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(Story File photoon datedA4) July 27, 2016 shows President Duterte during a National Security Council meeting attended by four former presidents including (from left) Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Fidel V. Ramos and Benigno Aquino III. Presidential Spokesman Harry
TRUMP CO-SIGNS CEASEFIRE PACT BETWEEN THAILAND AND CAMBODIA
WORLD / A6
Roque says Malacanang is inclined to ask the four ex-presidents to attend a meeting on issues besetting the West Philippine Sea. NSC file
Clergy tapped for monitoring ‘ghost’ infrastructure projects By Vito Barcelo
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 251 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025 •
THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), select local government officials, and civil society to monitor government infrastructure projects and
PH ready with initiatives Heading heading to benefit ASEAN—PBBM ASEAN heads of state back PH's hosting of 2026 summit By Charles Dantes
help curb corruption nationwide. The joint undertaking for transparency and accountability was contained in a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) signed by officials of the CBCP’s social arm, Caritas Philippines, the DPWH, the Mayors for Good Governance, and several civil Next page society organizations.
CAVITEX TO RAISE TOLL ON OCT. 28 BUSINESS / B3
BIR, DOF EYE HIKE IN TAX-FREE BENEFITS BUSINESS / B4
ASEAN'S 11TH MEMBER.President
K
UALA Lumpur— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asserted Sunday that the Philippines is ready to assume the chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, with particular focus on advancing practical, inclusive, and measurable initiatives that directly benefit the peoples in the region.
Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. congratulates Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao after Timor-Leste formally joined ASEAN during the first day of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. AFP
In a press briefing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President made the statement during his intervention at the 47th ASEAN Plenary held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center. According to Castro, President Marcos emphasized ASEAN’s crucial role in fostering regional stability, cooperation, and progress. Next page
UNDAS READY.
Filipinos begin cleaning the tombs of their departed loved ones in preparation for Undas 2025 at Manila North Cemetery, the largest public cemetery in the country. The cemetery administrator anticipates that about 2 million people will visit the cemetery. Danny Pata
Most Pinoys oppose military intervention in politics—survey By Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay and Rex Espiritu SEVEN out of ten Filipino adults (about 70%) oppose the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) intervening in political disputes, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by the OCTA Research group. Results showed that only 5% of respondents agree with AFP intervention, while 22% remain undecided. Meanwhile, retired and active military and police officers reaffirmed their loyalty
to the Constitution amid circulating coup rumors. The Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) issued a statement expressing its “full and unequivocal support” for the Department of National Defense and the AFP in upholding the rule of law and preserving constitutional order. Opposition to military involvement in politics is highest in Mindanao (79%) and the National Capital Region (78%), followed by the Visayas (71%) and Balance Luzon (63%). Next page
Senate mulls cut Over 200 OFWs seek rescue from Myanmar scam operators in 2026 P6.7-t By Katrina Manubay THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reported that the Philippine Embassy in Myanmar (Yangon) has received 222 requests for repatriation from Filipinos working in scam hubs,
with 66 already in Thailand and nine now under the Embassy’s care in Yangon as of October 24. In a statement released on Sunday, the DFA stated that the embassy is closely monitoring the situation in My Next page
PNP steps up Undas barangay patrols By Vince Lopez WITH multitudes of families leaving homes for the traditional All Saint’s Day migration to pay respects to the
departed, Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., ordered the doubling of police patrols to ward Next page
national budget
THE Senate may pass a budget bill for 2026 that is lower than the P6.7-trillion National Expenditure Program submitted by the Executive branch, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said on Sunday. Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, raised this possibility in an interview on DZMM Teleradyo. “Personally, I see many agencies that we can cut the funding for,” Gatchalian said, adding that some agencies were asking funds for projects that they could not justify. Next page
CHRISTMAS AT S MAISON. S Maison welcomes the season with a
magnificent 30-foot Christmas tree adorned with crimson cardinals, red velvet ribbons, and golden lights. A timeless symbol of love, hope, and cherished memories, this year’s theme captures the warmth of a Classic Christmas. Leading the lighting of the Christmas tree are (L-R) S Maison Mall Manager Jerrika Yang, SM EDD President Hans T. Sy, Jr, Santa Claus, and SM Mall of Asia Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations Perkin O. So.