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DEMOCRATS TAKE CONTROL OF US CONGRESS; TRUMP ACCEPTS DEFEAT DEMOCRATS seized control of the US Congress on Tuesday, capturing the Senate and House of Representatives in a stunning, nationwide rejection of Donald Trump set to put the brakes on the final two years of his presidency. The Democratic landslide will give the opposition power to block legislation, launch broad investigations into Trump's administration and thwart his judicial and senior government appointments. The results reflected deep anger over living costs, tariffs and Trump's war against Iran, which has sent fuel prices soaring and compounded dissatisfaction with an already deeply unpopular president. "I feel like I could cry right now. This is so incredibly exciting. We can get our country back," Kathy Jackoway said in

BLUE WAVE. Infographic showing partial results of the US midterm elections. AFP

Texas, celebrating a win by Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.

Expect changes in US policies—envoy In an interview on the Bilyonaryo News Channel, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said he expects policy changes because of the Democrat-controlled Congress would rigorously scrutinize, investigate, and possibly overturn Trump's current agenda. Romualdez, however, asserted that the US-Philippine relationship, including the established defense agreements and regional security efforts in the Indo-Pacific, would remain stable and unaffected.

Trump struck a conciliatory tone despite his history of questioning elections, telling The New York Times he was "absolutely willing" to accept the results. "I think the Democrats did a good job, I really do," the 80-year-old told Fox News, in rare praise for his political opponents. "They fought hard." But he sought to distance himself from his own party's poor showing, adding: "I don't view it as a hit on me." He acknowledged that the Iran conflict had contributed to the defeat but defended the military campaign, and he suggested the rival parties could find common ground on immigration, long one of the most divisive issues of his presidency. Next page

VOL. XL • NO. 263 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026 •

Xi to skip ASEAN Summit

Wang, Lazaro agree to manage PH-China maritime differences By Charles Dantes

HINESE President Xi Jinping will skip the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Manila less than two weeks from now, with Beijing sending instead Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Gibo junks joint WPS exploration with China NEWS / A3 In her phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s expectation of Li's participation. Li has customarily led China's delegation to ASEAN-related summits in recent years, the department said. Next page

JOB WELL DONE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. confers the Order of Lakandula, Rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) to retiring Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo in ceremonies yesterday at Malacanang Palace. With the President and Gesmundo are Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Justice Secretary Freddrerick Vida and Gesmundo’s family. PCO

PNP vows no personal ties will impede manhunt for Bato By Vince Lopez and Ram Superable THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday vowed that personal relationships and former po-

Palace debunks claims of ex-Speaker night forloughs By Charles Dantes MALACAÑANG said yesterday the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) found no evidence of power interruptions or unauthorized movements at the Quezon City Jail where former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is detained. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government looked into the

sitions would not affect its efforts to enforce the arrest warrant against fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. Meanwhile, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson called for his colleague to be brought before a Philippine court to seek legal remedies before any pos-

sible surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC). PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. welcomed Malacañang’s challenge to ensure that Dela Rosa’s former position as police chief would not influence the manhunt.

“We welcome the challenge of Malacañang because it reinforces a fundamental principle of law enforcement: no position, rank, or personal relationship is above the law. The Philippine National Police will Next page

Mayor Leni closes in on VP Sara, says OCTA By Charles Dantes

Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo

VICE President Sara Duterte’s lead over former Vice President Leni Robredo has narrowed to seven percentage points in a hypothetical 2028 presidential matchup, with the smallest margin between the two recorded by OCTA Research in its 2026 surveys. Meanwhile, Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not concerned about the latest presidential popularity survey showing Duterte's narrowing lead over Robredo. Next page

Vice President Sara Duterte

PBBM to name new SC Chief Justice this week By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to announce his appointee for the next chief justice of the Supreme Court this week, Malacañang said Wednesday, as speculation grows over the possible successor to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. Meanwhile, the President on Wednesday conferred the Order of Lakandula with the Rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) on outgoing Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo ahead of retirement from the Supreme Court on Nov. 6. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said all candidates being considered for the country’s top judicial post have their respective qualifications and records of integrity. “Please allow the announcement of who the next chief justice will be this week; we should not preempt the President,” Castro told reporters. Next page

‘HEAT INDEX SEEN AT 52C FROM FEB. TO JUNE ‘27

P1.6-B SHABU FROM LAOS SEIZED AT MICP

SPANISH FOOTBALLER DIES IN COLLISION WITH KEEPER

NEWS / A3

SPORTS / A7

NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Senate asks SC to junk vote threshold petition T In its 47-page Comment made public by the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday, the Senate asked the High Tribunal to dismiss the petition for being premature and lacking merit. It also sought the denial of the petitioners' application for the issuance of a status quo ante order (SQAO), tem-

porary restraining order (TRO), and writ of preliminary injunction (WPI). "Respondent Senate appears for a narrow purpose to submit in compliance as directed by this Honorable Court. The Senate respectfully submits that the Petition should be dismissed outright and that its disposition

requires no determination of the merits of the assailed interlocutory ruling," the Comment reads in part. "The authority to try and decide impeachment cases is constitutionally ordained and is exclusive by design. The Constitution vests it solely in the Senate," it added. The filing complies with the High Tribunal's resolution directing the upper chamber of Congress, sitting as an impeachment court, to comment on the petition filed last month by Senators Robinhood Padilla and Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. The senators were joined by Philip Salvador, as well as lawyers Israelito

Xi...

eral relations, with both sides emphasizing mutual respect. Wang, however, urged Manila to exercise prudence in its statements and actions on maritime issues and faithfully implement its one-China policy, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry account of the call. He said bilateral relations "were currently facing malicious interference." A "small number of politicians" from the Philippines have "repeatedly attacked and smeared China out of political prejudice and for their own selfish interests, crossing China's red lines," Wang added, without giving specific details. Last month, President Ferdinand

Marcos Jr. said his greatest fear in the West Philippine Sea is that a single mistake could trigger an escalation that spirals “out of control,” adding that preventing miscalculations was crucial to ensure maritime tensions do not worsen. He said this was why the Philippines was pushing for progress on a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, which he described as an important mechanism for managing potentially dangerous encounters at sea. ASEAN and China seek to complete long-running negotiations by the end of 2026. "I don't know if we can find a resolution to the problem, but we are resigned to just being able to manage the

problem so that we do not have mistakes and we don't have misinterpretations," the President said. "We are determined to come to an agreement and to hopefully de-escalate the situation," he said. Still, the President made it clear that de-escalation efforts would not mean abandoning the country’s territorial and maritime claims. "It is very, very clear that these areas are part of Philippine sovereign territory, and also part of our economic zone…That (asserting sovereign rights) is my duty to do that as President. It is the duty, in my view, of every Philippine citizen to do the same, and that’s what we're trying to do," Mr. Marcos said.

Gina Hinojosa unseated the state's Republican governor, Greg Abbott, ending decades of Republican rule. Democrats also protected key Senate seats of their own, including Jon Ossoff in Georgia and an open seat in New Hampshire. The scale of the victory grew further when Abdul El-Sayed defeated former Republican lawmaker Mike Rogers in Michigan, making him the first Muslim elected to the upper chamber of Congress. "Michigan, we did it!" El-Sayed said in a speech at his election headquarters in Detroit. El-Sayed won despite a last-minute curveball in his campaign when congresswoman Haley Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed, came out in support of Rogers at the 11th hour. The party's House victory saw gains across Pennsylvania, Ken-

tucky, Arizona, North Carolina, Wisconsin and New Jersey, including districts Trump had carried comfortably in 2024. In one closely watched bellwether, Democrat J.D. Ford ousted Republican congresswoman Victoria Spartz in Indiana, capturing a district Trump won by 17 points two years earlier. Democrats also won Georgia's governorship, electing former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as the first Black woman governor in US history. Republicans had some consolation in Florida, where Trumpbacked Byron Donalds became the state's first Black governor and Ashley Moody retained a Senate seat— but only after seeing off surprisingly strong Democratic challenges. The night was "a big wipeout and a strong repudiation of Donald

Trump and his policies," George Washington University professor Todd Belt told AFP. Trump on defensive Democratic control of Congress will allow the party to pursue investigations into the Iran war, immigration enforcement and allegations of corruption, while blocking Trump's agenda and senior appointments. Democratic Representative Robert Garcia, now expected to lead the powerful House Oversight Committee, warned Republicans on social media: "LAWYER UP." House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries declared Trump's MAGA movement "on the run from sea to shining sea." Jeffries could become the first Black speaker of the House when the new Congress convenes in January. AFP with Joel Zurbano

remained relatively stable at 35 percent, 34 percent and 33 percent across the three survey periods. The share of undecided respondents, who chose neither candidate or did not know whom to support, rose to 26 percent in the third quarter from 22 percent in the second quarter, and 19 percent in the first. OCTA said the narrowing gap appeared to reflect Duterte’s declining popularity rather than an increase in voters’ support for Robredo. The pollster noted that the twopoint narrowing between the second and third quarters was within the survey’s margin of error, but the consistent movement across the three 2026 survey waves warranted monitoring. Duterte nevertheless maintained a statistically significant seven-point lead over Robredo, OCTA said. The survey also showed substantial differences in voter preferences across geographic areas and socioeconomic

groups. Leni leads in NCR, balance Luzon Robredo led Duterte in the National Capital Region, with 39 percent against 32 percent, and in Balance Luzon, where she received a hefty 49 percent compared with Duterte’s 24 percent. Duterte maintained however, a commanding advantage in Mindanao, mustering 71 percent against Robredo’s marginal two percent. She also led in the Visayas with 46 percent as opposed to Robredo’s 27 percent. By socioeconomic class, Robredo led among Class ABC respondents, with 40 percent against Duterte’s 32 percent. The most notable movement was recorded among Class E respondents, where Robredo’s preference increased by 11 percentage points to 42 percent, while Duterte’s fell from 51 percent to 41 percent, leaving the two statistically tied. In Class D, which accounts for

roughly four in five adult Filipinos, Duterte maintained a 41 percent preference against Robredo’s 31 percent, with 28 percent undecided. OCTA cautioned that the Class ABC and Class E results were based on smaller subsamples and should be interpreted carefully. The survey also showed Duterte leading among voters younger than 45, while Robredo held narrow advantages among those aged 45 and older. Robredo led narrowly among urban residents and women, while Duterte maintained stronger support among rural residents and men. OCTA said the growing undecided bloc, now more than three times the size of Duterte’s seven-point lead, could become a significant factor in the hypothetical matchup. The pollster cautioned, however, that the findings should not be interpreted as a prediction of the May 2028 election outcome.

dent for judicial vacancies. President Marcos personally presented the sash of the Order of Lakandula to Gesmundo during an awarding ceremony at Malacañang, recognizing his contributions to the Judiciary and efforts to modernize the country’s justice system. Gesmundo, who turns 70 upon his retirement, was appointed Supreme Court associate justice on Aug. 14, 2017, and became the country›s 27th Chief Justice on April 5, 2021. As head of the Judiciary, Gesmundo steered the courts through the challenges of the post-pandemic period, ensuring the continued administration of justice as judicial institutions adapted to changing circumstances. Among his key initiatives was the digital transformation of the Judiciary, aimed at improving court operations and making judicial services more accessible. He also supported the digitalization and regionalization of the Bar examinations, part of efforts to modernize the legal system and expand opportunities for aspiring lawyers.

Palace...

Nov. 3 following the allegations. “Initial CCTV verification by BJMP National Headquarters shows no recorded power or CCTV interruption at the Quezon City Jail male dormitory and no recorded movement of Representative Martin Romualdez outside the facility during the period examined,” the agency said. The BJMP said the investigation remains ongoing and stressed that all persons deprived of liberty are subject to the same custodial rules. It also emphasized that any movement outside the jail requires a proper court order and that it would cooperate with investigations by other government agencies. Asked whether Malacañang maintained full confidence in the BJMP despite the allegations, Castro said the public could personally examine the CCTV footage at the agency and the Quezon City Jail-Payatas facility. Castro also cautioned against spreading unverified information, saying false claims could undermine public confidence in government institutions.

By Pot Chavez

HE Senate, through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), is seeking the dismissal of the petition seeking to annul the ruling that lowered the voting threshold for convicting Vice President Sara Duterte.

From A1

Wang, meanwhile, conveyed China's anticipation of Mr. Marcos' participation in the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen. The Philippines is hosting the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from Nov. 16 to 18, with tensions over the West Philippine Sea and other bilateral issues continuing to strain relations between Manila and Beijing. Lazaro yesterday said she and Wang had a “frank and constructive discussion” on the direction of bilat-

Democrats... From A1

Republican heartland Democrats flipped seats that had long been held by Republicans, scoring breakthroughs in South Carolina, North Carolina, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, Texas and Maine. In Maine, former logger Troy Jackson defeated longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins, the party's seventh Senate seat captured from Republicans. In Kansas, Methodist minister Adam Hamilton became the first Democrat elected to the Senate from the reliably conservative state since 1932. Iowa had not elected a Democratic senator since 2008. Talarico, the Texas Democrat, declared he had defeated "Goliath" in winning a Senate seat, while

Mayor... From A1

The third-quarter Tugon ng Masa survey released Tuesday showed 40 percent of adult Filipinos would vote for Duterte if the May 2028 elections were held at the time of the survey, compared with 33 percent for Robredo, who has ruled out seeking national office. The latest poll results marked a narrowing of Duterte’s lead from 11 percentage points in the first quarter and nine points in the second quarter, suggesting a gradual softening in her support as the next presidential election draws closer. Duterte’s voters’ preference slightly fell from 46 percent in the first quarter to 43 percent in the second, and 40 percent in the third, showing a cumulative six-point decline. Robredo’s preference, meanwhile,

PBBM... From A1

Castro, however, did not disclose whether President Marcos had already prepared a shortlist of nominees or identified the specific qualifications he is prioritizing in selecting Gesmundo›s successor. The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) submitted its shortlist to President Marcos on Oct. 29, naming Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Rodil Zalameda, Japar Dimaampao and Jose Midas Marquez as candidates for the position. Two other senior magistrates, Associate Justices Ramon Paul Hernando and Henri Jean Paul Inting, withdrew their acceptance of their nominations. The shortlist followed public interviews conducted by the JBC on Oct. 22 and 26. The council is constitutionally mandated to screen applicants and recommend nominees to the Presi-

From A1

allegations of broadcaster Mon Tulfo who claimed in a social media post that the lights were being turned off whenever Romualdez left the jail to avoid CCTV monitoring. Castro said BJMP spokesman Jayrex Bustinera reported that the jail's CCTV system is connected to the agency's national headquarters, allowing authorities to monitor movements inside the facility. "We really deemed it necessary to establish the truth because no individual or group should be given an advantage over ordinary citizens," she said. According to Castro, a review of the CCTV footage showed no recorded power outage during the past month. The last movement recorded involving Romualdez was his departure from the facility for his Oct. 12 court hearing. In an official statement, the BJMP said Jail Director Efren Nemeño ordered an immediate investigation on

Torreon, Ferdinand Topacio, James Patrick Bondoc, Raul Lambino, and Resci Angelli Rizada-Nolasco, in filing the petition. Among the grounds raised by the OSG in its Comment was that the matter raised in the petition involves a "true political question," and that the authority and responsibility to decide it belong to the Senate impeachment court. It also argued that the Senate did not amend the constitutional provision but merely interpreted it, noting that each branch of government necessarily interprets the Constitution in discharging its respective functions. Further, it claimed that the Senate

impeachment court's ruling is binding and operative in the impeachment case before it, adding that its application to Vice President Sara Duterte does not violate the equal protection clause. It can be recalled that the SC previously dismissed three separate petitions challenging the Senate impeachment court’s interpretation of the two-thirds voting requirement on procedural grounds, including lack of standing and prematurity. The petitions were filed by former Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez, Berteni Cataluña Causing, and lawyer Ernesto B. Francisco Jr.

PNP... From A1

remain professional, impartial, and steadfast in implementing lawful orders, regardless of who is involved,” Nartatez said. The Palace issued the challenge after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla acknowledged that Dela Rosa’s previous leadership of the police force made the manhunt more difficult. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration trusted Nartatez and the PNP to perform their duties without being influenced by personal relationships or alliances. Nartatez said police officers must remain loyal to the Constitution and the law rather than to individuals who previously held positions of authority. The PNP said it continued to receive and validate tips on Dela Rosa’s whereabouts through dedicated hotlines. Tracker teams have been organized nationwide following the expiration of a one-week surrender deadline. The government has offered a P50million reward for information leading to his arrest. Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief under former president Rodrigo Duterte, is wanted under an ICC arrest warrant over alleged crimes against humanity involving at least 32 killings linked to the administration’s anti-drug campaign from July 2016 to April 2018. Ping: Allow Bato to exhaust legal remedies Meanwhile, Lacson said Dela Rosa should first be brought before a local court if arrested, allowing him to exhaust available legal remedies before any transfer to the ICC. In a radio interview, Lacson said local proceedings would respect Philippine judicial procedures without preventing Dela Rosa from facing trial before the international tribunal. “If he is arrested, he should first be brought before a local court,” Lacson said. He clarified that a Philippine court would not determine Dela Rosa’s guilt or innocence because the charges fall under the ICC’s jurisdiction. Instead, local proceedings would allow the senator to seek judicial relief, including from the Supreme Court, before any possible surrender to The Hague-based tribunal. “He can seek relief up to the Supreme Court, which will make the final decision because it is the final arbiter and interpreter of the law,” Lacson said. Lacson cited Republic Act 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, which allows Philippine authorities to surrender or extradite suspects to international courts under applicable laws and treaties. He acknowledged, however, that the law does not necessarily make local court proceedings a mandatory step before surrender. The legal dispute centers on whether an ICC arrest warrant must first be validated or enforced through a Philippine court. The Office of the Solicitor General argued before the Supreme Court in May that the warrant against Dela Rosa could be enforced without a corresponding domestic arrest warrant or local court validation. Lacson, by contrast, said Dela Rosa should be allowed to seek relief through the Philippine judicial system before any surrender. The senator and former national police chief maintained that respecting due process did not mean shielding Dela Rosa from accountability before the ICC. He made the clarification on Tuesday amid criticism of his position. The ICC issued the arrest warrant on Nov. 6, 2025, and unsealed it on May 11, 2026, over Dela Rosa’s alleged responsibility for killings during the Duterte administration’s antidrug campaign.

NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FIELD PROTECTION. A scarecrow

stands in a rice field in Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province, on Nov. 2, 2026. Farmers use the human-shaped decoys to keep birds from eating ripening rice grains. Dave Leprozo

‘Heat index seen over 52°C from Feb. to June ‘27’ By Rio N. Araja THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Wednesday warned that heat index levels could exceed 52 degrees Celsius from late February through June 2027 as El Niño intensifies hot and humid conditions. PAGASA weather forecaster Glaiza Esculiar, in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, said heat index levels could approach the danger category and potentially reach the extreme danger level by the end of February. “We expect heat index levels and temperatures to rise more sharply from late February through June, when the weather is typically hot and humid,” Esculiar said. She warned that extreme danger conditions could expose residents to heatrelated illnesses, including heat stroke. PAGASA administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando said rising air temperatures would also push up heat index levels. The weather bureau said a potentially strong El Niño could persist through the first half of 2027, threatening agriculture and fisheries. On Wednesday, Nov. 4, the weather bureau forecast heat index levels of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius -- classified as dangerous -- in at least nine areas. PAGASA said cooler weather remained possible with Christmas approaching, although minimum temperatures were unlikely to fall as low as they did last year because of El Niño, Esculiar said.

Teodoro nixes joint oil exploration with China By Rex Espiritu

EFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday reiterated his opposition to joint oil and gas exploration with China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying such an arrangement would violate the Constitution and Philippine law. Teodoro cited constitutional concerns over a previous proposed framework, which he said former President Rodrigo Duterte had scrapped, as well as the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea. “The framework they are talking about, the one they are pointing me to, was canceled by President Duterte

himself because it had a constitutional problem,” Teodoro told reporters on the sidelines of Misamis Occidental’s 97th provincial anniversary celebration in Oroquieta City. He also questioned the basis for a joint exploration agreement, arguing that the Philippines and China have no overlapping claims in the WPS.

“We have seen the kind of investments they have made here. There might end up being a POGO there in the West Philippine Sea,” he said in jest, referring to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations, usually catering to Chinese clients. The Philippines terminated negotiations with China for a joint energy exploration project in the South China Sea in 2022, during Duterte’s administration. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reopened discussions on possible energy cooperation in 2023 after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the resumption of formal negotiations unclear.

STUDENT PROTEST.

Student leaders warn that a proposed social media ban for Filipinos under 18 could limit access to digital learning resources and academic communities. The Student Council Alliance of the Philippines led a press conference in Quezon City opposing the proposed restriction. SCAP

Public warned P1.36-billion shabu shipped from Laos seized of online scams as holidays near By Rio N. Araja and Vito Barcelo

By Vince Lopez PHILIPPINE National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday urged Filipinos to verify online sellers, payment requests and promotional offers before sending money or making purchases, warning that scammers are likely to exploit the surge in consumer activity during the Christmas season. Nartatez said fraudsters continue to devise schemes to deceive unsuspecting victims, particularly those from vulnerable sectors. The PNP is stepping up its campaign against holiday-related scams in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify efforts against cybercrime and protect the public from emerging threats. “Scammers will take every opportunity to deceive and lure the public as the holiday season approaches,” Nartatez said.

JOINT operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Philippine National Police (PNP) seized about 200 kilograms of suspected shabu worth P1.36 billion from a shipping container at the Manila International Container Port in North Harbor, Manila. The shipment, which originated

in Laos, was concealed in 50 cardboard boxes containing four vacuum-sealed packages each and hidden among stacks of cartons inside a 40foot container. PDEA Assistant Secretary Renato Gumban said the shipment passed through Haiphong, Vietnam, before being sent to Hong Kong and transferred to another vessel bound for the Philippines. PDEA received intelligence from

Vietnam’s Anti-Narcotics Police Department last September and relayed the information to the BOC’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, enabling authorities to monitor the shipment before its arrival. The container reached Manila North Harbor on Oct. 6 and underwent X-ray scanning, K9 inspection and testing with a Raman spectrometer. The examinations yielded positive results for shabu eight days later.

HUMANE ANIMAL CARE. Marikina

City Mayor Maan Teodoro launches a free spaying and neutering program for rescued stray dogs and cats at the city’s Animal Rescue and Shelter Office. The initiative complements the city’s free antirabies vaccination program and will eventually be expanded to barangays. Marikina PIO

IN BRIEF 2 ex-cops among 5 killed in shootouts THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said two dismissed police officers were among five armed suspects killed in a series of shootouts with police during a robbery-related operation in Bacoor City, Cavite, on Tuesday. At a briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said police acted on intelligence reports that armed men were planning to rob a wealthy resident in an upscale subdivision. Bacoor police chief Lt. Col. Alexie Desamito and her team spotted two suspicious men riding a motorcycle, one wearing a security guard’s uniform, while a Toyota Vios followed them inside the subdivision. When officers attempted to stop the vehicles, the occupants allegedly opened fire, triggering a chase. One suspect fell from the vehicle and died during the pursuit. Vince Lopez

Safety inspections for churches ordered THE Archdiocese of Manila has ordered immediate safety inspections of all churches, schools and other Church facilities to identify hazards and prevent accidents. In a circular dated Nov. 3, the archdiocese, headed by Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, directed parish priests and heads of Church institutions to check buildings, electrical systems and fixtures for potential safety risks. The inspections must cover religious images, crucifixes, statues, chandeliers, lights, speakers and ceiling fans to ensure they are securely mounted. Vito Barcelo

BI nabs South Koreans wanted for fraud raps BUREAU of Immigration officers have intercepted two South Korean nationals wanted in their home country for alleged involvement in separate fraud syndicates. The BI identified the suspects as Lee Jaeryeon and An Intae, who were intercepted separately at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Oct. 20 while preparing to board flights to Vietnam. BI-Interpol acting chief Peter De Guzman said the two were flagged after immigration officers confirmed that they were subjects of Interpol Red Notices linked to criminal cases in South Korea. Vito Barcelo

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS Twentieth Congress Second Regular Session

ANNOUNCEMENT President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA), for confirmation, the ad interim appointments of the following Generals/Flag Officers and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): 1. BENEDICT D. BALABA 2. MOISES L. MICOR 3. MARCO N. BUENA 4. BOB R. APOSTOL 5. EMMANUEL A. CANILLA 6. GAUDENCIO M. LAURON III 7. RUBEN G. AQUINO 8. RANDY N. ESPINO 9. MANUEL LEO Q. GADOR 10. ARIEL C. HALASAN 11. LILIAN VICTORIA DC BUSTO 12. LEAH L. SANTIAGO 13. PETER EDWIN R. NAVARRO

to the rank of Lieutenant General to the rank of Lieutenant General to the rank of Rear Admiral to the rank of Major General to the rank of Brigadier General to the rank of Brigadier General to the rank of Brigadier General to the rank of Brigadier General to the rank of Brigadier General to the rank of Commodore to the rank of Brigadier General to the rank of Brigadier General to the rank of Brigadier General

The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions to the above ad interim appointments in seven (7) copies to the CA Secretariat, 11th Floor, Uptown Eastgate Tower I, corner 11th and 36th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone number 88322827 local 2142 to 2144, and local 2512 to 2514. 04 November 2026. ARTURO C. PARAS Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Office of the Secretary (MS-NOVEMBER 5, 2026)

NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

IN BRIEF Tuguegarao bags two trophies in tourism fest TUGUEGARAO City—Tuguegarao City bagged two first prizes at the 2026 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines Pearl Awards held Oct. 21 in Ormoc City, Leyte, proving that culture is its biggest asset. Tuguegarao took home the trophy for Best Tourism Promotion: Video (Component City Category titled “Yaw I Tuguegarao” showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage, turning tradition into a powerful story that resonated across the country. The city was also adjudged grand winner for Best Event Hosting (Local) Component City Category for its successful and seamless hosting of the 2025 PRISAA national games. Tuguegarao Tourism officer Gina Adducul and University of Cagayan Valley president Dr. Esther Susan Perez-Mari received the two trophies on behalf of Mayor Maila Ting Que. Jessica M. Bacud

PMA, German naval academy eye tie-up THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is exploring academic and training cooperation with Germany’s Naval Academy Mürwik to modernize military education and prepare cadets for the demands of contemporary warfare. PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Logico visited the German academy on Oct. 26 to 29, 2026 for the PMA’s first official engagement with the institution. Logico met with Germany’s Naval Academy superintendent Rear Adm. Jens Grimm and other key officers of the institution. Discussions covered the integration of digital learning platforms, artificial intelligence and competency-based instruction into military education to strengthen cadets’ critical thinking, practical skills and decision-making. Rex Espiritu

Torre scores DDS poster with grammatical error METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Nicolas Torre III scored the grammar of a sign held by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte at a recent rally, recalling how a former superior once rejected an annual report due to grammatical errors. “I hope this is just edited. But if it’s real, I can’t help but ask: are the DDS really this stupid? Did no one even notice? And to think that this was mass-printed!,” Torre said in a social media post. “Our annual report was almost one ream. In the middle, there was a minor mistake—the verb “is” was used instead of “are.” He threw the whole report at me, saying he cannot believe my facts were accurate,” Torre recalled in Filipino. “It doesn’t mean that because we are not that good in English, we are morons. But in this simple billboard that is shown across the world, they did not even conduct quality check before putting it out. I can’t help but ask myself; Do these people really understand what they are fighting for?” Torre added. Joel E. Zurbano

UK-ASEAN summit aims to strengthen higher education ties By Gabriel Oliva AN INTERNATIONAL conference aiming at stronger higher education cooperation between the Britain and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opened Tuesday in Manila with a view on multiple areas including transnational education and digital transformation. The summit, themed “Advancing UKASEAN Collaboration in Higher Education,” brought together delegations from all 10 ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, and the United Kingdom. The Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said transnational higher education is a key pillar of regional integration and national development, urging institutions to pursue joint degree programs, collaborative research and greater student and faculty mobility. “We should explore new models of cooperation that can translate this shared interest into practice—from transnational education and joint or global degree programs, collaborative research networks, and expanded student and faculty mobility,” CHED chairperson Shirley Agrupis said. The Philippines has established more than 52 active partnerships involving 36 local higher education institutions and 43 UK partners, she said. Agrupis also cited the Philippines’ role in hosting the fourth ASEAN-European Union dialogues on higher education, saying the summit offered another opportunity to deepen cooperation, this time between ASEAN and the United Kingdom.

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PINOY ROCKET ENGINEERS. Ten engineers from the Philippine Space Agency complete their hands-on training on assembling, integrating and testing liquid-fueled sounding rockets at the Rocket Development Complex of Perigee Aerospace Inc. in South Korea, ahead of a demonstration launch targeted for early 2027 in Cagayan.

MMDA set to launch unified anti-trash drive across NCR T By Joel E. Zurbano

HE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday officially began forming the Harmonized AntiLittering Framework alongside representatives from local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila.

BANGSAMORO SCHOLAR. Mohajirin Omar, 17, shown here with a guardian, is one of the Bangsamoro Ministry of Social Services and Development scholars with a P5,000- monthly subsidy. The Grade 11 lad dreams of teaching Arabic and English to Muslim students in the region.

Bangsamoro scholarship adopts needy children By Rex Espiritu BARMM—For 17-year-old Mohajirin Omar, the P5,000 monthly assistance he receives through the Bangsamoro government’s Kupkop Program helps cover school expenses and gives him a reason to pursue education. The Bangsamoro Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) provides P5,000 a month to eligible orphaned children under the Kupkop Program which supports beneficiaries from birth until they turn 18. Mohajirin, a Grade 11 student from Kadayangan, Special Geographic Area (SGA), lives with an older sister and a guardian, Noraida Mamison. After their father died, the family struggled to meet his educational expenses. “Before the Kupkop Program, I struggled to support his schooling,” Mamison said, recalled. The subsidy now bankrolls Omar’s school-related expenses, including uniforms and daily allowances. “The P5,000 per month I am getting helps me go through my studies,” he said in an interview. The boy said the support has encouraged him to continue studying, adding that he hopes the program will reach more children who need help. He said he dreamed of teaching Arabic and English in the BARMM like his guardian sister, and pursue his college education as well.

In Kadayangan, the local government complements the program by providing school supplies and other assistance to vulnerable families. Mayor Duma Mascud said these efforts are intended to help children meet their needs as they continue their studies. The municipal government is also working with MSSD to identify children who may qualify for the program and provide assistance that complements the monthly stipend. Mascud the municipality compiled a list of potential beneficiaries and submitted it to the agency for assessment. The mayor also observed that some beneficiaries had learned to save portions of the stipend for expenses they would face later. In Tugunan, another municipality in the SGA, five-year-old Norharni Payot has been receiving assistance through the program for three years. Her guardian, Abdulkarim Payot, works as a rice farmer and operates a small motor parts store. He also takes construction jobs when work is available. Payot said the family previously struggled to cover school expenses, food and other daily necessities. At times, he sought additional work to help provide for his children. The assistance helps ease some of the pressure on the household, although the family continues to face the demands of daily living. For local social welfare work-

ers, the program’s role extends beyond the monthly stipend. Beneficiaries also require monitoring and assessment to determine whether they need additional support, including health care, education, nutrition and other social services. Baimona Dalgan, Tugunan’s municipal social welfare officer, said social workers assess beneficiaries’ circumstances and look at how the assistance can address their needs. She added that local social welfare offices coordinate with other government agencies and organizations because they cannot immediately address every family’s needs on their own. In Kadayangan, local officials said access to basic services has improved as services have become more accessible at the municipal level. Jalalodin Saad, a local social welfare official in Kadayangan, said the municipality had 18 Kupkop beneficiaries. He added that the local government also prioritizes eligible individuals under other assistance programs. The Kupkop Program’s longerterm impact is still being evaluated by the relevant Bangsamoro planning and development agencies. While families and local officials have described how the assistance helps with immediate expenses, a formal assessment is needed to establish the extent of its effects over time.

The move aims to strengthen enforcement of solid waste management regulations and create consistency across the metropolis. MMDA chairman Romando Artes and deputy chairman Frisco San Juan Jr. met with local officials who are part of the technical working group (TWG) to establish a unified and standardized approach to policies, fines, and enforcement mechanisms concerning improper waste disposal. Artes emphasized that the framework was not exclusively centered on penalties, but also seeks to create effective initiatives aimed at decreasing the amount of street trash and obstructions in drainage systems and waterways. “This is crucial because waste often travels across jurisdictional boundaries—a problem that does not stop at the borders of a single locality,” he said. Similar to the Single Ticketing System for traffic violations, the TWG aims to establish a unified ticketing type and enforcement system throughout the region. According to the MMDA, stronger and more harmonized enforcement could help reduce the amount of garbage reaching waterways and drainage systems that aggravate flooding. “The proper management of solid waste is not only an environmental concern but also a critical part of our flood mitigation efforts. We support initiatives that will strengthen discipline, harmonize enforcement, and encourage every Metro Manila resident to take responsibility for their waste,” Artes said.

Pinoys in France told to ‘prepare for crisis’ By Charles Dantes THE Philippine Embassy in France has urged the local Filipino community to prepare 72-hour emergency kits and remain vigilant amid ongoing protests as French authorities step up public preparedness for potential crises. In an advisory, the embassy said French authorities have been reminding the public to have emergency supplies to sustain them for at least 72 hours as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national resilience and crisis preparedness. The embassy said the Philippine government also regularly issues reminders on disaster preparedness protocols, underscoring the importance of being ready for emergencies. It advised Filipinos in France to keep their passports, residence permits, and other essential documents readily accessible in case of an emergency. Filipinos were also urged to keep a small amount of cash in case electronic payment systems become unavailable, to stay in touch with family members, and to monitor official government alerts. The embassy further advised the Filipino community to familiarize themselves with the contact details of the Philippine Embassy and French authorities to ensure they can seek assistance when needed. The advisory also cautioned Filipinos to exercise vigilance amid continuing protests in France. The embassy said it remains ready to assist Filipinos who may need help, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Filipinos in France and other parts of the world.

OPINION

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

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EDITORIAL

Leonie’s crusade WHILE I was out bonding with my grandkids and their parents in a foreign environment, news from home reported that Leonie Montemayor posted bail as a warrant for his arrest was issued against him. “What the f—k is happening to our country?” I asked myself. Just two weeks back, former senator Orly Mercado and I interviewed Leonie regarding the Super El Nino and its impact on farmers’ produce and incomes for a forthcoming weekend show over the Bilyonaryo News Channel. The program is titled “ExMen,” featuring former Cabinet-level officials from various administrations discussing issues of current and even prospective interest. Off-camera, I asked Ka Leonie about Planters’ Products, Inc. and its anomalous rice imports. He asked me to send someone to cover a press conference called by the Federation of Free Farmers the following Tuesday. Planters’ Products is a GOCC taken over by the government after the ouster of Marcos Senior. I learned during the time of PGMA that it was chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and its directors were nominated by him. When the Rice Tarrification Law was passed in 2019, the National Food Authority lost its monopoly on rice importation, and the rice import trade was opened to the private sector, subject only to phyto-sanitary permits issued by the Bureau of Plant Industry. NFA was confined to buying palay from local farmers using a subsidy granted by the GAA. That up-front subsidy was further increased by the 20-peso per kilo rice program called Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) na where DA, through NFA and Food Terminal’s Kadiwa outlets purvey local rice at a substantial loss just to somehow comply with the BBM campaign promise. Pure optics, at the expense of taxpayers amounting to billions of pesos each year to feed an illusion of rice sufficiency and affordability, while 116 million Filipinos have to pay from 48 to 65 pesos per kilo of the staple despite heavy importation. Oh well, sane policies are rare in this administration. Leonie, who was PGMA’s first agriculture secretary after the ouster of President Estrada, has been a staunch advocate of the farmers’ sector, taking off from his highly respected father, also the long time Dean of the Ateneo School of Law, Jeremias Montemayor. Etched in my memory was how Dean Jerry welcomed me to the Ateneo law school after an interview right after my graduation from AB Economics. But a week later, I decided to accept an offer as market researcher from a multinational company with a pay three times the minimum wage then. I sometimes regret having ditched a career in the law for the

temporary gain of a high-paying job. “To speak the truth about the plight of our farmers is not libel; it is a moral duty”, the FFF stated after the Makati Regional Trial Court issued the warrant. Planters’ Products, Inc. claims that its rice importation was legal, because it is a private corporation, not a government owned and controlled corporation, and as such, it was not violating the Rice Tarrification Law passed by Congress in 2019.

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This harassment of Montemayor is another instance of weaponizing the law against those who would dare question the actions of government officials But the GCG or Governance Commission for GOCC’s and even COA considers the PPI as government controlled, and in fact, the agriculture secretary sits as its chairman. Presently, it is headed by Zenaida Benedicto Angping, former head of the Presidential Management Staff as CEO and Ram Antonio, former Development Bank director as its COO. Yet a recent shipment of some 12,480 metric tons of rice imported from Vietnam covered by an import permit issued by DA for 25 percent brokens was seized by the Bureau of Customs after the DA Secretary himself disowned the shipment. This latest incident comes after several permits covering tens of thousands of metric tons of rice had already been brought in by Planters Products, despite its being a GOCC, and thus proscribed from importing the staple. Something does not meet the eye here. Why would the chairman of the board declare illegal a shipment covered by a permit issued by agencies under him, and in this case, a corporate entity where he is the Chairman of the Board? If PPI brought in highly-priced 5 percent brokens instead of the permitted 25 percent brokens, clearly the onus would fall on the management of PPI. Did its operating executives cut a deal with private traders without the knowledge of their chairman? All these are valid questions as well as those previously raised by the FFF through its chairman, Leonardo Montemayor. They are covered by the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech, certainly not libel. This harassment of Montemayor is another instance of weaponizing the law against those who would dare question the actions of government officials.

Two Cabinet secretaries LAST week, PBBM reshuffled two important Cabinet positions by exchanging the heads of the DPWH and DOTr. Erstwhile Secretary Vince Dizon of the DPWH is now the DOTr chief while Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez now leads the DPWH. The questions some are now asking are whether it was necessary and was the timing right. There are some who even say that it was done to insulate wonder boy Vince Dizon from further investigations related to previous anomalies committed during the previous administration which seems unfair to the fellow. The more likely reason was perhaps because his boss, PBBM, believes that he can accomplish more as DOTr secretary. Whether that is possible, however, remains to be seen. This is because projects undertaken by DOTR like the DPWH takes years to accomplish and 18 months remaining of PBBM’s tenure does not seem to be enough. Still, Vince Dizon with his boundless energy might be able to spring a surprise and eventually come up with a lot of accomplishments. And having seen his style during his previous stint in the DOTr, he will almost certainly move full speed ahead and do what he thinks is best for his agency. If this is the course of action he will choose, his focus will have to be in the Metro Area because the main problem is there. As the Palace has alluded to, the govern-

ment must find a way to improve public transportation so that people can move more efficiently. This means harnessing all the available public transportation systems to move in cohesion instead of the current system which is viewed by many as uncoordinated and inefficient. And since he views privatization as one effective way of making public transport more efficient, we should expect him to pursue this avenue again especially in rail.

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It is high time the country deserved some good substantive news and it better be soon The drawback with this move is that the cost of public transportation will increase and become more expensive instead of being affordable. The current trend in urban public transportation is to encourage the public to use it because it is supposed to be cheap and affordable. There are now several metro areas around the world experimenting on free bus rides to encourage people to use public transport. But if we make the cost of using public transportation expensive, people will prefer

The manhunt for fugitive Senator Bato

HE real challenge the government faces in pursuing the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is not just legal.

It is about whether state institutions are willing and able to enforce the law against a powerful political figure with deep connections in government and law enforcement. The most immediate step is to intensify the nationwide manhunt already being conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Authorities should focus on identifying the individuals and networks that may be providing him shelter, tracking financial transactions, and improving intelligence sharing among law enforcement and security agencies. Any operation, however, must remain within legal and constitutional boundaries. Another avenue is international cooperation through Interpol. Since the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant has been made public, Philippine authorities can coordinate with Interpol to help locate and apprehend him if he attempts to leave the country or seek refuge abroad. While an Interpol Red Notice is not itself an arrest warrant, it remains a useful mechanism for international police cooperation. A third and perhaps most important option is the use of Republic Act 9851, which provides a legal framework for surrendering individuals accused of serious international crimes to an in-

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Justice must be seen as consistent and impartial, or it risks losing its legitimacy in the eyes of the public The government may also seek any necessary judicial authorization to strengthen the legal basis for apprehension and transfer. Although the Supreme Court denied Dela Rosa’s request for temporary relief from arrest, it has not yet resolved all of the broader constitutional questions surrounding ICC cooperation. Even so, the denial removed an immediate obstacle to law enforcement action.

Honor Blanco Cabie HE ONCE stood before the cameras with resolute bravado, daring the Hague-based International Criminal Court to “bring it on.” But the moment the ICC unsealed its warrant charging Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa with crimes against humanity, the architect of the drug war vanished like a thick summer nimbus. He fled the Senate under the cover of night, leaving a burning institutional cauldron in his wake. The real challenge facing the government is not a lack of legal machinery; it is a question of political and institutional will. Can state apparatuses enforce the law against a deep-rooted figure, or will deep networks within the Philippine National Police incapacitate the hand of justice? The administration cannot hide behind the haze of the country’s 2019 withdrawal, made by then President Rodrigo Duterte, from the Rome Statute. Our obligations are firmly anchored in domestic legal precedent. Under Section 17 of Republic Act 9851 (the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity), the state maintains explicit statutory power to surrender individuals to international tribunals. Additionally, the Supreme Court’s definitive ruling in Duterte and Dela Rosa v. Bersamin (G.R. 278747) denied the senator’s prayer for a Temporary Restraining Order or Status Quo Ante Order. By turning down his bid for injunctive relief, the 15-member high court effectively dismantled the immediate domestic obstacles to his apprehension. Legally, the runway is clear. Other legal and political analysts have

opined the shield of parliamentary immunity under Article VI, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution is entirely inapplicable here, stressing that senators’ immunity only covers offenses punishable by six years or less. International crimes codified under RA 9851 carry much heavier penalties, the law offers no sanctuary, these same analysts contend.

We join legal eagles and the ordinary Juan and Juana as well as Luzviminda in their thoughts that the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation must escalate their nationwide dragnet by auditing financial transactions and dismantling the networks shielding him. Just months ago, Dela Rosa stood right there on that television screen, finger wagging, chest puffed out like a war-gull, shouting to the heavens: “Bring it on!” He dared the world to catch him. He mocked the international scales of justice as if they were made of plastic. And now? Look at the reports from the PNP and the DILG. Hollow. The phantom senator vanished. The moment that ICC warrant was unsealed, he dissolved into thin air like a dark summer storm cloud hit by a sudden windstorm. The police say they are searching. The

NBI says they are tracking the funds, hunting down the safe houses, shaking down the networks. But we know how deep those roots go. He isn’t just a suspect; he’s a architect of the system itself! His friends sit in the very precincts tasked with hunting him down. His loyalists hold the keys to the kingdom. This isn’t just a game of hide-and-seek – it’s a civil war of conscience inside our own state institutions. Are they willing to handcuff one of their own? Republic Act 9851 is staring the Department of Justice right in the face. The Supreme Court cleared the runway when they denied Dela Rosa’s petition. The legal road is paved, but the drivers are sitting with their hands off the steering wheel, waiting to see which way the political wind blows. They cleared the path. G.R. No. 278747 is sitting on the desks of the PNP and the NBI like a loaded gun. There are no more domestic blocks. No more legal excuses. They talk about Interpol. They talk about Red Notices. But the real trial is happening right here, on our soil. If we let him sit in the shadows, sheltered by the powerful, financed by the corrupt, then every editorial we have ever printed and uploaded online about the rule of law is just waste paper. The clock is ticking. The world is watching through the glass of many print and broadcast newsrooms, the laboratories of human character. Either the state proves its sovereignty is real, or it admits that justice in this country is nothing but a trap set for the small, while the giants walk free. Find “Bato” and crack the stone. Bring him in. Let the law speak, or let us finally admit that the shadows have won.

to use cars instead of public transport. The idea is to wean people away from cars and encourage them to use public transportation. Whatever Vince Dizon will do, he will not be able to avoid wrestling with the issue of costs which should be food for thought for him. As to the answers of the two questions, the obvious response would be both no. It would have been better if both gentlemen simply remained in place. The time remaining simply will not allow them to be able to plan and accomplish new projects except to try to finish identified ongoing projects. That was in fact what both gentlemen said

when asked by the media. It would be alright for Vince Dizon having occupied the post before but for Secretary Lopez, he will need some time to get the feel of the job. In the DPWH, the real problem in that agency is how to get things moving due to the inertia created by the corruption scandal. As it is, some corrupt DPHW officials who committed irregularities and are still currently being suspended left and right. Under these conditions, it is difficult to get a huge organization moving especially if morale is practically zero. Secretary Lopez has the tougher job of the two but this should be an opportunity for him to show the kind of leader he is made of.

It would be great if he can make things happen with the DPWH being currently the way it is. If he can do that, that in itself will be a huge accomplishment. A lot therefore is going in these two appointments. They have to do well, otherwise PBBM’s trust and approval rating will continue to be anemic in his last two years in office. More so when the economy is performing at its worst and the peso has depreciated so much. Inflation also is going thru the roof. All thru these past months, we have been bombarded with nothing but depressing and gloomy news. It is high time the country deserved some good substantive news and it better be soon.

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Find ‘Bato’ and crack the stone. Bring him in. Let the law speak, or let us finally admit that the shadows have won

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser

Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

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MEMBER

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The smog of jurisdiction

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 tribunal such as the ICC. The Department of Justice has previously pointed to this law as a possible basis for cooperation despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. The key issue is whether the government is willing to take a clear legal position and act on it rather than allowing uncertainty to delay enforcement.

Another pressure point involves individuals who may be knowingly assisting him. Those who intentionally provide shelter, transportation, funding, or other support to evade arrest could potentially face legal consequences. However, authorities must distinguish between genuine criminal assistance and mere association or family ties. Finally, investigators should determine whether there are any separate violations of Philippine law that could independently justify domestic arrest warrants. This is not about creating cases to secure his arrest, but about ensuring that any legitimate offenses under Philippine law are properly investigated and prosecuted. Beyond these legal and operational options lies a larger issue. Dela Rosa is not an ordinary fugitive. As a former PNP chief and sitting senator, he understands how law enforcement works and has longstanding political and institutional connections. His ability to avoid arrest therefore raises serious questions about the state’s capacity to hold influential figures accountable. The Dela Rosa case stands as a test of whether the government is prepared to uphold the principle that no one, regardless of status, position, or political influence, is above the law. Justice must be seen as consistent and impartial, or it risks losing its legitimacy in the eyes of the public.

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Seoul court upholds ex-president Yoon’s poll conviction IN BRIEF

SEOUL – A South Korean appeals court on Wednesday upheld former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s 18-month suspended sentence for spreading disinformation on the campaign trail, a ruling that could force the opposition to repay nearly $30 million. The ruling is a largely symbolic blow for the disgraced ex-leader, who has already been sentenced to life imprisonment

China in contact with US, Russia BEIJING – China said Wednesday it was in contact with the United States and Russia about a possible three-way leaders’ meeting on the sidelines of a regional gathering in Shenzhen this month. “China is in communication on a China-Russia-US heads of state meeting with relevant parties,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing when asked about the possible trilateral summit on the sidelines of the APEC meeting on November 18-19. The Kremlin said on October 21 that the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US and Russian counterparts Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin -- which would be a first -- was “being prepared”. Xi, 73, and Trump, 80, have already met twice this year -- most recently with the Chinese leader visiting the White House in September -- and they are due to come together again at a G20 summit in Miami in December. AFP

for insurrection. Yoon declared martial law in December 2024, ordering troops to shut down parliament, before lawmakers defied the military to vote down the decree. The 65-year-old was subsequently impeached and removed from office, and has since faced a slew of criminal prosecutions.

Wednesday’s ruling affirmed a lower court verdict that found Yoon guilty of violating election laws by making false statements during his campaign, including lying about his ties to a shaman. “The defendant, who had a duty to provide voters with accurate information on which to base their judgement, disseminated disinformation,” the presiding judge

said during the televised sentencing at the Seoul High Court. “From the investigation stage through to the trial proceedings, the defendant has consistently resorted to excuses,” the judge added. Yoon, wearing a white shirt and dark jacket, showed no emotion when the judge announced that his appeal was rejected. AFP

N. Korea’s Kim vows to build ‘most advanced’ warships S

EOUL – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to possess “the most advanced and powerful warships” while touring a shipyard, state media reported Wednesday, as Pyongyang accelerates an ambitious naval expansion.

Singapore to toughen haze law SINGAPORE – Singapore’s parliament moved on Wednesday to toughen its anti-haze law with arrest powers, bigger fines and potential restrictions on companies linked to transboundary air pollution from wildfires. The proposed changes, which are expected to pass easily, come after weeks of air pollution from fires in neighbouring Indonesia angered Singaporeans and sparked calls for action. “We need better ways to obtain and verify information, trace complex corporate relationships, and impose meaningful consequences on errant entities,” Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said. “We also need to be able to intervene earlier before haze pollution reaches Singapore. We therefore have to strengthen our laws, and we must act quickly.” AFP

PUTTING PRESSURE. This combination of images taken on Nov. 2, 2026 and released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency on Nov. 3, 2026 shows a cruise missile in flight and detonation during a demonstration conducted by the DPRK’s General Missile Bureau at an undisclosed location in North Korea. AFP

Bangladesh to hike garment sector wage DHAKA – Bangladesh’s garment industry wage board said on Wednesday it had agreed to raise the minimum wage for workers in the key export sector, following five days of protests and sporadic clashes. Thousands of garment workers have been protesting since Saturday, demanding higher pay, hurling bricks and erecting barricades, while police have fired tear gas to disperse crowds. “The workers have been demanding a wage increase by December so that they can receive their revised salaries in January,” said Babul Akter, the workers’ representative on the board. “The representative of the factory owners on the wage board agreed, too. We agreed on this point... We are working together.” The South Asian nation of 170 million people is the world’s second-biggest garment exporter behind China, producing clothes for major international brands. AFP

Israel election body rejects Netanyahu charges JERUSALEM – Israeli electoral authorities on Wednesday rejected allegations promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of fraud by Arab parties, who could hold the key to removing him from power after a divisive vote. President Isaac Herzog will at noon (Wednesday night in Manila) officially receive the results of the Oct. 27 election as he decides whether to give Netanyahu or his rival Gadi Eisenkot the first chance to form a government, with neither commanding enough votes alone. The Central Elections Committee said it had conducted an audit of 9,069 polling stations following complaints and was confident that the announced results “accurately reflect the will of the voters”.

“All complaints submitted by political factions have been reviewed and there were no findings indicating harm to the integrity of the election,” it said in a statement. Netanyahu has repeatedly alleged fraud by Arab-majority parties, pointing to the arrests of several people with envelopes of cash on election day and later saying lawmakers received money from Qatar -- allegations that have been levelled at his own aides in the past. Late on Tuesday, Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said she would not question anyone without evidence after reports that the head of the domestic security service Shin Bet, a Netanyahu ally, had asked to interrogate Arab par-

ties. Netanyahu’s Likud party lashed out at her, saying that she was trying to “obstruct the investigation and to cover up this serious case of manipulation of the electoral process by foreign actors”. Eisenkot, a former military chief trying to unite centrists and the centre-right and turn the page on Netanyahu’s long, polarising reign, accused Likud of attempting a “pogrom against democracy”. He had earlier warned Netanyahu against launching a new war with his close ally US President Donald Trump against Iran, which could help the Israeli prime minister push for a unity government or to run out the clock until new elections. AFP

Kim toured the Nampho Shipyard on Monday, where North Korea is building a new warship, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. The nuclear-equipped country has been rapidly upgrading its navy, commissioning 5,000-tonne destroyers and testing ship-launched missiles, while Kim has pledged to arm the fleet with nuclear weapons and build larger 10,000-tonne warships. Pyongyang says the expansion is needed to counter threats from the United States and South Korea, as North Korea develops weapons designed to extend its military reach beyond its traditionally coastal navy. Kim said the “recently emerging geopolitical environment and the hostile acts of adversaries” demonstrated “the need to possess the most advanced and powerful warships”, according to KCNA. The warship under construction has a “combat system possessing operational capabilities that no other country in the world has”, Kim said, stressing the “significant military importance of this enormous concentration of combat power”. “He (Kim) said this was because we must defend our homeland, guarantee our sovereignty and deter all threats.” Kim expressed “great satisfaction” after inspecting the vessel and said it was “incomparable to the destroyer built last year”. The unprecedented operational capabilities could indicate plans to equip the new ships with “strategic cruise missiles (Hwasal series), tactical nuclear weapons, or ship-to-ship and ship-to-surface missiles”, Lim Eul-chul, professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University, told AFP. North Korea last year unveiled a 5,000-ton destroyer-class vessel, that experts believe can carry both ship-tosurface and ship-to-air missiles. AFP

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30 DAYS Upon receipt of Notice to Proceed

₱10,000.00

₱25,000.00

Prospective Bidders should have completed a similar contract, and have key personnel and equipment available for the execution of the contract. The Eligibility Check/Screening, as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids, shall use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria. Post-qualification of the Lowest Calculated Bid (LCB) shall be conducted. All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of the NEA Procurement Guidelines and Simplified Bidding Procedures for Electric Cooperatives. To complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows: Procurement Activity

Date

Conditions/Remarks

Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid

November 05, 2026

Start of Availability of Bidding Documents

Pre-Bid Conference

November 12, 2026

10:00 AM at INEC Training Room, Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte

Deadline of Submission and Receipt of Bids, and Bid Opening

December 02, 2026

10:00 AM at INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte

Bid Evaluation & Post Qualification

December 03-04, 2026

INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte

Issuance of Notice of Award

To be announced

Interested bidders may obtain further information from INEC through the BAC and its Secretariat located in INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte. INEC reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. Note: This publication supersedes the previously published dated November 4, 2026.

For further information, please refer to: THE INEC BAC SECRETARIAT Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte Email : bidsawardc@gmail.com (Lorena T. Bungcayao) Contact Nos. : (077) 600-46-32 loc. 1101; 09608179844 (077) 600-46-32 loc. 1301; 09611003849

Noted by: (Sgd.) MR. CIPRIANO E. MARTINEZ III General Manager

(Sgd.) ENGR. LEAHMEL A. MANSIBANG BAC Chairman

TEHRAN – President Donald Trump has confirmed the United States launched strikes on Iran, as Tehran warned no one would benefit from a return to war. It came as US voters prepared to cast their ballots in midterm elections that threaten Trump’s grip on power. But Trump played down speculation he was preparing to resume bombing Iran once the polls were out of the way. “We seem to be getting everything we want,” Trump told Britain’s Financial Times newspaper on Tuesday. “I’m ready, we’re ready. We’re locked and loaded if we need to go, but there may be no reason for it.” Iran’s chief negotiator in talks with the United States, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the Islamic republic EXTRAJUDICIAL was “ready for battle with its SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF SONIA M. finger on the trigger”, while BALLO, DELFIN C. BALLO Deputy Foreign Minister KaAND CHRISTINA M. BALLO zem Gharibabadi said Tehran Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Sonia M. Ballo, retained the right to “legitimate Delfin C. Ballo and Christina M. Ballo has been extrajudicially self-defence” after the strikes. settled among their heirs as per Doc. No. 721; Page No. 41; Book Iran’s President Masoud No. II; Series of 2026, before Atty. Rhouan S. Loseriaga, Pezeshkian said his governNotary Public City of Makati. Until December 31, 2026, Appt. ment was still trying to resolve No. M-035 (2025-2026), Roll of Attorneys No. 48469, IBP Lifetime the crisis “through dialogue” Member No. 09625; Manila III Chapter, PTR No. MKT10788909 though, adding that “no one 01/22/2026, Makati City, Unit 708 Cityland Herrera Tower, will benefit from this war” if it 98 V.A. Rufino St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines, reignited. Telephone No. 02 8816-3806 MS -October 29, November 5, and 12, 2026 Pezeshkian emphasised that the country’s supreme leader NOTICE OF SELF-ADJUDICATION OF INSURANCE PROCEEDS had recently granted the govNotice is hereby given that JESICA ernment new powers to negotiFRANSCISCO DE JONG, as the designated beneficiary under Allianz ate issues that were previously Policy No. 130191323 covering the “off-limits”. life of WOUTER DE JONG who died on 24 January 2026, has executed Trump confirmed the strikes an Affidavit of Self-Adjudication of Insurance Proceeds covering on Iran in an interview with Fox the Insurance proceeds and other News, after US media reported benefits lawfully payable to her under said policy. strikes on Tehran’s Qeshm IsThe Affidavit was subscribed land in the Strait of Hormuz. and sworn to before Notary “They built an anti-aircraft Public ATTY. JOSEPH NICO P. RAMARAMA in Mandaluyong City facility... As soon as it was on October 19, 2026. and entered as Doc No.440; Page No. 88; completed, we hit it last night Book No. 16; Series of 2026 very nicely,” Trump said on the This notice is published in compliance with the insurer’s “Fox & Friends” show, adding documentary requirements that it was a “minor attack”. (MS-OCT. 22/29/NOV. 5, 2026) AFP

‘REOPEN HORMUZ.’ An Iranian woman holds up a portrait of Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei during a gathering in front of an anti-US billboard depicting US President Donald Trump in Tehran’s Enghelab Square on Nov. 3, 2026. Iran unveiled a massive billboard and banners pledging to kill the US president across Tehran on November 3, bringing to a new level the official rhetoric displayed in the capital. AFP

Zelenskyy says dozens dead, missing in Russian hit days before US talks BERLIN – More than 50 people could be trapped under rubble in a Ukrainian village where a Russian attack killed 33 people, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said, in what he called one of Moscow’s worst attacks of the war. Russia pummeled Ukraine on Monday and Tuesday after a rare truce between the enemies ended at the weekend, with the strikes dampening hopes for a breakthrough at US-led negotiations set for next week in Abu Dhabi. Rescue operations were ongoing in the frontline southeastern village of Komyshuvakha, where Russian forces had struck a former school building

that Ukraine said was being used to distribute aid every Monday. “Just one strike killed 33 people. Five people were rescued and more than 50 may still be trapped under the rubble,” Zelenskyy said, describing it as “one of the largest Russian killings of this war”. The United Nations’ right mission in Ukraine slammed the attack. “Either the Russian armed forces knew that there was a humanitarian distribution taking place, or they failed to take the most basic steps to find out what was happening in this village,” said Danielle Bell, the head of the rights mission. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

SPORTS Vermosa sets stage for Sun Life’s active lifestyle goals THE Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite, will take center stage as the venue for the inaugural Sun Life Bike and Run on Sunday (Nov. 8), bringing together cyclists, runners and families for a day of fitness, fun and community engagement. Known for hosting major sporting competitions, including events during the Southeast Asian Games and IRONKIDS, the sports complex provides an ideal setting for an event that promotes active recreation and encourages more Filipinos to embrace healthier lifestyles. Beyond giving participants an opportunity to test their endurance, the event is expected to benefit Imus and nearby communities by highlighting the importance of accessible spaces for physical activity. By bringing together people of different ages and fitness levels, it also seeks to strengthen community ties and inspire the younger generation to make movement part of their daily lives. The event will feature 60-km and 45-km bike rides for cycling enthusiasts seeking a longer challenge, alongside a 15-km ride for those who prefer a shorter route. Kids’ rides and a family ride will give younger participants and their loved ones a chance to enjoy cycling together, while a 5-km run will welcome those who prefer running. Organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., the event aims to make physical activity an enjoyable shared experience, encouraging participants to spend time outdoors, stay active and build healthier habits with friends and family.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

Spanish footballer De Miguel dies after collision with keeper M

ADRID—Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died on Tuesday as a result of injuries he suffered in a sickening collision with FC Andorra’s goalkeeper in a Spanish second-division match, leaving football in mourning and condolences pouring in from around the globe. “Broken with pain, with a lump in our throat and unable to believe this is real, CD Tenerife announces the tragic death, at 8:00 am (0700 GMT), of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” his club Tenerife said in a statement. “No words can ease the pain, nothing can lessen this great feeling of sadness. Our thoughts are with the family, his close friends and Tenerife fans, who today are grieving over this terrible news.” De Miguel, 30, was fouled in the middle of the pitch by Equatorial Guinea international goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who had raced out of his goal to try and clear the ball. Spanish police sources told AFP an investigation into what happened has been opened, under judicial supervision. The incident happened towards the end of the match at the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium, with the teams level at 2-2. Owono was sent off and the match

was subsequently abandoned. Spanish media said that De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest and was resuscitated. The player was taken to hospital and placed in intensive care, with Tenerife later saying that

De Miguel’s condition had “worsened neurologically”, before his death. “I am so deeply sorry. Rest in peace, Jesus,” former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, Andorra’s majority shareholder, wrote on social media. Andorra also sent their “most sincere condo-

This undated handout photo released by CD Tenerife shows striker Jesus de Miguel celebrating a goal. The Tenerife striker died November 3, 2026 as a result of injuries he suffered in a sickening collision with FC Andorra’s goalkeeper in a Spanish second division match.

lences” to De Miguel’s family, teammates and Tenerife. Tenerife president Felipe Minambres said his team would need professional help to recover from the tragedy. “We’re unable to believe what has happened, but we will go through mourning, we will come together,” the club chief told reporters. “We will need professional help, but also the support of all our fans, because they will share the same feeling that we

have today.” The club president said Tenerife’s next two matches, against Granada on November 7 in the league and at Badajoz in the Copa del Rey on November 10, were set to be postponed following discussions with the Spanish football federation (RFEF). Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and other clubs in Spain also sent messages of condolence, as well as the federation. The RFEF postponed all matches in the Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina this week

“as a gesture of respect and solidarity”. European football’s governing body UEFA said a minute’s silence would be held before matches this week in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

Messages of support Real Madrid held a minute of silence before their training session on Tuesday. “Immense sadness, there are no words,” Madrid’s French forward Kylian Mbappe wrote on Instagram. Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said De Miguel’s death was “shocking” and sad, and also said it must be “very, very, very difficult” for Owono, too. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said the incident was “heartbreaking”. “To see a colleague to lose his life in such a manner, it’s beyond any words that I can put today,” said the Spanish coach. Other sports stars, including Rafael Nadal and Lionel Messi, also left messages on Instagram. “There are no words... rest in peace,” wrote Inter Miami forward Messi. “What a terrible sadness... I’m with you from the bottom of my heart,” wrote retired tennis great Nadal. La Liga side Espanyol also delayed the presentation of their new coach Eder Sarabia to Wednesday, while some clubs chose not to train. Top-flight chief Javier Tebas and Spanish Sports Minister Milagros Tolon also posted messages of condolence. AFP

Adamson leans on experience, clips UP to boost Final 4 bid MOSTLY composed of seniors, Adamson University leaned on its experience and composure to grind out a 66-59 victory over the University of the Philippines, gaining a crucial step forward in the tight UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Final Four race on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. The win improved the Lady Falcons’ record to 6-4, tying them with the FEU Lady Tamaraws for third and fourth places while putting them just half a game behind

second-running NU Lady Bulldogs (6-3). By completing an elimination-round sweep of UP, Adamson handed the Diliman-based squad its third consecutive loss, dropping the Fighting Maroons to a 4-5 record and a tie with Ateneo de Manila University for fifth place. “We’re just taking it one game at a time especially that the Final Four race is heating up and it’s tighter than ever. What I told the girls lang before the game is this is na opportunity for us to

Cheska Apag gives her Adamson teammates a high-five.

separate the standings,” said Lady Falcons head coach Jed Colonia. Adamson appeared headed for a comfortable victory after building a commanding 27-10 lead early in the second quarter. However, UP fought its way back, trimming the deficit to just five points at halftime, 38-33. The Lady Falcons, however, showed greater composure down the stretch, with clutch baskets from leading scorers Elaine Etang and Cheska Apag, alongside the timely contributions of Eline Alaba, proving crucial. The trio traded baskets with Fighting Maroons Tiani Abrams and Louna Ozar as the contest remained tight entering the final two minutes. With Adamson clinging to a onepoint lead, Alaba, who entered the game shooting just 28.5 percent from beyond the arc, knocked down a crucial triple to extend the Lady Falcons’ advantage to 63-59 with 1:44 remaining. Adamson then relied on its defensive effort to seal the victory, holding UP scoreless over the final two minutes and five seconds. Etang led the Lady Falcons with 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Kemi Adeshina chipped in 12 points and six boards. Alaba, meanwhile, more than dou-

Games on Saturday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 8 a.m. – UPIS vs AdU (16U) 10 a.m. – AdU vs UE (Women) 12 p.m. – UP vs Ateneo (Women) 2 p.m. – AdU vs UE (Men) 6 p.m. – UP vs Ateneo (Men) bled her averages of 3.5 points, 2.38 rebounds, and 0.5 assists, finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. She also added one steal and one block while posting a game-best plus-15 rating in 25 minutes off the bench. Shanina Tapawan paced the Fighting Maroons with 11 points, while Ozar finished with 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting from the field. Kennan Ka struggled offensively, converting just one of her 10 attempts from the field to finish with four points. Camille Nolasco also had a quiet outing, recording two points, four assists, and three rebounds. Both teams return to action on Saturday at the Big Dome. Adamson looks to strengthen its hold on a Final Four spot when it takes on the University of the East at 10 a.m., while UP aims to snap its losing streak against Ateneo at 12 p.m.

Converge coach Pineda give Abueva, Policarpio their flowers By Jeremiah Sevilla VETERAN player Calvin Abueva and sophomore Jonnel Policarpio are proving to be valuable pieces as Converge moves closer to a breakthrough semifinal appearance in the PBA. Head coach Delta Pineda lauded the two forwards for their contributions after the FiberXers moved within a win of their first semifinal appearance with a 105-89 romp over Rain or Shine in Game 3 of their Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series on Tuesday. Abueva, 38, delivered a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds while Policarpio, 24, came through with a conference-best 13 points, seven rebounds, and three steals as Converge claimed a crucial 2-1 series lead. But more than the stats, Pineda emphasized Abueva’s energy and defensive presence.

Abueva has been a steady contributor off the bench, averaging 14.0 points and 7.3 rebounds through the first three games of the quarterfinals. The two-time Best Player of the Conference and former champion has also used his trademark physicality and defensive intensity to disrupt ROS’ offensive weapons, including Caelan Tiongson. Policarpio, on the other hand, has quietly embraced his role on both ends of the floor. “Jonnel is doing good. Alam niya ‘yung role niya sa team, especially on defense. Kahit bata pa, sumasabay na,” Pineda noted. “So if we’re talking about Poli, may Converge forwards Calvin Abueva (left) and Jonnel Policarpio (PBA Images) contribution naman po sa team namin.” While star rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño and import Cameron Clark pro“You know, si Calvin kahit matanda cially on defense,” Pineda said. na ‘yan, ‘yung energy na kino-contrib“’Yung offense bonus na lang po sa vide the offensive spark, Abueva and ute niya every time na pinapasok siya, amin ‘yun. Pero ‘yung energy on de- Policarpio have given the FiberXers a nandoon pa rin po ‘yun. Kailangan pa fense, kailangan po namin ‘yun kay much-needed boost as they close in on franchise history. rin po namin ‘yung energy niya, espe- Calvin,” he added.

Pamboy Raymundo of Binan

Binan guns for 2-0 lead BINAN Tatak Gel shoots for a 2-0 lead over defending champion Quezon Province in the South Division Finals of the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City. Leaning on a fourth-quarter scoring spurt, Binan beat Quezon, 8374, Tuesday night in the opener of the best-of-five series at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig and gained momentum going to enemy territory. Nic Cabanero posted a double-double, Pamboy Raymundo tended the backcourt with precision, and Kenny Rocacurva delivered when needed as Binan geared up to avenge the 2-3 beating it absorbed from Quezon in last year’s South Finals. Rocacurva scored 9 of his 14 points and Raymundo 7 of his 14 in the fourth quarter as they outscored the entire Quezon Huskers, who managed 14 in the period, to complement the 16-point, 10-rebound, 3-assist effort of Cabanero, the MVP race pacesetter. Binan Coach Boyet Fernandez cited the trio’s brilliance but said it was an overall team effort, with Renzo Subido, Carlo Lastimosa, and Warren Bonifacio providing support, and Jaymar Gimpayan and Michael Mabulac contributing at crunch time. Fernandez believes the Quezon Huskers will play better and stronger in Game 2 and will prepare his wards for the challenge in Wednesday’s practice session.

SPORTS

A8 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

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

PH lifters close world campaign with 2 bronzes

KING CRUNCHERS STAY UNBEATEN. Criss Cross’ Noel Kampton gets a pat on the back after scoring against National UniversityArchipelago Builders in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. The King Crunchers won, 23-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20, to remain undefeated.

By Randy M. Caluag

Eala eyes vengeful win vs. Czech nemesis Valentova By Jeremiah Sevilla

ILIPINA ace Alexandra “Alex” Eala braces for another tough test against Czech tormentor Tereza Valentova in the second round of the Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 on Thursday at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium. Eala targets her first career victory over Valentova when they meet in a Round of 16 match in the WTA 250 tournament scheduled no earlier than 2 p.m. The 21-year-old Filipina, however, knows she has her work cut out against the 19-year-old Czech, who swept her in both of their previous meetings on outdoor hard courts, the same surface used in Hong Kong.

Alexandra Eala

“I’ve had very tough matches against her in the past. I think she’s proven to be a really good player, not just against me,” Eala said during the post-match press conference following her dominant 6-4, 6-3 victory over Australian lucky loser Emerson Jones on Tuesday night. “She’s played really well, so it should be a good challenge for me, like every match as well. All I can do is do my best to prepare and when I’m out there fight with everything I have,” the Pinay lefty added. Eala suffered a 1-6, 2-6 defeat at the hands of Valentova in the WTA 250 Japan Women’s Open last year before absorbing a 6(6)-7, 1-6 loss in the WTA 1000 Qatar Open last February. But the Filipina has made significant strides since their last encounter, rising from No. 40 to a career-high No. 17 in a breakthrough season marked by a fourth-round appearance in Wimbledon and a maiden Tour title in the WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open amid a stellar North American campaign.

THE Philippines capped its campaign at the IWF World Weightlifting Championships with two bronze medals from sisters Rose Jean and Rosegie Ramos after Kristel Macrohon completed the country’s final appearance Tuesday in Ningbo, China. Macrohon, a 30-year-old Zamboangeña, finished 21st in the women’s 69kg division with a total of 223 kilograms, lifting 101kg in the snatch and 122kg in the clean and jerk. The Ramos sisters delivered the Philippine team’s podium finishes, with Rose Jean claiming bronze in the women’s 49kg snatch and Rosegie matching the feat in the women’s 53kg category. Rosegie lifted 97kg for third place in the snatch before adding 114kg in the clean and jerk. Her 211kg total placed her fifth overall. Albert Ian delos Santos also provided a bright spot for the five-member delegation, setting two world junior records despite narrowly missing the podium in the men’s 70kg division. Delos Santos finished fourth with a 331kg total built on a 144kg snatch and a 187kg clean and jerk. His cleanand-jerk effort and total improved his own world junior marks. Two-time Olympian Elreen Ann Ando, meanwhile, placed ninth in the women’s 61kg category.

Eala also barged into the quarterfinals of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo last week, securing her first last-eight finish of the Asian swing. The highest-ranked Southeast Asian female netter opened her final tournament of 2026 with a convincing win over Jones despite a last-minute opponent change following American Alycia Parks’ withdrawal due to a shoulder injury. Eala also looks to capitalize on a “home-court advantage” with the support of the fervent Filipino community in Hong Kong, a familiar stop since her junior days. “Hong Kong is a very familiar place for me. I’ve been competing here ever since I was very young. I’ve been here many, many times,” she said. “There’s a huge Filipino community and the Hong Kong community has been very hospitable towards me, my family, my team, and all of the players. So besides it being geographically very close to home, it feels very familiar. It feels very home,” she added.

Rose Jean Ramos

Teen PH chesser Polo places 5th in Youth Olympic Games’ wushu stuns Vietnam WGM Hoang FILIPINA teenage sensation Ericka Ordizo delivered the biggest win of the tournament after scalping Vietnamese Woman Grandmaster Hoang Thi Bao to remain unbeaten at the top after the second round in the women’s division of the 7th ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championships at the Amorap in Misamis Occidental yesterday. The 18-year-old Alaminos, Pangasinan native and Far Eastern U standout outplayed the 39-year-old Hoang, a former Vietnamese champion and top board of their Olympiad squad, in the opening on her way to a 37-move victory in their Slav duel. It was the second straight win for Ordizo, who brought down countrywoman and Olympiad veteran WIM Bernadette Galas in the opening round the day before in this nineround event bankrolled by host Gov. Henry Oaminal, Sr. and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and WR Chess. She now shares the lead with a few others with perfect scores of two points apiece, including another Filipina, WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego, who slew WGM Janelle Mae Frayna in the first round and WIM Ruelle Canino in the second. Ordizo and San Diego also stayed in contention for an outright WGM title should one of them end up topping this strong tournament.

DAKAR—Angel Polo poured everything she had into a remarkable 9.250-point performance in Taijiquan, but it wasn’t enough for a podium finish in women’s Taijiquan combined wushu in the 4th YOG at the Dakar Exhibition Center in Diamiando. Polo lost .20 points when she touched the floor as she had difficulty losing her balance in the Taijishan phase in the morning, giving her 9.026 points in her YOG campaign for Team Philippines supported by the Philippine Sports Commission. World champion Ng Zhe Nin of Singapore was

Angel Polo

superbly consistent and added 9.360 points to her 9.353 to win the gold medal, beating Chinese Taipei’s Chu Yu En to third (9.166-9.333) by .214. Germany’s Zhuo Mia Arelja Xianglin saved her best for last to bag the bronze medal (9.266-9.21618.482). Uzbekistan’s Gulirano Kholmuminova was fourth (9.120-9.240-18.360) and Canada’s Miranda Wei was sixth (9.093-9.053-18.146). Brunei Darussalam’s Lauren Emily Yu Qing Chua (8.980-9.013-17.933) was sixth and Tunisia’s Zeineb Manai (9.003-8.530-17.533) was seventh.

SMART/MVPSF JPE national age group taekwondo meet slated

A player in blue armor executes a high front leg kick towards her opponent.

COMING off a breakthrough showing at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) will stage the 2026 SMART/MVP Sports Foundation JPE National Age Group Taekwondo Championships starting this weekend at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Fully supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and MILO, the two-weekend tournament will feature Kyorugi (Free Sparring) on Nov. 7-8 and Poomsae (Forms) on Nov. 15. Named in honor of the association’s first president, the late Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, the event aims to discover promising athletes who will carry the country’s flag in major international competition and replicate the golden performance of poomsae ace Jeus Gabriel Yape in the continental showpiece. Overall, the association, under the able leadership of Grandmaster Hong, also won three silver medals courtesy of Tachiana Mangin, Kurt Barbosa, and Juliana Candelearia, alongside the bronze also produced by Yape.

The Kyorugi competition will feature divisions for Junior, Cadet, Grade School and Toddler for male and female competitors. Each category will include Novice and Advance divisions. The Poomsae competition will include Recognized Poomsae and Freestyle Poomsae and they will be divided into 4 categories for both male and female participants. The age brackets are defined as follows: Junior is for under 17, Cadel for under 14, grade school for 9 to 11 years old, and toddler for eight years and below. Grandmaster Hong added that they are expecting 1,500 combatants in Kyorugi and another 1,000 in Poomsae from all affiliated chapters and branches nationwide. The event, according to Grandmaster Hong, mirrors the association’s strong commitment to sports development, particularly its mission to strengthen grassroots programs in alignment with national sports initiatives. The opening ceremony will be held on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium with a performance from the Philippine Demonstration Team. Competitions will begin at 9 a.m.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Monde Nissin’s core income rose 16.1% in 9 months

MONDE Nissin Corp., maker of Lucky Me! noodles and SkyFlakes crackers, reported a 16.1-percent increase in core net income to P8.35 billion in the first nine months of 2026 on the back of higher sales and improved margins in its branded food business. Consolidated revenue grew 7.3 percent to P67.9 billion from January to September, while reported net income rose 20.8 percent to P8.1 billion. Sales at the company’s Asia-Pacific branded food and beverage business (APAC BFB) rose 6.5 percent to P56.76 billion in the period. Domestic sales climbed 6.7 percent to P53.5 billion. In the third quarter, domestic sales grew 7.2 percent year-on-year and 9.7 percent from the previous quarter. “We delivered continued growth in our APAC BFB business in the third quarter, supported by pricing and volume growth in biscuits and our strategic growth category. Our domestic business also performed strongly during the quarter, while gross margin improved year-on-year,” Monde Nissin chief executive Henry Soesanto said. Revenue at the company’s protein business, which includes meat alternative brand Quorn, rose 11.6 percent to P11.14 billion on a reported basis, although growth was 2.2 percent after adjusting for currency movements. Gross profit increased 41.3 percent to P3.52 billion, while gross margin expanded 664 basis points to 31.6 percent. Jenniffer B. Austria

SMFB’s nine-month profit dropped 9% to P30.6b

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

200 ecozones to bolster Luzon Economic Corridor 200 ecozones

By Othel V. Campos

HE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is positioning 200 economic zones along the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) as the backbone of a regional manufacturing and logistics network to attract investment and strengthen supply chain integration. “Throughout the LEC, 200 PEZA ecozones are ready to serve investors by becoming the backbone of a robust network of complementary industries,” PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said Wednesday at the 40th Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) Conference and 60th anniversary celebration at Okada Manila in Parañaque City. The corridor, which connects Subic, Clark, Manila and Batangas, offers

significant potential to strengthen logistics, improve connectivity and attract investments in manufacturing, technology and supporting industries, he said. Panga said the country’s 441 operating economic zones and more than 4,400 registered business enterprises contribute about 13 percent of gross domestic product, support exports and employment, and connect Philippine industries to international markets.

PEZA surpassed its 2026 investment target in October, with approved investments reaching more than P309 billion. Manufacturing accounts for 32 percent of investments in economic zones, particularly in electronics, semiconductors and other advanced manufacturing activities. “Our goal is not merely to attract more investments. Our priority is to translate these investments into lasting economic value through expanded production, increased exports, technology transfer, and quality employment,” Panga said. He said PEZA is strengthening the investment environment through the CREATE MORE Act, streamlined processes, digitalization and closer coordination with government and industry partners. Its PEZA Online Transaction Processing System aims to make business transactions more efficient and transparent.

SAN Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. (SMFB) said Wednesday its nine-month net income fell 9 percent to P30.6 billion as higher operating costs and softer consumer demand weighed on earnings. Consolidated sales rose 2 percent to P309.6 billion as high inflation, elevated commodity prices and slower economic growth hurt consumer spending. Operating income dropped 9 percent to P40.6 billion as the company spent more on its brands to sustain demand. “This has been a challenging year so far for Filipino consumers, so we continue to make every effort to keep our products affordable while managing our costs carefully,” said SMFB chairman Ramon Ang. “Our brands remain strong and our balance sheet has strengthened further. We will continue to invest in capacity and in our brands so we are ready when demand picks up. We look forward to a strong holiday season, traditionally our busiest time of the year,” Ang said. San Miguel Foods posted sales of P151.4 billion, up 6 percent from a year earlier, driven by its animal nutrition and health, processed meats and dairy businesses. Jenniffer B. Austria

Operating ecozones in PH

4,400 Ecozone locators

Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon leads the pilot run of a bus augmentation program for the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) on Nov. 4, 2026, jointly implemented by the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). The program follows an order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to give commuters an alternative, as procurement of new trainsets could take three to four years. Ten buses will run between Antipolo and Legarda in both directions via Marcos Highway, E. Rodriguez and España Boulevard. Another 10 buses will serve the Antipolo-Cubao route in both directions via Marcos Highway and P. Tuazon.

PAL Holdings books P9.74-b loss as weak peso hurts earnings By Darwin G. Amojelar PAL Holdings Inc., parent of Philippine Airlines (PAL), said Wednesday it posted a net loss of P9.74 billion in the first nine months of 2026, reversing a net income of P9.88 billion a year ago as a weaker peso and soaring jet fuel prices pushed up costs. The Lucio Tan-led airline said the peso’s depreciation against the US dollar raised its operating costs, while a sharp rise in aviation fuel prices further weighed on its finances.

Total operating expenses jumped 23.5 percent to P154.18 billion from P124.85 billion. Excluding foreign exchange movements, expenses would have risen 16.4 percent, or P20.51 billion. The weaker peso accounted for about P8.82 billion of the increase, reflecting the translation of US dollar-denominated costs into pesos. Flying operations expenses rose 41.9 percent to P90.85 billion from P64.01 billion, mainly on higher aircraft fuel and oil costs and increased depreciation and amortization.

Fuel and oil expenses alone climbed 49.8 percent year-on-year, as average fuel prices rose 52.7 percent to $152.72 per barrel as of September 30, 2026. Despite the higher costs, PAL’s operating revenues increased 10.3 percent to P149.96 billion from P136.01 billion. Passenger revenues rose 7.9 percent to P125.83 billion from P116.56 billion, led by fare adjustments and higher fuel surcharges that partially offset elevated fuel costs. These measures lifted average passenger

yield by 7.1 percent, though a 1.84 percentage point decline in passenger load factor tempered revenue growth. Ancillary revenues grew 12.4 percent to P14.25 billion from P12.67 billion, supported by stronger demand for premium seat upgrades, prepaid baggage and other unbundled services. Cargo revenues posted the strongest growth, rising 43.7 percent to P9.64 billion from P6.71 billion, as higher cargo yields and elevated freight rates boosted earnings. Cargo volume also increased 2.9 percent.

LandBank’s 9-month profit rose 8% to P37.53b, deposits topped P3.1t

FOUR GOLDEN ARROW.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) earns the Four Golden Arrow Award from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) for the third consecutive year, recognizing governance practices that reinforce accountable leadership, responsible decisionmaking, and the protection of stakeholder interests. Accepting the award on behalf of Metrobank are (from left) independent director Angelica Lavares, compliance head Arnulfo Pascioles Jr. and risk management group head Happy Lomigo.

By Thony Rose Lesaca and Othel V. Campos

PH companies among TIME’s 500 best Asia-Pacific employers SEVERAL Philippine companies ranked among TIME magazine’s 500 Asia-Pacific Best Employers 2027 list, led by United Laboratories (Unilab) at 24th place. Other Philippine companies are Ayala Corp. (32nd), Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (44th), San Miguel Corp. (55th), Jollibee Foods Corp. (89th), Del Monte Philippines (105th), BDO Unibank Inc. (164th), Philippine Airlines (186th), Aboitiz Power Corp. (196th), SM Investments Corp. (206th) and Solaire Resort and Casino (222nd). Also included in the list are Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (260th), JG Summit (262nd), Century Pacific Group (279th), Real Page Philippines (280th), Megaworld (304th),

441

BUS AUGMENTATION.

Okada Play tops P100m in monthly gaming revenue

OKADA Play, the online gaming platform operated by Okada Manila and PhilWeb Corp., generated more than P100 million in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in October, six months after its launch. The platform also surpassed 100,000 daily active users during the month, up 50 percent from September, Okada Manila and PhilWeb said in a joint statement Wednesday. “Surpassing P100 million in monthly GGR and reaching more than 100,000 daily active users within six months of launch is an encouraging milestone for OKADA PLAY,” Okada Manila president and chief operating officer Nobuki Sato said. “As the platform enters its next phase of growth, we look forward to further expanding our offerings, reaching more customers and continuing to deliver the premium experience associated with Okada Manila,” Sato said. Okada Play launched in May as part of Okada Manila’s push into online gaming, with PhilWeb providing the technology platform and operational support. Jenniffer B. Austria

Backbone of LEC

PLDT Inc. (327th) and ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. (338th). SM Investments Corp. said its inclusion in the list reflects its focus on its workforce. “Our people are central to SM’s continued growth. We want employees to feel respected, have the support to do their best work and find opportunities to build their careers here. This recognition encourages us to keep listening to improve the experience of working at SM,” said SM Investments president and chief executive Frederic DyBuncio. Megaworld made its first appearance on the list and is the only Philippine real estate company included. “We thank TIME Magazine for this recognition, which affirms that investing in our people is one of

the most important investments we can make as a company. Our people challenge us to do more, not only to provide meaningful career opportunities, but also to create an environment where every employee, across all our offices, hotels, and townships in the Philippines, can grow, thrive, and succeed. Our progress as a company must always go hand in hand with the progress of our people,” said Megaworld president and chief executive Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso. The company said the recognition, along with other recent honors, reinforces its commitment to lead by example, raise industry standards and help build a stronger, more sustainable and more progressive nation.

STATE-RUN Land Bank of the Philippines said Wednesday it posted a net income of P37.53 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 8 percent year-on-year, on the back of robust third-quarter results and expanding core banking operations. Third-quarter net income reached P13.32 billion. The bank also reported record balance sheet levels, with total assets of P3.56 trillion and deposits of P3.11 trillion as of end-September 2026. “Our strong financial performance reflects the continued trust of our clients in LANDBANK. This growth affirms the strength of our client-

focused solutions and our ability to deliver on our developmental mandate while maintaining sound and disciplined operations,” said LandBank president and chief executive Lynette Ortiz. Loans to agriculture, fisheries and rural development reached P894.41 billion, up 10 percent from P812.79 billion a year ago and accounting for nearly 55 percent of the bank’s gross loan portfolio. Digital transactions rose 29 percent year-on-year to 713.16 million, while transaction value increased 22 percent to P3.83 trillion. The LandBank mobile banking app remained a key growth driver, with unique active users up 71 percent to 3.69 million.

PH unlikely to install first nuclear power reactor by 2032, says NEA By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Philippines is well-positioned to pursue its nuclear energy goals but may not be able to install its first nuclear facility by 2032, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) director-general William Magwood IV said. Magwood, speaking on the sidelines of the Philippine Nuclear Regulatory Framework Workshop, said the country is already laying the groundwork for nuclear power, including building workforce expertise.

“I think for a country that has not operated nuclear in the past, I think the Philippines is very well positioned. One, as I mentioned earlier, the most important thing you need is expert people who have the science and technology and engineering backgrounds to be able to make good decisions,” Magwood said. “And my experience in talking to people in the Philippines, is that you have people like that. You have people who are highly competent to understand what it takes to analyze geology and materials and areas like that,” he said.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS Filinvest REIT 9-month income jumped 28% to P1.3b By Jenniffer B. Austria

ILINVEST REIT Corp., the real estate investment trust of Filinvest Land Inc., reported a net income of P1.3 billion in the first nine months of the year, up 28 percent from a year earlier on higher revenues from new leases and contract renewals. In a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday, Filinvest REIT said revenues rose 18 percent yearon-year to P3 billion, while costs and expenses increased 4 percent to P986 million. The company’s board approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of P0.06 per share for the third quarter. Shareholders of record as of Nov. 24 will receive payment on Dec. 2. The declaration brings the company’s year-to-date dividends to P0.24 pper share, an annualized yield of 8.5 percent based on its Oct. 30 closing price of P2.84. “Our third-quarter performance underscores FILRT’s resilience as we adapt to a changing property market,” said Joseph Yap, president and chief executive. “Our priority is to aggressively optimize assets, secure new leases, and strengthen operational efficiency to deliver stable dividends and long-term shareholder value,” Yap said. The company’s portfolio consists of 17 office buildings, one mall and one resort lot, with a total gross leasable area of 452,310 square meters. Average occupancy stood at 86 percent in the first nine months, unchanged from a year earlier.

PSEi climbs ahead of inflation data THE Philippine stock market rebounded Wednesday as investors picked up select heavyweight stocks ahead of the release of October inflation data. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index, or PSEi, rose 1.26 percent, or 70.75 points, to close at 5,694.92, while the broader all shares index gained 0.8 percent, or 25.31 points, to end at 3,185.15. Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp., said the market staged a technical rebound as bargain hunting emerged across select index heavyweights following recent losses. “Investor sentiment was supported by positioning ahead of tomorrow’s inflation print, as market participants await further indications of the country’s inflation trajectory and its potential implications for the BSP’s monetary policy direction,” Limlingan said. Most sectoral indices ended higher, led by financials, which climbed 3.82 percent. Services rose 1.79 percent, while mining and oil advanced 0.91 percent. Industrial shares edged up 0.33 percent. Holding firms fell 1.07 percent, while property dropped 0.25 percent. Market turnover reached P6.15 billion as foreign investors turned net buyers, recording net foreign buying of P483.8 million. Market breadth was slightly negative, with 97 decliners outpacing 94 advancers, while 61 stocks were unchanged. Shares of Bank of the Philippine Islands jumped 8 percent to P100, while DMCI Holdings Inc. dropped 3.06 percent to P6.34. Meanwhile, the peso slid to 63.535 to the US dollar on Wednesday from 63.47 on Tuesday. Jenniffer B. Austria

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 SAN JOSE CITY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE (SAJELCO) AND SUAL POWER INC. (SPI), WITH MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION AND MOTION FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY OR INTERIM RELIEF ERC CASE NO. 2026-181 RC SAN JOSE CITY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE (SAJELCO) AND SUAL POWER INC. (SPI), Applicants. x-------------------------------------x NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 28 October 2026, the San Jose City Electric Cooperative (SAJELCO) and Sual Power Inc. (SPI) filed a Joint Application dated 01 October 2026, seeking the Commission’s approval of their Power Supply Agreement (PSA), with motion for confidential treatment of information and motion for provisional authority or interim relief. ERC CASE NO. 2026-181 RC The OF docketed copyHEARING of the Joint Application, excluding its NOTICE VIRTUAL annexes, attached as Annex “A” hereof. PAGE 2 is OF 4 The Commission has set the Joint Application for hearing, pursuant to the pertinent rules of the Commission, as follows: Date and Time 09 December 2026 (Wednesday), at nine o’clock in the morning (9:00 A.M.) 16 December 2026 (Wednesday), at nine o’clock in the morning (9:00 A.M.)

Platform

Microsoft Teams

Activity Determination of compliance with jurisdictional requirements and Expository Presentation Pre-Trial Conference and Presentation of Evidence

Accordingly, Applicants are directed to mirror the virtual hearings, to be hosted by the Commission, at SAJELCO’s Principal Office located at Maharlika Road, Brgy. Abar 1st, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, 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. 2026-181 RC NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING 1) Applicable docket number and title of the proceeding; PAGE 3 OF 4 2)

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

Nature of interest in the subject matter of the proceeding, the way and manner in which such interest is affected Procedure of theand Energy Regulatory Commission”. by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

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

ERC CASE 2026-181 4) ANO. statement of theRC relief desired. NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING PAGE 4 OF 4 A Petition InterveneRC filed by an organization, association, or ERC CASE NO.to2026-181 entity shallOF beVIRTUAL accompanied by a Special Power of Attorney, Board or NOTICE HEARING Sanggunian Resolution, a Secretary’s Certificate, or any competent PAGE 2 OF 4 Honorable and CEO proof WITNESS, of authority, the authorizing theChairperson signatory thereto to fileFRANCIS the same SATURNINO C. JUAN andthethe Honorable and represent the organization, association, or Commissioners entity in the The Commission has set Joint Application for hearing, FLORESINDA G. BALDO-DIGAL, MARKO ROMEO L. proceedings before the Commission. pursuant to the pertinent rules of the Commission, as follows: FUENTES, AMANTE A. LIBERATO and PARIS G. REAL, Energy Regulatory Commission, in Pasig City. Likewise, all other persons who may want their views known to Date and Time Platform Activity the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file through e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal of Service Determination FOR AND BY AUTHORITY 09 December 2026 through legal@erc.ph, their Opposition or Comment thereon compliance withat least OF THE COMMISSION: (Wednesday), at five (5) calendar days prior to the initial virtualjurisdictional hearing and subject nine o’clock in the to the requirements under Section 5, Rule 7requirements of the 2026 and RPP. No morning (9:00 A.M.) Microsoft particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the Expository Presentation * ATTY. MARIA CORAZON C. GINES Teams document, letter, or writing should contain the following: Director III, Legal Service 16 December 2026 Pre-Trial Conference and (Wednesday), at 1) o’clock Thein name, of theofperson; Presentation Evidence nine the address, and e-mail address LS: KSA/ARG morning (9:00 A.M.) 2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and 3) The grounds relied upon. Accordingly, Applicants are directed to mirror the virtual hearings, to be hosted by the Commission, at SAJELCO’s Principal OfficeFinally, located Maharlika Road,may Brgy. 1st,toSan allatinterested persons be Abar allowed joinJose the City, Nueva Ecija, as the designated venue the conductthrough thereof scheduled virtual hearings by providing thefor Commission, and ensure that the same is open to the public. Moreover, Applicants legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph, their respective e-mail addresses, ERC CASE NO. 2026-181 RCconduct shall guarantee that, during the of the expository indicating therein the case number of the instant Jointpresentation, Application. NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING the participation of the public shall not be impaired. The Commission PAGE 4 OF 4 will send the access link/s to the aforementioned hearing platform within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled hearings. Any interested stakeholder may submit its comments and/or clarifications at least one (1) calendar day prior to the scheduled the via Honorable and copy CEO furnish FRANCIS initialWITNESS, virtual hearing, e-mail atChairperson docket@erc.ph, the SATURNINO C. JUAN and the The Honorable Commissioners Legal Service through legal@erc.ph. Commission shall give FLORESINDA G. BALDO-DIGAL, MARKO ROMEO L. (This space is intentionally left blank.) priority to the stakeholders who have duly submitted their respective FUENTES,and/or AMANTE A. LIBERATO PARIS REAL, comments clarifications, to discuss and the same andG.propound Energy Regulatory Commission, Pasig City.presentation. questions during the course of theinexpository Moreover, any person who has interest in the subject matter FORanAND BY AUTHORITY of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission OF 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 follow the requirements under * ATTY.must MARIA CORAZON C. GINES Rule 7 of the Commission’s 2026Director Rules ofIII, Practice and Procedure1 Legal Service (2026 RPP), indicating therein and stating the following: LS: KSA/ARG

Applicable docket number and title of the proceeding;

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

* 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”.

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

181 October 28, 2026

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

MARINA moves to replace aging domestic vessels, upgrade shipyards By Darwin G. Amojelar

HE Maritime Industry Authority said Wednesday it is prioritizing the modernization of the country’s aging domestic shipping fleet, with plans to promote safer, greener and more energy-efficient vessels to strengthen interisland transport.

Newly designated officer-in-charge administrator Loumer Bernabe, a retired Philippine Navy rear admiral, said fleet modernization is a central goal as the Philippines continues to rely heavily on domestic shipping for the movement of passengers and goods. The initiative seeks to replace aging vessels with modern ships that meet higher safety and environmental standards while improving maritime transport reliability. Bernabe is also pushing to modernize the country’s shipbuilding industry and upgrade domestic shipyards to support fleet renewal. Alongside fleet modernization, MARINA is accelerating the digitalization of its services — including vessel registration, licensing and seafarer certification — to streamline transactions and reduce administrative bottlenecks. The agency plans to strengthen maritime safety enforcement through digital tracking and real-time monitoring systems to improve emergency response capabilities across domestic sea routes. Another major priority is preparing the Philippines for the International Maritime Organization’s Member State Audit Scheme in June 2027. The mandatory audit will assess the country’s implementation and enforcement of international maritime conventions covering safety, marine environmental protection, seafarer training and flag-state responsibilities. Under Bernabe’s leadership, MARINA is updating safety policies and aligning domestic regulations with international standards ahead of the audit.

RLC breaks ground on Bridgetowne One By Jenniffer B. Austria

(MS-NOVEMBER 5 & 12, 2026)

ROBINSONS Land Corp. is expanding its office portfolio in Bridgetowne with a 29-story tower that will add 51,400 square meters of leasable space to its Quezon City mixed-use estate. RLC recently broke ground on Bridgetowne One, which will bring Robinsons Offices’ total leasable area in Bridgetowne to about 347,000 square meters. The tower is scheduled for completion in 2028. The expansion is part of the company’s plan to grow its office portfolio in the Quezon City-Pasig-Mandaluyong corridor, with leasable area expected to reach nearly 1 million square meters by 2030. Robinsons Land president and chief executive Mybelle Aragon-GoBio said the project will support businesses and employment as Bridgetowne develops into a premier business district. “Bridgetowne One is not simply another office building. It is an investment in the future of this estate and in the people and organizations that will help shape it,” Aragon-GoBio said. Robinsons Offices operates 35 office buildings across various locations with more than 900,000 square meters of leasable area. The groundbreaking comes as the company secures new leasing deals. In the second and third quarters of 2026, Robinsons Offices signed a lease with KMC Solutions for four floors totaling 9,800 square meters at GBF Center 1. Bridgetowne One will feature 20 office floors, a ground floor, a basement parking level, eight podium parking floors, a garden deck and a service deck. The tower will sit within Bridgetowne’s mixed-use development, which includes retail, dining, residential and hospitality facilities. Its location offers accessibility for workers from Quezon City, Pasig, Marikina, Rizal and nearby areas. JerichoGo, senior vice president and business unit general manager of Robinsons Offices, said the project reflects the company’s confidence in Bridgetowne and the domestic office market. “We envision a workplace where businesses can attract strong local talent, pursue new ideas, and grow, supported by the connectivity, conveniences, and commitment to sustainability that companies increasingly look for,” Go said.

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

ERC issues 24 show cause orders to 13 power plants By Alena Mae S. Flores

HE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued 24 show cause orders to 13 generation companies whose power units exceeded allowable unplanned outage limits under reliability performance rules.

RESPONSIBLE LENDING. Skyro, a fintech platform in the Philippines, joins LenderLink’s Credit Intelligence

Network, gaining access to real-time credit insights from a growing network of financial institutions, while contributing its own consented borrower data to the network. Signing the partnership agreement are Skyro co-founder and co-chief executive Nasim Aliev (left) and LenderLink co-founder and chief executive Christo Georgiev.

DOF eyes PERA changes to boost retirement savings By Thony Rose Lesaca FINANCE Secretary Frederick Go said the agency is studying changes to the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) program to encourage more Filipinos to save for retirement. Go is looking at adjusting the annual contribution limits and setting a uniform cap to simplify the rules and make the program more equitable, the DOF said. Regular contributors can currently put in up to P200,000 a year, while overseas Filipino workers can contribute up to P400,000. “Our goal is to make PERA a more effective tool for helping Filipinos prepare for retirement. We welcome stakeholder recommendations on how to improve the program, strengthen its incentives, and encourage more people to build long-term savings,” Go said. The review will also cover other

policy and regulatory changes to address barriers to participation, raise awareness of the program and make it more effective, the agency said. Go is inviting the financial and investment sectors, employers, labor groups, retirement and pension institutions and other organizations to submit their inputs and recommendations. PERA, created under Republic Act No. 9505, is a voluntary retirement savings program that lets eligible individuals invest in approved financial products and receive tax incentives. It is meant to supplement retirement benefits from the Social Security System, the Government Service Insurance System and other sources. “The proposed improvements remain under study, and stakeholder inputs are welcomed as potential policy changes to the PERA framework are evaluated,” the DOF said.

Real estate investors asked to look beyond vacant condos

PHILIPPINE property investors worried about oversupply, vacant units, weak rents and buyers struggling to complete payments should study domestic leisure travelers as a source of demand, real estate strategist Alejandro Mañalac said. Mañalac pointed to Filipinos booking short breaks for leisure, connection and wellbeing, a customer he said conventional investment calculations often miss. “They have to expand their mindset. There’s a different market now,” he said. He said developers and investors who focus on employees, students and traditional residential tenants may overlook customers who spend for different reasons. The shift does not erase the difficulties in parts of the condominium sector, but it raises the question of whether the industry studies enough of the market to find its next customers. Philippine Statistics Authority data show domestic tourism expenditure reached P3.26 trillion in 2025, up 3 percent, while inbound spending fell 6.4 percent to P698.46 billion. Domestic spending was about 4.7 times inbound spending. The total covers transport, food, shopping, accommodation and other purchases. They measure the broader tourism economy, not short-term rental revenue or the earnings available to individual owners. The Department of Tourism cited the World Travel & Tourism Council ranking the Philippines first in Southeast Asia for domestic Manila tourism expenditure in 2024, at $63.4 billion. The council and the Standard PSA use TODAY different measurement frameworks, so the figures should be considered separately. ARANETA PROPERTIES INCORPORATED

21st Floor BDO Towers Valero, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City Phone: (02)-8848-1501 to 04

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Araneta Properties Incorporated (the “Company”) will be conducted virtually through videoconference on December 7, 2026 at 10:30 in the morning. The meeting may be accessed through this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zAXm4aJtQq-A5ffVSAZOkw Information about said virtual meeting can be accessed at the link provided on ARA’s website at https://aranetaproperties.com with the following agenda: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Call to order; Proof of notice and due calling of meeting; Determination of a quorum; Approval of Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on December 15, 2025; Report of the President; Presentation and approval of the Financial Statements as of December 31, 2025; Ratification of the acts of the Board of Directors and Officers; Election of members of the Board of Directors; Appointment of External Auditors; Amendment of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation; Amendment of the Corporation’s By-Laws Other Matters; Adjournment.

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on 3 September 2026 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at this meeting. Due to the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with the Corporation’s ByLaws, the Corporation will dispense with the physical attendance of stockholders at the meeting. Thus, the stockholders may attend only by remote communication or appoint the Chairman as proxy. In accordance with Article II, Section 3 of the Corporation’s By-Laws, the meeting of the stockholders shall be held by means of video conferencing, or similar communication equipment whereby all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation shall constitute presence at the meeting. Proxies must be filed with and received by the Office of the Corporate Secretary at the 8th Floor Chatham House Building, Valero corner Rufino Sts. Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines, or sent to corpsecara@aranetaproperties.com not later than 27 November 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Validation of proxies shall be made on 1 December 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the 8th Floor Chatham House Building, Valero corner Rufino Sts. Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines. Participation by Remote Communication The 2026 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting will be conducted by remote communication via Zoom. The stockholders may attend and participate in the meeting by following the instructions below: 1. 2. 3.

Stockholders should notify the Corporation by sending an email to corpsecara@ aranetaproperties.com on or before November 27, 2026. All successfully registered stockholders will receive an invitation by email containing the link to the meeting, together with the password and the meeting procedures. Stockholders who have notified the Corporation within the given date and were registered will be included in the determination of the existence of a quorum. Stockholders casting their votes in absentia shall also be deemed present for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum. The meeting shall be recorded in audio and video formats, and copies thereof shall be retained by the Corporation.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go

The ERC said in a statement Wednesday that it will impose appropriate penalties if evaluations establish violations of the prescribed reliability standards. The show cause orders, issued Oct. 14, direct the companies to submit verified explanations of their reported noncompliance with Resolution No. 23, Series of 2026: Revised Rules on the Reliability Performance Indices and Equivalent Unplanned Outage Days Per Year for Generating Units. The enforcement actions form part of the regulator’s ongoing assessment of power plant outages amid concerns over recurring supply interruptions and high electricity prices, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao. The companies are Bac-Man Geothermal Inc. (Palayan Binary Geothermal Power Plant Unit 2), Belgrove Power Corp. (Malaya Thermal Power Plant Unit 2), Central Azucarera De San Antonio Inc. (CASA BPP Unit 1) and CBK Power Co. Ltd. (Botocan Hydro Units 1 and 2, Kalayaan Hydro Unit 3). The list also includes Energy Development Corp. (Mahanagdong Geothermal A Unit 1, Mahanagdong B Unit 2, Malitbog Unit 1, Mahanagdong Unit 4 and Upper Mahiao Unit 4), Excellent Energy Resources Inc. (Batangas Combined Cycle Power

Plant Unit 1), Meridian Power Inc. (Bunker C Diesel Plant Unit 6), Republic Cement & Building Materials Inc. (Batangas Diesel Plant Unit 1), SPC Island Power Corp. (Panay 1 Diesel Power Plant Unit 1), Sunwest Water & Electric Co. Inc. (Villasiga Hydro Units 1 and 2), Therma Mobile Inc. (TVI Coal Plant Units 1 and 2) and Toledo Power Corp. (Carmen Diesel Plant DG 1). Before issuing the orders, the ERC had begun assessing the reliability performance of generating facilities. On June 11, it issued notices of noncompliance with orders to comply and explain to 25 generation companies, requiring them to explain outage events involving 48 generating units. The ERC said it then evaluated the outage records, explanations and supporting documents the companies submitted against the reliability standards and allowable outage limits for each generating unit and assessment period. It issued show cause orders to the companies whose units exceeded the unplanned outage limits. The commission has yet to receive the required responses. Once the companies submit them, the ERC will evaluate the additional documents and records and resolve the cases under regulatory rules.

A safer and stronger domestic crypto market

—“—

Our young tech-savvy population finds it easier to handle … NO one can really blame the popularity of the crypto market in the Philippines. Used mostly by the younger generation and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for remittances to relatives, digital assets allow millions to skip slow and legacy banking loops. Our young tech-savvy population finds it easier to handle because it solves real-world financial friction and outweighs expensive crossborder remittances. It is a mobile-first digital shortcut and overcomes limited traditional banking access. Traditional wire services also charge high fees and take days, whereas stablecoins and P2P crypto transfers cut costs and speed up settlement significantly. It is, thus, natural for the government and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to keep an eye on these transactions to protect consumers and keep a tight grip on illicit financial flows. The Philippine crypto currency market is valued at US$11.1 billion as of 2025 and is projected to grow toward $24.5 billion by 2034, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.92 percent. For the BSP, maintaining accessible, supervised onshore corridors remains one of the state’s most effective defenses in protecting Filipino wealth from the perils waiting offshore. Regulations, however, must not limit the dynamics of the crypto market. They should encourage its development, instead. Between aggressive market corrections, sweeping regulatory enforcement actions abroad, and massive security compromises across offshore venues—most recently the $6.3 billion theft from Binance, now the largest crypto heist on record— the digital asset market has become inherently volatile.

in Philippine courts and no realistic Yet for Filipino participants, the mechanism for asset recovery. sharpest friction today is not playing The point is no longer theoretical. out in global headlines. It is unfolding When Binance reopened withdrawals squarely at home, where one of the after halting them in the wake of the country’s largest regulated gateways hack, customers pulled out $4.65 to crypto remains unable to accept new billion in roughly nine hours against peso deposits, with consequences for $1.01 billion in deposits, a net outflow local traders that deserve attention. of about $3.64 billion. Since September, the BSP has The exchange said that was 2.1 partially restricted inbound transfers via percent of its $171 billion in assets and InstaPay and PESONet through DCPay that it had covered about 95 percent Philippines Inc., the electronic money of the stolen amount. Filipino traders issuer (EMI) powering Coins.ph’s CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK are likely moving to another offshore platform, while internal trading via its venue, equally unlicensed in the virtual asset service provider (VASP) Philippines, and beyond the reach of arm, Betur Inc., remain operational. local regulators. But trades on Betur are paid for Regulatory vigilance is nonfrom those DCPay peso wallets, so the negotiable. No credible industry restriction limits how users can fund observer disputes the them: they can no longer top up from BSP’s authority to examine internal banks or e-wallets. In practice, they can controls. A sustainable, mature financial trade only with pesos already in their ecosystem demands decisive oversight. accounts or with crypto deposited from Yet, a prolonged restriction on cashoutside wallets. in creates a paradox: just as foreign When retail investors lose access venues face unprecedented scrutiny to licensed domestic venues, they do and counter party vulnerabilities, not simply abandon the market—they domestic users find their access to look for alternatives. Capital inevitably onshore infrastructure quite limited. seeks the path of least resistance. Coins.ph has been operating since Cut off from transparent, official 2014 under dual EMI and VASP on-ramps, users are driven into the licenses. It counts over 18 million shadows such as informal Telegram registered accounts. Restricting this peer-to-peer (P2P) desks, unvetted social media escrows and gray-market gateway does not reduce market cash couriers. demand; it only narrows the regulator’s In these unregulated fringes, altered view of where that capital goes. transfer slips, mule-account rings and Required enhancements to controls sudden counter party bank freezes are must be addressed swiftly and routine hazards. completely, but regulatory measures Worse is the accelerated flight to must also weigh the systemic hazards unlicensed foreign exchanges. Once of domestic displacement. the Filipino capital crosses the border, Effective consumer protection domestic safeguards no longer apply. cannot rely on exclusion. Maintaining When an offshore exchange accessible, supervised onshore suddenly suspends redemptions, corridors remains one of the state’s mismanages user collateral, or falls most effective defenses in protecting victim to an exploit, local account Filipino wealth from the perils waiting holders hold virtually zero recourse— offshore. no standing with the BSP Consumer Protection Department, no jurisdiction E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com

BINONDO

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

FCCCII brings medical services to over 1,000 Manila residents

Philippine Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas names five priorities for deeper PhilippinesHainan economic ties at the 2026 Haikou Dialogue.

By Julie Ann Lope THE Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) treated 850 patients at a free medical mission in Blumentritt, Sampaloc, Manila, on Oct. 25, 2026. The federation’s social responsibility committee ran the mission at the invitation of Manila 4th District councilor Louisa Marie Quintos-Tan. A team of five doctors and 10 dentists provided medical and dental services. They performed 75 tooth extractions and distributed 120 pairs of reading glasses. FFCCCII vice-president William Castro also donated Gibi sports shoes, made by his company, to beneficiaries.

PH pushes economic cooperation with Hainan By Michael Wong Ho FFCCCII’s social responsibility committee holds a free medical and dental mission in Blumentritt, Sampaloc, Manila, treating 850 patients on Oct. 25, 2026.

Bukidnon, Hunan discuss agricultural, infrastructure ties

HILIPPINE Consul General in Guangzhou Iric Cruz Arribas outlined five priorities for deepening economic ties between the Philippines and Hainan Province at the 2026 Haikou Dialogue on Oct 28, 2026. In a presentation titled “From Dialogue to Action: Strengthening

Hainan–Philippines Cooperation,” Arribas named trade and business partnerships, investment promotion, agricultural cooperation, tourism and air connectivity, and subnational exchanges as the priorities. He cited the April 2025 memorandum of understanding between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Hainan as a basis for expanding business exchanges, trade missions and investment opportunities. Arribas also highlighted Philippine prospects in renewable energy, infrastructure, agrifood processing, logistics and tourism. He called for

stronger air links between Hainan and Philippine destinations such as Manila, Cebu and Palawan. Hainan officials discussed the Hainan Free Trade Port, which began island-wide special customs operations on Dec 18, 2025. Expanded duty-free arrangements and trade facilitation measures aim to attract international investment and commerce, potentially benefiting Philippine exporters and businesses seeking greater access to Hainan and the wider Chinese market. The dialogue was held alongside the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) Council Meeting.

China’s Mingyang eyes offshore wind investments in PH

A Bukidnon delegation led by Vice Governor Clive Quiño visits China’s Hunan Province on Oct. 20 to 22 to explore cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure and industry.

A BUKIDNON delegation led by Vice Governor Clive Quiño visited China’s Hunan Province on Oct. 20-22 to explore cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure and industry, with support from the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou. The delegation, which included provincial board members, visited Hunan Sunfield Machinery, Sansure Biotech, CCCC Hongyu Water Conservancy Engineering, the Pastoral Smart Agriculture Demonstration Park in Shaoshan, SANY Heavy Industry, Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture and Liyu Power. At a dinner with the Hunan Foreign Affairs Office, both sides discussed strengthening

ties and pursuing cooperation in farm mechanization, irrigation and agro-processing. Consul General Iric Arribas thanked Hunan for its hospitality and for facilitating a memorandum of understanding signed on Sept. 17 between CCPIT Hunan and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). He said the agreement could help promote business matching, trade and investment partnerships that would benefit Bukidnon. Bukidnon, a major agricultural province in Northern Mindanao, and Hunan, a leading agricultural and manufacturing center in China, have complementary strengths in food production, agricultural technology and agro-processing. Julie Ann Lope

MINGYANG Smart Energy Group Ltd. is considering investments in Philippine port development, floating platforms and wind turbine manufacturing as it seeks to expand its offshore wind business in the country. Mingyang chairman Zhang Chuanwei, chairman’s office head Wang Zhanju, Asia-Pacific president Liu Wenhao and Philippines general manager Bian Tiezhan met with Department of Finance (DOF) undersecretary Ma. Angela Ignacio and Board of Investments (BOI) executive director Bobby

Fondevilla to discuss offshore wind opportunities. Mingyang said it hopes to move beyond supplying original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products and establish local manufacturing operations. The DOF said the investments, if pursued, could strengthen local manufacturing and supply chains, create jobs and support the development of offshore wind and renewable energy in the Philippines. Mingyang has teamed up with local companies on wind power projects in the Philippines with a

combined capacity of more than 500 megawatts. It has also supplied wind turbines to Vena Energy for a wind power project in the country. The company is participating in a feasibility study for a proposed 2-gigawatt floating offshore wind project in Ilocos Norte. The project is being developed with Buhawind Energy Northern Luzon Corp., a subsidiary of PetroGreen Energy Corp. and the Yuchengco Group of Companies, and Japan’s Kyuden International Corp. Michael Wong Ho

Mingyang Smart Energy chairman Zhang Chuanwei, chairman’s office head Wang Zhanju, Asia-Pacific president Liu Wenhao and Philippines general manager Bian Tiezhan meet with Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Ma. Angela E. Ignacio and Board of Investments (BOI) executive director Bobby Fondevilla to discuss offshore wind opportunities.

SHOWBIZ

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

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

FRONT ROW

A delightfully twisted fairy tale A husband made of wicker, a love woven with magic, and the fantasy that makes ‘Wicker’ work

Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård anchor an unconventional romance that uses fantasy, satire and village cruelty to question what it really means to be human

By Nickie Wang

ICKER is wonderful and strange. It’s a romantic fantasy comedy-drama that asks audiences to accept an extraordinary premise: What if the perfect husband could be made from wicker?

Directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, the 2026 film, based on Ursula Wills’ short story The Wicker Husband, is so beautifully crafted that viewers may find themselves overlooking one rather important question: How exactly does a man made of woven twigs come to life? Did he have a Pinocchio moment, with a falling star magically turning him into a living being? The film does not seem particularly interested in explaining the mechanics of his existence. He simply begins walking around the village, breathing, talking, and behaving like any other man. And somehow, audiences are willing to go along with it. That is part of the film’s charm. Olivia Colman plays the Fisherwoman, an ostracized woman living on the outskirts of a conservative seaside village where she is ridiculed

for her appearance, smell, and unmarried status. Exhausted by the villagers’ cruelty, she approaches the local Basketmaker, played by Peter Dinklage, and asks him to create a husband for her. The result is the Wicker Husband, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, a remarkably kind, attentive, and affectionate companion who gives the Fisherwoman something she has long been denied: genuine love and acceptance. Colman is superb in the lead role. Her portrayal makes the Fisherwoman instantly relatable, allowing audiences to feel her humiliation, longing, and eventual happiness. She gives the character a vulnerability that makes her transformation all the more satisfying. Skarsgård, meanwhile, brings an unusual warmth to a character whose very existence could easily

Rey Valera brings decades of well-loved OPM songs to Filipino communities across Chicago, Portland, Michigan, Los Angeles, Tampa and New York this November

OPM icon Rey Valera reunites with Filipino fans in six US cities REY Valera is bringing his celebrated songbook to Filipino audiences in the United States, with a six-city concert tour scheduled for November 2026. Titled Istorya ni Rey Valera: Live in USA, the tour will give Filipinos abroad a chance to revisit the songs that have become part of the country’s musical heritage. The series opens in Chicago, Illinois, on Nov. 1 at the 19th Century Club in Oak Park, followed by a Nov. 6 performance at The Old Church Concert Hall in Portland, Oregon. Valera will next perform at the Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts in Sterling Heights, Michigan, on Nov. 7. The tour moves to Los Angeles, California, on Nov. 13, with a show at the First Unitarian Church. He will then head to Tampa, Florida, for a Nov. 15 performance at the Bayanihan Center for the Performing Arts. The final stop is New York, where the singer-songwriter will take the stage at The Palace Queens in Woodside on Nov. 17. Beyond the music, the concert series will also support a fundraising initiative, although organizers have yet to disclose further details about the beneficiary and proceeds. With a career spanning several decades, Valera remains one of the most recognized figures in Original Pilipino Music (OPM). His compositions have become enduring favorites among Filipino listeners, including those who have built lives far from home. The US tour is presented by Dulay-Roy Enterprises LLC, in cooperation with Philippine Airlines, MC Aesthetics and Nexus Collaboration. Also presenting the concert is MTS Law, a Los Angelesbased immigration law firm founded by Attorney Mary Lyn T. Sanga, who is licensed to practice in California and the Philippines. The firm provides legal services to immigrants, families and workers dealing with US immigration matters. For ticket inquiries and additional information, interested parties may contact Patricia Dulay Roy at (818) 562-0279.

have become a running joke. His performance makes the Wicker Husband’s innocence and devotion convincing. Dinklage, despite playing a supporting character, commands attention whenever he appears. His Basketmaker is intriguing, quietly observant, and ultimately instrumental in the story’s surprising turns. The couple’s affectionate relationship soon becomes a source of discomfort in the village. Their happiness exposes the bitterness and loveless arrangements behind the seemingly respectable marriages of their neighbors, including the Bottlewasher, the Baker and his wife, and the Tailor’s Wife, played by Elizabeth Debicki. Rumors, jealousy, a tragic accident involving the Bottlewasher, and the arrival of a fabricated Wicker Baby

eventually push the village into chaos. The Fisherwoman is even forced to set her beloved husband on fire. But the story has more surprises in store. After the basketmaker repairs the Wicker Husband, the fisherwoman finally stands up to the villagers, declaring that her husband has shown her more humanity than the people who spent years ridiculing her. The Basketmaker also gets his own clever revenge, staging an auction for Wicker Wife that drains the greedy villagers of their wealth, leaving characters such as the Butcher with little more than a painful pile of thorns. Visually, Wicker is a treat. Its cinematography and camera work give the film an old-fashioned quality, almost as if audiences were watching a vintage production that had somehow been restored in high definition. The compositions add drama and atmosphere, making the seaside village feel like a world suspended outside time. The humor is intelligent, the

performances are consistently strong, and the shifts between fantasy, comedy, and drama feel surprisingly natural. Even when the plot takes increasingly absurd turns, the film maintains its emotional grip. The title itself is a fitting description of the storytelling. Wicker is made by interlacing pliable fibers, and the film similarly weaves together romance, satire, humor, and heartbreak into one cohesive experience. And because this is a fairy tale of sorts, audiences get the happy ending they might expect, without feeling shortchanged. By the time the Fisherwoman, her Wicker Husband, their Wicker Baby, and the Basketmaker leave the village to begin a new life, Wicker has delivered an entertaining reminder that humanity is measured by kindness, not appearances. Sometimes, the most human person in the room is the one who isn’t human at all. Distributed by CreaZion Studios, Wicker is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

‘Drag Race Philippines’ gets a new partner FILIPINO migrant workers sending money home to support their families will be part of the story behind the fourth season of Drag Race Philippines, with international money transfer service Sendwave joining the reality competition as its Gold Season Sponsor and Official Padala Partner. The partnership celebrates Filipino creativity and individuality while drawing attention to the millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who regularly send money to loved ones back home. Whether the money goes toward groceries, household bills, tuition or transportation, each remittance represents the sacrifices of Filipinos working abroad to support their families, the company said. “At Sendwave, we’re intentional about being in our customers’ corner. That means not only showing up in spaces like Drag Race Philippines, where we know our communities are watching, but extending that support to the queens themselves, many of whom are breadwinners chasing their own dreams,” said Leo Albea, head of Philippines market at Sendwave. “We see that same drive in the millions of OFWs abroad chasing dreams for their families. That connection matters to us, and it’s why we build partnerships like this,” he added. As the show’s Official Padala Partner, Sendwave will serve as the designated method for sending sponsored prize money to the competing queens, introducing the campaign line, “Kapag may panalo, may padala.” The brand will also have special integrations

Season 4 connects the queens’ pursuit of their ambitions with the sacrifices of overseas Filipinos whose remittances help sustain families back home

throughout Season 4, including segments tied to the queens’ challenge victories. Beyond its on-screen presence, the company has signed all the season’s queens as brand ambassadors, paving the way for collaborations throughout the year. These will include stories featuring Filipino remittance senders and the families who depend on their support. The partnership also recognizes the financial responsibilities of OFWs, from healthcare workers and other professionals to parents and relatives who carefully manage their earnings to provide for loved ones back home. While Drag Race Philippines celebrates performers pursuing their ambitions in the entertainment industry, the campaign also acknowledges Filipinos whose work abroad helps sustain households thousands of kilometers away. Through the collaboration, Sendwave seeks to connect the queens’ personal journeys with the experiences of overseas Filipinos, underscoring the role of remittances in keeping families connected despite the distance.

Music links past, present for Pedro Pascal’s cellist in ‘Behemoth!’

Pedro Pascal learns the cello for his role as Alex Serian, whose performances stir memories that gradually reveal pieces of his complicated past

PEDRO Pascal learned to play the cello for his starring role in upcoming film Behemoth! from Oscar-winning writerdirector Tony Gilroy. “I was so taken by what the story was and the... intimacy of all of it, in the

way that I guess how intimate it can feel to listen to music and to be guided by music,” the 51-year-old actor told an audience at a showing of the movie at the New York Film Festival on Friday. Jumping between past and present, the film tells the story of Alex Serian, a cellist who moves to Los Angeles to care for his dying mother and escape an overbearing ex played by Olivia Wilde. While there, he joins an orchestra that performs film scores, and the music they play serves as a link for both Alex and the audience, connecting fragments from his past that appear to have overwhelmed him. Chilean-American Pascal said his character “just seemed like a person who is as much of a kind of passenger to his life as you are a passenger to his experience... as a viewer.” As he goes from city to city, lover to lover, the score for Behemoth!—written by nine composers and which serves as the score performed by the orchestra in the film—

triggers the main character’s memories. The film marks a departure for Gilroy, who cut his teeth writing action movies like the Bourne films and legal thrillers like Michael Clayton. “I never wrote a character quite like this before that wasn’t escaping or rushing towards” crises, the 70-year-old filmmaker said, adding that he was inspired by the legendary Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni, who “manages to be... a passenger in the movie, but never passive.” “And that’s the trick to this: is to put him on the train and not have him run over by it. And that became possible when (Pedro Pascal) came on.” US actress Eva Victor, who plays one of Alex’s partners in the movie, questions whether the main character is as passive as he appears to be. “I feel like it’s very active to be running from things and to be not engaging with things in your life... I think that’s very actively self-sabotaging,” she said. AFP

LIFE

C3 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

By Jasper Valdez

ENNIS remains a difficult sport for many Filipinos to pursue, especially those with limited access to courts, coaching, and regular competitions. Organizers of the 43rd Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open hope to address some of these barriers by encouraging greater participation and supporting players beyond major tournaments. The effort was highlighted during the tournament’s launch at the PCA Complex in Paco, Manila, where the Philippine Columbian Association and Palawan Group of Companies discussed ways to introduce the sport to more communities. Palawan Group founder and chairman Bobby L. Castro acknowledged that aspiring Filipino athletes need more opportunities to train and compete. “We don’t have enough venues. There aren’t enough tournaments for young players to join,” Castro said. He stressed that developing Filipino talent requires more than identifying promising players. Young athletes also need opportunities to improve and gain experience. “What our players need is the opportunity to develop their skills, gain experience, and show what they can do, not only here in the Philippines but eventually on the world stage,” he added. Palawan Group chief marketing officer Bernard V. Kaibigan said the company’s tennis development program focuses on introducing the sport to beginners before helping them advance to higher levels of competition. “The first step is really to introduce tennis to the community,” Kaibigan said, noting that the company supports more than 200 grassroots training activities and tournaments nationwide annually. He explained that beginners are introduced to the sport through community activities before receiving training and opportunities to compete locally. Those who continue developing their skills can eventually participate in larger tournaments, including the Palawan Open and PCA Open. “Number one is really for Filipinos to appreciate tennis. Number two is to get them to try tennis. Number three is to find the next tennis superstars,” Kaibigan said. He cited Alex Eala, who participated in Palawan-supported tournaments during her younger years, as an example of a Filipino athlete who gained early competitive

BDO Foundation rehabilitates 250th rural health facility

The 43rd PCA Open runs from Nov. 2 to Dec. 13, featuring more than 1,000 expected entries across eight categories

Hunting for the next

MORE than 11 million Filipinos stand to benefit from improved access to healthcare after BDO Foundation completed the rehabilitation of its 250th rural health unit (RHU), marking a milestone in its nationwide healthcare infrastructure program. The foundation reached the milestone with the turnover of Compostela Rural Health Unit in Cebu, its 22nd rehabilitated health facility in 2026. The achievement coincides with BDO’s 50th anniversary celebration this year. Since 2012, the foundation has rehabilitated 250 rural health units and primary care facilities recommended by BDO and BDO Network Bank branches in their respective communities. Many serve areas vulnerable to natural disasters and disruptions to essential health services. The 22 facilities completed this year are located in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Antique, Iloilo, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro.

Alex Eala

Leisure club rallies behind next generation of Filipino tennis stars experience through local competitions. Kaibigan emphasized that regular training and tournaments are necessary to keep players involved in the sport. “This type of support wouldn’t be sustainable if it were just a one-off activity,” he said. The organizers also want tennis to appeal to people outside competitive sports. During the launch, guests participated in a mini tennis clinic that introduced beginners to basic techniques. Castro pointed out that the sport can be enjoyed at different ages. “Tennis is not just for young people. Even people like us who are already seniors can enjoy the sport,” he said. Ivan Ong, a PCA Open committee representative, said the tournament aims to reach a wider audience while giving Filipino players opportunities to compete. “ U l t i m a t e l y, we at PCA, with Palawan’s help, want to bring tennis to more Filipinos,”

Ong said. Established in 1982, the PCA Open returns for its 43rd edition from November 2 to December 13, with more than 1,000 entries expected across eight categories. The tournament includes junior, high school, college, adult, and veteran competitions. For Castro, developing Filipino tennis requires cooperation among organizers, coaches, sponsors, and other groups willing to provide opportunities for athletes. “Coaches also need to do their part. Everyone has to work together,” he said.

The Philippine Columbian Association Open aims to introduce more Filipinos to the sport and provide aspiring athletes with opportunities to develop their skills

BDO Foundation completes the rehabilitation of its 250th rural health unit, a milestone in its program to improve access to healthcare in underserved communities

The latest rehabilitation came as local health officials cited the damage caused by Typhoon Tino and an earthquake last year in Compostela. Damaged roads, landslides, and unsafe buildings disrupted healthcare delivery, making it difficult for residents to reach medical services. Years of deterioration had also left parts of the health center in poor condition, with damaged restrooms, cracked walls, deteriorating ceilings, and unusable wash areas affecting patients and healthcare workers. Rural health units serve as the first point of contact for many Filipinos, particularly those with limited financial resources. Despite damaged facilities and interruptions in electricity, water, and communications, health workers continued serving their communities, often amid shortages of medicines and medical supplies. The rehabilitation provides patients with safer and more comfortable surroundings through improved lighting, upgraded interiors, and structural repairs. The upgrades also help healthcare personnel deliver services more efficiently and support local governments in meeting Department of Health and PhilHealth standards, potentially qualifying facilities for additional resources. Through the program, BDO Foundation supports the government’s universal health care efforts and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages.

Getting ‘Asian flush’ or a rash after drinking? You might want to skip the binge and visit your doc

The drugstore chain is expanding access to 75 generic medicines under PhilHealth’s GAMOT benefit, part of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program

Expanding access to 75 free medicines through PhilHealth partnership MILLIONS of Filipinos struggling with recurring medical expenses could gain easier access to essential medicines through an expanded governmentprivate sector partnership that covers 75 generic drugs for outpatient treatment. Southstar Drug is strengthening its role as an accredited partner pharmacy of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) under its Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) benefit, part of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP). Launched during Generics Awareness Month, the drugstore chain’s “Kasama sa Pag-Galing” campaign aims to ease the financial burden of recurring medical expenses while educating consumers on generic medicines, prescription labels, and responsible over-the-counter drug use. With more than 700 branches nationwide, the pharmacy chain is also helping patients navigate the government health program through pharmacist consultations, assistance with YAKAP registration, and guidance on accessing covered medicines. Volunteer-led health consultations are also available to senior citizens managing chronic conditions.

The partnership expands the number of medicines available to eligible beneficiaries. While YAKAP primary care facilities traditionally provide 21 essential medicines, the GAMOT benefit adds 54 generic medications, bringing the total to 75 covered medicines for outpatient treatment. The expanded coverage is intended to help patients manage a wider range of long-term illnesses without shouldering the full cost of their prescriptions. Accessing the benefit requires patients to follow a prescribed process. Beneficiaries must first visit their chosen YAKAP-accredited health facility for a primary care consultation and obtain a prescription from an accredited physician. They can then present the prescription at any accredited branch nationwide to claim their covered medicines, subject to PhilHealth guidelines. The initiative builds on the company’s nearly 90-year history, which began with its first branch in Naga City. Its latest partnership with PhilHealth seeks to extend affordable medicines beyond hospitals and health centers, placing access to essential treatment within reach of more communities.

DOES a sip of wine make you blush, or a bottle of beer give you a rash? You may have an alcohol allergy or alcohol intolerance, two different conditions that are often confused. Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) explains that knowing the difference can help people recognize symptoms and avoid potential health complications. “Many people interchange alcohol allergy and alcohol intolerance, but these actually involve different processes in the body,” said Maria Socorro L. Agcaoili-De Jesus, MD, FPCP, FPSAAI, FPSRI, an internal medicine specialist in allergy, asthma and immunology. “An alcohol allergy is related to the immune system, while alcohol intolerance is the body’s inability to properly metabolize alcohol.” A true alcohol allergy is rare. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies alcohol as a threat and triggers an allergic reaction. More commonly, people react to ingredients in alcoholic beverages, including wheat, barley, rye, hops, yeast, grapes, preservatives, and sulfites. Symptoms include itchy skin rashes, irritation of the mouth, eyes or nose, facial or throat swelling, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Severe reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that causes a drop in blood pressure and narrowing of the airways. “Even a small amount of alcohol can induce symptoms in a person with alcohol allergy,” Agcaoili-De Jesus said, warning that reactions can escalate quickly and require immediate medical attention, particularly when breathing difficulties or swelling occur. Alcohol intolerance, meanwhile, is an inherited metabolic condition

caused by a deficiency of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), an enzyme needed to break down alcohol. Its most recognizable symptom is the “Asian flush,” in which the face, neck and chest turn red and feel warm shortly after drinking. Other symptoms include nausea, headaches, vomiting, low blood pressure, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing. Although common among people of East Asian descent, including Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans, the condition can affect people of any ethnicity. MakatiMed warns that continued drinking despite alcohol intolerance can have serious consequences. Acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that builds up when alcohol is not properly metabolized, has

been linked to increased cancer risks involving the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach and liver. Studies have also associated alcohol intolerance with heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. The hospital advises people experiencing recurring symptoms after drinking to seek medical evaluation rather than self-diagnose. Those with severe alcohol allergies may be advised to carry an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies. However, there is no treatment that corrects the enzyme deficiency responsible for alcohol intolerance. Antihistamines and antacids cannot eliminate its health risks. Avoiding alcohol remains the safest way to prevent symptoms and potential longterm complications.

Makati Medical Center advises people who experience flushing, rashes or other reactions after drinking to seek medical evaluation, as these symptoms may point to alcohol intolerance or an allergy

C4 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

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

LIFE Fitness center takes strength training up a notch From beginners to elite athletes, a new studio puts sports science, structured coaching, and team spirit under one roof

James Licauco places first at the Record Breakers Physical Fitness Test Hybrid Race Simulation

STRONGER TOGETHER. Kinetic Strength Studio management and fitness enthusiasts celebrate the launch of a space where strength is built and limits are challenged

By Nickie Wang

ALKING into a gym for the first time can be intimidating. Rows of unfamiliar equipment and seemingly effortless athletes can make even the most determined beginner think twice. Kinetic Strength Studio (KSS) wants to change that experience by replacing aimless workouts with structured, science-based training that allows everyone, regardless of fitness level, to build strength, improve endurance, and work toward personal goals. Officially opening its first branch in October at The Podium in Ortigas, the studio is the latest venture of Strength in Movement (SIM) Group, which also operates Kinetix Lab, Kinetix+, Kinetix Kids, Kinetix Kitchen, and Polarity Wellness Club. Building on the experience of Kinetix Lab, which began developing its training programs in 2019, KSS brings sports science and group strength training into a dedicated studio. “At KSS, we believe that strength is a group sport,” said coach Marc Amil, the studio’s branch manager. Rather than putting participants through exhausting workout sessions, KSS follows carefully designed programs with weekly progressions guided by sports science graduates. “Our classes are not simply designed to make participants catch their breath. They’re curated to help them develop strength and conditioning,” a studio representative told Manila Standard Lifestyle. Its offerings include strength, mixed-modal,

high-intensity, core, and HYROX simulation classes. The programs cater to competitive athletes, recreational sports enthusiasts, and individuals who want to become more physically active. Classes are divided into foundational, intermediate, and advanced levels, allowing newcomers to develop their abilities before moving to more demanding routines. “We want people to feel welcome from the moment they see our class offerings. Even the names of the classes are intended to make beginners feel that they can participate,” the representative added. Participants who complete three foundational classes, for instance, may advance to intermediate training. Depending on their consistency, attendance, and commitment, their programs can follow progressions lasting up to six months. An initial assessment helps coaches determine each participant’s fitness level, individual needs, and objectives before recommending appropriate programs.

The fitness studio aims to make strength training a shared and empowering experience

Although sessions take place in groups, personal guidance remains a priority. At least two coaches are assigned to each class to monitor form, provide instruction, and assist participants. KSS also provides open-gym hours dedicated to hybrid sports simulation, allowing athletes to experience race-like conditions as they prepare for competitions. The studio demonstrated this approach during its launch through the Record Breakers Physical Fitness Test Hybrid Race Simulation. Invited hybrid-sports enthusiasts competed in pairs across four stations: a 500-meter run, a 250-meter SkiErg, a 15-meter sled push, and 15 dumbbell squat thrusts. Women pushed 102 kilograms on the sled, while men handled 152 kilograms. The squat thrusts required 15-pound dumbbells for women and 25-pound dumbbells for men. Coaches monitored the stations and counted repetitions as DJ Vant provided the soundtrack for the competition. From left: Gab Luis Pascual, Yuki Takahashi, James Licauco, and Keano Aniban join the Record Breakers Physical Fitness Test Hybrid Race Simulation during the Kinetic Strength Studio launch

Six ways to replace negative thought patterns

Kinetic Strength Studio offers structured, sciencebased strength training programs for all fitness levels

The studio provides personalized guidance through group classes, open-gym hours, and hybrid sports simulation

James Licauco and Keano Aniban clocked the fastest time to claim first place, followed by runners-up Ice Escarilla and Simon Abraham. Meanwhile, KSS plans to expand across Metro Manila, with another location slated for Vertis North. Southern Metro Manila is also being considered. The studio aims to make strength training a shared experience where beginners can build confidence, recreational athletes can improve their abilities, and competitive racers can prepare for their next challenge. “You can train on your own, with friends, or alongside other people in a community,” the studio representative said.

4. Replace unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. The smallest happenings could make life more exciting and rewarding. Reflect on your strengths. Get creative. Learn a new skill. Try a new activity. Change “I cannot do it” to “I can try.” 5. Be kind to yourself. What can I do to feel a little better? Is there a kinder way to look at this? What is a more comforting activity I can concentrate on? Speak to yourself as you would to someone you love. Be a coach rather than a critic. Note down your achievements, compliments, or self-affirmations in a journal. 6. Look after your mental health. Engage in activities that are beneficial to you and can improve your outlook.

Try to notice your thoughts without immediately judging them

HOW you think affects your feelings and behavior. While it is natural to sometimes have negative thoughts, repeated patterns may be harmful to your well-being. The Mental Health Foundation, a major organization dedicated to promoting good mental health, explained that self-criticism and negative self-talk may damage your self-esteem. They could make you anxious and stressed, hinder you from reaching your full potential, and cause harm to your relationships. They may likewise contribute to conditions such as loneliness and depression. The UK-based charity, however, highlighted that these habits may be unlearned. The tip: Be open-minded and reimagine how you see yourself and the world. To guide the general public, experts from the Benilde Well-Being Center (BWC) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB) shared several key points from the organization on how to break this cycle: 1. Recognize negative thoughts. Your experiences and emotions may lead to unrealistic conclusions. Identify these “cognitive distortions.” These include all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralizations, paying attention to the negative, jumping to conclusions, emotional reasoning, “should” statements, personalization, and even blame.

Write your achievements, the compliments you have received, or the things you like about yourself in a journal

2. Accept your thoughts with mindfulness. Be more aware of your thoughts without judgment. Learn to acknowledge them as they are. Then let them go. 3. Be curious and open-minded. Be receptive to different perspectives. Ask yourself: Why am I thinking this? What evidence is there for this thought? Is this helpful?

Acquire new skill like baking to replace unhealthy thoughts