Manila Standard - 2025 October 17 - Friday

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heading heading head Ombudsman, DPWH eye Discayas-Go link

By Pot Chavez, Vito Barcelo and Ram Superable

THE Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Public Works and Highways are looking into the alleged links between contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya and CLTG Builders, a company owned by Senator Bong Go's father.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said it appears the Discayas are protecting Go following the couple's decision to no longer cooperate with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

By Charles Dantes and Katrina Manubay

“I think they’ve been protecting Bong Go, the joint venture they had with CLTG with the family of Bong Go. That’s one of the people they’ve been protecting, to be blunt about it," the Ombudsman said. He said it was during the term of Go as then Special Adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte that Discaya-owned companies grew big with their joint ventures with CLTG.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed his office is investigating the connection between the Discayas and CLTG.

Nine contractors donated funds to 2025 candidates — Comelec

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified nine government contractors who allegedly donated to the campaign of some candidates in the latest polls, Comelec chairman George Garcia said on Thursday. Garcia also said the Comelec may

come up soon with its report on the P30-million contribution by a government contractor to Senator Francis Escudero’s campaign in the 2022 elections.

Garcia made the remark as the poll body starts examining statements of

SINKHOLE. A sinkhole was discovered in sitio Manaybanay, Tabogon following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu. The site has been assessed by the Tabogon MDRRMO and confirmed as unsafe for entry, though it is located far from residential areas. #BangonTabogon

By Maricel V. Cruz

AKBAYAN party-list lawmakers have sought to translate the landmark Supreme Court ruling on intersex Filipinos (Republic vs. Cagandahan) into law, allowing them to easily

change their names and gender markers in government documents. In a statement, Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña said he filed House Bill 5474 or the “Cagandahan Bill” to simplify the process of changing the entries in

By Katrina Manubay

Healing...

From A1 not enough to heal the nation and that all government agencies are working together to pool resources to recover the assets of criminals involved in these projects.

“All those persons responsible for this may be prosecuted and jailed, but to completely heal our nation, justice is not enough. We need restitution,” he said yesterday. Reyes said the money could have been used on building schools, hospitals, and road projects, but was instead “burned wantonly on useless luxuries and vices.”

He made the comments following an ICI meeting on asset recovery, attended by various agencies, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Assets Commission, Department of Justice, and Department of Public Works and Highways, among others.

This came on the heels of Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya's refusal to cooperate further with the ICI, invoking their right against selfincrimination.

The BIR has filed multiple tax complaints with the DOJ against the contractor couple, as well as a corporate officer of their firm, St. Gerrard Construction, over P7.1 billion in unpaid tax liabilities from 2018 to 2021.

Meanwhile, Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice urged the President to call for a special session of Congress to swiftly pass legislation granting full investigative powers to the ICI.

The minority bloc solon pointed out that the Discaya couple’s decision to stop cooperating with the Commission’s investigation, casts doubt on its ability to compel witnesses and secure critical evidence.

Erice explained that because the ICI was only created through an executive order, it lacks the legal authority to compel private individuals and entities to participate in the investigation.

“Without a law, the commission is powerless and could become inutile. This refusal to cooperate will encourage others to do the same, undermining the credibility of the investigation and delaying justice in what may be the biggest public fund heist in Philippine history,” the lawmaker warned.

On September 11, the President formed the independent commission through Executive Order No. 94 to probe anomalies in flood control projects involving government officials and private contractors.

The ICI is the sixth government body to conduct parallel investigations into the flood infrastructure deals mess, following separate efforts by the Commission on Audit, the Ombudsman, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.

Mr. Marcos stated that the ICI will serve as an investigative arm and submit recommendation

SC...

From A1 the legal documents of intersex persons without the need for a judicial order.

“Under the current law, Intersex Filipinos still have to go through the eye of a needle to change their name and gender in legal documents. Why would it go through the court when it can be done at the municipality?” Cendaña said in Tagalog.

“Intersex Filipinos deserve to be recognized in the eyes of the law. They should have the right to live in alignment with their identities without the tedious and expensive process of hiring a lawyer, proving themselves before a court, and waiting indefinitely for a ruling,” he added.

The bill, filed on Monday, Oct. 13, proposes to amend Republic Act 9048 (as previously amended by RA 10172) or the law that allows the correction of clerical errors in official documents to include the sex characteristics of intersex persons as a ground for change in first name, nickname, or sex.

This may be petitioned through the city or municipal civil registrar and the consul general, instead of local and higher courts, according to the bill.

Other authors of the proposed measure are Cendaña’s fellow Akbayan Representatives Chel Diokno and Dadah Kiram-Ismula with Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.

Pope slams millions facing hunger worldwide as ‘collective failure’

POPE Leo XIV on Thursday slammed the world's failure to stop millions of people going hungry, blaming a "soulless economy" and calling on people to rethink their lifestyles and priorities.

"Allowing millions of human beings to live—and die—victims of hunger is a collective failure, an ethical aberration, a historical sin," Leo said in a speech at the Rome-based UN agricultural agency.

"The scourge of hunger... continues to atrociously plague a significant portion of humanity," he said, a day after the UN warned global hunger "is at record levels."

The crisis was "a clear sign of a prevailing insensitivity, a soulless economy," Leo told the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) at an

Ombudsman,...

From A1

"We are looking at connections between the Discayas and CLTG Corporation. That is also our target—from 2016 to 2025. We will spare not spare anyone here,” Dizon said.

In a press conference, Go denied being involved in his father's business.

"File a case against the Discayas -- I don't care. They should not protect anyone on my behalf because I am not involved in that," the senator said.

He urged the Discayas to divulge what they know of the botched or substandard flood control projects even as he lamented that he cannot choose his relatives.

"I am one with the Filipino people in this crusade against corruption," Go said, noting he is ready to face the ICI.

"If only one could choose relatives, I would replace my relatives. I have nothing to do with these (projects)," the senator added.

During a hearing of the Senate Blue RIbbon panel in last month, Sarah Discaya said her family's St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corporation and CLTG Builders entered into a joint venture agreement for projects in Davao re-

Nine...

From A1

contributions and expenditures (SOCEs) of the candidates who ran in the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.

We have yet to confirm any 2025 candidate but we identified more or less nine contractors,” he said.

Contractors in government projects are prohibited from contributing funds to candidates under the Omnibus Election Code.

Article XI Section 95 of the law stipulated; “No contribution for purposes of partisan political activity shall be made directly or indirectly by any natural and juridical persons who hold contracts or subcontracts to supply the government or any of its divisions, subdivisions or instrumentalities, with goods or services or to perform construction or other works.

Garcia said the issue of the P30-million donation by contractor Lawrence Lubiano to the Escudero’s war chest in the 2022 elections was expected to be resolved in two weeks.

He said the poll body’s Political Finance and Affairs Department may issue its findings on the case before the end of the month after Escudero filed

Clear...

From A1

In a message to Palace reporters, she said Mr. Marcos’ self-assurance stems from his commitment to transparency and public accountability.

"A person becomes confident when they know that what they are doing is for the country and not for themselves," Castro said. "Do not forget that the President is the key to preventing and avoiding the creation of anomalies," Castro added.

The Palace spokesperson was responding to statements made by Vice President Sara Duterte questioning the President's composure, hinting that the chief executive appears to already know the outcome.

On Wednesday the President had said: "I am confident that whatever... mud might be slung at the administration, we will be able to show that these are politically motivated and do not actually have any validation in fact."

event to mark its 80th anniversary.

Leo highlighted the "outrageous paradoxes" by which enormous amounts of food go wasted in the world "while multitudes of people scramble to find something in the garbage to put in their mouths."

"How can we explain the inequalities that allow a few to have everything and many to have nothing?" he asked.

He cited in particular "Ukraine, Gaza, Haiti, Afghanistan, Mali, the Central African Republic, Yemen, and South Sudan," among other countries

gion in 2017.

For his part, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV questioned Go’s defense that he played no role in his family’s dealings.

"Your father and sibling could not have won a P7-billion project if it were not for the influence of you and Duterte. Don't try to fool us," Trillanes said.

Remulla said the Discayas refused to provide details of their partnership with CLTG Builders.

"The question was very simple -we asked them about their joint venture with CLTG Builders in Davao. They do not want to tell us anything. They just said nothing, they do not know anything, and that they just let their license be borrowed by another firm," he said.

"[Their statements are] selective, when they should be disclosing everything. They thrived during the previous administration. Their business grew so they were able to talk to a lot of people and made a lot of dealings during that time," the Ombudsman added.

Remulla said the Office of the Ombudsman will pursue cases against the Discayas.

“The Discayas will be charged in accordance with the investigations,” Remulla said.

“Cooperation is good because it can

his reply to the Comelec’s show-cause order (SCO).

“The public may expect a resolution on the case in up to two weeks,” the Comelec chief said.

The poll body directed Escudero to explain the campaign donation he received from Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc.

Escudero, represented by his lawyer, submitted the reply on Tuesday, Oct. 14. In his affidavit, Escudero explained that Lubiano made the campaign donation in private capacity, Garcia said.

Escudero claimed that based on his understanding, Lubiano’s donation was made in personal capacity and the money came from his own pocket.

In September, the poll body also issued an show cause order against Lubiano, asking to explain his campaign donation to Escudero and justify why he should not be charged of an election offense for violating Section 95 of the OEC.

Escudero had also said Lubiano was his campaign contributor in the 2022 elections, but added that he had no involvement in any flood control projects in his home province of Sorsogon and other parts of the country.

Duterte pointed out that the President seemed overly confident that the investigations would not lead to his doorstep.

"If the investigation and inquiry are still ongoing, you’d be very surprised why the lPresident is so confident… it probably means he already knows the outcome of the inquiry and the investigation… I haven’t found anyone who knows what will happen tomorrow, only him. It’s only BBM," the Vice President was quoted as saying.

Castro, without naming Duterte, countered that critics who cast doubt on the investigation process may be those evading scrutiny.

"That is our President, brave and head held high in what he says. Not afraid to order an investigation that the previous administration did not conduct," she said.

"But the person who is at fault for the country is afraid to answer… worse, he is someone who unfairly criticizes the government even though he has no personal accomplishments to show," Castro added.

"where poverty has become the daily bread."

He also lambasted the fact that people seem "to have forgotten" that using starvation as a weapon is a war crime.

The US pontiff urged the world to rouse itself from "the fatal lethargy in which we are immersed."

"The hungry faces of so many people who still suffer challenge us and invite us to reexamine our lifestyles, our priorities, and our way of living in today's world in general," he said.

The World Food Agency (WFP) said Wednesday that 319 million people are facing acute food insecurity, including 44 million in emergency levels of hunger, and "staggering" cuts to its funding mean it has had to drastically cut aid packages to millions in need. AFP

lead to restitution. It will make things easier for the country. But if they want to give the country a hard time, so be it. The design of giving immunity to people is not for a blanket immunity to be given to the people who are involved or who may be involved in hundreds of cases."

"Blanket immunity is something that you do not want to give, especially if the people are not disclosing everything. There has to be full disclosure first," he added.

Dizon backed Remulla's position: "They have to cooperate. Kung hindi sila makikipag-cooperate, pasensyahan tayo. It's that simple."

"They were given the chance by the ICI to cooperate. But now that they do not want to cooperate, and with all the cases against them, there is no possibility for them to become state witnesses," Dizon added.

According to Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon, the Discayas are in no position to demand concessions to become state witnesses,

“I don't think they're in a position to demand anything at this time. They're applying for supposedly witness protection coverage. And we have our procedures to determine whether or not they will be qualified,” Fadullon said in an interview with reporters.

Court...

From A1

co-accused, police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza, ex-police officer Nelson Mariano, and Jeremy Causapin, the GMA Integrated News reported.

Aside from Garma and Leonardo, the court also ordered the cancellation of the passports of Mendoza, Mariano, and Causapin.

“As holders of valid Philippine passports, there exists serious risk that they will flee from the jurisdiction of the court to evade trial and punishment,” the court noted.

In its four-page order, the court also junked a motion to suspend proceedings filed by Garma and Leonardo.

The court also ordered that Mendoza and Mariano remain in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.

Both Mendoza and Mariano were arrested in connection with Barayuga’s death. Their lawyer, Raymund Palad, entered a not guilty plea on their behalf.

The pre-trial conference will be tentatively held on Nov.12.

Garma is facing a complaint for murder and frustrated murder for allegedly ordering Barayuga’s killing in 2020.

She was deported by the United States Immigration last September af-

PBBM....

From A1

gave Marcos a majority approval rating. While half of respondents in the rest of Luzon (50%) approved of his performance, majorities in the Visayas (55%) and Mindanao (83%) and pluralities in Class D (42%) and Class E (62%) expressed disapproval.

Vice President Sara Duterte likewise saw her approval rating decline from June to September, particularly in Metro Manila, where it fell by 14 percentage points. Ambivalence toward her performance increased in both Metro Manila (+13 points) and the rest of Luzon (+12 points).

“It is not for anybody to dictate to us how we will go about doing the evaluation. It is not for anybody to impose any conditions. In fact, we will do the evaluation and determine whether or not they will be qualified to be admitted into the program,” he added. Among the requirements to qualify for the Witness Protection Program are minimal participation by a would-be witness in criminal offenses where they are to testify, their willingness to fully cooperate in providing information, and returning any public funds received.

Fadullon said a state witness must be able to provide a detailed account that would complete the prosecution of a case.

"You cannot just simply run around mentioning people's names without being able to give supporting documents or evidence to show that it did really happen," he said.

Fadullon, however, said the Discayas have not yet formally informed the Department of Justice they are no longer interested in cooperating with the government, as earlier reported by the ICI.

“We were surprised, but as far as the department is concerned, there are no indications yet that they will discontinue talks with the DOJ," he said.

ter her asylum application was rejected, according to government sources. Garma and Leonardo were tagged as masterminds in Barayuga’s slay during the hearings of the House Quad Committee. However, the two denied the accusations.

“The cases have already been filed. The warrants have already been issued and that would be a ground to request the issuance of a Red Notice and cancellation of the passport from Department of Foreign Affairs,” prosecutor general Richard Fadullon said.

A Red Notice is a request for law enforcement agencies “to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action,” Interpol said on its website. Fadullon said that once Garma’s passport is cancelled, “we can restrict her movement and hopefully, our partners in the Interpol will help us bring her back to the Philippines.”

The Bureau of Immigration recorded Garma leaving for Malaysia in September.

She had been the subject of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order, which directed Immigration to monitor her movements, but did not authorize it to prevent her departure. At the time, Garma had just returned from the US, where Immigration authorities intercepted her in November 2024 because of a cancelled visa.

Distrust was also the dominant sentiment toward Marcos, with 45% of respondents saying they distrust him.

Thirty-four percent expressed trust, while 21% were undecided. In contrast, Duterte earned a narrow majority trust rating of 56%, with 23% undecided and 21% expressing distrust.

Pulse Asia noted that these figures are largely unchanged from the June 2025 survey, except for a six-point decline in Duterte’s national distrust rating. The face-to-face survey was conducted from September 27 to 30 among 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above, with a ±2.8% national error margin and ±5.7% for each regional area.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Nartatez orders ‘go bag’ distribution for all cops

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered the distribution of “go bags” to all police personnel nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen the service’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities.

The directive follows recent calamities that have battered the country, including typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

Nartatez said the goal is to ensure that every police officer is ready to respond quickly and effectively in times of crisis.

Each “go bag” contains essential survival items such as a first aid kit, ready-to-eat food, bottled water, flashlight, whistle, and basic communication tools. The kits are already being distributed through the PNP Public Information Office. Vince Lopez

DOLE releases P28m for workers in Davao

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has rolled out P28 million in emergency employment assistance to help more than 5,450 workers in Davao Region who lost their livelihoods following the recent strong earthquakes.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the aid will be distributed under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program to support residents as they recover from the disaster. The magnitude 7.6 and 6.8 tremors that struck Davao Oriental on October 10 destroyed homes and displaced over 70,000 families.

Under the initiative, 4,950 workers from Davao Oriental and 500 others from surrounding provinces—including Davao City, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte—will participate in a 10-day emergency employment drive. Activities will include debris clearing, waste management, and community rehabilitation.

PH embassy unveils

Jordan women’s hub

THE Philippine Embassy in Amman has launched a dedicated Nursing Area for women clients to promote health and gender equality, coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The new facility is located at the Office of the Assistance-to-Nationals Section on the embassy’s ground floor.

Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo C. Santos said the project demonstrates the embassy’s commitment to women’s welfare and gender advocacy. “This Nursing Area is a tangible symbol of our dedication to supporting breastfeeding and nursing clients and upholding women’s rights,” he said. Katrina Manubay

NAVAL FIREPOWER. Allied naval forces demonstrate high-intensity operations, complex fleet maneuvers, and live-fire drills, showcasing interoperability and combat readiness within the Western Naval Command area.

PBBM expands anti-hunger plan

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday expanded his administration’s flagship anti-hunger initiative by launching the REFUEL (Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers) Project, which aims to widen the coverage of the Walang Gutom Program (WGP).

Speaking during a World Food Day “Kumustahan” event at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila, the President said the REFUEL Project will expand the program to 750,000 households by 2026, with a target of reaching one million families in the coming years.

Mr. Marcos highlighted upgrades to the program’s digital system that will allow beneficiaries to track their balances, review purchases, and eventually link payments to mobile platforms. “We started with paper booklets. Now everything is automated. We’ll guide you

through it—it’s simple,” he said.

The President credited the Asian Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the OPEC Fund for providing financial support. He emphasized that the combination of food assistance and nutrition education under the WGP is helping reduce hunger among the poorest families.

“In this program, food assistance is provided together with affordable meals; nutrition education helps us understand what kinds of foods to eat to keep our bodies strong and healthy,” the President said. He reported that hunger among WGP beneficiaries dropped from 48.7 per-

Coast Guard backs DFA Code of Conduct in South China Sea

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday expressed full support for the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) push to finalize the long-delayed Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said in an ambush interview in Makati

City that the agency fully supports the DFA and other Southeast Asian nations advocating for the adoption of a COC to manage disputes and prevent conflicts in the contested waters.

“For us, this is a very big development should this be finalized, especially next year when the Philippines chairs the ASEAN Summit,” Tarriela told reporters.

The proposed code aims to establish rules to prevent escalating tensions in the South China Sea from turning into a major armed conflict that could involve the United States, an ally of the Philippines, and other Asian countries with overlapping claims with China.

“The document reflects the consensus reached by all parties on seeking peaceful solutions to disputes and pur-

suing maritime cooperation in order to maintain regional stability in the South China Sea. This is in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including those enshrined in the UN Charter, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia,” according to the ASEAN website.

cent in October 2024 to 41.5 percent in March 2025, citing Social Weather Stations data. “The results are encouraging. We are steadily moving toward a Philippines where no family goes hungry,” he added. Under WGP, each enrolled household receives ₱3,000 in monthly electronic food credits via EBT cards, which can be used to buy essential items such as rice, meat, fish, and vegetables. Mr. Marcos also mentioned complementary initiatives like the First 1,000 Days program and schoolbased feeding programs, saying, “Proper nutrition in early childhood shapes our children’s development.”

Admin hastens farm program nationwide

By Othel V. Campos

THE administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has accelerated agricultural modernization with the completion of 145 rice processing systems (RPS) across the country in just 3 years.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the achievement was unparalleled in recent history, with additional facilities set to keep the modernization program on track for the remainder of the President’s term. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the project is a priority initiative of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program.

“This is a legacy investment—one that finally gives our farmers the tools to compete and thrive,” Laurel said. He emphasized that the RPS project addresses the long-standing lack of drying and milling facilities that have limited the productivity of Filipino rice farmers.

SSS activates Davao quake calamity loan

THE Social Security System (SSS) has activated a Calamity Loan Program (CLP) starting October 16 for members in Davao Oriental affected by two strong earthquakes that struck the province last week.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said the CLP aims to provide timely financial support to members living or working in earthquake-affected areas.

Following the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s declaration of a state of calamity in all 11 cities and municipalities, De Claro emphasized SSS’ commitment to assist members during this difficult time.

“We at the SSS are deeply committed to sup

porting our members in Davao Oriental. We understand the challenges they face after the

quake and are here to provide timely assistance to help them recover from this calamity,” he said.

Qualified members can avail of calamity loans of up to ₱20,000 at a reduced interest rate of 7 percent per annum. Applications may be filed online through My.SSS accounts, and approved loans will be credited directly to the member’s

bank account. To qualify, members must

or

in an area under a state of calamity, have at least 36 monthly contributions (six within the last 12 months), and no overdue or restructured loans. They must also have an active My.SSS account and not have received any final benefit. De Claro reminded employers to keep contributions and loan remittances updated for employees to qualify. He assured that SSS remains a reliable partner of Filipino workers, also noting that the Pension Loan Program (PLP) now allows retirement pensioners to borrow up to ₱300,000 and survivor pensioners up to ₱150,000.

Underwater debris found at Panatag

By Rex Espiritu

T HE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday confirmed the presence of structural debris at the Scarborough Shoal in the contested West Philippines Sea (WPS).

Marikina gov’t, DOH trade barbs

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Marikina City government vehemently denies the Department of Health’s allegation regarding a so-called “ghost health facility project” in Barangay Concepcion Dos.

The assailed project was among more than 200 health centers nationwide currently under investigation by the DOH for allegedly being “non-functional or non-operational,” also referred to as white elephant.

On Wednesday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa led an inspection of the project, saying their findings would be submitted to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for further investigation.

IN BRIEF

UAE sends relief goods for Cebu quake victims

THE United Arab Emirates, through the UAE Aid Agency, has donated relief goods for some 40,000 families affected by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on Sept. 30. In a statement, the UAE embassy in Manila said delivery of the aid was done in coordination with the relevant local entities and authorities.

“The UAE’s response reflects the country’s humanitarian efforts and its global commitment towards communities impacted by natural disasters and crises. It also underscores the UAE’s dedication to alleviating humanitarian suffering, accelerating early recovery, and reinforcing stability,” the statement read.

UAE ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Alqataam Alzaabi said the assistance reflected the directives of the UAE’s leadership and demonstrated their government’s commitment to supporting countries in crisis worldwide. Katrina Manubay

DENR hosts dialogue on climate loss, damage

THE Philippines, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), recently hosted the ASEAN Policy Dialogue on Loss and Damage where the agency, along with two other line agencies of the government, presented the country’s experiences on strengthening institutional arrangements, adopting climate data standards and technologies, and enhancing adaptive social protection and insurance programs in relation to loss and damage.

The two other agencies that helped organize the project were the Department of Science and TechnologyPhilippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The dialogue served as a platform for ASEAN Member States to share distinct challenges, best practices, and ongoing efforts to address climate-induced loss and damage from their respective countries.

SU mentor receives Balik Scientist Award

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Department of Science and Technology named Dr. Aye Mee Bartocillo, part-time Silliman University (SU) faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Biology department, as this year’s Balik Scientist Awardee in a ceremony held at Hilton Manila on Oct. 3. Bartocillo presented SU’s Philippine spotted deer genetic diversity project, emphasizing the impact of the BSP in strengthening research initiatives at the university.

The cell and molecular laboratory of the Biology department was renovated and equipped with world-class facilities through the support of DOST-PCAARRD’s Forestry and Environment Research Division and Industry Development Division, with counterpart funding from SU. The improved laboratory now serves as a hub for training and collaborative research. Minerva Newman

RIVER CLEAN-UP. A heavy duty machine is being used by a San Miguel Corp. team to remove tons of silts and trash from a river in Las Piñas City.

“We hope the DOH does not mislead the people from the truth,” the local government said in a statement.

The local government requested the DOH last year for an additional P180 million to complete the four-story Super Health Center, but the agency did not act on the request.

The city government asserted that the funds released by the DOH covered only the first phase of the project involving foundation and structural works, adding that this was completed as certified by the DOH itself.

Phase 1 of the project, funded with

P21 million under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), was finished in 2024 and only covered foundational works.

“It is therefore misleading and irresponsible for the DOH to claim that the entire facility could have been finished using such limited funds. Despite follow-ups from the city, no additional funding for the succeeding phases has ever been released by the DOH. The delay does not lie with the city alone. It lies with the DOH’s failure to provide full project funding,” the statement read.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, said the debris was located using precise coordinates in the vicinity of Panatag Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.

“These coordinates have enabled a thorough review of historical satellite imagery, confirming the presence of structural debris dating back at least two years,” Tarriela said in a statement.

“This verification underscores that the debris is longstanding and not indicative of recent construction,” he added.

On Tuesday, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for WPS, said they have received reports of structures underwater in Panatag Shoal. However, Trinidad then did not rule out the possibility that the structures could be remnants of old ones in the U-shaped atoll.

In 1997, a steel marker erected by China at Scarborough Shoal was destroyed by Philippine Navy forces, according to Trinidad.

He also recalled that “building blocks” had been sighted in the area when the United States was maintaining military bases in the Philippines. At that time, the sandbank purportedly served as a bombing range for both Philippine and American forces. In a related development, Tarriela said a yellow buoy was recently discovered at the northern tip of the shoal during a maritime domain awareness (MDA) operation conducted on Wednesday.

He added that during the same operation, a PCG aircraft noted a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter flying at a low altitude over the vessel.

This was followed by a Chinese J-16 fighter jet dispatched “to harass and endanger the safe flight path.”

“Such actions pose a clear and unacceptable risk to the safety of PCG personnel and the journalists embedded on the mission,” he said.

Las Piñas gov’t commends SMC’s river clean-up drive

By Joel Zurbano

THE Las Piñas City government has expressed gratitude for the San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) Better Rivers Philippines waterway clean-up team for voluntarily desilting and cleaning the Las Piñas and Zapote rivers.

Mayor April Aguilar described this initiative as a “significant advancement in enhancing flood control,” restoring ecological balance, and ensuring the rehabilitation of rivers within the city.

SMC chairman and chief executive Ramon Ang said the river clean-up project in Las Piñas began on Sept. 1 have commenced their work on the Las Piñas River, beginning at its mouth in Manila Bay and progressing upstream. This initiative was undertaken at the request of the city government, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. In just over a month, the team removed more than 30,000 tons of silt and trash from a

MMDA eyeing smart traffic plan for NCR

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and its partners have organized a workshop meant to develop an Intelligent Transportation System development plan to ease traffic flow and enhance road safety in the National Capital Region.

The Metro Manila Intelligent Transportation Systems (MMITS) Project’s technical working groups and the expert team from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) spearheaded the activity.

The workshop identified current issues, future challenges, objectives, and ITS user services from various aspects, such as traffic signal control, road and incident management, public transportation, freight and logistics, safety and accident prevention, and disaster and emergency management, in order to develop an ITS development plan. Joel E. Zurbano

280-meter stretch where the water flows into Manila Bay. This also facilitates the establishment of an access channel for equipment to reach upstream locations.

A bathymetric survey was performed to assess the river’s depth profile and to identify areas heavily affected by silt. Both the bathymetric survey and visual inspection at the river’s mouth revealed the heavy presence if silt and debris. Half of the river channel within the first two kilometers moving upstream has become significantly shallow.

OPINION

Free lunch: Viable or

WITH hundreds of billions of pesos in taxpayer’s money lost to anomalous, substandard and ghost flood control projects in the past three years alone, not to mention those lost to private pockets in the entire six years of the Duterte regime, why not put the money instead in free lunch programs for poor students in the country?

We can cite many benefits from this. A free lunch program for pre-school, kindergarten and elementary school students from disadvantaged and poor families will lead to improved nutrition and health. It will also combat malnutrition and stunting, as one in three Filipino children under 5 suffer from stunting, which permanently affects brain development and productivity.

It will also boost physical and cognitive development. Nutrition during the first 8,000 days—from conception to early adulthood—is crucial for lifelong health and learning capacity. Free lunches will result in enhanced learning outcomes. It will reduce shortterm hunger.

Hungry children struggle to concentrate and retain information. Feeding programs improve attendance, focus, and academic performance.

It will also support long-term educational attainment: Well-nourished students are more likely to stay in school and perform better.

We can also cite the economic returns from free lunches.

This will lead to high return on investment. Every peso spent on school feeding yields up to ₱17 in economic benefits, according to global studies.

This will also result in future workforce development. Better-fed children grow into healthier, more productive adults.

There’s also social equity and inclusion.

Free lunches will reduce inequality as this would ensure that children from poor families have the same access to basic nutrition as their peers.

This will also promote dignity: Universal programs (feeding all students, not just the undernourished) reduce stigma and encourage participation.

Then there’s the impact on communities. Local economies can be stimulated as free lunch programs can source food from local farmers, boosting rural livelihoods.

Free lunches will also encourage civic engagement as civic groups—non-government organizations, businesses, and communities— often support and coimplement feeding initiatives. But the program also faces challenges.

not?

First among these would be budget constraints. Scaling up to cover all poor students, or all students, requires significant and sustained government investment.

The program could also foster dependency on external donors. Some programs rely on NGOs or international aid, which may not be permanent.

There are also logistical and operational issues, such as infrastructure gaps. Many schools lack kitchens, storage, or clean water, making meal preparation difficult.

Free lunches will reduce inequality and promote dignity

There’s also food safety and quality: Ensuring nutritious, safe, and culturally appropriate meals across thousands of schools is a complex endeavor. There are other challenges. Selective feeding could create stigma. Programs that only feed undernourished children may discourage participation due to embarrassment.

Another challenge is hidden hunger: Children who aren’t visibly malnourished may still come to school hungry and unable to learn.

Waste and mismanagement risks could lead to problems, such as poor oversight. Without strong monitoring, programs can suffer from corruption, food waste, or inefficiency.

And lastly, uneven implementation could cause some regions to benefit more than others due to political will or local capacity.

There’s the matter of cultural and behavioral barriers. There could be resistance to centralized meals. Families may prefer home-packed food or worry about dietary restrictions.

Lack of nutrition education. Feeding alone isn’t enough. Students and families need to understand healthy eating.

RA 11037 (Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act) institutionalized school-based feeding for undernourished children in public day care, kindergarten, and elementary schools. However, its coverage is limited to select grades and excludes high school students. Experts and advocates argue for universal feeding to eliminate stigma and reach all hungry learners, not just those visibly undernourished. We should start it now. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Becoming

a better Filipino and human being

CINEMALAYA has always been a festival of courage, of stories that dare to speak, remember, and hope. Last week, I watched four of this year’s 10 films, and they did not disappoint.

Renei Dimla’s Republika ng Pipolipinas reminds us that hope begins in defiance.

Cora Vitug, the farmer who founds her own independent nation “Pipolipinas,” embodies the ordinary Filipino who refuses silence. Her mock declaration of independence becomes a moral awakening for a nation numbed by neglect.

Alessandra de Rossi, playing herself, bridges the real and the imagined. As both witness and participant, she blurs the line between fiction and reality, showing how art can expose truths that politics often hides.

Cora’s act reminds us that being Filipino is not merely citizenship; it is community, the courage to reclaim our voice, and faith that change begins when people refuse to give up on one another.

If Republika ng Pipolipinas teaches us to be brave, Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan teaches us to remember. Celestino’s allegorical film, with the Hydra as metaphor for corruption and disinformation, mirrors the endless cycle of moral decay that plagues our country. Yet it also insists that resistance, however exhausting, is necessary.

Dolly de Leon’s Bea, who upholds truth in the face of denial, embodies the quiet strength of educators, historians, and truth-tellers who keep memory alive.

Mela, portrayed by Mylene Dizon

(Best Actress), is an election lawyer confronting her own complicity. Her moral awakening reminds us that being Filipino means not only blaming systems but examining our own choices within them.

Jojit de Leon’s Kiko and Nanding

Josef’s General Lanuza (recognized as Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively) deepen this moral spectrum, showing how both courage and evil are human creations.

Bea is right: our job is to hope. We must never stop, but we can sometimes rest.

Where Hydra looks outward at society’s decay, Sari Dalena’s Cinemartyrs turns inward to history, memory, and the act of storytelling itself.

Following Shirin, a young filmmaker reenacting the 1906 Bud Dajo massacre, Dalena confronts how cinema shapes remembrance. Her experimental blend of archival fragments and surreal imagery refuses passivity.

The film demands emotional labor, as if to say that history is not something to watch; it is something we bear.

Dalena’s Best Director recognition is

EDITORIAL

Reinventing the watchdog

NEWLY appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla faces urgent tasks to restore transparency, rebuild public trust, and confront entrenched corruption.

This is what’s needed at this time amid anomalous, substandard and ghost flood control projects costing hundreds of billions in taxpayers’ money that ended up in private pockets.

His first challenge is to reverse the erosion of public trust and reassert the Ombudsman’s role as a fearless guardian against corruption and abuse of power.

Remulla inherits an institution that, under his predecessor Samuel Martires, drew widespread criticism for restricting public access to Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth.

The former Ombudsman actually shielded officials from scrutiny and undermined the public’s right to know. Reversing this erosion of accountability must be Remulla’s first act of institutional reset.

But the new Ombudsman faces serious challenges.

Two major scandals—the flood control fiasco and the Health Facilities Enhancement Program debacle—have exposed systemic failures in infrastructure governance.

Flood control projects have become synonymous with ghost contracts and

not just for artistry but for reclaiming erased voices, especially those of women and southern communities long silenced by patriarchy and empire.

Through Cinemartyrs, I realize that being Filipino means carrying the ghosts of our past without letting them fade.

Dalena’s courage to unearth forgotten filmmakers and massacred histories urges us to honor the stories that built us. She transforms cinema into an act of remembrance, teaching that empathy begins with memory.

To love one’s nation is to face its wounds, to make art not as escape but as resurrection.

Finally, Noni Abao’s Bloom Where You Are Planted brings these lessons down to earth. As the first documentary to win Best Picture at Cinemalaya, it redefines cinema not as spectacle but as witness.

political patronage. Over 400 health centers remain idle despite billions in public spending.

These are not isolated lapses; they are symptoms of a governance culture that virtually encourages impunity.

Remulla must act swiftly.

His first challenge is to reverse the erosion of public trust and reassert the Ombudsman’s role as a fearless guardian against corruption and abuse of power

He has already ordered the reopening of SALN access to indicate his commitment to transparency. Investigating the flood control and HFEP anomalies would demonstrate resolve.

It is notable that another documentary, Alipato at Moog, also won Best Picture at both FAMAS and Urian. This is a good harbinger of things to come. Through the lives of activist Agnes Mesina, political detainee Amanda Echanis, and NDF peace consultant Randy Malayao, Abao crafts portraits of courage rooted in community in Cagayan Valley, a rich yet troubled land. These are not mythic heroes but people who keep planting hope in barren soil. Their stories teach that resilience is not mere endurance; it is tenderness that survives injustice. Abao’s calm, observational style mirrors the humility of his subjects. There are no grand speeches, only gestures of resistance and persistence. On a personal note, Agnes has been my friend for more than 35 years. A year ago, she introduced me to her son Gab,

Reforming internal processes by accelerating case buildup, protecting whistleblowers, and modernizing investigative systems would be giant steps in restoring credibility.

Yet the Ombudsman’s independence will be tested.

As a Marcos appointee and former Justice Secretary, Remulla must prove that he can rise above political pressure and pursue accountability wherever it leads, even if it implicates powerful allies.

The leadership change in the Office of the Ombudsman opens windows for civic engagement.

Civil society-led SALN monitoring campaigns can be revived. Citizen oversight modules can be co-developed to track investigations.

Multi-sectoral coalitions uniting local governments, civil society organizations, and academic institutions can help institutionalize reforms beyond Remulla’s term.

What we would like to emphasize is the Ombudsman is not merely a prosecutor, but also a guardian of public integrity.

If Remulla embraces this role with courage and conviction, he can help rebuild the trust that our democracy sorely needs.

The question now is: Can the new Ombudsman rise to the occasion? We really hope so.

also featured in the film. Since then, I have mentored him in climate justice work. I watched the film with Gab beside me and saw how deeply he was moved, watching his mother’s and his own life unfold on screen. Together, these four films remind me that art is not separate from life. History is the source of art, but art, in turn, helps us live better and work for a better country. And to think, I watched only four of the films. Next year, I resolve watch all the full- length films and as many of the short films possible. I will take a leave from work and cancel all my appointments if I must.

In watching these Cinemalaya films, I became a better Filipino and a better human being. That feels good. Facebook, X, Instagram, and BlueSky: tonylavs Website: tonylavina.com

Shake truck aids Californians prepare for massive quake

FULLERTON, California – Randy Bax-

ter holds on for dear life as a simulator shows him just how powerful a magnitude 7 earthquake can be.

“It was much stronger than I thought,” the 62-year-old academic tells AFP as he steps out of the machine on the campus of the University of California, Fullerton.

Once a year, this specially designed trailer goes on a week-long tour to educate Californians about what to do when the earth begins to move in one of the most seismically active parts of the world.

The state lives with the constant knowledge that it could be struck at any minute by “The Big One” -- a powerful quake projected to kill 1,800 people, injure 53,000 and cause $200 billion of damage. There are more than 500 active faults in California, which together generate thousands of tremors every year.

The majority are small -- barely noticed by the 40 million people who live here. But others can be big enough to cause real damage, and California’s Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES) wants people to know what to do.

“When you do feel that shaking, we want everybody to drop, cover and hold on,” says Jon Gudel of CAL OES.

“It’s exactly what it sounds like: you try to find something sturdy, preferably a table, drop underneath it, cover your head and neck area, and then hold on to that table until the shaking ends.” AFP

IN BRIEF

Los Angeles declares state of emergency

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County was under a state of emergency Wednesday (Thursday Manila time), declared over federal immigration raids, in the latest effort to push back on President Donald Trump’s hardline policies.

The declaration, which is usually issued in times of natural disaster, frees up resources that can be used to help those affected in the county, home to a large number of undocumented migrants and one of the most diverse parts of the United States. Supporters of the move say broad-based migrant raids being carried out by masked agents are untargeted and focused on people who speak Spanish or appear to be Hispanic. They claim the fear the raids cause is preventing breadwinners from going to work and creating genuine hardship in immigrant communities, with one recent survey finding average weekly earnings among immigrants down by over 60 percent. AFP

Trump: Modi ‘will stop buying Russian oil’

WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump said Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised him New Delhi will stop buying Russian oil, months after Trump slapped punitive tariffs over the purchases.

“He’s assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia,” Trump told reporters.

“You know, you can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon.” India did not immediately confirm Trump’s account. Modi has previously defended buying oil from Russia, a historic partner of India, despite Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

But Modi appeared to show a desire to repair the relationship with Trump by meeting Saturday with the new US ambassador, close Trump political aide Sergio Gor, hours after he arrived in New Delhi. AFP

Israel threatens to resume fight

JERUSALEM – Israel’s defense minister threatened Wednesday to resume fighting if Hamas does not honor the terms of a US-backed ceasefire that halted the war in Gaza.

The statement from Defense Minister Israel Katz’s office came after Hamas handed over the remains of two more deceased hostages, and said it would be unable to retrieve any more bodies from the ruins of Gaza without specialised equipment.

Since Monday, under a ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump, the Palestinian Islamist group has handed back 20 surviving hostages to Israel in exchange for nearly

in December, citing a decision to exclude Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba.

“I will not attend the Summit of the Americas in the Dominican Republic. Dialogue does not begin with exclusions,” Petro wrote in a long statement on X. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has also announced that she will not attend the summit. In his statement, Petro also railed against the US deployment of naval forces toward Venezuela.

“What we have is aggression in the Caribbean, which had been established as a zone of peace,” Petro said. AFP

2,000 Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails.

Before the two bodies were handed over late on Wednesday, Hamas had already returned the remains of seven of 28 known deceased hostages -- along with an eighth body which Israel said was not that of a former hostage.

“If Hamas refuses to comply with the agreement, Israel, in coordination with the United States, will resume fighting and act to achieve a total defeat of Ha-

mas, to change the reality in Gaza and achieve all the objectives of the war,” a statement from Katz’s office said.

Hamas’s armed wing said the two bodies returned would be the last for now -falling far short of the plan’s demand to hand over all of them.

“The Resistance has fulfilled its commitment to the agreement by handing over all living Israeli prisoners in its custody, as well as the corpses it could access,” the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement on social media.

“As for the remaining corpses, it requires extensive efforts and special equipment for their retrieval and extraction. We are exerting great effort in order to close this file.” But senior US advisors said Wednes-

student. Hamas is tightening its grip on Gaza’s ruined cities, but Israel and the United States insist the group can have no role in a future government for the territory.

Low-paid human work behind AI curtain

PARIS – For a generative artificial intelligence system to learn how to write an autopsy report, human workers must sort and annotate thousands of crime scene images.

The precarious work of training AI, which generally pays just a few dollars, has sparked a movement for better wages and conditions stretching from Kenya to Colombia.

“You have to spend your whole day looking at dead bodies and crime scenes... Mental health support was not provided,” Kenyan national Ephantus Kanyugi told

AFP.

Labelers “need to spend time with these images, zoom into the wounds of dead people” to outline them so they can be fed into the AI, the 30-year-old added.

Kanyugi, who has worked on image labelling since 2018, is the vice-president of the Data Labelers Association (DLA), an 800-strong labour group based in Nairobi.

The DLA plans to unveil a code of conduct this month aimed at major labelling platforms, calling for improved conditions for workers.

Trump indicates quick approval of covert CIA action vs. Venezuela

WASHINGTON, DC – US President

Donald Trump indicated Wednesday he had authorized covert CIA action against Venezuela and said he was considering strikes against alleged drug cartels on land in the South American country.

Trump’s comments triggered outrage from leftist Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who decried “coups d’etat orchestrated by the CIA” and ordered military exercises following a fresh US strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.

Republican Trump declined to comment in detail about a New York Times report that he had secretly approved the CIA to conduct covert action in Venezuela against Maduro.

“But I authorized for two reasons really,” he said, before listing familiar talking points accusing Maduro of leading a “narco-terrorist” regime and of releasing prisoners from jails and sending them to

the United States.

Asked if he had given the CIA authority to “take out” Maduro, Trump replied: “That’s a ridiculous question for me to be given. Not really a ridiculous question, but wouldn’t it be a ridiculous question for me to answer?”

Trump added that he was weighing up whether to expand US military actions against alleged Venezuelan drug cartels to the land after a series of deadly naval strikes on alleged drug boats.

“We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

At least 27 people have been killed so far in the US attacks.

Experts have questioned the legality of using lethal force in foreign or international waters against suspects who have not been intercepted or questioned. AFP

day, after Israel’s threat to resume fighting, that Hamas still intends to make good on its pledge.

“We continue to hear from them that they intend to honor the deal. They want to see the deal completed in that regard,” one advisor told reporters on condition of anonymity.

Still, any delay in returning the remaining bodies is likely to pile further domestic pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to tie humanitarian aid to the fate of the bodies.

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has threatened to cut off desperately needed aid supplies to Gaza if Hamas fails to return the remains of soldiers still held in the Palestinian territory. AFP

Kenya has no law regulating data-annotation work -- like many countries around the world where millions of people are feeding digital information into growing AI models.

“We’re like ghosts. No one knows that we exist, even though we are contributing to society’s technological progress,” said Oskarina Fuentes, half a world away. The 35-year-old Venezuelan works for five different data-labelling platforms from her home in Colombian city Medellin, earning between five and 25 US cents per task. AFP

SPIN BOLDAK, Boldak, Afghanistan – A ceasefire along the frontier between Afghanistan and Pakistan was holding on Thursday, after dozens of troops and civilians were killed in cross-border clashes.

In Spin Boldak, a focal point of recent clashes on the Afghan side, an AFP journalist saw shops reopening and residents returning to homes they had fled during the fighting.

The 48-hour ceasefire was aimed at allowing time to “find a positive solution... through constructive dialogue”, according to Pakistan.

Just after it took effect, at 6:00 pm Islamabad time Wednesday, AFP journalists in Afghanistan briefly heard gunfire at the border.

The UN rights chief, Volker Turk, welcomed the ceasefire and appealed to “both parties to prevent any further harm to civilians & commit to a lasting ceasefire”.

The truce announcement was preceded by more explosions in the Afghan capital, which the Taliban government did not attribute to Pakistan. Violence erupted last week with explosions in Kabul and in southeast Afghanistan, which the Taliban government blamed on Islamabad. Taliban authorities then launched an offensive at the border, prompting Islamabad to vow a strong response of its own.

Exchanges of fire from Saturday killed dozens of people, with renewed violence from Wednesday also causing civilian casualties, according to Kabul. Officially, the Taliban authorities blamed Wednesday’s blasts on the explosion of an oil tanker and a generator which sparked fires. But a senior Taliban official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said Islamabad caused the second explosion and wanted to “target civilians”.

Collins told investigators the Chinese intelligence services are “highly capable”, and said they “conduct large scale espionage operations against the UK to advance the Chinese state’s interests and harm the interests and security of the UK”. AFP

Ababa pulls off stunning comeback, tops ICTSI golf

BUKIDNON—In one of the most gripping finales of the season, Sarah Ababa clawed her way back from five strokes down with a fearless charge on the closing holes, then outlasted Chanelle Avaricio in a pressure-packed second playoff hole to capture the ICTSI Del Monte Championship in dramatic fashion on Thursday.

Trailing for most of the day and facing what looked like an insurmountable deficit, Ababa summoned the composure and tenacity of a seasoned warrior. She birdied three of the last five holes with clinical precision, capping a final round 70 that put her at 211 – just enough to catch a faltering Avaricio, who stumbled home with a 72 after a sizzling start.

“I didn’t expect to win – I was 2-down with two holes to go,” admitted Ababa, who trailed by as many as five shots midway through the final round after Avaricio scorched the front nine with a 33 while she managed only a 36. “Sobrang kaba ko talaga.”

But golf, as ever, is a cruel test of nerves.

With steely resolve and nearflawless execution, Ababa mounted a stunning comeback that forced a sudden-death playoff at five-under total. The two players matched par on their return trip to the par-5 18th. But on the second playoff hole,

Ababa delivered under pressure –unleashing a crisp drive and second shot then following it up with a precise approach from 75 yards to set up a winning birdie. Avaricio, clearly rattled, couldn’t respond.

“It was the perfect yardage for me – 75 yards. I’m really confident from inside 100 yards,” said Ababa, who pocketed the P125,000 top purse for her fourth career title in a 12-year pro journey.

The victory was especially sweet for the Davaoeña veteran, who lost in similar sudden-death fashion to Princess Superal at the Caliraya Springs Championship last August.

But this one, she said, meant the most.

“Sobrang special tong panalo na ‘to kasi hindi ko in-expect. Sobrang layo talaga ni Chanelle,” said Ababa, who also drew inspiration from her parents, who came all the way from Davao to support her. She was especially motivated by her father, former pro golfer

Edgar, who served as her caddie for all three days.

The win couldn’t have come at a better time, serving as a major confidence booster as the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour heads to her hometown of Davao for the next two legs at Apo Golf and South Pacific.

For Avaricio, the loss was a bitter pill after a dominant opening. The former Alabama State standout seemed poised to run away with the title after carding a scorching 33 on the front nine, building a sizeable cushion with poise and command.

Avaricio, who settled for P82,000, unraveled under the mounting pressure of the back nine, bogeying Nos. 10, 11 and 12 in rapid succession. Though she momentarily steadied with a birdie on No. 15, a bogey on the 17th left her clinging to a one-shot lead entering the final hole.

She had one last chance to close it out, but failed to convert on the reachable par-5 18th while Ababa calmly rolled in a six-foot birdie to force extra holes – and ultimately snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The loss marked a stinging reversal for Avaricio, who had dominated at Forest Hills earlier in the season. But on this day, with the trophy in sight, it was Ababa who had the mettle to finish the job.

Meanwhile, Martina Miñoza closed strong with three birdies over

TPB’s Winter Escapade showcases Clark as sports and wellness haven

AS South Korea braces for another frosty winter, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines is inviting travelers to head south for sunshine, adventure, and movement with its new Winter Escapade campaign, spotlighting Clark as the country’s next big hub for outdoor sports and wellness travel.

Running from October 1 to December 31, 2025, the campaign is designed for active travelers looking to swap coldweather confinement for wide-open spaces and active escapes under the tropical sun.

Led by Korean stars Kim Myung Soo and Choi Bo Min, both known for their dynamic lifestyles and youth appeal, the initiative presents the Philippines not just as a vacation spot, but as a sports and wellness destination where visitors can run, ride, and recharge year-round.

“In December, the Philippines—especially Clark and its nearby destinations—offers a milder climate where visitors can enjoy scenic running trails, cycling routes, wellness sanctuaries, and cultural journeys that blend relaxation with discovery,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

At the heart of the campaign are custom-designed travel packages developed in partnership with DOT-accredited operators, featuring experiences that encourage movement and outdoor exploration: scenic runs and fitness trails across Clark’s open landscapes and nature parks; cycling and adventure circuits for enthusiasts seeking endurance and adrenaline; wellness and recovery programs including the Philippines’ signature hilot therapy; and cultural side trips to nearby heritage sites, mountain towns, and coastal getaways that complement the active itinerary.

Clark’s geography and mild December weather make it an ideal playground for both amateur and seasoned athletes. Its flat terrains and wide avenues provide excellent conditions for endurance sports, while its proximity to nature reserves and mountain trails allows easy access to hiking, trail running, and eco-adventures.

With Kim Myung Soo (best known for Angel’s Last Mission: Love and Numbers) and Choi Bo Min (A-Teen 2, Shadow Beauty, and a member of K-pop group Golden Child) fronting the campaign, TPB is tapping into a new generation of fitness-conscious travelers who value

Natural Bjorn

Erel Cabatbat

UNLIKE their first game in Darwin, Australia, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team started slow, really slow against Timor-Leste in their home game last Tuesday night at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Pampanga. Expected to dish out another beating against their Southeast Asian rivals, the team played listless in the first half, a far cry from their dominant start five days earlier. The visitors even took the lead before the first half ended, which somehow sent jitters and that familiar annoying feeling of dread. A goal by Jeff Tabinas at the start of the final half somehow righted the ship. Bjorn Kristensen finally found his mark in the 70th minute for the goahead goal while “Phenom” Jarvey Gayoso put the game away, figuratively and

movement as part of their travel experience.

Both stars are expected to document their Philippine adventures—from sunrise runs to post-activity relaxation— on their social media platforms, inspiring millions of fans to see the country as a place where sport, nature, and culture converge.

Killer

literally in stoppage time as the team formerly known as the Azkals reasserted its might, a 3-1 drubbing against the Lafaek. The back to back wins gave the Philippines the full 6 points and the lead in Group A in the ongoing qualifiers of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The team will need to win its away game in Maldives next month to further strengthen its grip of the top spot. But then again, qualifying to the tournament proper will depend eventually on our away game in Tajikistan. A draw against the host in March will be enough, given that we will win the game against Maldives, to book our ticket to the Asian Cup. With the way we played at home against Timor-Leste, earning a point against Tajikistan at their home pitch will be hard. Winning the game even more. Which brings us to the upside of the team’s winning run against Timor-Leste. Bjorn Kristensen scored five goals in his last two outings with the national team.

To say that he was on fire would be an understatement knowing how difficult it is to score a goal in a football game. To put

Asics Meta Time Trials set to energize PH

run scene

THE countdown has begun to one of the most anticipated events in Southeast Asia’s running calendar – the inaugural ASICS META: Time: Trials (MTT) Philippines set to fire off on Sunday (Oct. 19) at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.

With 3,500 runners expected to participate, the event not only marks a major milestone for ASICS in the region but also signals the Philippines’ growing importance as a hub for high-performance athletic events.

From elite athletes to passionate weekend warriors, the diverse lineup of participants reflects the expanding appeal of performance-focused road racing. For many local runners, the event offers a rare opportunity to test themselves on a world-class course, backed by innovative gear and support from one of the world’s most trusted athletic brands.

But the MTT is more than just a 10K race – it’s a full-blown celebration of running innovation and personal progress.

“This is more than just a race – it’s about pushing your own boundaries,” said Ishina Buxani, Marketing Director of SONAK Retail Group, the official ASICS distributor in the Philippines.

“Whether you’re aiming to break into elite times or finish your first sub-hour 10K, the META: Time: Trials is a platform to chase your personal best.”

that in a perspective, and not to mean anything else knowing how some people are so fond of screenshots that only favor their narratives, it took our Phenom 30 games to score his fourth goal for the national team. Even the great Phil Younghusband, the all-time leading scorer for the three stars and the sun, needed 108 caps to set the 52 goal standard. The next two best scorers for the country are Chieffy Caligdong (71 caps) and Kiki Reichelt (93 caps) with 16 apiece. The legendary Paulino Alcantara had 14 (11 caps) while another icon Angel Guirado scored 13 strikes in 46 fixtures with the national team.

Kristensen, James Younghusband, Ian Araneta, Mark Hartmann and Misagh Bahadoran are the only other players who have scored at least eight goals or more for the country. But what is more remarkable is the fact that Kristensen has scored 12 goals in just 14 appearances with the national team. The KFUM-Kameratane Oslo winger is currently tied with James Younghusband (98 caps) in the all-time list. It is not surprising that Kristensen is now being compared to Phil. Some claim that he is the second coming of the elder Younghusband, others say that he is even better. To be fair, I would rather see him create his own path, his own legacy and his own leg-

endary status sans comparison with Phil. It would not be fair for both of them. But for now, the national team would benefit a lot if Kristensen will consistently find the back of the net especially in our remaining but crucial games in the qualifiers. Relying alone, however, on Kristensen in the last two games is dangerous and our opponents will adjust to contain him. Even if he is born to score, Kristensen will need help. The whole team will need help as well too. Let us not be complacent with the two wins, football is football where surprises are aplenty and overconfidence can be a reality check in reverse. Perhaps a tuneup game or two before the November clash against Maldives will do good for the team. Friendlies will be a must before going up against Tajikistan in March. We are just fortunate enough that even without a tuneup game before Timor-Leste clashes, the team still managed to win both games. But against stronger opponents, we can’t just expect the team to just shop up and steamroll the opposition.

Kristensen’s scoring rampage has somehow overshadowed Gerrit Holtmann, probably one of, if not the most, highly-regarded players in the national side. But then again, Holtmann is expected to catch fire anytime soon, hoping and praying that it will happen on the win or

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. As the global running boom continues, the MTT series, which debuted in Málaga, Spain in 2022 and has since expanded to Thailand and Malaysia, lands in the Philippines at a moment when local interest in running is surging.

The event is expected to draw attention from not only Filipino runners but also regional athletes and influencers, creating a melting pot of talent, energy and culture.

On center stage is the new Metaspeed collection, featuring breakthrough models like the Metaspeed Ray, Sky Tokyo and Edge Tokyo, each designed to help runners optimize performance according to their unique stride and cadence styles.

Powered by technologies like FF Leap cushioning and carbon plates, these shoes have already received global acclaim – and now, Filipino runners will get their own chance to experience the difference.

go home game against Tajikistan. For the meantime, good job Bjorn. You have definitely lifted the spirits of football fans in the county. Moreover, you have fanned our imagination and hope that somehow football is on the right path, at least on the football pitch.

Speaking of the right path, congratulations are in order for our young, gallant and future Filipinas as the U-17 team notched its second win in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers with a 2-0 defeat of Tajikistan the other night. Earlier, the young ladies blanked Syria, 5-0 to jumpstart their campaign. The team will face Malaysia at 5pm today

Running and managing a

deavor is not

If you’re just for the perks and privileges, think again. Kawawa naman si Dad. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_ cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Home bet Jaraula surges; Zaragosa, Lascuña chase

BUKIDNON—Reymon Jaraula tapped into local knowledge and lateround brilliance to shoot a clutch four-under 68 on Thursday, seizing a one-shot lead over Rupert Zaragosa heading into the final round of the ICTSI Del Monte Championship here.

With a three-day total of 14-under 202, the Bukidnon native catapulted himself from second to first, bringing him within 18 holes of a storybook redemption – and his fourth career victory on the Philippine Golf Tour.

“Ang advantage ko dito ay home course ko ‘to at very familiar ako,” said Jaraula, who turned adversity into opportunity after a bogey start and a costly double on the par-4 13th. He clawed back with a steady front nine capped by an eagle on the par-5 No. 9, then scorched the closing stretch with three straight birdies from No. 14 to seal a resilient 34-34 round.

“First six holes, hindi maganda. Buti na lang nakabawi sa back nine,” he said. “Inisip ko lang na relax lang at madami pa namang butas.” Now standing on the brink of another triumph, Jaraula is determined not just to win, but to rewrite the ending of last year’s heartbreak at Del Monte, where he fell just one shot short of Clyde Mondilla. This time, he has the crowd behind him, course familiarity on his side, and a steely focus to match.

UE’s Lingolingo gets 3-game ban for unsportsmanlike foul

UNIVERSITY of the East forward Vlair Christopher Lingolingo has been slapped with a three-game suspension following an unsportsmanlike foul committed during the Red Warriors’ UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball game against De La Salle University on Wednesday, October 15.

The UAAP announced that Lingolingo’s suspension will take effect starting Sunday, October 19, when UE faces Far Eastern University at the

Smart Araneta Coliseum. The sanction will also cover the Warriors’ first two games of the second round.

The infraction stemmed from a play at the 4:21 mark of the fourth quarter, when Lingolingo dove for the ball after referees had already called a jump ball, resulting in him landing on the right knee of La Salle guard Kean Baclaan. The incident was deemed an

unsportsmanlike foul (Criteria 2) upon review.

League officials determined that the play involved “excessive and forceful contact” as Lingolingo attempted to gain possession, meriting the three-game ban. UE, currently trying to stay in Final Four contention, may file a motion for reconsideration of the suspension.

Buytrago, Abdilla fall short against Aussies at Beach Pro

Lerna of the US.

ALAS Pilipinas top pair of James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla held fort only to tumble against a taller Australian duo of D’Artagnan Potts and Jack Pearse, 21-14, 21-18, to exit the men’s main draw of the Volleyball World 2025 Beach Pro Tour Challenge at the Nuvali Sands Court by Ayala Land on Thursday in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

“We adjusted very well in our strategies to disrupt their plays, but we just couldn’t sustain our game to the end,” said the 26-year-old Buytrago, who played with an injured right index finger. “The paint merely went off during the match maybe because of adrenaline.”

CSB

disputes twice-to-beat edge with

FAR Eastern University and College of Saint Benilde duke it out for the last quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage in the final playdate of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup second round on Friday at the San Andres Gym in Manila.

Opening serve of the second match of a busy triple-header feature is set at 2 p.m.

The Lady Tamaraws and Lady Blazers sport identical 1-1 win-loss records in Pool F following a shaky campaign in the second round of the tournament, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

FEU, winner of the National Invitationals Batangas Leg, will come into the match riding the crest of its 23-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-20 victory over San Beda University last Wednesday.

The Lady Tamaraws are also looking to replicate their domination of CSB during the Invitationals to join University of Santo Tomas in the next phase, armed with an incentive. On the other hand, the Tigresses seek to complete a sweep of the second round and formalize their entry into the quarters as the top seed in Pool F when it takes on the Lady Red Spikers at 4 p.m. UST crushed FEU and CSB in straight sets as it primed up for a much-awaited first

and

The Alas Pilipinas pair, which clinched bronze in the 2023 Cambodia Southeast Asian Games, gave the Aussies a scare at 18-19 but fell short in the Pool H match.

All’s not lost though for Buytrago and Abdilla—they had another evening quarterfinals match on Thursday againzt Tim Brewster and Ryan

Italy’s Enrico Rossi and Marco Viscovich defeated Brewster and Lerna, 21-12, 22-20, to join Potts and Pearse unbeaten 1-0 slate in Pool H of the weeklong competition hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara. “We still have a chance if we win against the USA in our later match. I believe we can bounce back later,” Buytrago said. Indonesia’s Akbar Bintang and Sofyan Rachman Efendi, who won gold in the Beach Pro Tour Futures last year in Wuhan (China), beat Germany’s Philip Huster and Maximilian Just, 23-21, 2119, in a Pool D duel. In other men’s results, Spain’s Alejandro Juerta and Adrian Gavira beat Latvia’s Ardis Beritis and Arturs Rinkevics, 21-19, 21-18, in Pool D, and the US’s Logan Webber and Hagen Smith downed Denmark’s Mads Mollgaard and Nicolai Houmann, 21-17, 1821, 15-12, in Pool B.

PAL, PSC seal 3-year partnership to empower Filipino athletes

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have forged a three-year partnership to provide stronger support for Filipino athletes competing on the global stage.

Under the agreement—effective from October 2025 to October 2028— the flag carrier is designated as the Official Airline Sponsor for PSC’s official sports delegations to major international events, including the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, 2026 Asian Games, 2027 SEA Games, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

As part of its sustained commitment to Philippine sports, PAL will extend special travel assistance to the PSC aimed at improving the comfort and convenience of national athletes during official trips.

The package includes exclusive fare discounts, additional travel privileges, and Mabuhay Miles rewards for medalists in the Southeast Asian and Asian Games— helping athletes focus fully on competition and performance.

“At Philippine Airlines, our vision is to be a globally recognized airline trusted for our world-class excellence and customer experience,” said PAL

President Richard Nuttall. “As the country’s flag carrier, we pledge to promote Filipino athletes and the values that bring pride and global recognition to the nation. We stand with our sports champions as they strive for greatness, ensuring that they are supported with the warmth and care of the Filipino heart.”

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio hailed the partnership as a vital step toward empowering national athletes and streamlining their mobility for international events.

“When you touch the heart of an athlete, they start winning. And when they start winning, they touch the hearts of 110 million Filipinos,” Gregorio said. “Philippine Airlines is giving our athletes a runway to take flight and achieve for the nation. We are blessed that they understand this so well—that we are one flag, one heart.”

The renewed alliance highlights PAL’s commitment to uplifting Philippine sports and strengthening the country’s presence in global competitions. By easing travel burdens and celebrating athletic victories, PAL reaffirms its role not only as the nation’s flag carrier

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BANK Of the Philippine Islands

(BPI) on Thursday reported a net income of P50.5 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 5.2-percent increase from P48 billion it booked in the same period last year, supported by strong revenue growth.

BPI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the growth in earnings offset higher expenses and provisions.

Total revenues in nine months reached P142.3 billion, up 13.2 percent year-on-year. Net interest income grew 16.2 percent to P109.1 billion, led by an 8.7-percent increase in the average earning asset base and a 30-basis point expansion in net interest margin to 4.60 percent.

Non-interest income went up 4.2 percent to P33.3 billion, on the

back of higher income from credit cards, wealth management and trading.

Operating expenses climbed 10.3 percent to P65.5 billion on increased costs related to business growth, manpower and technology investments. Despite the higher operating expenses, the bank’s cost-to-income ratio improved by 118 basis points to 46 percent, reflecting strong revenue performance.

BPI ended the third quarter with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 2.3 percent after setting aside P11.8 billion in provisions year-to-date. The NPL coverage ratio stood at 96.5 percent.

Total assets reached P3.5 trillion, up 9.3 percent from a year ago. Gross loans expanded 13.3 percent to P2.4 trillion, led by growth in non-institutional lending.

Total deposits increased 7.7

DOE to lift coal plant ban during power crisis

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said Thursday the construction of new on-grid coal power plants can be exempted from the coal moratorium policy during times of power crisis or imminent supply shortage. It said in an advisory new capacity from on-grid coal-fired power plants may be allowed exemption solely under exceptional circumstances, such as during a “declared or imminent power crisis,” or when there is an imminent shortage of electricity supply that, if unaddressed, may lead to severe impacts in specific areas or regions.

The DOE also clarified that coal-fired power projects located in off-grid areas and those for own-use coal plants for the

IN BRIEF

percent to P2.7 trillion, with current and savings accounts (CASA) at P1.6 trillion and a CASA ratio of 61 percent. The loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 90.3 percent.

Total equity rose to P474.8 billion, up 9.6 percent year-onyear. The bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio was at 14.9 percent and capital adequacy ratio at 15.8 percent.

BPI marked a new milestone with the launch of BPI Wealth Singapore, a wholly owned subsidiary, early this month, reflecting its continued growth in Asia and commitment to serving Filipino and regional clients.

S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed BPI’s investment-grade credit rating of BBB+ with a stable outlook in September 2025, in line with the Philippine sovereign rating.

mining and processing of critical minerals essential to energy transition projects are not included in the moratorium.

It said industrial parks intending to develop and use coal-fired power plants for their own operations are also exempt.

However, industrial end-users registered as locators in industrial parks registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) should secure an endorsement from the PEZA.

Proponents of coal-fired power projects falling under any of the aforementioned instances should apply with the DOE for a letter of acknowledgment of noncoverage, it said. They should also comply with conditions imposed on the retirement, retrofitting and conversion of the coal facilities.

Speaking at the European-Philippines Business Dialogue, Santoro said the discussions are a crucial step in deepening bilateral trade ties, following three successful negotiation rounds held alternately in Manila and Brussels.

“I am very confident that it will be a successful round of discussions. Our teams have already advanced on the text, and at the fourth round we expect to go even beyond,” the ambassador said. The “text-based negotiations” aim to build a comprehensive and ambitious framework covering trade in goods and services, investments, government procurement, and clear, effective trade rules—all anchored on sustainability, he said. Santoro said the FTA would not only open new market access opportunities but would also serve as a long-term mechanism to sustain economic cooperation between the two partners, acting as an immediate relay after the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) system is over.

Othel V. Campos

Cement makers laud safeguard duty

THE Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) welcomed the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) decision to impose a safeguard duty of P349 per metric ton on imported cement, or roughly P14 per bag.

CeMAP acknowledged the tariff as a “fair measure consistent with trade rules and supportive of the competitiveness of the local cement industry,” which had been seeking a higher duty to counter the effects of low-priced and subsidized imports. The group said it “fully respects” the DTI’s decision, which followed the Tariff Commission’s recommendation and replaced a P400 provisional duty previously proposed by the department.

“While we had hoped for a higher tariff, we view this as a balanced and reasonable move,” the association said, adding that the safeguard measure would allow local manufacturers to strengthen their operations and improve utilization rates.

CeMAP previously sought a P600 per metric ton safeguard duty for three years, arguing that the higher rate would more accurately reflect the “real injury” suffered by local producers.

Othel V. Campos

By Othel V. Campos

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Thursday that registration for the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, initially mandatory, will now be voluntary until Dec. 31, 2025.

The shift reflects the agency’s openness to feedback from stakeholders, with ongoing consultations key to improving the system, according to DTI Secretary Cristina Roque.

“Taking their feedback into account means we can improve the Trustmark system to be more useful, fair and help-

billion

ful for both businesses and consumers,” Roque said at the “BIDA ANG KONSYUMER: Ensuring a Safe and Reliable E-Commerce Environment” Town Hall Meeting on Oct. 15, 2025.

“After all, our shared goal is to make e-commerce in the Philippines safer and more trustworthy for everyone,” said Roque.

The DTI held the meeting to discuss the program’s implementation with online business operators, consumer groups and digital trade advocates.

The voluntary period will run until end of 2025, after which the DTI will review whether to maintain or revise the policy by early 2026.

The agency stressed that all existing e-commerce laws would continue to be strictly enforced during this period.

Consumer groups and business organizations welcomed the initiative for its potential to enhance buyer protection and curb fraudulent online activities.

Both sectors called for stronger promotion and education campaigns and expressed support for making registration mandatory in the future.

The DTI is finalizing the program’s supplemental guidelines, which will include details on voluntary registration procedures and corresponding fees based on business size or type. Online businesses may continue applying for the Trustmark in the meantime.

PH eyes carbon credit trade with Singapore, Japan, Europe

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Philippines is seeking to establish bilateral or multilateral trade of carbon credits with Singapore, Japan and European countries as a key strategy in its energy transition pathway.

The Department of Energy (DOE) said these international engagements will facilitate the exchange of best practices in developing high-integrity carbon markets and help identify and develop mutually beneficial projects that comply with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

It said the push for international carbon market engagement follows the recent signing of Department Circular No. DC2025-09-0018, titled

“Providing the General Guidelines for the Generation, Management and Monitoring of Carbon Credits in the Energy Sector,” by Secretary Sharon Garin on Sept. 23, 2025.

The circular, published on Oct. 10, 2025, establishes the policy framework for energy sector carbon credits to unlock new opportunities for energy stakeholders, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mobilize investments in clean energy projects.

The policy serves as the DOE’s foundational instrument, guiding stakeholders, particularly the private sector, in accessing carbon finance, preparing for future carbon market mechanisms,

and coordinating sector actions through a dedicated DOE Task Force on Energy Carbon Credits (TFECC).

Under the new framework, a carbon credit certificate (CCC) will serve as the DOE-recognized unit, representing one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2-e) of emission reduction.

The CCC can undergo national and international verification to qualify for transfer to another country or company as mitigation outcomes or emission reduction units, such as Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcome (ITMO) under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Carbon Allowances, or CORSIA.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

EPARTMENT of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto warned on Thursday that proposals to lower the value-added tax (VAT) rate could severely damage government finances, potentially leading to massive revenue losses and increasing the need for additional borrowing.

Recto said in a statement that lowering the VAT rate “may lead to massive revenue losses, resulting in less public services, and may force the government to borrow even for basic operations, such as personnel salaries.”

The statement follows the filing of two separate proposals in the House of Representatives to reduce or eliminate VAT.

Recto cited the critical role of VAT collections, noting that the entire P1.39 trillion VAT collection projected for 2025 could fund nine months’ worth of payroll, premium and pension for active and retired government workers.

He also pointed out that the P576 billion in total excise tax collections would not be enough to fund the combined P965-billion budget for basic, tertiary and technical-vocational education programs. Despite the warning on VAT, Recto said the government is funding the nation’s progress and bringing it closer to its “Ambisyon 2040—a prosperous middle-class society, where poverty is

eradicated.”

The DOF and its attached agencies collected a record P4.42 trillion in revenues in 2024 with only a P27.94billion budget. This figure supported the government’s P5.925 trillion expenditure, which is equivalent to 16.7 percent of GDP and the highest in 27 years.

The DOF collected roughly P12.10 billion a day in 2024 to support the P16.23 billion daily expenditures of the government. These revenues funded, among other things, education for 24.54 million public school students, medical assistance to about 6.4 million patients in public hospitals and supported P871.38 billion in local government funding.

Revenue collections have grown by double digits over the past three years, averaging 13.8 percent annually, largely due to enhanced tax administration efforts by the Bureau of International Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) through digitalization and stricter enforcement.

MPTC hosts 4th transport conference

THE Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) hosted its 4th Transport Conference on October 15 at Okada Manila, gathering transport leaders, government officials, and industry experts.

Under the theme “Co-Pilots: Navigating a Safer, Smarter & More Sustainable Future in Transportation,” the event underscored the critical need for collaboration in advancing transport innovation and road safety.

Gilbert Santa Maria, MPTC president and chief executive highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects and reaffirmed support for logistics and passenger transport groups.

“Your business supports our business, that’s why we aim to provide all the possible ways to ease and improve your mobility experience in our expressways,” Santa Maria said.

The annual conference gathered representatives from major transport organizations such as the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP), Inland Haulers and Truckers Association (INHTA), Haulers and Truckers Association in the Watersouth, Inc. (HATAW), Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations (ACTOO), Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Nangangasiwa ng Panlalawigang Bus sa Pilipinas, Inc. (NSNPBPI), as well as national jeepney and UV Express groups, and other key transport stakeholders.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Atty. Giovanni Z. Lopez delivered the keynote address, calling for stronger partnerships to accelerate modernization. Panel discussions focused on transport safety, digital systems, driver education, and future tollway development.

Highlighting road safety as a shared responsibility, Santa Maria urged stakeholders to continue to collaborate in safeguarding the lives of all road users.

“As we continue to build infrastructure projects and invest in technological improvements, let’s work together to prioritize safer driving, better driver practices, and stricter compliance with traffic rules and regulations,” he said.

The 4th Transport Con successfully fostered stronger connections among key transportation players and laid the groundwork for future initiatives focused on safety, sustainability, and innovation in Philippine mobility. MPTC is the tollways infrastructure unit of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).

Lopez vows ‘100% corruption-free’ projects

Flood control scandal fails to dampen investors’ interest in NSCR O&M auction

DEPARTMENT of Transportation (DOTr) acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the appetite of local and foreign investors for the P874-billion North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System operations and maintenance (O&M) auction remains strong despite the flood control corruption scandal.

Lopez cited the difference between the agency’s projects and those of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), saying that their projects—many of which receive official development assistance (ODA) funding—are governed by distinct internal controls, processes and checks and balances.

“For me, I can say its 100-percent free of corruption,” he said.

The agency previously reported significant interest from numerous local and foreign firms for the NorthSouth Commuter Railway (NSCR) operations and maintenance (O&M) bid. Interested companies include Mitsubishi Corp., Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo Metro, Sumitomo Corp., Alstom Japan, and French rail operators, among others.

The DOTr conducted market

sounding activities for the NSCR System in Japan, Singapore, France and Manila.

Lopez said the bidding process for the NSCR O&M contract would commence either in the last week of October or the first week of November, as advised by the agency’s transaction adviser, the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The NSCR System market sounding in Japan is the fourth of a series, which was previously held in Singapore, France and Manila.

NSCR is one of the key projects that would help decongest Metro Manila roads. A flagship project under the “Build Better More” program, it is a mega railway network spanning 148 km., with 37 stations and 464 train cars and encompassing three segments―the PNR Clark Phase 1 (Tutuban-Malolos), PNR Clark Phase 2 (Malolos-Clark) and PNR Calamba

(Solis-Calamba).

The mass transport project will run across 26 cities and municipalities in Central Luzon, National Capital Region and Calabarzon.

The project aims to serve over 800,000 passengers daily once it becomes fully operational. The Clark to Valenzuela segment of the NSCR System will start operations by 2028.

As of June 2025, the Malolos-Clark Railway Projec is already 42.4-percent complete. Once operational by 2028, it is expected to reduce the almost three-hour bus ride between Malolos and Clark to just an hour by train. Another segment of the NSCR System supported by the ADB is the 56.86-km South Commuter Railway Project (SCRP) connecting Manila to Calamba. Once operational, it is expected to reduce travel time from up to 2 hours by bus to just 45 minutes by train. Darwin G. Amojelar

Aboitiz InfraCapital pledges long-term commitment to Mindanao growth

ABOITIZ InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, reiterated its commitment to Mindanao’s development during two high-profile events in Davao City in September 2025: the Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICON) 2025 and the launch of the Mindanao PPP (Public-Private Partnership) Facilitation Initiative.

During these events, AIC executives from AIC’s Water and Transport & Mobility sectors emphasized Mindanao’s critical role in driving inclusive growth through connectivity, innovation, and public-private collaboration, and as an enabler of tourism and economic activities.

Speaking to about 350 Davao ICON delegates, AIC Airports Head of Strategy and Communications Christine Villanueva remarked that connectivity remains the backbone of regional and national growth — and airports play a central role in that

ecosystem.

“Connectivity builds economies. From trade routes to transport hubs, when we move better, we grow faster. Airports are not just travel terminals — they are engines of economic activity. Developing worldclass regional airports will be key to unlocking Mindanao’s potential,” Villanueva said during the panel entitled during the panel discussion entitled “Building Gateways for Mindanao’s Progress: Developing World-Class Airports.”

AIC, through Aboitiz InfraCapital Laguindingan Airport Corporation, currently operates Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) in Misamis Oriental. AIC is currently undertaking the development and modernization of LIA over the shortto medium-term beginning April 2025, following the awarding of a 30-year concession agreement last October 2024.

PAL celebrates 60 years of connecting Manila and Sydney

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its inaugural Manila-Sydney flight, marking six decades since the DC-8 named Mabuhay first touched down in Sydney with 86 passengers in 1965.

This historic flight initiated a vital connection that has since carried millions of Australians and Filipinos across the skies.

From just two flights a week in 1965, the route has grown into a vital daily connection served by multiple airlines, linking two dynamic cities and two close friends in the Asia-Pacific.

Today, the Manila-Sydney connection is about more than air travel - it’s a living bridge for families, business, culture, and community, while showcasing the Heart of the Filipino.

To mark the milestone, Philippine Airlines has launched a week long anniversary sale from October 13 to 19 October 2025, giving Australians the chance to create their own Mabuhay Moment with return fares from Sydney to Manila from just

FOR the first time, the popular NLEX Lakbay Norte program expanded its horizons with NLEX Lakbay Manila, a special trip into the heart of the country’s vibrant capital. Partnering with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila, the curated experience gathered media and

$929 for travel after 1 February 2026. Richard Nuttall, PAL president said the anniversary was a proud moment for the flag carrier - one that speaks to the enduring connection between the Philippines and Australia: “Philippine Airlines is proud to have flown generations of Filipinos and Australians across the skies between Manila and Sydney. Since our inaugural service in 1965, we have carried millions of passengers, shared countless ‘Mabuhay Moments,’ and helped connect businesses, families, and travelers alike. As we look to the next 60 years, PAL remains committed to delivering world-class service and care that comes from the heart.”

marketing,

vice

content creators to rediscover Manila’s rich history, culture, and flavors. The adventure proved that you don’t need to travel far to enjoy an exciting getaway. From historical attractions and culinary delights to tranquil green spaces, everything was more accessible thanks to the

The Philippines and Australia are two neighbors that share far more than most Australians realize. While millions have flown the route, the Philippines remains one of the region’s most vibrant destinations - a country of over 7,000 islands where world-class beaches meet booming innovation, and where friendship, family and hospitality are a way of life.

NLEX Connector. The NLEX Connector, an 8-kilometer elevated expressway, extends NLEX southward from the Harbor Link Segment 10 in Caloocan City to Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard in Sta. Mesa, Manila. With convenient exits at España and Magsaysay, the Connector provides seamless access to key destinations within the city. The group began their exploration in Intramuros, Manila’s storied walled city. Each stop offered a deeper understanding of the city’s layered history:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,

JASPER

VALDEZ, Writer

DINA Bonnevie

trending family talk

show House of D is set to premiere its second season tonight at 7:00 on her official YouTube channel.

Before the season launch, the seasoned actress and TV host met with select members of the entertainment press to share what viewers can expect from the new season, following a successful 12-episode run in its debut.

Dina said House of D will feature more dynamic episodes and explore topics beyond their family experiences. She added that they might invite guests this season, though not everyone may be available to host.

The show features Dina, her daughter, Danica

and son

along with their spouses,

and Kristine Hermosa, respectively.

Since the show discusses family matters, reporters asked if there was a chance Bonnevie’s ex-husband, Vic Sotto—the father of Danica and Oyo—might appear as a guest.

“I asked Danica if Vic has already seen the show, and she said, ‘Wala eh, he has never asked about it,’” Dina said. “If they want to guest in the show, I’m okay with that. But we have to respect their privacy.”

Dina had nothing but good words for Vic’s wife, actress Pauleen Luna, praising her kindness and respect.

“Pauline is actually very kind and respectful to me. Wala akong issue sa kanya . Every time we meet, she makes it a point to introduce Tali ,” she said, referring to Vic and Pauleen’s daughter.

Dina added that Pauleen often encourages Danica and Oyo to spend time with their father. “She’s not selfish. She even includes Vico and Paulina when she plans family dinners. I respect her so much for that kind of openness.”

Addressing comments suggesting she hasn’t “moved on” from her past relationship, Dina clarified by mentioning a reply she posted in the comment section of one of her show’s episodes.

I told the person, ‘For your information, matagal na akong naka-move on,’” she said, also mentioning her late husband, former lawmaker Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano, who passed away earlier this year, to prove that she has moved on for a long time and has quite a good life herself.

Dina said she’s open to guesting Vic and Pauleen on the show if the situation feels natural.

Kung gusto nila, bukas naman ang pinto ko,” she said. “Maybe we can have an episode focusing on women—our in-laws first, then maybe them next time. It could be more relaxed and personal.”

SHOWBIZ

Is Dina Bonnevie open to featuring

Very Wang Nickie Wang

By Chong Ardivilla

THE first Tron (1982, directed by Steven Lisberger ) is a man entering the grid. The second Tron or Tron: Legacy (2010, directed by Joseph Kosinski ) is about a son who searches for his Daedalus-figure father. The third Tron or Tron: Ares (2025, directed by Joachim Rønning ) is about the virtual entering the actual world.

All three are basically nerd wars. Among the three, the weakest is the third, which is a shame considering that Tron has massive expectations of breathtaking spectacle with a compelling story about encroaching technology and the human body.

The third installment muddies the upgraded spectacle of light-trailing weapons and vehicles into a latent, flimsy philosophy of life. It tries to be The Matrix (1999, directed by the Wachowskis), but instead, it ends up like a glorified nerd battle from Dexter’s Laboratory.

Evan Peters , as a version of Elon Musk in this movie, is a type of billionaire with a sense of magnitude who seeks to control the world (both the actual and the virtual, or the grid). There is too much on-the-nose painting of the

Marian Rivera is ‘goddess of beauty’ in Vietnam

By Teffany Joy Del Rosario

Marian Rivera arrived in Vietnam on Oct. 14 and attended Lunar Fracture—The Art of Harmony Showcase by Hacchic Couture.

The Kapuso star shared a video of her arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, where fans greeted her with signs and cheers.

“Vietnam diaries start NOW, but first lemme sip sip,” she wrote in her post. Hacchic Couture also posted a video of Rivera’s visit to its showroom, calling her the “goddess of beauty.”

“With her radiant smile and graceful poise, Marian captivated every gaze—her presence not only brought an air of excitement but also made this day at Hacchic truly special,” the brand said.

The 41-year-old actress and TV host served as the vedette, or main star, of the fashion show held on Oct. 15 at the GEM Center. It was her first runway appearance in Vietnam.

Marian Rivera graces Hacchic Couture’s ‘Lunar Fracture

—The Art of Harmony Showcase’ in Vietnam as its vedette

big bad white billionaire techno bro versus a recalcitrant group of scrappy programmers who are not white and are women.

The biggest offense is Jared Leto (who produced the movie and, of course, stars as the titular character), who is a program named “Ares,” from the Greek god of war. It is not only offensive to make Ares the one with empathy, and that Athena (the Greek goddess of strategy and wisdom) is a blind follower.

The ultimate offense here is Jared Leto aligning himself as the typical computer glitch in search of its humanity. There is a wideeyed sense of being in the actual world, which paints Leto like a crazed head of a cult, which he allegedly is in real life. Is this a propaganda film in search of more adherents?

It is hilarious that the life lessons (why would you have this in a Tron movie, I have no idea, because this is not the franchise for saccharine self-help schlock) are deployed by a computer program named after the god of war.

If anything, the Tron franchise is an

indicator of where our culture is going: a total amalgamation of the virtual and the actual. But this movie is preaching a holier-than-thou idea that a higher sense of being comes from being off-grid. Yet, even choosing to be off-grid is not an act of rebellion but an act of privilege. It’s amazing that the entire movie is about privilege and access to information, but it ended up as a soulless sci-fi romp of an even more soulless Burning Man festival.

The best thing about the movie is Nine Inch Nails returning and providing the awesome soundtrack for this movie. The band’s industrial techno-rock provides the ample pulses in an otherwise cold fish of a movie. Here’s some techno-based self-help for you: The only thing that is mindlessly replicated are brainless viruses. The meaning of mortality is obsolescence. We will all be deleted. Hope that helps. You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky. social

SHOWBIZ

‘The Voice Kids’ coaches teach lessons that go beyond music

By Nickie Wang

THE coaches of The Voice Kids Philippines celebrated their recent win at the Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) by sharing insights on mentoring young contestants as the show enters battle rounds.

The program won Best Adaptation of an Existing Format (Non-Scripted), while coach Julie Anne San Jose’s “Gemini” earned Best Theme Song for the revenge series, Slay

“Of course, I’m very happy, and it’s such a great honor. Natutuwa ako kasi narerecognize ang mga projects na ginagawa namin with GMA Network,” she said. “I’m very grateful to be part of those projects. This wouldn’t have happened without the whole production team and everyone behind them.”

Asked about what she looks for in contestants, Julie said she values both raw and refined talent.

“For me, what really matters is the journey we’ll go through together, from the beginning until the end of the show,” she said. “It’s really about the progress

Anne described it as an emotional experience for both coaches and contestants.

“It’s exciting but also scary because we have to be careful with what we say to the kids. Words can really stick with them,” she said.

“We try to keep things positive and remind them that in life, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but what’s important is to keep going.”

When it comes to making difficult elimination decisions, Billy, on the other hand, said it’s something he can never fully prepare for.

“In life, I just want to teach the kids that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows,” he said. “Sometimes we go home with defeat, but we should learn from it and trust the process.”

He added that he hopes his contestants develop strength and leadership through the experience.

PUREGOLD’S popular boys’ love (BL) series

Got My Eyes on You continues to draw viewers with its mix of romance and realism, portraying how love often takes a back seat for Filipino breadwinners.

Now on its 14th episode, the five-minuteper-episode series is set in the scenic S-Cape Villa and follows Drew (Mikoy Morales), a hardworking operations manager, and Shawn ( Esteban Mara ), a composed guest relations officer, who both aspire to become the villa’s general manager.

What begins as rivalry turns into a slowburn connection, but their circumstances differ. Shawn, raised in comfort, strives to prove his independence, while Drew shoulders the financial burden of supporting his family and funding his sibling’s education.

In one scene, Drew reveals his priorities: “ May pinapatapos pa akong bunso, eh... kailangan ko talaga ang posisyon na ’yon. Kaya ayoko ’yang lovelife-lovelife na ’yan .” His words highlight a sentiment shared by many young Filipinos who prioritize responsibility over romance.

Puregold series explores how love

Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad said the series resonates because it captures reality. “It is hard to think about love when you are thinking about family and survival, and this is the common Filipino experience,” she said. “ Got My Eyes on You , while a love story, also depicts a hard truth for breadwinners and Filipino norm expectations.”

The coming episodes are expected to reveal whether Drew will give in to his feelings or keep love out of reach.

Got My Eyes on You streams exclusively on the Puregold TikTok Channel (@puregoldph), with updates and behind-the-scenes content available on Puregold’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X pages.

“Regardless of whether they win or lose, I want them to have a good mentality,” he said.

Guiding through intention, folkpop duo Ben&Ben emphasized that their main focus is guiding contestants to bring out their individuality.

“We think about how to bring out the strength of each kid,” they said. “Uniqueness and heart are what make us turn our chairs.”

For them, kindness is as important as talent. “At the end of the day, friendships last longer than trophies,” they said. “We want them to treat everyone with kindness and respect.”

Zack, who began his career as a contestant on The Voice Kids , said his experience allows him to empathize deeply with participants.

“I know how it feels to be on that stage,” he said. “I always tell the kids that competition ends, but what matters is that you keep going. I’m living proof of that.”

Zack said he gives his team, Project Z, freedom to choose their songs, encouraging accountability and creativity. “I guide them, but I let them decide. Choosing the right song is critical—it teaches responsibility,” he said.

As the blind auditions progress,

Zack said he becomes more selective.

“Toward the end, you have to be more detailed because you’re not just thinking about your team—you’re thinking about the competition as a whole,” he said. His advice to young artists: persistence matters most. “It doesn’t matter who wins,” he said. “What matters is you keep trying and performing even when it’s hard. That’s what makes a true artist.”

Jinkee excited to be grandma, reveals eldest son, partner expecting

By Jasper Valdez

JIMUEL Pacquiao and his partner are set to welcome a baby girl next month, according to his mother, Jinkee Pacquiao, who shared the happy news on social media.

The proud soon-tobe grandmother posted about their gender reveal celebration on Facebook, saying she initially guessed wrong.

Grabe kasadya!

Kahit hindi ako naka-guess dahil lalaki ang hula ko… pero nanalo ang grupo nila Janet kasi girl pala!” she wrote, expressing her excitement.

“Next month na namin makikita ang aming baby girl! Proud Mammita,” Jinkee added. Fans flooded the comments with congratulatory messages, sharing their excitement for the growing Pacquiao family. In a separate post, Jinkee penned a

heartfelt message for her eldest son as he prepares for fatherhood.

“Time flies so fast—ikaw ang kargakarga ko noon, sa susunod na buwan ang apo ko naman ang kakargahin ko,” she wrote. “So grateful to God. He is indeed good all the time.” Jimuel, who is currently based in the United States to pursue his boxing career, was last seen with his family in Los Angeles earlier this year following Manny Pacquiao’s exhibition match in Las Vegas.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Where fashion meets play

The master makes the cut

The secret behind Jun Parcero’s growing list of celebrity clients

HAIR is the crowning glory, and for many men, the search for a reliable barber is part grooming and part identity.

In the local showbiz circle, one man quietly became the answer to that search—Jun Parcero, lovingly known as Master Jun among celebrities. His story reads like a backstage legend. Master Jun began the way many artists do. He was young, intuitive, and very hands-on.

“I started in high school. I used to cut my classmates’ hair in first year high school, and I realized it became my goal to fix people’s hair. Even my teachers were happy to see me do the cutting,” he beamed as he recalled how his journey began.

“I started at Reyes Haircutters, then Bambbi Fuentes [Salon], and then I entered showbiz. Director Bobet discovered me. He brought me to It’s Showtime for a photoshoot for the directors. I saw Vhong Navarro I styled him. The first style I did for Vhong trended [became a trending topic online]. From there, Vhong kept hiring me, and then more people came,” Master Jun continued. There is magic in that kind of discovery—the camera amplifies it, and suddenly everyone wants the same look. But Master Jun’s path wasn’t entirely about capitalizing on a moment. It was more about his natural gift and innate ability to assess a face and know what it needed.

“When someone asks me to do their hair, once I see the

person, I immediately identify the right look,” the talented stylist tried to explain how he skillfully determines a suitable haircut for a client.

That instinct turned him into a trusted stylist for celebrities whose careers hinge not only on talent but also on optics. No less than Daniel Padilla entrusts his hair to Master Jun. Billy Crawford, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Kristoffer Martin, Ronnie Alonte, McCoy De Leon, and Tiyang Amy or Amy Perez are on Master Jun’s Instagram feed as part of his diverse client list.

He is also the quiet constant behind many former members of Hashtags, the boy group that made the noontime show its stage years ago. What is striking in this story is that the former

Ternocon Palaro brings Filipiniana to the field

By Jasper Valdez

ILIPINIANA took a fun detour from the runway to the football field as Ternocon Palaro turned the SM Mall of Asia Football Pitch into a lively playground where culture met style.

Held on Oct. 8, the event gathered six standout Filipino designers—Carl Jan Cruz, Glyn Alley Magtibay, Hannah Adrias, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Len Cabili, and Renz Reyes—each putting their own spin on the terno and barong

The latest collaboration between the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Bench replaced the usual catwalk with turf and an open-air sports field, setting the tone for a

night where tradition finally let loose.

For Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, that’s exactly the point. Tan said the idea of holding a show at the football pitch came from a desire to shake things up.

“The directors are always looking for a venue that’s out of the box, that’s not your usual,” he said.

“This time, they made it really playful and relatable to the public,” Tan said. “The organizers wanted to make it more relatable to the youth— that’s why they thought of palaro.” Launched in 2018, Ternocon has long been a platform that celebrates the national attire while pushing designers to give it a modern twist. This year’s Palaro theme swapped elegance for youthful energy and edge, making Filipiniana feel approachable and current.

Beyond the creativity on display, the event also highlighted SM’s continued support for Filipino designers and craftsmen.

Tan shared that helping homegrown talent has always been personal for the company.

“We started as an MSME,” he said. “A lot of our designers and craftsmen

Hashtags are not paid endorsers but are repeat, paying clients. They are proof not just of celebrity favor but of loyalty earned.

At Parcero Salon’s eighthanniversary celebration, an event that doubled as his birthday party, Master Jun’s clients showed up not for cameras but out of genuine appreciation. Jimboy Martin, Nikko Natividad, Jon Lucas, Jameson Blake, and Zeus Collins took time out from managing their businesses and taping schedules to celebrate him. Their words did not sound like typical PR but heartfelt testimonies from grateful customers.

“He’s a very good person. Even before he had his own salon, he supported us. We [Hashtags] became fans! Seeing who did Kuys Vhong’s and Kuya Billy’s hair, we asked, ‘Is it Master Jun?’ When we didn’t have money, he lowered his rates so our hair could be fixed. That’s why now we try to give back to him,” Jon Lucas shared in a touching tribute.

Nikko Natividad, who still teases him with the older honorific Mang Jun, offers a playful but sincere endorsement.

“We got haircuts from him in

2016. We were his practice models then. We used to call him Mang Jun. Now he’s Master Jun! He’s really very skilled,” the actor happily shared.

Nikko keeps returning for one reason, he stated plainly: “He’s really good.

We say that for men, even without makeup, it’s fine as long as your hair looks good. So when it’s about hair, if Master Jun has a full schedule, I don’t go to anyone else. I wait for him.”

Other former members of the popular dancing boy group—Jameson Blake, Zeus Collins, and Jimboy Martin—echoed the positive feedback. The ritual of returning customers— those willing to wait, to travel, to rearrange schedules—speaks about more than Master Jun’s technical skill. It shows the comfort and the relationship he develops with clients. Based on clients’ testimonies, he is part stylist and part confidant. His real

are also small and medium enterprises. We really want to help them because this is also for the economy at large.”

He added that SM often provides pop-up spaces for emerging designers, giving them room to grow their brands.

“We normally have pop-ups, especially for young designers. We put up the venue—it’s our way of helping them,” he said.

win? The hard-earned trust from these loyal clients. In a world where celebrity images are manufactured in studios and by agencies, there is something that a great haircut brings. It’s a small form of transformation that can, in an instant, lift an image or help a celebrity effectively portray a role on TV or film. For Master Jun, the talent was present before the clients. He just needed the much-deserved break. Parcero Salon is now a home for regulars and newcomers. Celebrities may bring the spotlight, but the true glow of a barber’s work is in word of mouth and repeat business. As Master Jun smilingly and confidently assured potential clients, “Try our QC and Taguig branches. You’ll come out looking and feeling like a celebrity.” Master Jun’s chair has undoubtedly handled more than just hair. It is where image and identity are crafted and maintained with a lot of care.

For your random thoughts, email the author at randomrepublika@ gmail.com.