cebu

of joy and triumph seen through master lensmen’s eyes

By Mark Nelson Motil

ILIPINOS often gather to celebrate, no matter the occasion. On a birthday, a graduation, or anything else, there is always food on the table and friends and family attending to join the celebrant.

Most of the time, we see this through the eyes of the participants. However, what about through the lens of other people? In the fourth edition of SinagLarawan this year, the photographs were based on the theme Pagbubunyi, or the Filipino culture and tradition of celebrating. Various photographers joined, and over 3,000 photographs were submitted, but only 100 made it as finalists, and 24 of them received awards and prizes. The awardees’ turn for celebration SinagLarawan 2026 announced its top 24 award recipients, along with their prizes, on Oct. 23. The night was filled with celebratory cheers and festivity as it also opened a temporary exhibit of their photographs at SM Aura Premier, Taguig. Alexii Alipio of Alpha Camera Club brought home the grand prize of the competition with his whimsical photograph, Holy Jumpshot. This was shot after a hectic volunteer work event he attended. When he finished taking individual portrait shots, he asked the three nuns in the photographs to take a group photo. “...And then we wanted to spice it up, so, ‘Sister, how about a jump shot?’ So they said yes, despite the two of them really being advanced

in age now… I noticed that they’re practically wearing the same glasses. So there’s uniformity there. But the way the wind blew through the dresses and the headgear; I mean, I think we won here. We won a very good shot,” Alipio shared, recounting the story behind his photograph. “Just shoot, have fun, don’t take it too seriously. Don’t shoot to win contests. Shoot to bring out the best in you, the craft. Even though the whole world is saying that your photo’s not good, but if in your heart it’s good, then you already have a winner,” Alipio added, advising aspiring photographers who dream of gaining national recognition.

The photograph Jeepney Driver’s Legacy by Gregorio Dantes Jr. shows a father proudly displaying his children’s graduation photos in his jeepney so passengers can see this milestone. The ceremony also awarded Seth

‘Holy Jumpshot’ by Alexii Alipio, capturing a rare joyful and celebratory behaviour of nuns, far from their usual image of solemnity and gracefulness

How Filipinos abroad keep music, culture, and community alive In a spacious hall in Bergen, Norway, families gathered over home-cooked dishes, friends reconnected through stories and laughter, and a community found the warmth of home through a day of Original Pilipino Music, as a familiar voice sang, “Jopay, kumusta ka na?” For Filipinos living in Norway, creating that sense of belonging matters even more. With a different climate, language, and daily routines, life can feel worlds apart from the Philippines. That spirit of connection was on full display at the recently concluded Himig Musikahan Pinoy Music Fest and FilNor Familietreff (Family Day), organized by FilNor Sunnhordland, a Filipino-Norwegian community group, with support from PLDT Global through TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing). Supported by Filipino Culture & Sports – Vestland (FCSV), D-Production, The Yellow Room Music PH, and the Philippine Embassy in Norway, Himig Musikahan featured OPM rock band Mayonnaise alongside Filipino

‘Jeepney Driver’s Legacy’ by Gregorio Dantes Jr., showing pride in his children by displaying their graduation photos in his jeepney so the passengers can see this milestone

bands based in Norway, showcasing the talent thriving among Filipinos overseas. “What makes Himig Musikahan special to us is seeing Filipino talent grow here in Norway. Our musicians are not only keeping our music alive, but they are also creating something of their own and sharing it with the community,” said Ching Villalon, board member of FilNor Sunnhordland. Villalon thanked PLDT Global and TinBo for supporting an event that gave Filipino artists a platform while bringing the community together. “We bring a piece of home with us, but wherever we are, we also have the opportunity to create something new,” she added. PLDT Global’s digital marketplace TinBo supported the festivities with interactive activities and digital rewards, reflecting the desire of overseas Filipinos to stay connected to their loved ones, culture, and traditions. “For Filipinos living far from home, staying connected goes beyond

technology. By supporting Filipino organizations and cultural gatherings around the world, TinBo is able to bring our promise of alaga to life,” said Albert Villa-Real, president and CEO of PLDT Global. TinBo now serves more than 400,000 customers worldwide, providing access to digital services, rewards, and trusted Philippine brands. Through community engagements, the platform also connects with overseas Filipinos through shared cultural experiences. These initiatives create opportunities for Philippine brands to reach overseas communities through Ramdam, PLDT Global’s engagement and advertising solutions platform. By combining digital touchpoints with on-ground activities, Ramdam lets brands participate in culturally relevant experiences that build genuine connections. As more Filipinos build lives overseas, gatherings such as Himig Musikahan and FilNor Familietreff help preserve heritage and foster belonging. For Filipinos in Norway, these celebrations are reminders that home is not defined solely by geography. It lives on through familiar songs, shared traditions, and communities that keep Filipino culture alive wherever they go.

Himig Musikahan Pinoy Music Fest features Filipino bands and provides a platform for Filipino artists while fostering a sense of belonging among Filipinos living abroad

Nuñez of Putowalkers as the first runner-up for his photograph, Mga Bukton sa Baybayon (Arms of the Coast). It highlights the inspiring story of a person with a disability who protects the mangroves in Barili, Cebu. Rounding out the top three, Gregorio Dantes Jr. of Tropang Artistiko Camera Club won second runnerup with his entry, Jeepney Driver’s Legacy, featuring a jeepney driver proudly displaying the graduation photos of his children. Eight winners also received the Circle of Excellence Award, including Kyle Cezanne Francisco, Silverio Alano III, Vaugn Axel Crisostomo, and Gabriel Jade Castillo of Raw and Untitled PH; Liemuel Pantuhan and Klien Cyril Trasmonte of Photographers Club of Cebu Inc.; Gale David Davad of Pitik South Cotabato; and Jhazmin Audrey Miguel of Philippine Society for Photography. Additional awards were presented through eight Rehiyon Awards and a

JTI Employee Choice Award. The team behind JTI Philippines Community Investment has led the award-winning program through the SinagLarawan Photo Contest every year since 2023. Through this initiative, it highlights Filipino culture and identity through the inherent creativity of photographers around the country. This serves as a platform for the community to explore and shape the Filipino experience through the lens, guided by the creative themes of each edition. This year’s awarding ceremony was judged by some of the most esteemed figures in the local photography scene. Visual journalist Veejay Villafranca served as the head judge, alongside Sandra Palomar, Niña Sandejas, and Martin San Diego, who joined him in choosing the awardees. They were also joined by JTI Philippines general manager Alan Jackson and Corporate Communications and Public Affairs director Richard Arboleda. The recognitions’ long-lasting mark The awardees received certificates and trophies for their achievements, along with cash prizes for their affiliated photo clubs. All 100 finalists of SinagLarawan 2026 will be compiled and featured in photobooks, while the top 24 will be featured in calendars. A small exhibit was also held at SM Aura Premier and ran until Oct. 25. In this edition of the SinagLarawan Photo Contest, the photographs capture the essence of pagbubunyi and tell compelling stories through visual narratives. The photographs of triumph and victory define Filipino optimism and a joyful nature while expressing empathy toward their audience.

Young artists of Toledo, Cebu engage in creative workshops

Through hands-on sessions in rubbercut printing, self-portrait printmaking, carving, image transfer, and exhibition preparation, participants transformed ideas into artworks using accessible and community-based materials

YOUTHFUL learners from Toledo City, Cebu, recently participated in a series of two-week workshops to encourage the co-creation of artworks and performances that reflect their hometown’s cultural identity. The initiative was a project of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) in Manila and the De La Salle Andres Soriano Memorial College (DLSASMC), providing students with a platform to discover, nurture, and showcase their artistic talents and skills. The event, which championed student creativity and local heritage, marked the beginning of a sustained collaboration in arts education, cultural development, and community engagement. The alliance was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) led by Benilde School of Arts, Culture, and Performance (SACP) Dean Magda de Leon, Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) Dean Dr. Marian Patricia Bea Francisco, and DLSASMC President and Chancellor Ma. Donitha Hernando. Faculty mentors and industry experts flew to Cebu for the inaugural sessions. The classes covered various artistic disciplines: printmaking by Mars Bugaoan, production design by Jaydee Jasa, creative movement and dance fundamentals by Richardson Yadao,

and music and rhythm for community building by Ryan Flores. Sessions on project management and leadership for production-making by Lara Acuin and Vivien Basmayor, directing by Tuxqs Rutaquio, and acting, ensemble work, and improvisation by Opaline Santos were also held. Wenah Nagales served as assistant director and acting coach. To promote accessible creative processes, Myra Medrana, Agnes Canayon, and Danica Mojica conducted courses in Filipino Sign Language (FSL) and visual gestural communication for inclusive arts practice. The interactive sessions aimed to develop participants’ leadership, project management, and production skills while establishing a creative and organizational framework for future school, community, and creative initiatives. The workshops, which allowed students to demonstrate and strengthen their artistic and technical competencies, concluded with a culminating showcase dubbed SIDLAK. The final presentation, featuring original music and rhythm demonstrations using sustainable materials, evocative choreography, and performances incorporating FSL, explored identity in a world shaped by hardship, love, labor, and hope.

LIFE

C4 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026

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

NOW & NEXT By Jasper Valdez

ILIPINO designers are finding ways to make traditional clothing part of everyday wardrobes by using familiar materials and techniques in contemporary pieces that can be worn with jeans, T-shirts, and other casual staples. This approach was evident during the launch of Kultura Atelier at SM Makati on Oct. 22, where 13 emerging and established designers and labels presented collections that offered different interpretations of Filipino fashion. Located on Level 2 of Kultura’s expanded store, the new retail space features designer-made clothing and accessories, including pieces that incorporate traditional fabrics, embroidery, and beadwork. The launch was part of Kultura’s Paskong Kumukutikutitap Christmas campaign. During Designers’ Conversations, hosted by Issa Litton, several participating designers discussed how they develop their collections and make their pieces suitable for different occasions. For Apol Massebieau of Goodluck Humans, designer clothing does not have to be reserved for formal gatherings. Her collection featured unusual shapes and textures, with pieces styled alongside thrifted T-shirts, jeans, and boots. “You don’t have to keep your nice pieces for special occasions. Wear them every day. Wear them with your old vintage T-shirt Daryl Maat turns childhood drawings into playful embroidery on barongs and accessories, bringing a more youthful character to traditional Filipino clothing

MORE than buildings filled with artifacts, paintings, and historical objects, museums are repositories of memory, preserving the nation’s history and connecting the past with the present. They help us understand our identity while giving future generations access to the traditions, creativity, and stories that shaped the country. Behind them are curators, researchers, educators, cultural workers, and community advocates whose dedication often goes unrecognized. It is this work that the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) seeks to honor through Ang Museo, Gawad ng Museum Foundation of the Philippines, the country’s first nationwide museum recognition program. At a recent gala ceremony at the National Museum of Natural History, MFPI announced its inaugural awardees, recognizing excellence in museum governance, curatorial scholarship, exhibitions, education, and cultural patronage. Ang MUSEO chairwoman Ma. Belen Pilar M. Fernando said the initiative was conceived to recognize institutions and individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed. “As the MFPI celebrates its 40th year, we felt strongly that it is time to shine the light on these unsung heroes and institutions, recognizing their passion, patriotism, pursuit of excellence, and the tireless work they have given,” she said. The awards recognize established cultural institutions alongside provincial museums and community initiatives, underscoring that heritage preservation extends far beyond major cities. Stories worth preserving The Davao Oriental Subangan Museum received Local Museum of the Year (Gawad sa Natatanging Pamana ng Bayan: Lungsod o Munisipalidad) for its community-centered approach to preserving the province’s natural history and the living traditions, oral histories, and cultural heritage of Mandaya and Kalagan indigenous communities. In the Visayas, the National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu was named NMP Satellite Museum of the Year (Gawad sa Sangay ng Pambansang Museo). Housed in a repurposed historic Customs House, it presents Cebu’s maritime history and regional culture. The Center for Kapampangan Studies at Holy Angel University received two awards: Permanent Exhibition of the Year (Gawad sa Pamanang Tanghal) for its Manansala Gallery, which explores National Artist Vicente

Alvin Degamo (center) reworks Manobo-inspired embroidery in softer colors and contemporary silhouettes that can move between casual and dressier settings

Apol Massebieau (center) treats designer pieces as everyday wear, mixing sculptural shapes and manipulated fabrics with the ease of casual dressing

Filipino fashion takes on a new life Local designers push fashion boundaries

Jor-el Espina (rightmost) works with piña-based fabrics, embroidery and beadwork to create separates that can be paired with clothes already in the wearer’s wardrobe

and wear them with your boots. Just have fun,” she said. Apol draws inspiration from art, sculpture, punk, grunge, and streetwear. Her designs incorporate traditional smocking alongside techniques she developed to manipulate fabric and create different textures. Jor-el Espina takes a similar approach to versatility, offering separates that customers can purchase individually and combine with clothes they already own. “My clothes are actually semi-formal. But there are times when you need something you can wear every day. Go to Kultura and buy piece by piece,” he said. His collection uses piña, piña silk, and piña cotton, with embroidery, beadwork, and textured details playing important roles in his designs. Meanwhile, Daryl Maat brings a playful character to traditional barongs through colorful embroidery inspired by childhood drawings. His designs began in 2023, drawing from memories of sketching on Grade 1 pad paper. “The design started in 2020. It was inspired by my childhood, when I was drawing on Grade 1 pad paper. Then we experimented with barongs,” he shared. Daryl uses cocoon fabric and embroidery floss to recreate illustrations associated with childhood, while his accessories feature familiar Filipino imagery, including flowers, bahay kubo, and candies. For Alvin Degamo of Wear Your Culture, contemporary styling provides another way to introduce traditional craftsmanship into modern wardrobes. His collection includes jackets and layered pieces featuring Manobo embroidery, with traditional red-and-black color combinations replaced by softer pastel shades. “I changed the colors to more pastel, more modern,” he said. Degamo explained that the jackets can be paired with jeans, slacks,

Drawing from her mother’s basket-making practice, Sari Lazaro (second from left) brings weaving and braiding techniques into pieces designed for different occasions

or skirts, while a bomber-style bolero can also be worn over a long gown. Sari Lazaro, meanwhile, draws inspiration from her mother’s basket-making work, incorporating weaving and braiding techniques into her designs. Her collection emphasizes handmade details while allowing the pieces to be styled for different occasions. The launch also featured collections by FAM PH, Harold and Harry, Isla by Filippo, Ken Samudio, Martin Uy, Rodolfo, Tim Tam Ong, and Zarah Juan.

Honoring the keepers of our heritage

Glazing Life Glaiza Lee

At the inaugural Ang MUSEO awards, MFPI president Daniel C. Jacinto joins Herbert Vincent Tuason, Maria Karina Garilao, Melvin Mangada, Patricia Aguinaldo, Ang MUSEO chairwoman Ma. Belen Pilar Fernando, Tanya Pico, Maria Golnora Ventura, and Martin Emile Lopez in marking the foundation’s 40 years of supporting Philippine museums and heritage work

Manansala’s Kapampangan roots through interactive storytelling, and Educational Institution Museum of the Year (Gawad sa Museo ng Institusyong Pang-edukasyon) for its work promoting the Kapampangan language and regional heritage. Ayala Museum’s Juan Luna: Painter as Hero won Temporary Exhibition of the Year (Gawad sa Napapanahong Tanghal). Drawing on archival research, the exhibition examines Luna’s life and work within the context of the nineteenth-century propaganda and revolutionary movements. Museo Bulacan received Museum Program of the Year (Gawad sa Natatanging Programa ng Museo) for PASS-yal Museo: Bulacan Pamana Pass, which connects historical sites through a heritage passport to encourage public engagement with the province’s cultural landmarks

The people behind the heritage Metrobank Foundation, Inc. received the Institutional Patron of Culture and Arts Award (Gawad ng Tagapagtaguyod ng Kultura at Sining – Institusyon) for more than four decades of support for the arts, including its Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) program, MADE CARES, and MADE Caravan. The individual distinction went to Dr. Lourdes Reyes Montinola for her lifelong cultural preservation work, including her 1991 publication, Piña, which helped promote the indigenous pineapple-fiber textile as an important expression of Filipino craftsmanship. A posthumous Distinction of Honor (Haligi at Tanglaw ng Pamana) was dedicated to Purita Kalaw-Ledesma, founder of the Art Association of the Philippines and founding president of the Concerned Citizens of the National Museum,

the precursor to MFPI. Her advocacy helped establish a foundation for civic participation in cultural institutions. Two institutions also received Special Citations of Merit. Ayala Museum’s Gold of Ancestors: Pre-Colonial Treasures of the Philippines was recognized for presenting archaeological discoveries that reveal the sophistication of precolonial Filipino metallurgy and trade. The Coordinated Investigation of Sulu Culture (CISCUL) Heritage Hub at Notre Dame of Jolo College received a Citation of Merit for Educational Institution Museum of the Year for safeguarding Tausug, Sama, and Bajau material heritage despite regional challenges and the devastation of the 1974 Jolo conflict. A continuing commitment The inaugural awards underwent a rigorous selection process, beginning with a compliance check by the MFPI Secretariat, followed by evaluation by the Board of Trustees. An independent panel of cultural leaders and heritage advocates assessed the finalists, with MFPI president Daniel C. Jacinto serving as jury chairman. Accounting firm EMA CPAs subsequently checked and confirmed the results. The awards coincide with MFPI’s 40th anniversary. Established in 1986 as the Friends of the National Museum and formally incorporated in 1995, the foundation has expanded its advocacy to support museums nationwide. “Over the last 40 years, we have witnessed the Philippine museum sector grow and thrive through the dedication, perseverance, and love for the country of numerous organizations, communities, and individuals,” Jacinto said. MFPI hopes to sustain Ang MUSEO for generations to come, recognizing that preserving the country’s heritage requires collective effort from cultural institutions, private patrons, and communities. Ultimately, the awards affirm that safeguarding Filipino heritage is a shared responsibility, one that ensures the stories defining the nation remain accessible to generations ahead.