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Wednesday, August 26, 2026 Vol. 21 No. 316

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DATA AGAINST THE DELUGE Reading the waters, preparing for what’s next. Geologist Mahar Francisco Amante Lagmay, executive director of Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), and fellow researchers continue monitoring the effects of Typhoon Saudel, locally named “Obet,” at the project’s headquarters at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as the storm exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility. The Department of Budget and Management has authorized the release of P1 billion to the University of the Philippines System to strengthen Project NOAH’s disaster-prevention capabilities. BusinessMirror reported that the funding will scale up AI-powered flood forecasting, real-time hazard monitoring and early-warning systems. Project NOAH, managed by the UP Resilience Institute, uses AI-enhanced modeling, LiDAR mapping, data analytics and other digital technologies to generate real-time hazard assessments and predictive flood scenarios. NONOY LACZA

‘POLITICAL NOISE COULD STALL FISCAL REFORMS’ T

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

HE ongoing impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte and the run-up to the 2028 presidential elections could weigh on confidence, reform implementation and the passage of planned revenue measures, Moody’s Ratings warned. Despite Moody’s affirmation of the Philippines’s “Baa2” investment-grade credit rating and keeping its outlook stable, it said political noise could pose risks to the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts if it delays reforms or undermines investor confidence. “A reversal or stalling of the reforms underpinning prior gains

in economic and fiscal strength— including from political developments weighing on policymaking— or a material erosion in institutions and governance strength would put downward pressure on the rating,” the ratings agency said. With the government announcing a broader tax package, Moody’s See “Reforms,” A2

DIGITAL PLATFORM ENHANCES MARKET LINKS IN FIBER SECTOR By Ada Pelonia

HE Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) launched a digital platform to enhance market linkages and expand opportunities in the fiber sector. PhilFIDA Executive Director Arnold Atienza led the launch of the e-market linkage platform, dubbed Natural Fiber Link PH, to digitally connect local fiber processors and producers with potential buyers. The agency said this would help the domestic industry expand its market opportunities, strengthen market linkages,

and promote fair and transparent trade in the country’s natural fiber products. The launch brought together industry stakeholders who explored the developing platform and shared feedback on its accessibility and functionality. For PhilFIDA, the feedback will contribute to the platform’s continuous improvement as it works toward a more accessible and responsive digital marketplace. “As Natural Fiber Link PH continues its development, PhilFIDA remains committed to advancing sustainable, eco-friendly, and inclusive digital solutions that See “Fiber,” A2

Poverty metric review almost done–DepDev By Justine Xyrah Garcia

MID concerns that the country’s poverty measure no longer reflects current economic realities, the government is nearing completion of its review of the methodology used to determine who is considered poor. Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Arsenio M. Balisacan on Tuesday said the review of the poverty metric is “almost” complete, but stressed that the current meth-

odology should remain in place for now to ensure consistency in measuring the Marcos administration’s progress toward its single-digit poverty target under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. Last week, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that poverty incidence fell to a recordlow 9.7 percent in 2025, equivalent to 11.08 million Filipinos. This was down sharply from 15.5 percent in 2023 and 18.1 percent in 2021. The decline, however, has

also renewed questions over whether the country’s poverty measure remains appropriate for current living standards and economic conditions. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2026/08/22/single-digitpoverty-rate-masking-gaps/). “Part of the controversy or the claim is that that metric is now low, and we agree that that deserves a review,” Balisacan said. Under the latest PSA data, an individual is considered poor if their monthly income falls below

the per capita poverty threshold of P2,927, or P35,121 annually. For a family of five, the poverty threshold is P14,634 per month. The latest thresholds were 5.5 percent higher than the P2,775 monthly per capita threshold and the P13,873 monthly threshold for a family of five in 2023. Balisacan, however, said the current metric should be retained for the remainder of the administration’s term so its poverty-reduction gains can be measured against the See “DepDev,” A2

DOE to unload LPG excess, boost diesel

By Lenie Lectura

HE Department of Energy (DOE) will continue to unload excess liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply and boost diesel inventories. “So, we’re starting to unload as well, so that storage costs don’t become excessive,” said DOE Secretary Sharon Garin. The country’s fuel inventory as of August 21 stood at 47 days. Of which, gasoline supply will last for 44 days; diesel, 47; kerosene, 121; jet fuel, 75; fuel oil, 54; and LPG, 34. “We have to do the math because we don’t want to spend too much. Because while we have it, we have to pay for storage—meaning the rent of the space to store it. Therefore, the longer we keep it, the more expensive the storage becomes,” said Garin, referring to LPG supply. “Most of the time, we try to sell it lower than the going rate just to dispose. But I think it’s almost finished because everyone wants it,” said Garin. In the past months, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) released a strategic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) inventory stored at the South Pacific Inc. (SPI) terminal in Batangas, priced at P68.72 per kilogram (kg). The strategic LPG inventory is an emergency fuel buffer meant to safeguard domestic supply and protect consumers from global market

volatility and supply disruptions. The energy chief said PNOC has no immediate plans to import another batch of LPG supply soon. “We have really enough and they already know where to go. Where did they buy from before? In the Middle East. Now, they’re buying from America. So, luckily, our companies have learned to be resilient and to spread their risk. So, we have many other countries as sources,” she said. Likewise, LPG is likely not to be included in the planned strategic petroleum reserve. “We still have to study that because there is a different storage for LPG. When you store diesel, gas, it’s just like you put it in a big tank and then you store it there. “Here, there are two components that you have to mix. And then there’s the pressure that you have to control and the temperature. So it’s a more complicated process. That’s why we have not included that yet. And also because we have enough,” she explained. The PNOC and the Maharlika Investment Corp., are developing a strategic petroleum reserve and oil storage facility. Maharlika proposed a consortium with PNOC and the private sector to build oil depots to store strategic reserves. Maharlika will act as a capital provider, and PNOC will contribute assets; private operators will manage the facilities. See “DOE,” A2

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 61.7350 n JAPAN 0.3881 n UK 84.2127 n HK 7.8781 n CHINA 9.1835 n SINGAPORE 48.6103 n AUSTRALIA 44.1282 n EU 72.0139 n KOREA 0.0446 n SAUDI ARABIA 16.4425 Source: BSP (August 25, 2026)

News

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same baseline. He explained that the government needs to use a “consistent ruler” to determine whether its programs, policies, and strategies are delivering the intended results. “I think that it’s proper that we use the same metric throughout, and then maybe in the next government, they can set their own metric standard to measure their progress. In the meantime, we are preparing for an update of the thresholds,” Balisacan said. The same principle applies to calls for the Philippines to adopt a higher poverty threshold following its transition to upper-middle-income country status, an issue earlier reported by this newspaper. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/08/13/ phls-entry-into-umic-club-spurspoverty-stats-review/). Balisacan acknowledged that the country’s current poverty threshold is “slightly below” what would be expected given its current per-capita income or gross national income per capita, and said an adjustment is warranted. “Maybe in the next administration, that is recommended. I think that’s usually the practice in many countries,” he said. The World Bank’s international poverty lines are currently set at $4.20 per person per day for lowermiddle-income economies and $8.30 for upper-middle-income economies, both in 2021 purchasing power parity terms. At around P97 per person per day, the Philippines’s national poverty threshold is closer to the lower-middle-income benchmark.

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Pax Silica tests the limits of faster approvals–Arta

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

HE proposed Pax Silica hub in New Clark City will test whether the government can speed up investment processing without weakening legal, environmental and social safeguards, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said. ARTA said streamlining government procedures should focus on reducing processing times, compliance costs and inter-agency bottlenecks, but should not mean bypassing statutory requirements or limiting public participation. “ARTA is actively collaborating with regulatory agencies across the semiconductor ecosystem to systematically optimize processing times, compliance costs, and inter-agency

procedures,” the agency said in a statement on Tuesday. “The Pax Silica initiative provides a key platform to advance this agenda through coordinated and predictable governance,” it added. The statement comes as the proposed development faces scrutiny over its potential impact on water resources, communities and the country’s exposure to foreign interests. Malacañang said earlier the project

Fiber…

create greater opportunities for Filipino fiber farmers, processors, and industry stakeholders.” In a separate development, Atienza met with Carmina Jacob, Vice President

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would remain subject to existing laws and environmental requirements, including measures to prevent the displacement of communities without appropriate safeguards. Pax Silica covers about 1,600 hectares in New Clark City and is envisioned as an advanced manufacturing complex for semiconductor production, including wafer fabrication, chip design and critical minerals processing. The project is intended to focus on higher-value semiconductor manufacturing and related activities that require significant capital investment. It has been projected to attract between $40 billion and $70 billion in domestic and foreign investments and create jobs for engineers, researchers, computer science professionals and skilled technical workers, the Bases Conversion and Development Au-

thority (BCDA) said. Further, under the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 (Republic Act 11032), Arta is tasked with helping improve government service delivery and reduce regulatory burdens. The pace of approvals, however, remains separate from the actual development timeline. BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang earlier said site development could begin in three to five years, initially covering about 500 hectares of the proposed 1,620-hectare site. Full development is expected to take place over about 30 years. Arta said it would continue working with regulators, local governments and private-sector stakeholders to streamline procedures for the project while keeping regulatory requirements in place.

of the Fashion Coalition. They discussed potential collaborations that would promote sustainable fiber textiles and the use of locally produced cotton in textile manufacturing. PhilFIDA added that the discussion also explored opportunities to support local fiber production, encourage the development of sustainable textile products, and bolster the patronage of locally sourced materials within the Philippine fashion industry.

role in the global economy and environmental sustainability, UA&P Center for Food and Agribusiness (CFA) research assistant Cy P. Reyes said abaca production had been on a downtrend. Citing government data, Reyes noted that abaca output steadily declined over a five-year period to 39,089 metric tons (MT) last year, from 58,943 MT in 2021. Aside from natural calamities and persistent crop diseases, Reyes noted market coordination and sourcing gaps as a main concern. “Despite being the world’s leading exporter, the Philippines faces a ‘sourcing paradox,’ where local firms import abaca fiber largely from Ecuador, due to weak coordination in domestic supply chains.” Thus, Reyes said there is a “strong potential” to reduce the country’s reliance on imports by bolstering connections between local producers and domestic manufacturers.

Production bottlenecks

LAST April, a unit of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) said sourcing constraints, weather-related shocks, and plant diseases hinder the domestic abaca industry’s growth. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2026/04/13/typhoons-diseases-hamper-abaca-production-report/) Despite the industry’s critical

NCR…

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and egress, and other site-specific hazard controls. On general labor standards, DOLENCR reminded employers to provide applicable wages, including overtime, holiday and premium pay, as well as rest periods and statutory benefits. Construction workers should

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also be covered by the Social Security System, PhilHealth and PagIBIG, while employers must maintain proper employment records and comply with other applicable employment conditions. As a follow-through to the inspection, DOLE-NCR held a forum where construction workers were briefed on social protection programs and benefits from Pag-IBIG Fund, the Employees’ Compensation Commission, SSS and PhilHealth.

PNOC has funded and started studies to build at least one oil storage tank by end of next year. The investment is initially pegged at P5 billion per storage tank, capable of storing 500,000 to 1 million barrels of oil. The Senate and House of Representatives are already tackling the proposed bills related to establishing the Philippine Strategic Petroleum Reserve (PSPR) system. “We’re still holding on to the diesel because it is being used for transportation. For LPG, you have a substitute. You can burn wood or charcoal. But for diesel, we’re not so confident yet of the situation of the Strait of Hormuz and 60 percent of diesel is really being utilized for transportation. So, maybe it’s not enough at the moment,” said Garin.

Reforms… Continued from A1

noted that offsetting revenue measures have yet to be legislated and any delay or dilution could slow fiscal consolidation. A more pronounced deterioration in fiscal and government debt metrics relative to peers, such as if the current slowdown continues to erode medium-term growth potential or if the growing debt stock cannot be arrested, could likewise lead to a rating downgrade, Moody’s added. “Nevertheless, a material shift in overall policy direction appears unlikely given that most major economic reforms have already been legislated and the focus is increasingly on execution,” it noted. The Department of Finance (DOF) said Moody’s affirmation reflects the resilience of the Philippine economy’s underlying fundamentals, citing its strong access to domestic and international funding markets and sufficient foreign-currency reserves to weather global capital flow volatility. “We welcome the stable outlook credit-rating affirmation, even as the world deals with real headwinds. Moody’s assessment confirms our strong macroeconomic fundamentals, and that the reforms we’ve put in place are working,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go was quoted in a statement as saying. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) also welcomed Moody’s affirmation, which recognizes the economy’s ability to withstand global economic headwinds. “On the part of the BSP, we will continue working to bring inflation back close to target, safeguard the soundness of the country’s banking system, promote a safe and efficient payments and settlements system, and prudently manage the country’s international reserves,” it said in a separate statement. Moody’s also noted the Bureau of the Treasury’s “proactive” liability management, which lengthens average maturity and maintains a predominantly fixed-rate, local-currency stock, to continue in mitigating refinancing and interest-rate risks. “The affirmation reinforces that we are on the right track in managing the National Government’s debt portfolio and strengthening our fiscal position,” National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza was quoted in a separate statement as saying. “Our objective is to sustain this progress and, over time, move up the credit rating ladder toward our coveted A rating,” she added, noting that the Treasury will continue to pursue prudent fiscal and debt management policies aimed at strengthening the government’s fiscal position and preserving investor confidence. Moody’s said it expects fiscal consolidation to stay on track, as the government’s response to recent energy shocks has been measured.

Credit upgrade if…

A CREDIT rating upgrade would be possible if the Philippines sustains a record of fiscal consolidation that puts government debt on a firm downward trajectory and reverses the deterioration in debt affordability. Stronger growth that lifts the economy’s medium-term potential through higher private investment and productivity gains would also be credit positive, it added. Moody’s expects the fiscal deficit to widen to around 4 percent of gross domestic product this year on higher energy imports and peso depreciation, before narrowing as energy prices ease and export demand firms.

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Kong and 1.16 million traveling to Macau in 2024. The Embassy assured that legitimate travel remains permitted but urged Filipinos to keep their visa category, invitation letters and actual activities consistent, and to consult the Embassy or China’s National Immigration Administration hotline (12367) for guidance.

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Wednesday, August 26, 2026

CROWN ASIA STRENGTHENS REGIONAL EXPANSION STRATEGY AS URBAN DENSITY ACCELERATES DEMAND FOR VALUE-DRIVEN UPSCALE ASSETS C

ROWN ASIA strengthened its operational framework for capital preservation by anchoring its nationwide footprint on the elements of an exquisite address. The strategic rollout outlines five operational hallmarks designed to insulate prime horizontal and vertical real estate investments from cyclical market volatility while optimizing asset utilization. By systematically pairing strategic regional placement with institutional design principles, Crown Asia converts premium themed residential developments into self-sustaining, long-term capital assets. This proactive alignment addresses the demands of a growing demographic of high-net-worth individuals and discerning local investors looking to de-risk their financial portfolios.

Architectural artistry. Crown Asia draws from worldly references and weaves them into contemporary residences in the Philippines, calibrated to local climate, culture, and customs, creating homes that feel global yet grounded.

Capitalizing on Core Investment Fundamentals

The operational stability of the Crown Asia portfolio depends on a calculated convergence of geographic placement, architectural differentiation, and asset flexibility. This investment thesis is implemented across five core structural pillars. Crown Asia’s strategic framework begins with privileged placement, deploying capital in high-growth regional corridors near central business districts and major transportation hubs to eliminate transit friction and guarantee land appreciation. These themed communities feature architectural artistry, which adapts global design influences to local microclimates and cultural customs, establishing a recognizable benchmark that ensures property differentiation. To protect the homebuyers’ personal sanctuaries, purposeful privacy employs strict circulation planning and controlled entryways to reinforce structural security. Restorative rhythm, on the other hand, structurally configures high-value residential spaces to optimize daily wellness and personal wellbeing. Ultimately, the intersection of these four principles drives property potential, allowing each upscale horizontal and vertical asset to seamlessly adapt to shifting market conditions and deliver progressive value over time.

Exquisite living is an alignment of placement, proportion, privacy, personal well-being, and property potential. These five hallmarks define the enduring refinement of a Crown Asia residence.

Engineering Long-Term Asset Protection

Rather than relying on short-term market popularity, the developments of Crown Asia focus on the foundational values of modern luxury: safety, operational efficiency, and spatial adaptability. Each master-planned community acts as a functional framework where architectural character directly serves a practical commercial purpose—capturing steady demand from a highly stable, upscale consumer market. Backed by more than three decades of community building, this institutional structure ensures that standard real estate holdings transition into high-yielding, progressive platforms. As the country’s main regional growth corridors continue to expand, developments that

Enduring equity. The premium housing brand ensures its residential experience remains relevant through evolving lifestyle and market preferences, driving long-term property appreciation.

Bringing the beauty of the world to your doorstep

seamlessly blend strategic command the highest market value and longRestorative rhythm: Crownconnectivity Asia featureswith al fresco promenades to soften strain, support stillness, premium infrastructure term capital appreciation. and sustainlifestyle steadier lifestyles. will continue to

Crown Asia is the foremost builder of themed residential developments, distinguished by global influences and set in the most strategic locations across the archipelago. Built for the self-made, Crown Asia speaks to those who move with mastery,

break through with boldness, and choose with clarity. Residences are not merely rewards, but reflections of their discipline, direction, and pursuit of distinction. A Crown Asia home is a trophy of triumph—an exquisite reward to and only for themselves. Learn more about Crown Asia themed residential developments across the islands. Log on to www.crownasia.com.ph and follow @CrownAsiaOfficial.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

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gives way House impeach prosecution panel notes AFP to OMB, stops Lachica probe OVP’s ‘mad rush’ to spend ₧125 million By Jane Magturo

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

@joveemarie

HE House prosecution panel said on Tuesday that testimony and financial records presented during Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial indicates an apparent effort to spend the Office of the Vice President’s entire P125 million confidential fund allocation within just 11 days before the end of 2022.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia-ur Rahman Alonto Adiong, prosecution spokesperson, cited the testimony of hostile witness Lemuel Ortonio, an OVP assistant secretary and assistant chief of staff. Ortonio confirmed that the entire P125 million was reported as disbursed from December 21 to 31, 2022. “It appears that there was a deliberate effort to exhaust the P125 million in only 11 days,” he said. Ortonio also testified that unused cash allocations expire at the end of the year and that any remaining balance must be returned to the National Treasury. Adiong said the 11-day spending period becomes more notable when compared with the OVP’s use of confidential funds in 2023. According to the OVP’s accomplishment reports, the office covered 132 areas in 11 days in 2022. In comparison, it covered 127 areas over 52 days during the first quarter of 2023, 111 areas over 67 days in the second quarter, and 122 areas over 79 days in the third quarter. “What is also striking is that they were able to use the entire P125 million in only 11 days,” Adiong said.

“What does this suggest? It appears that there was a pattern of spending P125 million every quarter,” he added. Adiong said the spending pattern should also be considered alongside Ortonio’s account of how the confidential funds were requested. Ortonio confirmed that the OVP had no confidential fund allocation when Duterte assumed office in July 2022. On August 22, Duterte requested P250 million in confidential funds from the Department of Budget and Management. However, the supporting physical and financial plan was prepared and approved only on September 16, after the DBM requested the necessary documents. The OVP eventually received P125 million in December. Adiong said the sequence of events raised questions about how the amount was determined and why the entire P125 million was spent before the end of the year. “It raises more questions than answers,” he said. During the same press briefing, prosecution legal spokesperson and counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr.

Nickel miners welcome, ‘green’ group nixes Marcos’ EO 122 By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

HILE the Philippine Nickel Industr y Assoc iat ion welcomed Executive Order 122 as “a pivotal step in advancing the Philippines’ critical minerals industry and strengthening the country’s position in an increasingly competitive global market,” miningaffected communities slammed President Marcos for an alleged “overly optimistic” view of the critical minerals industry. “PNIA thanks President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for this decisive and forward-looking policy direction. At a time when countries

around the world are competing to secure critical minerals, investments, technologies, and supply chains, the President has sent a clear signal that the Philippines intends not only to participate in this global opportunity, but to compete for it,” PNIA said in a statement. PNIA joined the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) i n welcom i ng Ma rcos’ l atest policy supporting the mining industry. In a statement, PNIA said the declaration of all critical mineral projects as national priority projects is ver y significant. See “Nickel,” A5

separately questioned whether confidential funds were necessary to ensure Duterte’s security during official activities. Tolosa cited former Vice President Leni Robredo, whose office did not receive confidential funds during her term. “She also had no confidential funds, yet no untoward incident occurred,” Tolosa said. He added that the senator-judges could consider this comparison when determining whether the use of confidential funds for Duterte’s security was justified. The prosecution is presenting evidence concerning Duterte’s alleged misuse of P500 million in OVP confidential funds. The amount was released in four tranches of P125 million each from December 2022 through 2023.

Outline

IN addition, Duterte has yet to sufficiently account for the P500 million in confidential funds released to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2022 and 2023, prosecution counsel Mae Divinagracia told the Senate Impeachment Court on Tuesday. During the 18th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, Divinagracia outlined alleged irregularities in the request, disbursement and liquidation of the confidential funds. The money was released in four tranches of P125 million from December 2022 through 2023. Divinagracia alleged that the OVP repeatedly changed its explanations for the funds and failed to provide sufficient details and supporting documents. “The explanations keep changing, there are no details or supporting documents, and there appears to be concealment rather than clarification. Until now, the people’s P500 million has not been accounted for,” she said in Filipino. According to the prosecution, Duterte requested the first P250

million before submitting the required supporting plan. Divinagracia claimed that the amount was determined first and the plan was prepared only after the Department of Budget and Management requested it. She also argued that Duterte’s authority and approval appeared on key documents—from the initial request to the liquidation—and that the reports were prepared to comply with formal requirements rather than reflect the actual use of the funds. Divinagracia noted that four reports followed the same template and each accounted for exactly P125 million, with no remaining amount returned. She further alleged that when the Commission on Audit questioned medical and food assistance expenses worth P40 million, P42 million and P40 million in the first three accomplishment reports, those entries disappeared from the final report while the total remained exactly P125 million. The prosecution also claimed that the liquidation documents were submitted late and contained irregular or backdated receipts. Divinagracia said some receipts were submitted 10 months late, while more than 100 were dated approximately one year after the reported payments. She added that certifications supporting the expenses allegedly contained no amounts, names, locations or dates and were signed by the same person who received the money. Meanwhile, the Impeachment Court declared Ortonio a hostile witness after determining that his continued employment under Duterte gave him an adverse interest in the proceedings. Presiding Officer Sen. Francis Escudero issued the ruling after Ortonio confirmed that he reports directly to Duterte, serves at her pleasure and holds a co-terminous

position that he would lose if she were removed from office. The ruling allows Divinagracia to ask Ortonio leading questions during direct examination, although Escudero reminded the prosecution that misleading questions remain prohibited. Before the ruling, Ortonio admitted that he had declined several invitations to attend a 2024 investigation by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability concerning the OVP’s confidential funds. He also confirmed that he had not sought judicial relief against the invitations. Ortonio has worked under Duterte in various positions since she served in the Davao City government. He was previously chief of staff of the Office of the Davao City Vice Mayor from 2008 to 2010, chief of staff of the Office of the Davao City Mayor from 2010 to 2013, head of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center from 2016 to 2018 and head of the city’s Human Resource Management Office beginning in 2018. He joined the OVP in July 2022. A Land Bank of the Philippines witness previously identified Ortonio as the official who accompanied former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta when the confidential funds were withdrawn. Acosta earlier testified that, upon Duterte’s instruction, the funds were turned over to then-Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group commander Col. Raymund Dante Lachica. Divinagracia questioned Ortonio’s claim that he had no personal knowledge of how the money was spent, noting that his signatures appeared on the OVP’s responses to COA. She also pointed out that Duterte, Acosta and Lachica – whom the prosecution identified as the officials with direct knowledge of the transactions—had not provided complete explanations.

DOJ indicts policewoman whose gun was used in Tacloban school rampage By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted a police officer whose issued firearms was used by her 14-year-old nephew during a shooting rampage inside the San Jose National High School (SJNHS) in Tacloban City which killed three students and injured several others. DOJ Spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed that the Tacloban City Prosecutor’s Office recommended the filing of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide

and physical injuries against Police Ssgt. Arla Ray Paciencia. The case will be filed with the Family Court at the Regional Trial Court in Tacloban City. Martinez said the city prosecutor made the recommendation following the conduct of a preliminary investigation on the complaint filed by parents and students of SJNHS, in connection with the shooting incident involving a child in conf lict with the law. “ T he DOJ tr usts t hat t he criminal process will proceed in accordance with the rules on due

process for all parties concerned,” Martinez stressed. A child in conflict with the law refers to a person below 18 years who is alleged as having violated the provisions of the Revised Penal Code. It may be recalled that on June 22, Pacencia’s nephew together with another minor, a 15-year-old student, were arrested by authorities after they opened fire inside the school, killing three students. Pacencia later told the Senate during its investigation that her nephew managed to get her gun by breaking into her house and forcibly opening her locker.

HE Armed Forces (AFP) has terminated its investigation into allegations against Col. Raymund Dante Lachica and his alleged involvement in the “misuse of confidential funds” at the Office of the Vice President when he was the commander of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group. Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said the military stopped the inquiry after the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) took cognizance of the complaints against Lachica. “First of all, the Armed Forces of the Philippines respects the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman and, of course, the right to due process,” Padilla said. “So with this, we recommended the termination and conclusion of the inquiry into the allegations against him to avoid duplication of functions, particularly since the Office of the Ombudsman has already taken cognizance of the complaints involving the concerned individual,” she added. OVP Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta testified at the Senate Impeachment Court that Vice President Sara Duterte gave the go-ahead for her to turn over P125 million in confidential funds to Lachica in 2022. The AFP also said it would allow Lachica to attend the Senate impeachment proceedings against Duterte if he receives a proper summons. Padilla said the military observes established protocols when an active-duty officer is required to appear before a government body. The AFP said the chain of command is informed when a military officer is subpoenaed to appear before a court or other authorized proceeding. Referring to the Ombudsman investigation, Padilla said Lachica may seek legal assistance from the AFP’s Judge Advocate General Service but may also opt to hire his own lawyer. Lachica is currently in “attached unassigned status,” the military euphemism for “floating” at the Army headquarters, in Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City, Padilla added. Lachica is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1993 and is due for mandatory retirement on September 22, when he reaches the age of 56. However, Padilla said Lachica will remain on active military status while the case undergoes due process.

Most of adult Pinoys confident on household, personal safety By Rizal Raoul Reyes @brownindio

MAJORITY of adult Filipinos continue to feel safe in their communities, but confidence in personal and household security has weakened significantly since 2023, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey by Octa Research. The July 2026 survey found that 72 percent of Filipinos feel safe in their neighborhoods, while 68 percent said they are not afraid to walk alone at night. However, only 54 percent said they are not

worried about robbers breaking into their homes. Although Filipinos generally maintain a positive perception of peace and order in their immediate communities, concerns become more pronounced when safety is viewed in terms of specific personal and household risks. The survey, conducted from July 4 to 11 among 1,200 probability respondents aged 18 and above, has a margin of error of ±3 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level. The national figures, however, reveal wide varying perceptions

across the country. The Visayas posted the highest level of confidence in neighborhood safety at 84 percent, while the National Capital Region recorded the lowest at 58 percent. For walking alone at night, agreement was highest in Balance Luzon at 72 percent and Mindanao at 71 percent, but fell to only 48 percent in NCR. Home security generated the weakest national result. Balance Luzon registered the highest share of respondents who said they were not worried about robbers breaking into their homes at 61 percent,

compared with only 44 percent in NCR and 47 percent in Mindanao. The regional differences become even more glaring when looking at individual regions. Cordillera Administrative Region and Caraga recorded almost universal confidence in neighborhood safety, at 100 percent and 99 percent, respectively. Ilocos Region followed at 94 percent, while Western Visayas posted 92 percent. At the other end of the spectrum, only 45 percent of respondents in Davao Region said they See “Safety,” A13

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Wednesday, August 26, 2026

PSA reports steep drop in local trade volume By Justine Xyrah Garcia

HE volume of goods traded in the country plunged 37.9 percent during the second quarter of 2026, dragged by a sharp contraction in commodities transported by water, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Preliminary PSA data showed total domestic trade volume fell to 10.57 million tons in the April-to-June period from the 17.02 million tons recorded during the same quarter last year. The decline was largely driven by water transport, where the volume of commodities shipped fell 56.7 percent to 3.77 million tons from 8.72 million tons a year earlier. Road transport also recorded a decline, although at a slower pace, with volume falling 18.1 percent to 6.79 million tons from 8.29 million tons. Air transport was the only mode to post an increase, with volume rising 18.3 percent to 6.91 thousand tons from 5.84 thousand tons. The contraction in the physical volume of goods was accompanied by a smaller decline in the value of domestic trade. PSA said domestic trade value fell 21.9 percent to P745.70 billion in the second quarter from P955.18 billion a year earlier. Road transport bucked the broader decline, with the value of goods moved through the mode increasing 9.8 percent to P542.73 billion from P494.44 billion. Meanwhile, the value of water-borne trade plunged 56 percent to P202.42 billion from P460.06 billion. Air shipments declined 16.9 percent to P557.67 million from P670.87 million. Mineral products accounted for the largest share of domestic trade outflow volume at 2.73 million tons or 25.9 percent of the total, the PSA said. Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes; products, whether or not containing nicotine, intended for inhalation without combustion; other nicotine containing products intended for the intake of nicotine into the human body followed with 2.25 million tons, while vegetable products accounted for 1.43 million tons. By value, however, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment and related products led domestic trade at P183.41 billion, or 24.6 percent of the total. The PSA said Region IV-A (Calabarzon or Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) remained the largest source of goods shipped across regions, accounting for 2.72 million tons, or 25.8 percent of total domestic trade volume. The National Capital Region (NCR) followed with 1.70 million tons (16.1 percent), and Region III (Central Luzon) with 1.41 million tons (13.3 percent).

Nickel. . . Continued from A4

“This is a major shift in perspective. It recognizes that our mineral resources are not simply commodities to extract, but strategic national assets that can support industrialization, infrastructure, energy security, digital transformation, and the clean energy transition.” Moreover, PNIA said that it also puts government-industry partnership in its proper context. Responsible mining is not solely a private-sector undertaking. It is a national development endeavor in which government and industry have distinct but complementar y responsibilities. Government provides the policy direction, standards, safeguards, and enabling environment; industry brings investment, technology, expertise, and execution. The greater value comes when both work toward the same national objective. The Executive Order also advances reforms that PNIA sys it has consistently advocated, including stronger inter-agency coordination, streamlined and digitalized permitting, and more predictable processes. The directive to establish a virtual onestop shop and enable simultaneous rather than sequential processing is particularly encouraging. “For investors, strong policy direction builds confidence, but consistent implementation sustains it. The Executive Order therefore sends an important signal to the global investment community. The task now is to translate that direction into faster, clearer, and more predictable processes on the ground,” the group said. PNIA, likewise, welcomed the strengthened role of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council. Its mandate to review regulatory gaps, address barriers to investment, monitor implementation, and regularly convene government provides an important institutional platform to sustain coordination and reform over the long term. “These directions strongly complement the objectives of PNIA’s Nickel Initiative, which has consistently brought government, industry, and other stakeholders together to identify practical reforms that can strengthen Philippine mining competitiveness. The progress we are seeing

demonstrates what sustained governmentindustry dialogue can achieve. The challenge now is to build on that progress and move with greater speed and coordination.” The global race for critical minerals is already underway. The Philippines has the resources, the global interest is here, and we now have an even stronger national policy direction. Our shared task is to convert this moment into responsible investments, stronger industries, quality jobs, and lasting prosperity for Filipinos. At the same time, the anti-mining group Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) expressed its indignation on Monday over EO 122 that is said promotes “sustainable mining,” which has been debunked as a concept. ATM in a statement said the emphasis on privatization and expansion of mineral lands is a direct threat to food and water security and poses health risks to affected communities. We completely reject the provision declaring “relinquished, expired and cancelled” mining contracts to be converted into mineral lands. Moreover, the group said that local autonomy is given little value, virtually dismissing the expressed provisions of laws on local government’s role in the approval of mining contracts. Worse, the group said that transparency and accountability are not given enough attention when they should precisely be highlighted given that political dynasties, including the President’s cousin and family, are direct beneficial owners of mining companies. “If this is not checked, mining contracts will be the next corruption nexus. Related to this, there is no mention of the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative [EITI] and its important work,” ATM said. The group said that while the MICC is strengthened, “it still utterly lacks civil society participation while ensuring private sector participation.” It even ensures that MICC’s work is aligned with FPIC guidelines, but does not recognize that the Indigenous Peoples’ sector strongly rejects these revised FPIC guidelines, it said. ATM said a mine audit is absolutely absent when this should be a requisite to determine the application of the EO’s other provisions, such as privatization of mining assets and declaration of mineral reservations.

Seamen’s deployment unaffected by ransomware attack–Marina

HE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said on Tuesday no Filipino seaman has lost a job or missed a deployment because of the ransomware attack that crippled its seafarer documentation system. Marina said it has issued more than 500 temporary certifications and granted document extensions to those with immediate departures. The agency said the certifications, issued since August 15, serve as interim proof of a seafarer’s credentials while its Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) and Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) System remains down. The documents are verifiable by Port State authorities, it said. The certifications are “very temporar y,” the Marina said, and actual SIDs will be released through the seafarers’ respective

manning agencies once the system has been restored. The agency said all expedite applications have been granted certifications on the same day of the applicant’s appointment. The Marina pegged the 500plus certifications against an estimated 890,000 Filipino seamen certified as meeting international standards, or roughly 0.06 percent of the seafaring population—a comparison that measures the interim documents against the entire certified workforce rather than against the number of applicants with pending transactions during the outage.

The Marina said it met with 50 licensed manning agencies (LMAs) to address deployment concerns directly and to ensure that affected seafarers receive assistance. Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan appealed to all manning agencies to give seamen correct information and to report immediately to the agency any problem encountered in the use of the issued certifications. Seamen with pending appointments for the issuance or renewal of their SRB or SID may be granted an extension of their Seafarer’s Identification and Record Books (SIRBs) that are nearing expiration or have already expired, provided they have an immediate departure to board a vessel. Q u a l i f i e d s e a f a r e r s mu s t personally visit their selected processing center and present a request letter from the employing company; a confirmed a i rl i ne e lec t ron ic t ic ket ; a n approved Philippine Overseas Employ ment A d m i n i st rat ion (POEA) contract, a notarized

compa ny contract, or a Certificate of Employment; and a confirmed online appointment for the SRB or SID application. The SID and SRB System has been offline since August 14, when the Marina suspended nationwide processing of the two documents until further notice. Both are mandatory credentials for Filipino seamen seeking employment aboard ocean-going vessels. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its Cybersecurity Bureau–National Computer Emergency Response Team (CSB-NCERT), earlier confirmed that a ransomware incident was behind the shutdown. The incident was reported to the NCERT on August 13. Currently, Marina is rebuilding the affected database and server environment, while forensic investigation and validation of the affected infrastructure continues. The NCERT said it is still determining the full extent of the compromise. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Legislator seeks permanent ban on forced-labor goods By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

MEMBER of the House Committee on Economic Affairs is pushing Congress to permanently ban goods made through forced labor, saying the Philippines should not wait for trade penalties from the United States to act against what he called “modern-day slavery.” Albay Rep. Raymond Adrian E. Salceda is seeking the immediate passage of House Bill 10848, or the Act Prohibiting the Trade of Goods Produced Wholly or in Part with Forced Labor and Providing Penalties Therefor, which would establish a permanent statutory ban on the entry and trade of forced-labor goods in the Philippines. “This is not simply about avoiding tariffs or protecting our exports. There is a moral issue when we allow products made through forced labor and exploitation to enter our market. When we buy and trade these products, the suffering of other people becomes part of our supply chain,” Salceda said. His call comes after the Office of the United States Trade Representative determined on June 2, 2026, that the Philippines, along with other economies, had failed to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced through forced labor. The United States subsequently imposed an additional 12.5 percent tariff on Philippine products, subject to specified exemptions. The additional duties took effect on July 24. Salceda, however, stressed that the proposed legislation should not be viewed simply as a measure to address the US tariff. “Even if there were no tariff, this is still a law worth passing. We should prohibit products made through forced labor because we believe exploitation is wrong, not merely because another country is asking us to,” he said. The Executive Branch has already established an inter-agency mechanism to investigate imported goods suspected of being produced through forced labor. Salceda said, however, that administrative action must be reinforced by legislation that provides a clear and permanent legal framework.

“Fair trade requires fair labor. Otherwise, responsible businesses and workers are effectively being penalized for doing the right

thing,” he said. Under HB 10848, the importation of goods produced wholly or partly through forced labor would be

expressly prohibited. The measure would also authorize the Bureau of See “Forced,” A13

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Asian buyers snap up US crude, adding stress to tight market T

Storm-hit Chicago area’s anger mounts after days of darkness

By Nathan Risser, Christopher Charleston & Yongchang Chin

Bloomberg News

SIAN refiners are on course to nearly double their purchases of US crude for September from a month earlier, a move that stands to squeeze domestic fuel makers at a time when Americans are already facing record high pump prices. Exports to Asia should see a notable rise next month, according to ship and commodity tracking companies Kpler, Vortexa and Sparta Commodities. Traders estimate that the total amount of US-to-Asia trades for loading in September is more than 40 million barrels compared with a forecast 22 million barrels in August. The increase comes as prices of competing Middle Eastern grades like Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude have surged, making US supply more competitive. At least one of the recent purchases was for oil to be loaded on a smaller Aframax tanker capable of taking a quicker route via the Panama Canal and Pacific Ocean, rather than the Atlantic Ocean. That suggests a degree of promptness in Asia’s demand, traders familiar with the recent business said. As the war in Iran stretches into its sixth month with no deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Asian buying spree puts strain on US supplies, likely pushing up prices. Domestic refiners are already running near record rates

and plan to maximize output into the fall. Higher crude costs tend to filter down into pump prices, and seasonally gas prices are already at a record high. More Asia buying will likely also divert supplies away from Europe. Asian refiners became a mainstay buyer of US oil after the Iran war disrupted their usual Middle Eastern supplies, but fuel makers in the region backed off on purchases when a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran saw flows through the strait resume. That surge in US exports to Asia contributed to record amounts of American crude sent overseas earlier this year. Sour crude grades—similar in quality to Mideast oil supplies—stand to face the biggest squeeze, especially with no additional releases from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve planned, according to Vortexa Senior Oil Market Analyst Rohit Rathod. “For domestic refiners running at high rates, this could mean tighter sour crude availability,” Rathod said.

Benchmark US sour grade Mars is currently trading at a $2.50-a-barrel premium to benchmark US oil grade West Texas Intermediate, about $2 away from a three-month high, according to data from Syntex Energy. Still, the price is well below the $18 premium refiners were paying in early April as US exports to Asia soared. “For US refiners, Mars will be at the epicenter of this tightness,” said Sparta Oil Market Analyst Nikolas Plonski. US medium sour crude prices strengthened in early July as releases of similar grades from US reserves began to wind down. Those gains were later erased as prospects grew for a peace agreement to end the war, easing concerns over global supplies. Now with talks deadlocked, the strait still effectively closed and high refinery run rates, the tight US crude market has less supply to spare. The US exported just over 4 million barrels of crude a day in the week to Aug. 14, up more than a million barrels a day from the prior week but well shy of the nearly 6.5 million barrels a day in late April, according to US government data. “The increase in volumes to Asia will likely come at the expense of flows to Europe, rather than resulting from a much stronger pace of exports,” said Kpler Director of Commodity Research Matt Smith. Imports of Venezuelan oil have met some US refiners’ demand for sour oil, and those flows are likely to continue, Rathod said. Even with barrels flowing to US ports from overseas, the return of Asia’s oil buying could limit a seasonal build in America’s crude inventories that typically happens in the fall.

Taiwan floods kill 1, disrupt flights as more rain seen

ORRENTIAL rain in Taiwan has killed one person and injured at least 164 people, with authorities bracing for more bad weather as Typhoon Saudel approaches. Rescuers are searching for four people missing due to heavy rains, which have mostly affected central, southern and eastern Taiwan. Landslides and road damage having disrupted travel and forced the evacuation of more than 6,100 people from high-risk areas, mainly in Kaohsiung, Pingtung and Hualien, where some districts have suspended work and classes. The southern city of Kaohsiung recorded 913mm—roughly three feet—of rainfall in just three days, shattering both 24-hour and three-day accumulated rainfall records, the city government said in a Facebook post. There have been no major disruptions to industrial production on the island, where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. produces some of the world’s most advanced chips. TSMC said Monday that it has completed routine heavy rain protection procedures and all wafer fabs

Briefs Typhoon bears down on Okinawa AN approaching typhoon has forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights in and out of the subtropical island of Okinawa, as Japan’s holiday period draws to a close. ANA Holdings Inc. and Japan Airlines Co. canceled a total of 279 flights affecting 41,688 people due to storm Saudel, which is expected to bring strong winds and high seas to the area from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning. Japan Meteorological Agency said winds may reach speeds of up to 40 meters (44 yards) per second. After crossing Okinawa prefecture, the storm is expected to move westwards, hitting the coast of China later in the week.

Bloomberg News

India to transfer missile tech to manufacturers INDIA on Tuesday approved the transfer of technology for all conventional missile systems developed by its state-run defense research agency to domestic manufacturers, allowing them to produce the weapons locally. The move comes as India seeks to reduce its dependence on foreignmade weapons, including those from Russia, and boost domestic manufacturing, a key priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for years. “This transfer of technology marks an important milestone in promoting greater participation of the domestic industries in the defence ecosystem,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement. Bloomberg News

US expands sanctions on oil mogul’s network

A FLOODED road in Pingtung, Taiwan, on Monday, August 24, 2026. CHENG CHIA HUANG/GETTY IMAGES

are operating normally. Still, several airlines have amended flight plans to Okinawa due to the approach of Typhoon Saudel, even as the storm is not expected to make landfall in Taiwan. Advisories warning of very heavy rain remain in force for much of the island. Authorities said flooding has been

reported in 35 locations in Taiwan, with 21,071 households experiencing power outages. Taiwan Railway Corp. announced that all express trains on the Eastern Line and South Link Line would resume normal operations after being suspended last Monday. Bloomberg News

THE Trump administration has extended sanctions against the sprawling network of Iranian oil trader Hossein Shamkhani, targeting his Wellbred group of commodities businesses as part of a wide-ranging set of measures intended to isolate Iran. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has sanctioned Singapore-based Wellbred Capital Pte. Ltd., United Arab Emirates-based Wellbred Trading FZCO and Switzerland-based Wellbred Trading SA, according to a notice on Monday. It also named a French cooking oil refinery described as being owned by Wellbred, La Nivernaise de Raffinage SAS. Washington unveiled sanctions against dozens of entities last Monday. Bloomberg News

HOUSANDS of residents remained without power in the Chicago suburbs of northwestern Indiana almost two weeks after a severe storm as Indiana Governor Mike Braun pressed for an investigation into a utility company’s emergency response. The Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (Nipsco), which provides power to approximately 500,000 electrical customers, has faced mounting criticism for slow restoration times in the wake of extreme high winds, tornadoes and rainfall that hit the region beginning on August 11. The storms caused wide devastation across Gary, Portage, Lake Station and Munster, Indiana. At one point, roughly 75 percent of homes and businesses covered by the Nipsco were affected by power outages. Now, 13 days after the storm hit, about 9,000 customers remain without power as of 5:30 p.m. local time, according to PowerOutage.com. In cities like Gary, the extended outages have led to six-hour lines for supplies, and a search for gas and generators, local pastor Dennis Walton said in an interview. “The city is doing all it can, but the city can’t do much without the power company. And so we’re dependent on Nipsco to help the people,” Walton said.

“It’s been a wake-up call for all of us.” Braun, a Republican, directed a state agency to submit a complaint against the Nipsco with the regulatory commission. “Nipsco has failed to keep its end of the bargain,” he said in a press release on Monday. A spokesperson for the state consumer advocate said in a statement to Bloomberg that it is “actively working on a petition” for the regulatory commission to launch an investigation into the Nipsco. The petition will include a call to probe how the company managed money allocated to repairing aging infrastructure and vegetation management. The utility, owned by NiSource Inc., said it expects to finish restoring power by Tuesday. It is the secondlargest provider in the state behind Duke Energy Corp. “Nipsco values the regulatory process and will cooperate fully if the Commission were to open an investigation,” the company wrote in a statement in response to the governor’s call to probe its response. “We are committed to transparency and cooperation in providing information regarding our operations and ongoing efforts to serve our customers safely and reliably.” Bloomberg News

SCOTUS sides with Trump on mail ballot exec order

HE US Supreme Court gave President Donald Trump a temporary victory on his push to use the Postal Service to limit the distribution of mail ballots in the November midterms, while leaving open the prospect of a renewed challenge in the coming days. Over dissents from the court’s three liberals, the justices last Monday put on hold a Boston federal court ruling that blocked key parts of Trump’s executive order from being fully implemented. The high court decision doesn’t guarantee the program will be in place for this year’s election, and the dispute could quickly return to the Supreme Court. The emergency request addressed only whether a suit by a California-led group of states was premature, not whether Trump had authority to impose the rules. “The court’s disposition of this application does not mean that any measure taken by the government to implement the order will necessarily be lawful,” the court said in an unsigned opinion. “On that score, time will tell.” The decision is likely to set off a new round of legal wrangling before US District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston over final Postal Service regulations set to be published on Wednesday to implement the executive order. The high court order blocks one injunction issued by Talwani, but doesn’t directly affect a different one she issued in a separate case. Should it take effect for November, the program could help Republicans keep control of Congress. Trump says his rules would combat voter fraud, but opponents say they would create chaos and disenfranchise large numbers of legitimate voters. The ruling comes with the election only 71 days away, amid approaching deadlines for states to send ballots to voters. “Today’s court decision is a temporary setback, nothing more,” said Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, who is helping press the legal challenge. “This fight is far from over.” White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis called the ruling “a major win for the security of American elections.”The disputed provisions are “commonsense measures that protect the security of mail-in ballots and ensure only Americans are electing American leaders,” she said.

‘Citizenship lists’

THE executive order tasks the Department of Homeland Security with sending “citizenship lists” to the states, which must then send their own rosters of eligible voters to the Postal Service in order to have ballots sent by mail. The Postal Service would then require states to use special bar-coded envelopes. The executive order also directs the Justice Department to investigate and potentially prosecute state and local officials who send ballots to ineligible voters. The Supreme Court majority said Trump’s

order, on its own, “does not harm the states, so the district court lacked jurisdiction to bar the government from trying to implement it.” Dissenting Justice Sonia Sotomayor countered that “a commonsense reading of the executive order” showed that the states “face a sufficiently concrete and imminent injury” to meet constitutional requirements. Sotomayor, who was joined by Justice Elena Kagan, sought to downplay the effect of the decision, saying it “merely postpones adjudication” of the lawsuit, pressed by 23 states and the District of Columbia. In a separate dissent, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said the ruling “needlessly injects chaos and uncertainty into the upcoming midterm elections.” Opponents say Trump is trying to usurp the authority to set federal election rules, a power the Constitution gives to the states and Congress. “The president has no constitutional authority to regulate elections,” the states told the high court. The states, all of which have Democrat attorneys general or governors, are pressing one of the half-dozen pending legal challenges to the executive order. The states say delaying litigation will only exacerbate the potential harm and confusion caused by the executive order. Should the changes take effect, the states say they would have to redesign their ballots, train election officials and educate voters. The Trump administration told the Supreme Court that the states filed their suit too soon—three days after he issued the executive order and months before the Postal Service had even issued a proposed rule laying out the details of the planned system. “The executive order is an intra-branch directive from the president to his subordinates—which, of its own force, does not change anything at all about elections in any state,” argued US Solicitor General D. John Sauer, the administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer. Sauer told the Supreme Court that implementation of a final Postal Service Rule “will need to begin well before November—indeed, as soon as early to mid-August—to be effective for the 2026 election.” Talwani ruled against the Trump administration in June, declaring the executive order unlawful and blocking enforcement for the November election in the states that sued. The Boston-based 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals then refused to lift Talwani’s order, over a partial dissent from one judge. Talwani later moved to block the Postal Service provisions nationwide in a related case. The Postal Service then added a fresh twist to the tussle by issuing its final rule, while saying it wouldn’t implement the plan unless both of her orders were lifted. The lead case is Trump v. California, 26A124. Bloomberg News

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Ombudsman. . . Continued from B8

At the center of the filing is Section 3, Rule V of the 2026 Ombudsman Rules of Procedure, which requires prosecutors to determine whether the evidence establishes a prima facie case with reasonable certainty of conviction. “The evidentiary standard of prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction was deliberately designed to elevate, and not merely restate, the former standard of probable cause,” the filing stated. The supplemental counter-affidavit also cited the rule’s requirement that the entirety of the evidence presented by the parties be admissible, credible and capable of being preserved and presented to establish the elements of the offense and the identity of those responsible. Romualdez argued that this requirement means the Ombudsman must address evidentiary weaknesses at the preliminary investigation stage.

Safety. . . Continued from A4

felt safe in their neighborhoods, followed by Cagayan Valley at 53 percent, NCR at 58 percent, and Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City). Furthermore, Davao Region also posted particularly low confidence on the other two measures. Only 58 percent said they were not afraid to walk alone at night, while just 23 percent said they were not worried about robbers breaking into their homes. Perhaps the most significant finding is the deterioration in safety perceptions compared with March 2023. The proportion of Filipinos who said they feel safe in their neighborhood fell 15 percentage points, from 87 percent in 2023 to 72 percent in 2026. The decline was even larger for home security. The share saying they were not worried about robbers breaking into their homes dropped 17 points, from 71 percent to 54 percent. Meanwhile, those who said they were not afraid to walk alone at night declined 13 points, from 81 percent to 68 percent. NCR experienced the sharpest deterioration among the major areas. The proportion of NCR residents who felt safe in their neighborhood plunged from 91 percent in March 2023 to 58 percent in July 2026, a 33-point decline. Even more striking was the drop in confidence about walking alone at night, which fell from 88 percent to 48 percent, or 40 percentage points. The share of NCR residents who were not worried about home break-ins also declined, from 61 percent to 44 percent. Balance Luzon also recorded substantial declines, including a 23-point drop in confidence about home security and a 19-point decline in the perception of neighborhood safety. The Visayas stood out as the only major area where perceptions of general safety and nighttime security did not decline from 2023. The percentage of Visayans who felt safe in their neighborhoods actually increased

Forced. . . Continued from A5

Customs to exclude and forfeit such goods, impose corresponding penalties, and institutionalize permanent inter-agency coordination for implementation and enforcement. Salceda said the proposed ban would also protect Filipino businesses and workers from unfair competition. He noted that companies that pay fair wages and comply with labor standards should not be forced to compete with cheaper products whose low costs are driven by the exploitation of workers. Salceda said forced labor is not merely a Philippine-US trade issue but a global problem affecting supply chains across industries. The US Department of Labor’s latest published list identifies 204 goods from 82 countries and areas that it has reason to believe are produced using child labor or forced labor. These include agricultural products such as sugarcane, cotton, coffee, rice and fish, as well as manufactured goods such as garments, textiles and footwear. The International Labor Organization estimates that 27.6 million people were living in

“Admissibility and credibility are thus not concerns reserved for the trial court; they are integral to this Honorable Office’s own determination of whether a case should be filed at all,” the filing said. According to the filing, no contractor has stated that money was paid to Romualdez, no Department of Public Works and Highways official has said he demanded or received a kickback, no identified project has been traced to a payment to him, and no financial record has traced alleged unlawful proceeds to his assets. The filing further argued that the witness record now includes alleged delivery companions who deny taking part, former aides who deny knowledge of cash deliveries, and witnesses who have withdrawn or disowned earlier statements. He asked the Ombudsman to identify what admissible, credible and preservable evidence remains after the recantations and direct denials and to dismiss the complaints if the remaining evidence fails to meet the standard under the 2026 rules. from 81 percent in 2023 to 84 percent in 2026. Those who said they were not afraid to walk alone at night also edged up from 70 percent to 71 percent. Nevertheless, confidence in home security slipped slightly, from 57 percent to 55 percent. Octa said the comparatively steady figures in the Visayas may point to a possible role for consistent, visible local policing and community-based mechanisms, although it stressed that this is only one possible explanation and that the survey cannot establish the cause of the differences. The survey also showed that perceptions of safety weakened across socioeconomic groups, with Class ABC recording some of the largest declines. Among Class ABC households, the share who felt safe in their neighborhood dropped 23 points from 92 percent in 2023 to 69 percent in 2026. Those who were not afraid to walk alone at night declined 19 points, from 89 percent to 70 percent, while confidence about home security fell 22 points, from 70 percent to 48 percent. Class D also recorded substantial declines, while Class E registered comparatively smaller changes. Octa cautioned against interpreting the results as a direct measure of actual crime. The poll measures public perceptions of safety, not crime incidence itself. The research group noted that comparing the survey findings with official crime statistics could provide a fuller picture of the relationship between perceived and actual safety. Overall, the July 2026 TNM findings paint a delicate scenario of peace and order in the Philippines. “Most Filipinos still feel safe where they live, but that confidence becomes weaker when they think about walking alone at night or protecting their homes from break-ins,” Octa said. More importantly, the broad decline from 2023 suggests that the country’s sense of security goes beyond whether people feel safe in their immediate communities. The widening gap between perceptions of overall community safety and concerns about personal and household security could be an important consideration for policymakers and local authorities as they work to strengthen public confidence in peace and order. forced labor on any given day in 2021, an increase of 2.7 million from 2016. Forced labor in the private economy generates an estimated $236 billion in illegal profits each year, with traffickers and other perpetrators earning close to $10,000 per victim annually, according to the ILO. While Salceda acknowledged the economic impact of the additional US tariff, he said protecting Philippine exporters and jobs should be pursued alongside stronger labor protections. “Of course, we want to protect Philippine exporters, Filipino jobs, and our competitiveness in the US market. A 12.5 percent additional tariff has real consequences for our industries,” Salceda said. But he maintained that the tariff should not be the primary justification for the legislation. The law, he said, would send a broader message that Philippine trade policy will not tolerate exploitation and that economic growth should not come at the expense of workers’ rights. “Trade should create prosperity without sacrificing human dignity. No cheaper product, higher profit, or commercial advantage can justify forced labor. The Philippines should be unequivocal on that principle, and our laws should be equally clear,” Salceda said.

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DHSUD requests additional ₧12 billion to boost housing programs, settle debts

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

HE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and its attached agencies are seeking an additional P12.03 billion for 2027 to support housing programs, operations, and other funding requirements not covered by the proposed national budget. DHSUD Senior Undersecretary Henry Yap said the Department is seeking P280 million, while its key shelter agencies (KSAs) are also requesting additional funding for their respective programs and obligations. The National Housing Authority (NHA) is seeking an additional P1.623 billion for its comprehensive and integrated housing program covering danger areas and requirements related to the Supreme Court mandamus. The Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC) is requesting P2 billion for its Enhanced Community Mortgage Program, while the National

Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC) is seeking P8.08 billion, including P4.75 billion for receivables purchase and P3.33 billion to settle its obligation to the Social Security System (SSS). The Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC) is seeking another P47 million for contractual personnel and motor vehicle procurement. The additional requests come on top of a proposed P5.498 billion 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) allocation for DHSUD and its key shelter agencies, which is

P579 million lower than their 2026 General Appropriations Act allocation. Yap said the agencies had originally submitted funding requirements totaling about P60 billion, leaving an eventual shortfall of about P54 billion under the proposed budget. DHSUD itself requested P4.962 billion against a P2.492 billion NEP allocation, while NHA requested P44.732 billion against P2.274 billion proposed under the NEP. Yap said the additional funding would allow the government to accelerate housing delivery and expand housing pathways beyond the previous single modality. He added that the funding would help mobilize the broader housing finance system, including Pag-IBIG Fund, SHFC and NHMFC, while addressing bottlenecks affecting housing delivery. The proposed 2027 budget also gives a significant boost to the government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, with its allocation rising to P1.117 billion from P35 million in 2026. The DHSUD said the higher allocation is intended to support the scaling up of project development, coordination with partner agencies and local governments, and housing delivery nationwide. The funding push comes as the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department

Palace open to Facebook ban over misinformation, school violence links

ALACAÑANG said it is open to the possible ban of the popular social media platform, Facebook, after it was linked to school violence as part of the government’s campaign to stop the spread of misinformation. “If necessary—and this is something that needs to be studied, given the prevalence of issues we see on various social platforms and social media, not just regarding violent behavior—we also need to examine whether this contributes to the spread of fake news in our country,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in Filipino in a press briefing last Tuesday. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary expressed concern on how misinformation is a serious public threat especially for the youth, which are more vulnerable to its effects.

No less than President Ferdinand Marcos instructed concerned government agencies on multiple occasions to stop the spread of fake news. PCO currently has an anti-fake news campaign. Castro made the statement after the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said it is now considering the ban after Facebook, which is owned by the United States-based Meta Platforms, supposedly failed to promptly remove the video of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting incident. The violent incident, which revived public debates on how to prevent school shootings, happened last week and resulted in two fatalities. The attack comes weeks after the San Jose National High School shooting incident in Tacloban, Leyte last month, wherein two

child shooters killed three students. “If social media platforms fail to demonstrate accountability—and if our appeals to protect our fellow citizens from violence and fake news are disregarded, or if their response is sluggish—then it is worth considering and examining whether they should remain part of our system,” Castro said. A report issued by consumer intelligence company Meltwater and creative agency We Are Social last year said 94.9 of Filipinos online used Facebook. Aside from Facebook, she said the government is also ready to ban local access to gaming applications. “The President is open to removing anything that could be considered detrimental to our youth and our country,” Castro said. Samuel P. Medenilla

No Chinese warships in the WPS…for now

HERE were no monitored People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships monitored in the four key features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from Aug. 13 to 24, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday. AFP spokesperson for the WPS naval reservist Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said they are still assessing this “zero presence” of Chinese warships in these areas. Relatedly, Trinidad said that only 16 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships were spotted in Ayungin Shoal, Pag-asa Island, Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, and Escoda Shoal during the abovementioned period. “All of these [16] were CCG ships with no PLAN ships,” he added. Trinidad also stressed that the AFP does assessment usually at least after a month or six month after. Asked if bad weather led to the zero presence of Chinese Navy warships in these areas, Trinidad said this is among the factors that are being considered. He also could not immediately say if this was the first time there were no PLAN warships in the vicinity of these features in a span of one week. Meanwhile, Trinidad said the military has observed a spike or

increase in foreign malign influence activities by China in the past four months. “This is centered on the conduct of law enforcement operations,” said Trinidad, referring to recent operations against Chinese firms, including the Sanjia Steel Corporation in Misamis Oriental last May. The operation against Sanjia Steel Corporation resulted in the arrest of 69 Chinese workers for involvement in the handling of potentially hazardous materials. The company is owned by businessman Tony Yang—brother of Michael Yang, who served as presidential economic adviser during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte. “These targeted government officials to include our very own SND [Secretary of National Defense],” the AFP spokesperson for the WPS said. Trinidad urged the public to be vigilant against such activities which he said is meant to “divide us as a people.” He said these foreign malign influence activities also featured China’s renewed demand to pull out BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. Rex Anthony Naval

RTC hears defense, DOJ’s oral arguments on grave threats case vs VP Sara

HE Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City on Tuesday proceeded with the oral arguments on the motion filed by Vice President Sara Duterte seeking to the outright dismissal of the three counts of grave threats case filed against her by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Duterte’s lawyer Paul Lawrence Lim, in an interview with reporters, refused to give details in connection with the court proceedings but confirmed that among the issues tackled were the parties’ position on whether a sitting Vice President, being an impeachable officer, cannot be a subject of criminal prosecution. Lim also said the issue of jurisdiction was also raised during the oral arguments. “Both sides, the defense and the prosecution, gave their own positions. On our part, we argued for the dismissal since it has no jurisdiction over the case. On the part of the prosecution they argued that the trial should proceed,” Lim said.

Lim explained that the Constitution bars the criminal prosecution of impeachable officers because it may interfere with the performance of their duties. “As mentioned in the previous statement, impeachable officers have certain immunity. They should not be prosecuted while in office and if they have to be prosecuted, it should be done after their term ends. It does not say that they cannot be prosecuted but this should be deferred until the end of their terms,” Lim explained. In her motion to quash information and defer issuance of arrest warrant, Duterte, stressed that issues presented before the Court will have “serious, far-reaching and dangerous consequences in our country’s legal system and the stability of the Philippine government considering that it involves the criminal prosecution of a sitting Vice President—an impeachable officer under Section 3, Article VII and Section 2, Article IX of the 1987 Constitution.” Joel R. San Juan

(CPBRD) flagged implementation concerns in its assessment of the proposed DHSUD budget. The CPBRD reported that DHSUD’s obligation-to-appropriation ratio fell from 88.4 percent in 2023 to 62.7 percent in 2024 and 51.5 percent in 2025, while unused appropriations rose to P2.64 billion in 2025. The 4PH program was among those flagged, posting an obligation rate of 3.9 percent and disbursement rate of 3.5 percent in 2025. The CPBRD said the low utilization raised questions about the program’s implementation pace and absorptive capacity. Yap, however, said DHSUD’s current budget utilization was improving. Excluding subsidies, he said the department had reached about 100.4 percent of its first-half spending target. “DHSUD has a total current budget of P1.455 billion and a continuing budget of P1.497 billion for a total of P2.952 billion. Of this number, P1 billion has already been obligated or about a third has been obligated. While the obligation rate is 35 percent, the total disbursement rate is at 74 percent,” Yap said. For 2021 to 2025, Yap said DHSUD recorded an average 86.82 percent obligation rate and 95.37 percent disbursement rate after removing interest subsidies from the comparison.

BSK. . . Continued from B8

Senate Bill 2387 reiterates existing termlimit rules: barangay officials may serve up to three consecutive terms, while SK officials are restricted to only one term. Those already on their third consecutive term cannot run in the November 2028 elections. According to Escudero, counting existing terms ensures fairness, preventing incumbents from benefiting from an outright extension. The hearing agenda also included SB 2067 filed by Sen. Imelda Josefa Remedios Marcos, which seeks to postpone the November 2026 Barangay and SK elections to October 2027, citing economic and logistical constraints. Escudero directed the committee secretariat to draft a report reflecting the amendments and resource persons’ inputs, which is expected to be completed this week for deliberation in the plenary. “Subject to the amendments proposed by the parties which we shall consider— including the decoupling, the Comelec’s points on appropriations and the election date, as well as the position of PPCRV and Namfrel that elections proceed as scheduled with the fiveyear term to begin thereafter—we shall reflect these in the committee report,” he also said.

A14 Wednesday, August 26, 2026

DBM: 2027 budget proposal boosts STEM education and defense spending By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto

HE government is proposing higher budget allocations for science and technology scholarships and military modernization next year to shore up investments in education and defense capabilities. A statement issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday said P8.67 billion has been proposed for Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholarship programs, while P50 billion has been earmarked for the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP). The proposed allocation will expand the scope of DOST scholarship programs by allowing an additional 2,407 students to join the current 65,097 beneficiaries funded under this year’s budget. Of the proposed P8.67 billion, P7.55 billion will be apportioned

to the DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI), which administers undergraduate and graduate scholarships, as well as advanced specialized training. Another P1.12 billion will be set aside for the Philippine Science High School System, which provides specialized secondary education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). “The government is opening more opportunities for young Filipinos to pursue STEM education and eventually apply their knowledge and expertise in areas such as agriculture, health, disas-

ter resilience, digital transformation, industry, and other national priorities,” the DBM said.

AFP modernization budget up 25%

ME A N W HI L E , t he proposed budget for AFP modernization is pegged at P50 billion in 2027, 25 percent higher than this year’s P40-billion allocation. This will partially fulfill the requirements of the AFP modernization program and further enhance the military’s capabilities to protect country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the DBM said. “The DBM is backing a defense sector that is better equipped to respond to emerging security challenges and better supported in carrying out its mission—strengthening both the capabilities that defend the nation and the men and women who stand ready to protect it,” it added. Aside from modernizing defense capabilities, the government is also proposing P73.67 billion for the subsistence allowance of 583,130 military and uniformed personnel (MUP) next year, up by 3 percent from this year’s allocation due to the projected increase

in filled positions among military and uniformed services next year. The daily subsistence allowance of qualified MUP was increased to P350 from P150 last January 1, 2026, to provide greater meal support to personnel who are required to remain available for duty even during mealtimes. The Department of Finance (DOF), under former Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, has proposed reforms to the MUP pension system to address the “unsustainability” and “uncertainty” of the system. Currently, the pension system is fully dependent on government funding, with no contributions coming from MUP. The DOF has proposed mandatory contributions of 5 percent of monthly base and longevity pay for active personnel in years one to three, rising to 7 percent in years four to six and 9 percent from year seven onward, with new entrants contributing 9 percent immediately. The government will also pay its share to meet the 21 percent total pension premium, while the removal of indexation for active personnel and new entrants has also been proposed.

DA urges Filipinos to curb rice as annual losses hit ₧24.4B By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

ITH an estimated P24.4 billion worth of rice wasted annually, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is urging Filipinos to consume rice more responsibly, emphasizing its critical role in national food security. This, as the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) pushed its Be RICEponsible campaign year-round, from being observed mainly in November, since responsible consumption should not be limited to 30 days. PhilRice estimates that every Filipino discards roughly two tablespoons of cooked rice daily, translating to 10.85 million

sacks of rice worth P24.4 billion a year. This could feed around 5.17 million Filipinos for an entire year. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said responsible rice consumption should become an everyday practice, considering the staple’s importance to Filipino households and national food security. “Every grain of rice carries the work of a Filipino farmer. When we waste less, choose wisely, and support locally produced rice, we strengthen not only our farmers’ livelihoods but also our country’s food security,” Tiu Laurel said. For h i s p a r t , A g r ic u lt u re Und e r s e c re t a r y C h r i s to phe r Morales said a year-round campaign shows the need to make

responsible consumption an ever yday discipline rather than a seasonal reminder. “Increasing production and reducing postharvest losses are critical to strengthening our rice supply, but these efforts will not be enough if we continue to waste what we already have on our plates,” Morales said. “Disciplined consumption is just as important. Every grain saved from waste effectively adds to the food available to our people without requiring additional land, water, inputs, or production costs,” he added. The DA said PhilRice and its partners will introduce the campaign to schools, communities, markets, workplaces, terminals, a nd ot her h igh-t ra f f ic a reas

through information drives, foodtasting activities, exhibits, social media, and public events. They also aim to revive the Half-Cup Rice Ordinance in participating areas, encouraging restaurants to offer smaller servings to help diners avoid taking more than they can consume. Meanwhile, the agency also urged consumers to purchase locally produced rice to support Filipino farmers and enhance domestic supply. “Riceponsibility starts with something as simple as taking only what we can finish,” Tiu Laurel said. “If every Filipino does a little, the country gains a lot, from less waste and healthier diets to stronger farmers and a more secure food supply.”

Swift passage of School Safety Act pushed to curb rash of violence By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

HE urgent passage of the Comprehensive School Safety Act is needed to address urgent school safety concerns and strengthen security measures following school shooting incidents in the cities of Tacloban and Zamboanga, according to Senator Bam Aquino.

In a manifestation, Aquino rallied his colleagues to support the swift passage of Senate Bill No. 2390, or the Comprehensive School Safety Act, which seeks to put in place vital safeguards to ensure safer schools. “There’s really a lot that must be done and I’m hoping we can get support for the School Safety Act. Let’s put there everything that’s needed, and the good points, and let’s push those,” said Aquino, chairperson of the

Committee on Basic Education, speaking partly in Filipino. Aquino said he intends to sponsor the measure on Wednesday. The measure establishes a School Safety Framework that would begin at the national level but require every locality to develop a clear framework involving the schools, concerned government agencies, and the community. “Maganda nga na magsimula tayo to address this as a community, mapag-usapan, mabuo itong framework na ito, malaman iyong mga protocol at maging mas klaro sa bawat sektor ng komunidad kung ano po yung role nila,” he emphasized. It also aims to strengthen the prevention, reporting, and response to violence, bullying, cyberbullying, and other threats, while ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for learners and school personnel. Every school would be required to prepare and annually update a School Safety Plan covering emergency protocols, hotlines, safety infrastructure, digital safety, offcampus activities, community engagement, and monitoring. Aside from the School Safety Act, Aquino cited other measures outside the scope of the Committee on Basic Education that are crucial to protecting students, teachers, and other school personnel from violence and other threats. Among them are proposals to restrict social media access based on age, impose stiffer penalties for loose firearms, hold parents or guardians accountable when their firearms are misused, as well as amendments to the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) law.

Aquino said these measures, together with the School Safety Act, should be fast-tracked to address the various factors contributing to threats against learners and school communities. “It takes a community to raise a child, it also takes multiple bills and multiple reforms to try to address this issue. Aksiyunan natin, ipasa natin ang mga panukalang ito,” Aquino said. Aside from physical security measures, Aquino likewise underscored the importance of community participation following his dialogue with students, parents, and officials of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU). “Having gone through and talked to the Ateneo de Zamboanga community, iyong administration, iyong mga estudyante, iyong mga magulang, nakikita ko po rin yung point ni [Senate Minority] Sen. Alan [Cayetano]. It’s not just about the security measures, talaga nagsisimula talaga ito with a community aspect,” he said. Cayetano earlier proposed holding community town hall meetings in schools, where parents, teachers, students, religious leaders, school officials, business groups, and other stakeholders can identify problems unique to each community and work together to find solutions. Aquino said parents have a particularly important role in preventing incidents of violence by being more attentive to what their children are experiencing and encountering. He likewise encouraged parents to use parental controls on their children’s devices to prevent them from accessing violent games and other content that are not intended for children.

5-year barangay SK terms seen ending cycle of poll postponements—Comelec By Mary Jade Jadormio

PROPOSED five-year term for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials could end the recurring cycle of postponing village and youth elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said. Under the proposal, barangay and SK officials would serve five years instead of the current fouryear term and move the next regular elections to November 2028. Comelec is considering the measure as a way to prevent barangay and SK polls from repeatedly overlapping with national and local elections. “For the longest time, it comes to a point when they coincide, and when they coincide, this is used as a reason to request that the elections be moved,” Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said. Despite being local polls, barangay and SK elections require nationwide logistics and preparations, Laudiangco said. “Even if these are barangay and SK elections, the logistics and preparation cover the entire country,” he said. A five-year cycle would also keep barangay and SK elections(BSKE) from falling within the same year as national and local elections, according to the poll body. Such a setup would give local officials a more predictable election calendar and reduce the likelihood of another congressional intervention to move the polls. Senate Bill No. 2387 contains the proposal, seeking to amend Republic

Act No. 12232 by setting the term of barangay and SK officials at five years. The Senate Committee on Local Government has approved the measure for preparation of a committee report, alongside a separate proposal seeking to postpone the Nov. 2 BSKE. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is also expected to consider a counterpart measure, with Comelec saying it will follow whatever law Congress ultimately approves. “We will abide by the law. Whatever the decision of Congress is, we will follow,” the spokesperson said. Comelec is seeking clarity from lawmakers by September as preparations continue for the scheduled November polls. Planned training for teachers who will serve as election workers is among the reasons for the urgency, as transportation, meals and other expenses could no longer be recovered if the elections are moved. “If we proceed with the training, that would be an additional expense that Comelec can no longer recover,” he said. Previously procured ballots, ballot boxes and other election paraphernalia could still be used if the elections are reset, while training expenses would already have been incurred. Comelec has allocated P19.57 billion for the 2026 BSKE, with about P8 billion already spent, obligated or earmarked for election preparations, according to Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia.

DMW: Over 260 Filipino seafarers repatriated from war-torn Black Sea

HE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has repatriated more than half of the roughly 400 Filipino seafarers who were aboard 27 ships attacked in the Northern Black Sea amid the Ukraine-Russia war. DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac made the announcement after the launch of the Philippines-New Zealand Friendship Week at the DMW main office in Mandaluyong City last Tuesday. “Around 260 of them have come home. So more than 50 percent or around 60 percent have returned home,” he said partly in Filipino in a press briefing. He gave the update after DMW reported during the weekend the safe condition of the 39 Filipino crew members of two ships, which were hit by drone attacks at the Black Sea. Since tensions in the Black Sea escalated, Cacdac said they have recorded three Filipino sailors, who died, and another 15, who were injured from the ongoing conflict in the said body of water. He said the government was able to send home the said sailors via Romania and Turkiye, where

they also received aid from the team of DMW and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials and personnel. The interventions include welcoming sailors when they disembark from ships, preparing their repatriation, giving them financial assistance, and coordinating with their families in the Philippines. Compared to the ongoing tensions in the Red Sea, where there are also stranded Filipino sailors, Cacdac said the situation in the Black Sea is less concerning since there are various available exit routes of ships to safely navigate to. To prevent more Fi l ipinos from being affected by the ongoing conf lict in the Black Sea, the DMW chief urged Filipino sailors to exercise their right to refuse to sail in such dangerous waters. DMW also called on shipowners not to bring Filipino seafarers in the said area, which the DFA and the Department of National Defense has tagged to be under “full scale international armed conflict.” Samuel P. Medenilla

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NCR CONSTRUCTION SITES FLAGGED FOR SAFETY GAPS By Mary Jade Jadormio

ORE than one in six construction establishments and projects monitored in Metro Manila were initially found non-compliant with occupational safety and health standards (OSHS), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported. The regional office recorded an initial OSHS compliance rate of 83.09 percent following this year’s High-Impact, High-Visibility Inspection (HIHVI) among construction establishments and projects in the National Capital Region. DOLE-NCR conducted 52 inspections, 698 monitoring activities and eight joint monitoring inspections covering 15,692 construction workers. Of the establishments and projects monitored, 580 were found compliant with OSHS while 118 were initially identified as noncompliant. The findings prompted the regional office to stress the need for sustained inspection, corrective action, technical assistance and monitoring in the construction sector. “The accomplishment particularly highlights the continuing importance of occupational safety and health enforcement in the construction industry,” DOLE-

NCR said in its report. The 118 establishments and projects initially found non-compliant will undergo corrective measures through formal examination by an authorized labor inspector. DOLE-NCR said compliance cannot be treated as a “one-time” accomplishment because construction activities, working conditions, equipment, work locations and hazards may change as projects progress. The joint monitoring and inspection activities were conducted with the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Public Works and Highways. DOLE-NCR reminded employers and contractors to establish occupational safety and health systems, including construction safety and health programs, designation of OSH personnel and provision of personal protective equipment. Employers were also reminded to install safety signs, barricades and safe scaffolding and observe electrical safety, lockout/tagout procedures and safe lifting and crane operations. Other requirements include emergency preparedness, first-aid and medical facilities, sanitary and welfare facilities, safe access See “NCR,” A2

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 A15

PhilHealth eyes more tieups after MOA with St. Luke’s By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto & Samuel P. Medenilla

HE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is expanding its No Co-Payment Policy to more private hospitals, with St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City (SLMC-GC) committing 53 beds for eligible patients. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beverly C. Ho and SLMC-GC President and CEO Dr. Dennis P. Serrano on Tuesday. It was witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who encouraged more hospitals to partner with PhilHealth on similar undertakings. The agreement will enable PhilHealth members to access inpatient benefit packages at SLMC-GC without additional out-of-pocket payments under the state insurer’s No Co-Payment Policy or No Balance Billing (NBB) program. The hospital will also provide assistance to PhilHealth members to navigate their benefits, complete requirements and process the necessary documentation. “May this partnership be just the beginning, and that the rest of St.

Luke’s network, as well as other private hospitals, follow suit and find this partnership worth emulating,” Ho said during the signing ceremony. SLMC-GC Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Director Dr. Anthony R. Perez said the hospital is prepared to accommodate NBB patients, as the facility will distribute the beds across different floors and room configurations instead of placing beneficiaries in a single charity ward. “We intend to provide this particular subset of patients the same care given to our paying patients,” Perez said in a separate media briefing. Currently, the agreement covers SLMC-GC in Bonifacio Global City. Perez said the hospital’s branch along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City will also soon offer beds for NBB patients.

Administration’s commitment

“THIS administration remains committed to making quality health care accessible and affordable to more Filipinos,” President Marcos said during the ceremony. “But we in government cannot do this alone, and that is why we welcome the private sector’s participation in helping us deliver better health outcomes and provide much-

needed relief to our patients and their families,” he added. Beyond partnerships with private hospitals, Marcos said the government is also strengthening its programs that help reduce the financial burden of medical care, such as through Zero Balance Billing in hospitals under the supervision of the Department of Health (DOH). The DOH also offers the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program, while PhilHealth provides free consultation, laboratory tests and medicines through its “Yaman ng Kalusugan Program” or Yakap. “The lack of money should not be a barrier to obtain the medical attention needed,” Marcos said. “As we improve how we finance health care, we must make sure that our reforms remain compassionate and people-oriented.” Marcos urged other private hospitals to also partner with PhilHealth so they can make their medical services accessible to more Filipinos through the government’s No CoPayment Policy. Under the MOA, St. Luke’s will initially provide 53 beds for PhilHealth members, which will require specialized treatments through the No CoPayment Policy of the government.

“By joining this effort, St. Luke’s also sends an important message: that quality care in leading private hospitals can be made more accessible to qualified PhilHealth members, and that both government and the private sector have a role in making Universal Health Care work,” Marcos said in his statement after the MOA signing event. “We encourage more hospitals across the country to support PhilHealth in advancing Universal Health Care by embracing the No Co-Payment Policy. Together, let us ensure that no Filipino is denied the care that they need only because of financial hardship,” Marcos said. “These are the new initiatives we are undertaking to further expand the support we provide to our patients and to strengthen and improve our healthcare system, so that we can help more people and ultimately achieve the universal healthcare we aspire to,” he added. The following hospitals have already expressed their support for the program: Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, and The Medical City Ortigas. “We started with St. Luke’s, and we will expand this further so that all our facilities—our healthcare facilities—are truly included in our programs,” he added.

What Filipinos need to know about China’s new immigration rule By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

IMPEACHMENT WATCH Office of the Vice President Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio, the prosecution’s second hostile witness, answers questions from prosecution counsel Mae Divinagracia

during direct examination on the 18th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Ortonio’s testimony comes as the House prosecution team presents evidence on the alleged misuse of confidential funds at the OVP and the Department of Education. Ortonio’s testimony follows that of former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta on the handling of the OVP’s P125-million confidential fund in December 2022, including its turnover to former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Dante Lachica. ROY DOMINGO/SPPA POOL

Peza nears three-fourths of 2026 investment target By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

OUR months into the final stretch of 2026, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) is within P83.534 billion of its P300-billion investment goal, after approvals more than doubled from a year earlier. Peza approved P216.466 billion worth of investments from January to August, equivalent to 72.16 percent of its P300-billion target for the year. The amount was 104.53 percent higher than the P105.834 billion approved during the same period last year. The increase came alongside a rise in the number of approved projects, with the Peza Board clearing

196 new and expansion projects in the first eight months, 9.50 percent more than the 179 projects approved in the same period in 2025. The projects are expected to generate $6.604 billion in exports and 26,994 direct jobs nationwide. August contributed significantly to the year-to-date total. On August 20, the Peza Board approved 22 new and expansion projects worth P64.565 billion, more than four times—or 334.13 percent above— the P14.872 billion approved in August 2025. “Our job now is to move these projects forward quickly and ensure their benefits reach more Filipino workers and communities,” Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said. Manufacturing accounted for the

largest share of approved projects during the eight-month period, with 80 projects. It was followed by 31 ecozone development projects, 30 information technology and business process management projects, 19 facilities projects, 15 logistics projects, 15 export-oriented projects for the domestic market, four tourism projects and two utilities projects. Most of the approved investments remain concentrated in Luzon, which accounted for 161 projects. The Visayas had 23 projects, while Mindanao had 12. The Philippines was the largest source of investors among the approved projects, followed by the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.

Large-scale investments also accounted for a substantial portion of the approvals. About 34 projects were classified as big-ticket investments, with a combined value of P193.713 billion. The investment approvals come alongside continued activity in existing economic zones. Peza’s ecozone reports for the first half of 2026 showed actual exports of $32.89 billion, up 2.35 percent from the same period last year. Direct employment in the zones reached 1.82 million, 1.56 percent higher than the first half of 2025. “With four months to go, Peza remains relentless in turning investor confidence into lasting economic opportunities for the country,” Peza Director General Tereso Panga said.

HE Philippine Embassy in Beijing has advised Filipinos to comply with China’s new immigration regulation, State Council Decree No. 841, which will take effect on September 15, 2026. In its August 24 advisory, the Embassy stressed that the decree does not abolish existing visa categories or restrict legitimate travel. Instead, it reinforces requirements that visa purposes must match actual activities, that all documents are authentic, and that invitation letter issuers and visa agencies are legally accountable. A valid visa will not necessarily guarantee admission, as border authorities retain the power to assess whether a traveler meets China’s entry requirements. Violations could lead to rejection of applications, denial of entry or exit, fines, or bans lasting several years. China’s State Council Decree No. 841, formally titled the Regulations of the State Council on Exit and Entry Administration, was approved on June 29 and promulgated on July 22, 2026. It applies to mainland China’s immigration system only. Hong Kong and Macau maintain their own immigration laws, visa categories, and border‑control procedures. This means the decree governs the mainland side of the journey: entry or exit through a mainland airport or land checkpoint is subject to the new rules, while admission into Hong Kong or Macau is decided under those territories’ separate immigration systems. The regulation introduces clearer grounds for denying foreign nationals’ entry. Visa or immigration authorities may bar a person for one to five years if false materials are submitted or false statements are made during a visa application abroad or at a Chinese border checkpoint. The same maximum applies to foreigners punished for obstructing border administration or penalized

for fraudulently obtaining documents or crossing illegally. One of the most consequential provisions is its link to Beijing’s sanctions and economic‑security measures. Under Decree No. 841, foreigners placed on China’s Countermeasure List, Unreliable Entity List or Malicious Entity List—or otherwise subjected to legally authorized countermeasures—may be denied visas or refused entry when the underlying decision calls for such restrictions. The official explanation says the rule is intended to strengthen China’s legal response to foreign sanctions, interference and what Beijing describes as “long‑arm jurisdiction.” The measure does not automatically bar every employee of a listed company. Instead, it creates a formal link between sanctions designations and immigration controls, potentially exposing designated individuals and relevant personnel to visa denial, entry bans or other immigration consequences. Officials and legal experts also emphasize that the decree is an enforcement measure, not a wholesale rewrite of China’s visa categories. It does not abolish visa‑free arrangements, create a universal visa requirement, or automatically bar employees of companies targeted by Chinese measures. Instead, it gives authorities more explicit grounds to scrutinize and reject applications or deny entry where a traveler’s documents, stated purpose or immigration history raise concerns. There are about 12,000 Filipinos living in mainland cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Xiamen, while 140,000 Filipinos reside in Hong Kong and 30,000 in Macau, mostly employed in domestic work, hospitality and construction. Tourism flows are also significant, with more than 1.19 million Filipino tourists visiting Hong See “Rule,” A2

A16 Wednesday, August 26, 2026 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

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editorial

Unlocking Mindanao’s untapped potential

OR decades, Luzon was the leading contributor to national output as economic activity was heavily concentrated in one of the three major islands in the Philippines. Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that this was unchanged last year as Luzon continued to account for a chunk of the country’s gross domestic product or GDP. (See, “Faster VisMin growth still can’t edge Luzon advantage,” in the BusinessMirror, April 24, 2026). Mindanao, for instance, grew faster than Luzon in 2025, but this barely moved the needle in terms of its contribution to national output.

Mindanao’s inability to further increase its share to the country’s GDP is lamentable, considering that it has the capacity to grow faster. For one, certain industrial crops can grow all year round in Mindanao as the island is not usually struck by strong typhoons, unlike Luzon. The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) noted that Mindanao accounts for 37.4 percent of the country’s total output from agriculture, forestry and fisheries. (See, “DepDev: Mindanao must move toward high-value activities,” in the BusinessMirror, August 24, 2026). The island’s natural resources would allow certain industries to flourish, given the availability of raw materials like rubber—a commodity that can help unlock Mindanao’s growth potential. The Philippine Rubber Industry Roadmap 2023-2028 drawn up by the government pointed to the fact that the island is home to 98 percent of the rubber plantation in the country. However, the top rubberproducing regions in Mindanao are also some of the areas that recorded high poverty rates, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) and Zamboanga Peninsula. To increase the contribution of the island’s natural resources to its output, DepDev pointed out that Mindanao should move beyond just selling raw commodities and to turn these into products that will fetch a higher value. In the case of rubber, the government found that only a third of the rubber produced locally are used by a tire manufacturer and exporters in economic zones. The rest are exported to Asian countries like Japan and Malaysia, which means earnings by the Philippines from rubber are lower because it was shipped in raw form. The move towards green mobility solutions presents opportunities not only to rubber producers, but also nickel miners, in Mindanao. Disruptions created by the United States-Iran war created the need for alternative means of transporting goods and people, preferably those that will not use fossil fuel, which has become expensive in recent months. And Mindanao has some of the crucial components for making these alternative modes of transportation in abundance. (See, “Michelin: EV shift to reshape PHL tire industry,” in the BusinessMirror, August 24, 2026). Building industries around Mindanao’s prime commodities, however, would require more than just rhetoric; it needs the strong resolve of both the government and the private sector to create the conditions that will entice investors. The requirements of businesses are not a mystery anyway—start-up-friendly regulations, predictable rules, better connectivity in the form of reliable transportation and internet service, and cheap power. Since 2005

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THE BUILDER

AST week’s heavy monsoon rains brought the National Capital Region and the rest of Luzon to a standstill. Many homes were submerged by the floods while our workers were forced to wade through the floods. Some chose to work from home because of inaccessible roads and the difficulty to find transportation. Some 201.7 millimeters of rain, per the weather agency, fell in just five hours in one day, or equivalent to about 44 percent of the rainfall brought by Typhoon Ondoy over a 24hour period on September 26, 2009. Flooding is a perennial problem, especially in Metro Manila and other low-lying areas outside the capital region. It is a disruptive force that causes damage to property and deaths, in extreme cases. Fortunately, the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is looking for solutions to control the floods. President Marcos last week said the government is studying the possibility of digging underground water-retention facilities beneath existing public spaces, including football fields and open areas. The plan seeks to strengthen the defense of Metro Manila against increasingly intense rainfall, such as the one we experienced last week. The facilities seek to temporarily

store excess rainwater and help ease flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. President Marcos reported that the government has identified 30 potential sites for the proposed underground facilities. The sites include Raja Sulaiman, Rizal Memorial, and Camp Bagong Diwa. The government has sought the help of experts from The Netherlands, a nation that has skillfully averted flooding despite its below sea-level location. The Dutch experts studied possible locations here where additional water-retention capacity could be built under existing facilities. “Under existing facilities, such as football fields and open fields, areas can be excavated even if buildings are present,” says President Marcos. Conventional flood-control measures could no longer be relied upon, especially in times of heavier rainfalls associated with climate change. The proposed underground water-retention facilities are no

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different from water-impounding dams that the countryside needs to sustain agricultural farming. The Philippines faces heavy rains after the dry season. Unfortunately, we cannot store the excess water to help in farm irrigation due to the lack of impounding dams. The water merely flows into rivers and the open sea, depriving our farmers of the resource they need during the dry season. The lack of discipline is, likewise, contributing to the flooding in the metropolis. We saw on television footage last week the trash and garbage that clogged our waterways, eventually resulting in the flooding. We could probably solve half of the flooding problem if we have the discipline to dispose our trash properly. The government, in the meantime, is seeking a unified stand to address residual waste to prevent it from ending up in waterways and polluting the environment. Metro Manila alone generates an estimated 9,000 metric tons of solid waste daily. Recycling the waste into energy is one solution. Based on estimates of the Department of Energy (DOE), the current waste stream in the metropolis could support around 200 megawatts of waste-to-energy (WTE) capacity, subject to the availability and suitability of feedstock and other technical requirements Waste that can no longer be reused or recycled, according to Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, should not simply end up in landfills or waterways. “Subject to strict environmental safeguards, appropriate residual waste can be converted into useful

energy and contribute to our power supply,” she says. The DOE is stepping up the implementation of its WTE program following President Marcos’s renewed call to turn residual waste into a productive resource, and amid concerns over garbage accumulating in waterways and contributing to flooding. Mindanao, meanwhile, needs similar water-retention facilities to assist farmers during a dry spell. It may be the rainy season in Luzon and the Visayas where heavy rains are disrupting daily activities and flooding communities. But other parts of the country are experiencing the opposite weather conditions. Heat indices in the southern part of the Philippines reached the weather bureau’s “danger” category of 42°C to 51°C. Classes, in fact, were suspended in parts of Mindanao last week—not because of flooding, but due to high heat indices that can cause cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Weather experts explain that Mindanao does not have a distinct wet season. Thus, if the rainy season starts in Luzon and the Visayas, it does not mean the same in Mindanao. The Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, does not affect Mindanao. But at the end of the day, discipline and novel approaches to solving the flooding problem will ease the plight of many Filipinos during extreme weather. We just have to be creative and mindful at the same time. For feedback e-mail to senatormarkvillar@ gmail.com or visit our web site: https://markvillar. com.ph

The 22-year voyage of Cinemalaya’s Balanghai

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HE ancient Philippine boat balangay is the symbol of Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival “because it is the vessel that carries new filmmakers and their stories across rough seas.”

The core mission of Cinemalaya is to discover, nurture, and empower new cinematic voices in the Philippines. Founded in 2005 by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, it strives to give voice to overlooked Filipino stories, promote artistic excellence, and revitalize Philippine independent cinema. From 2005 to 2009, there was only one Full length film category. From 2010 to 2014, the competition was divided into two: the Directors’ Showcase and the New Breed. Then

it reverted to one Full length in 2015. The Directors’ Showcase was created for veteran Filipino filmmakers as a platform to push artistic boundaries and create independent works free from mainstream commercial constraints. The New Breed is for the amateur/debut filmmakers. Only short films competed in 2015, 2020 and 2021. The early winning films in the Full length category are “Pepot Artista” (2005), “Tulad ng Dati” (2006), “Tribu” (2007), “Jay” (2008), and “Last Supper No. 3” (2009).

The winners in the Directors’ showcase are “Donor” (2010), “Bisperas” (2011), “Posas” (2012), “Sana Dati” (2013), and “Kasal” (2014). The New Breed winners are “Halaw” (2010), “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” (2011), “Diablo” (2012), “Transit” (2013), and “Bwaya” (2014). The winners in the Main Full length competition are “Pamilya Ordinaryo” (2016), “Respeto” (2017), “Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon” (2018), “John Denver Trending” (2019), “The Baseball Player” (2022), “Iti Mapukpukaw” (2023), “Tumandok” (2024), “Bloom Where You Are Planted” (2025) and “Mag-iina” (2026). The early winners as Best Actor in the full length feature include Eddie Garcia for “ICU Bed #7” (2005), “Alchris Galura for Batad” (2006), the male ensemble of “Tribu” (2007), Baron Geisler for “Jay” (2008) and Lou Veloso for “Colorum” (2009). Best Actress awardees include Meryll Soriano for “Room Boy” (2005), Angel Aquino for “Donsol” (2006), Ina Feleo for “Endo” (2007),

Mylene Dizon for “100” (2008), and Ina Feleo for “Sanglaan” (2009). Best Actors in the Directors’ showcase are Baron Geisler for “Donor” (2010), Bembol Roco for “Isda” (2011), Eddie Garcia for “Bwakaw” (2012), Robert Arevalo for “Hari ng Tondo” (2014). There was no awardee in 2013. Best Actors in the New Breed are John Arcilla for “Halaw” (2010), Edgar Allan Guzman for “Ligo na Ü, Lapit na Me” (2011), Kristoffer King for “Oros” (2012), Mimi Juareza for “Quick Change” (2013), and Dante Rivero for “1st Ko Si 3rd” (2014). Best Actors in the Full-Length Features include Tommy Abuel for “Dagsin” (2016), Noel Comia Jr. for “Kiko Boksingero” (2017), Eddie Garcia for “ML” (2018), Jansen Magpusao for John Denver “Trending” (2019), Tommy Alejandrino for “The Baseball Player” (2022), Mikoy Morales for “Tether” (2023), Enzo Osorio for “The Hearing” (2024), Jojit Lorenzo for “Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan” (2025), and See “Gorecho,” A17

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Londoners find ‘horrendous’ cracks in their homes after successive heat waves By Gautam Naik

ONDONERS are facing historic levels of subsidence risk after five successive heat waves dried out the clay soil on which much of the city is built.

Insurance claims tied to subsidence—a phenomenon associated with bouts of hot, dry weather that shrink the soil and destabilize the foundations on which buildings stand—hit a record last quarter, according to data provided by the Association of British Insurers. On average, households claimed £20,000 ($27,200) for the risk, more than in any previous quarter and a 15 percent jump from the same period in 2025, the ABI said. Laura Hughes, head of general insurance at the ABI, says the upward trend is likely to continue. “We expect to see more subsidence cases because of the hot weather,” she said in an interview. Londoners have taken to social media to express their dismay. On Reddit, people offered personal accounts telling of “horrendous cracking” in their homes, and “doors sticking” due to subsidence. One said it was “genuinely scary” to discover that their kitchen had moved as the foundations of the home shifted. Another Reddit user described the response of a structural engineer they contacted for help. “Before I could finish explaining he laughed and said, ‘You and 20,000 other people in southeast London’,” the person wrote. “It’s crazy, what’s happening now,” said Otso Lahtinen, chief executive of Geobear, an engineering firm that’s regularly called in to repair damage caused by subsidence. “It’s the new norm, and it seems it will happen more often in the next 20-30 years.” Data provided by Aviva Plc show that the areas of London that are most at risk are some of the UK capital’s most sought after, namely the boroughs of Westminster, as well as Kensington and Chelsea. While subsidence has been affecting homes in the British capital for decades, climate change is making it worse. London clay is especially sensitive to fluctuations in moisture, expanding when wet and contracting when dry. The threat of subsidence in the UK is concentrated in and around London as well as in parts of the southeast. In the four years through 2025, insurance payouts for subsidence damage soared roughly 90 percent to reach a record £297 million, according to data provided by the ABI. The most vulnerable properties are Victorian or Edwardian homes that were built directly onto the upper layers of London clay. By contrast, modern office buildings in the City of London and Canary Wharf have much deeper foundations and are therefore less exposed to such risks. Subsidence is part of a long list of heat-related challenges to which the UK is now struggling to adapt. Over the past months, extreme heat has forced schools to close, led bus drivers to go on strike, and seen banks relax in-office work requirements to protect staff from unbearably hot commutes. Most of England has been gripped by drought and the country’s hospitals have shown signs of buckling under the strain. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned that the city will need to turn to private investors to help fund the cost of dealing with the impact of rising temperatures. His office estimates that London now faces an annual bill as high as £36 billion into the 2050s in order to prepare the city for what climate change has in store. “The impact that climate change is having is undeniable,” said Hughes

Data provided by Aviva Plc show that the areas of London that are most at risk are some of the UK capital’s most sought after, namely the boroughs of Westminster, as well as Kensington and Chelsea. While subsidence has been affecting homes in the British capital for decades, climate change is making it worse. London clay is especially sensitive to fluctuations in moisture, expanding when wet and contracting when dry. of the ABI. Subsidence can devalue a property by an average of 20 percent to 25 percent, according to the Federation of Master Builders. In some cases, homeowners prefer to cover the cost themselves rather than wade through complicated claims processes. The traditional engineering fix for subsidence damage, known as underpinning, can cost anywhere from £20,000 to more than £100,000. The development represents a particular risk to insurers, with subsidence claims making up an ever larger chunk of the payouts they need to make to customers. The phenomenon poses “a significant challenge for UK home insurers,” says Cherry Chan, a partner at Deloitte. The consultancy has warned that UK home insurers risk losses in 2026 due in part to the trend. Along with flash floods and wildfires, subsidence is becoming “an increasingly material climaterelated risk,” Chan said. It requires that insurers display “careful consideration in long-term exposure and risk management strategies.” Extreme weather patterns in 2026 “will not only impact more new claims in this year, but could cause claims deteriorations for unsettled subsidence claims reported in the past,” she added. That includes 2025, which was a so-called surge year for subsidence impacts. Fresh estimates from the British Geological Survey indicate that under what is known as the RCP 4.5 emissions scenario—reflecting a trajectory that closely aligns with current climate policies—1.8 million properties, or about 5 percent of the UK total, are “highly likely or extremely likely” to be susceptible to shrink-swell subsidence by 2070. Under a higher emissions scenario, the figure rises to 4.2 million, or 11 percent, of British properties. Areas most at risk are densely-populated parts of London, Kent and southeast of England. The development has the potential to lead to “increased insurance premiums, depressed house prices and, in some cases, engineering works to stabilize land or property, replacement of utility pipeworks and unstable transport infrastructure,” according to the BGS. Geobear, which tackles subsidence by injecting resin under buildings, says it’s received more homeowner inquiries this summer than ever before. It says insurance clients have confirmed a similar trend, with one telling Geobear it had received 180 claims on a single day, which is significantly more than normal. “It’s a pretty severe situation,” said Lahtinen, the CEO. “If you’re looking to trade, sell or buy property, this is a trend you can’t ignore.” With assistance from Neil Callanan /Bloomberg

Opinion BusinessMirror

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 A17

The clogged arteries of Metro Manila Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza

MAKE SENSE

HAVE always thought of Metro Manila’s waterways as the veins in my own body. When my veins are clear and flowing, I am healthy, energized, alive. But when they clog—when plaque builds up and the flow stutters—my entire being suffers. The same is true for the city I call home. Our esteros and rivers are Metro Manila’s circulatory system, and right now, they are on the verge of cardiac arrest.

The images from Parañaque still haunt me. On August 12, 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stood before what he called a “critical” situation—a “sea of trash” so vast it required clearing operations hauling nearly 400 tons of garbage, the equivalent of over 70 dump trucks. Flashfloods had transformed the Redemptorist Water Channel into a grotesque exhibition of our collective negligence. I imagine the heavy debris—furniture, appliances, the discarded remnants of daily life— choking the pumping stations like blood clots in a dying artery, forcing the water to spill into streets and homes. What struck me most about the President’s inspection was his observation that this was not merely local refuse. These were large discarded items, the kind that don’t appear by accident but by deliberate choice. Someone made the calculation that it was easier to abandon a broken sofa to the river than to dispose of it properly. Someone else decided that the waterway was a convenient grave for appliances that had outlived their usefulness. This was not poverty speaking; this was a culture of convenience, enabled by the absence of consequences. I believe the solution requires what so many of our problems demand: strong political will. It is not a matter of ignorance—we all know that dumping trash into rivers is wrong. It is a matter of enforcement, of making the cost of convenience higher than the cost of compliance. The path forward, I believe, must begin with reclamation. Every local

government unit must find their original cadastral surveys and remember where their waterways actually are. Then they must do the difficult work: if structures have been built in these channels, they must be demolished. There is no other way for the water to flow freely, for the veins to pump cleanly again. But demolition alone will not change behavior. We need immediate, practical solutions that empower citizens rather than merely punish them. I propose what I call a Penalty and Reward Ordinance—a mechanism that is budget-neutral and immediately implementable by any local government unit willing to try. Here is how it would work: a mandatory fine of P1,000 for anyone caught dumping garbage into waterways. This is not excessive—it is the cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant, a small price to pay for the collective damage caused by choking our city’s veins. But enforcement is the challenge, and this is where the ordinance becomes clever. Citizens who report violations via smartphone, providing photographic or video evidence, would receive a 50 percent reward—P500—for each successful conviction. This creates a self-sustaining ecosystem of accountability. The fine pays for the reward, with the remaining P500 going toward administrative costs or waterway maintenance. The citizen becomes the eyes of the law, transforming every smartphone into a potential instrument of civic duty. The would-be dumper must now calculate not just the risk of a barangay tanod catching them, but

the possibility that any passerby— the jeepney driver waiting for passengers, the vendor selling taho, the student walking home—might document their crime and be financially incentivized to report it. Some might argue that this turns neighbor against neighbor. I would counter that it turns neighbor toward neighbor—toward the shared interest of a city that functions, that breathes, that does not flood every time the rain falls. We are already paying the price for clogged waterways: the damage to homes, the disruption of commerce, the disease that follows standing water. The P500 fine is not a punishment; it is a repayment of the debt owed to the community. President Marcos spoke of longterm solutions—waste-to-energy programs, sustainable infrastructure, better waste management facilities. These are necessary dreams. But we cannot wait for infrastructure to solve a behavioral problem. We need immediate action that changes the calculus of convenience. We need to make the veins flow again, not someday, but today. Our waterways are our veins. When they are clogged, we all suffer. But when they flow freely, the entire city comes alive. The choice—and the will to act—belongs to us. Dual solutions for Metro Manila: Waste-to-energy and urban relocation President Marcos is advocating for a waste-to-energy (WtE) program as a long-term solution to Metro Manila’s worsening garbage problem and the flooding that comes with it. He has set an initial implementation target for 2027, and the government has already taken steps to move the plan forward. In particular, the Department of Energy included roughly 400 megawatts of WtE capacity in the Green Energy Auction scheduled for October 13, 2026. If carried out effectively, this approach could help turn waste into usable power while reducing the volume of garbage that ends up in landfills. While the WtE program may offer lasting benefits, Metro Manila’s local government units can also help address the crisis sooner. In my view, one urgent concern is

the continued presence of residents who live along creeks, in violation of the legal easements of waterways. These communities are not only contributing to environmental damage by discarding waste into creeks and canals, but they are also using our waterways as toilets. This behavior can intensify public health risks and worsen existing problems in health and sanitation, especially during rainy seasons when water levels rise and contamination spreads more easily. Some observers argue that certain politicians may “look the other way” when informal settlers build shelters on creeks, partly because these residents are part of the voting public. However, it is precisely for that reason that local officials should act with seriousness and responsibility. The relocation of families living near waterways should be considered not as punishment, but as a protective measure. When flooding becomes severe, these communities face greater danger to their wellbeing. At the same time, the issue of clogged waterways remains a major driver of flooding, and the repeated cycle of desilting and clearing drains a significant amount of public funds—money that taxpayers ultimately shoulder. Relocating residents away from waterways can therefore serve two purposes at once: it can reduce the causes of worsening flood conditions and it can ease the long-term costs of continuous cleanup. Just as importantly, it offers these communities a better chance at safer living conditions, especially when flash floods expose the vulnerability of settlements built in prohibited or high-risk areas. For these reasons, local officials should prioritize relocation efforts as a practical and humane step toward protecting both the public and the people most affected by the worsening flooding crisis. All these and other efforts can help President Marcos carry out plans to address Metro Manila’s garbage and flooding problems. Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the Chairman Emeritus of the Federation of Philippine Industries and concurrent Chairman of the Anti-Smuggling and AntiIllicit Trade Committee.

Singapore unveils sweeping family support as births tumble By Philip J. Heijmans & Srinidhi Ragavendran

INGAPORE Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a package of childcare benefits to support families as the city-state grapples with a record-low birth rate and rising concerns over the cost and pressures of raising children. Each Singaporean child will receive almost S$70,000 ($55,150) in direct assistance through age 17, starting with a S$10,000 baby gift, Wong said during his National Day Rally Speech on Sunday. The government will also significantly increase paid childcare leave and aims to cut monthly fees for subsidized full-day childcare to S$150. “Today, families everywhere are under growing pressure,” Wong said during the annual address, which is typically used to set out the government’s key policy priorities. “We want to make a fundamental shift in how we support families.” Family support has become a top priority for Singapore, with its total fertility rate falling to a record low of 0.87 last year. That prompted the government to

Gorecho. . .

continued from A16

Martin del Rosario for “Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam” (2026). Best Actress awardees in the D i rec tors’ showc a se i nc lude Meryll Soriano for “Donor” (2010), Raquel Villavicencio for “Bisperas” (2011), Vilma Santos for “Ekstra” (2013), and Nora Aunor for “Hustisya” (2014). Best Actress awardees in the New Breed include Lovi Poe for “Mayohan” (2010), Eugene Domingo for “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” (2011), Ama Quiambao for “Diablo” (2012), Irma Adlawan for “Transit” (2013),

set up a workgroup to review marriage and parenthood measures, and plans to spend nearly S$7 billion on related initiatives this fiscal year. Singapore is also on track to become a super-aged society this year, with a fifth of its population aged 65 and above. Wong said in June that his government would rely less on incentives to encourage Singaporeans to have more children and focus instead on making family life easier, after years of measures including baby bonuses and expanded paternity leave. Under the new childcare leave policy, every working parent will get eight days with one child up to 12 years old, 10 days with two children and 12 days with three or more children. For a working couple with three primary school children, they would receive 24 days of leave, up from just 4 days. Wong also said he wouldn’t rule out expanding paid parental leave, which now totals up to seven and a half months, but would leave the current arrangements in place for now to give employers time to adjust to the recently introduced changes. “I have decided that the government

will cover the cost of all statutory child related leave, up to the reimbursement limit,” he said. “This will reduce, of course, the financial burden on employers.” Singapore will give preferred access to couples for every child they have or are expecting when applying for their first subsidized public housing, a key avenue for homeownership for most citizens. “We want to help growing families secure a home sooner,” Wong said. The city state will raise from Monday the income ceiling for public Buildto-Order flats to S$16,000 from the current S$14,000, and for executive condominiums—a form of quasi-public housing—to S$18,000 from S$16,000. The government will also consider additional housing support for those with larger families, Wong said. The 53-year-old premier has already moved to cushion citizens from external shocks, rolling out nearly S$2 billion of support after the Middle East conflict pushed up energy costs. Meanwhile, Singapore’s economy has been riding the AI boom, which has boosted related manufacturing and trade sectors. It recently raised its 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent.

Wong also said Sunday that the city-state would require stronger safety standards from social media platforms to protect children online. While he offered no specifics, he said the government would consider additional restrictions, including raising the minimum age for access above 13 years old to platforms whose safeguards remain inadequate. Singapore has been considering stronger measures around social media for some time, following Australia’s world-first ban for children under 16, which took effect in December. Today, the platforms “mostly rely on users to declare their own ages and we know this is not working well,” Wong said. “They will have to put in place robust and reliable checks so that the minimum age is properly set and enforced.” In addition, Singapore plans to merge several islands south of Jurong Island into a larger island for new industries, including advanced manufacturing, and power infrastructure, Wong said. The government is also studying undersea tunnels to connect Pulau Tekong to the mainland, he said.

and Eula Valdes for “Dagitab” (2014). Best actress in the Full-Length Features include Hasmine Kilip for “Pamilya Ordinaryo” (2016), Angeli Bayani for “Bagahe” (2017), Ai-ai delas Alas for “School Service” (2018), Ruby Ruiz for “Iska” (2019), Max Eigenmann for “12 Weeks” (2022), Pat Tingjuy for “Rookie” (2023), Gabby Padilla for “Kono Basho,” and Marian Rivera for “Balota” (2024), Mylene Dizon for “Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan” (2025), Marietta “Pokwang” Subong for “2 Valid IDs” (2026). The latest victory by character actress Ruby Ruiz marks her fourth Balanghai trophy, cementing her place in the festival’s history with the most

number of acting citations: two Best actress for “Iska” (2019) and “Status: Rejected” (2026), while two Best Supporting Actress for “Ekstra” (2013) and “Ginhawa” (2022). She officially surpassed the longtime acting record previously held by the late Eddie Garcia. He won Best Actor thrice for “ICU Bed#7” (2005), “Bwakaw” (2012), and “ML” (2018). Baron Geisler won Best Actor twice for “Jay” (2008) and “Donor” (2010). Two actresses won the Best Actress awards twice: Merylle Soriano for “Room Boy” (2005) and “Donor” (2010), and Ina Feleo for “Endo” (2007) and “Sanglaan” (2009). Ruiz shared the 2026 Best Actress

award for Status: Rejected, in a tie with Marietta “Pokwang” Subong “2 Valid IDs.” The youngest winner of Best Actor award was Noel Comia Jr. for “Kiko Boksingero” (2017) when he was 13 years old, followed by 5-yearolds Ansen Magpusao for “John Denver Trending” (2019) and Enzo Osorio for “The Hearing” (2024). Nathan Lopez was also 13 when he was given Special Citation for “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” (2005).

Bloomberg

Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez. com, or call 0908-8665786.

Sports BusinessMirror

A18 Wednesday, August 26, 2026

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao

RF COMING BACK? NO, NO. NOT AT ALL! AT 45, Roger Federer still looks fit, and says he enjoys working out in the gym, but adds he goes through long stretches where he is rarely on the court. AP

Hall of Fame on Saturday. Federer never really had the chance to say goodbye to New York as a player, because there was no way to know his loss to Grigor Dimitrov in the 2019 quarterfinals would be his last match. He had reached the French Open semifinals and the Wimbledon final earlier that year, falling to Rafael Nadal in Paris and then Novak Djokovic in a fifth-set tiebreaker at the All England Club. It was easy to imagine him returning to the US Open the next year and making another deep run. But after falling to Djokovic in the semifinals of the Australian Open to begin 2020, he had knee surgery that February, then another procedure in May. He returned to play in the French Open in 2021 but had to withdraw before his fourth-round match. After the loss to Hurkacz—where he appeared struggling and lost 6-0 in the

Plenty of gold potentials in Nagoya–POC

By Josef Ramos

ARIS Olympian gymnast Aleah Finnegan, former skateboard star Margielyn Didal and even Eumir Felix Marcial won’t be in Nagoya but Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino believes Team Philippines will have enough potential gold medalists in the 20th Asian Games. “There are names who won’t be competing in next month’s Asian Games because of many reasons, but it opens the door for many athletes to show what they got,” said Tolentino on Tuesday after sealing a partnership with Bilyonaryo News Channel (BNC) the “POC Phil Olympic Hour” program on the platform that opens on October 10. “We will miss some athletes, but we can get medals from the new ones,” Tolentino said. “I’m optimistic that we can match and surpass our four gold medals [plus two silvers and five bronzes] in Hangzhou four years ago.” Jakarta 2018 Asian Games gold medalist Didal is injured and so is Finnegan, gold medalist in last year’s Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok. Marcial, bronze medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and silver medalist at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, announced that his eighth professional fight against American Omar Ulises Huerta is scheduled on the same day of the opening ceremony of the Asian Games on September 19. Paris 2024 double gold medalist gymnast Carlos Yulo and brother Karl Eldrew, Asian Games and Asian record holder pole vaulter EJ Obiena, tennis star Alex Eala and Olympic medalist boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Aira Villegas tops the list of gold medal potentials. Team Philippines is also pinning hopes on rising skateboarding ace Mazel Paris Alegado, as well as the esports bets who will be among the 443 athletes the country is fielding in 38 sports in Aichi and Nagoya. Tolentino and BNC SVP for Marketing and Sales Maria Fatima Baylon and BNC SVP for News and Current Affairs Chair Favila, meanwhile, signed the contracts for the POC program that will air from 11 a.m. to 12 noon every Saturday starting October 10.

ALEAH FINNEGAN is recovering from surgeries in her injured right wrist and both ankles. OLYMPIC CHANNEL PHOTO

third set—Federer had another knee surgery that August and knew there would be no more comebacks. “The knee can’t do it anymore. It’s tired,” he recalled thinking. “The mind can’t be patient even more and wait for another couple years and see what happens.” Federer knows Tuesday night won’t be real tennis, joking that he and Roddick hopefully would be respectful and not try to drop shot each other. But it will be different from when he did return to Ashe a couple of years back to watch. “They gave me an ovation because they saw me on the big screen, but I just feel, like, tomorrow and I guess today, as well, and Monday next week, it really gives me a true opportunity to say thank you and goodbye, which I think is important for some,” Federer said. “It’s a nice thing to do, for sure.”

Invitationals served Monday By Brian Mahoney The Associated Press

EW YORK—Roger Federer is actually nervous about his tennis. The man who won five straight US Open championships during the height of his dominance of the sport is set to play again in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time since 2019. And he’s not quite sure how the game that perhaps nobody ever made look more elegant will appear now. “I haven’t played a singles set in, I don’t know, [Hubert] Hurkacz at Wimbledon maybe, so it’s been five years,” Federer said Monday, referring to his 2021 quarterfinal loss in his

last Grand Slam match. “I don’t know how it’s going to go tomorrow. So there is a lot of uncertainty but a lot of happiness that I can return to Arthur Ashe, a place where I have had so many beautiful moments.” It’s only one set of singles in an exhibition against Andy Roddick and one set of doubles with John McEnroe against Roddick and Andre Agassi. The winner of 20 Grand Slam singles titles should be fine for those. But a return to tennis beyond that, competing in major tennis tournaments in his mid-40s like Venus and Serena Williams? “No, no, no, no. No, not at all,” Federer said during a news conference. “Thanks for asking. I wasn’t sure if the question was going to get asked, but I’m happy you did so I

can clarify in case anybody thought.” At 45, Federer still looks fit, and said he enjoys working out in the gym. But he said he goes through long stretches where he is rarely on the court. His lengthy absence from the US Open has done little to dampen his popularity, based on the amount of people around the grounds who were mentioning his name. The appearance of “Roger Federer” up on the big board for all to see again, ahead of his afternoon practice on Ashe, where Federer collected the trophy every year from 2004-08, was a welcome sight for his fans. The trip to New York is a stop for Federer on his way to Newport, Rhode Island, where he will be enshrined in the International Tennis

Ex-NBA players declared ineligible for WNBA draft

EW YORK—Former National Basktball Association (NBA) players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are not eligible for the Women’s NBA draft, a person familiar with the decision said Monday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation. The person did not elaborate on the reasons for declaring the two men ineligible. Freedom and White have declared their intention to enter next year’s draft, but the WNBA has not publicly addressed their eligibility. The WNBA has been the subject of recent debates on whether transgender women—people assigned male at birth

ERNES KANTER FREEDOM (left) and Royce White have declared their intention to enter next year’s draft, but the league has not publicly addressed their eligibility. AP AND WNBA PHOTOS

who transition to align with their gender identity—should be allowed to participate in the league. There has never been such a player in the WNBA. Although the league’s collective bargaining agreement says the WNBA is restricted to women, it contains no more specific language about gender identity or sex assigned at birth. When they announced their intention to enter the draft, Freedom and White said they identified as women. The 6-foot-10, 250-pound Freedom played 11 seasons in the NBA. White played in three NBA games. Freedom was ejected from Sunday night’s Indiana-Chicago game after he was confronted by Sky guard Natasha Cloud late in the third quarter. AP

Eala now a certified world superstar ALEX EALA has practically hit the big time, indeed. Proof of that once more is the fact that she’s been included in the mixed doubles event of the 2026 US Open now underway with the qualifying matches being completed in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York. Seemingly, only the tennis elite are highlighted in mixed-doubles play, making Eala a certified world superstar this early in her career. That is really something to crow about as Eala is not even a Grand Slam winner yet. And she has yet to crash into the Top 10 world rankings. But she’s slowly inching her way up. Only last Monday, August 24, she was upgraded to No. 18 from No. 20, another huge hop that should auger well for the 21-year-old Filipino superstar, morale-wise. With her new ranking, Eala officially becomes the first Southeast Asian to achieve

that plateau—another feather to her cap going into the last Grand Slam of the season. It’s a shame that Eala’s mixed-doubles debut was scheduled at 10 p.m. last night, August 25 Philippine time—or hours away before I had to finish this piece in time for deadline. But whatever the result is, Eala deserves our absolute applause in her team-up with Felix Augur-Aliassime, the world No. 4 from Canada. We can only pray and hope that they did well against the husband-and-wife team of

HE Invitational Conference kicks off Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with four of the Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) top clubs taking on powerhouse teams from Thailand and Vietnam in a six-squad sprint that promises little room for error. Eleven-time league champion Creamline and defending titlist PLDT banner the Philippine side that includes Farm Fresh and Nxled in a six-day, single-round-robin battle against Thailand’s EST Cola and a new Ho Chi Minh City-based club from Vietnam. Opening day action begins with PLDT’s clashing with EST Cola at 1:30 p.m., Nxled and Creamline squaring off at 4 p.m. and Ho Chi Minh taking on Farm Fresh in the 6:30 p.m. main event. Duels on September features PLDT against Nxled at 1:30 p.m., Fresh against EST Cola at 4 p.m. and Creamline against Ho Chi Minh at 6:30 p.m.

On September 3, Farm Fresh and Creamline take the court at 1:30 p.m., Ho Chi Minh battles PLDT at 4 p.m. and EST Cola takes on Nxled at 6:30 p.m. The September 4 triple-header pits PLDT against Farm Fresh at 1:30 p.m., Nxled against Ho Chi Minh at 4 p.m., and Creamline against EST Cola at 6:30 p.m. The elimination round winds up on September 6 with Farm Fresh and Nxled meeting at 1:30 p.m., EST Cola facing Ho Chi Minh at 4 p.m. and Creamline and PLDT closing out the eliminations at 6:30 p.m. All matches, including the championship, will be played at the Big Dome. With three matches scheduled on each playdate and only the top two teams advancing to the championship, every game is expected to carry the weight of a virtual knockout as the field races to the finish.

NU and UP ahead in UAAP Mobile Legends tourney

National University (NU)—led by Johann Estacio and Gold laner Kirk Herrero and head coach Ernest Del Rosario—share the early lead with University of the Philippines (UP) in University Athletic Association of the Philippines Mobile Legends: Bang Bang opening-day action on Monday at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City. NU leads Group A with 3 points (1-0-0) while UP paces Group B with 4 points (1-1-0). UAAP PHOTO

Ukraine’s world No. 9 Elina Svitolina and France’s Gael Monfils. Svitolina is the same player that Eala beat earlier this year during the Filipina’s winning streak against several of the Top 10 campaigners in the world. It was that streak, fashioned across the globe before wildly cheering Filipino crowds, that helped carve Eala’s glory-rich niche now sweeping the global tennis landscape. Should Eala-Aliassime get past SvitolinaMonfils in the Round of 16 of the Top Draw, they’d meet the winner of the match between Aryna Sabalenka-Novak Djokovic and Leylah Fernandez-Frances Tiafoe. Sabalenka, of course, is the world No. 1 from Belarus while Serbia’s Djokovic holds the all-time record of 24 Grand Slams in a tie with Virginia Wade. The duo are heavily favored over the Fil-Canadian Fernandez and American journeyman Tiafoe. The 23-time major winner Serena Williams is paired with four-time Slam champ Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish star who is returning from a fourmonth hiatus after hurting his right wrist.

Their opponents will be qualifiers, and should they pull through, they will face the winners of the match between Belinda Bencic-Flavio Cobolli and Taylor Townsend-Alexander Zverev. Eala’s first singles foe this year will be known possibly on Friday, August 28 Philippine time. This will be Eala’s second US Open appearance, advancing to the second round last year with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 win over Denmark’s Clara Tauson before losing to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-4, 6-3. The US Open dangles the biggest winner’s purse of $5.5 million (roughly P116 million) in both the men’s and women’s divisions among all four majors. Yes, Virginia, we are in the wrong racket. THAT’S IT By just showing up and playing her first match in the US Open, Alex Eala will earn $190,000—win or lose. If she reaches the Round of 16, she gets $480,000; a quarterfinal stint is worth $780,000, semifinal $1.450 million and runner-up $2.8 million. If Eala remains healthy and active in the next 10 years, she’d be a billionaire by age 31—easily. Tennis is where the money is. Like golf.

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Campi-TMA members sell fewer vehicles in Jan-July P

GOVT TO HELP MD JUAN MAKE ELECTRIC CARS, TRICYCLES By Samuel P. Medenilla

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

HE Philippine automotive market struggled to entice consumers to purchase new cars in January to July mainly due to geopolitical tensions, but its performance in the previous month gave the sector a much-needed shot in the arm. Data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed that vehicle sales reached 241,725 units in the seven-month period, down 10.2 percent from 269,207 units a year earlier. Car companies heaved a sigh of relief in July, however, as CampiTMA members sold 37,319 vehicles during the month, just a tad below the 38,295 units recorded in July 2025 and 0.6 percent higher than June’s 37,079 units. “With this...growth, the industry is riding on a good momentum. We are hopeful that the positive trend

will continue for the remainder of the year,” Campi President Jose Maria Atienza said. Despite the July improvement, most vehicle categories recorded weaker sales compared with last year. Passenger car sales fell 11 percent to 47,856 units from 53,767 units. The segment accounted for 19.8 percent of total industry sales. Sales of commercial vehicles, which accounted for 80.20 percent of the market, declined 10 percent to 193,869 units from 215,440 units. Within the commercial vehicle segment, Asian utility vehicles and multipurpose vehicles posted

a 7.9-percent drop to 43,706 units from 47,452 units. Light commercial vehicles slid 10.4 percent to 144,652 units from 161,388 units. Light-duty trucks and buses plunged 14.2 percent to 3,388 units from 3,948 units, while medium-duty trucks and buses dropped 12.3 percent to 1,770 units from 2,019 units. Heavy-duty trucks and buses saw the sharpest contraction, with sales plunging 44.2 percent to 353 units from 633 units a year earlier. Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. led Campi-TMA member brands in July with 17,797 units. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. followed with 6,271 units, while Suzuki Philippines Inc. recorded 1,689 units.

Electric performance

THE clearer shift in the market was in electrified vehicles (xEVs), with sales continuing to expand rapidly even as the overall market remained below last year’s level. Sales of xEVs—covering battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)— reached 38,286 units in January to July, 136.4 percent higher than the 16,195 units sold in the same period last year.

Their share of total industry sales consequently more than doubled to 15.84 percent from 6.02 percent. July alone accounted for 7,086 xEV sales, up 161.8 percent from 2,707 units a year earlier and 3.6 percent higher than June’s 6,843 units. Atienza said xEVs accounted for 29.5 percent of the market in July, up 18 percentage points from the same month last year. “The shift to electrification continues to accelerate, with xEVs accounting for 29.5 percent of the market last July. This is up 18 points from same month last year,” he said. HEVs remained the largest electrified-vehicle segment for the seven-month period, with sales rising 55.9 percent to 20,716 units from 13,290 units. BEV sales, meanwhile, jumped 300.3 percent to 10,476 units from 2,617 units, while PHEV sales surged 2,363.2 percent to 7,094 units from just 288 units. For July alone, HEVs accounted for 41.83 percent of xEV sales, followed by BEVs at 35.56 percent and PHEVs at 22.61 percent. The figures cover BEVs, HEVs and PHEVs recognized by the Department of Energy as of August 10.

PAL inks airport use deal with NNIC

See “NNIC,” B2

Pag-IBIG housing-related assets top P1 trillion as more members gain homes

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

HILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) will now be measured against a set of service-level targets at the country’s main gateway, after signing an Airport Use Agreement (AUA) with New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC) that makes the flag carrier’s operational performance a contractual obligation rather than a matter of practice. The agreement—the first standardized deal of its kind between NNIC and an airline since the private consortium took over the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia)—embeds key performance indicators (KPIs) covering the airline’s use of terminal facilities and infrastructure, and spells out the respective responsibilities of carrier and airport operator. It also carries mechanisms for addressing persistent failure to meet the agreed standards. Those benchmarks are calibrated to the service levels NNIC itself must deliver under its concession agreement with the government, effectively pushing the operator’s own obligations down the chain to the airlines that account for the bulk of traffic at the gateway. NNIC said it intends to use the PAL agreement as the template for similar arrangements with other carriers at NAIA, a move that would extend a uniform performance regime across the airport’s airline tenants. “This agreement gives us a clearer framework for setting expectations, measuring performance and working together to maintain consistent service standards,” NNIC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said. “That is important to making airport operations more efficient and dependable.” Lucio Tan III, president and COO of PAL Holdings Inc., the listed parent of the flag carrier, said the arrangement works in favor of both parties and, ultimately, the traveling public. “This is a positive development for both PAL and NNIC, and ultimately for our passengers. It supports the continuing modernization of NAIA and our collective goal of delivering a better airport experience.” The framework targets a structural weakness in airport operations: a single flight depends on several organizations performing their roles on time and in sequence, with no single party holding the others to account. Delays in check-in, boarding, baggage handling, ramp operations or aircraft turnaround do not stay contained. They cascade into succeeding flights and, at a facility operating near capacity, into the wider airport operation. By establishing common performance requirements and clearer lines of accountability, NNIC said it will be better positioned to monitor service

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos is aiming to propel MD Juan Enterprises Inc.’s foray into electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing by providing the 60-year-old traditional jeepney manufacturer with new pieces of equipment. MD is a beneficiary of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), which provides micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) with seed fund for technology acquisition. The beneficiaries of the SETUP also receive technical training and consultancy services, packaging and label design, database information systems, and support for establishment of product standards. On Tuesday, Marcos visited the office of MD in Caloocan to witness the assessment done by DOST in the company to determine what it pieces of equipment it will need so it can manufacture electric tricycles and jeepneys. “But right now, the reason we are here is to assess what needs to be done so that they will be capable of fabricating all-Filipino electric tri-

cycles and electric jeepneys, should the need [for it] arise,” he said in Filipino. “So, the next step is to put in some of the new equipment that is still necessary for the production of the electric vehicle.” MD began its operations producing replacement and restoration parts for American military and civilian jeeps and now serves customers in the United States, Europe, and other international markets. “MD Juan is recognized as a company with long-standing experience in this field; they are at the forefront of the technologies we need to assemble, fabricate, and manufacture electric vehicles— with everything sourced right here in the Philippines,” Marcos said. The Marcos administration is currently pushing local EV production through Executive Order (EO) No. 121, which establishes the P60-billion Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) Program. The chief executive said the local production will help mainstream EVs, which will reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products and the implementation of the government’s public utility vehicle modernization efforts.

MINER SUSPENDS EXECUTIVE Australian miner Fortescue Ltd. has suspended an executive over sexual harassment allegations, and engaged law firm MinterEllison to conduct an independent investigation into the matter. The incident is being treated “extremely seriously” and the employee is being stood down while the probe continues, the company said in a statement on Tuesday. “Sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination and any behavior that makes people feel unsafe have no place at Fortescue.” The iron ore producer, led by billionaire Andrew Forrest, is already facing a class action lawsuit filed in July that alleges it failed to protect female workers from sexual harassment and discrimination at its mine sites. Photo shows the Fortescue Ltd. logo atop 256 St Georges Terrace which houses the company's offices, in Perth, Australia, on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. MATT JELONEK/BLOOMBERG

NGCP told to finish key project in ’27

By Lenie Lectura

HE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is allowing the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to complete the Amlan-Dumaguete 138-kiloVolt (kV) transmission line project by March 2027. “NGCP’s prayer to reconsider the Commission’s directive requiring NGCP to complete the project on or before September 5, 2024, and to reconsider a new estimated time of completion on March 31, 2027 is granted,” the ERC’s 20-page order stated. NGCP was also ordered to pay permit fees amounting to P14,167,262.59. As of February 2026, the said project has achieved a 64-percent progress rate. “In view of the foregoing circumstances and the issues raised by NGCP in its motion for partial reconsideration and supplemental motion, and taking into consideration the operational need to ensure adequate

transmission support for the affected areas, the commission finds it reasonable to adopt March 31, 2027, as the revised target completion date of the Amlan-Dumaguete 138kV transmission line project,” the ERC ruled. The NGCP said it encountered several challenges in the implementation of the project, particularly delays executing the writ of possession, issues with the local government, and difficulties in obtaining the necessary permits and clearances. The same ERC order stated that NGCP may carry out the SiatonBayawan 138-kV transmission line project ahead of the commission’s approval only after it has secured a certificate of energy project of national significance from the Department of Energy (DOE). Moreover, the ERC ordered NGCP to submit a detailed quarterly progress report of the projects. “The NGCP shall implement all necessary measures to mitigate the operational impact of the project

delay on the affected distribution utilities [DUs], particularly with respect to maintaining system reliability and addressing N-1 contingency concerns,” the ERC said. Last month, the NGCP said it is on track to complete 10 projects worth P30.88 billion this year. If successful, these additions will bring the company’s total completed projects for the year to 15, with a combined value of approximately P38 billion. The projects that are up for completion in the second half of the year are the relocation of steel poles along Hermosa-Duhat 230-kv transmission line, Nabas-CaticlanBoracay transmission line, Luzon voltage improvement project-3, New Antipolo 230-kV substation, North Luzon substation upgrading project 1, Tuguegarao-Lal-lo 230kV transmission line, Amlan-Dumaguete 138-kV transmission line, Panay-Guimaras 138-kV interconnection, Mindanao substation expansion 4, and Nasipit substation bus-in project.

AG-IBIG Fund’s gross housingrelated assets reached P1.01 trillion as of July 31, 2026, as its housing portfolio continued to grow with more financing extended to members buying, building and improving their homes, as well as to institutions supporting housing development. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, who chairs the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said the growth reflects Pag-IBIG Fund’s continuing role in expanding homeownership while supporting activity across the housing sector and the broader economy. “Pag-IBIG Fund’s performance continues to reflect its commitment to achieving the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program to make affordable homeownership accessible to more Filipinos. “Reaching more than P1 trillion in housing-related assets is an important milestone. It means more financing is reaching Filipino homebuyers, while qualified developers and institutions receive greater support to provide housing. As investments in housing grow, they also help stimulate the industry, support construction and related sectors, create jobs and contribute to broader economic growth,” Aliling said. Of Pag-IBIG Fund’s P1.01 trillion in gross housing-related assets, P971.39 billion, or about 96%, consists of housing-related loans, while P38.47 billion consists of other housing-related assets. For members, much of this represents financing that has helped Filipino workers buy, build or improve homes. The emphasis on housing is built into Pag-IBIG Fund’s mandate, which requires at least 70% of its investible funds to be invested in housing. This enables members’ pooled savings to finance homes and housing development while generating earnings that help protect and grow their funds. Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the trillion-peso housing portfolio reflects the very meaning of Pag-IBIG, Pagtutulungan sa Kinabukasan: Ikaw, Bangko, Industriya at Gobyerno, with members’ savings helping fellow members achieve homeownership. “This is Pag-IBIG at work. The

savings of millions of Filipino workers are pooled together and put to productive use, much of it to help fellow members have homes of their own. As we continue supporting President Marcos’ housing agenda, what matters most is that more members are able to turn their hardearned income into homes and assets that can provide greater security for their families,” Acosta said. “For a member paying a housing loan, each amortization brings that member closer to fully owning a home. Over time, that home becomes more than a place to live. It is an asset that families can improve, preserve and pass on to the next generation. This is how homeownership can help our members build lasting value and greater financial security,” she added. Pag-IBIG Fund also continued to expand financing for both the end-user and institutional housing markets. From January to July 2026, housing and wholesale loan releases reached P88.84 billion, up 12% from P72.61 billion during the same period last year, reflecting continued demand for home financing and funding support for housing development. To widen access further under Expanded 4PH, Pag-IBIG Fund increased the maximum Pag-IBIG Housing Loan to P10 million per borrower, payable over terms of up to 30 years, while continuing to provide a 3% subsidized housing loan rate for qualified lowincome borrowers. It also offers promotional rates of 4.5% for loans above the socialized housing price ceiling up to P4.9 million, and 5.75% for loans above P4.9 million up to P10 million, until Dec. 31, 2026.

Companies BusinessMirror

B2 Wednesday, August 26, 2026

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

August 25, 2026

Net Foreign Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Stocks Buy (Sell) FINANCIALS

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK COMMERCE BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK CITYSTATE BANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK COL FINANCIAL FIRST ABACUS FERRONOUX HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE VANTAGE

50 121.2 10.28 105.5 53.2 13.22 11.08 67.65 6.93 66.3 52.05 22.95 66 24.6 1.42 0.5 3.85 2,510 1.19 207 4,700 0.81

50.4 122 10.36 105.6 53.3 13.96 11.1 67.8 7.08 66.65 52.5 23 66.95 24.9 1.46 0.53 3.95 2,550 1.21 212 4,860 0.82

50.3 123.2 10.28 106.2 53.4 13.78 11.06 67.7 7.03 66 52.5 23.1 65.65 24.5 1.43 0.54 3.98 2,510 1.21 207 4,750 0.8

50.5 123.2 10.28 106.5 54 13.78 11.12 68.1 7.1 67 52.5 23.1 66.95 24.95 1.46 0.54 3.98 2,510 1.25 212 4,750 0.82

49.5 121.2 10.18 105.3 53.05 13.12 11.06 67.1 6.92 66 52.5 23 65.65 24.5 1.4 0.5 3.85 2,510 1.19 207 4,700 0.8

50.4 121.2 10.28 105.5 53.3 13.12 11.1 67.65 6.92 66.65 52.5 23 66.95 24.9 1.42 0.5 3.95 2,510 1.19 212 4,700 0.82

65,580 2,981,720 36,600 463,070 142,270 16,600 760,500 2,320,380 21,400 84,680 140 5,200 45,580 76,700 560,000 782,000 62,000 25 2,978,000 1,250 90 593,000

3,279,614 362,664,363 375,108 48,880,738 7,585,897 217,858 8,436,460 157,543,702 150,187 5,644,334 7,350 119,610 3,001,840 1,902,325 794,610 393,120 244,010 62,750 3,603,680 264,100 423,250 480,810

951,111 -169,725,647 -6,887,321 147,166 -2,696,274 -83,313,676 13,840 2,210,286 -1,511,887 1,095,615 -115,200 420 25,100 -36,570 261,980 399,500 -145,960

INDUSTRIAL ACEN CORP 2.87 2.88 2.89 2.92 2.86 2.88 9,594,000 27,629,660 572,050 1.2 1.17 1.14 1.2 20,870,000 24,537,110 -2,332,080 ALSONS CONS 1.21 1.21 ALTERNERGY HLDG 0.75 0.76 0.76 0.77 0.75 0.75 89,000 67,690 -760 46.05 46.3 45.65 46.9 45.2 46.3 3,727,300 172,503,025 42,738,165 ABOITIZ POWER RASLAG 1.21 1.17 1.2 1.17 1.13 1.2 1,391,000 1,652,280 -52,470 0.11 0.111 0.111 0.111 0.11 0.111 780,000 86,460 BASIC ENERGY CITICORE RE 4.69 4.69 4.65 4.69 4.65 4.69 57,000 267,010 112,560 FIRST GEN 26.45 26.5 27.9 28.2 26.2 26.5 4,519,700 121,427,890 10,849,995 106.5 107 105.5 107.5 105.5 106.5 115,780 12,326,832 868,404 FIRST PHIL HLDG JOLLIVILLE HLDG 3.11 3.95 3.02 3.94 3.01 3.94 8,000 27,810 -920 479 479 480 473.6 479 190,260 90,914,152 1,525,046 MERALCO 479.8 MANILA WATER 35.55 35.6 35.7 35.7 35.15 35.6 2,198,900 77,990,625 -8,892,060 18.06 18.1 18.3 18 18.06 2,092,800 37,870,138 166,580 MAYNILAD 18.36 2.38 2.39 2.4 2.4 2.35 2.38 466,000 1,104,400 -42,750 PETRON PRYCE CORP 15.28 15.28 15.02 15.28 15.02 15.02 4,900 73,702 9.55 9.79 9.46 9.55 9.46 9.55 4,800 45,546 REPOWER ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING 18.6 18.6 18.4 18.56 18.16 18.4 492,100 9,077,696 -798,310 28.65 28.75 29.65 29.65 28.35 28.65 1,077,000 31,130,650 -14,521,580 SYNERGY GRID SHELL PILIPINAS 8.21 8.31 8.21 8.39 8.11 8.31 493,900 4,074,360 -750,235 SPC POWER 9.52 9.74 9.75 9.75 9.5 9.52 33,200 318,722 -134,596 1.25 1.26 1.25 1.26 1.24 1.26 10,322,000 12,921,410 -1,866,980 SP NEW ENERGY TOP LINE 1.81 1.82 1.84 1.84 1.8 1.82 1,213,000 2,201,060 -297,110 19.22 19.2 19.2 19.2 19.2 100 1,920 VIVANT 20.4 AXELUM 2.84 2.84 2.81 2.81 2.79 2.84 300,000 845,750 -290,420 0.31 0.315 0.315 0.315 10,000 3,150 -3,150 BALAI FRUITAS 0.315 0.315 32.9 33 32.7 33.35 32.6 32.9 526,100 17,300,995 2,109,320 CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE 3.92 3.92 3.74 3.92 3.85 3.85 10,000 39,100 -39,100 3.49 3.5 3.56 3.56 3.49 3.5 1,429,000 5,001,540 -2,065,830 DNL INDUS EMPERADOR 15.98 15.98 15.42 15.66 15.38 15.98 1,026,500 16,186,978 -6,048,098 47.4 47.5 47.45 47.4 47.5 7,400 351,275 -28,490 SMC FOODANDBEV 47.5 FIGARO GROUP 0.65 0.67 0.67 0.68 0.65 0.67 1,055,000 697,350 -47,310 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.295 0.305 0.295 0.295 0.295 0.295 20,000 5,900 0.65 0.66 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 14,000 9,100 -5,200 FRUITAS HLDG GINEBRA 230 226.8 227 230 224 227 12,770 2,879,550 -2,298,042 160.7 161.4 160 160 160.7 585,940 94,466,135 11,700,930 JOLLIBEE 161.9 KEEPERS HLDG 1.95 1.96 1.99 1.99 1.94 1.95 1,216,000 2,377,940 958,850 20.75 20.8 21.95 21.95 20.75 20.75 5,600 116,480 -8,300 LIBERTY FLOUR 2.07 2.14 2.08 2.15 2.07 2.15 188,000 393,090 1,840 MAXS GROUP MG HLDG 0.069 0.074 0.069 0.069 0.069 0.069 200,000 13,800 6.85 6.89 6.9 6.9 6.85 6.85 1,298,500 8,912,202 -4,416,226 MONDE NISSIN SHAKEYS PIZZA 5.51 5.75 5.78 5.78 5.71 5.75 58,000 331,740 -580 2.47 2.53 2.5 2.53 2.5 2.53 59,000 149,060 ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP 5.33 5.33 5.31 5.3 5.3 5.33 128,500 682,409 -207,440 SWIFT FOODS 0.056 0.057 0.056 0.056 0.056 0.056 360,000 20,160 62.1 62.15 62.7 62.7 61.9 62.15 548,810 34,103,874 -17,915,036 UNIV ROBINA VITARICH 0.54 0.51 0.53 0.51 0.51 0.53 738,000 385,390 0.41 0.43 0.415 0.415 0.415 0.415 600,000 249,000 ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B 0.41 0.415 0.415 0.415 0.415 0.415 600,000 249,000 -83,000 55.05 57.95 57.95 57.95 57.95 57.95 10 580 CONCRETE A 51.9 58 58 58 10 580 CONCRETE B 58 58 CONCREAT HLDG 1.32 1.32 1.3 1.29 1.28 1.32 2,304,000 3,014,130 -231,760 1.88 1.9 1.85 1.9 48,000 89,450 -15,190 EEI CORP 1.9 1.9 MEGAWIDE 4.69 4.69 4.64 4.55 4.51 4.69 1,088,000 5,003,380 126,300 1.78 1.82 1.84 1.85 1.78 1.78 240,000 432,150 CROWN ASIA EUROMED 1.18 1.13 1.13 1.2 1.13 1.2 188,000 218,590 7,910 MABUHAY VINYL 5.15 5.15 5 5.15 5.15 5.15 200 1,030 -1,030 10.68 11.14 10.72 10.6 11.16 66,400 704,012 596,780 CONCEPCION 11.16 GREENERGY 0.172 0.17 0.173 0.173 0.169 0.172 150,000 25,570 6.68 6.69 7.35 7.39 6.64 6.69 5,730,200 39,502,452 -7,295,583 INTEGRATED MICR IONICS 2.1 2.13 2.1 2.22 2.1 2.13 3,178,000 6,830,980 -435,700 7.38 7.39 7.39 7.39 300 2,217 PANASONIC 7.39 7.39 1.27 1.2 1.2 1.27 5,487,000 6,954,380 730,100 CIRTEK HLDG 1.28 1.34 STENIEL 2 2.04 2 2 2 2 1,000 2,000

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL 0.335 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.335 0.34 2,870,000 965,950 -160,800 53.5 53.55 54.3 55 53.45 53.5 590,620 31,718,771 4,287,016 ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP 507.5 509.5 510 510 505.5 509.5 87,290 44,443,930 10,162,190 37.1 37.6 37.6 38.45 36.8 37.1 1,793,100 67,517,100 1,795,835 ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL 9.09 9.1 9.39 9.39 9.1 9.1 193,500 1,767,696 -489,784 16.5 16.76 16.98 16.76 16.76 115,900 1,955,040 -1,280,772 ANSCOR 16.98 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 1.07 1.08 1.08 1.09 1.04 1.09 995,000 1,047,330 15,900 COSCO CAPITAL 8.05 8.2 8.13 8.21 8.01 8.2 215,900 1,753,835 760,555 7.84 7.85 7.94 7.95 7.72 7.85 4,452,900 34,856,978 -4,399,227 DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV 3.59 3.69 3.64 3.64 3.58 3.59 17,000 61,070 3,590 498 499 503 503 493.4 499 39,370 19,584,331 -850,365 GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV 5.19 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.19 5.2 3,100 16,116 21.55 21.6 22 22 21.55 21.55 328,700 7,095,270 -1,910,865 JG SUMMIT 0.345 0.37 0.37 0.35 0.37 110,000 39,800 17,500 LODESTAR 0.375 LOPEZ HLDG 5.6 5.65 5.7 5.89 5.6 5.6 1,163,500 6,580,176 69,545 15.16 15.2 15.24 15.24 15.12 15.16 1,357,500 20,611,886 -542,082 LT GROUP PACIFICA HLDG 0.88 0.93 0.85 1.04 0.85 0.93 158,000 142,330 -1,000 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.06 1.05 1.05 3,000 3,170 PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP 1.18 1.2 1.2 1.21 1.2 1.21 2,000 2,410 572.5 573 580 584 572 573 232,570 133,557,175 -72,747,725 SM INVESTMENTS 63.9 64 65.5 65.7 63.9 64 230,010 14,729,135 -2,797,407 SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER 53 56.95 53 53 53 53 40 2,120 0.07 0.073 0.076 0.076 0.07 0.07 3,050,000 215,530 ZEUS HLDG PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.455 0.46 0.455 0.455 0.435 0.455 80,000 35,750 -4,150 15.8 15.82 15.26 15.86 15.14 15.8 18,431,800 286,360,108 74,242,268 AYALA LAND AYALA LAND LOG 1.18 1.19 1.21 1.21 1.18 1.18 112,000 133,860 25,620 11.7 11.88 11.76 11.82 11.66 11.7 60,800 713,532 ALTUS PROP ARANETA PROP 0.28 0.305 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.28 540,000 151,200 37.45 37.5 37.95 37.95 37.3 37.5 1,273,000 47,860,830 -8,069,840 AREIT RT A BROWN 0.73 0.73 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.73 20,000 14,260 0.61 0.61 0.59 0.61 0.6 0.61 235,000 142,730 103,700 CITYLAND DEVT 0.088 0.087 0.087 0.088 280,000 24,680 CROWN EQUITIES 0.089 0.089 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.15 2.15 2.14 2.15 2.14 2.15 409,000 879,340 0.72 0.73 0.74 0.74 0.72 0.73 1,348,000 985,210 -5,960 CENTURY PROP CITICORE RT 3.27 3.3 3.3 3.32 3.27 3.27 2,050,000 6,748,880 -3,596,320 12.08 12.02 11.88 12.16 433,400 5,248,170 -1,408,768 DOUBLEDRAGON 12.16 12.16 1.03 1.04 1.03 1.04 257,000 265,930 DDMP RT 1.04 1.04 DM WENCESLAO 4.9 5 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9 4,200 20,580 490 0.028 0.029 0.029 0.029 100,000 2,900 EVERWOODS 0.029 0.029 EMPIRE EAST 0.1 0.103 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 190,000 19,000 2.9 2.92 2.92 2.92 2.9 2.92 342,000 996,590 8,760 FILINVEST RT FILINVEST LAND 0.68 0.69 0.68 0.69 0.68 0.69 759,000 516,430 1,360 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.63 0.64 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.62 305,000 189,100 1.76 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 1,000 2,040 JACKSTONES MEGAWORLD 2.35 2.29 2.3 2.35 2.28 2.29 2,654,000 6,101,430 -299,470 0.69 0.7 0.69 0.7 38,317,000 26,633,370 -8,510 MRC ALLIED 0.7 0.7 MREIT RT 13.82 13.84 13.86 13.88 13.82 13.84 426,700 5,910,428 1,295,860 0.16 0.163 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.16 210,000 33,600 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.37 0.4 0.375 0.375 0.375 0.375 10,000 3,750 PHIL ESTATES PREMIERE RT 1.03 1.04 1.03 1.06 1.02 1.03 150,000 154,740 -61,310 1 1.03 1.03 1.03 15,000 15,450 PRIMEX CORP 1.03 1.03 RL COMM RT 7.19 7.2 7.37 7.37 7.16 7.2 7,659,900 55,404,670 -18,962,160 17.32 17.36 17.6 17.6 17.2 17.32 1,519,000 26,449,642 -8,763,796 ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL 3.3 3.36 3.22 3.36 3.13 3.3 2,128,000 6,905,170 3,217,120 SHANG PROP 3.25 3.29 3.2 3.25 3.2 3.25 16,000 51,670 1.84 1.94 1.87 1.95 1.87 1.95 37,000 69,650 STA LUCIA LAND SM PRIME HLDG 18.1 18.16 18.2 18.22 18.1 18.1 3,275,400 59,380,950 -12,510,318 0.41 0.435 0.44 0.44 0.41 0.41 60,000 25,950 SUNTRUST RESORT SERVICES ABS CBN 3.51 3.55 3.73 3.83 3.52 3.55 1,033,000 3,726,570 4.23 4.25 4.27 4.27 4.23 4.23 251,000 1,065,790 GMA NETWORK MANILA BULLETIN 0.178 0.182 0.178 0.178 0.178 0.178 10,000 1,780 5.1 5.49 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 200 1,020 MLA BRDCASTING DITO CME HLDG 0.73 0.74 0.75 0.75 0.73 0.74 3,196,000 2,349,560 216,050 1,681 1,682 1,694 1,710 1,675 1,682 41,310 69,554,600 3,221,000 GLOBE TELECOM PLDT 184,030,825 1,194 1,195 1,195 1,198 1,186 1,195 154,375 -122,519,630 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.0063 0.0064 0.0062 0.0063 0.0062 0.0063 76,000,000 476,500 9.5 9.51 9.48 9.55 9.39 9.5 4,405,500 -14,285,502 41,780,822 CONVERGE DFNN INC 0.71 0.71 0.67 0.7 0.7 0.71 16,000 11,320 -4,230 0.87 0.98 0.87 0.87 0.87 5,000 4,350 IMPERIAL 0.87 ISLAND INFO 0.125 0.125 0.121 0.12 0.119 0.121 2,560,000 312,870 0.44 0.46 0.44 0.45 960,000 425,900 -4,500 0.46 0.46 NOW CORP 0.121 0.124 0.123 0.126 0.12 0.124 1,480,000 181,940 TRANSPACIFIC BR CHELSEA 0.89 0.86 0.87 0.88 0.85 0.87 335,000 290,580 -14,080 27.95 28.05 28 28.1 27.95 28.05 263,200 7,370,290 137,035 CEBU AIR INTL CONTAINER 946 949 950 954.5 932.5 949 921,840 872,810,100 -142,118,180 6.55 6.99 6.55 6.55 6.55 6.55 200 1,310 LBC EXPRESS LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.7 0.7 0.67 0.7 0.66 0.7 214,000 149,420 -30 MACROASIA 3.76 3.75 3.73 3.8 3.73 3.76 173,000 654,410 -69,600 2.38 2.39 2.1 2.5 2.1 2.38 5,662,000 13,011,000 171,820 PAL HLDG HARBOR STAR 1.82 1.84 1.65 1.93 1.61 1.84 18,966,000 33,989,910 -613,650 1.31 1.43 1.43 1.48 4,000 5,820 ACESITE HOTEL 1.48 1.48 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.031 0.032 0.031 0.033 0.031 0.032 40,100,000 1,288,800 -3,300 0.92 0.99 0.9 0.98 25,000 24,500 980 DISCOVERY WORLD 0.99 0.99 14.92 15.26 15 15.3 14.9 14.92 22,900 343,420 18,000 CENTRO ESCOLAR FAR EASTERN U 800 822.5 800 800 800 800 110 88,000 -88,000 1.28 1.29 1.29 1.3 662,000 860,110 619,720 STI HLDG 1.31 1.31 BELLE CORP 1.18 1.18 1.17 1.16 1.14 1.18 724,000 829,740 -64,690 2.47 2.48 2.44 2.52 2.36 2.47 18,577,000 45,193,010 3,613,870 BLOOMBERRY PACIFIC ONLINE 1.71 1.85 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 2,000 3,500 18,422,338 9.82 9.85 9.92 9.95 9.8 9.82 1,867,500 246,766 DIGIPLUS 14.18 14.2 14.02 13.98 14.2 2,254,300 31,940,040 863,080 PHILWEB 14.28 BERJAYA 9.29 8.5 8.1 8.1 8.1 8.1 1,700 13,770 1.06 1.06 1.06 1.07 91,000 96,560 1.07 1.07 METRO RETAIL PUREGOLD 40.85 40.7 40.75 40.3 40.2 40.75 604,900 24,577,080 352,420 33.1 33.8 34.35 34.4 33.3 33.8 123,300 4,167,070 505,285 PHIL SEVEN CORP 2.03 2.03 2.03 2.06 3,005,000 6,146,160 -63,240 SSI GROUP 2.06 2.06 UPSON INTL CORP 0.93 0.94 0.83 1.1 0.83 0.93 5,111,000 4,906,720 -152,370 5.92 5.9 5.85 5.97 508,300 3,003,573 186,909 5.97 5.97 WILCON DEPOT APC GROUP 0.107 0.112 0.113 0.113 0.113 0.113 130,000 14,690 0.221 0.232 0.221 0.221 0.221 100,000 22,120 0.222 MEDILINES PAXYS 3.62 3.56 3.61 3.61 3.56 3.6 13,000 46,780 1.65 1.62 1.62 1.62 1.62 1.62 30,000 48,600 PHILCOMSAT MINING & OIL ATOK 1.89 1.89 1.89 2 24,000 45,790 2 2 APEX MINING 16.12 16.18 16.6 16.64 15.82 16.18 3,080,700 49,828,246 -1,510,288 17.7 17.9 17.72 18 17.4 17.7 3,709,600 65,626,392 1,663,404 ATLAS MINING BENGUET A 7.25 7.36 7.32 7.68 7.25 7.25 589,500 4,376,994 7.31 7.7 7.4 7.78 7.3 7.7 66,400 494,996 364,838 BENGUET B DIZON MINES 4.15 4.38 4.16 4.16 4.15 4.15 13,000 54,000 -54,000 EC VULCAN 0.305 0.325 0.31 0.33 0.3 0.325 860,000 271,650 -61,750 2.23 2.26 2.28 2.18 2.26 671,000 1,503,520 50 FERRONICKEL 2.28 GEOGRACE 0.096 0.096 0.091 0.096 0.096 0.096 70,000 6,720 2,880 0.236 0.239 0.244 0.245 0.235 0.236 31,570,000 7,514,340 LEPANTO A LEPANTO B 0.236 0.238 0.235 0.244 0.235 0.236 1,630,000 384,030 -125,000 0.0087 0.0088 0.009 0.009 0.0085 0.0087 106,000,000 926,200 MANILA MINING A 0.82 0.82 0.8 0.82 4,476,000 3,655,120 80,000 MARCVENTURES 0.83 0.83 NIHAO 0.52 0.52 0.51 0.5 0.5 0.51 1,040,000 529,500 4.27 4.29 4.24 4.32 4.23 4.29 2,906,000 12,403,920 2,480,190 NICKEL ASIA OCEANAGOLD 16,033,440 36.85 37 37.3 37.3 36.15 37 434,700 -4,536,805 0.53 0.56 0.58 0.62 0.53 0.53 2,049,000 1,169,040 124,130 ORNTL PENINSULA PX MINING 11.14 11.16 11.6 11.72 10.98 11.16 3,312,900 37,221,162 2,163,536 UNITED PARAGON 0.0075 0.0075 0.0074 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075 2,000,000 15,000 3.3 3.5 3.26 3.32 3.26 3.3 41,000 135,280 -102,300 ENEX ENERGY ORNTL PETROL A 0.013 0.014 0.014 0.014 0.013 0.013 2,700,000 36,800 0.0082 0.0083 0.0083 0.0083 22,000,000 182,600 0.0083 0.0083 PHILODRILL PXP ENERGY 3.05 3.12 3.12 3.13 3.05 3.12 1,354,000 4,220,090 PREFFERED AC PREF AR 2,466 2,490 2,494 2,494 2,494 2,494 35 87,290 -87,290 1,953 1,960 1,960 1,960 1,960 1,960 40 78,400 AC PREF B4R BRN PREF B 101.1 103.9 103.9 103.9 103.9 103.9 10 1,039 102.5 103 103 103 103 103 120 12,360 BRN PREF C CLI PREF A1 985 995 995 995 995 995 10 9,950 1,000 1,010 1,008 1,010 1,000 1,000 2,405 2,407,990 CLI PREF A2 DD PREF 93.25 93.3 93.35 93.35 93.2 93.25 46,650 4,351,584 95.5 96 96 96 96 96 1,030 98,880 EEI PREF B 900.5 990 860 900.5 860 900.5 60 52,005 FDC PREF A GLO PREF BNV 1,960 1,970 1,965 1,970 1,965 1,965 165 324,550 988 998.5 990 990 990 990 1,000 990,000 GTCAP PREF B MWIDE PREF 6C 102.5 103.5 102.5 102.5 102.5 102.5 1,500 153,750 100 101.4 101.4 101.4 101.4 101.4 500 50,700 MWIDE PREF 7A 99.7 102.8 102.8 102.8 102.8 102.8 520 53,456 MWIDE PREF 7B PCOR PREF 4A 980 995 990 990 990 990 50 49,500 987 990 990 990 990 990 130 128,700 PCOR PREF 4C PCOR PREF 4D 973 975 975 975 975 975 3,510 3,422,250 998 999 1,000 1,000 999 999 1,010 1,009,000 PCOR PREF 4E SMC PREF 2O 78.5 79.1 79.15 79.15 79.1 79.1 17,680 1,398,635 -50,656 SMC PREF 2P 73 74 74 74 72.2 74 4,980 368,502 75 78.5 75.05 75.05 75.05 75.05 20 1,501 SMC PREF 2R SMC PREF 2S 74.1 75 74 74 74 74 9,400 695,600 74.85 76.95 76.95 77 76.95 77 6,500 500,475 SMC PREF 2U SMC PREF 2V 79 79.2 78.5 79.5 78.5 79 400 31,574 78 79.75 78 78 78 78 510 39,780 SMC PREF 2W 79.4 79.5 79.9 79.9 79.5 79.5 1,460 116,456 19,176 SMC PREF 2X TECH PREF B2C 8.3 8.99 8.38 8.38 8.28 8.28 10,000 83,033 100 100.1 100 100.1 100 100 1,110 111,001 TOP PREF A1 TOP PREF A2 101.1 101.7 101.7 101.7 101.7 101.7 90 9,153 -

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

3.4 3.51 3.51 3.51 3.51 3.51 1,000 3,510 4.13 4.37 4.48 4.48 4.41 4.41 2,000 8,890

SMALL, MEDIUM & EMERGING CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS NEXGEN ENERGY

0.34 1.36 0.67 2 0.21 2.65

0.35 1.37 0.71 2.39 0.222 2.7

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

104.1

104.8

0.35 1.37 0.7 2.39 0.22 2.7

0.35 1.37 0.71 2.39 0.227 2.7

0.35 1.36 0.7 2.39 0.211 2.68

0.35 1.36 0.71 2.39 0.211 2.7

30,000 50,000 25,000 4,000 440,000 9,000

10,500 68,470 17,530 9,560 98,450 24,180

‘Mondelez unfazed despite shift in PHL eating habits’

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

NACKS maker Mondelez Philippines Inc. is cautiously optimistic about its prospects for this year even as changing consumer preferences weighed on its sales in 2025. Mondelez Philippines Corporate and Government Affairs Lead Caitlin Punzalan said the company saw a slowdown in the local market last year, but this was not due to the decline in snacking. “There was a slowdown for the Philippines in 2025 because of some big consumer shifts in preferences for other formats,” Punzalan told reporters on Tuesday in Mandaluyong City. “They’re snacking on something else.” The company, however, did not provide more details about its sales performance.

MUTUAL FUNDS

The change is shaping how the company approaches the market, with Punzalan saying Mondelez continues to look for ways to adapt its products while providing what consumers consider value. The company noted that while there is still room for growth in the Philippines, it is mindful of risks from global and domestic developments that could affect consumer demand and business activity. “We know there’s an opportunity for snacking, but we also are cautious in terms of global and local events that could hamper business

August 25, 2026

growth,” Punzalan said, citing the Middle East crisis earlier this year as an example of an external shock that affected businesses. “So, [we’re] cautiously optimistic. We know that snacking, there is potential for growth for sure. But we just need to prepare for any external factors, whatever they may be.” The company said it so far avoided raising prices in response to the geopolitical tensions and does not have a price increase planned for this month. Punzalan said the company has tried to keep prices at the same level “as much as possible,” particularly since higher fuel costs and other pressures could dampen demand. She also said keeping prices stable is one way of limiting the impact of external cost pressures on consumers. In its 2026 State of Snacking report, Mondelez found that 38 percent of Filipino snackers choose snacks that offer nutritional benefits, such as being high in fiber or a source of vitamins. The report also found that Filipino consumers remain frequent snackers, with only 5 percent skipping morning snacks and another 5 percent skipping afternoon snacks. About 37 percent seek energyboosting snacks in the morning, while 30 percent do so in the afternoon. Punzalan said Mondelez continues to offer products with nutritional components while using portion sizes as another way of responding to changing consumption patterns. “Portion control” is also part of the company’s broader mindfulsnacking strategy, which encourages consumers to consider how much they consume rather than restrict-

ing snack consumption. Moreover, product reformulation is also an ongoing process, she said. The company’s latest snacking report said its global portfolio is also moving toward individually wrapped portions or products carrying its Mindful Portion label. In 2025, around 94 percent of Mondelez International’s net revenue came from snacks meeting that criterion, it said.

Plastic tax

MONDELEZ is also pushing back against a proposed increase in the tax on single-use plastics, arguing that additional charges could affect consumers and businesses across the food supply chain. Punzalan said the company does not support an increase in the single-use plastic tax, adding that it is already complying with the country’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law. Rather than relying on a higher tax, Punzalan said the company supports the existing EPR framework, which requires manufacturers to take responsibility for the plastic packaging they put into the market. “We know that plastic waste is not just manufacturers’ responsibility; it’s everyone’s,” she said. “Consumers, governments, other community stakeholders.” The Philippine Plastics Industry Association had already called the proposed single-use plastic excise tax “discriminatory” during a December 2025 House hearing. Meanwhile, Mondelez said its Philippine operations are already being supplied with 100 percent renewable energy through a combination of hydropower, solar power and bioenergy.

Strikers to DHL: Negotiate in good faith By Mary Jade Jadormio

HE impending closure of DHL Supply Chain’s Muntinlupa warehouse is raising the stakes in a labor dispute involving 473 workers who have been on strike over alleged union busting and demands for recognition and collective bargaining. The DHL United Workers Union (DUWU) entered its seventh consecutive day of strike on Tuesday as it continued to demand union recognition and good-faith negotiations with management. DUWU said the Muntinlupa warehouse is nearing closure at the end of the month. The union and its allies have also raised concerns over alleged retrenchment, job insecurity, unpaid wages and other issues affecting workers. According to the union, the dispute has gone through nine hearings between DUWU and the management, but has yet to yield progress or positive outcome for its demands. “We formed the union to achieve our rights to a living wage, fair benefits, regular employment, and others,” DUWU President Nap Aromin said. Aromin said the workers continued their strike despite what the union described as attacks against their organization. “We will continue to face DHL until they have no choice but to respect the union and negotiate with us in good faith.”

The union has also questioned the company’s refusal to pay workers for work performed on every 31st day of the month. Aromin said workers are seeking adequate wages and benefits instead of remaining at the minimum wage. “We are asking for sufficient wages instead of remaining at minimum wage, and instead of not being paid for working on every 31st day of the month.” Meanwhile, SENTRO Deputy Secretary General Joanna Bernice said DUWU’s strike is “a legitimate exercise of workers’ collective rights.” “On one hand, we have workers practicing their right to strike, and on the other, we have management busting their union.” Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña likewise called on DHL to uphold its commitments to workers’ rights to organization, collective bargaining and freedom of association. “DHL’s global commitments to respect workers’ rights to organization, bargaining, and freedom of association must not simply be performative.” The dispute has also drawn support from workers, women and youth groups, as well as lawmakers who have joined mobilizations in support of DUWU. The union and its allies have scheduled a candle-lighting protest in Pasig City on Wednesday to press DHL management on union recognition and good-faith negotiations.

PAL inks airport use deal with NNIC Continued from B1

105 105 104.1 104.8 700 73,170 -

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“While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www.pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU.”

levels, pinpoint where operational problems originate and compel corrective action. The operator is applying the same approach to its agreements with ground handling and other service providers, setting operating re-

quirements for companies performing critical functions on behalf of airlines inside the airport. These arrangements are aligned with existing government regulations and NNIC’s obligations under the Naia concession.

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Entrepreneur BusinessMirror

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, August 26, 2026 B3

Success measured in global opportunity: Mary Emelyn Cavita’s story of purpose

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

@brownindio

OR Mary Emelyn Cavita, success has never been measured solely by revenue or business growth. It is measured by the opportunities it creates for others. From working as a virtual assistant to becoming an entrepreneur in the global outsourcing industry, Cavita’s story is of persistence, systemsbuilding and purpose. Over the past decade, she has transformed herself from a solo virtual assistant into the founder and CEO of Virtual Assistant Portal PH OPC, a Philippine-based outsourcing company ser ving international markets. Her business interests have expanded beyond the Philippines, reaching clients and markets in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Dubai and Canada. Cavita’s mission is to show to the world that Filipino talent can compete globally when given the right skills, systems and opportunities.

From one virtual assistant to a workforce platform

CAVITA’S entrepreneurial journey began with her own experience as a virtual assistant. But instead of remaining focused on serving individual clients, she saw an opportunity to create a system that could allow more Filipino professionals to participate in the global digital economy. That vision eventually became Virtual Assistant Portal PH. What started as a one-person operation evolved into a broader staffing and workforce-development platform.

The company combines recruitment and staffing with training, mentoring, compliance and operational systems designed to prepare Filipino virtual assistants for international clients. For Cavita, virtual assistants should not be viewed simply as people performing individual tasks. “They are professionals who can develop specialized skills, take on greater responsibilities and eventually become team leaders and entrepreneurs themselves,” Cavita explained. This is the philosophy that has shaped the way she has built her company. Instead of relying solely on individual talent, Cavita has invested in systems that allow people to work more effectively and consistently. Training programs, operational processes and compliance standards have become important components of the business as it expands its international reach. “The result is a model that seeks to benefit both sides of the outsourcing equation: international companies gain access to trained Filipino professionals, while Filipino workers gain access to global employment, mentoring and opportunities for career advancement,” Cavita pointed out.

Turning remote work into opportunity

CAVITA described the growth of

Are you focused enough?

ODAY’S marketplace moves at a relentless speed. Sales leaders must navigate shifting customer expectations, aggressive competition, expanding digital channels, endless notifications, urgent team concerns, back-to-back meetings, and the constant pressure to deliver immediate results. With everything demanding attention, it is easy to remain constantly busy yet accomplish little meaningful progress. This raises a critical question: As a sales leader, are you focused enough? Can you identify what truly deserves your attention—and remain focused long enough to produce the desired results? Here are five practical ways to help you focus and stay focused.

Define the result that matters most

FOCUS begins by defining the result that matters most. Before starting the day or week, ask, “What is the most important result that I and my team must produce?” A clear result helps distinguish meaningful work from activities that merely create

the appearance of productivity. It must also be translated into specific, measurable actions so everyone knows what needs to be done. When the destination is clear, it becomes easier to direct attention, energy, and resources toward reaching it. After all, “Where attention goes, results follow.”

Identify the Critical Few

NOT everything deserves equal attention, even when everything appears urgent. Effective sales leaders identify the critical few—the limited number of priorities that will have the greatest impact on the desired result. This requires the discipline to decide what must be completed, delegated, postponed, or stopped altogether. Before adding another task or initiative, they consider whether it strengthens or distracts from their most important priorities. When everything is treated as important, time, energy, and resources become scattered. Focus becomes possible when leaders have the courage to give greater attention to what matters most and say no to what matters less.

Virtual Assistant Portal PH comes at a time when remote work is changing the way companies build their workforces. For Filipino professionals, she said the remote economy has opened a pathway to international employment without requiring them to leave the country. “Workers can earn from global clients while remaining close to their families and communities,” she said. Cavita’s own experience has given her a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by remote workers. Her approach is therefore not simply about matching a worker with a client. It is about providing the support and structure needed to help professionals succeed once they enter the global market. Testimonials from workers associated with Virtual Assistant Portal PH underscore this dimension of the business. Some have described the organization as transformative, crediting Cavita not only for helping them find employment but also for providing encouragement, mentorship and support along the way. In this sense, Cavita’s journey mirrors the evolution she wants to create for other Filipino workers: from freelancer, to professional, to leader and eventually to entrepreneur.

When business becomes a vehicle for social impact

PERHAPS the most distinctive element of Cavita’s story is that her entrepreneurial ambitions extend beyond business. According to The Global Filipino Magazine, a portion of the profits from her ventures has been reinvested in community initiatives. These efforts have included educational scholarships, support for

Protect time for high-value work HIGH-VALUE work rarely happens by accident; it must be deliberately scheduled and protected. Sales leaders need uninterrupted time for customer development, team coaching, pipeline management, strategic thinking, and consequential decision-making. This requires setting reasonable boundaries around meetings, emails, messages, and notifications that repeatedly divide attention. Unless a concern is genuinely urgent, it should not be allowed to interrupt work that directly contributes to the desired result. Protecting time is ultimately protecting the priorities that drive sales performance.

Create clear ownership and accountability

SALES leaders lose focus when they attempt to personally solve every problem and oversee every detail. This reflects Jethro’s counsel to Moses, who was exhausting himself by personally attending to the concerns of all the people. Jethro advised him to appoint capable and trustworthy leaders who could handle routine matters while bringing the most difficult cases to Moses. In the same way, delegation does not mean abandoning accountability; it means distributing responsibility while maintaining visibility over performance. When leaders establish clear ownership and appropriate checkpoints, they preserve their attention for the decisions and responsibilities that truly require them.

Review, Reset, and Reconnect

EVEN the most focused sales leaders can become distracted, which makes regular reflection essential. At the end of each day or week, they

represents another stage in her entrepreneurial journey: moving from selling her own time and expertise to building organizations capable of delivering services at scale.

A significant transition

THE freelancer depends primarily on personal skills and availability. An entrepreneur builds systems, develops people and creates an organization that can continue generating value beyond the individual’s own capacity. Cavita has made that transition at the center of her business story.

Redefining success

MARY EMELYN CAVITA’S mission is to show to the world that Filipino talent can compete globally when given the right skills, systems and opportunities.

the construction and operation of a school in a geographically isolated community, feeding programs for disadvantaged children, and financial and medical assistance for cancer patients and their families. Her advocacy has also extended to animal welfare, including support for organizations caring for stray dogs and cats. For Cavita, business success carries a responsibility to create a wider social benefit. This perspective has shaped a business philosophy in which profits are not simply an endpoint. They can also become resources for creating opportunities for people who might otherwise have limited access to education, employment or assistance.

must pause to review what moved forward, what remained unfinished, and what diverted attention from their priorities. This review allows them to learn from their actions, adjust their approach, and reset their attention toward the results that matter most. It also helps prevent one distracted day from becoming a distracted week or an unproductive month. More importantly, sales leaders must reconnect their priorities to a greater purpose—customers served, problems solved, people developed, and a business strengthened. Focus is sustained not only by knowing what must be done, but also by remembering why it matters. Remember, focus is not the absence of distractions, but the discipline of repeatedly returning to what matters most by defining the desired result, identifying the critical few, protecting time for highvalue work, and creating clear ownership. It also requires sales leaders to regularly review progress, reset priorities, and reconnect their actions with the greater purpose behind their work. Ultimately, focused leadership directs the team’s attention, energy, and resources toward meaningful and sustainable sales performance. Alexey “Coach Lex” Rola Cajilig is the President and CEO of ARCWAY Consultancy Inc., a recognized Sales Leadership Coach, Strategic Sales Operations Consultant, Christian Motivational Speaker, and Human Ecologist. As the author of The Effective Seller and Solving the Sales Puzzle, Coach Lex empowers leaders and sales professionals to turn knowledge into action, and action into measurable results. He is also the creator of ARCH Styles, a cutting-edge behavioral discovery framework that helps individuals and teams unlock their true potential and perform at their peak. Connect and collaborate with Coach Lex at arcway.ph.

Building a Filipino brand for the world

CAVITA’S expanding international footprint also reflects the growing competitiveness of Filipino professionals in the global digital economy. Her businesses have developed operations and relationships across several international markets, demonstrating how a Philippine-based company can serve clients beyond the country’s borders. Her entrepreneurial activities have also expanded beyond the traditional virtual-assistant model. Through OutSmart Services, Cavita has moved toward helping service-based businesses grow through structured support, systems and remote teams. That evolution

CAVITA’S recognition as a finalist in the Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2026 awards adds another milestone to her career. The recognition highlights her work in ethical outsourcing, workforce development and the reinvestment of business success into education, healthcare and community initiatives. Cavita’s meteoric rise is amazing as she started as a virtual assistant and became an entrepreneur. Furthermore, she built a company that produces opportunities for other Filipino professionals. Her story plays a pivotal role for the Philippines’ growing participation in the global digital economy. For Cavita, the country’s advantage is not simply the availability of skilled and English-proficient workers. With the right training, technology, systems and entrepreneurial leadership, she said the Filipino talent can become the foundation of globally competitive businesses. Cavita’s entrepreneurial success does not involve building an enterprise but also promotes inclusivity where, as the business grows, other people grow with it.

DTI, DOLE equip PDLs in Laguna to develop market-ready products

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), recently trained Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Santa Rosa City Jail Male Dormitory in Laguna in developing market-ready products and preparing for sustainable livelihoods upon their release. For individuals preparing to rejoin society, practical entrepreneurship skills offer a crucial pathway toward rebuilding their lives and achieving economic self-reliance. To support this transition, the agency conducted the “Capabilitybuilding for Sining Malaya” seminar on August 6, 2026 at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility. The training focused on essential business concepts, including product promotion, branding, packaging, labeling and market development. During the hands-on session, participants put their knowledge into practice by creating a brand identity for handcrafted bags made from recycled and repurposed materials. The participants named the line “The Dignity Bag,” ap-

plying proper branding and presentation techniques to position the item for potential commercial buyers. DT I g u ided t he pa r t ic ipa nt s through the fundamentals of packaging and labeling. She emphasized how clear product information and professional presentation build consumer trust and boost market competitiveness, while also sharing practical marketing strategies tailored for micro-entrepreneurs. Complementing the technical training, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) introduced the ISTIV Bayanihan Program. Rivera highlighted core values—industry, hard work (sipag), perseverance (tiyaga), integrity and value for work—as essential foundations for successful entrepreneurship and personal rehabilitation. Through initiatives like Sining Malaya, DTI continues to empower PDLs with actionable business skills, equipping them to transform craftsmanship into viable income opportunities as they prepare for a fresh start in their communities.

Banking&Finance

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 • Editor: Dennis D. Estopace

BusinessMirror

Time deposits OK’d in equity, retirement savings accounts

By Andrea E. San Juan

IME deposits are now among the eligible investment products under the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA), the country’s voluntary retirement savings program, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) ruled. A statement issued by the central bank last Tuesday read that time deposits now join the “growing lineup” of PERA-qualified financial products that include unit investment trust funds, stocks, real estate investment trusts, and government securities. According to the BSP, the inclusion of time deposits gives Filipi-

nos another option for retirement savings. “It may appeal to savers who prefer a familiar savings product with predictable returns and relatively lower investment risk,” the central bank said. Under the latest PERA guidelines issued on August 20 by the BSP, banks that meet applicable BSP

prudential requirements may offer PERA-eligible time deposits. The BSP said banks must also obtain accreditation from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and enter an arrangement with an accredited PERA administrator before accepting placements. Lyn I. Javier, BSP’s Deputy Governor for Financial Supervision Sector, said that by introducing PERA time deposits, the central bank is providing “another practical option” for individuals who want to build their retirement savings through a product they already understand and trust. “Retirement planning should be simple, accessible, and within reach of every Filipino,” Javier emphasized. Unlike regular time deposits, the central bank said a PERA time deposit forms part of a contributor’s equity and retirement account and may qualify for applicable tax incentives. According to the BSP, PERA time deposits remain bank deposits and

are subject to applicable banking regulations and insurance rules of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. PERA is the country’s voluntary retirement savings program that enables Filipinos to build funds for retirement while enjoying government tax incentives. “The BSP encourages Filipinos to make retirement saving a regular part of their financial planning and to choose PERA products that match their financial goals, investment horizon, and risk preferences,” the central bank said in its statement. Data obtained by reporters from Javier showed that total contributions under PERA have reached P757.55 million as of June 30. The amount is 45.4-percent higher than the P521.36 million contributions in the same period last year. Meanwhile, there are now 30,055 contributors as of June 30, compared to the 6,193 contributors in the same period last year.

Bulk of Batangas customs take from Toyota Motors By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

UTOMOTIVE giant Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) accounted for P23.66 billion in customs duties and taxes collected by the Bureau of CustomsPort of Batangas (BOC-POB) from January to July, making it the district’s largest import revenue contributor during the period. The remittances represented 16.4 percent of the port’s total revenue collection for the first seven months of the year, according to

BOC-POB data. TMP’s contribution came as the company reported weaker financial results, with net income falling to P8.4 billion as revenues declined 15 percent to P115.4 billion. “While TMP’s remittances for the period eased compared to the same period last year, it reflects broader macroeconomic headwinds and demand softening stemming from the energy crisis experienced during the first seven months of 2026,” the company said in a statement. The vehicle manufacturer said it

remained the primary revenue contributor to the Port of Batangas despite “market adjustments.” Its import and trade operations are supported by the Batangas Vehicle Center, located near the port, as well as its status as an Authorized Economic Operator Level 2-certified company. The Port of Batangas recorded the highest collection among the BOC’s 17 collection districts from January to July, according to BOC-POB District Collector Carmelita Talusan. The port’s performance formed part of a broader increase in cus-

Leadership: Vertical life in a horizontal world

E live in what I would call a horizontal world. Most people are not familiar with the phrase “vertical life and horizontal world.” I first came across this phrase when I was watching the video of my favorite speaker Gary Hamrick. I came up with the idea that this is especially important in terms of leadership, too. We now live in a world that constantly pulls us outward: toward visibility, popularity, comparison, speed, success and recognition. We are often measured by what other people can see: our position; our title; our achievements; our wealth; our network; and, increasingly, our number of followers and reactions on social media. There is nothing inherently wrong with achievement. Leaders are expected to produce results. Businesses must grow, professionals must remain competent and organizations must respond to a rapidly changing world. But problems arise when our horizontal measures of success become the only measures that matter. We can become so concerned with how we look to others that we forget who we are within. This is why I believe leadership also requires a vertical life. A vertical life is a life anchored in something deeper and higher than convenience, popularity or personal gain. It asks questions that cannot always be answered by financial statements, performance indicators or the number of people who applaud us: What do I stand for? What is right? Whom do I serve? What kind of legacy am I building? For people of faith, there is an even higher dimension: our accountability to God and our responsibility to live our calling with integrity. Leadership, therefore, is not simply about occupying a position. Leadership is influence. Good leadership operates in two directions. Horizontally, leaders must build relationships. They deal with employees, clients, colleagues, regulators, communities and other stakeholders. They must understand markets, manage teams, create networks and deliver results. Vertically, however, leaders need

toms collections during the period. In July alone, the BOC collected P95.848 billion, 12.5 percent higher than the P85.180 billion recorded a year earlier and 5.2 percent above its P91.070-billion target. The Port of Batangas collected P23.290 billion in July, the highest among the BOC’s 17 districts and the largest single-month collection in its 69-year history. TMP’s remittance for the first seven months of the year was equivalent to roughly one-sixth of the port’s total collections during the period.

@villygc

We should, therefore, use technology to extend human capability while keeping ethics, accountability and empathy at the center. Perhaps this is precisely why the vertical dimension of leadership is becoming more—not less—important. At some point, every leadership position ends. Titles eventually pass to someone else. Positions are vacated. Achievements fade from memory. Businesses change. Organizations move on to another generation of leaders. But there are things that can remain long after our tenure has ended: our character, our example, the relationships we built and the lives we influenced. This brings us to a very personal leadership question: When people remember us someday, what do we want them to remember? Not merely the position we held. Not simply the amount of money we earned. Nor the size of the organization we managed, or the awards displayed on our walls. Perhaps the better measure is this: Did we remain faithful to our principles when compromise would have been easier? Did we use our influence merely to elevate ourselves—or we also help others.

Wilma Miranda is a Finex Business Column Writer, managing partner of Inventor, Miranda & Associates CPAs (IMA), chairman of and contributor to the Finex Book “Ethics: Enduring or Evolving” project and editor-in-chief of the Finex sustainability handbook. The views she expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex), the IMA and the BusinessMirror.

Strong investor demand pushes up bond yields By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

IELDS on the 3-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) dropped on Tuesday on the back of strong demand from investors presuming a quarter-point rate hike this week as inflation risks keep markets cautious. The 3-year tenor fetched P62.886 billion in tenders, twice the P30 billion offered by the Bureau of the Treasury. The auction committee fully awarded bids for the securities, which have a remaining life of three years and one month. Markets are awaiting a monetary policy decision from the Monetary Board, the highest policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which is set to hold its ratesetting meeting on August 27, Thursday. Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., cited bets that the BSP would raise local policy rates by 25 basis points as inflation remains high. While July inflation eased to 6.2 percent, it remains higher than the BSP’s target of 3 percent. However, the BSP could be less aggressive in hiking rates, as signaled by Monetary Board Chairman and BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr., as weak economic growth persists, Ricafort said. Although global crude oil prices have declined, inflation could pick up again due to higher minimum wages, which could feed into prices, a potentially strong El Niño from late 2026 to early 2027 and a weak peso, among others, he added. External markets are also still a headwind, as US Treasury

yields remained high, with the comparable 3-year yield at 4.309 percent. US Treasury yields have been rising on concerns about the US budget deficit, growing national debt, elevated inflation and a flood of debt from tech companies investing heavily in artificial intelligence, Bloomberg reported. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that the administration would introduce a new fiscal initiative to address high borrowing costs and that he was ready to increase efforts to buy back more expensive debt. The Treasury Department announced that buybacks of longer-dated securities would be at least doubled in size. The average 3-year T-bonds fell by 39.2 basis points to 6.825 percent from 7.217 percent in the previous auction last July 28. Still, this was 11 basis points higher than the secondary benchmark rate of 6.715 percent for the same tenor. The Treasury awarded yields ranging from a low of 6.8 percent to a high of 6.850 percent. The debt papers had a coupon rate of 7 percent. Next week, the Treasury will auction 91-day, 182-day and 364-day Treasury bills and 5-year T-bonds to raise up to P50 billion and P30 billion, respectively. For the entire year, the Treasury will borrow a total of P2.733 trillion and follow a 70:30 financing mix, in favor of domestic sources. The government’s gross borrowings reached P1.821 trillion in the first half, up by 14.45 percent from P1.591 trillion in the same period last year.

SEC defends Binance inclusion in sandbox By VG Cabuag

purpose, principles, conscience, character, faith and accountability. We need both. A leader who is vertically grounded but unable to relate to people may have principles but little influence. On the other hand, a leader who is highly connected horizontally but lacks a strong inner compass can easily be carried wherever the crowd is going. The challenge is therefore to connect widely while standing deeply. It is easy to talk about values when following them costs us nothing. The real test comes when doing what is right becomes inconvenient. This is especially important for us in professions and businesses that depend on public trust. Competence is essential; but competence without integrity can become dangerous. Our technical knowledge may open doors for us, but our character determines whether people will continue to trust us. This discussion has become even more relevant in the digital and artificial intelligence age. Technology is transforming the way we work. AI can process enormous amounts of information, automate tasks, generate ideas and help us make decisions faster than before. But the more powerful our tools become, the more important our values become. Speed must not replace judgment. Information must not replace wisdom. Visibility must not replace authenticity. Technology can amplify our competence, but it can also amplify our weaknesses. AI can assist us in making decisions, but responsibility for those decisions must remain human.

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HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) defended its move to accept government-blocked Binance Holdings Inc. as a global crypto asset exchange partner in the agency’s regulatory sandbox. SEC Chairman Francis E. Lim said admitting Binance in the sandbox does not mean that the business may happen outright. “We should not close our minds to innovation. In fact, my principle is we do not approve innovation only because it is new, neither do we reject it because it is unfamiliar. I think we are on the verge of global innovation,” Lim said. Binance’s platform as been geoblocked by the National Telecommunications Commission and removed from major app stores under orders from the SEC in 2023 The SEC in 2024 has identified Binance and concluded that the public’s continued access to these websites or apps poses a threat to the security of the funds of investing Filipinos. In May, however, the SEC approved

BlockShoals Technologies Inc. to kickstart the testing of its financial products and services under the agency’s regulatory sandbox. Its model allows Philippine-based users to access selected products and services offered through its global virtual asset service provider partner. Upon successful integration with its virtual asset service provider (VASP), BlockShoals will proceed with the implementation of its approved testing plan, including user onboarding through its partner, Binance. Both Binance and Blackshoals do not hold a VASP license from the central bank. SEC Commissioner Rogelio V. Quevedo said being included in the sandbox does not cure the penalties that will be imposed on a company that has committed violations against the securities regulations code. “Being in the sandbox is not an excuse, nor is it the highway, to be approved already by the SEC. It is just there so that the SEC can properly evaluate,” Quevedo said. “I can also say that to conduct testing, I cannot agree

that we will open the system, because abuses might be committed while it is being tested.” “The sandbox is not an excuse to get on the road to approval by the SEC. It is not because you are in the sandbox that you will continue to be approved by the SEC. There are still a lot of processes that it will go through,” he added. Lim said even in mature markets like Singapore, it takes quite a while—about two years—before one can graduate in the sandbox. He added that another market innovation is the tokenization of the shares in stock to let in as many people as possible into the trade. In crypto, tokens are digital asset built on top of an existing blockchain platform. Unlike coins, which operate on their own native blockchain, tokens can represent anything from a stake in a project to a specific utility inside a digital ecosystem “There are a lot of shares with high value. So, tokenize it. Unitize it, right? That can generate more market participants. So, let’s keep an open mind to innovation,” Lim said.

Private sector secured $143.3M from ADB By Justine Xyrah Garcia

HE Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed $143.3 million (roughly P8.839 billion) for private-sector operations in the Philippines last year, with $109.4 million (about P6.746 billion at current exchange rates) in capital mobilized alongside the financing, according to a new report. In its “Private Sector Operations in 2025: Report on Development Effectiveness” released last Tuesday, the ADB said $129.8 million was in long-term financing, which mobilized $95.8 million, while $13.6 million was in shortterm financing, with the same amount mobilized. Among the Philippine transactions listed in the report was “Project Tulip,” ADB’s investment in the initial public offering (IPO) of Maynilad Water Services Inc. The ADB committed $100 million from its own resources to the IPO,

while another $45 million was invested through the ADB-administered “Leap 2” facility, bringing the ADB’s total investment to $145 million. Maynilad’s IPO raised P34.3 billion, or about $607 million, with 97 percent of the proceeds reserved for its capital expenditure program, including improvements to raw water conveyance, sewer coverage, and wastewater treatment facilities. The report also listed a $29.8 million peso-denominated loan to Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of G-Xchange Inc., for its online lending platform. The ADB said at least 60 percent of the proceeds will be directed to micro-sized, small-scale, and mediumsized enterprises (MSMEs) owned or led by women, while 50 percent will go to businesses operating in provinces with high poverty incidence. Other Philippine transactions listed by the ADB included the project of Asialink Finance Corp. to expand SME

financing through secured vehicle lending. The transaction also included the ADB Ventures investment in Nibertex Pte. Ltd. Across its developing member countries, the ADB committed 49 privatesector projects last year, down from 58 projects in 2024. Despite the lower number of projects, committed project financing increased to $3.097 billion from $2.614 billion. Total financing for private investment reached $9.5 billion, 38-percent higher than in 2024, while direct private capital mobilization rose 31 percent to $4.7 billion, the report said. The ADB said its 2025 private-sector operations covered areas including renewable energy, digital infrastructure, waste management, education, health, and access to finance. The bank also committed $1.6 billion in climate financing, equivalent to 69 percent of its committed private-sector projects during the year.

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INLIFE GLOBAL CARE LAUNCHED TO CLOSE HEALTHCARE CONFIDENCE GAP FOR FILIPINOS RISING medical costs, gaps in existing health coverage and complex treatment options have given rise to a healthcare confidence gap, leaving Filipinos unable to seek proper medical care when the need arises. In 2025, the country’s Total Health Expenditure (THE) reached P1.87 trillion, a 15.1 percent increase from 2024’s THE of P1.63 trillion. Of this, 41.2% was paid out-of-pocket, placing a direct financial burden on individuals and families, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Meanwhile, 2026 medical costs can potentially increase to 16.1 percent, indicating a continued rapid increase in healthcare spending which highlights the need for better healthcare funding among Filipinos. These numbers indicate a health crisis that affects even affluent families who have the financial means to pay for healthcare when a serious illness strikes. After all, major illnesses and healthcare concerns can mean more than medical expenses. They can disrupt business interests, investments, and other financial priorities. A premium health insurance solution, InLife Global Care (www.inlife.com.ph) aims to address these gaps to give Filipinos greater choice, flexibility and confidence when important healthcare decisions arise. “Healthcare confidence is knowing that when a serious medical situation happens, you have choices, resources, and someone you can rely on to help you move forward. InLife Global Care aims to provide all these and more, to help those who have worked hard to build their careers, businesses and family wealth, and who recognize that protecting their health is just as important as protecting their financial future,” said InLife chief product and innovation officer Jose Eduardo O. Ang. For many Filipinos, healthcare confidence means having the financial protection that does not reduce savings or business cash flows, family protection, long-term health coverage, funds to cover healthcare costs that may not be sufficiently covered by one’s health maintenance organization (HMO), and treatment options whether locally or abroad. InLife Global Care provides all these and more. It gives up to P125M annual coverage, with cashless service options and the flexibility to choose how and where one receives care, with access to accredited healthcare providers in the Philippines and abroad. InLife Global Care delivers not just comprehensive inpatient coverage but also outpatient and preventive care benefits for essential healthcare needs, especially as a supplement to one’s HMO coverage such as major hospitalization, serious illnesses and cancer treatments, outpatient benefits including consultations and diagnostics, and even emergency treatment outside areas of coverage for up to P12.5M (subject to policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions). For Filipinos seeking protection beyond their working years, InLife Global Care is renewable annually until age 99, and includes a built-in life insurance benefit that provides additional protection up to age 70, for as long as the plan remains active. “InLife’s 115 years of experience gives us a deep understanding of what matters to Filipino families. They want world-class care, but they also want the reassurance of knowing that they and their families have someone they can depend on when difficult healthcare decisions arise. That is what we mean by world-class care. Filipino heart. InLife certainty,” said Ang. More information can be found at www.inlife.com.ph/ inlife-global-care.

Image BusinessMirror

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Navigating life transitions PHOTO BY TONY CHEN ON UNSPLASH

HERE is a particular kind of quiet that follows a major change. The first night in a new apartment after a move, the first Monday after a job ends, or a child leaves for college. The boxes are unpacked or the paperwork is signed, yet something in you has not caught up to the new reality just yet. You keep reaching for a routine that no longer exists, and the space where it used to be feels strange and it becomes hard to describe to anyone who has not felt it. Major life transitions rarely follow the neat timeline people expect. You might assume that once a decision is made, the hardest part is over. But most of the time, the opposite is true. The decision was simply the beginning of a longer process. One where your daily habits, your sense of identity, and even your body need time to adjust to circumstances that changed faster than your mind could process. A new job title does not immediately feel like your own, or a new city does not immediately feel like home. Giving yourself permission to feel unfamiliar is one of the most overlooked steps in moving through a transition. And it is far more common than the confident stories other people share about their own big changes. Part of what makes transitions so disorienting is the loss hidden in the changes you actively wanted. Starting a new career you are genuinely excited about can still bring grief for the coworkers you saw daily, the small rituals that structured your week, or simply the version of yourself who existed in that old role. This grief does not mean you made the wrong choice. It means you are human, and humans form attachments to routines and identities that took years to build. Naming this loss out loud, rather than pushing it aside because the change was supposedly a good one, tends to speed up the adjustment rather than slow it down. A short conversation acknowledging what you left behind often does more for your peace of mind than weeks of forcing yourself to feel grateful. Structure becomes especially helpful during periods when everything else feels uncertain. When your surroundings shift dramatically, even small consistent habits can act as an anchor. These could be new habits like a morning walk at the same time each day or a weekly call with a close friend. These anchors do not need to be significant to matter. Their value comes from repetition, giving your mind something familiar to hold onto while everything else changes around you, one ordinary habit at a time.

It also helps to resist the pressure to feel settled before you actually are. Friends and family often ask how the new chapter is going within the first few weeks, expecting a tidy answer. You may feel tempted to respond with bravado, even when you are not quite there yet. Real adjustment often takes months rather than weeks, and there is nothing wrong with telling people honestly that you are still finding your footing. This honesty tends to invite more genuine support than a rehearsed answer ever could. It also gives you permission to move at a pace the transition actually requires, instead of the pace others expect from a distance. Support during this period matters more than most people admit. Reaching out to someone who has been through a similar change, whether a career shift or a move to an unfamiliar place, can shorten the sense of isolation considerably. They understand the particular exhaustion of learning new ways of working while also grieving old ones, and their presence reminds you that the disorientation you feel is a normal part of the process rather than a sign that something has gone wrong. Even a single

conversation with someone who has walked a similar path can quiet the fear that you are somehow adjusting more slowly than you should. Eventually, without a specific moment marking the shift, the unfamiliar becomes ordinary. The new apartment starts to feel like home rather than a temporary stop. The new role starts to feel like your job rather than a costume you are still wearing. Looking back, you may struggle to pinpoint exactly when the transition ended. And you may realize that you had stopped bracing for the old routine and started living fully inside the new one. You will soon find yourself carrying forward everything you learned along the way, ready for whatever the next chapter eventually asks of you. Author’s Note: This marks my final article for this column. Writing to you these past years has been a genuine privilege, and I hope every piece has offered even a small measure of comfort or guidance along the way. As I step back, my hope for each of you is simple: Keep finding small ways to grow a little every day, however modest the step. Thank you for reading, and take care of yourselves.—Carlo Atienza

Saving someone’s life involves seeing the signs and triggers according to MakatiMed THE loss of the will to live, withdrawing from family and friends, a lack of interest even in activities and things that once sparked joy, and sleeping too much or too little are the classic symptoms of a person who may be courting suicidal thoughts. And yet, as beloved celebrities like chef Anthony Bourdain, comedian Robin Williams, and others who have taken their own lives have shown us, a happy and successful exterior can mask struggles with hopelessness and despair. While suicide rates in the Philippines are lower than global statistics (an estimate 3.2 to 3.5 deaths per 100,000 Filipinos are by suicide, according to the Department of Health), they remain a serious cause for concern. Thirty percent of suicide cases are by individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women, and whether they push through with it or not, 1 in 5 youths have seriously thought of ending their lives. What would drive someone to resort to such an irreversible and permanent act? “Mental illness or personality disorder affect a person’s ability to make sound judgement,” says Carmina Charmaine G. Bernardo, MD, FPPA, FPCPsych, psychiatrist and Head of the Mood and Anxiety Resource and Referral Center, Institute of Neuroscience, from the country’s top hospital Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net. ph). “But so can a traumatic life event like a bad breakup, death in the family, physical

or emotional abuse, financial loss, or a ruined career. A person dealing with a painful illness or terminal disease may decide to end their suffering prematurely. Intense feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, and being a burden to others have also pushed people to take their own lives. “In other words, certain triggers or stressors compel people to take action and free themselves from what they perceive to be unbearable and unending physical or emotional pain.” The challenge for anyone who knows of a friend or loved one thinking of taking their life is to be aware of their triggers and stressors, and observant of out-ofthe-ordinary behavior.

“Of course, this is not always easy, as a person thinking of committing suicide can pretend that all is well so as not to arouse suspicion,” explains Bernardo. “Some even appear suddenly calm and happy after experiencing severe depression. This could mean that they are resolved with their decision to end their life.” Looking out for a friend or family member with suicidal thoughts is a huge responsibility. Still, if you can prevent them from pushing through with it, you could actually save a life—and that is no mean feat. Bernardo cites common triggers and warning signs:

n Specific dates and occasions. Everybody gets a case of the birthday blues: Maybe the special day reminds us that we are getting older or have no one significant to celebrate it with. “Birthdays, anniversaries, and special holidays can be sensitive times for suicidals,” reveals Bernardo. “In fact, an international team of researchers discovered that Monday has the highest risk of suicide mortality, as does New Year’s Day. Call a friend or loved one to check on how they’re doing or make plans to go out on that day. Your company will be a welcome distraction from their dark thoughts.” n Reckless behavior. Does your friend or family member drink too much, drive too fast, not watch where they are going, miss doctor appointments, or skip prescription medication? “A lack of regard for their safety, health, and well-being can mean they no longer value their life,” shares Bernardo. “Offer to accompany them to their appointments or drive them home when they are under the influence.” n Seeing people. While suicidals tend to withdraw from the world, others will go out of their way to seek out certain friends or relatives. Perhaps they will forgive someone—or ask someone for their forgiveness. “It is likely a form of closure before they end things,” says Bernardo. Giving away prized possessions is another sign of “saying goodbye” by offering something to remember them by. “Simply accept the token and assure the person that it will be in your safekeeping for now. It’s a subtle

way of saying you will give it back when things get better.” Talking about suicide is never easy, both for the person contemplating it and the one who speculates a loved one is strongly considering taking their life. “But it has to be done,” says Bernardo. “Ask them pointblank gently and coming from a place of concern and sincerity. And be prepared to listen—not judge, scold, or dismiss their feelings. Let them talk and express themselves as much as they want. Sometimes, venting provides them with much-needed relief from negative thoughts.” For the emotionally vulnerable, knowing that someone genuinely cares for them and wants to help them get out of their black hole can be enough reason to live. “Offer hope and the prospect of better things ahead if they just give themselves and others a chance,” says Bernardo. Most importantly, evaluate if a suicidal friend or family member is in immediate danger. Those at the highest risk already have a specific suicide plan, the means to carry out the plan, the time set, and an intention. “If an attempt is imminent, make sure they don’t have access to lethal objects that they can use to harm themselves like drugs, guns, or knives. And never ever leave a suicidal person alone,” stresses Bernardo. “The best that you can do is to call emergency services, or bring the person to the nearest hospital where they can get the necessary professional help.”

THE challenge for anyone who knows of a friend or loved one thinking of taking their life is to be aware of their triggers and stressors, and observant of out-of-the-ordinary behavior.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Sun Life Grepa wins dual honors for Social Impact and Employer Branding Excellence

un Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), one of the country’s leading life insurance providers, has earned two prestigious industry recognitions that underscore its commitment to creating meaningful impact both within and beyond the workplace. The company was recently awarded the Gold Award for Excellence in Employer Branding at the HR Excellence Awards 2026, recognizing its success in cultivating a workplace culture where employees are empowered to thrive, grow and make a meaningful impact. The accolade highlights Sun Life Grepa’s people-first approach to building an organization where collaboration, inclusivity, and purpose-driven work are at the heart of the employee experience. Through initiatives focused on professional development, employee wellbeing, engagement, and career growth,

the company continues to foster an environment that enables employees to unleash their brightest selves. The recognition further strengthens Sun Life Grepa’s position as an employer of choice in the Philippine insurance industry and affirms its ongoing efforts to create a workplace where talent is nurtured, valued, and inspired to succeed. The employer branding award follows another notable achievement earlier this year, when Sun Life Grepa received the Social Impact Initiative of the Year Award at the Insurance Asia Awards 2026. The award recognized the company’s efforts to expand access to financial protection among underserved Filipinos through strategic partnerships and communityfocused programs.

A key driver behind this recognition was Sun Life Grepa’s collaboration with ASA Philippines and other partners, which has helped make financial protection solutions more accessible to lowincome and underserved families who have traditionally had limited access to insurance and related financial services. By bringing financial security closer to those who need it most, the initiative supports the company’s purpose of helping Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Together, these awards reflect Sun Life Grepa’s holistic approach to creating lasting value, from fostering a workplace where employees can flourish to empowering communities through accessible financial. They also demonstrate how the company’s purpose-driven culture extends beyond business results to deliver meaningful outcomes for customers, employees, partners, and communities alike. As Sun Life Grepa continues to grow its reach and strengthen partnerships across the country, it remains steadfast in its mission to build brighter futures for Filipinos, create positive and lasting impact, and help more people achieve financial security at every stage of life. To learn more about Sun Life Grepa, visit www.sunlifegrepa.com.

Mondelēz International, DENR-EMB lead launch of Youtube series Miming and Friends’ 5th Episode

ONDELĒZ International in the Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) recently led the launch of the fifth and final episode of the “Miming and Friends” sustainability series, titled “The Greenhouse Monster Part 2.” “Miming and Friends” is an animated Youtube channel, which has created the series on sustainability since 2022 together with ocean conservancy group Save Philippine Seas and snacks company Mondelēz International. The launch, held at LOLA Cafe Broadway in Quezon City, marked the completion of a pioneering five-episode animated miniseries that uses Filipino storytelling to educate children and families about responsible waste management—from waste segregation and plastic recycling to composting and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A Memorandum of Agreement signing between Mondelēz International and DENREMB was also held during the event, formalizing the partnership’s shared commitment to promote environmental education and sustainable habits among Filipino communities. The sustainability series, which launched in 2022, is a collaboration between Mondelēz International Philippines, Save

Philippine Seas, and the creators of “Miming and Friends”—Ramon del Prado and Meryll Yan of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. The partnership brings together corporate sustainability commitment, scientific accuracy, and creative storytelling to make environmental education accessible to Filipino families. This July 2026, “Miming and Friends” was also chosen as one of the Philippine representatives for the SEA Creators Meet-up of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). “Miming and Friends shows that learning about the environment doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. By placing sustainability in the hands of children and their families —through fun, Filipino storytelling—we can hopefully help build habits that last across generations,” says Caitlin Punzalan, Corporate and Government Affairs Lead, Mondelēz International in the Philippines. The Philippines is a pioneer in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation in Southeast Asia, having enacted Republic Act No. 11898 or the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022. This is a landmark law that requires large enterprises to take responsibility for the recovery and proper diversion of their post-consumer plastic packaging waste.

As part of its compliance and commitment to the EPR framework, Mondelēz International developed the “Miming and Friends” sustainability series as its contribution to EPR information, education, and communication using engaging, Filipino-made animation to help teach children and families about responsible waste management, recycling, and waste segregation in a format that resonates with young audiences. In “The Greenhouse Monster Part 2,” the animated characters discover that the greenhouse monster threatening their island on Episode 4 was in fact created by excessive human pollution. They then work together as a community to implement waste sorting, recycling, and composting solutions. The episode demonstrates how collective small actions can create meaningful environmental change. Since its establishment in 2020, “Miming and Friends” has grown to over 121,000 YouTube subscribers—earning YouTube’s Silver Play Button in January 2026—with hundreds of thousands of cumulative views. The channel’s content is now used as learning tools by schools, NGOs, teachers, and DENR itself through its Facebook page. “Animation is powerful! Kids listen, parents learn alongside them. By bringing science into storytelling, we help more families understand why waste segregation matters, how plastics affect oceans, and what they can do in their communities,” shares Anna Oposa, Executive Director and Chief Mermaid, of Save Philippine Seas. The completion of the five-episode series underscores the power of cross-sector collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. With government, the private sector, civil society, and creative communities working together, the partnership demonstrates a scalable model for environmental education that can inspire action beyond the screen. The full “Miming and Friends” sustainability series is available on the Miming and Friends YouTube channel: https://www. youtube.com/@MimingandFriends. Watch the new episode here: https://youtu.be/_5pJ WK9ktXo?si=nrC2n6hCHJztDmnS

Taginting: 70 years of Bayanihan legacy @ Metropolitan Theater

HE Bayanihan Folk Arts Foundation, Inc. will stage the gala performance of its 70th season production at the Metropolitan Theater, Manila on August 28, 2026 at 7:30 pm. Titled “Taginting: 70 Years of Bayanihan Legacy”, it will showcase Bayanihan’s legacy, artistry, and continuing commitment to Philippine culture. The milestone production is a celebration of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage through the artistry of dance. From Bayanihan’s timeless traditions to contemporary artistic expressions, the 70th season production reflects Bayanihan’s 70 years of commitment to artistic excellence, cultural preservation, and the promotion of Philippine identity through the performing arts.

In the photo are, from left, Arlo Sarmiento, Chief Executive Officer, Vivant Corporation; Jose Daniel Borromeo, President, Motor Ace Philippines, Inc.; Marco Borromeo, President, Sakura Autoworld, Inc.; Andre Rafael Borromeo, General Manager, Fairlane Automotive Ventures, Inc.; Marko Sarmiento, Vice President and Head of Operations, COREnergy; Maxcy Francisco Borromeo, President, Motor Ace Philippines, Inc.–Lending; and Paolo Martin Borromeo, CEO, Dearborn Motors Co., Inc.

Borromeo Motoring Group signs new RES deal for 20 Luzon dealerships

ORROMEO Motoring Group has selected COREnergy as its Retail Electricity Supplier, marking the automotive group’s entry into the competitive retail electricity market as it moves to manage power more strategically across its Luzon operations. The agreement covers 20 dealership and automotive facilities with a combined contracted capacity of approximately 1.22 megawatts under the DOE’s Retail Aggregation Program (RAP). The sites are expected to complete their transition by September, marking the first phase of the group’s broader initiative to enhance energy management across its dealership network. Borromeo Motoring Group operates dealerships representing globally recognized automotive and motorcycle brands, including Ford, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, Hyundai, Yamaha, and other prominent brands in the Philippine market. Across these sites, electricity powers more than showroom operations, it also supports service centers, diagnostic equipment, parts storage, administrative offices, and customer-facing facilities that keep each dealership running every day. “At Borromeo Motoring Group, we continuously look for opportunities to improve efficiency across our operations,” said Andre Borromeo, Borromeo Motoring Group Director. “As our dealership network grows, energy management becomes increasingly important in supporting day-to-day operations and delivering a consistent customer service experience.

Our partnership with COREnergy allows us to take a more strategic approach to managing one of our key operating costs while maintaining our focus on serving customers and growing the business.” The partnership also carries a relationship that goes beyond the usual commercial agreement. The GarciaSarmiento family of Vivant and the Borromeos have known each other across generations, growing alongside Cebu’s business community long before this agreement took shape. What began as longstanding personal ties now finds a new expression in business, with COREnergy and Borromeo Motoring Group coming together at a time when companies are looking more closely at how energy choices can support growth and continuity. “Automotive dealerships today are complex operational environments that support sales, service, parts distribution, and customer experience under one roof,” said Marko Sarmiento, COREnergy Vice President and Head of Operations. “As these operations become increasingly sophisticated, energy management plays a more important role in driving efficiency and business performance.” Businesses are starting to view electricity not only as a recurring cost, but as a variable that can influence operational performance. Through COREnergy’s Power of Choice, companies with growing and distributed operations can take a more active role in managing energy usage that supports business growth with greater confidence.

MSD appoints Mary Srethapakdi as Managing Director for the Philippines

Mary Srethapakdi

SD in the Philippines (NYSE: MRK), a trade name of Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA, recently announced the appointment of Mary Srethapakdi as Managing Director for the Philippines, while concurrently leading MSD’s operations in Thailand. She succeeds Andreas Riedel, who has been appointed Managing Director for MSD Vietnam. With more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare

sectors, Srethapakdi has held senior leadership roles at leading healthcare companies and advised healthcare organizations globally during her tenure at Boston Consulting Group. Since joining MSD as Managing Director for Thailand in 2021, she has driven business growth and advanced initiatives to improve patient access. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and a PhD in Molecular Biology from Cornell University. With this new appointment, Srethapakdi will lead the company’s efforts to expand access to innovative medicines and vaccines, strengthen healthcare partnerships, and address the evolving needs of Filipino patients. She said her priorities include deepening collaboration with healthcare stakeholders and improving patient access across the country. “I am honored to lead MSD in the Philippines at a critical juncture, when health is a pronounced priority in the public and private sectors,” Srethapakdi said. For over three decades in the Philippines, MSD has worked with government, healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, industry partners, and health champions in the Philippines to advance medical innovation and patient care. “Today, we reaffirm this commitment to help bring broader access to innovative medicines and vaccines, with the aim of delivering better health outcomes for Filipino patients.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Common Ground, MREIT team up to expand flexible workspace footprint

RECEPTION area

OFFICE with window

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

@brownindio

LEXIBLE workspace operator Common Ground is expanding its Philippine footprint through a strategic partnership with the billionaire Andrew Tan-led Megaworld Corp. and its real estate investment trust arm, MREIT Inc., as demand for more agile office solutions continues to reshape the workplace. The partnership is anchored by the opening of Common Ground Digital Park McKinley Hill, the company’s biggest facility in the Philippines and its first location positioned as a “Digital Park.” Located at the Intellectual Property Center in McKinley Hill, Taguig City, the facility offers nearly 2,000 square meters of flexible workspace designed to serve startups, small and medium enterprises, multinational companies and remote teams. The launch formally marks the start of a long-term strategic partnership between The Flexi Group, the parent company of Common Ground, Megaworld and MREIT. The alliance combines the realestate capabilities of Megaworld and MREIT with Common Ground’s expertise in flexible workspace operations and community-building. Under the arrangement, Megaworld provides Grade-A infrastructure through its integrated township developments, while Common Ground supplies the flexibility, community and operational support required by companies adopting more agile work models.

“This partnership is a tremendous privilege and a strong validation of Common Ground's track record in creating beautiful, premium, yet costefficient workspaces,” Chris Edwards, CEO of The Flexi Group, said. Edwards added that the company is honored by the confidence placed in its vision as it brings its office environments to Megaworld’s developments.

Expanding the flexible-office model THE partnership comes as businesses increasingly adopt hybrid and agile work arrangements, creating demand for office solutions that can adjust to changing workforce requirements. Common Ground Digital Park McKinley Hill is equipped with hot desks, private offices and conferencing facilities. It has an expandable 16-person boardroom that can accommodate meetings and training sessions for up to 32 people, soundproof call booths for video meetings and an event space that can accommodate up to 80 people. The facility is also designed to offer more than conventional office space. Its location puts members within

PATHWAY walking distance of Venice Grand Canal Mall, providing access to retail establishments, restaurants and cafés. It is also adjacent to the McKinley Hill transport hub, while nearby residential and leisure developments reinforce the township’s live-workplay environment. For MREIT, the partnership provides another way of enhancing the use and appeal of its office assets by integrating flexible workspace into Megaworld ’s established business ecosystems. MREIT is the flagship REIT of Megaworld and manages a portfolio of office and commercial assets in key business hubs, including Eastwood City and McKinley Hill. Its properties are occupied by a diversified base of BPO companies and multinational firms.

Platform for expansion THE McKinley Hill facility could also serve as a model for Common Ground’s broader expansion in the country. The company said its partnership with Megaworld will enable it to be present in business corridors where modern companies need f lexible workspace, digital connectivity, com-

munity and other services to support their growth. Common Ground currently has five locations across Greater Manila and is part of The Flexi Group, which operates more than 50 locations across Asia Pacific and Australia through several workspace brands. The partnership consequently represents more than the opening of another coworking facility. It brings together a f lexible-office operator and a major Philippine property platform in a model that could allow flexible workspaces to become a more integrated component of large-scale mixed-use developments. For Megaworld and MREIT, the alliance adds a flexible-workspace offering to their established office portfolio. For Common Ground, it provides access to strategically located business districts and a platform for further expansion. As companies continue to reassess their office requirements in the era of hybrid work, the partnership positions McKinley Hill as a test case for how flexible workspace can be integrated into the broader live-workplay ecosystem.

How Keen & Worth is redefining real estate marketing by putting the spotlight on the people behind its flagship property Ongpin Tower

S luxury homebuyers become increasingly discerning, premium developments are no longer defined by architecture alone. Today’s buyers seek authenticity, a purpose, a deeper connection, and a budding future community of the places they choose to call home. Recognizing this shift, Keen & Worth is challenging the norm in real estate marketing. It’s the one that goes beyond showcasing amenities, floor plans, and premium finishes. Instead, the developer is placing the spotlight on the people behind the property. In July, Keen & Worth launched Behind the Tower stories, a four-part documentary series. Rather than serving as a traditional property showcase, the series shows an unprecedented look into the group of people whose collective expertise is shaping Ongpin Tower—one of Binondo’s most anticipated residential developments. The property is now at 85 percent sold and on track for its Q2 2027 turnover. Through Behind the Towers series, we get to meet Architects Miguel Ocampo Tan and Mia Ocampo Tan Lee, from MOT Archi-

tectural Design, approached the project as more than the design of a high-rise—they envisioned a structure that reflects the character of Binondo while responding to the evolving needs of Filipino-Chinese families. Built on a rare tri-corner lot, Ongpin Tower’s architecture was thoughtfully designed with four distinct elevations, expansive views of Manila, and low-density residential layouts that support multi-generational living.

For the interiors, Monica Belen and the M Concepts team focused on creating spaces that extend beyond luxury finishes. Their approach centers on hospitality-inspired design, crafting residences that feel warm, functional, and timeless—spaces designed for family traditions, celebrations, and everyday moments that can be carried across generations. The series also reveals that the tower’s

connection to nature and culture is further strengthened through the landscape vision of architect Rowland Agullana and the CUBE System team. By integrating biophilic design, wellness spaces, communal areas, and culturally significant elements, the team created an environment that offers residents a sense of reflection, connection, and belonging within the heart of Binondo. In the docu, Keen & Worth also shows how bringing this ambitious vision to life requires the expertise of seasoned builders and project leaders. Jaime Lim and the Ironcon Builders team apply decades of construction experience to ensure the tower’s structural excellence, including its 73-meter-deep foundation—meanwhile, Engr. Charl Villena and the SPARC project management team oversee coordination, quality standards, and execution to ensure every aspect of the development aligns with the project’s vision. For Keen & Worth, Binondo was more than just a prestigious location. It’s a legacy worthy of a place on the Metro Manila skyline. As the world’s oldest Chinatown, the

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 B7

Biz Hub at LIMA Estate: A thriving commercial district anchored by an established industrial economy

OR families looking at commercial property as a long-term investment, lasting value is closely tied to the economic activity around it. Beyond location, what matters is the strength of the businesses, workforce, infrastructure, and daily activity that create sustained demand and support the asset over time. At LIMA Estate, that economic base is already established. More than 200 foreign and domestic manufacturers and over 75,000 employees generate a steady flow of business and daily activity across the estate, creating demand that extends beyond industrial operations. Biz Hub at LIMA Estate brings commercial activity into the center of that economy, creating space for businesses to serve the companies, employees and communities that make up the estate. “LIMA Estate has significantly evolved from its original industrial purpose, and that evolution has created new demand within the estate,” shared Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, President and CEO of Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land. “Biz Hub at LIMA Estate was the natural next step in the masterplan, creating the commercial district the community benefits from today in response to an ecosystem that has already grown around our industrial base.” Industrial activity creates economic value that extends beyond the factory floor. As companies operate, they bring employees, suppliers and business activity into the estate, creating demand for the everyday needs of a growing business and residential community. LIMA Estate functions as a selfsustaining economic system, where industry, services, and community converge within a single operating environment. Biz Hub at LIMA Estate is positioned within this existing flow of economic activity. Its commercial district gives businesses a place to serve the companies, employees and communities that have already made LIMA Estate part of their daily lives. This is part of the estate’s broader evolution into a business and community destination outside Metro Manila, where industrial activity provides the economic base for a wider

range of commercial uses. LIMA Estate’s industrial base is supported by a growing ecosystem around work, learning, living, and business. Residential communities such as The Villages at LIMA Estate, Campo Verde, and Summer Hills sit close to employment centers, while Batangas State University–LIM A Campus and Edustria help develop talent for the businesses operating within the estate. LIMA Tower One and Holiday Inn & Suites Batangas Limapark further support enterprise and business activity. Retail, recreation, and mobility complete the daily ecosystem, from The Outlets at LIMA Estate and LIMA Exchange to The Golf Range at LIMA Estate and the Red Link Hub electric transport network. Together with the LIMA Gateway exit to the STAR Tollway, these elements make LIMA Estate a place where people can work, live, study, conduct business, and spend time within the same connected environment. For families looking to diversify their holdings beyond traditional urban centers, Biz Hub at LIMA Estate offers commercial land within an economy that is already operating at scale. Its underlying demand comes from the businesses, workforce, residents, suppliers, and visitors that move through the estate every day. That activity gives the district a broader base of commercial demand, while LIMA Estate’s growing mix of industry, services, housing, education, and community amenities continues to deepen the ecosystem around it. For investors, this creates an opportunity to hold commercial property within a functioning business district rather than one dependent on future development alone. The proposition is reinforced by Aboitiz Economic Estates’ experience in developing and managing large-scale industrial estates and the infrastructure that supports them. For families taking a long-term view of their assets, Biz Hub at LIMA Estate offers commercial land anchored by an established economy, with the scale and institutional foundation to remain relevant as the surrounding district grows.

BIZ Hub at LIMA Estate, located in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas, is the central business district that grew from the convergence of industry, services, and community within an integrated township

district embodies centuries of commerce, culture, entrepreneurship, and family legacy. The company’s decision to establish its flagship development in this historic community reflects a belief that luxury today is not only about exclusivity, but about meaning, permanence, and connection to place. This philosophy ultimately shapes what Ongpin Tower represents. Rather than replacing heritage with modernity, the project seeks to demonstrate how both can coexist—an idea that serves as the foundation of Behind the Towers. Through architecture, design, landscape, engineering, and construction, the development honors Binondo’s rich history while introducing a contemporary vision of luxury living that remains deeply rooted in culture and community. This is how Keen & Worth seeks to redefine Chinatown living. By weaving together the expertise of architects, designers, engineers, and builders, Behind the Towers showcases the company’s overall vision: that a legacy address is defined not only by how it is built, but by the purpose, craftsmanship, and people behind it. “Ongpin Tower is more than just a luxury residential property. From the very beginning, our vision was to create a landmark worthy of the world’s oldest Chinatown—

one that respects its heritage while redefining what a legacy address can mean for future generations. Behind the Tower series is our way of sharing the people, purpose, and craftsmanship behind that vision, because we believe the story behind a place is just as important as the place itself. Every decision, from architecture and design to construction and landscaping, has been guided by our deep admiration for Binondo and our commitment to building something that truly belongs here,” shared Keen & Worth Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Klaire K. Wong. For Keen & Worth, this storytellingfirst approach reflects a broader belief that luxury real estate marketing should go beyond selling square footage. By opening its doors to the people shaping Ongpin Tower, the company invites audiences to understand not only what is being built, but why it is being built—and the values that continue to guide every decision behind the development. If you want to know what it feels like to live within luxury, prestige, and heritage, tune in to Keen & Worth’s YouTube page. To learn more about the newest prestige address at Keen & Worth Ongpin Tower, visit keenandworth.com/ongpintower/scheduleavisit to book your private viewing.

SABO DAM | HOLDING BACK THE FLOOD

A check dam, or sabo dam, on the Shomyo River in Toyama, Japan, illustrates a structure designed to trap sediment and debris and help control flows in mountainous waterways. The image provides context for President Marcos’s plan to build five sabo dams in Nueva Ecija in 2027 as part of longer-term measures to mitigate recurring flooding in Central Luzon. Read the story below for the government’s flood-control plan. PHOTO BY HIROSHI TATEISHI VIA DREAMSTIME

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

www.businessmirror.com.ph

11 million benefit 11 million benefit e ofHas Ombudsman Office of Ombudsman from open spaces, from open spaces, mobility underactive mobility under selfpainted into a corner? itself intoactive a corner?

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In a 25-page By JoveeSupplemental Marie N. dela Cruz participation, the earlier sworn In a 25-page Supplemental participation, the earlier sworn Counter-Affidavit Ex@jonlmayuga Abundanti Ad statement of Allan Colesio, a Counter-Affidavit former Ex Abundanti Ad statement of Allan Colesio, a former Cautelam filed on Thursday, former aide of former Party-list Rep.Cautelam Zaldy filed on Thursday, former By Jonathan aide L.of Mayuga former Party-list @jonlmayuga Rep. Zaldy By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. RoCo of Ako Bicol, and the recantation Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. RoCo of Ako Bicol, and the recantation mualdez asked the agency to deterof Orly Guteza. mualdez asked the agency LOSE to deter11 million of people Orly Guteza. are benefiting from public LOSE to 11 million people are benefiting from public mine whether the evidence against The statements, according mineto whether the evidence infrastructure against projectsThe funded statements, under the according Local Government to infrastructure projects funded under the Local Government him can meet the new threshold Romualdez, raise questionshim about can meet the Support new threshold Fund–Green Romualdez, Green Green raise Program questions (LGSF-GGG), about the Support Fund–Green Green Green Program (LGSF-GGG), the before filing a criminal case. the personal knowledge and before cred-filing Department a criminal case. of the Interiorthe and personal Local Government knowledge and (DILG) cred-said. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said. The filing said the evidentiary ibility of witnesses who sought The to filing said Thethe DILG, evidentiary which implements ibility of the witnesses LGSF-GGG who sought program, to The DILG, which implements the LGSF-GGG program, record has changed significantly, connect him to alleged deliveries record has changed continues significantly, to support local connect governments him to alleged in building deliveries greener,continues to support local governments in building greener, citing 32 sworn statements that of cash-filled suitcases. citing 32 sworn safer,statements and more that people-centered of cash-filled communities. suitcases. safer, and more people-centered communities. include three recantations, 25 new include three recantations, The GGG Program 25 new provides funding support to beneficiar y The GGG Program provides funding support to beneficiar y See “Ombudsman,” A13 affidavits denying “Ombudsman,” A13 affidavits denying knowledge or local government knowledge or (LGU) for theSee development and improvement local government (LGU) for the development and improvement of public open spaces and active mobility infrastructure, of public open spaces and active mobility infrastructure, including public parks, bicycle lanes, pedestrian walkways, including public parks, bicycle lanes, pedestrian walkways, and sports facilities. and sports facilities. The program directly addresses gaps in urban development, The program directly addresses gaps in urban development, particularly the lack of accessible green and public spaces at the particularly the lack of accessible green and public spaces at the public hearing By Butch theirFernandez strong support for the At billMonday’s agencies, public and hearing members of civil their so-stronglocal support the bill and members solevel,for while ensuringagencies, that projects adhere of to civil prescribed local level, while ensuring that projects adhere to prescribed -Committee on aimed @butchfBM at institutionalizing of the theSenate ciety Sub-Committee groups. “The on naturalaimed effect at institutionalizing the environmental ciety groups. “The natural effect design concepts and principles. design concepts and environmental principles. nt presided by five-year term and breaking Local theGovernment will, of course, presided be tobypostpone five-year the termFrom and breaking the the will, of course, be to postpone the 2024 to 2025, LGSF-GGG received a total allocation of From 2024 to 2025, the LGSF-GGG received a total allocation of entatives from EN. Francis cycle Escudero’s of frequentpropostponement Escudero, representatives upcoming election, from but the subject cycle of frequent upcoming election, but the subject P1.755postponement billion. P1.755 billion. Barangay, the posal to of barangay fix the tenure and SKofpolls.the Liga ngmatter mga Barangay, of this bill isthe fixing theofterm, barangay and SK polls. matter this bill isenrolled fixing theinterm, A total of 135 LGU projects areofcurrently A total of 135 LGU projects are currently enrolled in ns’ Movement barangay “My and bill Sangguniang does not extend. National My Citizens’ not just postponement.” Movement “My bill does not extend. My thenot just postponement.” SubayBAYAN, covering construction, rehabilitation, repair, and SubayBAYAN, covering the construction, rehabilitation, repair, and ns, the Parish Kabataan (SK) bill fixes,” officials Escudero to five told thefor public Free Elections, Escudero theemphasized Parish that bill fixes,” ba- Escudero told theofpublic Escudero emphasized baimprovement various public spaces and facilities that nationwide. improvement of various public spaces and facilities nationwide. for Responsible years to ensure hearing long-term which stabilwas also attended Pastoral Council rangay for governments, Responsibleas thehearing front- which The was DILG also attended rangay governments, as the front-of these The DILG said it regularly monitors the implementation of these said it regularly monitors the implementation National ity Youth in grassroots by officials governance of the has Commission Voting, on andline theofNational public service, Youth need by longer officials of the Commission on line of public service, need longer projects and their impact on local communities. projects and their impact on local communities. YC) expressed received multisectoral Elections and support. relevant government Commission terms (N YC) to sustain expressed community Elections de- and relevant government to sustain community de-was In Muntinlupa City, theterms Bayanan Lakeshore Public Park In Muntinlupa City, the Bayanan Lakeshore Public Park was velopment, disaster response, and velopment, disaster response, and Thedeveloped as a comfortable, safe, and accessible public space. The developed as a comfortable, safe, and accessible public space. peace and order programs without peace and order programs without improvement has drawn positive feedback from residents. improvement has drawn positive feedback from residents. election disruptions. election disruptions. In Navotas City, the Navotas Green Zone Park in barangay NBBNIn Navotas City, the Navotas Green Zone Park in barangay NBBN According to NYC representative According to NYC of representative forms part of the city’s planned development green spaces. Mayor forms part of the city’s planned development of green spaces. Mayor Eriven Nepomuceno, the proposed Eriven proposed and the John Rey Tiangco highlighted its Nepomuceno, benefits boththe to residents John Rey Tiangco highlighted its benefits both to residents and the measure is a “strategic progression measure is a “strategic progression environment. environment. to ensure that local officials have to ensure that localunwind, officialsand have “It is not just a place where you can relax, take a “It is not just a place where you can relax, unwind, and take a sufficient time to implement meansufficient time to implement walk. It also helps the environment,” Tiangco said. meanwalk. It also helps the environment,” Tiangco said. ingful community programs and programs and Meanwhile, residents ofingful Pavia,community Iloilo welcomed the improvement Meanwhile, residents of Pavia, Iloilo welcomed the improvement improve public service delivery.” improve public delivery.” of the Municipal Public Plaza, noting howservice the project has made the of the Municipal Public Plaza, noting how the project has made the Councilor Jose Maria RodriCouncilor Jose Maria Rodriarea more attractive to residents and visitors. area more attractive to residents and visitors. guez, who represented the Liga ng guez,inwho represented the Liga ng spaces The DILG said investments in green and accessible public spaces The DILG said investments green and accessible public mga Barangay, said they “respectBarangay, said they “respectalso help LGUs create moremga pedestrian-friendly communities, also help LGUs create more pedestrian-friendly communities, fully manifests its position in favor fully manifests position favor support active mobility, provide strategicits spaces thatincan support active mobility, provide strategic spaces that can of a consolidated measure fixing a consolidated measure complement local economicofactivity, and improve the fixing overall quality complement local economic activity, and improve the overall quality the term of office of elected baranthe term of office of elected baranof life of residents. of life of residents. gay and Sangguniang Kabataan at gay and Sangguniang Kabataan Through the GGG Program, the Department remainsat Through the GGG Program, the Department remains five years and establishing a defiyears and establishing a deficommitted to supporting five LGUs in developing free, accessible, committed to supporting LGUs in developing free, accessible, nite election schedule correspondnite election ecological, and people-centered publicschedule spaces,correspondrecognizing thatecological, and people-centered public spaces, recognizing that ing to that term.” ing tomust that term.” sustainable local development improve communities sustainable local development must improve communities while protecting the environment, Local Government Secretary while protecting the environment, Local Government Secretary See “BSK,” A13 See “BSK,” A13 Juanito Victor Remulla said. Juanito Victor Remulla said.

dsman’s HE Office of the Ombudsman’s ndard tougher evidentiary standard Rules of under its 2026 Revised Rules of e caseProcedure is being tested in the case involving a former Speaker.

giving Groups 5-yearsupport term tobill BSK giving officials 5-year term to BSK officials

Sabo dams in NE seen to curb SaboCL dams flooding in NE seen to curb CL flooding By Ashley J. Manabat

LARK FIELD, Pampanga— President Marcos said that the government plans to build five sabo dams in Nueva Ecija in 2027 as part of measures to mitigate recurring flooding in Central Luzon. Sabo dams are structures designed to trap sediment and debris in upstream areas, reducing erosion and slowing the movement of sediment downstream. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism mentioned in its website that they can also help control debris flows and stabilize river channels. Marcos said the five projects would slow the flow of water from the Sierra Madre, reduce siltation and, in the government’s plan, help store water for household use and agricultural irrigation. The projects are among the immediate, medium-, and long-term measures discussed during a situation briefing on flooding in Central Luzon, Marcos said. “The immediate term is to fix what was damaged,” Marcos said in an interview. He said the government would also pursue longer-term measures to ensure that repaired infrastructure would not be repeatedly damaged by heavy rains and flooding. The announcement came as

J. Manabat Pampanga dealt with prolongedBy Ashley ing Aurora, the Sierra Madre, Pampanga and dealt with prolonged flooding that has displaced thouNueva Ecija eventually flows flooding to- that has displaced thouFIELD, Pampanga— sands of residents. Marcos visited LARKward Pampanga and Manila sands Bay. of residents. Marcos visited Marcos evacuation centers in Bacolor on President “We have said beenthat submerged evacuation for centers in Bacolor on Monday prior conducting an aerial the government a long time,” plans Pinedatosaid. “SomeMonday prior conducting an aerial buildinfive sabo inspection of flood-hit areas timesdams we caninnoNueva longer handle inspection the of flood-hit areas in as part of measures Pampanga and Bulacan. Ecija in 2027water coming down from the Pampanga upand Bulacan. to mitigate recurring At the Bacolor Mini Convenper areas.”flooding in At the Bacolor Mini Convention Center, Marcos metCentral with Luzon.Pineda said the plannedtion seriesCenter, Marcos met with Sabo dams are structures 62 families comprising 276 indiof dams could helpdehold back 62 wafamilies comprising 276 indisigned to trap sediment debrisdownstream viduals who had been sheltering ter before itand reaches viduals who had been sheltering areas, reducing there for 16 days, accordingintoupstream the communities in eroPampanga. there Shefor 16 days, according to the sionOfand slowing theprojects movement Presidential Communications said the give residents Presidential Communications Ofof sediment hope downstream. Japan’s solution fice (PCO). for a long-term fice (PCO). to Ministry Infrastructure, He also visited the Bacolor In- of Land, the province’s recurring floods. He also visited the Bacolor Inand Tourism mentionedundertegrated tegrated School, where 216Transport famiOther measures con- School, where 216 famiin its website that theyinclude can also lies comprising 836 individuals sideration dredging liesand comprising 836 individuals help11 controldeclogging debris flowswaterways, and sta- building were staying. Across Bacolor, were staying. Across Bacolor, 11 bilize river channels. evacuation centers were housing floodgates and pumping stations, evacuation centers were housing Marcos said the five projects 559 families or about 2,221 indiand constructing a proposed559 roadfamilies or about 2,221 indiwould slow the flow of water from viduals, the PCO said. dike stretching about 100viduals, kilo- the PCO said. theand Sierra Madre, reduce siltation Marcos said the volume meters toward Bataan. Marcos Marcos said the volume and in the government’s plan, help intensit y of the rainfa land, l had said the road-dike remainsintensit under y of the rainfa l l had household use and over whelmed e x isting fstore lood-water for study. over whelmed ex isting f loodirrigation. m a n a g e m e nt m e a s u r e sagricultural and The government, through m a the n a g e m e nt m e a s u r e s a n d Thea projects are among of theSocial impointed to climate change as Department Welfare pointed to climate change as a and long-term factor behind increasingly mediate, severe medium-, and Development’s Assistance factor tobehind increasingly severe measures discussed during situ- Situation, weather events. Individuals in aCrisis weather events. “We also need to understand ation briefing onprovided flooding P10,000 in Cen- in cash“We also as- also need to understand Luzon, Marcos that it is not only because oftral probsistancesaid. as well as food packs that and it is not only because of prob“The immediate term to fix lems with flood-control projects, hot meals for is evacuees. lems with flood-control projects, what was damaged,” said but also because of the intensity MarcosMarcos said assistance but would also because of the intensity in seen an interview. of the rain that we have not continue as long as affected of resithe rain that we have not seen He said the government in the history of the Philippines,” in the history of the Philippines,” dents need it. would he said. also pursue longer-term said. “It is stillmeasures a developinghe situaPampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda to ensure that repaired infrastrucPampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda tion,” he said. “We will continue to said the province has longture been would not be repeatedly damsaid the province has long been monitor and do everything we can vulnerable to flooding because aged by heavy andvery flooding. vulnerable to flooding because to rains mitigate strong rains and The announcement as with water from upstream areas includthe flooding came that comes water it.”from upstream areas includ-

ing Aurora, the Sierra Madre, and Nueva Ecija eventually flows toward Pampanga and Manila Bay. “We have been submerged for a long time,” Pineda said. “Sometimes we can no longer handle the water coming down from the upper areas.” Pineda said the planned series of dams could help hold back water before it reaches downstream communities in Pampanga. She said the projects give residents hope for a long-term solution to the province’s recurring floods. Other measures under consideration include dredging and declogging waterways, building floodgates and pumping stations, and constructing a proposed roaddike stretching about 100 kilometers toward Bataan. Marcos said the road-dike remains under study. The government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, also provided P10,000 in cash assistance as well as food packs and hot meals for evacuees. Marcos said assistance would continue as long as affected residents need it. “It is still a developing situation,” he said. “We will continue to monitor and do everything we can to mitigate very strong rains and the flooding that comes with it.”