Manila Standard - 2025 October 25 - Saturday

Palace uneasy over Villanueva exoneration, calls for probe

By Charles Dantes,

‘Flood infra culprits to spend Xmas in jail’

• DOJ: One month to finish PI, start filing of cases

• Hernandez drops state witness bid––Ombudsman

By Vito Barcelo, Joel Zurbano and Pot Chavez

SEVERAL personalities involved in allegedly anomalous flood-control projects may spend Christmas behind bars as the Department of Public Works and Highways intensifies its investigation, Secretary Vince Dizon said Friday.

Dizon said the probe into irregularities in several flood control projects has made “significant progress,” with the agency now working closely with law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies to bring those responsible to justice.

“I think some accused will spend their Christmas in jail. Some of them will be arrested before Christmas,” Dizon said.

“The investigation is moving fast. Ombudsman Boying Remulla said that the first case we filed on September 13 will be the fastest to get some personalities in jail,” he added.

By Maricel V. Cruz, Katrina Manubay and Charles Dantes

THE Sandiganbayan has cleared former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile of the last of several graft charges filed against him over a supposed “pork barrel” scam.

In a decision promulgated on Friday, the anti-graft court’s Special Third Division acquitted Enrile of the charge involving the P172.8 million in Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) funds that he allegedly mishandled during his term as a legislator.

In its decision, the Sandiganbayan said “the prosecution failed to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”

By Rex Espiritu

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it has discovered some 60 “ghost” flood control projects across the country following inspections conducted upon request of the Department of Public Works

FORMER president Rodrigo Duterte's co-accused in the crimes against humanity case may soon face arrest following the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I decision affirming the court's authority to continue the case. Atty. Kristina Conti, International Criminal Court assistant to counsel,

By Charles Dantes

said the decision means there is now an “80 percent chance that this case will proceed to trial.”

“The only remaining question is if [Duterte] is fit to stand trial but as to the investigation, well, this is an all clear signal for the investigation

By Charles Dantes

MALACANANG on Friday called on the public to remain patient after a group of protesters stormed the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) office in Taguig City to denounce what they described as a lack of transparency and slow processing of cases.

Presidential Communications Of-

fice Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace has yet to receive details about the incident, but emphasized that the ICI operates independently from the Office of the President.

“The ICI is an independent commission. Whatever actions or policies they are implementing are under their jurisdiction,” Castro said in a press briefing.

She acknowledged public frustrations over the pace of investigations but stressed that the government is already addressing corruption-related complaints through proper procedures.

“People should not be impatient. (Public Works and Highways) Secretary Vince (Dizon) has already filed the necessary cases, and what’s important is that the system continues to

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to inspect the existence of flood control projects nationwide amid reports of irregularities.

“Out of the 8,000 flood control projects, I think there are around 60 na ghost projects,” Brawner said. “The number may still increase as inspections continue,” he added.

The AFP was tapped to assist in the probe considering its units stationed throughout the country and have prior experience monitoring government infrastructure under the Barangay Development Program.

“We were given the coordinates of the flood control projects.” Brawner explained. “We submit our findings to the DPWH, whose engineers will determine if the existing ones meet specifications.”

Calls mounted for the AFP to take a more direct role in implementing infrastructure projects, with some lawmakers suggesting that the military handle flood control projects to prevent corruption and ensure quality.

Senator Robinhood Padilla earlier proposed that the AFP’s Corps of Engineers (AFPCOE) be given responsibility for such projects.

“I am presenting this to this chamber for study and consideration, with the aim of having AFPCOE play a more active role in addressing the national problem of flood control, particularly in the immediate construction or repair of non-existent or severely damaged infrastructure in highly flood-prone areas,” Padilla said in Filipino.

However, the AFP chief clarified that the military’s engineering units are now shifting focus from civilian infrastructure to territorial defense operations.

“Our engineer brigades are being converted into combat engineers.”Para kung sakaling magkaroon ng giyera yun mga engineers natin ang gagawa ng mga protective cover para sa ating mga tropa, para sa ating mga kababayan (In case war erupted, our engineers will provide cover for the troops and the civilians),” Brawner said.

Currently, the AFP has only seven engineering brigades—five in the Army, one each in the Air Force and the Navy. Nonetheless, Brawner acknowledged that the military has a strong track record in infrastructure development, citing past projects completed by AFP engineers under the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) during Dizon’s tenure.

“Even Secretary Dizon himself said he was impressed with the quality and speed of work done by our military engineers,” Brawner noted.

However, the AFP chief emphasized that while the military could lend its expertise to public infrastructure projects to ensure quality and transparency, it would not take over civilian functions.

“Our role is to guide, monitor, and help in planning, not to replace the implementing agencies,” he said.

The COA reports provided detailed cases of mismatched sites, ghost projects, and the use of substandard materials, resulting in significant public funds being misappropriated.

These anomalous projects involve SYMS Construction Trading, a joint venture between L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc. and M3 Konstract Corporation, and Darcy & Anna Builders & Trading, the report stated.

Those identified as liable from DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO includes district engineer Henry Alcantara, assistant district engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, and planning and design chief Ernesto Galang, along with various project engineers and company representatives from the involved contractors.

The implicated individuals may face charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Revised Penal Code for malversation and falsification of documents, and violations of COA Circular No. 2009001 and the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The COA’s audit findings will support the ICI’s ongoing investigation into government infrastructure project irregularities.

This new batch of reports contributes to the 25 FARs already submitted to oversight bodies, with additional reports expected as the audit continues.

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Officials of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure on Friday inspected the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas which may serve as a detention facility for individuals indicted in relation to the flood control scandal.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla accompanied the ICI officials led by chairman Andres Reyes Jr. and commissioner Rogelio Singson.

"Our work is investigative. I know that our people, the taxpayers, are very agitated because they want someone to be imprisoned immediately. Unfortunately, that is not the role of the ICI. Ours is investigative, go to the Ombudsman and Sandigan-

Palace...

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the Marcos administration continues to trust Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s leadership, but emphasized that any procedural or legal violations must be corrected immediately.

"Kung ito po ay mapapatunayang totoo, ito po ay nakakabahala dahil hindi dapat nagkakaroon ng pagdududa ang taumbayan sa ating justice system (If this can be proven true, it is troubling because the public should not have doubts about our justice system)," she said.

The controversy stems from an earlier case involving Villanueva’s alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) when he was still a party-list representative of the Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC).

In 2016, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered his dismissal from public service for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the public interest, citing findings that his P10-million PDAF allocation went to a non-existent agricultural project.

Castro said that the Ombudsman plays a vital role in addressing corruption, and any action that creates doubt about its integrity must be properly investigated.

She noted that while the Ombudsman operates as an independent body, it must ensure that all actions comply with due process and that

101 y/o... From A1

The court also cleared Enrile’s former chief of staff, Jessica Lucila Reyes, and businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles of 15 graft counts.

But in the decision penned by Special Third Division Chairperson Justice Ronald Moreno, the Sandiganbayan ordered Napoles and several co-accused to jointly pay the government amounts ranging from P8 million to P40 million, with six percent annual interest from the finality of the decision until full payment, for each count of graft.

However, the court ruled that no civil liability would be imposed on

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to continue with the determination of who are the other perpetrators of Duterte. Generally, ICC has an idea but I guess this green-lights the application for additional warrant,” Conti told ANC Dateline Philippines Conti said that while those accused with Duterte can still question the ICC jurisdiction, the Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision already gives an inkling on how the court thinks.

“So if anyone is arrested, including Sen. [Ronald] Bato dela Rosa, whom we have long sought after as one of the co-perpetrators, I would say it’s best to get things over and done. I would even suggest he submit himself to the jurisdiction of the court now and question the case on its merits kung siya ba talaga ay may kasalanan o wala," she said.

In its decision issued October 23, 2025, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled the Court can exercise its jurisdiction in the present case over the crimes alleged against Mr Duterte that were committed on the territory of the Philippines while it

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function. As long as there are people working and the intent is to hold those

bayan," Singson said.

"It is a long process. What we are trying to do is look at other administrative measures that are a little faster to prosecute, a little faster to identify who is responsible. We are hoping the people will understand that," he added.

Each dorm in the facility is designed to house 10 inmates and comes equipped with one bathroom, one shower, and one toilet to ensure cleanliness and comfort.

The facility also provides purified drinking water, designated areas for exercise and sunlight exposure, and regulated visitation schedules that allow families to bring cooked food to their detained relatives.

As this developed, the Department of Justice on Friday said it will need about a month before it can start filing

any alleged lapses be thoroughly investigated.

"Depende po sa sitwasyon. Pero kung may nalabag po ito at halimbawa ay hindi po nabigyan ng kopya ang mga parties, ‘yon pong time para mag-file ng anumang aksyon ay hindi naman po umaandar (It depends on the situation. But if this is violated and, for example, if the parties were not given copies, then the time to file any action does not run)," Castro said.

Castro also noted that under procedural rules, a motion for reconsideration in a criminal case does not stop the filing of charges before the Sandiganbayan or other competent courts.

She said the Ombudsman should clarify why a case filed as early as 2016 might have remained unresolved for several years before a decision surfaced.

"Lumalabas po kung nagkaroon ng motion for reconsideration in 2016, hindi na dapat agad umabot ng 2019 or two years para madesisyunan ‘yung motion for reconsideration. Dapat naisampa na ito sa Sandiganbayan (It appears that if a motion for reconsideration was filed in 2016, it should not take until 2019 or two years for the motion for reconsideration to be decided. It should have been filed with the Sandiganbayan)," Castro stated.

Martires, however, has stood firm that his 2019 decision to reverse the dismissal of Villanueva, which was ordered by then Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Mo -

Enrile, Reyes, the senator’s former deputy chief of staff, Jose Antonio Evangelista II, and other co-accused.

The Sandiganbayan also noted the graft cases against private individuals Eulogio Dimailig Rodriguez, officials of defunct National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) Romulo Magahis Relevo, and former director of National Livelihood and Development Corp. (NLDC) Alexis Gagni Sevidal were dismissed due to their deaths, while the case against private individual Hernani Ditchon was likewise terminated on the same ground.

To recall, in 2013, during the administration of the late former President Benigno Aquino II, Enrile was slapped with plunder and graft cases

was a State Party.” It also turned down the defense's request to postpone the issuance of the decision while waiting for the determination of Duterte's ability to participate in the pre-trial proceedings.

“I mean, if you are unfit to stand trial, you should be confined in an institution whether it’s a hospice or a hospital or a care home. He will be kept there under the custody of the ICC and checked every 120 days if he is or he continues to suffer from the infirmities. The ICC thinks of fitness to stand trial not as a static or permanent condition but more of a dynamic situation where things could change. And so he will not be brought back home.”

She noted other cases can proceed against Duterte's co-accused. "Two, three years down the line, it will be several cases," she said.

Conti also said the ICC will stop its proceedings if Duterte is determined to be unfit to stand trial, but will not dismiss the case. Instead, the ICC will simply archive the case.

“It will not let go of Duterte, let go of custody and will probably make arrangements for his institutionalization if that’s necessary,” she said.

accountable, we should allow the process to move forward,” Castro said. Castro added that the government remains committed to ensuring accountability while respecting due process and institutional independence.

a case in court.

"We plan to accomplish preliminary investigation on at least one of the five cases within a one month period... In the conduct of prelimimary investigation, we will afford the parties due process under the law which includes their opportunity to be heard," Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said. Martinez assured the public will be informed once the subpoenas for the investigation have been issued to the respondents.

The DOJ also maintained its position that an applicant for state witness must comply with legal obligations, including restitution of stolen government funds.

"The stolen money must be returned to the public treasury. The prosecution of those involved in the

rales in 2016, was no secret.

“My acts were transparent...There was no secret decision,” Martires said in an interview with ANC, responding to the recent statement of his successor, the incumbent Ombudsman.

“In fact, we furnished Senate President Vicente Sotto III (a copy of) the decision. You can check on that,” he added.

Moreover, Martires argued that while his decisions were a matter of public record, he was not duty-bound to announce them.

“It is not the function of the Ombudsman to be conducting everyday a press conference, announcing that this is what I did,” he said.

Meanwhile, House Committee on Public Accounts chairman and Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon on Friday asked Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to examine the exact timeline that led to the reversal of a dismissal order against Villanueva.

“We urge Ombudsman Remulla to look deeper into these timelines, in order to finally settle the questions surrounding Senator Villanueva’s Ombudsman case,” he said.

For his part, UP College of Law Assistant Professor Paolo Tamase said the Ombudsman is accountable to the public as it is considered the 'tanodbayan' or the 'watchman of the people'.

"The Ombudsman should consider publishing its Orders resolving administrative cases. Courts up to the appellate level already do this. Data privacy concerns, which were

due to his alleged PDAF-related transactions with Napoles. He was charged along with former senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. and Senator Jinggoy Estrada.

In 2024, the centenarian was acquitted of a related plunder case, while Estrada and Revilla also won their respective cases.

Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima denounced the Sandiganbayan's acquittal of Enrile.

"This is always what is so frustrating for the Ombudsman and the DOJ (Department of Justice). We started fresh and strong on the evidence when we filed the PDAF cases, strong enough to even deny Enrile and Reyes

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flood control anomaly will be rendered futile if they do not return what they stole to the public funds," Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres said.

He cited the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act which states that "any person who has misappropriated government funds has the legal obligation to return the same."

For his part, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed that former Bulacan assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez was no longer seeking to be a state witness. Hernandez, however, would be given special consideration as a "cooperative witness."

"Whether or not they cooperate, they will be convicted, right? In fact, you may not need a state witness at all," Remulla said.

often cited by Ombudsman Martires for not disclosing SALNs, are often overblown and can't be used to defeat a constitutional policy of disclosure," he explained.

Likewise, lawyer and constitutionalist Michael Henry Yusingco noted that orders and resolutions issued by the Ombudsman should be published like the cases decided by the Supreme Court, noting that clear rules must also be established.

"Personally, I would be interested to hear his reason for not announcing the reconsideration, considering the case involved an incumbent senator believed to be engaged in pork barrel corruption. Keeping silent about it will naturally make people think there is an intent to deceive the public. [I] would love to know how he can explain this," he said.

The controversy stems from an earlier case involving Villanueva’s alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) when he was still a party-list representative of the Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC).

In 2016, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered his dismissal from public service for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the public interest, citing findings that his P10 million PDAF allocation went to a non-existent agricultural project. More recently, Villanueva was linked to a separate controversy involving alleged "ghost" flood-control projects in Bulacan worth about P600 million.

bail in the separate plunder cases," de Lima said in a statement.

"The problem is the slow wheels of justice, with the accused relying on the public's short memory to eventually be absolved because of less scrutiny over their cases over years of trial," the former justice secretary said. However, Malacañang urged the public to respect the Sandiganbayan’s decision to acquit Enrile and his coaccused.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro pointed out that the acquittal reflects adherence to legal standards, not governmental leniency.

“The court has spoken, so let us respect it. Let us respect the decision of the court,” she told reporters in Filipino.

"The summit is a mechanism for leaders to provide policy direction for ASEAN, build consensus on matters of mutual interest, and exchange views on key regional and international issues," Escalona said.

During the three-day event, President Marcos is scheduled to attend 14 leaders’ meetings and three signing ceremonies.

Among the key engagements is the signing of the declaration admitting TimorLeste as ASEAN’s 11th member. The President will also witness the signing of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade.

"In all these engagements, the President will advance Philippine interests in ASEAN by strengthening security and stability, enhancing economic cooperation, and broadening engagement with dialogue partners," Escalona added.

Regional and global issues—including the situation in Myanmar, economic uncertainties, and other geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges—are expected to dominate discussions among ASEAN leaders.

The DFA said about 80 outcome documents are set to be issued, adopted, or noted during the summit series, reflecting the bloc’s consensus on various political, security, and economic matters.

President Marcos is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings with fellow heads of government on the sidelines of the summit.

On the final day, October 28, Malaysia will formally hand over the ASEAN chairship to the Philippines.

Escalona said the Philippines will "take this opportunity to introduce how we will steer the future of the region and beyond by galvanizing community-building efforts during our chairship."

The 2026 ASEAN chairmanship will mark the Philippines’ fifth time to lead the regional bloc since its founding in 1967.

Irate protesters identified as members of People Surge and Kalikasan People’s Network marched toward the gates of the Department of Energy, where the ICI office is located, and attempted to push past barriers and

security personnel during Friday’s demonstrations.

The group criticized the ICI for its slow progress in the ongoing probe into the alleged “ghost” flood-control projects and related issues.

OMB set to file graft cases vs. Co, many others

By Rio N. Araja

RESIGNED Ako Bicol party-list

Zaldy Co is possibly one of the lawmakers to face charges for corruption in connection with flood control projects in the next 30 days, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.

“I do not have the list, but there are many of them. Many are there who would be charged. There are congressmen. Senators, I am not that sure if there are,” he said.

“It is likely. As far as I remember, there is a Mindoro case that would be filed,” he said referring to Co. In case Co is formally charged, Remulla said the Office of the Ombudsman would seek the cancellation of his passport.

“And in these coming days, I will sign suspension orders or I will let my colleagues to sign to suspend corrupt officials involved in the flood control mess in various provinces,” he said.

“There are DPWH officials from different provinces where we have seen flood control problems,” he added.

He clarified, however, that the Ombudsman could not suspend a congressman, saying “we are not in the position (to do so), but we may investigate.”

Meanwhile, Remulla said ex-Bulacan assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez was no longer interested in becoming a state witness. According to him, Hernandez could be given special consideration as a cooperative witness with the permission of the court.

‘FACE OF CORRUPTION.’ Leaders of environmental and  human rights groups wear crocodile head masks during a protest  in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Quezon City, demanding accountability  from government officials  and mining  corporations   for the ‘destructive  large-scale mining  operations in local communities.’

‘Missing sabungeros case done’

By Vince Lopez

N

ATIONAL Police Commission (Napolcom) vice-chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan on Friday expressed satisfaction over developments in the case of the missing cockfighting aficionados or sabungeros.

“First of all, I am very happy, because I am waiting for that. I just have said before that upon the filing of this case, we’ll be finished after 60 days,” Calin-

CIDG studying cases to be filed vs. retired generals

By Rex Espiritu

THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is studying possible charges against retired generals and other individuals allegedly calling for an uprising against the government, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Friday.

isan told reporters at the sidelines of the Napolcom and Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) agreement signing.

“The truth is that we are already finished, the drafts are at my table, but it’s up for deliberation because we are waiting for the resolution from the Department of Justice,” he said.

Calinisan also said the Napolcom will

BURIAL 52 YEARS AFTER DEATH. The Philippine Army buries with military honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City the remains of two enlisted men killed 52 years ago in a fierce gunbattle against Muslim separatist guerillas in Central Mindanao. Army photo

coordinate with the DOJ regarding the case.

“We will coordinate with the DOJ.

We will wait for the proper time in releasing our decision on the missing sabungeros case so that it will not reflect that justice in the Philippines is non-existent,” he said.

Calinisan gave assurance that they do their jobs in delivering on his promised to finish the case within 60 days.

IN BRIEF

Sexual harassment rap filed vs. police official

THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) has vowed to speed up resolution of a sexual harassment case filed against a police official, as well as charges against two police cadets for administrative offenses.

In an interview, Napolcom vice-chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said he has met with the litigants and would resolve the cases immediately.

“We have also taken action on this, to be honest, this topic is very sensitive, but rest assured that we have worked to resolve it,” Calinisan said.

Philippine National Police Academy director Brig. Gen.Andre Dizon said one of the cadets was facing dismissal while the other was on turn back status due to academic issues. Vince Dizon

Brawner appealed to the public to stop entertaining such ideas, saying these actions would not be good for the country.

He gave assurance that the AFP remains “solid and professional” despite the political

“Our Philippine National Police, particularly the CIDG, is studying what cases could be filed, not only against the retired generals, but all individuals who called on the AFP to stage a coup d’etat or withdraw support (from the government) or set up a junta,” Brawner said in a radio interview. The outrage from some former officials and members of the public comes amid the controversies over alleged anomalous flood control projects involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), private contractors, and certain government officials.

Solon cites PH role in facing global issues

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker has underscored the Philippines’ proactive role in shaping global responses to the most urgent development challenges of the 21st century.

FPJ Panday Bayanihan Representative Brian Poe took the initiative as represented the country at the 151st InterParliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, where he delivered interventions on climate resilience, food security, peace-building, and water governance.

Addressing parliamentarians from over 170 countries, Poe described the Philippines as “a voice from the world’s most climate-vulnerable nation,” calling for deeper cooperation among states to protect communities most affected by global warming.

“Every year, we face more than twenty typhoons— each one a reminder that climate change is our daily

ity, Our people live on the

but we also

of

and

noise, emphasizing that the military continues to perform its duties responsibly.

“Even I am enraged by corruption, but we do it properly,” Brawner stressed.

Meanwhile, Brawner clarified that they are not against retired generals joining or encouraging others to participate in peaceful rallies, but he urged them not to invite active members of the AFP to join.

“Truth be told, but we have numerous problems,” he admitted, citing as examples internal security operations and territorial defense, referring to the crisis over the West Philippine Sea..

Davao Norte governor assumes RDC XI chair

DAVAO Del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib has assumed chairmanship of the Regional Development Council XI for the term 2025-2028.

A s chief of RDC XI, Jubahib is task to implement comprehensive regional developmental plans and monitor investment programs within the region.

RDC is the highest policy-making body at the regional level, tasked to set the direction of the economic developments in the region

Jubahib is now on his last term as governor of Davao Del Norte. Cherrie Anne Villahermosa

UNAP confers award on late Lanao Sur gov

THE United Nations Association of the Philippines on Friday posthumously conferred the Medal of Service to the late Lanao del Sur Gov. Bejoria Soraya Alonto-Adiong for her role in the 2017 siege of Marawi City.

She was governor of Lanao del Sur during the entire five months of the Siege Marawi City. Philippine Muslim Women Council president, Bai Norhata Alonto received the award on behalf of the governor. The event marked the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The UNAP pushes its advocacy for laudable acts of public service. Nash Maulana

Marcos distributes 71 PTVs

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcoc Jr. on Friday led the turnover of 71 patient transport vehicles from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to local government units in Mindanao, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare access and empowering LGUs to lead development programs.

Speaking before local officials at the Butuan Sports Complex, Mr. Marcos said the PCSO’s ongoing initiative has already provided ambulances to 76 percent of LGUs nationwide, with full cov-

MMDA sets traffic plans for Undas break

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has initiated a meeting with local government officials to discuss the traffic and safety measures in place for the traditional observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

The MMDA said the plans are anchored on the policy of ensuring the safety and convenience of the public going to and coming from provinces for the holiday break.

Officials from the Philippine National Police, Highway Patrol Group, and Department of Transportation, as well as representatives from the North and South Luzon Expressways, attended the meeting held at the MMDA central office in Pasig City on Thursday, Oct. 23.

The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration to ensure orderliness and road safety during the holiday break. Strategies include increased traffic management personnel and the establishment of designated areas for public gatherings. MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana said the collaboration of every agency and local government units (LGUs) is crucial to mitigate the anticipated traffic congestion and the influx of individuals visiting cemeteries.

EDUCATION Secretary and Xavier School alumnus Sonny Angara joined education leaders, policymakers, and advocates at the Summit on the Future of Philippine Education, a forwardlooking dialogue on reimagining the country’s learning landscape.

“As education leaders, it is our shared responsibility to champion meaningful and forward-looking reforms—ones that will not only transform the landscape of our education system, but also uplift the everyday lives of our teachers and learners. Education is the great equalizer— but only when it is truly accessible, adaptive, and attuned to the changing

erage expected before year’s end.

“So far, we have been able to provide already 76 percent of LGUs in the country with at least one Patient Transport Vehicle,” Mr. Marcos said.

“GM Mel [Robles] promises me that we will finish the entire Philippines by the end of this year,” he added.

The new ambulances were distributed to 12 LGUs in Agusan del Norte, 20 in Surigao del Norte, 19 in Surigao del Sur, seven in the Dinagat Islands, eight in Davao de Oro, four in Davao Oriental, and one in Misamis Occidental.

Another 158 vehicles are set for delivery to Regions XI and XII and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

President Marcos said the ambulances were designed to be durable, practical, and easy to maintain, ensuring that local governments can keep them op -

erational even in remote areas.

Each vehicle is equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first aid kit, blood pressure monitor, and essential medicines.

“We made sure these vehicles are complete with basic necessities,” he said.

“This will make a big difference in our healthcare system because we cannot have a happy population if we do not have a healthy population,” President Marcos added.

The President also recalled instructing the PCSO to return to its charitable roots, emphasizing that proceeds from sweepstakes should directly support public health programs.

UNDAS MONITORING.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque leads the Joint Special Price and Supply Monitoring of flowers, candles and water in Manila on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 to ensure there is no hoarding or artificial price manipulation ahead of Undas next week. Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF

GCash, ECPay now accepted by NHA

National Housing Authority on Friday will now allow payments througg GCash and ECPay for monthly amortizations for its housing beneficiaries.

NHA general manager Joeben Tai said the agency partnered with GXchange Inc. (GCash) and ECPay, represented by Jamie Carmela Tiu and Ana Pulido, respectively, through a memorandum of understanding.

Tai said the initiative does not only promote instant and hassle-free payment scheme but also improves the collection efficiency of the NHA in a bid to reduce payment delinquency and accelerate the agency’s cash flow.

The effort is an expansion of the roster of the agency’s payment as its new digital partners for the monthly amortization payments of the residential account holders. Rio Araja

DOT’s Muslim-friendly travelogue hailed CAGAYAN de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Friday commended the Department of Tourism (DOT) for a three-part publication that promotes tourism and economic development in Mindanao and other Muslim-populated areas. He said the DOT initiative “will bring about not only inclusivity, more understanding of Muslim culture, arts and halal culinary tradition but will give more income to the Muslim communities.”

“This is an affirmative action by our government through the DOT to bring our Muslim citizens to the mainstream, foster their economic growth through tourism after centuries of inherited disadvantages,” he said.

He said the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao “is the poorest region of the country and through this travelogue, its social and economic status will be enhanced.” Maricel Cruz

CFO helps Pinoy workers in Spain

THE Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is stepping up efforts to help Filipinos adjust to life in Spain, especially those facing challenges due to language barriers that often prevent them from finding jobs or joining mainstream society.

CFO officials noted that many Filipino professionals in Catalonia have difficulty getting their credentials recognized, forcing them to take domestic or lower-skilled jobs instead.

To address these issues, the agency is strengthening coordination with the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Madrid to link Filipinos with programs that can support their integration.

The initiatives include the Guidance and Counseling Program, Peer Counseling, and the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL), which allows overseas Filipinos to contribute to development projects back home. Vito Barcelo

PhilHealth bats for early detection to prevent breast cancer

IN LINE with Breast Cancer Aware -

ness Month this October, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is promoting early detection and reminding members of their financial coverage for breast cancer treatment.

The Philippines has extremely low breast cancer screening rates, which is linked to the country having one

of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in Asia.

According to a 2023 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, only one percrnt of Filipino women were screened for cancer, translating to only 540,000 women out of an estimated 54 million getting screened.

Compounding the issue is that a signifi-

cant majority—as high as 65 percent—of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in the advanced stage, greatly reducing the 5-year relative survival rate.

To address the financial barrier that often delays diagnosis and treatment, the PhilHealth Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer has been substantially enhanced.

The package has increased by 1,300

percent, reaching up to P1.4 million from the previous P100,000. The benefit now covers patients with breast cancer across Stages 0 to 4, including those who are already undergoing treatment.

As of September 2025, the amount paid for Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer has reached a total of P72 million.

needs of our times,” Angara said. The summit served as a venue for open discussion among fellow reformers, including Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Francisco Benitez and EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee—both Xavier School alumni—who joined Angara in exploring how government, private institutions, and communities can work together to build a more equitable and future-ready education system. Beyond policy dialogue, the event also sought to revitalize support for the Educational Research and Devel-

opment Assistance (ERDA) Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides children from underprivileged communities with access to education and skills training.

The discussion, moderated by ERDA Foundation President and fellow Xavier alumnus Terence Christopher Ang, tackled key issues facing the education sector—learning recovery, workforce readiness, and the need for stronger public-private collaboration. The three officials emphasized that addressing the learning gap requires not only policy innovation but also empathy and sustained investment in human potential.

OPINION

Integrity should never be judged by gossip

By Jose Antonio Goitia

II IS unfortunate that in this age of instant outrage, people are simply too quick to judge and too slow to verify.

This rush to condemnation is precisely what is happening with the allegations being hurled at First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.

I feel compelled to speak out because integrity should never be tried by gossip nor condemned by speculation.

A Matter of Fairness, Not Politics

Let’s be clear about who we are talking about. The First Lady is not a public contractor, not a government official, and yet she is being unfairly dragged into supposed irregularities concerning flood control projects—issues where there is simply no proof of her involvement.

The call for an investigation, reportedly from a private advocacy group, must not be allowed to turn into what I can only describe as “a fishing expedition disguised as a crusade.” Accountability is, of course, the essence of good governance, but so is fairness.

When an accusation is made without any basis, it stops being a civic act and becomes political demolition.

The truth is, the First Lady’s decadeslong record as a lawyer and educator reflects professionalism and restraint, not political interference.

Those who know her work know that she operates within the law and above partisanship, always carrying herself with dignity and independence.

Trial by Speculation

I warn the public against what I see as a dangerous trend: “trial by speculation.”

Rumors amplified online have a terrifying power—they can destroy a reputation long before the truth is even known. When social media is allowed to replace evidence, the truth is always the first casualty.

We should never allow character assassination to replace due process.

The statement from Malacañang, describing the request for an investigation as a “fishing expedition,” only reinforces the need for vigilance.

As the Palace rightly emphasized, any probe must be based on credible, verifiable evidence, not on rumors or conjecture. We must remember that investiga-

tions should proceed only where there is a clear and sufficient basis.

That is simply how a democracy works: We follow the law, not the noise.

Respect for Institutions

The core issue here is that the First Lady is being targeted not because of evidence, but purely because of her proximity to power. This political tactic undermines public trust in our institutions.

Rumors amplified online have a terrifying power—they can destroy a reputation long before the truth is even known

Dragging the President’s wife into every single controversy is not oversight; it is overreach. The Office of the First Lady deserves the same presumption of good faith that every single Filipino citizen is entitled to.

Furthermore, we must remember that flood-control projects are managed by specific government agencies and are subject to state auditing. There are systems of accountability already in place.

The solution is to strengthen those systems, not to malign those who have nothing to do with project implementation.

I appeal to the public to rise above rumor-driven politics and protect the dignity of those serving in public life.

We cannot claim to love our country while tolerating the destruction of its institutions through innuendo. Let us be discerning. Let us be just.

Scrutiny is a vital part of democracy, but so is decency.

We must learn to question without hatred, to investigate without prejudice, and to seek truth without destroying people along the way.

(The writer, a doctor of philosophy holder, serves as Chairman Emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement.)

Autistic adults push back on ‘fear-based’ Trump rhetoric

NEW YORK – Composer William Barnett started his YouTube channel as an outlet for his music -- but today he also uses it to debunk the steady stream of White House rhetoric on autism while sharing his own experience living with it.

US President Donald Trump and his health secretary, anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr, have made autism their talking point, calling it a “horror show” and “a crisis” while making unproven claims that it’s caused by vaccines or acetaminophen.

“I just wonder if he sees us all as pawns,” the 29-year-old told AFP from his apartment in Queens, New York.

Barnett -- in a view that mirrors the medical community at large -- sees the White House language as misinformation that only serves to drum up fear among parents and stigmatize people like himself.

“It’s caused a lot of autistic people to believe that there’s something wrong with them, and that they don’t really have a place in our society,” Barnett told AFP.

Autism spectrum disorder is a broad neurodevelopmental diagnosis that encompasses challenges related to social skills, communication and behavior. Traits vary widely, as does the degree to which one’s life is impacted. There is no known cause.

A combination of genetic and environmental factors is likely involved, according to the World Health Organization. The US Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention reported that one in 31 children were found to have autism in 2022 -- an increase that’s largely attributed to improved, broadened diagnosis methods along with growing awareness.

Barnett received multiple diagnoses related to autism, beginning at age three.

Growing up in Los Angeles, “I just wanted to be normal,” he said. “I just kept thinking about what my life would look like if I was neurotypical.”

Autism spectrum disorder is a broad neurodevelopmental diagnosis that encompasses challenges related to social skills, communication and behavior

The composer doesn’t feel that way today: he has a Master of Fine Arts in musical theater from New York University, and has found that by embracing his diagnosis, his life has only grown richer.

Barnett said he’s found “a second home” through the organization Autistic Adults NYC, an autistic-run nonprofit.

The group recently took part in New York’s annual Disability Pride Parade, a Manhattan march bringing together a diverse crowd of mentally and physi-

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate horizontal cartoon: a gritty pen-and-ink scene of a burning DPWH building, its sign ‘Building for the People’ warped by heat. In the foreground, firefighters spray hoses labeled ‘Transparency,’ but only ash and smoke come out instead of water. Around them, half-burned folders marked ‘Ghost Projects,’ ‘Kickbacks,’ ‘Flood Control Funds,’ and ‘Audit Reports’ litter the ground. Behind the smoke, a shadowy figure in a barong quietly drops a lighter, pretending to help. The flames curl into snake-like shapes that devour a paper trail spelling ‘Evidence.’ In the distance, flood victims hold umbrellas made of blueprints, catching embers. The sky is cross-hatched with thick smoke forming and erasing the word ‘Accountability.’ Tone is dark, weary, and accusatory — a satire of how corruption cleanses itself by fire. Caption: ‘Public Works, Private Fires.’

Non-livestreaming

ICI probes meanwhile

GREAT expectation the public had this week when the three-member Independent Commission for Infrastructure announced it would start livestreaming its hearings as earlier planned and announced.

This appeared as its response to the people’s outcry for its hearings to be made public, just like committee hearings in both houses of Congress, to ensure transparency and accountability.

Some gave phrase to the frustration and disappointment of many that ICI’s earlier decision to prevent the public from monitoring its proceedings online was ill-thought-out.

The ICI members, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Andres B. Reyes, took their oath of office in mid September and immediately formally began its mandate to investigate irregularities in infrastructure projects and ensure accountability in the use of public funds, after it was tasked to investigate flood control corruption within the last 10 years.

But in a rapid volte-face, the ICI said livestreaming its hearings will not begin next week as planned, citing the need to first draft rules to protect the rights of witnesses and resource persons.

Brian Hosaka, ICI’s executive direc-

cally disabled people along with allies and parents.

Autistic Adults NYC member Sebastian Bonvissuto, 26, said the discourse in Washington has made him feel “frustrated” and “angry.”

“I feel like we are treated as we’re nothing in society,” he said.

But people on the spectrum “think outside the box” he said, and “can contribute in so many different ways than other people would.”

Members interviewed by AFP all said if the White House wants to help, they should focus on funding services and asking autistic people what they need, rather than casting their lives as diminished.

Maryum Gardner, 26, called the White House position “dangerous.”

tor, told reporters the other day the procedures for broadcasting the hearings have yet to be finalized, plus there are also no hearings scheduled next week due to the unavailability of Commissioner Rogelio Singson.

We think the people know if some will slide down to political grandstanding, know precisely if the inquiries will be hatted by sensationalism and disinformation

“We would have to draft the rules for livestreaming. But definitely when we draft the rules we will also show this to the public,” Hosaka said.

“It’s hard being a neurodivergent person in this world,” she said.

But “it doesn’t matter who you are,” she said. “You still deserve to be treated as a human.”

Barnett acknowledges that many people with autism have it harder than he does, with far more severe symptoms.

Some parents have voiced feeling seen by Kennedy’s descriptions of their struggles.

But even within that context, Barnett said, the health secretary’s comments are “over-generalizing” at best.

Barnett said he’s lucky he received support from his family, at school and from specialists to be able to better cope with life in a world that isn’t always accepting.

The ICI’s clarification of non-livestreaming is meant to soothe high expectations following Reyes’s remarks at a Senate hearing when he said the commission would begin livestreaming “next week, once we have the technical capability.”

But the public is now told that livestreaming the proceedings to the public must also consider the rights of invited resource persons and sensitive information shared.

Reyes’s explanation: “Previously, we stated the proceedings of the Commission would be confidential to avoid ‘trial by publicity,’ political grandstanding, sensationalism, and disinformation.”

While we are persuaded to agree with the ICI chair’s observations these concerns remain valid and that “protecting the integrity of the investigation is still paramount” we are one with the people in pushing for public access to the investigations.

We think the people, at this point, know if some will slide down to political grandstanding, know precisely if the inquiries will be hatted by sensationalism and disinformation.

We think the people, who have been brazenly cheated by the insatiably corrupt, know what trial by publicity means, when the people themselves were tried by the wrongdoers sans publicity.

“My struggle goes beyond what you see on camera or how I present myself,” he said, pointing to years of speech and occupational therapy as well as socialization training.

He has worked with experts including Elizabeth Laugeson, a UCLA psychiatry professor, whose decades of experience include developing social skills programming for youth and adults.

Laugeson told AFP the White House rhetoric that’s hyper-focused on cures hearkens back to an “ugly past” of “fearbased and deficit-based language.”

“Autism isn’t a tragedy or something to be fixed for many people,” added Laugeson. “It’s a neurodevelopmental difference.”

“It’s part of human diversity.” AFP

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Trump heads to Asia and meeting with Xi

Trump: Canada trade talks ‘terminated’

WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump said Thursday (Friday Manila time) he was ending trade talks with Canada over an anti-tariff advertising campaign, a sudden about-face soon after a cordial White House meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

On his Truth Social network, Trump vented fury at what he called a “fake” ad that he said misquoted former president Ronald Reagan discussing tariff policy.

Trump said the campaign -- produced by the Canadian province of Ontario to be aired on US television channels -- was designed to “interfere with the decision of the US Supreme Court,” which is due to rule on his sweeping global tariffs.

“Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED,” Trump posted. There was no immediate comment from officials in Canada, where Carney said in a budget speech on Wednesday that Washington’s “fundamentally changed” trade policy required a revamp of Ottawa’s economic strategy.

Trump said “the Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about Tariffs.” AFP

IN BRIEF

N. Korea builds memorial for troops killed in Ukraine

SEOUL – North Korea has begun constructing a memorial for its soldiers killed fighting in Russia’s war with Ukraine, state media reported, as leader Kim Jong Un hailed a “historic peak” in ties with Moscow. The so-called Memorial Museum of Combat Feats will be built in the capital Pyongyang, where Kim and Russia’s ambassador to North Korea attended a groundbreaking ceremony, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

Kim, addressing Thursday’s event, said the museum “is a sacred sanctuary dedicated to the immortality of true patriots.” North Korea, one of the world’s most insular nations, has become a key Russian ally since Moscow invaded Ukraine in Feb. 2022.

It has sent thousands of soldiers and container loads of weapons to help the Kremlin push Ukrainian forces out of western Russia.

At least 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded, according to estimates from South Korea. AFP

48 bags with human bodies found in Mexico

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – As many as 48 bags containing human remains were discovered and recovered from a clandestine grave near Guadalajara, Mexican authorities said Thursday (Friday Manila time).

Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco state, where one of Mexico’s most violent and powerful drug cartels operates and where thousands of people have been reported missing.

The bags with the remains were located four weeks ago by a search group on a vacant lot in Zapopan, a vast outlying municipality in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, the state prosecutor’s office said. Officials said they were still trying to pin down an exact number for victims whose remains were found in the bags. They declined to give an estimate, but said they were carrying on with a search to see if more remains were around.

“We need to make progress on the forensic issue so that we can tell you how many victims this number of bags represents,” Blanca Trujillo, deputy state prosecutor for missing persons, told a press conference. AFP

Germany’s largest gay club to close down

BERLIN – Germany’s largest LGBTQ club SchwuZ has announced the venerable Berlin institution’s lights will turn off for good on Nov. 1, making it the latest casualty of the German capital’s nightlife recession.

Where Berlin was once famed for its round-the-clock revelry and pounding techno parties, the city’s nightclubs have been fighting to stay afloat as soaring prices, rising rents and changing tastes hammer the industry.

“Unfortunately, we have to tell you that SchwuZ will shut its doors,” the club, which had previously declared bankruptcy, wrote on Instagram.

Besides its mammoth 1,600 square meters of concrete rooms and dancefloors, SchwuZ was considered the oldest gay club in Germany, founded in 1977. AFP

UK to urge more long-range missiles for Ukraine

The surge in crude prices came as major US equity indices rebounded from the prior day’s pullback after the White House confirmed a plan for Trump to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping next week to discuss trade.

Starmer is expected to call on allies to “step up the gifting of long-range capabilities to ensure Ukraine can build on its success of this week,” his office said in a statement ahead of the meeting of the so-called “coalition of the willing.” In related developments, in New York, oil prices jumped more than five percent Thursday (Friday Manila time) after US President Donald Trump targeted Russia’s key oil industry with new sanctions in a bid to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump on Wednesday announced new sanctions against Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, saying his peace talks with President Vladimir Putin were not going “anywhere.”

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Netherlands’ Dick Schoof are also expected to attend the summit in London, with other leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron joining virtually. It comes a day after Zelenskyy urged

European counterparts to agree to a new loan using Russian frozen assets at a Brussels summit on Wednesday. Kyiv’s western allies this week ratcheted up the pressure on Russia as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth winter, with the United States announcing biting sanctions against Russian oil.

The European Union also announced a complete ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by the end of 2026 in a new sanctions package on Thursday.

Alongside increasing oil and gas sanctions, Starmer will call on European leaders to “finish the job on Russian sovereign assets to unlock billions of pounds to fund Ukraine’s defenses,” according to the Downing Street statement. AFP

Colombian president Petro berates Trump over extrajudicial ‘executions’

BOGOTA – Colombia’s leftist president ramped up denunciations of Donald Trump’s anti-drug air strikes and swatted aside US threats to freeze hundreds of millions of dollars in aid Thursday.

Fueling a spat that threatens to shatter ties between the long-allied nations, Gustavo Petro said, “Mr Trump has slandered me and insulted Colombia.”

Petro accused Trump of “carrying out extrajudicial executions” that “violate international law” by striking alleged drug-trafficking boats.

The US has destroyed nine vessels and killed at least 37 people in under two months, according to US government accounts.

“The deaths keep increasing like a taxi meter,” said Petro. At least one Colombian is among the dead, a fisherman who Petro now admits may have become involved in trafficking “intermittently” to escape poverty.

Colombia has publicly demanded

that Washington halt the attacks, infuriating Trump, who has branded Petro a “thug” and drug trafficker.

As retribution, Trump has announced an end to hundreds of millions of dollars of US aid to Colombia and threatened tariffs on Colombian goods.

If enacted, the cuts would stifle decades of security cooperation to curb the flow of cocaine from the world’s biggest producer, Colombia, to its biggest consumer, the United States.

Petro dismissed the impact of aid cuts, saying the cash goes to fund US non-governmental groups and to buy US arms.

“What happens if they take away the aid? In my opinion, nothing,” he said.

The United States provided Colombia with almost $750 million in aid in 2023, according to US figures.

There are growing fears among Colombia’s allies that a withdrawal of US funds could harm years-long efforts to stop the country from sliding back into conflict. AFP

WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump embarks on a major trip to Asia this week with all eyes on a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping that has huge implications for the global economy.

Trump said Wednesday he was making a “big trip” to Malaysia, Japan and South Korea, his first visit to the region since he returned to the White House in a blaze of tariffs and geopolitical brinkmanship.

The highlight will be his talks with Xi in South Korea, which Trump’s spokeswoman confirmed would take place on October 30 on the sidelines of an AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Trump had previously threatened to scrap the meeting amid a flare-up in the trade war between Washington and Beijing, but he said Wednesday he now hoped for a “deal on everything.” The host nations are meanwhile set to roll out the red carpet to ensure they stay on the right side of the unpredictable 79-year-old, and win the best deals they can on tariffs and security assistance.

Trump will leave Washington on

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dia,”

ian

Rubio voices confidence in Gaza truce

JERUSALEM – US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Israel over annexing the West Bank in an interview published Thursday (Friday Manila time), as visiting Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced confidence that a US-backed ceasefire in Gaza would hold. Trump’s remarks were made to Time magazine by telephone on Oct. 15 -- just days after the Gaza truce plan he spearheaded took effect -- but were only published on Thursday.

“It won’t happen,” Trump said when asked about calls in Israel to annex the Palestinian West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967. “It won’t happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries.”

He added: “Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened.”

“Don’t worry about the West Bank. Israel’s not going to do anything with the West Bank.” AFP

Akari, league officials lead UAAP home groundbreaking

THE University

Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is one step closer from having its own home.

Led by owner and Akari Lighting and Technology Corporation CEO Christopher Tiu and top UAAP officials, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Home of the UAAP on Friday, October 24, inside the 1.8 hectare site along Amang Rodriguez Avenue, Pasig City. The 8,000 seat state-of-the-art arena will serve as the main venue of all indoor events of the 18-sport calendar of the Philippines’ premier collegiate league and will also house its office and headquarters. “

“Three years ago, when we first set foot here, it was a massive parcel of land with very tall grass, which stretched out as far as our eyes could see. Honestly, during that time, we still didn’t have to think of this idea,” said Tiu.

“Little did we realize that one day it would turn into a field of dreams for thousands of student-athletes…,” he added. “Cement and steel will build this structure, but it is the dream and hope of every athlete that

will complete this and bring it to life. Together, let us begin building and soon, they will all come.”

The official start of the construction marked the third of its eight-checkpoint timeline of the project which had already completed its presentation and ground zero.

“Today marks a historic milestone for the UAAP as we break ground on the Home of the UAAP. On behalf of all eight member schools, we are deeply grateful to our partner Akari for making this vision a reality,” shared Fr. Rodel Casancio, OP, UAAP Season 88 President.

Featuring an infinity-shaped design to symbolize the eight UAAP member schools and its core values, the complex will also feature a variety of well curated commercial spaces—making the Home of the UAAP not only a sporting venue but an entertainment destination for Filipinos.

Alas Pilipinas women remain grounded as expectations rise

RIFFA, Bahrain—Consistency and teamwork will be key as the Alas Pilipinas women look to continue making waves at the Asian Youth Games.

Denesse Daylisan, one of the more experienced players on the young squad, said the team is taking it one match at a time, even as expectations rise following the Filipinas’ straight-sets victory over Asian powerhouse China.

“Kung matibay po ‘yung connection sa loob at labas ng court, kaya po ilaban ‘yun,” Daylisan said, pointing to the team’s growing chemistry as a factor in their solid start.

The Alas Pilipinas women are already locked in for the quarterfinals, boasting an impressive run with two wins in three matches — defeating South Korea in five sets in the opener and beating China, 25-20, 25-18, 25-20, on Thursday to recover from a straight-sets loss to Thailand.

Daylisan said their recent run is the result of hard work and preparation.

“Hindi tsamba ‘yun,” said Daylisan. “Pinaghirapan po namin ‘yun, maganda naman ang galaw namin.”

Alas Pilipinas still had a match against Hong

Kong on Friday ahead of the Round of Eight, and Daylisan noted that although they won convincingly over China the night before, the team remains focused and sees each outing as a chance to improve.

“Ipo-polish pa natin yung mga galaw, kaya natin ilaban internationally,” she said.

Rhose Almendralejo led the charge against China with 23 points, including nine in a fiery opening set that stunned the opposition. Sam Cantada and Philippine delegation flag bearer Harlyn Serneche chipped in 10 points each, helping seal the straight-sets win.

With standout performances from Almendralejo, Cantada, Serneche, Daylisan, and rising talents like Diza Marie Berayo, Jaila Adrao, Micaella Gould, Ysabella Patricia Cruz, and Atasha Doroja, Alas Pilipinas is proving that their victories are no fluke.

Philippine team Chef de Mission Ramon “Tats” Suzara praised their performance, noting that while individual players like Almendralejo, Cantada, and Serneche have shone, it’s the collective effort that deserves recognition.

Concepcion survives stern test to claim first PGT crown at Apo

DAVAO City—Fidel Concepcion finally turned years of promise into fulfillment, capturing his first-ever Philippine Golf Tour crown in the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic here Friday – but not before enduring one of the toughest, most nervewracking finishes imaginable. What looked like a walk in the park quickly turned into a test of will and composure. Concepcion, who had built a commanding six-stroke lead midway through the final round of the P3.5 million championship, suddenly saw his advantage vanish. Yet when it mattered most, the Fil-Australian held his nerve, burying a career-defining birdie from 10 feet on the second playoff hole to edge Korea’s Jaehyun Jung and capture the long-elusive victory.

“Honestly, it’s unreal,” said Concepcion, visibly emotional as he struggled to find the right words. “It’s one of those things you never know if it will ever happen. And somehow – it did.” He made it happen.

For over a decade, Concepcion has lived with the label of “potential waiting

to blossom.” Near-misses, heartbreaking finishes and fleeting moments of brilliance marked his 12-year campaign. This win wasn’t merely a trophy – it was vindication. Squandering a six-shot cushion would have broken lesser men. But Concepcion, now more seasoned and self-assured, proved that championships are won not by raw talent alone, but by patience, poise and perseverance. Outdriven by Jung in both playoff holes, Concepcion showed that accuracy and mental toughness outweigh pure power. On their second trip to the par-4 ninth, he calmly pulled a 4-iron from the tee and found the heart of the fairway – a perfect setup for his trusted 8-iron. From 160 yards downwind, he knocked it stiff, landing just 10 feet from the cup. Jung, forced to respond, came up short, his approach stopping well shy of the flag. The Korean missed his long birdie attempt, and Concepcion seized the moment – rolling in the winning putt and raising

both arms in triumph, as years of frustration finally melted into joy.

The path to the playoff was anything but smooth. After birdies on Nos. 1 and 3, Concepcion appeared in total control at two-under through seven, six shots clear of Tony Lascuna. But the Apo Golf and Country Club layout is unforgiving. A double bogey on the par-4 eighth and another dropped shot on No. 10 cracked the door open for the field.

“There were a lot of ups and downs,” recalled Concepcion. “I was two-under early on but lost a bit of momentum and that sort of brought the field back in. The backnine was a roller-coaster, so if there’s one highlight for me, it would definitely be that final putt.” Jung, five shots adrift entering the final round, played fearlessly. He scorched the back nine with three birdies in the last four holes, posting a tournament-best 67 to catch Concepcion, who matched par 72, at 284. Lascuna stayed close for a while but eventually settled for third at 288 after a closing 72.

THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) on Friday warned on withdrawing the participation of the Alas Pilipinas Women in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games unless the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) abides by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that guarantees a potentially strong finish by the women’s national team in the games Thailand is hosting in December.

“It’s about patriotism … putting flag and country above and before everything else,” said said POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino from Bahrain where he’s overseeing the national team in the Asian Youth Games.

“The goal is to finish strong—and to win the gold—in all of the sports where Filipino athletes are entered in the Thailand SEA Games,” said Tolentino, stressing that the close to 1,700-strong Team Philippines to Thailand are devoted to fight for the general championship which the country clinched in the 2019 hosting.

“And we are all aware—after having won three Olympic gold medals—that winning involves an absolute participation and cooperation by an entire community,” said Tolentino, adding “without full cooperation, we won’t accomplish our goals.”

He said: “But setting goals and getting everyone involved, we must train hard—and long.”

The Thailand SEA Games open in 46 days and Tolentino sees the limited window as “crucial in forming and strengthening chemistry in any team sport.”

The PVL, according to PNVF secretary-general Don Caringal, crafted a MOA where players from the 12 teams in the women’s professional league will form the core—with top collegiate athletes—of the Alas Pilipinas Women.

The Alas Pilipinas Women under Brazilian head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito has made significant strides in the last four years—or since the PNVF was established in 2021— silver in Hanoi 2025 and bronze in Manila 2024 in the Asian Nations Cup and back-to-back bronze medal in the Vietnam SEA V-League in 2024-25.

WHILE Cignal and Criss Cross have dominated the Finals of the last three Spikers’ Turf conferences, coaches of eight local teams believe that this year’s Invitational Conference could finally break that streak when action fires off on Monday (Oct. 27) at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. For the mentors, including Super Spikers’ head coach Dexter Clamor and King Crunchers’ tactician Paul Jan Doloiras, the upcoming tournament is wide open.

“Lahat ngayon, even the university teams, tumaas ‘yung level. So I guess lahat magkocompete nang maigi for this Invitational Conference, even the guest teams. Hindi ko masabi kung sino talaga,” said Clamor.

Adding intrigue to the mix are guest squads Kindai University of Japan and ProVolley Academy of Australia, which are expected to make their presence felt once they join the semifinal round.

“Hindi rin namin masabi kasi pareparehas lang na nagtitraining arawaraw. Talagang pagalingan at pagandahan ng sistema. Doon magkakatalo. Pero kung titingnan mo ‘yung lineup ng tao, pare-parehas lang din lahat matitibay,” Doloiras added.

Also seeing action are back-to-back bronze medalists Savouge, PGJC-Navy, Alpha Insurance, and VNS, while 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge champion FEU-DN Steel and bronze medalist UST-Gameville complete the local field. With nonstop training since the conclusion of the Open Conference earlier this year and the addition of several new recruits, Spin Doctors head coach Sydney Calderon expects a fierce battle ahead.

University to the Final Four in a 25-18, 15-25, 25-16, 25-22, do-or-die quarter nals win over College of Saint Benilde. Roman Prospero

Nitura-led Lady Falcons make semis

Yulo settles for floor exercise bronze in world gymnastics tilt

JAKARTA—Paris Olympics’ double gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo secured a bronze medal in the men’s floor exercise finals of the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships on Friday.

Yulo, who previously won the event at the 2024 Paris Summer Games and the 2019 Stuttgart edition, scored 14.533 points. He appeared somewhat out of sync after a four-day break, having achieved a slightly higher score of 14.566 in the qualifiers over the weekend. He was able to salvage the bronze behind the 1-2 finish of two Britons, bannered by Paris Olympics’ bronze medalist Jake Jarman, who bagged his second world gold medal with a top score of 14.866 points while compatriot Luke Whitehouse took the silver medal (14.666). In a demanding discipline where minute increments can spell the difference between victory and defeat, the pint-sized Pinoy gymnast was penalized .333 points, which was the winning margin of Jarman over Yulo.

Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Yulo, 25, was the second athlete on the mat, seemingly lacking the same dynamic and explosive energy he showcased in the Paris Summer Games, where he reigned supreme with an output of 15.000 points.

As the second athlete to see action, he had a fleeting moment at the top with his dismal score after American Kameron Nelson opened the men’s floor exercise with a tally of 14.133 points

But his expression flashed on the huge video monitor after his performance was hinted that it might not last, and, true enough, Whitehouse wrested it away with a solid outing that netted him 14.666 points.

The Englishman had to cool his heels for a while before countryman Jarman, whose mother is a Filipina from Cebu, took to the stage as the second-to-the-last gymnast to come up with an impressive routine that won the nod of the judges.

“I have no regrets, I did my best and gave my all but Jarvis and Luke just happened to be better today. I am grateful that I reached two apparatus and that is a big plus for me,” Yulo said.

“There is still the vault finals and I aim to do better than today,” added the gymnast, who won the event in the 2021 world edition in Kitakyushu, Japan just months after the Tokyo Olympics.

“Between Carlos and me, it is like a friendly rivalry since we face each other often on the world stage. But this gold is quite special since I fancy myself to be a floor exercise guy and winning this is a validation of that,” Jarman, a vault champion in the previous meet held in Antwerp, Belgium in 2023, said.

PH barges into Pan Continental Curling playoffs

By Peter Atencio

PLAYING better than ever, the Dubberstein sisters’-led Philippine team pulled off two more wins to barge into the playoffs of the 2025 Pan Continental Curling Championships.

The Filipinas first outplayed Ling Yue Hung’s Hong Kong side, 11-3, before subduing the winless Phichayathida Jaosap-skippered Thailand, 12-0, when action was over at women’s B matches at Eveleth Minnesota.

“They are playing better as a team with each game and it shows in this latest bout against this Hong Kong team,” said coach Miggy Gutierrez.

This put the Philippines way ahead in the solo lead with their five consecutive wins.

The Filipinas, captained by Kathleee Dubberstein, are in front of Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico, led by Emily Pinelli’s prevailed over Brazil, 10-5, but lost to

Kazakhstan, 3-9.

This kept Puerto Rico at no. 2 spot, and despite their setback, they still reached the playoff round with the Filipinas.

“Happy we clinched a playoff spot, but want to continue the momentum these last couple of games before the playoffs,” added Gutierrez.

SHAINA Nitura returned with a bang as she willed Adamson University to the Final Four in a 25-18, 15-25, 25-16, 25-22, do-or-die quarterfinals win over College of Saint Benilde in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup Friday at the Paco Arena. The power-hitting skipper’s veteran presence and leadership brought order back to the second-seeded Lady Falcons, who had to use their twice-to-beat advantage after a five-set meltdown in the quarters opener last Tuesday. Nitura, who skipped the previous match to rest a minor injury, posted a triple-double as she fired 16 points, anchored on 15 kills and a kill block, to go along with 11 digs and 10 excellent receptions for Adamson’s semifinals return since a fourth-place finish in 2023. The Lady Falcons will cross paths with twice-to-beat University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in the semis of the league’s centerpiece tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea. Frances Mordi backed Nitura with 18 markers while Abegail Segui and Princess Dote poured nine points each in the Lady Falcons’ payback from a 26-28, 2520, 15-25, 25-19, 12-15, loss in Game 1. “I’m really happy we did it together. I’m really happy right now and hopefully we’ll make it to the finals,” Mordi said. “We felt really bad after we lost (in Game 1). However, after receiving some motivation and advice from our captain, Shai Nitura, it really helped us a lot to come back.” Adamson, winner of the National Invitationals Cebu Leg, pounced on the Lady Blazers’ back-to-back errors midway through the fourth set to spark a run that opened a 23-19 advantage. Nitura pushed the Lady Falcons at match point, 24-20. A Bella Sapienza service error followed by a Zam Nolasco kill gave CSB a small window to fight back but Shahanna Lleses threw it away with an overcooked attack. CSB’s second stringers came out smoking in the second set, racing to a 6-0 separation that dictated the pace of the frame.

The Lady Blazers kept their distance and even opened a 24-14 gap off a Lleses kill. Adamson saved a point before Lleses put the set away with a powerful hit for the equalizer.

In their first game of the day, Hong Kong took a 1-0 lead, before the Filipinas snatched the momentum off two stones in third end.

In their second encounter, the Filipinas raced to a 10-0 spread after four ends.

In men’s action, Marc Pfister’s Philippine squad bowed to China, 5-7, and is near the bottom of the standings at 1-4.

Team USA moved up with Canada, posting win no. 5 off an 11-4 smashing of New Zealand, while Canada downed Australia, 8-2.

Invigorating PH sports tourism with Siargao International Surfing Cup

A TOTAL 179 surfers are taking on the challenge of General Luna’s waves on Siargao Island starting Friday in the QS6,000 Siargao International Surfing Cup by the World Surf League (WSL). But not only will a king and queen of the waves from the mighty Pacific Ocean be hailed, but Siargao and the entire country’s sports tourism campaign will be invigorated in the event that ends on October 31. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio thanked the WSL for choosing Sia rgao as primary venue for the major global surfing competition.

“The biggest tourism events in the world are sporting events and this is the work of PSC under my leadership—the longer we can do this, the better we can do this, if we get all the support from local government, the WSL, then will be big and this will be good for the country,” Gregorio told Thursday’s pre-competition press conference at Siargao’s Cloud 9.

“That is the beauty of sports,” Gregorio said. “It is a great equalizer. It is not for the rich, it is not for the poor, it is for everybody.” WSL Asia Pacific (APAC) president Andrew Stark

By Randy M. Caluag

THE Philippines’ sharpshooters hit the targets at the Southeast Asian Shooting Championships, securing a haul of two gold and one bronze—in the Compak Sporting events held in Photharam, Thailand.

The day belonged to Carlo Baltonado and Jed Rivilla, who both claimed individual gold medals in their respective categories after high-stakes duels on the range.

Baltonado showcased his composure and accuracy in topping the men’s compak sporting event.

The victory was far from easy, requiring Baltonado to outperform his regional rivals in a tense shoot-off. He managed to successfully fend off formidable competitors from Malaysia and Vietnam to capture the top podium spot.

“It was a tight competition, especially going into the shoot-off,”

HOUSING EXPO.

Thousands of people attend the opening day of the first government-initiated National Housing Expo 2025 on Thursday at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The crowd patiently and orderly lined up to avail themselves of the various services offered during the two-day event, especially those from the Pag-IBIG Fund, which organized the expo with the support of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and other attached agencies. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling led the opening ceremony for the Expo, which features 50 private developers. Up to 100,000 brand-new housing units and 30,000 acquired assets from the Pag-IBIG Fund are available for attendees to choose from.

$1.10 billion

Foreign borrowings in Q3 of 2025

$3.81 billion

Foreign borrowings in Q3 of 2024

$12.28 billion

Foreign borrowings in 3 quarters of 2025

Public sector foreign loans fell 71% in Q3

By Thony Rose Lesaca

PUBLIC sector foreign

borrowings approved by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas fell

$2.71 billion, or 71.13 percent, in the third quarter of 2025.

The BSP’s Monetary Board approved $1.10 billion in foreign borrowings by the public sector in the third quarter, down from $3.81 billion it recorded in the same period last year.

The approved borrowings consisted of two loan projects for social protection with medium to long-term maturities, according to BSP data.

This decline brought the total public sector foreign borrowings to $12.28 billion in the first nine months of the year. The full-year total for 2024 stood at $13.68 billion.

The Monetary Board is legally mandated to approve all external borrowing proposals by the government to help maintain the country’s foreign debt at a manageable level.

The government continues to borrow from foreign and local debt markets to finance its budget deficit.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed the fiscal deficit ending September 2025 reached P1.12 trillion, below the programmed deficit of P1.26 trillion for the same period.

The government said it remains on track to keep the deficit within its full-year target of P1.56 trillion. Total revenues reached P3.37 trillion by the end of the third quarter, a 2.24-percent increase over last year’s level, led by higher tax collections. This performance is on track to hit the full-year program of P4.52 trillion.

PCC approves First Gen’s gas unit sale to Prime Infra

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FIRST Gen Corp. said Friday it received an approval from the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) for the sale of a 60-percent equity stake in its gas business subsidiaries to Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., the company of billionaire Enrique Razon Jr., for P50 billion.

The energy company informed the Philippine Stock Exchange that the PCC has “rendered a decision clearing the proposed transaction.”

First Gen and Prime Infra are continuing to work towards satisfying all other conditions precedent to the transaction.

First Gen announced the agreement

to sell the stake in its gas business subsidiaries to Prime Infra in July 2025. The assets included in the deal are the 1,000-megawatt (MW) Santa Rita, 500-MW San Lorenzo, 450MW San Gabriel and 97-MW Avion power plants, as well as the proposed 1,200-MW Santa Maria power plant and the interim offshore liquefied

natural gas terminal.

First Gen, a leading independent power producer in the Philippines, will retain a 40-percent stake in these projects. This is intended to ensure “continuity and stability of its gas operating plants,” which the company said would benefit consumers through “more stable, predictable and lower prices.”

The partnership aims to “further nurture, enhance and expand their natural gas platforms to serve as a key solution provider to the country’s program to address energy security,” First Gen said. First Gen has a total installed capacity of 3,668 MW, accounting for about 18 percent of the country’s gross generation.

SEC to adopt blockchain-based authentication platform

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Friday it is prepared to roll out its own blockchainbased platform, the Verification of Electronic Records and Information Trust and Authentication System (VERITAS), to enhance the security and integrity of reports and other documents filed by corporations. The system will use public-key cryptography to allow the public to securely sign and authenticate SECrelated documents, it said.

VERITAS is designed to record digital signing events on a decentralized ledger, ensuring

immutability, timestamping and cryptographic verification.

SEC chairman Francis Lim said the goal is to strengthen the integrity and reliability of submitted reports and documents by making them “immutable, permanent and indestructible.”

Once the draft guidelines are finalized, the SEC plans to immediately deploy VERITAS for public use. The agency also hopes the initiative will allow other government agencies to evaluate the benefits of blockchain technology and its potential application in their operations.

The new system will replace

I Squared Capital investing over $130m in PH

By Othel V. Campos

GLOBAL infrastructure investment firm I Squared Capital is expanding its footprint in the Philippines with over $130 million in new investments in cold storage facilities, underscoring its longterm confidence in the country’s growth potential and commitment to supporting food security. The new funding is part of the $2-billion committed investments the firm has made in the Philippines. It includes a $30-million expansion of Royale Cold Storage (RCS) in Plaridel, Bulacan and several other sites across the country that will

collectively bring the firm’s total cold storage investments to over $100 million by 2026.

“This expansion is part of our incremental investments in the Philippines. We are investing in food security, but also in the infrastructure that underpins economic growth, from energy and logistics to digital connectivity,” said Sadek Wahba, I Squared Capital founder and managing partner.

Wahba said the Philippines stands out among emerging markets for its solid macroeconomic fundamentals, including a projected 5.7 percent to 6 percent growth rate, fiscal reforms and a young, skilled population.

the one-time passwords currently used to authenticate documents under the Electronic Submission Authentication Portal (eSAP) with end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication and cryptographic signing mechanisms utilizing the user’s private key.

Lim said the shift will “ensure that only authorized individuals can sign documents, thereby preventing unauthorized access, tampering or forgery.”

VERITAS also reaffirms the SEC’s commitment to digital transformation by making transactions more secure and efficient, reducing paperwork and cutting processing time, Lim said.

B4

By Darwin G. Amojelar

EQUINIX Inc., a global digital infrastructure company, has launched its operations in the Philippines after acquiring three data centers in Metro Manila, a move that underscores its commitment to one of Southeast Asia’s fastestgrowing markets. The company’s expansion is set to support the Philippines’ digital economy, which is projected to expand by 15 percent to 20 percent in 2025. This growth is anticipated to be driven by stronger infrastructure, a booming e-commerce sector and wider AI adoption.

Equinix’s three high performance data centers — MN1, MN2 and MN3 — offer over 1,000 cabinets of capacity with room for further expansion within a globally integrated digital ecosystem. These facilities enable latencysensitive data and applications to be stored and distributed closer to end-users.

“The

Peso hits 58.62 a dollar, PSEi sinks below 6,000 level

LOCAL shares closed below the 6,000 support level Friday due to continued depreciation of the peso against the dollar.

At the end of trading, the 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange Index declined 165.94 points, or 1.09 percent, to close at 5,988.02.

The wider all-shares index also declined by 29.47 points, or 0.81 percent, to 3,608.11.

The peso depreciated further Friday, closing at 58.625 versus the U.S. dollar from 58.61 on Thursday.

Analysts said major sectors such as financial, services and holding firms registered steep declines as investors remained cautious due to continued weakening of the local currency.

Luis Limlingan, head of sales for Regina Capital Development Corp., said market participants are likely pricing in the anticipated lower gross domestic product (GDP) projected by various financial institutions due to corruption issues in the government.

The financial index declined by 1.51 percent, with significant drops in share prices of major banks including Bank of the Philippine Islands and BDO Unibank Inc.

The share price of BPI dropped 4.3 percent to P100.60 while BDO slipped by 0.80 percent to P135.90. Value turnover improved to P6.89 billion.

Market breadth, however, remained negative as decliners outnumbered gainers 123 to 75, while 49 stocks were unchanged.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Araneta City adopts retail aggregation, taps First Gen for RE

ARANETA City (ACI Inc.) announced on Thursday it is among the first mixed-use hubs in the Philippines to adopt retail aggregation for some properties and connect them directly to renewable hydroelectric power, in partnership with First Gen Corp.

The agreement, signed on Oct. 14, will see First Gen pool the power demand of over 200 retail and service tenants in Ali Mall and New Frontier Theater, including the events and concert hall, as well as more than 9,000 apartments in 18 residential towers of Manhattan Gardens.

First Gen will directly supply these aggregated customers with renewable energy (RE) from its PantabanganMasiway and Casecnan Hydroelectric Power Complex in Nueva Ecija.

The properties included in the transition are the New Frontier Theater, Ali Mall and the Manhattan Gardens residential development.

ACI senior vice president of operations Antonio Mardo said switching to retail aggregation and using RE is a strategic move that will enable the company to improve energy efficiency and effectively manage its electricity costs.

“Each of our properties has energy demands, and switching to retail aggregation and using RE is a strategic move that will enable us to improve energy efficiency and effectively manage our electricity costs,” said Mardo.

“We hope that our relationship with First Gen will continue over the years and even expanded,” he said.

By aggregating end-users and choosing First Gen, Araneta City secures cost-efficient electricity and reduces the carbon footprint of its operations with RE usage.

Araneta City availed of two government initiatives: the retail aggregation program (RAP), which enables multiple electricity end-users within the same contiguous area to combine their power demand and collectively purchase electricity directly from a supplier; and the retail competition open access (RCOA) program, which allows consumers with a monthly peak demand of at least 500 kilowatts over the past year to choose their own electricity suppliers.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Pentagreen Capital provides $55-m loan to Citicore Solar

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SINGAPORE-BASED Pentagreen Capital announced a $55-million development and construction loan to Citicore Solar Energy Corp., part of Citicore Renewable Energy Corp., to finance solar and battery storage projects in the Philippines.

The financing will help unlock the implementation of up to 2 gigawatts (GW) of generation capacity and up to 760 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage capacity. The projects include the nation’s first baseload solar plant capable of storing and dispatching energy beyond normal solar hours, aiming to provide 24/7 basel-

oad renewable power.

The loan will initially support the construction and development of 610-megawatt-peak (MWp) across eight solar facilities in the provinces of Pangasinan, Pampanga, Batangas and Negros Occidental. Three of the facilities in Batangas will also host battery energy storage systems

(BESS) with a capacity of up to 760 MWh to enhance grid stability.

These eight solar projects are expected to add a combined 914 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy supply to the grid annually, which is estimated to avoid 630,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and generate enough electricity to power approximately 240,000 Filipino homes yearly.

The projects will also feature Citicore’s AgroSolar Initiative, maintaining the agricultural use of the land by growing high-value crops underneath and between panels, while helping local farmers through income augmentation.

Pentagreen Capital, manager of a

purchase of

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has approved the acquisition by MUFG Bank, Ltd. (MUFG Bank) of a minority stake in JACCS Co., Ltd. (JACCS). Cleared on Aug. 12, 2025, the transaction covers MUFG Bank’s direct and indirect acquisition of JACCS shares under a capital and business alliance agreement.

MUFG Bank, a leading Japanese commercial bank with a branch in Ma-

nila, also holds majority ownership of HC Consumer Finance Philippines, Inc. (Home Credit Philippines) through its Thailand-based subsidiary Bank of Ayudhya PCL, and a 20 percent equity interest in Security Bank Corp.

JACCS, likewise headquartered in Japan, engages in consumer finance across Asia and operates locally through JACCS Finance Philippines Corp.

Following its review, the PCC’s Mergers and Acquisitions Office found that the transaction is unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the nationwide mar-

ACEN gets P17.5-b LandBank financing

ACEN Corp. said Friday it executed a loan agreement and a credit facility agreement with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for P8 billion and P9.5 billion, respectively.

“These new agreements reallocate the balance of an existing P20 billion facility with LBP signed on Nov. 29, 2023,” ACEN said.

In 2023, LBP approved a P20 billion loan to ACEN, the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group — in support of the government’s push to expand the country’s mix of renewable energy.

The loan will partially finance ACEN’s general corporate requirements and investments in renewable energy projects, which are aligned with the government’s target under

the National Renewable Energy Program to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030. Meanwhile, ACEN, through ACEN RES, will provide renewable energy to Siena College’s campuses in Quezon City and Taytay.

This underscores Siena College’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and a sustainable future for its academic community.

Guided by the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena, Siena College, a network of Catholic academic institutions, is dedicated to nurturing the youth through high-quality education imbued with empathy for people and the planet. Alena Mae S. Flores

blended finance strategy under Singapore’s Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership initiative, and Citicore Solar Energy Corp. announced the financing on Oct. 23, 2025.

Pentagreen Capital chief executive Marat Zapparov said the company is “honored to extend our long-standing partnership with Citicore as the company surpasses its goal of completing 1 GW of renewable capacity annually in the Philippines.” Zapparov said Pentagreen, with support from FAST-P partners, “stands ready to support Citicore and its innovative approach to accelerating the region’s transition towards stable and reliable renewable energy sources.”

ket for unsecured cash loans offered by nonbank financial institutions.

The combined market share of MUFG Bank and JACCS remains limited, with competition sustained by other lenders, interest rate caps, pricesensitive borrowers, easy switching among financing providers and the rise of digital lending platforms.

The PCC also assessed the market for secured loans for large motorcycles (400 cc and above) offered by banks and nonbank financial institutions, concluding that competition

will remain robust.

The parties’ market share is small, while multiple banks and lenders continue to offer diverse financing options through wide dealership networks. Barriers to entry are moderate, and demand for premium motorcycles continues to grow alongside digital lending innovations.

The PCC said the approval supports competitive conditions in consumer finance and vehicle lending, while enabling strategic growth for both MUFG Bank and JACCS.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. said

Friday it secured a P2.4-billion co-investment from ABC Energy Inc., the energy holding subsidiary of listed A Brown Co. Inc., for a 40-percent stake in its Tanay and Alabat wind projects.

Alternergy said in a joint disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) it would retain 60-percent majority ownership of its 128-megawatt (MW) Tanay and 64-MW Alabat wind projects, which are both in advanced construction stages and set for completion by early 2026.

The wind projects are expected to be the first completed wind projects

awarded during the second Green Energy Auction under the Marcos Jr. administration. Proceeds from the co-investment will be used to fund Alternergy’s project pipeline across wind, solar, run-of-river, and battery storage.

“We are pleased to welcome ABC Energy as our minority partner in our Tanay and Alabat projects,” said Alternergy president Gerry Magbanua.

“A Brown has a proven investment history in energy and resources development. We also acknowledge the Brown family’s longstanding presence of over ninety years with the progressive municipality of Tanay,” he said.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Sari-sari stores see e-wallet transactions surge up to 75%

By Othel V. Campos and Darwin G. Amojelar

E-WALLET transactions processed

by “sari-sari” stores surged by up to 75 percent between January and August 2025, according to transaction data from Filipino tech startup Packworks, which tracks digital activity across more than 300,000 stores nationwide.

The sharp growth reflects how micro-retailers are rapidly shifting toward digital tools to meet growing customer demand for cashless payments, fund transfers and bill settlement, Packworks said. Based on internal records and a survey of over 2,000 store owners, Packworks reported that half of the

respondents recorded a 75-percent increase in e-wallet transactions in the eight-month period. Another 20 percent said their transaction volumes doubled, 20 percent saw a 50 percent rise and 10 percent noted a 10-percent increase.

The report showed that 40 percent of sari-sari store owners use e-wallets for in-store payments, 30 percent for bill payments and another 30 percent for cash-in and cash-out transactions.

E-wallet services have also become a new income source. Thirteen percent of store owners said their ewallet earnings now equal revenues from physical goods, while 66 percent said digital transactions contribute about 20 percent of income.

SMC raises P48.86b in share swap, offer

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has raised P48.86 billion through the listing of its maiden preferred exchange offering and a new preferred shares offering at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

SMC became the country’s first private company to conduct a preferred share exchange offer alongside a public offering.

The conglomerate’s P18.86-billion exchange offer covered Series 2-P, 2-Q and 2-R preferred shares. The

program allowed holders of Series 2-J and 2-K preferred shares to swap their investments on a one-for-one basis, receiving a higher dividend instead of waiting for redemption.

A total of 251.47 million shares were tendered under the exchange

EV manufacturers voice concerns over delay in industry incentives

By Othel V. Campos

THE Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) has voiced concern over the delay in implementing the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), a program designed to bolster local electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and attract foreign investment.

EVAP president Edmund Araga said during the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit on Oct. 23 that investors were awaiting clearer policies under EVIS before committing to building plants in the country.

“This is what EV investors are waiting for before setting up operations here,” Araga said, noting that potential investors from China and other countries are ready to invest

once the incentive system is finalized.

The EVIS, a key component of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) passed in April 2022, aims to narrow the cost gap between EVs and traditional vehicles through fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

The proposed incentives include fixed support of up to 50 percent of capital expenditures—covering manufacturing, start-up and training costs—and production volume incentives of up to 30 percent, depending on the vehicle type. These will be available until 2035 or until production targets are met.

Department of Trade and Industry

Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque earlier said the agency had approved the EVIS framework, pending review by

offer, including 173.76 million Series 2-J and 77.71 million Series 2-K shares. The remaining 92.91 million Series 2-J and 106.19 million Series 2-K shares will be redeemed on Oct. 29 and Dec. 10, 2025, respectively.

At the same time, SMC launched a P30-billion public offering of preferred shares—Series 2-S, 2-T and 2-U—consisting of a P20-billion base offer and a P10-billion oversubscription option, priced at P75 per share. The public offering was fully subscribed by 1.5 times.

San Miguel treasurer and deputy chief finance Joseph Pineda, speak-

ing during the listing ceremony, said the offerings give investors more flexibility and easier access to the group’s growth.

“For San Miguel this means putting capital to work where it creates real value in industries that keep the economy moving,” Pineda said.

PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon welcomed SMC’s preferred shares offering amid the current bearish market condition.

Monzon said the market is not all doom as companies continue to post strong earnings growth and are expected to sustain growth in the near future.

Bureau of Customs launches new guidelines to boost trade, security

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday announced the launch of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Operational Guidelines to modernize customs operations and enhance trade competitiveness in the Philippines. Developed in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and ARISE Plus Philippines, the guidelines provide a standardized framework for implementing the AEO program, which was launched in 2019.

The BOC defines the AEO program as a key initiative to balance trade facilitation and security, allowing trusted trade partners to clear their goods with minimum or zero customs border intervention.

The guidelines aim to reduce transaction costs, improve predictability, and foster a more secure and facilitative trading environment by streamlining customs procedures and clarifying the roles of stakeholders.

“By providing compliant businesses with greater predictability and efficiency in cross-border trade, the program fosters competitiveness while upholding the integrity of the supply chain,” the BOC said in the guidelines.

The launch coincided with the culmination of the four-year ARISE Plus Philippines Project by the International Trade Centre.

BOC deputy commissioner Agaton Teodoro Uvero said the turnover

“signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the Bureau as [they] move forward with the implementation and institutionalization of the AEO Guidelines,” even as it concludes the agency’s collaboration with ARISE Plus Philippines.

The agency expects the guidelines to strengthen public-private collaboration, enhance compliance, and facilitate smoother cross-border trade.

Thony Rose Lesaca

Angkas founder pushes ‘guardrails’ for digital entrepreneurs at UNCTAD

ANGKAS founder and chief executive Angeline Tham called on governments and international institutions to support local entrepreneurs in developing economies, citing the need for “guardrails” to ensure the digital economy is inclusive and sustainable.

Speaking at the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Ministerial Roundtable in Geneva on Oct. 21, Tham, representing Southeast Asia and the Pacific as an UNCTAD eTrade for Women Advocate, said that while digitalization creates opportunities, it also intensifies competition against global players.

“Governments and international institutions must support local entrepreneurs during their incubation

phase—making business registration easier, ensuring fair taxation, and prioritizing local players in digital infrastructure and procurement policies,” Tham said at the Palais des Nations.

“Without such guardrails, promising startups may never reach maturity,” she said.

Tham noted the experience of the Filipino motorcycle ride-hailing app Angkas in improving the lives of thousands of motorcycle riders through digital inclusion, adding that supporting local innovation drives both economic growth and social progress.

“The income that my bikers earn circulates locally—supporting families, education, and neighborhood economies,” she said.

TECH

OPPO and Ballet Philippines Ink Partnership to promote Filipino Artistry

OPPO, a global leader in smart device innovation, announces a creative partnership with Ballet Philippines to mark the arrival of its latest flagship in the country. The collaboration brings together technology and performance, highlighting OPPO’s focus on movement, precision, and artistry.

Placing motion at the center of its story, OPPO showcases how its flagship camera systems capture detail, color, and fluidity in fast, complex scenes. From stage to street, the device is designed to render every step and gesture in sharp, natural clarity.

“Through this partnership, OPPO celebrates the discipline and elegance of Ballet Philippines while demonstrating how our technology enables people to capture beauty in motion,” said Joanarc Sales, OPPO Philippines Associate Marketing Director. “Innovation should serve expression, and that is what the OPPO Find X9 is built to do.”

By working with Ballet Philippines, OPPO signals its support for Filipino arts and creative communities. The partnership reflects the brand’s commitment to elevating craft, whether in mobile imaging or live performance.

“Ballet Philippines has always been a home for Filipino artistry. In partnership with OPPO, we celebrate the movement, mastery, and imagination that bring our nation’s creative spirit to life.” Kathleen Liechtenstein, Ballet Philippines Director shares.

OPPO’s new flagship will be available through authorized OPPO Brand Stores and official online channels. For updates, visit www.oppo.com/ph or follow OPPO Philippines on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

TALA marked a new phase of growth with the announcement of its expansion in Latin America that started with the launch of its services in Guatemala. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, it continues to serve the global majority, or the portion of the world’s population who has historically been excluded from accessing financial services, across three continents.

Leveraging AI to deliver financial services to customers here and around the world, the company’s proprietary software Tala in a Box now allows for rapid geographic expansion. This enables Tala to scale its platform across new markets simultaneously, fulfilling its mission to address insufficient access to essential financial products like credit among the global majority.

“This marks the start of Tala’s next chapter, grounded in the belief that potential exists everywhere and that technology and data can unlock immense value for underserved people and markets,” said Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. “Over the past few years, starting in 2020, we’ve built a next generation data engine and proprietary software platform that takes full advantage of Tala’s data moat—billions

stress over money. Beyond

Furthering

“As

HUAWEI continues to set the benchmark for innovation and elegance with the launch of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series. More than just a stylish device, it delivers next-level performance through its lifelike Ultra Chroma XMAGE Camera with true-to-life color accuracy, intelligent AI imaging, seamless AppGallery access, and premium aftersales care. Designed for users who value both artistry and performance, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series brings together advanced technology and refined craftsmanship to meet the demands of modern living.

Whether you’re upgrading for creativity, productivity, or style, this device delivers exceptional value at every turn. Here’s why the HUAWEI Pura 80 stands out as the smartest upgrade you’ll make this year.

1. Experience Life in Full Color with the Ultra Chroma XMAGE Camera

First up, the HUAWEI Pura 80’s Ultra Chroma XMAGE Camera captures life exactly as you see it. Equipped with over 1.5 million spectral channels and XD Fusion Pro image processing, it captures color and light exactly as you see it. From the glow of sunset on your commute to the sparkle of city lights at night, every shot stays vivid and balanced, no filters required. Life doesn’t always wait for perfect lighting but with the Ultra Chroma XMAGE Camera, every moment shines.

This means no more dull, overexposed, or oversaturated photos. You can trust the HUAWEI Pura 80 to deliver lifelike images that match exactly what your eyes see.

5 reasons why the HUAWEI Pura 80 is the smartest upgrade

2. Make Every Pic Count with AIPowered Photography Next, HUAWEI takes your shots to the next level with its AI-powered photography tools that make every picture count. The HUAWEI Pura 80’s advanced AI Remove feature lets you capture the perfect shot every time. With just one tap, you can erase photobombers, cluttered backgrounds, or unwanted reflections, leaving only what matters most in your frame. Meanwhile, HUAWEI Pura 80’s AI Best Expression takes group photos to a whole new level by analyzing multiple shots and combining everyone’s best smiles into one flawless photo. No retakes. No awkward faces. Just picture-perfect memories every time. Thanks to the HUAWEI Pura 80’s AI imaging engine and optimized portrait detection, you can effortlessly preserve the best moments, even in bustling streets or lively outings with loved ones capturing everything in beautifully crisp and balanced detail.

3. Access All Your Favorite Apps and Earn Rewards with HUAWEI AppGallery

Third on the list, the HUAWEI Pura 80 makes everyday convenience effortless through HUAWEI AppGallery, your all-in-one hub for apps, access, and rewards. Just open HUAWEI AppGallery, search for the app you want, and install it directly or follow the quick on-screen guide for alternatives.

Whether it’s GCash, BPI, Maya, Viber, Messenger, WhatsApp, Net-

Salesforce and Google Expand Strategic Partnership with Deeper Integrations Across Agentforce 360 and Gemini Enterprise

SALESFORCE (NYSE: CRM) and Google today announced an expansion of their strategic partnership, introducing a new wave of AI innovations designed to transform the enterprise. This collaboration brings Google’s cutting-edge Gemini models to the new Agentforce 360 Platform.

The expanded partnership places employee productivity at the forefront, integrating Agentforce 360 with Google Workspace for sales and IT service and expanding the Salesforce Gemini integration, already available in Gmail, to more Google Workspace tools. For employees and customers alike, these integrations deliver seamless, context-aware experiences across every touchpoint, building trust and setting a new standard for intelligent, connected customer interactions.

Gemini Integration and Next-Generation Agent Interoperability

Customers can now use Gemini models to power Salesforce’s Atlas Reasoning Engine, the brain behind Agentforce, expanding its model choice offerings and harnessing Gemini’s powerful multimodal intelligence to tackle complex, multistep enterprise problems. And because the reasoning engine now enables hybrid reasoning, Gemini users can deploy AI agents in Salesforce that deliver more accurate and consistent results for their businesses.

Salesforce and Google also are expanding the capabilities of large action models — which make it possible to automate processes, not just text — with fine-tuned Gemini models that outperform industry-leading LLMs against key CRM benchmarks. This means customers can more accurately and reliably automate complex, multistep business processes.

“In the enterprise environment, it’s imperative for AI agents to be highly capable and highly consistent, especially for critical use cases,” said Silvio Savarese, Chief Scientist at Salesforce. “Together, we are setting a new standard for building the future of what’s possible in the Agentic Enterprise down to the model level.”

This joint commitment to enterprise-grade AI is strengthened by Salesforce’s and Google’s support for open standards like Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Agent2Agent (A2A), which enable multi-agent collaboration across platforms and specialized domains. This builds on Agentforce 360’s powerful orchestration capabilities for connecting agents, data, and tools across the enterprise.

Creating the AI-Enabled Workforce led by Google Workspace with Gemini and Agentforce 360 Salesforce and Google have a longstanding history of enhancing employee experiences by seamlessly integrating Google Workspace and the Salesforce Platform. That’s the case once again for Agentforce 360, the latest evolution of Salesforce’s AI agent platform.

This means that users can access Salesforce Customer 360 apps like Agentforce Sales and Agentforce Service from Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Meet.

For instance, a visitor clicking a site can trigger Agentforce Sales to start a personalized Gmail conversation, qualify the lead, and schedule meetings in Google Calendar. And with the expanded Salesforce integration across Google Workspace with Gemini, a seller can securely access and view CRM data and insights across the Gemini app and tools like Sheets, Docs, Drive, Slides, and Meet.

The newly launched Agentforce IT Service solution also offers out-of-the-box integrations with Google, enabling agents and IT teams to increase the speed and quality of IT service delivery for common use cases like automating access to Google Workspace, managing the security of employee devices with ChromeOS, and analyzing IT service trends with Looker.

“The deeper integration of Google Workspace with Gemini and Salesforce has the power to fundamentally improve how teams get work done,” said George Kwon, VP of Product Management for Google Workspace Platform and Growth. “This integration unifies critical business information with powerful AI assistance, helping teams across sales, customer service, and IT make smarter decisions and streamline their work with critical information, all from the tools they use every day.” Gemini Enterprise and Slack Merge Data for the Agentic Era

The partnership also brings Gemini Enterprise right into the flow of work by integrating with Slack’s Real-Time Search API.

This collaboration enables Gemini Enterprise users to ground responses directly in an organization’s most current conversational data and files, empowering users to move swiftly from insight to action.

The partnership also introduces a new entry point to a Gemini Enterprise agent that can be used from directly within the Slack user interface, creating a bidirectional workflow. Users can interact with Gemini Enterprise to get instant insights and summaries grounded in their Slack workspace.

flix, Viu, Angkas, or Grab, your daily apps are ready to go with no complicated setups required. Even Google apps can be accessed securely using HUAWEI’s supported methods, keeping you productive and connected every day.

With HUAWEI AppGallery, you don’t just get access to your favorite apps, you also get rewarded for every tap. Through AppGallery Rewards, each app download, purchase, or inapp transaction unlocks exclusive vouchers, partner promos, in-game credits, and discount codes from top brands. Here’s how to claim your rewards in four easy steps:

1. Open the HUAWEI AppGallery

2. Tap Gifts in the Gift Center

3. Choose your reward and copy the redemption code

4. Install the app and apply your code

With the HUAWEI AppGallery, downloading isn’t just easy. Every app brings more possibilities, perks, and reasons to enjoy your HUAWEI Pura 80.

4. Enjoy Peace of Mind with Premium Service and Support Fourth, HUAWEI ensures that owning the HUAWEI Pura 80 goes beyond cutting-edge performance; it’s also about peace of mind and premium care. Through its Premium Service HUAWEI Care+, every HUAWEI Pura 80 user enjoys top-tier protection and lasting peace of mind.

Coverage includes a One-Time Free Accidental Damage Protection, which safeguards your device from screen cracks, spills, and other unexpected mishaps within the first year. A service fee of PHP 1,299 applies per component (mainboard, front cover, rear cover, or camera) when claiming accidental damage protection, while all other components are covered free of charge. Users also enjoy Free Battery Replacement if capacity drops below 85% within twelve months, giving you lasting performance and reliability (Note: Subject to HUAWEI authorized service center inspection result). All repairs use genuine HUAWEI parts, maintaining the device’s authenticity and full warranty coverage. For frequent travelers, the APAC Region Warranty provides after-sales support across multiple countries in the AsiaPacific region, offering seamless assistance wherever you go. Plus, with Priority Maintenance Service, you get faster repairs and dedicated handling at authorized service centers. Together, these benefits empower you with total confidence, seamless protection, and unmatched peace of mind with your HUAWEI Pura 80.

5. Celebrate the Season of Care with HUAWEI’s Service Giving Season Finally, HUAWEI wraps up the experience with a festive touch with the Service Giving Season, running from October 10 to December 31, 2025. This limited-time campaign brings exclusive perks and savings to keep your devices in top condition. Enjoy Free Labor for out-of-warranty repairs, allowing you to restore older devices without service fees for one repair per unit (parts cost applies).

GLOBAL action camera brand AKASO is reinforcing its presence in the Philippines, naming Siklab Spark Corporation as its exclusive distributor in the Philippines. The announcement, formalized at a recent private gathering, marks a key milestone in the company’s regional growth, leveraging its strong reputation since its founding in 2010.

Since its inception, AKASO has gained a strong fan base across Western countries, recognized for delivering the perfect balance of quality, performance, and affordability. In just over a decade, its products have reached more than 200 countries and regions, with over 7 million units sold worldwide.

Guided by the philosophy “Let Life Run,” AKASO differentiates itself by focusing on ultimate simplicity and high quality for the ‘Passionate Hobbyist,’ making action cameras ideal for capturing everyday memories, not just the extremes.

AKASO Teams Up with Siklab Spark Corporation

Expanding to the Philippines seemed like the natural next step for AKASO, as the country is home to a vibrant travel culture and fast-growing creator community. This move ensures the brand can better serve creators of all levels who are eager to capture and share life’s moments.

This collaboration

SHOWBIZ

By Angelica Villanueva

BEA Binene and Wilbert Ross are embracing both excitement and pressure as they take the lead in Golden Scenery of Tomorrow fifth installment of Viva One’s hit University Series based on the popular Wattpad novels by author Gwy Saludes.

During the show’s press conference, the pair spoke about bringing to life Via and Arkin, two characters well-loved by readers and with a solid following. Both acknowledged the challenge of meeting fan expectations while staying true to the story’s heart.

By Nickie Wang

Bea Binene, Wilbert Ross

chase dreams and love in ‘Golden Scenery of Tomorrow’

athletic personality, while Wilbert revisited his music background to perfect Arkin’s image as a guitar-playing songwriter.

“We’re really giving our best to make them real. These characters deserve that kind of effort because fans know every little detail about them,” Bea added.

When asked whether they would make the same choices as their characters in the story—particularly about prioritizing career over love—the two offered thoughtful yet contrasting views.

“For me, love can wait. I’ve been working hard for my dreams. I want to focus on my goals first. That’s where I’m at right now,” Wilbert shared.

VILLANUEVA, Writer

“We try our best to deliver what’s in the book—the accuracy of it. Even Direk Victor [Villanueva] would ask us, ‘How would Via or Arkin react in this scene?’ He really makes sure we portray them the way readers imagine them,” Bea told Manila Standard Entertainment

Wilbert echoed her sentiment, sharing that they both understand the weight of those expectations, especially since the University Series has grown into one of Viva One’s most-followed franchises.

“It’s not just about proving anything. Fans already accepted us for these roles, and we want to keep earning that approval with every episode. We just want to make sure it’s worth the wait,” explained Wilbert.

The actor also shared that the anticipation from long-time readers motivated them to perform with authenticity.

“The pressure will always be there. But it’s a good kind—the kind that pushes you to do better,” he continued.

To prepare for the project, both stars immersed themselves in the world of their characters. Bea trained in volleyball to reflect Via’s

On the other hand, Bea offered a more balanced perspective.

“Why choose when you can have both? If it’s real love, it should support you; it should be with you as you chase your dreams. You lift each other up,” the actress replied.

Their answers reflected the central theme of Golden Scenery of Tomorrow—the pursuit of dreams while navigating love and personal growth.

Director Victor Villanueva, who described the series as “a coming-of-age story more than a romance,” said working with the ensemble cast was a rewarding experience.

“It’s very relatable because it’s about dreams and friendship. Bea and Wilbert understood their characters so well that I didn’t have to do much directing. Their chemistry came naturally,” the director said.

P-POP sensation SB19 led the winners of the first Filipino Music Awards, taking home six major honors, including Artist of the Year, Tour of the Year, and Concert of the Year.

The group also won three People’s Choice trophies for Artist, Song, and Pop Song of the Year—fueled by the success of their hit single “dungka!” from the EP Simula at Wakas.

Joining them on the winners’ list was IV of Spades, who earned Rock Song of the Year for “Aura ” The track debuted at No. 4 on Spotify Philippines’ Top 50 chart and marked the band’s celebrated comeback. Their upcoming concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, produced by Karpos, sold out two months ahead of schedule.

Rising singer-songwriter dwta, a Bicol native, received Folk Song of the Year for “Sampung Mga Daliri,” her collaboration with SB19’s Justin. The recognition follows her growing presence in local music through projects like Flower Girl’s official soundtrack and BINI’s viral single “First Luv.”

Sony Music Entertainment, which manages all three acts, was named Music Company of the Year.

“We’re deeply honored and proud of our artists whose stellar work has been recognized,” said Kevin Foo, Sony Music Entertainment’s managing director for Southeast Asia. “These wins are a testament to their extraordinary talent, creativity, and hard work.”

Roslyn Pineda, Sony Music Entertainment Philippines’ general manager, said the recognition reflects the team’s shared passion for elevating Filipino music globally.

Several acts under the label also performed during the ceremony, including IV of Spades with “Aura,” Ely Buendia with “Kandarapa,” and Gloc-9 with “Upuan.”

The night closed with a joint performance by SB19 and Ben&Ben, marking the first live collaboration of their song “Kapangyarihan.”

The Filipino Music Awards, held on Oct. 21, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, brought together more than 500 artists, industry leaders, and fans in a celebration of Original Pilipino Music.

The official telecast of the Filipino Music Awards airs this weekend on TV5 and via livestream on the network’s Facebook page. Part 1 is airing tonight at 9:45, followed by Part 2 on Oct. 26

Golden Scenery of Tomorrow now streams on Viva One.

By Angelica Villanueva

ACTRESS Andrea Brillantes has officially joined the TV5 Network after signing an exclusive contract with MQuest Ventures, a company under the MVP Group of Manny V. Pangilinan On Thursday, Oct. 23, the contract signing was attended by Pangilinan, MediaQuest President and CEO Jane Basas, Cignal TV executives Sienna Olaso and Jeffrey Remigio, and Andrea’s manager, Shirley Kuan In an interview with Frontline Pilipinas, the 22-year-old actress expressed excitement over joining her new network family.

Syempre, I’m really grateful to be here… another family. And I’m really excited for what’s to come,” she said. While keeping details of her next projects under wraps, Andrea confirmed her plans to focus on films, saying she wants to explore genres beyond television dramas. The young actress also thanked her fans for their continued support as she embarks on a new chapter in her career.

25, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Nickie Wang

MAKATI commuters can now enjoy a more convenient and sustainable travel option with the opening of the new Century City Transport Hub (CCTH) at Century City Mall in Barangay Poblacion. The transport hub officially opened its doors on Oct. 23, offering clean, reliable, and direct transportation for daily travelers.

Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., connecting key routes such as Guadalupe and One Ayala, and vice versa.

Century City opens eco-friendly transport hub for Makati commuters

The CCTH features a fleet of 30-seater, PWDfriendly electric shuttles under Global Electric Transport’s (GET) Community Optimized Managed Electric Transport (COMET) 6 program. Designed to provide a quiet and eco-friendly commuting experience, the hub aims to serve nearly 25,000 commuters and professionals who live, work, or visit Century City and nearby areas. Major thoroughfares within reach include Makati Avenue, Kalayaan Avenue, and J.P. Rizal. To encourage commuters to try the service, shuttle rides are free until Oct. 31, 2025. The service

Starting in November, the shuttle system will shift to a fully cashless payment setup, charging an affordable P25 per ride. Transactions will be made through the GETPASS app, which is compatible with e-wallets like GCash and Maya. Details on downloading the app and the full route schedule are available on CCTH’s official website at https:// www.century-properties.com/ccth/.

“This transport hub reflects our commitment to continuously elevate the Century City experience. Our launch today, in partnership with GET, is a key step in that direction, showing our dedication to the community and our pledge to

The pioneering Filipina who shaped a visual culture

HER heartfelt reflection, “I may have one child, but I am a mother to many—my cherished nieces, nephews, and apos,” reveals the expansive heart of my mother, Elena Patrondelos Angeles

Beyond her legacy as a trailblazing komiks writer, it speaks to the personal love and mentorship she provided to her extended family, defining motherhood not by a single number but by the depth of her care.

In the male-dominated landscape of Philippine komiks during the 20th century, Elena M. Patron emerged as a groundbreaking figure whose compelling storytelling captivated millions and broke gender barriers. As a prolific Filipina scriptwriter, novelist, and columnist, Patron defied convention in an industry where female voices were scarce, creating emotionally charged narratives that resonated deeply with Filipino readers and moviegoers for decades.

Patron’s komiks novels stood out for their emotional depth and provocative themes, often focusing on controversial social issues and complicated family dynamics. Her stories frequently featured strong female protagonists navigating challenging circumstances, reflecting the evolving role of women in Philippine society while simultaneously speaking to universal human experiences.

SMART Communications, Inc. has partnered with Landers Superstore, one of the country’s fastest-growing membership shopping stores, to offer its postpaid subscribers a free one-year Landers Premium membership worth P700.

Her very first komiks novel, Kapatid Ko ang

Aking Ina (My Sister is My Mother), established her signature style of exploring tangled family relationships, a theme she would return to throughout her career. Works like Padre, si Eba (Father, This is Eve) and Dalawa ang Nagdalantao sa Akin (Two Women Carried Me in Their Womb) confronted religious and social conventions with daring storylines that captivated readers. Novels such as Ako si Emma, Babae (I am Emma, a Woman) and Bago N’yo Ako Sumpain (Before You Curse Me) delved into questions of personal

identity and ethical dilemmas.

Patron’s compelling narratives proved perfectly suited for cinematic adaptation, with numerous film producers recognizing the built-in audiences that her popular komiks novels commanded. Her first novel, Kapatid Ko ang Aking Ina, not only launched her career but also earned her a prestigious FAMAS Award for Best Story, cementing her reputation as a writer of exceptional talent.

From the 1970s to the 1990s, her stories consistently attracted production companies, with films based on her works becoming commercial blockbusters that featured prominent actors of the era. Notable adaptations included Blusang Itim, Lord, Give Me a Lover, Isinilang Ko ang

Anak ng Ibang Babae, and Nagbabagang Luha demonstrating the remarkable consistency of her popular appeal. Other successful film adaptations such as Adult Kid, Momay, Oras-Oras, Araw-

Araw, Pompa, and Ligaw-Tingin, Halik-Hangin further established her as a bankable literary source for the movie industry. Her career demonstrated remarkable adaptability as she navigated significant shifts in the Philippine publishing landscape. When readership for traditional komiks began declining during the 1990s, she successfully transitioned to writing for Tagaloglanguage paperbacks (locally known as Tagalog pocketbooks), ensuring her stories continued to reach audiences even as media consumption patterns changed. Ateneo University Press also published a compilation of her early works. This longevity in an increasingly competitive field stood as a testament to her exceptional ability to connect with Filipino readers through stories that reflected their experiences, anxieties, and aspirations.

Throughout her distinguished career, Patron received numerous accolades beyond her FAMAS Award, including recognition from The Citizen’s Council for Mass Media, Starlight Cultural Foundation, Komiks Operation Brotherhood, Catholic Mass Media, and the GEMS-Hiyas ng Sining Awards. These honors reflected both the artistic merit and cultural impact of her work. Elena Patron’s legacy extends far beyond her impressive bibliography of komiks novels and their cinematic adaptations.

Her artistic influence even crossed continents when the Coro de Filarmonica di Civitavecchia in Italy, under Maestro Ricardo Schioppa performed her poem Advento—set to music by Erick Arellano and sung in its original Tagalog. While celebrated for her provocative narratives and film adaptations, she was equally admired as a devoted mother and resilient woman who prioritized family above all.

Elena Patron’s prolific career came to a close with her passing on Jan. 14, 2021. Her legacy, however, remains vividly alive in the

of Philippine literary and visual history.

The promotion, which runs from Oct. 16 to Dec. 31, gives Smart Postpaid Plan 999 and up subscribers access to a wide selection of local and international products, along with exclusive access to Landers’ popular events such as the Super Crazy Sale and Super Fuel Sale.

The offer is available to new subscribers of Smart Postpaid Plan 999 and higher, as well as existing subscribers of Smart Postpaid Plan 1999 and higher, including Smart Infinity members. It also extends to existing postpaid users who are upgrading their current plans.

Smart Postpaid subscribers can easily redeem their free Landers membership online or onsite at any Landers Superstore branch. Those who already have an active Landers membership can share their voucher code with a friend or family member.

Apart from this, Smart is also giving Landers members an exclusive 25 percent discount on Smart Postpaid SIM-Only Plans 999 and above. This special offer is available only at Landers branches during scheduled sales blitzes.

To learn more about the Smart Postpaid Plan that suits your needs, visit www. smart.com.ph/LandersPromo.