Manila Standard - 2025 September 9 - Tuesday

By Pot Chavez

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed yesterday that former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma is in Malaysia to meet with ICC representatives after she agreed to testify against former President Rodrigo Duterte. “I think that she is the highest-ranking police officer that can be asked to give a narrative about the drug war, the re-

ward system, and other parts of her testimony that she already gave in the Quad Comm,” Justice Secretary Boying Remulla told reporters.

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet yesterday pledged to deepen economic, security, and cultural cooperation between the Philippines and Cambodia, vowing to open new opportunities for their peoples while confronting shared regional challenges.

Speaking at a joint press conference at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh during his state visit, President Marcos

By Maricel V. Cruz

Chiz out, Tito in in Senate coup

Ping new Pro Tempore, Migz Majority Leader

By Ram Superable, Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz

SENATOR Francis Escudero was ousted as Senate President yesterday, with Senator Tito Sotto III again taking over the position which he previously held from 2018 to 2022.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri moved to declare the position vacant, which was approved by Escudero.

“I will do everything in my capacity to ensure that this Senate will remain

cooperative but independent, balanced, transparent and sincere,” said Sotto, who was unopposed.

Zubiri, who nominated Sotto whom he said was a “leader of great integrity,”

By Ram Superable, Maricel Cruz, Katrina Manubay, Pot Chavez and Joel Zurbano

CONTRACTOR Curlee Discaya II named at least 17 lawmakers and eight officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways whom he accused of soliciting money for government infrastructure projects.

Curlee said he and his wife Sara recorded in a ledger the commissions they paid in cash as they expressed willingness to

“We

he said. Sotto said the so-called “Duterte bloc” in the Senate were not part of

Secretary Vince Dizon disclosed the impending ouster of five undersecretaries implicated in

‘No new flood control funds in NEP’

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government will not allocate fresh funds for flood control projects under the proposed 2026 national budget, citing the availability of ₱350 billion still unspent from this year’s appropriations.

In an interview aired Monday evening, Mr. Marcos said he gave the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) 2 weeks to review and rewrite the DPWH’s budget plan following questionable allocations flagged in recent congressional hearings.

“Number one, we already are seeing that all flood control projects proposed for 2026 are not needed. There will be no budget for 2026 for flood control be -

cause there’s still ₱350 billion for 2025 that has not been fully used,” President Marcos said.

He clarified that ongoing projects would continue but warned that contractors must deliver work to specification at their own expense if they fall short.

“Don’t expect the government to pay for it,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President also rejected suggestions from lawmakers to return the entire National Expenditure

Program (NEP) to Malacañang for revisions, stressing that only the DPWH budget would be reworked on the Executive’s end.

“We have a commitment to Congress that the rewritten DPWH budget will be submitted to them,” the President said.

The directive comes amid allegations of irregularities in “ghost” flood control projects, which have fueled calls for stricter oversight of infrastructure spending.

Mr. Marcos also explained that former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan resigned from his post to take responsibility for the controversy over anomalous projects.

In his BBM Podcast, the President said Bonoan personally offered to step down, citing command responsibility.

“He decided. He said, ‘I’m already bothering you,’” the President

recounted.

“In terms of command responsibility, he said: I take responsibility for that. It shouldn’t have happened under me… So, I’m just going to let it go, he said.”

Mr. Marcos described Bonoan’s successor, Vince Dizon, as a professional leader capable of restoring order in the DPWH.

He praised Dizon’s track record, particularly in the Department of Transportation, and expressed confidence in his ability to implement reforms despite potential resistance.

“He did a very good job in DoTr and I think he understands very well what needs to be done,” Mr. Marcos said. “Even though some people might get mad at him, you know, he’s very professional. As long as it’s work, it’s work. It’s nothing personal.”

ICC postpones Rody’s Sept. 23 pre-trial hearing

Representatives.

“We have 2,250 personnel to be deployed for Friday. Because we have already monitored that there will be four activities, this is what we are preparing for, although we are not sure of the specific locations yet. Right now we have one in Manila, there is also one on EDSA, so this is what we are monitoring, but with regards to which of them have permits, there are none yet,” Asilo said. She added that maximum tolerance will be observed during the protests to ward off untoward incidents.

In related development, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) officer-incharge Col. Randy Glenn Silvio said Police Station 6 was preparing a possible complaint for alarm and scandal, and violation of Batas Pambansa 880 or Public Assembly Act of 1985 against some of the personalities identified during the protest outside the House of Representatives that resulted in injuries of some police officers last week.

“Police Station 6 is already preparing to file the case. One PNCO and the battalion commander suffered head injuries, while the others only had scratches. They were just minor injuries,” Silvio said in the same press briefing.

These companies were linked to alleged “ghost” or non-existent and substandard flood control projects in Bulacan province.

The COA has found P341 million worth of flood control projects by the three contractors as either substandard, overpriced or non-existent, according to the documents submitted by the COA and the DPWH to the Ombudsman.

COA chief Gamaliel Cordoba turned over to the Ombudsman results of their fraud audit on five flood control projects following President Marcos’ directive to hold individuals i nvolved in the flood control mess accountable as soon as possible.

The five alleged anomalous projects were identified as the P77-million flood mitigation structure in Barangay Frances, Calumpit, Bulacan handled by the Wawao Builders; a similar project worth P74 million in Barangay Sta. Lucia, also in Calumpit likewise implemented by Wawao; a dike rehabilitation project in Barangay Bulusan, Calumpit valued at P96.4 million and implemented by St. Timothy Construction; the P39-million Palimbang flood control project in Plaridel, Bulacan also by St. Timothy; and a reinforced concrete river wall in Barangay Piel, Baliuag Bulacan worth P55 million by SYMS Construction.

Also cited as respondents in the charges were the dismissed district engineer Henry Alcantara, his assistant Brice Hernandez, project engineer Paul Duya, and construction section chief Jaypee Mendoza.

Cordoba and Dizon initiated the filing of the cases as the Senate conducted its third hearing into the flood control mess.

Meanwhile, Dizon said they will identify people who can be appointed to sensitive positions in the DPWH to replace those who would be sacked.

THE International Criminal Court announced yesterday the postponement of the September 23 confirmation hearing of the former President Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes against humanity case at The Hague.

In a press statement, the ICC said Duterte’s defense team requested for an “indefinite adjournment of the proceedings alleging he is not fit to stand trial.”

Chiz...

the discussions leading to Escudero’s removal.

Senator Imee Marcos confirmed that she, along with senators Ronald dela Rosa, Bong Go, Rodante Marcoleta, and Robin Padilla, were left in the dark on the leadership change.

Sotto, however, said they are free to join the majority bloc, adding that the leadership of the minority bloc is still up in the air at this point.

“It’s up to them to decide. Those who will not join the majority will get to decide who will be their minority leader,” he added.

The change in the Senate leadership came after Escudero was linked to Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Develop -

Garma...

He said that the testimony of the retired police colonel has weight because of her direct knowledge of the drug war operation.

But the majority of the Pre-Trial Chamber 1 of the ICC decided that only a “limited postponement of the hearing was warranted to adjudicate the request and related matters.”

The statement said the Chamber will set a specific date for the hearing once it has addressed such outstanding issues.

According to the ICC, one of the judges dissented and expressed the

ment Inc. that was identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as one of the top 15 contractors of flood-control projects across the country.

Lubiano admitted donating P30 million to Escudero’s senatorial bid in 2022 during a hearing at the House of Representatives but said it came from his own pocket and not from his construction firm.

Escudero confirmed Lubiano was one of his campaign contributors but denied intervening in the latter’s business with the government.

As this developed, Malacañang said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was “shocked” by the leadership change in the Senate but will respect the senators’ decision.

“The President cannot meddle in the Senate’s decision on who should lead them. That is their choice,” Castro said in a statement. “

Remulla shared that the ICC approached former Senator Sonny Trillanes on Garma’s possibility to be a witness.

Discayas...

expressed gratitude for Cambodia’s warm hospitality and underscored the historical and cultural ties binding the two nations.

“Our meeting today involved a wideranging discussion on how our countries can effectively improve in meaningful and impactful ways the lives of our peoples,” Mr. Marcos said.

The Philippine leader said both sides agreed to expand cooperation in trade, agriculture, renewable energy, and the digital economy. He noted that broader linkages would create opportunities while reducing regional vulnerabilities to external uncertainties.

President Marcos also highlighted the importance of addressing transnational crimes such as human trafficking, cybercrime, and illicit drug trafficking, stressing that “our collective response will be swift, coordinated, and effective.”

The President noted that more than 7,000 Filipinos work in Cambodia, mainly in health, education, and development, serving as “a wonderful bridge between our two countries and cultures.”

through mutual termination or right-ofway issues, both of which would prevent the project from being implemented.

After we won the bidding, some DPWH officials approached us to ask for and take their share of the project amount,”

Curlee said during Monday’s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.

State witness? Return monies first

For his part, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said a basic requirement for the Discayas to be considered as state witnesses in the flood-control projects probe is for the couple to return any ill-gotten funds.

“The first principle that we will apply is: Did they get money that should be returned to the republic? That is always the first condition, right? You don’t walk off laughing at the system because you enriched yourself and got away with the crime,” he said.

“You must give it back to the state where it rightfully belongs before you can even be considered for immunity. We have to work under those premises,”

Remulla added.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, in a press briefing in Cambodia, said the Dis-

The DOJ chief noted that there was no issue with the trip because she had already met with ICC personnel after returning to the country following the rejection of her asylum request in the United States (US).

He further explained that the country has no direct relationship with the

cayas must not be selective in their narrative even as she said the government is open to granting witnesses protection.

“Witness who really have knowledge of the facts and data on this issue really need protection and the government will not deny them that,” Castro said.

“But we need to hear the complete story. They might be selective in their revelations,” she added.

25% commission

Curlee claimed lawmakers demanded as much as 25 percent in commission.

“That became a condition to ensure the contract’s implementation would not be hindered,” he added.

The lawmakers in the Discayas joint testimony are as follows: Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo; Uswag Ilonggo partylist Rep. Jojo Ang; Quezon City representatives Patrick Michael Vargas, Arjo Atayde, Marvin Rillo, and Marivic CoPilar of Quezon City; AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones; Marikina Rep. Marcy Teodoro; Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona; Caloocan Rep. Dean Asistio; Quezon province Rep. Reynante Arrogancia; Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela, Laguna Rep. Benjamin Agarao Jr., Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Antonieta Eudela; and former lawmakers Teodoro Haresco of Aklan, Florencio Noel of An-waray party-list and Rep. Florida Robes of San Jose del

view that the “pre-trial proceedings (be) continued, including the confirmation of charges hearing.’

The purpose of the confirmation of charges hearing, the ICC statement said, is to “determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that the person committed each of the crimes charged.”

With Pot Chavez

“There have been many leadership changes in the past, and there was no problem. The members accepted whatever decision was made,” she added.

For his part, Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed Sotto’s election as Senate President, saying the House of Representatives looks forward to working closely with the upper chamber under the new leadership.

“I congratulate Senate President Tito Sotto on once again being entrusted by his peers to lead the Senate. His long years of service, his experience, and his steady leadership will surely guide the Upper Chamber in these challenging times,” Romualdez said.

“The House of Representatives is eager to work side by side with him and our colleagues in the Senate. Now, more than ever, we need the Senate and the House united in bringing relief to our people,” he said.

ICC, which is why Trillanes became a bridge and it is the government’s responsibility to protect witnesses when requested by the ICC.

The Bureau of Immigration earlier confirmed that Garma departed Manila and took a flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia after returning to the country from the US last Saturday.

Monte, Bulacan.

Curlee alleged that Agarao, Briones, Eudela, Madrona, Noel, and Rillo personally collected their commissions, while Atayde would send his father. The rest would send other people to collect, Curlee said, adding that he has their contact numbers and can identify them by face.

He also claimed DPWH officials would name-drop Ako-Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co while Rillo would use the name of Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Malicious lies

Romualdez, for his part, said on Monday strongly denied allegations raised during the Senate hearing, branding them as lies and malicious name-dropping meant to smear his integrity and undermine the House of Representatives.

“I cannot and will not allow lies and name-dropping to pass unchecked,” Romualdez said.

“The claim in the Discaya couple’s affidavit that my name was used for commissions is false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping. Let me be clear: I have nothing to do with it, I have never allowed, I did not authorize such irregular transactions and wrongdoings.”

“If anyone invoked my name, they did so without my knowledge and without my consent. And if they did that for money, they are the ones who are dis-

“We will check because we coordinated with the organizers. They said they will give names, and we are waiting for that list of identities. I think they are from Southern Tagalog,” he added. During the rally, protesters also threw objects at the Batasang Pambansa’s south gate, while policemen warded off the projectiles with anti-riot shields.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin presented the budget before lawmakers amid criticisms he earlier made against some congressmen for allegedly attempting to blame the executive department for issues in the budget process, particularly in relation to anomalous flood control projects. Bersamin said around ₱17.5 billion of the ₱27.28 billion proposal is earmarked for ASEAN hosting expenses. The Philippines, as ASEAN chair, will host hundreds of meetings from the end of December 2025 until November 2026. Of this amount, ₱10.7 billion will be released directly to the OP, while the rest will be disbursed to various departments and agencies involved in mounting the events. For 2025, the OP was allocated ₱5.4 billion for ASEAN preparations. Bersamin also clarified that his earlier remarks accusing congressmen of corruption were not meant to malign the House.

The retired police colonel left the Philippines after attending several House Quad Committee hearings into the Duterte administration’s drug war, where she confirmed implementing the “Davao model” that rewarded killings. She was arrested and detained in San Francisco, California, last Nov. 7, 2024, because of her cancelled visa.

honest and so they should be held accountable,” the Speaker added.

He likewise reiterated that the House of Representatives only approves the budget and plays no role in releasing funds or implementing projects, including those carried out by the DPWH.

“Congress debates and approves the budget. It does not release funds. It does not implement projects. That is the sole duty of the Executive and agencies like the DPWH,” Romualdez said.

“And I say this with all honesty: I have never, and I will never, accept a bribe from anybody… The entire House members know it... I do not need—and will never allow myself—to be corrupted by money that does not belong to me,” he added.

Legal steps mulled

Lawmakers in the joint affidavit of the Discayas have also denied accusations of requesting a commission and have threatened to take legal action against the contractors.

Co said: “I vehemently deny all the baseless and irresponsible accusations made against me during the Senate hearing held (Monday). These unsubstantiated claims, which attempt to implicate me are not only hearsay but are also politically motivated designed to mislead the public and deflect accountability.”

DOTr: Probe DPWH engineers with fake driver’s licenses

By Darwin G. Amojelar

The Department of Transportation has directed the Land Transportation Office to summon two Department of Public Works and Highways engineers accused of using fake driver’s licenses to enter casinos. The issue was revealed during a Senate investigation into flood control projects. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez instructed the LTO to verify the authenticity of the licenses presented during the hearing.

LTO later confirmed that no licenses were issued under the names Marvin Santos De Guzman and Joseph Castro Villegas, the aliases used by the two engineers.

The agency was ordered to issue a show cause order and submit a report to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. DOTr reiterated its commitment to integrity and accountability across all its attached agencies.

DBM

threatens procurement ban vs. contractors

By Thony Rose Lesaca

DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said contractors found involved in anomalous flood control projects will be banned from government procurement once the Department of Public Works and Highways issues a blacklist order. The Procurement Service of DBM is prepared to cancel the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) membership of companies, including SYMS Construction Trading and Wawao Builders, if confirmed by DPWH.

PS-DBM has already revoked the PhilGEPS registration of nine companies linked to Sarah Discaya after their contractors’ licenses were cancelled. These include St. Gerrard Construction, Alpha & Omega General Contractor, St. Timothy Construction, Amethyst Horizon Builders, St. Matthew General Contractor, Great Pacific Builders, YPR General Contractor, Waymaker OPC, and Elite General Contractor.

PS-DBM Executive Director Genmaries Entredicho-Caong said the agency is committed to ensuring clean procurement practices and supporting government efforts to eliminate corruption in public projects.

Oil firms set big-time price hike on Tuesday

By Alena Mae S. Flores

OIL firms are expected to implement a major price hike of up to ₱1.40 per liter starting 6 a.m. Tuesday amid continuing volatility in global oil markets.

Seaoil Philippines, Jetti Petroleum, PTT Philippines, Cleanfuel, and Chevron Philippines raised diesel prices by ₱1.40 per liter, gasoline by ₱1, and kerosene by ₱0.70. Other

firms are expected to follow.

The Department of Energy said limited production increases by OPEC+, renewed escalation of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, and U.S.

sanctions on Iranian oil shipments are driving up global prices. DOE added that it continues to monitor movements closely while urging motorists to adopt fuel-saving practices. This marks the third straight week of increases for diesel and kerosene, and the fourth for gasoline. Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas noted that supply disruptions from Russia and fresh U.S. sanctions on Iran are fueling worries of tighter supply, adding to upward price pressure.

City, ahead of her Nativity celebration on September 8. Edd

Romualdez backs zero-balance billing

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G.

IN BRIEF

Navy vows uninterrupted aid to BRP Sierra Madre

THE Philippine Navy on Monday assured that soldiers aboard the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal will continue to receive regular provisions, stressing that no Filipino troop assigned there will go hungry.

Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said rotation and resupply missions (RORE) will proceed as scheduled despite possible harassment from Chinese vessels. “If ever there would be more coercive and aggressive actions, we have enough contingency plans in place,” he said. Trinidad added that the timing of the next resupply run is up to the leadership of the Armed Forces’ Western Command. The last mission to the grounded vessel was conducted in July.

Past missions to Ayungin Shoal have been met with Chinese harassment, obstruction, and water cannon attacks. The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era vessel grounded since 1999, remains manned by Filipino troops as a symbol of Philippine sovereignty, anchored on the 2016 Arbitral Award. Rex Espiritu

PDEA seizes P1.16b drugs in weeklong busts

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency reported that nationwide anti-drug operations from Aug. 29 to Sept. 5 yielded P1.16 billion worth of narcotics. In coordination with other law enforcement agencies, PDEA carried out 48 operations, including buy-busts, marijuana eradications, interdictions, arrests, and raids. A total of 101 suspects were arrested, among them 36 pushers, 24 drug den visitors, 11 owners or maintainers, and 11 drug users. Confiscated during the sweep were 169,557 grams of shabu, 10,250 marijuana plants, 272 grams of marijuana fruiting tops, and 1,000 seedlings. The total haul was valued at P1.16 billion. Among the major seizures were 86.7 kilos of shabu worth P589.9 million in Zamboanga City, 70 kilos worth P476 million in Tondo, and nearly 11 kilos worth P74.8 million in Clark Freeport, Pampanga. PDEA director general Isagani Nerez commended regional offices for their sustained antidrug efforts. Rio N. Araja

CIDG arrests gunrunner in Batangas, seizes guns

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has intensified its nationwide campaign against loose firearms in line with the 7-Point Agenda of PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

On Sept. 4, the CIDG Batangas Provincial Field Unit and local police arrested a suspect known as “Bryan” in Barangay Bolbok, Batangas City. Seized from him were a 9mm pistol, a .38 revolver, and several rounds of ammunition.

A report to CIDG acting director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said the suspect is a former security guard from Cainta, Rizal. He allegedly sold firearms without permits in Batangas and nearby provinces. Vince Lopez

Romualdez on Monday pledged full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s zero-balance billing initiative, calling it a crucial step toward universal health care. The Department of Health reported that the policy has already benefited 298,221 patients, saving them a combined ₱26.4 billion in hospital charges. Since being highlighted in the President’s State of the Nation Address, coverage expanded from 22 to more than 80 DOH hospitals nationwide. Romualdez described the program as the “heart” of the administration’s governance, citing its compassion and concrete results. He said the House will continue allocating resources to sustain and expand the initiative.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the program has increased daily admissions at DOH hospitals and brings the nation closer to universal health care under Republic Act 11223. For 2026, DOH is seeking a ₱260.2-billion budget to further expand the policy, alongside new programs offering free diagnostic tests, cancer screenings, and access to essential medicines.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF

MILF renews support for peace

By Rex Espiritu

Cagayan, DOST tie-up for sustainable

growth

TUGUEGARAO City—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the provincial government of Cagayan have joined forces “to propel the province towards a future driven by innovation and sustainability.”

During the Strategic Partnership Forum held Friday, Sept. 5, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. and Cagayan Gov. Edgar Aglipay signed an agreement to harness science and technology for Cagayan’s progress.

Solidum outlined the DOST main initiatives and pointed out potential areas of cooperation and involvement.

These initiatives included the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, which seeks to improve the quality of life in rural areas through the use of technology and sustainable practices. Jessica M. Bacud

Over 6,600 ex-rebels apply for amnesty

OVER 3,600 former rebels across the country applied for amnesty as of Sept. 5, according to the National Amnesty Commission.

The bulk of the applications came from members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front which accounted for 2,646 applications, or nearly three-fourths of the total.

Other groups that filed for amnesty include the Moro Islamic Liberation Front with 582 applications, the Moro National Liberation Front with 344, and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/ Alex Boncayao Brigade with 91. By region, Catbalogan in the Visayas registered the highest number of applications at 427, followed by Bacolod (280), Cotabato (254), Pagadian (250), and Davao (242). In Luzon, the National Capital Region (292) posted the most applications, while Albay (189) and Baguio (116) also recorded significant numbers. Rex Espiritu

Cops capture Bicol’s ‘most wanted’ fugitive

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday, Sept. 8, announced the arrest of Bicol Region’s most wanted fugitive during a joint operation at Port Calatagan in Batangas province.

The suspect was facing a long chain of criminal cases mostly rapes, including 21 counts of sexual assault on minors. The arrest warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Courts of Legazpi City earlier this year.

PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. lauded the capture of the suspect. “This operation proves that no matter where fugitives hide, the Philippine National Police will pursue them relentlessly until justice is served,” he said. Vince Lopez

WITH the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) set to hold its first parliamentary elections next month, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reaffirmed its full support for the peace process and ongoing institution-building in the region.

Speaking at the 23rd Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) meeting on Friday, MILF leader Mohagher Iqbal said the group’s commitment to

peace and development would remain regardless of the outcome of the elections.

“As we move closer to the first

regular parliamentary elections in BARMM, the IGRB has a crucial role to play in ensuring that national and regional agencies work in tandem on matters such as logistics, security, and resource coordination,” Iqbal said.

National government co-chair and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, for her part, assured continued support for BARMM, citing a ₱104.57-billion allocation for the region in the proposed 2026 national budget. The funding includes increased block grants and resources for communities affected by conflict.

“We, in the IGRB, will sustain our

momentum and continue working together to fulfil the aspirations of the people of BARMM and the entire nation, including and most especially the next generations,” Pangandaman said. The meeting also marked a milestone with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Bangsamoro Pilgrimage Authority. The deal gives the regional authority a direct role in administering the annual Hajj for BARMM pilgrims, a move seen as both an administrative reform and a recognition of the region’s autonomy.

82 communist insurgents surrender in Camarines Sur

EIGHTY-two members of the Underground Mass Organizations (UGMOs) have formally severed ties with the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and pledged allegiance to the government, the Philippine Army reported Sunday.

The mass withdrawal, held at the Lupi, Camarines Sur Municipal Gym over the weekend, was highlighted as a key milestone in ongoing peace efforts, and capped the Modified Community Support and Sustainment Program (MCSSP) of the 81st Infantry Battalion (81IB) in eight barangays, namely San Vicente, Tible, Mangcawayan, Belwang, San Rafael Norte, Buenasuerte, Napolidan, and Del Carmen.

come to the MCSSP’s sustained community engagement, dialogue, and delivery of basic services designed to address the root causes of insurgency in the country.

bution of government assistance packages, as the former UGMO members expressed optimism about starting anew and contributing to their communities’ progress.

Lawyer Siegfried Tayo of the Public Attorney’s Office in Ragay administered the oath of allegiance. The surrenderees were formally presented to Lupi Vice Mayor Noel Agravante, who hailed their decision to rejoin mainstream society.

Military officials credited the out-

Two PNP units wrangle over vehicle parking

Local leaders and security forces said the move strengthened community resilience against the influence of armed insurgents and fosters a more stable environment for peace and development in Lupi and nearby areas.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic unity gesture and the distri-

“With the successful implementation of the MCSSP, local communities are expected to further strengthen their resilience against the influence of armed groups and sustain ongoing peace and development initiatives in the municipality,” the Army said in a statement. Rex Espiritu

DENR, Prime Infra forge ties to strengthen water security

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has partnered with the Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Inc. (Prime Infra) for stronger water security and enhanced watershed monitoring.

Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla and Prime Infra president Guillaume Lucci inked a memorandum of agreement and a deed of donation to formalize the tie-up in ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Quezon City. Lotilla underscored the importance of a multi-sectoral collaboration in safeguarding the country’s natural heritage for present and future generations.

“This aims to enhance the conservation and sustainable management of our natural resources by establishing strong partnerships with organizations that share a high level of commitment to environmental protection and preservation,” he said.

“Let today’s signing be a living commitment that inspires other sectors to follow suit,” he added.

Prime Infra recently donated over P6.2 million in support of the watershed instrumentation program, DENR’s strategic initiative designed to strengthen the Philippines’ water security and climate resilience through science-based data collection and monitoring. Watershed instrumentation plays an important role in understanding, managing and protecting water resources, according to Prima Infra. Under the agreement, the DENR shall procure the necessary sensors, instruments and calibration, and provide fencing for the effective implementation of the program.

The donation is deemed more than just a financial contribution but an investment in transparency, proactive resource management and overall health of the watershed.

OPINION

How will all this end?

AFTER reading all that has been happening in connection with the government projects for the benefit of the people, like flood control projects, the big question that comes to my mind is how will all this end?

In the past, Santa Banana, I have been a big advocate for the cancellation or abolition of the death penalty for those who commit heinous crimes.

Now, I am having second thoughts, my gulay, whether or not to restore the death penalty for people who commit crimes, like what many of the public works contractors have committed.

I know that this will not stop the commission of graft and corruption, but it should strike fear into their hearts that they will be facing the death penalty for their criminal activities.

Note, that what has come out in the newspapers are all crimes committed by corrupt DPWH contractors together with their government sponsors.

In this connection, I believe those who commit economic sabotage should be convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment at the least. should rot in jail and be sued for economic sabotage at the least.

The problem of graft and corruption in government projects that are being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways is nationwide.

And in the newspapers, note the crimes of graft and corruption are all in connection with flood control projects.

How many more anomalies have been committed nationwide, like the construction of substandard roads and bridges that could result in the death of people?

Take for example that photo in the newspapers about a government project in Intramuros which should have been inaugurated but still remains unfinished, Santa Banana!

This is just a small crime, but over all nationwide, the DPWH has become the ultimate example of graft and corruption. As I said, what punishment can these people deserve?

The crime of economic sabotage deserves the maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

They should all rot in jail, Santa Banana!

Another question is that there is no way we can recover what these people have stolen.

According to reports some of them

have jets and helicopters and mansions abroad.

It just proves to you the insatiable greed of some people involved in the construction of public works and highways.

I have my doubts, that not even the newly appointed Vince Dizon as Secretary of DPWH can stop all these commissions of graft and corruption, not even the abolition of unprogrammed insertions in the National Budget for 2026.

Over all nationwide, the DPWH has become the ultimate example of graft and corruption

To what end, Santa Banana, will these go?

Upon reading all those reports of graft and corruption, I cannot believe that those DPWH contractors and engineers were so greedy to have committed all those against the Filipino people.

As I said earlier, we are just talking about flood control projects, not only in Metro Manila but also in nearby provinces, especially in Central Luzon.

I have been knocking my head trying to find out if all these can be stopped.

I have come to the conclusion that graft and corruption in government cannot be stopped in connection with government infrastructure projects.

And there are many other ways graft and corruption can be committed.

I do not like to say that, Santa Banana, these are all the results of the system of government that we Filipinos live in.

We have seen dictatorship ended with the imposition of Martial Law.

We all know that with the imposition of Martial Law graft and corruption even worsened. There are even threats of People Power which I believe will not end graft and corruption.

Because of social media, the young are not voicing out loud their disillusionment and it is about time! So I still ask the question, will we just be content and admit to the fact that the most we can do in connection with graft and corruption is to minimize it?

As I said, should we accept everything that has been happening?

When business tycoons cry corruption

IN A Manila shantytown, a mother clutches her two children on a plywood bed as murky brown water seeps into their one-room home. Outside, a ₱100 million “floodcontrol project” has collapsed in less than a year, a concrete wall that was supposed to hold back disaster now serving only as an expensive reminder of theft.

The family’s meager possessions— schoolbooks, rice, a broken fan—float in the stinking flood. This is what corruption looks like when it comes home. So forgive me if I don’t cheer too loudly when 30 of the Philippines’ most powerful business groups suddenly declare that corruption is “shameful, unabated, continuing and excessive.”

Really? You don’t say. Next, perhaps, they’ll alert us that water is wet, gravity exists, and politicians lie.

The real story here isn’t that graft exists. It’s that the insiders—executives, bankers, chambers of commerce—are so alarmed that they’ve broken their customary silence.

This isn’t courage. It’s panic. When the elites who have profited quietly for decades start issuing press releases, it suggests the rot is now so foul that even those feeding at the trough can no longer breathe.

The groups propose a six-point “action plan.” On paper, it sounds bold. In reality, it veers between the naïve and the farcical.

Take the private-sector blacklist: a noble idea if you believe in fairy tales.

In practice, it risks becoming a weapon of corporate vigilantism— one cartel punishing another, with competitors conveniently labeled “corrupt.”

A blacklist without due process is not reform; it’s just outsourcing the kangaroo court.

Corruption in the Philippines isn’t a white-collar crime. It’s mass manslaughter in slow motion

Then there’s the Integrity Pledge.

Ah yes, nothing stops a ₱545-billion racket like a signed promise!

Somewhere, a contractor is laughing over champagne while signing three pledges with one hand and cashing a kickback with the other.

This isn’t reform; it’s corporate virtue-signaling, as flimsy as the flood-

drags it deeper. Around the lifeboat, Filipino families cling to rooftops, waving desperately for help. Onshore, officials in barong Tagalog ignore them, busy stacking blueprints labeled ‘Ghost Projects’ and counting money. The tone is dark satire, showing futility and mismanagement in disaster response.

EDITORIAL

La Niña’s threats should stop the laughter

THE Philippines, many parts of which are still wobbly from the past nine typhoons, must reinforce itself in the last quarter of this year with the possibility of La Niña hitting the archipelago.

La Niña, characterized by an aboveaverage number of tropical cyclone occurrences towards the end of 2025 and above-normal rainfall conditions in most parts of the country that can trigger adverse impacts, including floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.

La Niña causes the jet stream to move northward and to weaken over the eastern Pacific. During La Niña winters, the South sees warmer and drier conditions than usual. During La Niña, waters off the Pacific coast are colder and contain more nutrients than usual.

As of Aug. 23, 2025, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported flooding from the combined effects of the Tropical Cyclone Kajiki (named in the Philippines Isang) and the Southwest Monsoon recorded 25,700 affected population in Regions 2, 5 and 12.

In recent years, climate change has become a major factor in why the Philippines is prone to typhoons that are stronger and more destructive.

As global temperatures rise, sea

walls that keep collapsing.

And the plan to follow the money by urging banks to expose launderers?

Admirable, until you recall that those banks earn fortunes from precisely these clients. Asking them to turn on their biggest depositors is like asking a fox to testify against his henhouse. Don’t hold your breath.

What no one wants to say—least of all these business leaders—is that corruption has always been a joint venture.

Politicians solicit the bribes, but businessmen provide them.

Some of the very groups now condemning graft have remained obediently silent while bidding on projects padded with 40 percent in kickbacks.

Today’s moral crusaders were yesterday’s accomplices. So is this an

surface temperatures in the Pacific increase as well, providing more heat energy for storms to form and intensify.

We feel for our countrymen who remain threatened by rising floodwaters while waiting for the guilty to be punished for their crimes in ghost flood control projects

Correctly, a La Niña event in the Philippines typically means a higher chance of more tropical cyclones and above-normal rainfall, potentially leading to a stronger typhoon season. La Niña conditions, characterized by cooler-than-average Pacific Ocean

awakening of conscience, or a power play against rival cartels?

The human toll makes this hypocrisy unbearable. That ₱545 billion stolen from flood projects could have built thousands of schools and hospitals, or funded resilient infrastructure that might have spared families from drowning in their own living rooms. Instead, it bought SUVs for contractors, new villas in Tagaytay, and campaign funds for politicians. Corruption in the Philippines isn’t a white-collar crime. It’s mass manslaughter in slow motion. And yet here we are, drowning—literally—while the titans of industry offer us blacklists, pledges, and seminars. It’s as if the arsonists are promising

temperatures, increase convective activity and provide more moisture and energy, which are favorable for the formation and intensification of typhoons.

With all this as a backdrop, the Philippines must brace for a potentially stronger typhoon season with the possibility of a La Niña episode developing in the last quarter of 2025, according to the weather bureau.

In a press statement, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the El Niño Southern Oscillationneutral, which it has been continuously monitoring in the tropical Pacific, is most likely to persist until October. However, climate models show an increasing probability of short-lived La Niña conditions emerging between September and December.

In the meanwhile, we feel for our countrymen who remain threatened by rising floodwaters while waiting for the guilty – eternity cannot be ahead for the 117 million Filipinos – to be punished for their crimes in ghost flood control projects. The public hearings conducted by the Senate cannot be a daily spectacle where laughter rises with anger and irritation without those guilty thrown to jail and punished for obvious crimes of economic sabotage.

to form a committee on fire prevention. What would genuine courage look like?

Naming names. Funding independent watchdogs. Demanding prosecutions, not pledges.

Pushing for laws that jail—not just shame—the guilty. And, yes, admitting publicly that the private sector has been complicit all along.

Until then, the Filipino mother in that flooded shack is left to console her children with the knowledge that somewhere in Makati, businessmen are very bravely promising—on paper—to behave better next time. The water keeps rising.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025

Trump issues ‘last warning’ to Hamas

‘Trump Whisperer’ ex-minister joins PM race

TOKYO – A former top diplomat

dubbed the “Trump Whisperer” was the first candidate Monday to join the race to be Japan’s next leader, a day after premier Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation.

Former foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi is angling to lead the world’s fourth-largest economy as it faces fresh turbulence stemming from rising food prices and fallout from US tariffs on its crucial auto sector. The long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party will elect its new chief, reportedly in early October, after Ishiba said Sunday he would step down after his party faired terribly in two elections.

“We have to move Japan forward, resolving difficult issues at home and abroad,” party heavyweight Motegi told reporters. “I have made up my mind to run.”

During a turbulent 11 months at the helm, Ishiba -- initially seen as a safe pair of hands -- lost his majority in both houses of parliament, dealing a major blow to the LDP that has governed almost continuously since 1955.

Repeated calls for him to take responsibility for the losses made his position untenable, reports said.

Motegi, a 69-year-old former LDP secretary general who was also trade minister, is among a clutch of contenders likely to emerge in the coming days.

With strong English, the Harvardeducated politician was dubbed the “Trump whisperer” for his deft handling of tricky US-Japan trade talks.

Another candidate is Sanae Takaichi, a 64-year-old hardline nationalist and one-time heavy metal drummer who lost out to Ishiba in 2024. She would be Japan’s first woman premier.

Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, the telegenic, surfing son of an ex-premier who was recently tasked with lowering rice prices as Ishiba’s farm minister, could also run.

Other hopefuls could include Yoshimasa Hayashi, Ishiba’s top government spokesman, and Takayuki Kobayashi, former economic security minister. AFP

‘Blood Moon’ rises during lunar eclipse

PARIS

– Stargazers enjoyed a “Blood Moon” Sunday night during a total lunar eclipse visible across Asia and swathes of Europe and Africa.

When the Sun, Earth and Moon line up, the shadow cast by the planet on its satellite makes it appear an eerie, deep red colour that has astounded humans for millennia.

People in Asia, including India and China, were best placed to see Sunday’s total eclipse, which was also be visible on the eastern edge of Africa as well as in western Australia.

The total lunar eclipse lasted from 1730 GMT to 1852 GMT.

Stargazers in Europe and Africa also got a brief chance to see a partial eclipse just as the Moon rose during the early evening, but the Americas missed out.

The Moon appears red during lunar eclipses because the only sunlight reaching it is “reflected and scattered through the Earth’s atmosphere,” said Ryan Milligan, an astrophysicist at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland. Blue wavelengths of light are shorter than red ones, so are more easily dispersed as they travel through Earth’s atmosphere, he told AFP.

“That’s what gives the Moon its red, bloody color.” While special glasses or pinhole projectors are needed to safely observe solar eclipses, all that is required to see a lunar eclipse is clear weather -- and being in the right spot.

The last total lunar eclipse was in March this year, while the one before that was in 2022. AFP

Trump threatens Russia with sanctions after Ukraine attack

KYIV – US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose more sanctions on Russia, after the Kremlin unleashed its biggest-ever aerial barrage at Ukraine. Russian missiles and drones rained down across Ukraine early Sunday, killing four people and setting government offices in the capital Kyiv ablaze. Trump told reporters after the assault he was “not happy with

the whole situation” and said he was prepared to move forward on new sanctions on Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was counting on a “strong” US response.

Russia has intensified its onslaught against Ukraine since a meeting between Trump and President Vladimir Putin on August 15 failed to make any breakthrough on a ceasefire.

After Sunday’s attack on Kyiv, flames could be seen rising from the roof of the sprawling government complex that houses Ukraine’s cabinet of ministers in the heart of the city -- the first time it has been hit during the three-and-a-halfyear conflict. Drone strikes also damaged several high-rise buildings in the Ukrainian capital, according to emergency services. AFP

WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump said Sunday (Monday Manila time) he was issuing a “last warning” to Hamas, saying the Palestinian militant group must accept a deal to release hostages in Gaza.

“The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning,” Trump said on social media, without elaborating further.

In a statement released shortly after, Hamas said it was ready to “immediately sit at the negotiating table” following what it described as “some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement.”

US news outlet Axios reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff sent a new proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal to Hamas last week.

The White House has not released any details about the proposal but late Sunday Trump said “you’ll be hearing about it pretty soon,” as he portrayed the negotiations in a positive light.

“We had some very good discussions. Good things could happen,” he told reporters. “I think we’re going to have a deal on Gaza very soon.”

In early March, Trump issued a similar ultimatum to Hamas, demanding it free all remaining hostages immediately and

Israel hits new Gaza high-rise as troops push major offensive

GAZA CITY – Israel’s army said it bombed a Gaza City residential tower Sunday after issuing evacuation orders, just hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military was “deepening” its assault on the Gaza Strip’s key urban center.

Israel has not publicly announced the start of a major offensive to seize the city, which Netanyahu’s cabinet approved last month, but the military has intensified bombings and operations in the area for weeks, in a bid to step up pressure on the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

“The IDF (Israeli military) struck a high-rise building that was used by the Hamas terrorist organization in the area of Gaza City,” the military said in a statement referring to Al-Roya Tower, saying it had been used “to monitor the location of... troops in the area”.

Hamas has denied using residential buildings for military purposes.

The high-rise was the third such residential tower to be struck in as many days.

The strike on Al-Roya Tower left one person dead, the Al-Quds hospital said in a statement.

The Israeli army had issued two evacuation orders for Al-Roya, urging residents of the complex and the surrounding area to move south toward the Al-Mawasi “humanigtarian zone” in Khan Yunis.

The strike on the tower came hours after Netanyahu told the Israeli cabinet that the military had intensified its offensive in Gaza City.

“We are deepening the maneuver on the outskirts of Gaza City and within Gaza City itself,” Netanyuahu said at the start of Sunday’s cabinet meeting.

“We are destroying terrorist infrastructure, we are demolishing identified terror towers.”

On Friday and Saturday, the air force had leveled two other residential high-rises under the same claim that Hamas had used them as observation points. AFP

turn over bodies of dead hostages, saying if not, “it is OVER for you.” Israeli campaign group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the US president’s latest intervention as a “true breakthrough.”

Hamas militants seized 251 hostages during the massive Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, with 47 still believed to be in Gaza. The Israeli military says 25 of them are dead. Israel is seeking the return of their remains.

The Oct. 7, 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly

IN BRIEF

ICC to hear Kony’s war crimes charges

THE HAGUE – The International Criminal Court will from Tuesday hear war crimes charges against fugitive Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony, accused of spearheading a brutal reign of terror that killed tens of thousands.

Judges will hear 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Kony, including murder, torture, rape, sexual slavery and pillaging at the ICC’s first-ever in absentia hearing.

A former Catholic altar boy and selfstyled prophet, Kony founded and led Uganda’s most vicious rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), in the 1980s.

The LRA rebellion against President Yoweri Museveni saw at least 100,000 killed, according to UN estimates, and 60,000 children abducted in a campaign that spread to several neighboring countries.

Kony’s stated aim was to establish a nation based on the Bible’s 10 commandments but those who escaped told harrowing tales of the group’s brutality. AFP

‘Mushroom murderer’ handed life in prison

MELBOURNE – An Australian woman who murdered three people with toxic mushrooms was sentenced on Monday to life in prison with parole after 33 years, capping a trial that sparked a global media frenzy.

Patterson, 50, was convicted in July of triple murder for serving a poisonous meal to her estranged husband’s parents, aunt and uncle during a sumptuous beef Wellington lunch at her home in 2023. Her trial drew podcasters, film crews and true crime fans to a courthouse in the rural town of Morwell, a sedate hamlet in Victoria better known for its prize-winning roses. Audiences from New York to New Delhi followed every twist of what many now simply call the “mushroom murders.” The motive of the murders remains a mystery.

powerhouse.

A deflated-sounding Milei admitted to unspecified “mistakes” which he vowed to “correct” but said he would not be swayed “one millimeter” from his reform agenda. “We will deepen and accelerate it,” he said at a muted election night event in the resort of Mar del Plata, where he took the stage in silence, in marked contrast to his usual dramatic entrance to rock music. AFP

Aussies score ‘4-peat’ at FIBA U16 Asia Cup

ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - Australia completed its quest for unprecedented history by ruling the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 following an 85-58 conquest of China in the Final, Sunday at the MBank Arena.

The Crocs took control in the third canto after narrowly leading at halftime, and then broke away come the final canto with a 30-point eruption to annex the first-ever ‘four-peat’ of the biennial continental meet.

In winning their fourth consecutive gold medal in as many campaigns, Australia have also become the contest’s most successful team, breaking a tie with, coincidentally, Team Dragon for the most number of championships.

Team Australia have also extended

their unbeaten run in the tilt to 23 games.

Luke Roland Paul starred in the victory with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, falling just short of a rare tripledouble performance on his way to winning Tournament Most Valuable Player honors.

Will Hamilton finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Henry Browne made 14 points and 8 rebounds as well, while Lucas Byrne added 11 points and 7 rebounds as four players finished in double figures in the win.

Zhang Yizhaojie, on the other hand,

paced China with 13 points in the loss, settling for a silver medal for the second time as the three-time titilists once again fell to Australia in the finale similar to 2017 in Foshan.

Meanwhile, New Zealand copped bronze after escaping Japan, 93-92, in a thrilling Third-Place Game.

Marco Sula starred for the Junior Tall Blacks, nailing the eventual game-winner off a baseline drive with 1.6 seconds left as they went on to win the said medal for the third time since joining the event in 2017.

Tawhiri Cate top-scored for New Zealand with 17 points and 7 assists. Lawson Pryor made 12 points while Liam Keogh and Zach Rampton added 10 points apiece as all their efforts were preserved by Sula.

FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 final standings: 1. Australia; 2. China; 3.

New Zealand; 4. Japan Luke Paul bags home MVP honors, headline All-Star Five Luke Paul reaped the benefits of his efforts after bagging home Tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025, Sunday night at the MBank Arena. The 1.90 M (6’2”) guard was bestowed with the competition’s highest individual honor after helping Australia complete their quest toward a historic ‘four-peat’ with an 85-58 beatdown of China in the Final. He finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists in the title bout as his all-around showing enabled the Crocs to win the gold medal for the fourth time, breaking a tie with the Chinese for the most number of crowns.

Smart ignites Cebuano sports legacy as CESAFI turns 25

THE Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) turns 25 this year, and mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is proudly celebrating over a decade of unwavering support for the region’s premier collegiate sports league.

This season, CESAFI is going digital. Fans can catch all the action—from basketball and volleyball to esports—streamed live on PusoP.com, the Smarts Sports community platform, bringing the excitement of Cebu’s collegiate leagues to their mobile and computer screens nationwide.

“Smart’s longstanding partnership with CESAFI is rooted in our belief that sports is a powerful tool for nation building,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart. “By investing in grassroots programs, we are not just developing athletes, we are empowering the youth, building character, and strengthening communities.”

CESAFI’s silver anniversary is more than a milestone—it’s a celebration of resilience, talent, and the power of collaboration. With Smart’s continued support, the league remains a stable and inspiring platform for young athletes chasing their dreams.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Smart for your unwavering support of the CESAFi Athletic League for more than a decade. Your commitment has not only strengthened our athletic programs but has also inspired countless student-athletes to pur-

CESAFI officials during the league’s launch sue excellence both on and off the playing field. With your partnership, CESAFi continues to be a platform that nurtures talent, builds character, and unites communities through sports,” said Commissioner Felix O. Tiukinhoy, Jr. Since 2013, Smart has been CESAFI’s exclusive telco partner, helping fuel a grassroots movement that

has shaped the careers of some of the country’s biggest basketball stars. From Gilas Pilipinas’ June Mar Fajardo to other basketball household names like Greg Slaughter, JR Quiñahan, Quinton Brian Heruela, and Macmac Tallo—CESAFI has been the launchpad for Cebuano excellence in the national sports scene. For more information, visit PusoP.com.

Undefeated Morally eyes triple feat at MMTCI’s Prince & Kings Gold Cup

METRO Manila Turf Club, Inc. announces the final entries and full purse details for the highly anticipated 3rd leg of the Prince and Kings Gold Cup, set for September 14 (Sunday). With a total purse package of P17 million, the event promises worldclass competition, high-stakes drama, and renewed momentum for the Philippine horseracing industry.

The spotlight will be on the undefeated Morally (Mo Tow-Street Rally by Hard Spun) , twice champion in two legs of the three-year-old Prince Cup series, and ridden by Jockey MA Morales as he attempts to close out the series in the final stage. He will face a strong field at the new 1600 meter distance other imported contenders Anytime Anywhere, Aussie Bound, Calculus, Candy and Wine, Gain, Rumored, and Tiz the Moon.

On the other hand, The Kings Gold Cup lineup, also to be ran in 1600 me-

Narciso Morales

ters , also reads like a who’s who of top runners: 2ND leg winner Varatti (Into Mischief-Artemis-Empire Maker) mounted by Jockey JT Zarate faces first leg winner Sherbet Fountain (Twirling Candy-Church Camp by

Forest Camp) ,comebacking Andiamo A Firenze (Speightswown -My Every Wish by Langfuhr) , also Perfect Delight, Counter Attack, Crusading Manila Bay, Dreaming Always, and newcomer Romantic Story all primed for a fierce battle for glory.

MMTCI has committed a purse breakdown and special races a total of P17 million for the event: P7 million for the Prince Gold Cup and P7 million for the Kings Gold Cup (P14 million total), plus P3 million allocated to the two Dr. Norberto Quisumbing Jr. Memorial Stakes (Races 1 and 2). Each race in the series carries a guaranteed minimum purse of P400,000. These purses underscore MMTCI’s commitment to elevating competition and providing meaningful rewards for owners, trainers, and jockeys.

A boost for the industry and the economy The Prince and Kings Gold Cup was conceived by MMTCI Chair-

Red-hot Jahns seeks 3-peat at tricky Marapara

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL—Stop

Keanu Jahns.

That’s the rallying cry of the 68 other pros as the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic blasts off today (Tuesday, Sept. 9) at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club here. With back-toback four-shot victories in the Philippine Golf Tour, the Fil-German has gone beyond simply making an impression – he has established a reign of dominance.

And with his game peaking at just the right time, the rest of the field may once again find themselves scrambling for runner-up finish.

Yet, while Jahns has looked nearly invincible, the tour now arrives on a course that may just prove to be the ultimate test. Known more widely as Marapara, the par-70 layout is equal parts charming and treacherous. It offers a masterclass in deception, with tight doglegs and greens tucked behind natural defenses that demand meticulous course management. It’s a layout that won’t simply reward brute force – it punishes it. And that’s where the narrative could shift. But Jahns is riding high on confidence.

“With the way I’m playing, I’m very confident with my game,” said Jahns. But even the 29-year-old knows the dangers of overconfidence on a track like Marapara.

“I hope I could do it again,” he added with a cautious tone, acknowledging the unpredictability the course – and the competition – could bring.

McIlroy wins Irish Open for 1st first title since Masters

DUBLIN —Rory McIlroy said he was enjoying a “pretty cool year” after he won the Irish Open in a thrilling playoff against Joakim Lagergren on Sunday for his first tournament triumph since his Masters success in April. World number two McIlroy had to eagle the 72nd hole just to force a playoff after Lagergren’s own remarkable eagle at the 16th at the K Club near Dublin. After the first two additional holes were tied in birdie fours, Sweden’s Lagergren found the water third time around to allow McIlroy to win with two putts.

Victory gave Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, four shots off the lead heading into the last round, his second Irish Open title, nine years after his first. The 36-year-old became just the sixth man to complete a career Grand Slam of major titles following his Masters triumph at Augusta National.

man and CEO Atty. Narciso O. Morales to rekindle public interest and stimulate growth in the horseracing sector after the prolonged disruption of the global pandemic. The series has played a key role in sustaining jobs across the industry and allied businesses, including feed manufacturers, farm suppliers, and other agricultural suppliers, while also contributing significant tax revenue.

Chairman Morales has been actively cultivating innovative international partnerships in Europe, Japan, Korea, and China to showcase Philippine racing abroad and explore export opportunities. Inspired by global racing hubs, the MMTCI aims to elevate local racing standards and bring more international attention to the country’s racing events patterned after Las Vegas style of horseracing where all international races are being merged into a single venue.

McIlroy is warming up for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black later this month, when he will be leading Europe’s defence of the trophy they won against the United States in Rome two years ago.

“To do what I did earlier in the year and then to come home and win my national Open, no matter what happens for the rest of the year, that’s a pretty cool year -– 2025’s going to be one of the best, if not the best, of my career,” said McIlroy.

“But we’re not finished yet, I’ve got a big week next week at Wentworth (BMW PGA Championship) and then obviously everybody’s looking forward to the Ryder Cup.” McIlroy, who also triumphed in this event at the same venue in 2016, added: “I just feel so lucky that I get to do this in front of these people.

“The support has been amazing all week. So happy I could play the way I did this week and get the win.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Alcaraz says completing career Slam his ‘1st goal’

NEW YORK—Carlos Alcaraz says winning next year’s Australian Open to seal a career Grand Slam is his main objective after securing a sixth major title in New York on Sunday. Alcaraz beat chief rival Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to claim his second US Open crown and would become the youngest man to win all four majors if he lifts the trophy in Melbourne next January.

“It’s my first goal, to be honest,” said the 22-year-old Alcaraz, who has not made it past the quarter-finals in four trips to Australia.

“When I just go to the preseasons to what I want to improve, what I want to achieve, Australian Open is there.

“It’s the first or second tournament of the year, and it is always the main goal for me to complete a career Grand Slam, calendar Grand Slam. So it’s going to be great.”

Alcaraz’s compatriot Rafael Nadal holds the record as the youngest man to win all four majors. He achieved the feat at the age of 24 in 2010 when he won the first of his four US Open titles.

“Obviously I’m going to try to do it next year, but if it is not next year, hopefully in two and three and four. So I will try to complete it,” said Alcaraz.

He will reclaim the world number one ranking from Sinner on Monday, returning to the top of the men’s game for the first time since September 2023.

“When you achieve the goals you set up yourself at the beginning of the year, it feels amazing,” said Alcaraz.

“Since I got the chance to recover the number one, it was one of the first goals that I had during the seasons, just to try to recover the number one as soon as possible or end the year as the number one.

“For me, to achieve that once again, it is, as I said, it is a dream. Doing it the same day as getting another Grand Slam feels even better.”

PSA Forum to discuss FIBA World Cup, SEAG

BASKETBALL holds court in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum this Tuesday (Sept. 9) as the weekly session resumes at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy leads the special guest in the 10:30 a.m. public sports program as she talks about the compact schedule of the federation in the final quarter of the year, including preparations for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

Gilas Pilipinas men’s team coach to the SEA Games Norman Black has also been invited to the session.

The first part of the Forum meanwhile, will have Ian Navarroza of Fiberkinetics discussing about how proper courts reduce injuries among basketball players.

The program is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/ PhilippineSportswritersAssociation, and presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app Arena Plus.

Long-time PSA partner Rady Pilipinas 2 also airs the session on a delayed basis, and shares it on its official Facebook page Radyo Pilipinas 2 sports. Meanwhile, the Forum takes a two-week break on Sept. 16 and 23 to give way to the country’s hosting of the FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship.

Grind continues for 3rd seed

Eala at 2025 Sao Paolo Open

By Peter Atencio

MULTI-TITLED French netter Yasmine Mansouri will be the next opponent of Alexandra Eala when the Fiilipina tennis superstar returns to action in this week in the women’s singles action of the 2025 Sao Paolo Open Tennis Championships in Brazil.

The 20-year-old Eala, who is seeded third, is coming off a 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 edging of Hungary’s Panna Udvardy to claim her first ever women’s singles Women’s Tennis Association crown in the Guadalajara Open 125 early Sunday morning.

Eala’s historic first-ever pro title gave her the $15,500 top purse, which is roughly P878,803.44.

The 125 points Eala earned saw her live WTA rankings jumping to no. 61, overtaking Cristina Bucsa by a point.

The 24-year-old Mansouri, who has a career-high singles’ ranking by the WTA of 314, is currently ranked at no. 377.

Her recent stint at a WTT50 event in Leira, Portugal saw Mansouri lose in the Round of 16 to Linda Fruhvirtova, 3-6, 5-7.

Mansouri has the experience of having won five singles’ crowns and 14

doubles championships in the International Tennis Federation Circuit.

Sao Paolo last hosted a WTA event in 2000, when it was still a tier IV claycourt event called the Brasil Open.

Now called the SP Open, the tournament played on hard courts and is a WTA 250 event, will help Eala in shape as she seeks a crack at another finals’ appearance.

The last time the Sao Paolo Open was held 25 years ago, Hungarian Rita Kuti Kis defeated Argentinian Paola Suarez in the final.

As the tournament’s top seed, world’s no. 21 Beatriz Haddad Maia leads the 32-player singles’ field and will be joined by another top player, American Hailey Baptiste, the second seed, who is at no. 51.

Mexico’s Renata Zarazua and Argentina’s Solana Sierra are among the dangerous player in the mix.

All systems go for Alas PH in FIVB Worlds

IT’S all systems go for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships firing off on September 12 to 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We are ready to make history,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation Ramon “Tats” Suzara during the team’s media day at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila.

Symbolic of the Alas’ quest for glory and history, the entire national team players and coaches looked back first to their roots for some sort of motivation at the National Museum with four days to go before duking it out against the world volleyball titans in the country’s monumental hosting of the 32-team spectacle for the first time ever.

What started it all for the Philippines’ rich culture and history are displayed at the National Museum of National History. Beginning on Friday against an 11-time African champion, Alas will shoot for glory, with more than 10,000 fans expected to be witnesses.

“We are days away from history. Let’s make this happen and show the world that the Filipinos are

one of the best fans in the world,” added Suzara, who also serves as president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and executive vice president of the FIVB.

Suzara also heads the world championship’s Local Organizing Committee, co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, explaining Alas’ first pre-event for the world stage was a visit at the National Museum.

Alas, led by team captain Bryan Bagunas and veteran ace Marck Espejo, roamed around the museum for over an hour to take a trip down memory lane in 12 permanent galleries that exhibit the rich biological and geological diversity of the Philippines. And for the Filipino spikers, to be mentored by Italian champion coach Angiolino Frigoni, it’s more than enough of a fuel to shoot for glory against all odds in Pool A versus No. 13 Iran, African champion and No. 23 Egypt as well as No. 42 Tunisia.

Too close to call as LPGT Negros Classic unfolds

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL—With a talent-laden field raring to go, the ICTSI Negros Occidental Golf Challenge unfolds here today (Tuesday, Sept. 9), promising a fiercely contested battle from the get-go as the country’s finest women pros jostle for early momentum in the P1 million championship.

But stepping onto the fairways of the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club – more popularly known as Marapara – will be no easy task. The course’s winding fairways, tight landing spots and ever-changing wind patterns are expected to play a pivotal role in what shapes up to be a tournament too close to call.

On this demanding par-70 layout, suc-

cess won’t just come down to length off the tee or accuracy on the greens. Strategic precision, mental toughness, course management – and even a touch of luck – may ultimately decide who lifts the trophy after three grinding rounds. With a field stacked with champions, rising stars and consistent contenders, the outcome could very well turn on a single hole – or even a single shot.

Pauline del Rosario, fresh off a confidence-boosting win in Bacolod last Thursday, enters the tournament as the marked player. Her dramatic final-round 66 at Binitin to edge out Seo Yun Kim by one stroke underscored her readiness to contend. But repeating the feat in this

deeper, more competitive field will be a formidable task.

Del Rosario knows it. And so does everyone else.

As the sixth leg of this year’s Ladies Philippine Golf Tour gets underway, every stroke carries weight, and every decision could tilt the balance. Among those eager to challenge her are Princess Superal and Chanelle Avaricio, both accomplished, tour-hardened players out to reassert their place at the top. Superal returns in fighting form after winning in sudden death over Sarah Ababa at Caliraya Springs last month. She is keen to build on her comeback and add another title to her growing résumé.

Corruption weighs on business confidence in PH—CEO survey

By Othel V. Campos

‘Very confident’ CEOs in 2025

THE confidence of Philippines-based chief executive officers (CEOs) in their industries’ growth prospects waned in the first half of 2025 as corruption and infrastructure bottlenecks weighed on business sentiment, according to a survey released Monday.

‘Very confident CEOs in 2024

‘Not

The Philippine CEO Survey 2025, conducted by Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines in collaboration with the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), found a drop in optimism among business leaders.

The share of CEOs who described themselves as “very confident” fell to 31 percent from 36 percent in 2024. Those who were “somewhat confident” rose to 52 percent from 49 percent, while those “not very confident” or “not

very confident CEOs in 2025

DOT contests report on lowest ROI in ASEAN

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) has disputed a policy report that claimed the country had the lowest return on tourism investment in Southeast Asia.

The report “relies on flawed methodology, questionable data, and misleading presentation that distort tourism’s true contribution to our economy and communities,” the DOT said in a statement on its Facebook page.

It called the report’s main finding, which used a “Return on Tourism Impact (RoTI)” metric, speculative and not recognized by multilateral bodies like UN Tourism, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) or the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The department provided its own data to counter the report. It said tourism accounted for 8.9 percent of the Philippine economy in 2024, with a direct gross value added of P2.35 trillion, an 11.2-percent increase from 2023.

Inbound international tourism revenue reached a record P699.98 billion in 2024, surpassing prepandemic levels. Combined domestic and foreign tourism expenditure hit a historic high of P3.86 trillion, it said.

The DOTs aid the sector sustained 6.75 million direct jobs in 2024 and an additional 16 million indirect jobs.

Public and private sector investments in tourism were estimated at P590 billion in 2024.

The DOT also pointed out flaws in the report’s methodology, saying it compared multi-year investment figures with a single-year revenue estimate, which “produces meaningless ratios and misleading conclusions.” It also questioned the report’s claim that the Duterte and Marcos administrations allocated about $23 billion over several years to tourism infrastructure and promotional programs, asking for the source of the data.

confident at all” increased to 17 percent from 13 percent.

“The survey shows that overall confidence is still high at 83 percent, but the drop in those who are ‘very confident’ to 31 percent indicates caution,” said PwC Philippines managing partner Mary Jade RoxasDivinagracia said in a briefing.

CEOs expressed particular frustration with the fight against corruption, with only 9 percent of

respondents saying it was being handled well, a decline from 10 percent in 2024. Corruption has consistently been cited as a barrier to growth, undermining investor confidence and slowing reforms.

CEOs continued to credit the government for its infrastructure efforts. Sixty-nine percent of respondents said the government was performing well in this area, although the rating slipped from 74 percent last year.

Infrastructure also ranked as the top growth driver for the Philippine economy in 2025, cited by 65 percent of CEOs.

“It is telling that while nearly seven in 10 CEOs recognize the government’s efforts in infrastructure, only one in 10 believes enough is being done to fight corruption,” said Roderick Danao, PwC Philippines chairman.

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said Monday it teamed up with Citibank N.A. Philippine branch to attract more investments and boost economic zone growth.

PEZA teams up with Citibank to boost investments in economic zones

Panga said the partnership with Citibank’s “global reach and financial expertise” would help “position the Philippines as a rising economic powerhouse in Asia.”

As an investment promotion

PPA terminates Zamboanga port contract over delays, design issues

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said Monday it terminated its contract with the builder of the Zamboanga Port Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) over repeated delays and a design that no longer meets current needs.

PPA assistant general manager for engineering James Gantalao said the decision followed public inquiries and social media posts from individuals seeking transparency on the project.

“Unfortunately, we had to terminate the contract because what we envisioned back in 2021 when the project was started no longer met current operational requirements,” Gantalao said in a statement.

PEZA director-general Tereso Panga and Citibank Philippines chief executive Paul Favila signed a memorandum of understanding on Sept. 3 at the PEZA head office in Pasay City.

the project, calling the Zamboanga Port “one of the busiest and most strategic gateways in Mindanao.”

The project faced unavoidable delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused spikes in material prices and difficulties in mobilizing workers. The PPA said despite these issues, the contractor continued work at a slow pace, leading the PPA to issue formal notices and warnings to expedite the project.

The Zamboanga Port is a major hub for passenger and cargo traffic serving the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and neighboring ASEAN countries.

The PTB was originally designed to handle 3,500 passengers at any given time, making it one of the largest and most modern terminal buildings in Mindanao. 31%

He cited inclement weather, locationspecific challenges and evolving design considerations as reasons for halting

partner, Citibank will promote the Philippines as a priority investment destination and encourage its global network to explore opportunities in the country’s economic zones.

Favila said the bank looks forward to “supporting PEZA in driving more sustainable investments, creating

jobs, and advancing innovation across the country’s economic zones.” PEZA earlier reported that it approved P105. 83 billion worth of investments in the first eight months of 2025, up 71.54 percent from P61. 69 billion in the same period in 2024, with P14. 872 billion registered in August. Othel V. Campos

Recto

authorizes SSS to implement pension hike, modernize services

FINANCE Secretary Ralph Recto, who also chairs the Social Security Commission (SSC), has directed the Social Security System (SSS) to implement a pension increase and issue new benefit cards.

“These programs are proof of true public service:

SM Prime prepares for US dollar bond offering

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) signaled plans for a possible issuance of US dollar-denominated senior notes after mandating several banks to hold a series of investor calls in Asia and Europe starting Sept. 8, 2025.

The

J.P. Morgan, Standard Chartered Bank and UBS as joint lead managers and joint bookrunners, with BDO Capital and Chinabank Capital as joint domestic managers, SMPH said in a stock exchange disclosure Monday.

“A USD-denominated benchmarksized Regulation S offering of fiveyear senior notes by SMPHI SG Holdings Pte. Ltd. guaranteed by SMPH may follow, subject to market conditions,” the company said.

The offering will be issued under SMPH’s $3-billion Euro Medium Term Note program.

Last year, SMPH’s parent company SM Investments Corp. returned to the offshore bond market with a $500-million five-year US dollar-denominated bond issuance.

DBM’s role and structure need re-examination

Like it or not, DBM has to be the guardrail for the honest use of funds allocated for large projects – especially public works projects – included in the NEP.

OVER the years, I have watched with increasing dismay and frustration as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) – the Budget Commission in times past –figured in major scandals involving the Executive Department and Congress.

The most notorious of those scandals have been the Priority Development Assistant Fund (PDAF) kickback payments to certain Senators and Representatives – the transactions arranged by Janet Lim-Napoles – and the unlawful transfer to DBM of P42 billion worth of funds allocated to the Department of Health. And there have been other less celebrated scandals involving the DBM. Currently, DBM is once again in the limelight on account of the what is more appropriately called the uncontrolled-flooding mess. The explanation for this, of course, is the fact that DBM was, as mandated by law, the source of the payments made to the erring contractors. All the entities that contracted with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the delivery of completed flood control projects were paid with checks bearing the signature of Secretary of Budget and Management Amenah Pangandaman. Secretary Pangandaman was invited by, and has appeared before, Congressional committees to provide information on DBM’s role in the process of governmental procurement of flood control services from private contractors. The DBM head’s testimony was totally unsatisfactory. In essence, Secretary Pangandaman said that DBM was totally free of blame for by far the worst scandal in the history of the Philippine government.

Secretary Pangandaman told the members of the Senate and House of Representatives committee (1) that it is not the DBM’s statutory obligation to review documents supporting private contractors’ requests for payment (“That’s not our job”, Secretary Pangandaman said”), (2) that DBM lacks the physical capability to go over the thousands of projects listed in the 700 pages of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) and (3) that DBM considers its job done when it releases the contract prices to the contractors.

The DBM head’s position on the role and responsibility of her department may be summed up as follows: DBM is simply a releaser of payments to claimants who are able to support their claims for payment with complete supporting documents. It is no concern of DBM that a contractor is awarded billions of pesos’ worth of government contracts on a meager capital base, or that the same names keep appearing in lists of winning bidders have more or less identical boards of directors or that payments are made to contracts undertaking projects in provinces and cities that don’t need them. Once we have processed the claim documents and released the payments, our job is done.

This view of the role of DBM in the economic scheme of things is wrong and unacceptable. If it is not corrected, the word ‘Management’ might as well be dropped and DBM might as well be renamed, simply, Department of the Budget. After all, Secretary Pangandaman appears to not regard the national budget as something that needs to be managed.

Like it or not, DBM has to be the guardrail for the honest use of funds allocated for large projects – especially public works projects – included in the NEP. There is no other government institution that can be expected to act as a guardrail. The insertion into the NEP of flawed and ghost projects by certain. Representatives and Senators and their doubling as contractors is the source of the problem. Nor, because what it conducts are after-the-event audits, can the Commission on Audit (COA) be expected to be a guardrail.

Secretary Pangandaman says that DBM cannot be expected to check on the integrity of the contractors and the uncorruptness of their project proposals because the NEP has too many pages and contains too many proposals. But the job has to be done if the misexpenditures of many more billions of Taxpayers’ money is to be avoided in the coming days.

I have unsolicited advice for the DBM head. Restructure your department so that there will be a division or section in DBMcall it the Budget Review Section - whose specific assignment will be to go over the projects for which payments are being prepared.

And get help from outside DBM, especially from the private accounting professions. You will need an additional appropriation for this. Add that amount to your department’s annual budget request. Whatever that additional amount will surely be minuscule in comparison with the billions of taxpayers’ money lost to contractors who fool the Filipino people with sub standardly implemented or non-existent projects.

Secretary Pangandaman, you cannot just throw your hands up in the air and say that DBM cannot do the job of reviewing projects. That is unacceptable. In sum, the role, authority and structure of DBM needs re-examination.

(llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

The offering was the largest offshore bond transaction by a Philippine company since 2014.

SMPH last week reported plans to spend P150 billion to build 12 new malls and redevelop 16 existing malls. The company, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, is opening a new mall in La Union in October 2025 and another in Zamboanga City in March 2026.

Other projects include SM Sta. Rosa (Yulo) in Nuvali (2026), Harrison Plaza in Manila (2027), SM Malolos in Bulacan (2028), Cavite

(2029) and Pasay (2030). The property firm is also expanding its residential business as it is finalizing plans to launch luxury residential projects next year.

SMPH is also slated to complete the land development of the 360-hectare Pasay reclamation project. The project will be the company’s flagship integrated property development. Major components within the Pasay reclamation project include hospitals, residential areas, schools, universities and a museum.

Local stocks fall amid rising fuel prices, Russia-Ukraine tensions

LOCAL stocks opened the week with losses, driven by rising global fuel prices and increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index closed at 6,101.86, a drop of 47.27 points or 0.77 percent. The broader all-shares index ended at 3,682.78, down 9.93 points or 0.27 percent. The peso, however, closed stronger against the U.S. dollar, ending Monday at 56.69 from Friday’s close of 56.915.

Analysts said investors are worried that rising fuel costs could push inflation higher. Renewed tension between Russia and Ukraine is also a concern after President Donald Trump threatened new sanctions against Russia.

Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said ongoing issues with current follow control are also weighing on market sentiment.

“Despite mild pullback, sentiment remains constructive with optimism still present heading into the new week with attentions turning to U.S. Producer Price Index and inflation figures due in the coming days,” Limlingan said. Sectoral indices were mixed, with financials, holding firms, services and property sectors all declining. In contrast, the industrial sector rose 0.95 percent and mining and oil was up 0.78 percent. Value turnover reached P5.21 billion.

Market breadth was negative, as decliners outnumbered gainers 107 to 87, with 52 stocks unchanged. Foreign investors were net sellers, with outflows of P340.80 million. Semirara Mining and Power Corp. was the top gainer of

of Petition for Voluntary Revocation of Registration of Shares

IX. Shortening of Corporate Term

X. Appointment of External Auditor for 2026

XI. Other Matters

XII. Adjournment

Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 04 August 2025 and whose status as stockholders

SAFRAN

PARTNER.

INAEC Aviation Corp.

mechanic Engracio

Fabre III works on a Safran Arriel 1E2 helicopterengine.

Safran Helicopter Engines, a subsidiary of Paris-based Safran Group, appointed INAEC Aviation Corp. as its network partner. This authorizes INAEC to provide engine maintenance support for the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police.

Safran Helicopter Engines, formerly known as Turbomeca, is a leading global manufacturer of helicopter engines.

AboitizPower, Japan’s JERA launch PH training hub

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MALVAR, Batangas—Aboitiz Power Corp. and Japanese firm JERA Co. Inc. on Monday launched a new training facility to develope technical talent for the power generation industry.

The Global Technical Center of Excellence (GTCOE) at the LIMA Commercial Center, LIMA Estate in Batangas will serve as a hub for training a “competent workforce” in a “rapidly evolving sector,” said Celso Caballero III, president and chief operating officer of AboitizPower’s Transition Business Group.

“The GTCOE is a platform where technical expertise meets with leader-

ship, adaptability, safety, and global readiness,” Caballero said.

“It is designed to foster a community of technical leaders, lifelong learners, and collaborators,” he said.

AboitizPower and JERA’s partnership began in December 2021 when JERA, Japan’s largest power generator, acquired a roughly 27-percent equity stake in AboitizPower through its subsidiary, JERA Asia.

The collaboration expanded in July 2023 with a talent exchange program that deployed engineers to each other’s power plants to enhance technical expertise in operations and maintenance (O&M). The new center builds on these efforts, further strengthening

Maynilad taps MPower to energize Poblacion water plant, other facilities

By Othel V. Campos

W EST zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services said Monday it signed a new supply agreement with MPower, the retail electricity arm of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), to energize its Poblacion Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Muntinlupa City and 54 other facilities.

The partnership is part of Maynilad’s push to enhance energy efficiency and transition toward cleaner power sources, the company said in a statement.

“These initiatives form part of our broader strategy to optimize energy consumption while reducing our overall environmental footprint,” said Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez. Under the deal, the newly-built Poblacion WTP is now enrolled in the Retail Electricity Supply (RES)

program. MPower will provide an energy mix of 90-percent nonrenewable and 10-percent renewable power. MPower will also support Maynilad in managing the plant’s energy use in preparation for a higher renewable share in the future.

Some 54 Maynilad facilities, including pump stations, reservoirs and wastewater treatment plants, have joined MPower’s Retail Aggregation Program (RAP).

RAP allows for bulk electricity purchases and consolidated accounts for greater operational efficiency.

Maynilad said it is pursuing a comprehensive strategy that includes shifting to renewable energy sources and creating a carbon sink in line with its goal of carbon neutrality by 2037.

The company aims to have a clean energy share of 15 percent by March 2025, with a long-term goal of 35 percent to 50 percent by 2037.

the companies’ goal of developing a talent pipeline for the energy industry.

Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo said the GTCOE “reflects the spirit of Japan-Philippines bilateral cooperation” and is a “powerful symbol” of the two countries’ commitment to investing in people.

The center will provide O&M education and hands-on training at two AboitizPower-affiliated facilities: GNPower Mariveles Energy Center and GNPower Dinginin. Once fully operational, the GTCOE also plans to partner with academic institutions, industry groups, government, and international organizations.

RCBC Leasing and Finance Corp. (RLFC) said Monday it plans a nationwide expansion after a 30-percent equity investment from Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company Limited (SMFL).

RLFC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), signed an agreement with SMFL on Aug. 18 for the investment.

SMFL is one of Japan’s largest leasing and financing firms with a presence across Asia, Europe and the United States.

RLFC president and chief executive Jayson Mendoza said the new capital would support growth in priority sectors like manufacturing, construction, information technology, renewable energy and healthcare. These sectors are expected to drive the company’s expansion over the next three to five years.

“The 30-percent investment... will strengthen our financial standing,” Mendoza said.

“It will enable us to expand into new territories, solidify our presence in newly established mar-

as they open their doors and space for a night of music and advocacy of awareness for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Frontline staff members will engage and participate in an orientation and training to learn about disability, best practices in communication and have an open and candid conversation about personal and professional experiences.

Unlocking Intra-Asia and Europe trade opportunities for Filipino businesses

By Maribeth Espinosa

THE global trade landscape is undergoing rapid and profound change. For many businesses, navigating this environment can feel increasingly uncertain. A recent report highlights that business leaders find today’s trade conditions to be the most uncertain they have ever experienced. For Filipino exporters, however, this opens new doors as new markets become more accessible through trade cooperation. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are a powerful lever for Filipino exporters seeking to gain competitive advantage. These agreements not only reduce complexity and enhance operational efficiency but also unlock access to broader regional and global markets. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) , for example, connects ASEAN countries with major economies such as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand—simplifying entry and lowering trade barriers across a vast network of markets. Meanwhile, the European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (EU GSP+) allows the Philippines to export thousands of product categories to EU countries at zero tariff. These agreements empower businesses to diversify, scale, and compete more effectively in today’s fast-moving trade environment.

Market demands

However, market access alone is insufficient without a clear, strategic roadmap. While FTAs streamline entry, Filipino exporters must also understand the specific preferences and values of each target region. Europe, for instance, continues to demand sustainably made goods, such as coconut-based products, fashion items, and organic food ingredients. IntraAsia trade , on the other hand, supports the rapid movement of electronics, garments, packaging materials, and personal care products.

By

and precision.

Trade enabler

At FedEx, we recognize that expanding internationally often means navigating complex customs regulations and compliance requirements—challenges that can overwhelm many SMEs. This is where our expertise and technology make a difference.

Through our combination of deep local knowledge and a robust international network, FedEx helps businesses overcome these barriers by ensuring compliance and streamlining trade processes. Our digital innovations—such as AI-assisted Harmonized System (HS) code classification and electronic document submission—minimize delays, reduce costs, and enable smooth customs clearance.

SME success

ANTHILL Fabric Gallery is a social enterprise dedicated to preserving Filipino weaving traditions and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Partnering with local artisans, ANTHILL produces ethically crafted textiles and fashion that are now reaching customers worldwide.

With FedEx’s consolidated international shipments and customs support, ANTHILL has expanded into the U.S., Japan, Hong Kong, and key European markets. As founder Anya Lim notes, “FedEx provided tremendous support for our global expansion. We crunched the numbers and found that clients pay less on shipping, without impacting our bottom line.”

This story is one of many showcasing how the right logistics and digital solutions provider, alongside the advantages of trade preferences like the EU GSP+, can empower Filipino businesses to access new markets and grow in a steady, responsible way.

Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot, the world’s largest producer of hybrid dragon fruit, cultivates over 200 unique varieties using an innovative trellis system.

This family-run farm exports to over 80 countries. FedEx’s reliable global freight network and tailored temperature-controlled solutions ensure the safe delivery of these delicate, perishable products, enabling Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot to thrive internationally while supporting local farmers through free training programs.

Bambike Revolution Cycles is a socio-ecological enterprise that builds handmade bamboo bikes and operates eco-friendly bike tours in Intramuros, a historic walled city inside Manila.

For businesses shipping bulky, custom-made products, a seamless logistics solution is essential for global expansion. FedEx provides Bambike with the reliable international shipping and digital tools, like the FedEx Delivery Manager, needed to reach customers in various countries. Founder Bryan Benitez McClelland shares that this partnership allows Bambike to send products out with trust and confidence. Confident growth

The global trade landscape will continue to evolve, shaped by new economic partnerships, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. In this dynamic environment, Filipino businesses are uniquely positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities—provided they have the right strategies and partners in place.

By strategically leveraging Free Trade Agreements and collaborating with experienced logistics providers like FedEx, local enterprises can confidently overcome barriers, streamline cross-border operations, and accelerate their international expansion.

Our commitment goes beyond delivering parcels; we empower Filipino businesses with innovative tools, expert guidance, and a robust global network that together transform complexity into competitive advantage. As Filipino businesses deepen their engagement in Intra-Asia and European markets, they not only fuel their own growth but also contribute to the Philippines’ broader economic development and integration within key global value chains. With the right combination of market insight, trade facilitation, and smart logistics, Filipino exporters can build resilient businesses that thrive amid uncertainty and drive lasting prosperity for their communities.

Maribeth Espinosa is the managing director of FedEx Express Philippines, a role she assumed in February 2023. She leads a team of over 1,000 professionals in facilitating cross-border e-commerce and expanding global reach for Filipino businesses.

kets, explore and adopt innovations, and scale the business for long-term sustainability,” he said.

SMFL executive managing officer Tomoyuki Tanaka said the capital infusion reflects his company’s confidence in RLFC, RCBC and the Philippine economy.

“With our global expertise and RCBC’s strong market presence, we are excited to be part of this vibrant market and are committed to exploring more opportunities together,” Tanaka said.

“This partnership lays the foundation for long-term growth,” he said.

SMFL is part of the Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG).

Another SMFG member, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), holds a 20-percent stake in RCBC, highlighting the ongoing partnership between the two banks.

IN BRIEF

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Aboitiz Equity leads sustainability leadership forum

ABOITIZ Equity Ventures (AEV)

reaffirmed its sustainability leadership at the Philippine Sustainability Leadership Forum (PSLF) held at the Aboitiz Tech Space, AIM.

Co-presented by AEV with Next Move and Nexus Sustainability, the forum gathered top leaders from government, business and civil society to drive a national strategy for inclusive, climate-resilient growth.

It showcased business solutions to challenges in climate change, circularity and social equity.

Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, AEV first vice president and chief reputation and sustainability officer, shared how sustainability is deeply embedded in Aboitiz’s transformation into the Philippines’ first techglomerate.

She said leadership on environmental,

social, and governance (ESG) matters is not confined to senior management, but is a shared responsibility across the group—from the boardroom to every team member.

“Sustainability is fundamental to our value creation story and longterm business advantage. It guides our strategy, risk management, and operations, while ensuring we create pathways for communities and the nation’s development,” HontiverosMalvar said.

She illustrated how Aboitiz is embedding sustainability in each of its major business units.

AboitizPower is driving the country’s energy transition with its target of a 50:50 renewable-to-thermal energy mix by 2030, while continuing to provide reliable electricity to one-

fifth of the Philippine population.

UnionBank and its subsidiaries are advancing financial inclusion by deploying digital-first strategies and issuing social bonds that have already supported thousands of micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Aboitiz Foods, for its part, is strengthening food security while reducing its environmental footprint. AEV’s food unit has already exceeded its 2024 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plastic recovery targets by 300 percent, transforming waste into resources and promoting a circular economy.

Held at the Aboitiz Tech Space in AIM, the event united leaders from government, business, and civil society to craft a national strategy for inclusive, climate-resilient growth.

10 more LGUs join EU drive for green economy

TEN more local government units have joined the sustainability bandwagon that aims to reduce waste, regenerate ecosystems and empower communities.

The European Union (EU) and the Philippines formally welcomed the next 10 LGUs into the EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership last week

The partnership supports innovative solutions to address environmental challenges at local level that will improve the lives of the people in the Philippines and create green jobs.

The first 10 LGUs have already developed their own circular economy portfolios that identify system gaps and opportunities where innovation can make a meaningful difference ranging from plastic waste reduction and organic waste management to sustainable tourism.

“Today, we welcome the next ten LGUs in the partnership and count on their commitment, knowledge and innovation. The Philippine people can count on our experience in Europe, and we are here as Team Europe to support Philippine solutions,” said Dr. Marco Gemmer, head of the cooperation section of EU delegation to the Philippines. The Green Economy Partnership is spreading across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The new partners are San Carlos City (Pangasinan), Ilagan City (Isabela), San Jose del Monte City (Bulacan), Bacoor City (Cavite), Sorsogon City (Sorsogon), Maasin City (Southern Leyte), Cagayan de Oro City, Isabela City (Basilan), Koronadal City (South Cotabato), and Cotabato City (BARMM).

They represent diverse geographies and challenges but share the common goal of advancing inclusive, sustainable development through circular solutions. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Director Al Orolfo stressed the importance of adding 10 new cities to the fold.

“Today, we do not just expand the geographic scope… but also welcome new partners to the growing EU-PH Green Economy Partnership family,” Orolfo said.

The first 10 LGUs that the Green Economy Partnership have supported since 2024 are Baguio, Pasig, Quezon City, Caloocan, Iloilo, Ormoc, Davao, Puerto Princesa, the Island Garden City of Samal and Del Carmen. UNDP Philippines News

Cooling La Niña could be back, but global temperatures to rise Asia-Pacific leaders

THE cooling climate phenomenon known as La Niña could return between now and November, but it won’t stop the trend for warmer global temperatures caused by human activity, UN weather experts said on Tuesday.

Latest data shared by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicates a 55-percent likelihood that sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific will cool to La Niña levels from September to November.

About 90 percent of the excess heat from global warming is stored in the ocean, making ocean heat content a critical indicator of climate change.

“For October to December 2025, the probability of La Niña conditions slightly increases to about 60 percent. There is little chance of El Niño developing during September to December,” WMO said in an update.

According to the UN agency, there is a smaller chance (45 percent) that Pacific temperatures will stay as they have for the past six months, when

neither the cooling La Niña nor its opposite number, the warming El Niño, caused unusual spikes or dips in sea surface temperatures.

The UN agency’s forecast for the El Niño Southern Oscillation phenomenon is an important climate intelligence tool which could “save thousands of lives when used to guide preparedness and response actions,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

The information could also translate into millions of dollars of savings in agriculture, energy, health and transport, she said.

Important as La Niña and El Niño are in shaping our climate by altering ocean surface temperatures and impacting changes in winds, pressure and rainfall patterns, human-induced climate change is still “increasing global temperatures, exacerbating extreme weather, and impacting seasonal rainfall and temperature patterns,” the WMO noted. UN News

How fireflies are turning Japanese youth into stewards for nature

First of 2 parts

EVERY year, hundreds of youngsters spend a summer evening hunting along the canals that crisscross the Japanese city of Kanazawa. They are on the lookout for blinking points of light that reveal their target: fireflies.

“It’s like a treasure hunt and it’s really fun!” Genta Sugita, 13, said during the annual firefly count organized by the municipality in July. “It’s so beautiful how fireflies glow as they fly, then stop, then glow again–over and over.”

Youth engagement is central to Kanazawa’s strategy to preserve and restore the city’s natural and cultural heritage, including its historic canals and gardens. Its success has caught the eye of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), which has selected it as a model for other municipalities looking to restore their urban ecosystems.

“More and more cities are moving to restore nature to blunt the worst impacts of climate

young people creates a bond with nature and ensures that these initiatives deliver for both current and future generations.”

The world on August 12 celebrated International Youth Day, which focused on how governments can incorporate the skills and perspectives of young people in the urban planning process.

island, has more than 150 kilometers of rivers and irrigation canals. It also features more than a dozen heritage-listed parks, including the Kenroku-en landscape garden and the grounds of Kanazawa Castle that date from the 17th century. According to Yoko Tomita, Program Coordinator for the United Nations University and its Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), many green spaces in Kanazawa were lost to development after the Second World War.

More recently, others, like private gardens, have been abandoned or replaced by parking lots, a reflection of an ageing population and the migration of young families to the suburbs.

The municipality has responded with a raft of initiatives to bring back greenery and revitalize traditional cityscapes. These include work to rehabilitate the canal network, develop clean transportation services and promote sustainable tourism. (To be continued) UNEP News

discuss proposals for a resilient planet

NADI, Fiji—Over 300 delegates from 33 countries across Asia and the Pacific convened in Nadi, Fiji, from August 26 to 29 2025 for the Sixth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific, marking the first time the regional event is hosted in the Pacific subregion.

Jointly organized by the government of Fiji and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the forum serves as the region’s premier platform for advancing sustainable solutions and strengthening environmental resilience.

“Environmental stewardship is no longer just an ethical responsibility— it is a legal one. And it is one the Asia-Pacific must now lead with confidence, clarity and credibility,” said Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, and Small and Medium Enterprises.

Member States endorsed the chair’s summary that identified priority environmental issues in the region to ensure that the voice of Asia Pacific is heard at the seventh session of the upcoming United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), to be held in Nairobi from December 8 to 12 2025, under the theme “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.”

“Both the United Nations Environment Assembly and this Regional Forum are vital examples of environmental multilateralism and leadership. Our collective response must be solution-oriented, tangible and firmly grounded in science,” said Elizabeth Mrema, UNEP Deputy Executive Director. In preparation for UNEA-7, five draft resolutions were introduced by member states.

These included proposals on accelerating circular economy strategies (Republic of Korea), promoting coral reef resilience (Fiji), enhancing youth participation in climate action (Sri Lanka), strengthening synergies in MEA implementation (Japan), and managing wildfires (India). Tuvalu announced its intention to submit resolutions on climate displacement and sea level rise. UNEP News

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

PRESIDENTIAL undersecretary Joee Guilas has scored a back-to-back win as Best Male Newscaster at the 37th Star Awards for Television.

Guilas, who serves under the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, was recognized for his work on PTV News Tonight the state network’s primetime English newscast. The ceremony was held at the VS Hotel Convention Center.

The Star Awards for Television, organized annually by the Philippine Movie Press Club, is the country’s longestrunning awards program for the medium. Its latest edition honored achievements in 2023.

Before entering government service, Guilas worked as a news anchor for PTV and as a communications executive for several private conglomerates. In his acceptance speech, he dedicated the award to colleagues at the government network and acknowledged the efforts of production staff.

He also paid tribute to his fellow nominees, including veteran broadcaster Noli de Castro of ABS-CBN, whom he described as his mentor.

TELEVISION host Maine Mendoza came to the defense of her husband, Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde, amid allegations linking him to a flood control controversy.

On Monday, Sept. 8, Maine took to her X account, calling the accusations “baseless” and appealed to the public to refrain from targeting their family.

“Teka lang muna, those are baseless allegations. Please refrain from throwing hate and personal attacks at him, including me and our family until facts come out. I am with my husband in this,” she wrote. She also stressed that Arjo has worked hard to serve his constituents since the beginning of his term.

Wala siyang ginagawang masama sa loob. He has been doing his best to serve the people of his district in Quezon City since the beginning,” she added.

“I sincerely hope and pray that the people who are TRULY responsible will be held accountable and that innocent individuals be spared from this mess. Napaka unfair,” the Eat Bulaga host continued. Meanwhile, Arjo also addressed the controversy, categorically denying any involvement with contractors allegedly tied to the project.

“I categorically deny the allegation that I benefited from any contractor. I have never dealt with them. Hindi totoo ang mga akusasyon na ito. I have never used my position for personal gain, and I never will,” Arjo stated.

SHOWBIZ

Shticks

SHOWBIZ scion Andres Muhlach is making his film debut in Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna. After the teaser trailer was shown at the movie’s media conference, he said the positive feedback has made him both excited and nervous.

Andres Muhlach takes on pressure in film debut

“I’m very new in this industry, and yes, there’s pressure on me and my sister Atasha, given the track record of our parents,” he said, referring to Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez. “But at the end of the day, I’m just really eager to learn.”

Andres measures his progress by small steps, saying each day on set gives him a little more confidence.

“It’s like I’m getting one percent better each time. The jump from a year ago has been big, and I’ve learned so much,” he said. He credits much of his comfort to screen partner Ashtine Olviga , who has helped him adjust to the demands of the industry.

“There were times I would do certain events solo, but whenever Ash is with me, I feel a lot more relaxed. She’s definitely a factor in my journey,” he said.

Pressure is part of the job, he admits, especially with this being his first film.

But for Andres, that pressure is balanced with excitement.

“Even as a kid, I dreamed of one day being on the silver screen. Jumping from teleserye (Ang Mutya ng Section E) to film, I feel like I’m living one of my dreams,” he said. “The pressure is there, but I think you need it if you want to do a good job.”

For now, the young actor is focusing on the process.

“It’s all just a learning process, and I’m enjoying it because I really love this job,” he said.

* * *

Following the success of P77 starring Barbie Forteza, GMA Pictures is teaming up with Mentorque Productions, Inc. for a new horror project, Huwag Kang Titingin.

The film will be directed by Frasco Mortiz and will feature Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition

housemates Shuvee Etrata, Josh Ford, Michael Sager, and Charlie Fleming . They will be joined by Sofia Pablo, Allen Ansay, Anthony Constantino, Marco Masa, and Sean Lucas Mortiz said the story draws from the younger generation’s fascination with viral Internet challenges, woven with eerie elements from urban legends and folklore.

GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide and Support Group Annette Gozon-Valdes said the collaboration with Mentorque marks a strong partnership.

“We have a great story, an exciting cast, and a very strong partner in Mentorque. This is our first venture together,” she said.

Mentorque has produced films such as Mallari, My Father, Myself, and Uninvited.

In

Cagayan de Oro’s Higalaay Vibe Fest followed on Aug. 28, featuring The Clash Season 4 winner Mariane Osabel and Sparkle artist Charlie Fleming in a Kapuso Spotlight event at SM CDO Downtown Premier.

The festivities wrapped up in Cebu City on Aug. 30 with a mall show at Robinsons Galleria Cebu, where Beauty Empire stars Aaron Maniego, Chai Fonacier, Sam Concepcion, and Barbie Forteza met fans.

“GMA Regional TV’s mission is and will always be rooted in our deep commitment to our Kapuso audiences across the country,” said Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, senior vice president and head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy. “Our participation in these festivals not only gives fans a chance to connect with their favorite Kapuso stars, but also reinforces the strong bond we share, fueled by their unwavering support.” Amoroso added that GMA Regional TV has more activities lined up until the end of the year.

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

By Angelica Villanueva

FOR nearly two decades, Gerald Anderson has built a career as one of ABS-CBN’s leading men.

But in his latest project, Sins of the Father , the actor is not only portraying a character caught in a web of deceit but also stepping behind the camera for the first time as one of the show’s directors, all while helping shed light on a growing crisis of scams in the Philippines.

By Jasper Valdez

THE clatter of dice is a familiar sound at town fiestas, where makeshift stalls once drew crowds to the classic perya color game. On Aug. 28, that memory got a playful update as MegaBet introduced Paradise, a casual gaming platform highlighted by its first in-house title, Fruit Color Game.

Members of the press were treated to a tour of the company’s live gaming studio before trying the game themselves.

The format feels instantly recognizable: dice tumble, players place bets, and suspense hangs in the air. But instead of colors, the board lights up with tropical fruits— bananas, coconuts, mangosteen, rambutan, even jackfruit.

“Everyone knows the traditional color game with three dice. We wanted to keep that sense of fun and familiarity but give it our own twist,” explained MegaBet’s head of research and development, Peter Munsayac

“Since our brand is Paradise, we used tropical fruits. And this will carry over to our future games.”

At the recent press conference, Gerald said the series’ new season aims to mirror the reality of victims of fraud, from online lending schemes to human trafficking and employment scams.

“So many of our fellow Filipinos fall victim to these scams—losing money, jobs, and trust. If in a small way we can help open the eyes of viewers about this, that already means a lot,” he said.

“It’s one of the biggest sicknesses destroying the lives of our countrymen. People who hope to earn a little either invest or gamble again, and then they lose everything. That’s the sad part, it’s one big scam,” echoed director FM Reyes Gerald, who has been in the industry for 19 years, admitted he never imagined himself directing. But when producer Julie Anne Benitez and the creative team asked if he wanted to helm a high-stakes “1 vs. 100” fight sequence, he took the challenge head-on.

“I never thought about becoming a director because I know it’s a different craft. But when such a good opportunity was handed to me, I tried my best. My respect for directors went even higher because it’s

not an easy job,” he shared.

“You are the captain of the ship. There’s pressure from production, time, locations, and artists. But I enjoyed the experience, and I learned a lot,” continued Gerald.

For three days, he juggled both acting and directing duties. He admitted it was exhausting but said the experience sparked a desire to pursue directing further, and perhaps without acting in future projects.

“What I do have, something I learned from my parents, is being a natural leader. Not for ego, but to lead the team because everyone has their own specialties. I think I have a talent for bringing that together to make something good,” he added.

Reyes praised Gerald’s initiative and dedication, describing him as “very generous” on set.

“If you give him a concept, he will work and contribute more. That kind of attitude makes it easier to work with him,” he said.

The new season of Sins of the Father also welcomes fresh faces, including Barbie Imperial, Binsoy Namoca, Dylan Yturralde, Eric Fructuoso, Joel Saracho, Junjun Quintana, Kolette Madelo, Lei Ang, Manuel Chua, Mel Martinez, Melissa Mendez, Reign Parani, Simon Ibarra, Zeppi Borromeo, and River Joseph

Despite its complex, high-concept premise, Sins of the Father became the most-watched series on iWantTFC during its first season. With new storylines rooted in real-world fraud cases, its creators hope the series will not only entertain but also spark awareness.

The twist doesn’t stop there. When three of the same fruit appear, a jackpot die is added for an extra chance to win. It’s a simple mechanic, but one that changes the rhythm of play enough to keep players on edge. For Shelly Flores, who oversees branding and events for MegaBet, the choice of fruits goes beyond visuals.

“It’s about creating an experience that feels close to us,” she said, noting how everyday icons of Filipino life find their way into the game.

MegaBet, founded in 2024 and fully Filipino-owned, is still carving out its space in the local iGaming landscape. With Fruit Color Game, the company is betting on something bigger than novelty: capturing the same spirit that once drew barkers, bettors, and bystanders to the fairground table, now reimagined for a digital generation.

Sins of the Father airs weeknights at 9:30 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and TFC.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9,

NICKIE WANG,

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Nickie Wang

THE “happiest store” on earth has landed at SM North EDSA, The Block, as Disney Store opened its second branch in the Philippines to the delight of fans, young and old.

Disney’s happiest store finds a new home

(ITWI), which brought Disney Store by SM to the country, welcomed guests on Sept. 6 at the new Level 3 location. The expansion comes a year after the Disney Store made its Southeast Asian debut in September 2024 at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Inside, shelves are lined with collections from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, offering plush toys, figurines, costumes, apparel, homeware, and collectibles. Fans can also snap up exclusives from Disney Store Japan, including the pocket-sized Urupocha-chan, the Cherry Blossom collection, and Disney Parks favorites such as ear headbands and the latest Wishables.

Collectors were spoiled for choice with dolls from the Animators’ collection, Disney Traditions figurines, and Disney Funko Pops. Blind boxes and collectible sets featuring Toy Story, Disney Princesses, and Marvel characters also drew attention from visitors eager to expand their stash.

Young fashion fans headed straight for racks of princess gowns and character suits just in time for Halloween. Everyday clothing lines such as t-shirts, jackets, cardigans, sweatpants and sweaters were also available. Some designs come in adult sizes, although attendants advise checking item by item.

The SM North EDSA branch adds an immersive twist to shopping with digital screens, themed photo spots, and character installations. Stitch, Rapunzel and Iron Man are featured for the first time in the Philippines. Purchases can

also be delivered directly by contacting Disney Store by SM at 0917-166-3968.

Rose Marie M. Dylim, ITWI president, said the overwhelming response to the Mall of Asia branch spurred the expansion.

“We are incredibly delighted to open our second Disney Store by SM in the Philippines at SM North EDSA,” she said.

Sara Grewal, Disney Retail Asia-Pacific vice president, added: “Local fans of all ages can enjoy more of the stories they love from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, closer to home.”

The opening spilled into The Block atrium, where a marching band played Disney favorites before Minnie and Mickey Mouse greeted the crowd. Celebrities were among those in attendance, including Winwyn Marquez with her partner Rayn and their daughter Luna, Nadine Samonte with her daughter, and Dennis Trillo with his wife Jennylyn Mercado and their two children.

CHEF Josh Boutwood has opened Osteria, a 24-day pop-up at The Balmori Suites, running from Sept. 5 to 28. The concept focuses on Italian cuisine with his own interpretation, combining traditional techniques with a modern approach.

“It’s a bastardized version of Italian cuisine,” the renowned chef said in jest as he spoke to his first guests from the media and social media community.

Boutwood said the idea came from his appreciation for Italian ingredients— crisp, bright, acidic, and aromatic flavors that give depth to dishes. Osteria takes inspiration from the casual osterias of Italy, places known for straightforward meals and an easy atmosphere, presented here with a contemporary touch. The menu features handmade pastas such as Tortelloni, Bucatini, Rigatoni and Lasagna, all served al dente with sauces ranging from tomato to dairy-based. Proteins and seafood are paired with the pastas to complete the dishes. Starters include Frito Misto served with roasted garlic and anchovy emulsion, as

as zucchini and radicchio salads finished with Gorgonzola and Pecorino Romano. For mains, the standout is the 3-kilogram Bistecca alla Fiorentina,

options include Pork Cotoletta and Barramundi al Forno.

Desserts stay close to Italian tradition, with tiramisu and panna cotta on the menu.

Boutwood, known for his use of in-house cured meats and fermentation techniques, said he wanted to present Italian food in a way that is both familiar and distinct.

“Italian food is authentic and heartfelt; I want