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RIZAL’S NOVELS NOW IN BAHASA INDONESIA

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6-MONTH FDI FLOWS SINK TO 17.8% IN 1ST SEM

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FIERY TRAGEDY. This handout photo taken and received from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on September 10, 2026 shows the ruins of a ferry that caught fire off Palawan. Inset shows casualties in body bags in a barangay in Coron, Palawan. Palawan, AFP

VOL. XL • NO. 209 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

Impeach court asks ex-SC justices for aid

‘Amici curiae’ to help resolve 16-vote threshold By Maricel V. Cruz, Pot Chavez, and Jimbo Gulle

5 die, 86 lost in ferry fire By Vince Lopez AT LEAST five people were killed and 87 remain missing after a fire erupted aboard a ferry in waters off the resort town of Coron in Palawan, the Coast Guard said Thursday. Forty two people were rescued out of the 117 listed passengers and 17 crew members of the MV June Aster which departed from Baseco in Manila. “Based on the data we have right now on rescued (42) and the casualties, we still have 87 people who are unaccounted for,” coast guard Captain Noemi Cayabyab told a local radio station on Thursday. Next page

PBBM touts LEC as major platform for PH growth

HE Senate impeachment court has tapped four retired Supreme Court justices as “amici curiae” or friends of the court to provide independent guidance on the number of votes needed to convict or acquit Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte, as debate continues over whether the 16-vote constitutional threshold should remain.

By Charles Dantes and Othel V. Campos PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is positioning the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) as a major platform for investment and industrial growth, linking the strategic hubs of Subic Bay, Clark, Metro Manila and Batangas. Mr. Marcos made the statement during the LEC Investment Forum in Taguig as he urged global investors and business leaders to establish

Ex-justice is main prosec witness in VP’s wealth issue

By Maricel V. Cruz FOR AND AGAINST. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomes global investors and partners to the 2026 Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum while protesting activists (inset) scuffle with police during a picket at the entrance of the Grand Hyatt Hotel where the forum was held. Three protesters were arrested by police. PCO, College Editors Guild of the Philippines

RETIRED Sandiganbayan Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang will lead the witnesses to be presented by the House prosecution which begins its presentation of Article II of the impeachment complaint on Monday. Next page

‘No need to worry about Alan, Lani, Pia’s trip abroad’ By Joel E. Zurbano and Ram Superable SENATE Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has justified the trav-

el of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and family as a personal trip for health reasons. On the other hand, Senator PanfiNext page

El Niño affects 3 Luzon regions even as habagat enhances rains By Rio N. Araja THE El Niño episode has affected Regions 1 to 3, including Cagayan Valley,

Sandiganbayan: Ex-Speaker to stay at Cardinal Santos By Maricel V. Cruz THE former House Speaker is allowed to stay at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center until his motion for hospital confinement due to heart and mental health-related illnesses is resolved, the Sandiganbayan on Thursday said. This as the court directed the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to take custody of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez for plunder allegations. “The confinement of the former Next page

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.

Ilocos, Nueva Ecija and Pampanga, causing severe drought and low water levels in major reservoirs such as Angat, Next page

Doctors of the Cardinal Santos Medical Center arrive at the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City to testify on the medical condition of former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Joan Bondoc

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China fires flares at PCG plane By Rex Espiritu

HINESE forces fired multiple flares toward an unarmed Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aircraft conducting a routine Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight over the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in West Philippine Sea (WPS) on September 7, the PCG said.

PCG spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said its aircraft was challenged over radio by Chinese forces occupying Zamora (Subi) Reef before it landed on Pag-asa Island. The Chinese forces then fired flares in the aircraft’s direction. Chinese forces occupying Panganiban

(Mischief) Reef likewise fired flares at the PCG aircraft, according to the official. The PCG aircrew responded by stating that the presence of Chinese forces on the features violated international law and that its MDA flight was a routine and legitimate operation. “In both instances, the PCG aircrew

Impeach... From A1

before the senator-judges ask questions. The senator-judges will then vote on the threshold issue. Tongol said the court would prioritize constitutional accuracy over speed in resolving the question.

Retired Chief Justices Artemio Panganiban and Reynato Puno, and retired Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna have confirmed that they will personally appear before the impeachment court on Sept. 16. A third retired Chief Justice, Hilario Davide Jr., has committed to submit a legal memorandum. Davide presided over the impeachment trial of former President Joseph Estrada, the country’s first such proceeding. Impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol said the participation of the retired justices marked an important procedural step in resolving the constitutional question. The court reserved the right to invite additional experts if necessary. Tongol said the senator-judges would have the first opportunity to review the amici’s written advisories, which will not be made public before their presentation. The court decided to seek expert guidance after Sen. Erwin Tulfo appealed its July 6 ruling that 16 senators, or two-thirds of the full 24-member Senate, must concur to convict Duterte and bar her from holding public office. Tongol said only senator-judges would be allowed to question the experts, with the Presiding Officer, Senator Francis Escudero, controlling the floor time. The prosecution and defense will listen but will not question the amici. On Sept. 23, both sides will have 15 minutes each to argue their positions

Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, meanwhile, maintained that the 16-vote requirement is not absolute and should depend on the number of senators legally qualified to participate and vote. “My position is that the denominator depends on who is qualified to vote,” Carpio said in an interview with Manila Standard, which he echoed in a TV interview with Karen Davila on ANC. “If senators die, resign, or are disqualified, they should not be counted,” he told Davila. Carpio cited Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, who are suspended over criminal cases involving alleged plunder. He said they cannot attend Senate sessions or vote while suspended and therefore should not be counted as senator-judges. He also cited Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who has yet to take his oath as a senator-judge and has not attended Senate proceedings because he faces the possibility of arrest if he appears. “If you don’t take this oath, you cannot be a senator-judge,” Carpio said. By contrast, Carpio said Sen. Loren Legarda, who is on leave but has already

El Niño... From A1

‘No need... From A1

Pantabangan and Magat dams. The weather phenomenon has reduced irrigation in the country’s primary rice-producing areas and lowered water supplies for urban communities. Calabarzon and the Bicol Region have been experiencing erratic weather patterns, with alternating dry spells and typhoon-induced floods, placing stress on local water resources and disrupting crop production. Western Visayas, including Iloilo and Negros Occidental, has suffered long dry periods and below-average rainfall, resulting in lower sugarcane and rice yields and affecting local food and ethanol industries. Meanwhile, severe agricultural drought and water shortages have affected Northern Mindanao, including Bukidnon and Misamis provinces, Southern Mindanao, including Davao and Cotabato, and the Zamboanga Peninsula. El Niño has caused lower yields of corn, pineapples, bananas and cacao, alongside a sharp drop in sardine catches in Zamboanga. The Philippines is also expected to experience heavy rainfall in several areas Friday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

lo Lacson said Cayetano’s overseas trip should not be an issue, indicating that the former Senate President deserves a break from the stress he endures. For his part, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian clarified that his colleagues are not required to notify his office or file formal leaves for personal trips following confirmation from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) that Cayetano and Senator Pia Cayetano left the country Wednesday evening. Sources at Taguig City Hall have confirmed that the Cayetano family traveled abroad for personal reasons, refuting claims by critics on social media who suggested that their trips were an attempt to ‘escape.’ “They have nothing to evade as they are not facing any charges. Further-

Sandiganbayan:... From A1 Speaker in Cardinal Santos will remain until further orders from the court,” Sandiganbayan Third Division Clerk of Court Dennis Pulma said. “He will stay there for the meantime,” he added. According to his attending physician, Dr. Rosalio Torres, a staff of Romualdez informed him that the former Speaker complained of chest pains around 9 a.m. on Monday.

Carpio: 16-vote requirement not absolute

responded over radio that the presence of Chinese forces on these illegally reclaimed features is a violation of international law, and that the MDA flight is a routine and legitimate operation.” Tarriela said. Tarriela also said the aircrew observed a considerable number of Chinese Maritime Militia vessels sheltered inside the lagoons of Zamora and Panganiban reefs. The PCG reported no personnel observed on the decks of the vessels or on the reclaimed facilities, and no vehicular movement was monitored on the artificial islands. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the firing of flares to-

ward an unarmed Coast Guard aircraft did not require further characterization. “Flares were fired at an unarmed Coast Guard aircraft. The PCG does not need to characterize this behavior,” Gavan said. He also cited the 2016 Arbitral Award, which ruled that Panganiban Reef is a low-tide elevation within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, and that China’s reclamation activities there violated Philippine sovereign rights. The PCG said the firing of flares at an aircraft in flight also poses a risk to flight safety and disregards the duty of due regard under the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

taken her oath, remains legally qualified even if she cannot currently vote. Carpio warned that strictly requiring 16 votes regardless of the number of qualified senator-judges could make the constitutional impeachment mechanism ineffective. He said the Constitution’s two-thirds requirement remains unchanged, but the question is how to interpret the phrase “all the Members of the Senate” when some members cannot legally perform their functions. Former Integrated Bar of the Philippines president Domingo Cayosa expressed a similar view in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel, saying the Constitution does not specify an absolute number of votes for conviction. He said the two-thirds requirement itself cannot be altered, but the meaning of “all the Members of the Senate” must be considered in the context of the Senate sitting as an impeachment court rather than as a legislative body.

Barbers said the amici curiae could provide historical and constitutional context on how the 1987 Constitution was drafted and intended to operate. Barbers said the prosecution would not allow the dispute over the numerical threshold to distract from its presentation of evidence. “Whether it is 16 or lower, that is the least of our concern as we speak. Our concern is really to focus on the presentation of our witnesses and evidence,” he said. The Senate impeachment court’s eventual ruling on the threshold could create an actual controversy that may be elevated to the Supreme Court by an aggrieved party, Barbers said. Until then, the constitutional question remains within the impeachment proceedings. Carpio also addressed whether VP Duterte could be compelled to testify at her own impeachment trial, saying the Senate tribunal has authority to subpoena her and require her to appear. He said an impeachment proceeding is a constitutional process rather than an ordinary criminal prosecution, so the impeached official cannot invoke a blanket immunity from testifying. However, the Vice President may invoke the constitutional privilege against self-incrimination on specific questions, Barbers said. The House prosecution is meanwhile preparing to begin its presentation of Article II, which involves Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth, after completing its main presentation on the confidential funds allegations.

Barbers: Consulting legal experts necessary

House impeachment prosecution adviser and spokesperson Ace Barbers supported the Senate court’s decision to consult independent constitutional experts, saying the issue has not yet produced an actual controversy that could be brought before the Supreme Court. “To me, personally, I believe that this is necessary so that everything can be clarified,” Barbers said in an interview with One News’ Morning Matters.

Ex-Justice... From A1 House prosecutors Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel Diokno will jointly lead the presentation of evidence regarding Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth as part of Article II of the impeachment complaint, Ridon confirmed on Thursday. Ridon said Cabotaje-Tang is among the three witnesses named in the subpoenas requested by the prosecution panel before the Senate Impeachment Court. “She will discuss the principles governing the matter of public accountability, integrity in public office, at mechanisms for addressing undisclosed and unexplained wealth and prohibited business interests,” Ridon said. Article II of the impeachment complaint accuses Vice President Sara Duterte of acquiring unexplained wealth that is allegedly disproportionate to her lawful income as a public official. The article also alleges that Duterte made inaccurate declarations in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), and maintained business interests while serving as public office. The prosecution will also present lawyer Karen Batu, officer-in-charge of the Records Division of the Office of the Ombudsman, who is expected to testify on the Vice President’s SALN records, including her submitted declarations. “We will discuss the specific details of our Vice President’s SALN, particularly the submissions,” Ridon said. The third witness is lawyer Gerardo Del Rosario, director of the Company Registration and Monitoring Department of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), who will testify on the authentication and identification of corporate records linked to Duterte. “The authentication and identification of the Vice President’s companies’ records will be discussed,” Ridon said.

PBBM... From A1

Zubiri emphasized that a senator does not need to seek permission from the

Senate President when leaving the country for personal reasons. “If it’s a personal trip, not an official one, they don’t need to get permission from the Senate President, as far as I know, that is.” “The best person to clarify that would be the Senate President. But if it’s for health reasons, I wish them well,” he added. Lacson also extended his well wishes to Cayetano, especially if Cayetano and his wife, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, are traveling for health-related reasons. “This is not an issue as of the moment. Let’s make him (them) take a break from the stress caused by issues that he himself created. For all we know, Sen Alan and his wife’s trip has something to do with reproductive health, which Singapore is known for. If it is simply health related, I sincerely wish him well despite our animosities,” he said.

long-term operations in the Philippines, saying the government was moving beyond infrastructure development toward concrete commercial partnerships and investments. “The LEC is not simply a collection of infrastructure projects. It is our strategy for organizing growth,” President Marcos said. The corridor links areas with complementary economic strengths. Subic Bay serves as a maritime and industrial gateway, Clark is developing as a hub for aviation, logistics, technology and urban growth, Metro Manila remains the country’s commercial and financial center, and Batangas is a major base for manufacturing, energy and international trade. Mr. Marcos said improving connectivity among these areas would create “a powerful economic platform for Luzon and the entire country,” reducing the cost of moving people and goods and helping manufacturers and Filipino businesses access larger markets. He said the initiative comes as global supply chains undergo major changes, with companies looking for reliable locations where they can make long-term investments, access growing markets and tap skilled workers.

The ship’s manifest had listed 134 passengers and crew, she said. Of those rescued, 38 were passengers and four were crew, she added. The blaze broke out on the M/V June Aster Wednesday evening about 2.2

kilometres (1.3 miles) offshore, the coast guard said, adding that five casualties had been brought ashore. Video shared by the coast guard on Facebook showed the vessel completely engulfed in flames. Cayabyab said that one survivor recounted hearing a loud explosion near the cargo hold before smoke and flames quickly engulfed the passenger vessel.

Nonetheless, she declined to speculate on the cause, saying a comprehensive investigation is underway. “We will not give a conclusive statement,” Cayabyab said, adding that the testimonies of survivors and crew would form part of the investigation. Meanwhile, PCG personnel have not yet been able to board the vessel due to the continued presence of hazardous

and toxic smoke, which poses a suffocation risk to responders. “Our topmost priority, aside from conducting the search and rescue, is to ensure the safety of our responders,” Cayabyab said. Hundreds of people, desperate for news about the incident, have left comments on the Coron town mayor’s Facebook page, searching for relatives, friends and even a dog. AFP

Torres testified before the Sandiganbayan that Romualdez should remain under hospital detention because the lawmaker was at “high risk of possible heart attack.” “In case of emergency, he would have an hour (to receive treatment). We believe he may not be afforded that one hour (if he is transferred from the hospital),” he said. Torres said the former Speaker suffered from unstable angina with underlying coronary disease, which he described as an impending heart attack. The doctor who admitted Romualdez, Dr. Kurt Allen Sibayan, said the

former Speaker remained at high risk of a heart attack even as he acknowledged it was not an emergency case. Romualdez was turned over to the custody of the BJMP from the Philippine National Police at past 4 p.m. yesterday even as he remained confined at Cardinal Santos. “Rep. Romualdez will be accorded the same treatment and privileges as other persons deprived of liberty, with no VIP or special treatment,” BJMP spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Bustinera said in a statement. As this developed, House prosecution

adviser and spokesperson Ace Barbers said Romualdez appeared noticeably frail and had lost considerable weight even before his hospital confinement. “Just a week ago, we had a chance to talk. The first thing I told him was that he lost a lot of weight… He’s really very weak,” Barbers said in a television interview. “Speaker Martin really has a lot of health issues. You can see the difference in his appearance now compared to how he looked, say, six months ago,” he added. In their manifestation and urgent motion for hospital detention, the lawyers of the ex-Speaker said he is suffering from

hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; unstable angina; coronary artery disease; s/p pci (post percutaneous coronary intervention); cerebrovascular ischemic disease; type 2 diabetes mellitus; hypertension; dyslipidemia; and primary hypothyroidism. “(The accused) has a documented cardiac history and has remained under continuing care for that condition,” read the manifestation. His lawyers proposed a court-supervised arrangement that would include round-the-clock guards, visitor restrictions, and periodic medical certificates.

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more, this is not their first instance of traveling abroad for personal reasons,” the source informed Manila Standard. Zubiri also deplored rumors and speculations circulating on social media concerning the Cayetanos’ trip, saying the travel was acceptable. The Bureau of Immigration disclosed earlier that the Cayetanos boarded a flight to Singapore, arriving at Changi Airport a few hours later on Wednesday evening. “I believe it’s a personal trip. It’s fine if it’s a personal trip, at least for health reasons,” he said. “I know Senator Alan and Mayor Lani have been trying to conceive a child, so they are there for health reasons. I wish them well. It’s fine, there’s no problem.”

No permission needed for personal travel

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IN BRIEF LTFRB opens 500 EV taxi slots in Bicol, Palawan THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has opened 500 taxi slots exclusive for electric vehicles in Bicol and Palawan as part of ongoing efforts to further improve and modernize public transportation in the country. The LTFRB also approved around 8,000 transport network vehicle service slots exclusively for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Acting chairman Greg Pua Jr. said the move complies with the law promoting the use of EVs in public transportation. Under Memorandum Circular 2026-085, the agency allocated 400 EV taxi slots for Bicol following an evaluation showing the need for more taxis to support economic and tourism activities. A plan to open 100 slots for regular taxis was revoked to give way for additional electric taxis. Rio N. Araja

Pacquiao to receive PNU honorary doctorate THE Philippine Normal University (PNU) announced it will confer an honorary Doctor of Physical Education and Sports degree to former senator and eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao. The conferment ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, at the PNU Manila Quadrangle. In a statement, the university said “The People’s Champ” represented the country and demonstrated the potential of Filipino talent when paired with discipline, perseverance and determination. PNU said Pacquiao’s journey from poverty in General Santos City showed that humble beginnings need not determine one’s future and that sports can promote personal transformation, social mobility and national pride.abriel Oliva

DILG: 1,500 firetrucks set for roll out nationwide

MOON FESTIVAL. The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) leads the country’s celebration of the Mid-Autumn or Moon Festival at the Federation Building in Binondo, Manila, under the theme ‘Celebrating Harmony, Tradition and Strong Media Partnerships,’ with president Victor Lim recognizing the media’s continued support. Itchie Cabayan

EDCOM 2, education groups laud DepEd for PISA 2025 results T By Gabriel Oliva

HE Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) congratulated the Department of Education (DepEd) for the country’s “best performance yet” in the 2025 iteration of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

In a statement, EDCOM 2 said it commended DepEd for its leadership and sustained efforts to improve learning outcomes after Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced that the Philippines recorded mean

scores of 373 in science, 371 in mathematics, and 367 in reading. Compared with the previous results, Filipino students nationwide showed a 17-point improvement in science literacy, 16 points in mathematics, and

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to roll out 1,500 firetrucks nationwide over the next one and a half years to address gaps in firefighting equipment and strengthen emergency response capabilities across the country. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the firetrucks will be acquired through a government-to-government agreement with the Republic of Korea to ensure a direct and transparent procurement process without middlemen. He said the Office of the President, DILG, Department of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Fire Protection are coordinating with the South Korean government on the acquisition, which he described as a clean transaction that would benefit Filipinos. Vince Lopez

20 points in reading. “At the same time, this progress belongs to the entire country,” EDCOM 2 said. The commission recognized the roles played by teachers, parents, communities, partner groups, volunteers, lawmakers, and the government in addressing the learning crisis and supporting Filipino children. “This step forward demonstrates what we can achieve when the nation works together with urgency, purpose, and resolve,” EDCOM 2 said. EDCOM 2 said it remains com-

HONORING EDUCATORS.

A visitor places a message of appreciation on a display wall during the observance of National Teachers’ Month 2026 at the Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, highlighting teachers’ vital role in shaping the lives and future of Filipino students. Edd Castro

Chiz seeks broader, uniform definition of indigency SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called for a broader definition of indigency to grant more Filipinos access to government services, saying current standards are too narrow and fail to capture the realities faced by many households. In his podcast, “Chiz Wiz! Usapang May Laman,” aired over the weekend, Escudero noted that indigency is often equated with membership in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or 4Ps, leaving out families that may not be income-poor but cannot absorb medical or litiga-

tion costs. He pointed out that current laws lack a uniform definition of “indigency,” with standards varying among government agencies. Barangays issue certificates of indigency under the Local Government Code, while the Public Attorney’s Office uses thresholds aligned with Philippine Statistics Authority metrics and the 4Ps relies on the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s targeting system. “Indigency, therefore, should also be defined by circumstance, and not

just income,” he said. To illustrate his point, Escudero said families burdened by serious illnesses such as leukemia could be considered “cancer-indigent,” while those unable to shoulder litigation costs could be classified as “litigation-indigent.” Even professionals earning above the minimum wage may fall into these categories when faced with extraordinary expenses. This restrictive framework, he said, excludes households that may exceed income thresholds but cannot afford major medical bills or litigation costs.

“What does indigency really mean? Does it mean that you must be a member of the 4Ps? The problem with our laws is that they have only one definition of indigency. But for me, there are different levels of indigency,” Escudero said. “For example, filing for the nullity of a marriage is not easy when you need P200,000 to P500,000 to cover the expenses. That makes a person litigation-indigent. When someone in your family gets sick with cancer, the family becomes cancer-indigent,” he explained.

DFA: Bahasa translations of Rizal novels By Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay

BEASTS OF BURDEN. Farmers with their carabaos make their way to a drying station in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. Revoli Cortez

THE Philippine Embassy in Jakarta has provided Bahasa Indonesia translations of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo to Indonesian readers, emphasizing the shared historical experiences and cultural bonds between the Philippines and Indonesia. In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Christopher Montero led the rededication ceremony of Sentro Rizal Jakarta on August 28. He reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to promoting Philippine arts, culture, language, and heritage while strengthening people-to-people con-

nections between the Philippines and Indonesia. “Noli Me Tangere (Jangan Sentuh Aku) was translated by Indonesian writer, literary translator, and editor Anton Kurnia, while El Filibusterismo (Orang-orang Rakus) was translated by Indonesian writer and literary translator Atta Verin,” the statement said. Both publications were released by PT Copas Copus under the PhlGoH2025, or Philippine Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, Funding Program, with support from the National Book Development Board, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda.

mitted to working with DepEd in examining PISA data, including the progress of different learner groups, learning conditions, and access to resources, to help guide policy interventions. It added that the improved PISA results indicate that the Philippine education system is “on the right track” and gaining momentum. “Education reform cannot begin again with every change in leadership; it requires consistency of purpose, continuity in implementation, and the commitment of the entire country,” EDCOM 2 said.

Prosecutor eyes case dismissal vs. Madriaga By Gwyneth Nolasco A TAGUIG City prosecutor has recommended the dismissal of the perjury complaint filed by Vice President Sara Duterte against retired Marine Ramil Madriaga, who identified himself as her alleged former bagman. In a 19-page resolution, the Taguig Prosecutors’ Office said the evidence presented by Duterte failed to establish sufficient grounds to pursue the complaint. “While complainant has presented evidence disputing respondent’s assertions, the evidence presently on record does not establish prima facie, with reasonable certainty of conviction, that respondent knowingly and willfully made materially false statements under oath in violation of Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code,” the resolution read. Duterte filed the complaint on March 4, 2026, accusing Madriaga of making false statements about his relationship with her and his alleged involvement in her campaign. Madriaga stated in a sworn affidavit in December 2025 that he delivered cash to Duterte. The Vice President denied the allegations and said she had no relationship with the former military personnel. Duterte filed another perjury complaint against Madriaga on August 17, accusing him of making “malicious and deliberate falsehoods.” The complaint was supported by sworn statements from Duterte and 12 other witnesses, as well as documentary evidence. Madriaga was among those who testified during previous House legislative inquiries into various allegations of corruption against the Vice President. Duterte is facing an impeachment trial over the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds in 2022 and 2023, among other com-

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Anti-leptospirosis drive intensifies IN BRIEF

HE Department of Health (DOH) and local health officials have intensified their campaign against the incidence of which was reportedly on the rise due to massive street floods generated by the incessant rains over the past weeks.

Cebu wins bid to host next year’s MICECON CEBU will host next year’s Philippine Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions Conference (MICECON) that will bring together the country’s premier MICE industry players and stakeholders. This was announced by the Philippine Travel Exchange 2026 during a dinner at the Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Manila. The winning bid was the result of months of preparation and collaboration under the “One Cebu” campaign led by the Cebu MICE Alliance. “Months of rigorous preparation went into building this proposal, but our greatest strength was bringing our local leaders together. Engaging the Cebu Provincial Government and the mayors of our tri-cities to unite under one single Cebu bid proves how Cebuanos collaborate and step up to position Cebu as a global powerhouse. This win belongs to the entire community,” hotel executive Josef Chiongbian said. Minerva Newman

‘Teach kids early about environment protection’ A CATHOLIC bishop has urged parents to teach their children early to care for the environment, saying the responsibility to protect nature begins at home. Bishop Crispin Varquez of the Diocese of Borongan said families play a key role in raising children who understand that caring for the environment is part of being responsible members of society. He made the appeal during a Mass at Borongan Cathedral on Sept. 8 marking the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Varquez said parents should teach children proper waste disposal and respect for nature, stressing that careless habits at home can contribute to larger environmental problems. “It starts with the family,” he said. Vito Barcelo

HARBINGER OF THE HOLIDAYS. Pampanga First

District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin Jr. admires a Christmas décor handmade by wards of a halfway house called Bahay Pag-asa (House of Hope) being maintained by the Angeles City Social Welfare and Development Office. Butch Gunio

N. Vizcaya bags two excellence awards BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—“We do not work for awards. We work for service.” Gov. Jose Gambito made this statement as he received two significant citations from the Department of the Interior and Local Government during the Provincial SubayBAYANI Awards held at Zen Hotel here last Tuesday. “When our people feel the light in their homes and feel smoother roads beneath their feet, that’s the real award,” he added. The province won the Best Seal of Good Local Governance - Incentive Fund Project for its Silaw ti Umili (Light for the Villagers) initiative which brought solar power to the socalled off grid areas, and was named Provincial SubayBAYANI Exemplar for its ₱44-million, 1,951-meter Batu– Magapuy–Paitan Road in Bayombong. Jessica M. Bacud

Health Secretary Edwin Mercado said in an interview that he directed his staff to collaborate with barangay health workers to find people who have walked through floods and give them doxycycline. Mercado admitted that going to barangay health centers or getting a doctor’s prescription for doxycycline can be difficult and time-consuming. “We are being pro-active here, going to the barangays to determine those who have been forced to wade in the flood due to their occupation. Our health workers are giving away free doxycycline medicines to ward off leptospirosis infections,” Mercado said. “We also have to have a system to monitor the incidence, including the supply chain, stock levels, and procurement process,” he added. In a separate interview, Dr. Grace Padilla, acting Manila city health officer, said that barangay health workers in Manila are conducting house-to-house drive as part of their initiatives efforts to control the spread of leptospirosis. Nearly 200,000 doses of doxycycline have been distributed to local residents, as the city health office expects an increase in leptospirosis cases. Padilla said Manila hospitals and health facilities are on alert against a possible breakout of the water-borne disease. Padilla said that six Manila hospitals are currently operating beyond their usual bed capacity. Under standard procedures, hospitals are expected to increase capacity by 10 percent to accommodate more patients. Manila has started using its infectious disease facilities and wards, including areas that were once used for COVID-19 patients, to handle the growing number of leptospirosis patients at Sta. Ana Hospital.

P1-b illicit cigarettes seized in Pampanga, Bataan raids By Vince Lopez POLICE have seized nearly P1 billion worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested 14 people in separate operations in Pampanga and Bataan on Monday, Sept. 7. Philippine National Police Region 3 director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez said they confiscated 759 master cases of suspected illicit cigarettes from a van in Mabalacat City, Pampanga at about noontime.

Initial report indicated that the shipment may have originated from a private seaport in Mariveles, Bataan, prompting operatives of the Regional Special Operations GroupRegional Intelligence Division to conduct surveillance in the area. The operatives monitored several trailer trucks carrying 40-foot container vans. At about 8:30 a.m., the tr ucks were seen leaving the area one after another, prompting operating units to position themselves along identified routes in Bataan and Pampanga.

The follow-up operation led to the interception of seven trailer trucks in Abucay, two in Limay and one in Orion, all in Bataan, and five in Lubao, Pampanga. The 15 trucks were found carrying substantial quantities of suspected smuggled cigarette estimated at P960 million. Mendez said 14 people, mostly truck drivers, were arrested. Police are trying to identify the owners of the shipments for possible filing of smuggling charges. “I can say this is extensive because im-

agine 15 containers. A rough estimate is 1,000 packs per container, so that is a lot of money. This means a large group is involved,” Mendez said. Police are coordinating with concerned government agencies for the verification and disposition of the seized products and the filing of appropriate charges. Mendez said they would sustain intelligence-driven operations against illicit trade and other illegal activities in Central Luzon.

Villanueva bucks plan to extend term of barangay, youth council By Ram Superable SENATOR Joel Villanueva on Wednesday questioned the proposed shift to a five-year term for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, raising concerns over the timing of the shift and the possibility of repeatedly postponing regular elections. Villanueva was reacting to Senate Bill No. 2387 under Committee Report No. 77 seeks to amend Republic Act No. 12232 by extending the term of barangay and SK officials from four to five years. If approved, the measure would move the next barangay and SK elections (BSKE) from 2026 to 2031. Villanueva raised the issue during

Senate interpellations, noting that RA 12232 was signed into law only in August 2025. Senator Francis Escudero, sponsor of the measure, said the proposed five-year term would reset the next BSKE to 2031, coinciding with the next national and local elections. “If we implement the five-year term this year, the next BSKE elections will be in 2031, coinciding once again with our country’s next national and local elections,” Escudero said. He expressed concern that Congress could again postpone the elections by changing the term limit, although he said he hoped the proposed five-year term would be the last adjustment.

FREE RICE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE. Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso gives away three kilos of rice to each of some 250 parents who volunteered for the city government’s community cleanup initiative dubbed ‘Rice for Work Program’ which aims to promote volunteerism, civic responsibility, and bayanihan (self-help) among his constituency. Pot Chavez

De Lima hails exclusion of UN exec from Immigration blacklist By Maricel V. Cruz

OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE. The Philippines and South Korea honor the legacy of Filipino Korean War hero Capt. Conrado Yap in a ceremony in Seoul. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his South Korean counterpart, Defense Minister Kwon Oheul, lead the commemorative rite at the Seoul Regional Office of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. DND photo

MAMAMAYANG Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has lauded the removal of former United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Agnes Callamard’s name from the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) derogatory system. In a letter dated Sept. 3, 2026 addressed to De Lima, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado informed the Bicolana lawmaker of the order lifting Callamard’s name from the bureau’s blacklist. The Commissioner’s letter is in reference to the May 11, 2026 manifestation raised by De Lima and other House members including Reps. Krisel Lagman, Kaka Bag-ao and Akbayan Reps.

Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula, requesting the BI to reconsider its previous order. De Lima thanked Aviado for theBI’s “act of institutional integrity.” “This Representation warmly welcomes and commends this development. This is not only a small administrative matter, but a reaffirmation that due process still has meaning, that vigilance still has purpose, and that our institutions, when called to correct course, will do so. This is not merely a bureaucratic correction. It is a victory for human rights, earned by the Bureau’s willingness to listen, to review, and to act,” De Lima stated in her letter to Aviado. “We thank the Commissioner and the Bureau of Immigration for this act of institutional integrity,” she added.

OPINION

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Master plan for flood control in the works? THE President recently declared that the government is finally rolling out a long-delayed flood control master plan. That sounds good on paper, but the obvious question is: Why only now? Why did it take decades and billions of pesos in spending before anyone thought an integrated plan was necessary? The recent floods made the urgency impossible to ignore. Thirty-nine people dead, three still missing, and nearly 10 million displaced. Those aren’t just numbers from a bad rainy season; they’re proof of how vulnerable our communities have become as climate change brings heavier, less predictable rainfall. What’s striking is the President’s admission that the country has had a flood control master plan “for decades” but has never bothered to implement it. That’s the real problem. We don’t suffer from a lack of plans; we suffer from a lack of follow-through. For years, flood control has been treated as scattered projects, such as dikes here, drainage systems there, a pumping station or a dredged river, without anyone looking at the bigger picture. But rivers don’t care about provincial boundaries. What happens upstream will always hit downstream. Build the wrong structure in one town and you can make floodinThat’s why this promise has to mean more than another round of construction. The government needs to spell out what’s actually in the master plan, who’s in charge, how much it will cost, when it will be done, and how progress will be tracked. Otherwise “master plan” is just another buzzword slapped on disconnected projects. Transparency matters even more now because flood control spending has been dogged by corruption allegations. Billions have already been poured into projects, yet in 2024 we were still being told there was no integrated plan. So what exactly were those billions funding? The controversy around former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who admitted there was no master plan while in office and later got tied to the flood-control scandal, only

highlights the need to separate real planning from politically motivated projectpicking. This administration has a chance to turn that mess into something useful. Every project should be traceable to the master plan. If it doesn’t clearly solve a hydrological or disaster-risk problem, it should be questioned because it’s public money at stake.

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We don’t suffer from a lack of plans; we suffer from a lack of followthrough. The President’s call to enforce nobuild zones and land-use rules is also critical. Flood control won’t work if government keeps approving subdivisions, malls, and other developments in flood-prone areas. Drainage systems can’t endlessly make up for clogged waterways, lost wetlands, and unchecked urban sprawl. At the end of the day, flood control isn’t just about engineering. It’s about governance, land use, and climate adaptation. We can’t build our way out of flooding if forests keep shrinking, wetlands vanish, and communities expand into natural floodplains. Yes, repairing bridges like Agana and Aquino is urgent, but that’s damage control. The real test for Marcos Jr. is whether his administration can shift from patching up what floods destroy to actually preventing the destruction in the first place. Saying we’ll “adapt” to climate change is fine, but adaptation has to be institutional, not rhetorical. We’ve supposedly had a master plan for decades. What Filipinos need now isn’t another plan. We need proof that this one will finally be carried out comprehensively, consistently, and honestly, no matter who sits in Malacañang. ernhil@yahoo.com

Researchers who uncovered cause of narcolepsy honored By Charlotte Causit WASHINGTON, United States — Two researchers who did groundbreaking work on narcolepsy, the neurological disorder that triggers sudden sleep attacks, won a prestigious science award on Wednesday. An Albert Lasker prize -- often described as a possible hint at a Nobel -- went to Emmanuel Mignot of France and Japan’s Masashi Yanagisawa for their work back in the 1990s. Working with very different approaches they reached the same conclusion as to the cause of narcolepsy: in people, it is a missing brain chemical. Their studies opened the way for treatment of the condition and revolutionized the still-nascent field of sleep science. Mignot remembers considering the disorder characterized by sleep attacks and sudden loss of muscle tone in both animals and humans as “really weird,” and set out to find what causes it. “Everyone told me it was crazy,” the Stanford University School of Medicine professor told AFP. “But I really believed in it.” He spent a decade studying the genome of dogs, in which narcolepsy can be hereditary, in hopes of finding the culprit gene. A popular video in France these days shows a dog running playfully in a yard, then abruptly collapsing in sleep. This needle-in-a-hay-stack challenge finally paid off for Mignot in 1999. Around the same time Yanagisawa identified the neurotransmitter orexin, also called hypocretin, which at first he thought was involved in the feeling of hunger. But it turns out the absence of this substance caused narcolepsy in mice. “That was a very dramatic and beautiful convergence of science,” this doctor and biologist affiliated with Tsukuba University in Japan told AFP. Missing key The two men’s complementary work zeroed in on the underlying mechanism behind narcolepsy. They found that in people and mice with narcolepsy, orexin, which is normally produced by the hypothalamus at the base of the brain, is absent.

In dogs, orexin is in fact present but in cases involving the disorder, this molecule, which acts as a sort of key, cannot open the lock that corresponds to it because the lock is jammed with a genetic mutation. This find -- that narcolepsy is genetic in nature -- shook the medical world. “Before then, sleep (has) never been a field for genetics and molecular biology,” Yanagisawa said. Until then, researchers had simply made lesions in the brain to see what effect this had on sleep, he said. So the discovery of a genetic root for narcolepsy opened up new ways of studying and treating sleep problems.

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In people and mice with the condition, the neurotransmitter orexin, normally produced by the hypothalamus at the base of the brain, is absent. After decades of work, a drug targeting orexin deficiency in people with what is known as Type 1 narcolepsy was approved this year in the United States, China and Japan. “This was a game changer,” Mignot said, adding that his patients improved dramatically. Many of them had lives so disrupted by the disorder they could not, say, enjoy hobbies. “Suddenly they are back to normal. I have some who started playing hockey or dancing. It gave them back their freedom,” said Mignot. ‘A real mystery’ Other treatments that block the effects of orexin -- it has a stimulating effect that maintains wakefulness -- have also emerged to help people suffering from insomnia, said Yanagisawa. More progress might come as researchers learn more about sleep, he said. Indeed, more than 30 years after do-

Curbing the cycle of patronage and corruption

HE passage of Senate Bill No. 1962, better known as the Government Contracting and Procurement Integrity Act, is a serious effort to break the cycle of patronage and corruption that has long plagued public procurement in the Philippines. At its core, the law bars relatives of public officials up to the fourth civil degree from bidding on government contracts. It’s a direct strike at one of the most common sources of conflict of interest: the merger of political power with business advantage.

What makes this bill stand out is its scope. It doesn’t just cover elected officials but also Cabinet members, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, executives of government-owned and -controlled corporations, and even state universities and colleges. By including relatives as far as first cousins and great-grandchildren, the law aims to dismantle the family networks that often dominate procurement deals. The penalties are enough to make the corrupt think twice. Violators face more than three years in prison, fines starting at ₱100,000, and a lifetime ban from government contracting. Public officials themselves can be charged under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which carries similar punishments plus permanent disqualification from public office. In

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The bill is a bold attempt to break the link between political power and private gain. This bill reflects a growing demand from the public for transparency and fairness in how govern-

AFTER reviewing the accusations against Senator Loren Legarda and her son Leandro Leviste, I have decided to defend the senator and to join her legal team as its spokesperson. I agreed to do this as a human rights defender and as a Filipino. These are my reasons: First, after intensive review, I am convinced that she and her son have absolutely not done anything illegal and even improper with respect to the solar energy business of the latter. At worst, Leandro has been innovative and out-ofthe-box as an entrepreneur. That should be rewarded, not punished. I explain this below. Second, this is classic lawfare, the weaponization of the law for political purposes. Sadly, this is not the first time it has happened. Previous administrations have done it as well to opposition politicians, government critics, journalists, Supreme Court Justices, and social and political activists. Such weaponization is a violation of a person’s basic human rights. Third, I have known and worked with Senator Legarda for three decades now, starting in her first term as senator, in 1998. I have seen how her leadership was essential in passing all the major environmental legislation in the last 30 years — from the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, the Wildlife Act, the Renewable Energy Act, the Climate Change Act, the People´s Survival Fund, and to most recently the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act and the revolutionary Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act. Senator Legarda was also instrumental in the Senate concurrence to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and in the anti-coal power advocacy. She has, of course, also led major legislative and

systemic reforms across the Philippine education sector, the arts, and the protection of our natural and cultural heritage. I have worked with her in many of these initiatives and I consider it a moral duty to defend her, knowing that there is in the first place no basis for criminal charges against her and Leandro.

One may criticize the solar franchise and businesses of Leandro Leviste. One may question whether the business model succeeded. One may investigate whether the company or its officers complied with their obligations. But those are different questions from whether Senator Loren Legarda herself committed wrongdoing. The same distinction should apply to other allegations involving Solar Philippines. Solar Para sa Bayan (SPBC) is one corporation. Other Solar Philippines companies are separate entities. A congressional franchise is different from a renewable energy service contract. Both a service contract and a franchise are not given government funds. And Leandro Leviste is different from Loren Legarda. Against that backdrop, the subsequent inclusion of Senator Legarda in an Ombudsman preliminary investigation, and the timing with which that proceeding emerged, inevitably raise questions

about whether the scrutiny against her is grounded in evidence of her own acts or is being driven by the wider political issues surrounding her son. The Senator does not own, run, or take part in SPBC or any Solar Philippines company. There are no corporate documents showing her as a shareholder, officer, or beneficiary. Saying she’s connected to the business only because she’s the mother of a private businessman is pure invention. Being a parent and being a senator does not in any way prove she benefited, acted improperly, or committed a crime. That does not settle every allegation surrounding Solar Philippines. But it illustrates an elementary principle that should not disappear in political debate: responsibility is personal. Senator Legarda should not be shielded from scrutiny because Leviste is her son. But neither should motherhood become evidence against her. The fact is Leandro Leviste introduced new ideas and approaches to fast track the energy transition, and there may have been policy gaps that prevented the successful implementation of some of those ideas. But that is not a criminal act. He should be praised, not punished, for that. In the same way, he should be lauded and not harassed for his crusade against corruption. Note that harassment against them started only in late 2025 when Leandro exposed corruption. I reiterate my earlier point that lawfare — weaponization of the law for political ends and gain — is always wrong and in fact unlawful. What is going on is clearly political persecution. It does not matter that such weaponization has been in the past used by all previous administrations against the opposition, journalists, and activists. It has always been wrong. And it must stop now. Website: tonylavina.com Facebook/ Instagram: tonylavs/ tonylavina.wordpress.com

ing their work -- which was also honored with a so-called Breakthrough Prize in 2023, known as the Oscars of science -- many questions about sleep remain. The mechanisms of shifting from sleep to being awake are now well understood but what actually triggers this shift is not, said Yanagisawa.

“It is a real mystery,” he said. Unknowns also remain in the study of narcolepsy, like why people who suffer from it lack orexin. Mignot thinks this is caused by an attack from the body’s immune system and these days he is trying to prove this assault is linked to the flu virus. Then there is the question of what

causes people with narcolepsy to suffer sudden onsets of sleep -- episodes often associated with feeling strong emotions like surprise, laughter or anger. “Normally, when people find something funny,” Mignot said, “they get ready to respond with a joke.” “We don’t really understand why they fall asleep.” AFP

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Being a parent and being a senator does not in any way prove she benefited, acted improperly, or committed a crime.

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Defending Senator Loren Legarda

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net

other words, both the relatives who benefit and the officials who enable them are held accountable. But tough enforcement is really needed as we have a history of passing strong anticorruption laws that falter in practice, often weakened by political influence and fragile institutions.

ment spends money. Procurement contracts are lucrative, and political dynasties have long used them to build wealth and tighten their grip on power. Cutting off this channel could weaken the economic backbone of dynastic politics. Still, we believe the law could be toothless if loopholes remain, like the use of dummy corporations or hidden ownership structures to disguise family ties. The House version, HB 7919, will decide whether this reform becomes reality. If it passes, procurement culture could shift dramatically, though resistance from entrenched political families is almost certain. Some critics argue the bill is too restrictive, potentially shutting out relatives who are legitimate entrepreneurs with no political backing. Striking the right balance between fairness and anti-corruption safeguards will be needed. Senate Bill No. 1962 is a bold attempt to break the link between political power and private gain. Its success will depend on strict enforcement, vigilance against loopholes, and the political will to stand up to dynastic elites. If fully carried out, it could mark a turning point in the fight for clean governance and send a clear message that public office is not a family business, but a solemn covenant to serve the people.

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WORLD

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Sydney jails man who compiled reports for China

IN BRIEF Israeli strike in Gaza kills family of four – hospital GAZA CITY – An Israeli strike in Gaza on Thursday killed a family of four including two children, Palestinian hospital and security sources said. “The bodies of four members of the Ahmad family were recovered in pieces after an Israeli strike hit a house in the Beit Lahia Project area in the northern Gaza Strip,” an official at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City said, identifying the children as aged 12 and eight. The Israeli military, contacted by AFP, said it was checking. A Palestinian security source in Gaza, which is under the control of Hamas, said that Israeli warplanes struck after midnight in Beit Lahia and separately in the heart of the Jabalia refugee camp, with Israeli forces also firing on tents of displaced people and ambulances. “Israel continues its violations in the Gaza Strip,” the security source said. Israel in October last year agreed to a ceasefire brokered by the United States but since then has advanced further into Gaza. AFP

Sri Lanka court revokes monk’s presidential pardon COLOMBO – Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court overturned Thursday a presidential pardon granted to a hardline Buddhist monk and ordered him to serve the remainder of a six-year prison sentence for intimidating the wife of a missing cartoonist. The ruling marks a major setback for Galagodaatte Gnanasara, 51, a Buddhist nationalist monk whose critics accuse him of fueling anti-Muslim sentiment and religious tensions in Sri Lanka. A three-judge bench ruled that the pardon granted by then president Maithripala Sirisena in May 2019 was “arbitrary and invalid”. The court reinstated Gnanasara’s sentence and ordered his return to prison. The case was brought by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) and Sandya Eknaligoda, whose husband, political cartoonist Prageeth Eknaligoda, disappeared in 2010 and remains missing. AFP

STATELESS LIFE. A woman, who has been caught up in US President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, which involves shipping people that the US cannot legally send home to ‘third countries,’ shields her face with a mask as she poses for a photograph in Yaounde on September 9, 2026. About 50 people – from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Angola, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe and Morocco – have arrived in Cameroon since January. They include LGBTQ people, even though homosexuality is considered a crime in Cameroon, where authorities have made no official comment about the deportees. AFP

SYDNEY – An Australian man convicted of reckless foreign interference for compiling reports for Chinese intelligence was sentenced to more than three years in jail by a Sydney court on Thursday. Marketing executive Alexander Csergo, 58, was arrested in Sydney by Australian police in 2023, shortly after he returned from living in Shanghai. He was accused of accepting cash from Chinese intelligence agents to write reports on topics including Australia’s AUKUS nuclear submarine partnership with the United States and Britain, and critical minerals. Sydney’s district court on Thursday sentenced Csergo to three years and six months in jail, eligible for parole from next month, a court official said. “Foreign interference is an assault on Australian sovereignty,” Australia’s spy chief Mike Burgess said, responding to the sentencing. “In this case, the spies wanted the Australian to target individuals in Australia’s intelligence community, Prime Minister’s Office, defense sector, judiciary and think tanks,” he added. Csergo is only the second person convicted under foreign interference laws introduced in 2018 to criminalize activity that helps a foreign power interfere with Australia’s sovereignty or national interest. He is the first person sentenced for reckless foreign interference. The court heard that Csergo had met two suspected Chinese agents, known to him as Ken and Evelyn, in Shanghai after they made contact on professional networking platform LinkedIn. He met the pair in empty cafes in Shanghai, where he suspected the venues had been cleared for their meetings. He returned to Australia in 2023 with a “shopping list” of topics Ken wanted information collected on. The police discovered the list three weeks after Csergo arrived in Australia to live with his family at Bondi Beach. AFP

Trump: Americans get $5k if party wins D

ALLAS – President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) promised $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans retain control of Congress in November, coupling the extraordinary claim with a plea for his supporters to “pretend” he was on the ballot. “If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump dividend,” he told the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, as the party struggles in polls against the

Democrats. The president did not say where the money would come from – with the theoretical bill likely topping $1 trillion – citing only that “our country is making so

much money.” Doubling down on his bet that he can help Republicans defy opinion polls and retain both houses of Congress on November 3, Trump said: “I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot.” “I’m on the ballot, I’m on the ballot – just one more time,” he told the crowd. Opinion polls overwhelmingly show that Trump’s approval ratings are in the low 30s, as voters become increasingly angry about high prices and the war he launched against Iran. Decision Desk HQ projects Democrats to win the House 230-205 and the Senate

to finish 51-49 in their favor in November. Trump strongly defended the unpopular Iran war, predicting victory and linking it directly to lower oil prices – before suggesting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz should be renamed after him. “Food prices and almost every other item are rapidly going down. And by the way oil will be going down as soon as we win the war with Iran, which is taking place right now,” Trump said. Trump also echoed other Republicans at the convention stirring up what he said

was a wave of communism threatening the United States. “It’s going to be a communist country if they win,” he said. “Your vote will decide whether our country stumbles at the starting gate of the next 250 years or surges forward and never ever looks back,” he said. Trump is due to return for the convention finale Thursday, after a keynote address from Vice President JD Vance. Cabinet members, congressional leaders and candidates in closely watched House and Senate races are also on the program. AFP

HK court rules WSJ tried to stop journalist from taking union role HONG KONG – A Hong Kong court found Dow Jones guilty on Thursday of trying to deter a reporter from taking a union role, but acquitted the publisher on a charge that it fired her because of it. Selina Cheng, who was made redundant from the Wall Street Journal in July 2024, had accused the newspaper’s publisher Dow Jones of unlawfully terminating her employment over her role chairing the Hong Kong Journalists’ Association (HKJA), and of trying to prevent her from standing for a union position. The court found the company guilty on Thursday of trying to prevent Cheng’s

right to run for the union chairmanship. However, the judge sided with Dow Jones’ argument that she was made redundant because of corporate restructuring, and not due to her role as HKJA chair. The right to take part in a trade union is protected by Hong Kong’s labor laws. An employer found guilty on “prevent or deter” charges could be fined up to HK$100,000 ($12,755). “If reporters’ employment rights are not sufficiently safeguarded, or when their rights are violated and not enforced in law, then we can no longer work safely as reporters,” Cheng told reporters outside the court after the ruling. AFP

BLAST FATALITIES. Rescuers move bodies from the site of an explosion that took place at a temporary arms and war ordinance depot in the town of Sarmada in Idlib province in Syria. The explosion killed 14 people on September 9, the local health department said, without specifying the cause of the blast. AFP

Nokor leader’s daughter may have younger sibling SEOUL – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s daughter and apparent successor is believed to have a younger sibling, South Korea’s spy agency said on Thursday, offering a more detailed view of the ruling family’s structure. Seoul’s spy agency has previously said Kim is believed to have three children, but there has been uncertainty about their order of birth. Kim’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, was first introduced to the public in 2022 when she accompanied her father to the launch of

an intercontinental ballistic missile. The Kim family has ruled North Korea with an iron grip for decades, and a cult of personality surrounding their “Paektu bloodline” dominates daily life in the diplomatically isolated country. “The National Intelligence Service currently assesses that Kim Ju Ae is being groomed as the successor and understands she has a younger sibling of unknown gender,” the agency said in a statement. The NIS added that it was continuing

to verify whether Kim Ju Ae has an older brother, but believes that “even if he exists, he is not in a position to become the successor.” Since 2022, Kim Ju Ae has appeared at a number of major political events with the North Korean leader, including a high-profile visit to Beijing. North Korean state media have also referred to her as “the beloved child” and a “great person of guidance” – “hyangdo” in Korean – a term typically reserved for top leaders and their successors. AFP

AMBULANT VENDOR. A vendor along with his children rides a motor-cart loaded with goods at Green Takoeng village in Kuleaen district of Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province. AFP

SPORTS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

Avaricio holds nerve, edges Bugna seeks dominant run Bisera for Summit Point title in Isulan meet

IPA City, Batangas – What promised to be a tight, high-stakes final round turned into a runaway, then a grind, and finally a nerve-racking onestroke escape. Chanelle Avaricio absorbed Apple Fudolin’s early challenge, unleashed a decisive burst of birdies to pull away from the field, then had to dig deep for a gutsy par on the final hole to hold off a charging Yvon Bisera and capture another Ladies Philippine Golf Tour title in the ICTSI Summit Point Championship here Thursday. Playing with the poise of a champion who knew exactly what she wanted, Avaricio built a commanding lead with a blistering front nine, only to see Bisera mount a fierce comeback in the flight ahead. The recent Pradera Verde runaway winner fired a scorching 66 to cut a six-stroke deficit to just one with nine holes left, turning what had looked like a stress-free march to the title into a pressure-packed finish. Avaricio, however, refused to blink. She calmly set up a two-putt par on the 18th to finish with a 68 and a fourunder 212 total, edging Bisera, who pooled a 213, by a single stroke and frustrating the latter’s bid for a third victory of the season. The P125,000 triumph was Avaricio’s second of the season after her victory in the wild Pinewoods chase last July, and a fitting piece of redemption for the 27-year-old after she missed the cut in the China LPGA Tour event last week. It was also especially meaningful on a course she knows intimately and proudly calls home as Summit Point’s golf ambassador. “I think going to the last day, medyo I wasn’t sure if I was going to win. Pero I just tried to focus on the moment, like every shot. Then, ayun, parang every shot matters. ‘Yun na lang ‘yung inii-

sip ko,” said Avaricio. “Anything can happen here, so I just focused on every shot and tried not to get ahead of myself,” she added. For much of the final round, there was little indication that Avaricio would need to summon such resolve. She matched Fudolin’s birdies on Nos. 2 and 3, keeping the one-stroke gap intact and raising hopes of the duel that had been anticipated all week. But Avaricio quickly stamped her authority on the championship. Fudolin stumbled with bogeys on Nos. 5 and 7, while Avaricio responded with birdies on Nos. 8 and 9 to turn the closing stretch of the front nine into the decisive phase of the title fight. She made the turn in a sizzling 32, opening a four-shot cushion over Fudolin. From there, Avaricio appeared headed for cruise control. The wind that had provided much of the challenge in the first two rounds largely stayed away during the finalround morning, leaving Summit Point’s softened fairways and greens ripe for scoring. Avaricio took full advantage, attacking when opportunities presented themselves and settling for pars when they did not. Fudolin could not summon another charge, and the rest of the field was left scrambling for second place. Seoyun Kim, Tiffany Lee, Sarah Ababa, Gretchen Villacencio and Bisera remained in the mix, while Harmie Constantino, who started the day just four shots behind, also failed to make a serious dent in Avaricio’s lead. The championship appeared settled. Then Bisera changed the script. Working from as many as six strokes down with nine holes remaining, Bisera unleashed a scorching backside

Chanelle Avaricio holds her Ladies Philippine Golf Tour trophy after ruling the ICTSI Summit Point Championship Thursday. Manny Marcelo

assault and steadily erased the deficit. By the time she finished with a 66, she had moved within one stroke of Avaricio, who was still playing in the final group.

Suddenly, the runaway had become a race to the finish. Avaricio admitted that the pressure was most evident on the closing holes.

Junior Altas lean on new blood, veterans in NCAA 102 By Dennis Abrina THE skills honed by coach Joph Cleopas and the Perpetual Junior Altas during the off-season will be put to the test when they face defending champion Letran Squires in the opening of NCAA Season 102 on September 15 at 1 p.m. at the FilOil Arena in San Juan City. Cleopas will bank on a balanced roster of nine offseason recruits and nine holdovers from last season as Perpetual Help begins its campaign against the league’s nine other teams. Team captain Louie Rosales will spearhead the Junior Altas, with fellow veterans and graduating players Kurt Patalinghug and Cacai Zamoras providing additional leadership. Also returning are Francis Rosales, Lord Dulanas, Sam Villaruel, Arkin Cristobal, Vandolf Urdaneta, and John Restificar, all expected to play key roles in the team’s campaign. The Junior Altas will also unveil a promising group of recruits led by Cisco Roquid, Daniel Okeowo, Keith Sabuco, Bryna Orca Jr., Gabe Tan, Raymark Madaya, Derek Belan, and 6-foot-5 Max Maurice from the United Kingdom. Perpetual Help is looking to bounce back after finishing sixth in last season’s elimination round with a 6-7 record.

The Perpetual Help Junior Altas (Dennis Abrina)

The Junior Altas, however, have recent championship pedigree. Two years ago, Perpetual Help ended a 40-year title drought in the coun-

try’s oldest collegiate league after beating La Salle Green Hills in the Finals to capture the championship.

Omandam, Lim target repeat victories in Damosa Land 5150

Natasha Doromal-Lim

ERYK Omandam and Natasha Doromal-Lim brace for a tougher, fiercer challenge as they seek back-to-back overall titles in the Damosa Land 5150 Triathlon, which fires off Sept. 20 on Samal Island in Davao del Norte. The defending champions conquered the demanding Olympicdistance course —1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km—with grit and smart racing during last year’s inaugural staging, beating a strong international field to claim the men’s and women’s overall crowns. They expect an even sterner test this time with a deeper local and foreign cast, but both remain confident of repeating their breakthrough performances, banking on sustained training, sharpened race skills and the same winning mentality that carried them to the top last year. Omandam, a senior Human

Resource Management student at the University of Mindanao, upstaged more experienced triathletes to seize the men’s crown in his Damosa Land 5150 debut. He will again look to make his biggest gains in the bike and closing run legs as he targets not only a second straight overall championship but also the 20-24 agegroup title in the event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. The Damosa Land 5150’s debut last year established the race as one of the emerging highlights of the Philippine triathlon calendar, combining scenic surroundings with a demanding course that produced breakthrough performances from start to finish. Like Omandam, Doromal-Lim is determined to make it two in a row, aiming to build on the victory that ended a five-race wait for her first 5150 title. The 33-year-old will also de-

fend her 30-34 age-group crown, with added emphasis on her swim preparation while remaining confident in her bike and run legs. The Damosa Land 5150 also serves as the fourth and final leg of the four-race 5150 Triathlon Islands of the Philippines Series backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, an elite-level circuit designed to elevate the country’s sporting profile while showcasing its spectacular natural venues. The series opened in Guimaras in March, moved to Camiguin in May, and then headed to Bohol for the third leg, held during the province’s milestone 10th staging of the Olympic-distance race. The circuit brings the globally recognized IRONMAN 5150 brand to key island destinations across the archipelago, with the Damosa Land 5150 providing a fitting finale in Samal. Eryk Omandam

KATHLYN athlyn Bugna returns to the Palawan Pawnshop junior tennis circuit seeking another dominant run as she headlines the stellar field in the Bagong Pilipinas Juniors Age Group Tennis Championships at the Capitol indoor and outdoor courts in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. The Batang Onay/RSB standout from La Carlota has emerged as the player to beat in the nationwide circuit on the strength of her sustained stellar play. She is coming off a three-title haul in the recent Bagong Pilipinas Manila leg, where she ruled the girls’ 16- and 18-and-under singles and the 18-and-U doubles crown. Bugna will be tested anew as the week-long tournament, a Group 2 event sanctioned by Philta and the Universal Tennis Rating, got underway Thursday with competitions in the boys’ and girls’ 12-, 14- and 16-and-under divisions. The premier 18-and-U category fires off Friday. The Isulan stop is also the second leg of another Mindanao swing under the government’s Bagong Pilipinas sports agenda, which seeks to strengthen grassroots sports, promote wellness and expand opportunities for young athletes through public training facilities and youth athletic programs nationwide. The circuit moves to Kidapawan for its third stop, with the Kidapawan Juniors Championship set Sept. 16-22 at the Kidapawan City courts in Cotabato. For registration and other tournament details, contact tournament director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464. Also tipped to figure prominently in the boys’ premier division of the event, sponsored by Gov. Pax Ali Mangudadatu and supported by A.C. Garcia Corp., Gareco Garcia Refinery Corp., A.C. Garcia Group of Companies and A.C. Garcia Palm Oil Mill Corp., are Krelz Gecosala and Jhazz Fernando. Gecosala, another multi-titled campaigner in the country’s longest-running talent-search program under the Palawan Pawnshop junior tennis circuit led by president and CEO Bobby Castro, heads the cast in the boys’ 16-and-U division, along with Matteo Calingasan, Kresthan Belacas and Rein Hayana.

Meycauayan, San Juan win SAN Juan and Meycauayan Marilao won in contrasting fashion on Wednesday to secure top-4 playoff slots in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season elimination phase at the Olivarez College Gym in Sucat, Paranaque. The San Juan Knights clobbered the Paranaque Patriots, 145-72, in the nightcap while the Meycauayan Marilao Gems weathered the Cebu Greats’ final assault to prevail, 80-79, in the opener of a triple-bill. San Juan improved its record to 20-3 and, with two more games to play in the regular season, can finish from No. 1 to 3 in the North division. If San Juan beats Ilagan Isabela and Bulacan and pacesetter Abra Solid North (22-2) loses to Caloocan (18-4) on Thursday, the Knights will emerge as the top qualifier, having conquered both the Batang Kankaloo and the Weavers in the eliminations. Paranaque, which fielded only seven players, closed its campaign with a 2-23 slate despite James Mangahas’ 23 points and Bryan Dela Rosa’s 21. Meycauayan escapes Cebu Ahead 80-73 with 4 minutes and 3 seconds to go, the Meycauayan Marilao Gems went silent, allowing the Greats to threaten at 79-80 after two charities each by Ichie Altamirano and Limuel Tampus sandwiched a slam by Mark Meneses.

Bambam Gamalinda of Mindoro

SPORTS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

Germany’s Alexander Zverev returns the ball to Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp during the men’s singles quarter-final tennis match on Day 11 of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. AFP

Zverev motors into US Open semifinals NEW YORK—Top seed Alexander Zverev motored into the semifinals of the US Open on Wednesday, cruising past the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets to stay on course for his second Grand Slam title. World number two Zverev, who bagged his maiden slam at the French Open in June, never looked in trouble as he powered to a 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 victory at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 29-year-old German star, a losing finalist at the US Open in 2020, will face unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov in the semi-finals on Friday. Zverev will head into the last four brimming with confidence after an assured performance against the 70th-ranked van de Zandschulp, who was broken twice in the opening set as Zverev took control. Van de Zandschulp did show some fight in the second, and threatened to level when earning a set-point on Zverev’s while leading 5-4. But the Dutchman botched a return to let that chance slip and Zverev leveled at 5-5 before breaking in the next game for a 6-5 lead when van de Zandschulp sent a wild forehand wide. Zverev held serve to take the set and a 2-0 lead, and van de Zandschulp’s fleeting resistance was broken. The 30-year-old quickly went a double break down to trail 4-1, and then was was broken again in the seventh game as Zverev wrapped up victory.

Eala leads PSA sports achievers in August ALEX Eala’s star shone even brighter in August. Eala, 21, ruled the WTA500 Mubadala Open in Washington and she did it in the most emphatic fashion. On her way to this historic WTA Tour crown, the Pinay tennis darling took down a murderers’ row of elite players - Paris Olympics queen Qinwen Zheng, defending champion Leylah Fernandez, world No. 10 Elina Svitolina, former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka and world No. 3 Jessica Pegula. This propelled Eala to a new career-best No. 18, thus becoming the highest-ranked Southeast Asian player in WTA history. Eala eclipsed the old high of 19th previously set by Indonesia’s Yayuk Basuki (1997) and Thailand’s Tamarine Tanasugarn (2002). Such a stellar showing put Eala front and center in the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s honor roll for the eighth month of 2026. Pole vaulter EJ Obiena, a friend of Eala, also ranked high with his string of triumphs in Europe. Regaining his old form, Obiena cleared a season-best height of 5.91 meters in topping the Golden Sand 2026 in Międzyzdroje, Poland and setting a new meet record. The two-time Olympian won two other events in between – the 30. Int. Stabhochsprung Meeting in Jockgrim (5.83m) and ISTAF 2026 in Berlin (5.82m) in a show of force on German soil. Sparkling in other fronts were the Obstacle Course Racing team, the youth and junior weightlifters led by Albert Ian Delos Santos, 13-year-old speed skater Keirsten Layne Fernandez, 10-year-old golfer Kamilla Edrianna Guerrero del Mundo and the Alas Pilipinas Women beach volleyball aces. Sandi Menchi Abahan, Marites Nocyao, Jeffrey Reginio, and Jordan Paul Biollones captured the gold medal in the Mixed 30+ 400m Team event of the OCR World Championships in Limerick, Ireland with a winning time of 2:18.400.

Tolentino tells Asiad-bound PH athletes: ‘Itodo n’yo na!’ By Randy M. Caluag

HILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino delivered a rousing sendoff speech to Team Pilipinas, urging the delegation to chase a historic eight-gold medal haul at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Reminding athletes that the subsequent Asian Games in Doha won’t take place until 2031, Tolentino stressed the urgency of capitalizing on their current momentum. “Mangangarap na rin lang tayo, gawin na nating walo” (If we are going to dream, let’s make it eight), Tolentino declared, setting a target equal to the combined gold tallies of the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang and 2023 Hangzhou Games. Tolentino outlined a balanced forecast split evenly between combat and non-combat disciplines. Half of the target is expected to come from com-

bat sports such as Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and Mixed Martial Arts. The remaining four golds are projected from non-combat events, led by gymnastics duo Carlos and Karl Yulo, tennis star Alex Eala, alongside contenders in Skateboarding, Swimming, and Esports titles including Mobile Legends and Puyo Puyo. Expressing total confidence in the delegation’s depth, Tolentino noted that every athlete remains capable of pulling off surprises on the continental stage. He also hinted at additional financial incentives for victorious athletes before delivering his closing rally.

“We are not pressuring you, but give it your all. Itodo n’yo na. Now is the time,” Tolentino said. The Philippines will send a 443-athlete delegation across 38 sports to the games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the national team aiming to improve on its four-gold medal haul from the 2018 Jakarta and 2022 Hangzhou Games. The Asiad runs from September 19 to October 4, bringing together more than 11,000 athletes from across Asia. Other athletes to watch include swimmer Kayla Sanchez, while the gold-medal-defending Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team returns with an all-Philippine Basketball Association lineup as it tries to retain the title it won dramatically in Hangzhou. Meanwhile, the POC chief also announced that weightlifter Albert Ian Delos Santos and Olympic bronze medalist boxer Aira Villegas would be the Philippines’ male and female flag-bearers in the opening ceremony set on Sept. 19 at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.

POC president Abraham Tolentino

Loman sees positive signs following BRAVE CF 108 run STEPHEN “The Sniper” Loman may have fallen short on the scorecards, but the Filipino star left BRAVE CF 108 with renewed confidence following his long-awaited return to competition. The former BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion yielded a unanimous decision to Lasha Abramishvili in the card’s co-main event at the historic Pula Arena in Croatia over the weekend. Despite the result, Loman believes his performance offered an important reminder of his ability to compete at the highest level. “I wanted to win, but I can still take a lot of positives from this fight,” he said. “I learned things about myself and my game, and I believe this experience will help me in my next fight.” After three years away from action, the 31-year-old showed little hesitation, going toe-to-toe with the promotion’s No. 1-ranked bantamweight contender over the course of three rounds. For Loman, the competitiveness of the contest represented one of the biggest positives from his comeback. “I proved to myself that I can still compete with a

Stephen Loman

world-class fighter,” he stated. “Three years is a long time to be away, so getting back in there and having a competitive fight gives me a lot of confidence. Now I know what I need to work on.” BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid praised Loman’s gallant stand against an opponent who has been more active than him for the past three years. “It was great to see Stephen back in the BRAVE CF cage,” Shahid expressed. “He went straight into a difficult matchup and showed the heart, skill, and determination that made him a World Champion with us. His performance reminded everyone why he has always been one of the division’s best fighters.” Shahid also reaffirmed BRAVE CF’s commitment to giving Loman opportunities to remain active and build on his return. “When Stephen returned, we promised to give him the platform to compete at the highest level again, and that commitment remains,” Shahid said. “We want to see what he can accomplish from here.” Loman, meanwhile, is already looking ahead. “I’m happy to be fighting again,” he mentioned. “I want to keep improving, stay active, and come back stronger.”

Que’s 3-round masterclass puts ICTSI golf title within reach

Angelo Que (Manny Marcelo)

LIPA CITY, Batangas—Angelo Que is turning the ICTSI Summit Point Championship into a test of just how far brilliance and consistency can carry a player, with the reigning Order of Merit champion firing a third straight 66 Thursday to stretch his lead to five strokes heading into the final round. Que’s remarkable three-day run has transformed what was expected to be a grind-it-out battle in the P2.5 million championship into a potential runaway, as the veteran campaigner moved within 18 holes of claiming his second victory of the season and 21st career title. After opening with a 66 and matching that score with a bogey-free round Wednesday, Que again produced a sixunder card at the Summit Point Golf and Country Club Thursday, this time highlighted by a spectacular pitch-in eagle on the tricky par-4 No. 10. The performance left the three-time Asian Tour winner at 18-under 198, five shots clear of Justin Quiban, who

also carded a 66 to keep himself within striking distance at 203. For Que, however, the commanding advantage is no reason to ease up. “It’s pretty satisfying, but, you know, even if you have a big lead, it’s not really a way for you to just relax. I’m still gonna play my game and try to play like normal pa rin,” said Que, who won the Caliraya Springs leg in dramatic fashion last May. And there was little sign Thursday that he intended to change his approach. Playing in practically calm conditions on a softened Summit Point course, Que continued to attack when the opportunity presented itself and showed the composure to back off when the risk outweighed the reward. He went out in 33 and then exploded into the back nine with a pitch-in eagle on No. 10 followed by a birdie, suddenly opening a seven-shot gap over the field.

The veteran ace eventually gave back some of that advantage with a bogey and a par before closing with a birdie, settling for another 66 but retaining a formidable five-shot cushion. Que said his strategy for the final round will remain dictated by the situation rather than the size of his lead. “I’m still gonna play my own game, like normal game. If I know I can attack, I’ll attack. If it’s alanganin, then I’ll just play conservative,” said the 47-year-old Que, whose 23-year professional career has been marked by an ability to win in virtually every fashion – from come-from-behind charges and stretch-run battles to commanding wire-to-wire performances. His three-day dominance came as little surprise to the veteran, who has repeatedly stressed the importance of putting together solid rounds rather than worrying about the scoreboard. “Not really, because if you shoot 6-under every day, I think your lead is gonna keep growing. If you keep shooting the lowest score every round, I think that will just extend the lead,” he said.

BUSINESS WHAT’S INSIDE?

Six-month FDI inflows sank 17.8% to $3.38b F By Thony Rose Lesaca

Del Monte Pacific plans asset sales

Aussie firm recruits 500 solar workers

OREIGN direct investment (FDI) inflows to the Philippines sank 17.83 percent to $3.38 billion in the first half of 2026 from $4.12 billion a year ago, as foreign investors pulled back sharply on intercompany lending and reinvested earnings, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday.

Data showed nonresidents’ investment in debt instruments dropped 25.82 percent to $2.06 billion and led the decline, while reinvestment of earnings decreased 19.36 percent to $829 million. “The decline was driven by the decreases in both foreign net investments in debt instruments, which indicated lower intercompany borrowings, and reinvestment of earnings,” the BSP said. Equity capital investments rose 59.28 percent to $489 million from $307

million in the first six months of 2025. The BSP said capital placements came primarily from Japan, the United States and Singapore and mainly flowed into the manufacturing, financial and insurance and real estate industries. FDIs jumped 35.05 percent to $447 million in June alone from $331 million in the same month last year. Net investments in debt instruments climbed 24.24 percent to $369 million in June from $297 million a year earlier.

Equity and investment fund shares more than doubled to $78 million from $34 million in June 2025, including $130 million in reinvested earnings and a $52 million contraction in net equity capital. UnionBank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion attributed the year-onyear increase in June to the inherent volatility of monthly investment flows, particularly in intercompany borrowings and reinvestment activity. He said the composition of inflows remains encouraging as equity capital investments continue to post gains, indicating foreign investors are still deploying capital in the Philippines despite challenges. “Moving forward, FDI flows will likely remain sensitive to global growth prospects, trade and geopolitical developments, and broader investor sentiment, although the continued increase in equity investments provides some support for the outlook,” he said.

By Othel V. Campos THE United States has granted the Philippines $60 million to modernize the country’s energy sector, lower electricity costs and improve power reliability. US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton and Finance Secretary Frederick Go signed the Philippines Energy Threshold Program on Thursday during the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum in Manila. The Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) grant aims to strengthen energy-sector governance and institutions while addressing gaps that could constrain investment in the sector. The program builds on existing US government initiatives and supports efforts to create a more investment-friendly energy environment, improve institutional capacity and expand opportunities for commercial engagement. Millennium Challenge Corp. acting chief of staff Dan Petrie and acting vice-president for policy and evaluation Martha Bowen joined the signing event. The forum brought together around 600 international investors, industry leaders and senior government officials to promote investments and commercial partnerships along the corridor. Co-hosted by the governments of the Philippines and the US and sponsored by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the forum focused on infrastructure projects intended to strengthen supply chains, improve connectivity and support economic growth. With Thony Rose Lesaca

$3.38 billion FDI inflows in first half of 2026

$4.12 billion

FDI inflows in first half of 2025

$447 million FDI inflows in June 2026 CIVIL REGISTRATION.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) are collaborating to conduct civil registration and National ID colocation at voter education activities for underserved Filipinos. Signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for civil registration and National ID colocation at voter education campaigns are (from left) COMELEC commissioner Nelson Celis, COMELEC chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, PSA assistant secretary and deputy national statistician of the PhilSys Registry Office Rosalinda Bautista and officer-in-charge assistant national statistician Henedine Palabras.

Manila South Harbor upgrades capacity

B4 US grants $60m to modernize PH energy sector

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Business council asks gov’t to act on floods and natural disasters PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received a set of infrastructure recommendations from the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to strengthen the country’s defenses against earthquakes, floods and water shortages. PSAC presented the recommendations during its 8th Infrastructure Sector meeting with the President at Malacañan, calling for faster and more coordinated action on building safety, flood management and water security. “We should not wait for the next earthquake, flood or drought. We need

to act before it happens,” said Aboitiz Equity Ventures president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz, who is also PSAC lead convenor. PSAC pushed for full implementation of PNS 49:2026, which sets stronger standards for earthquakeresistant reinforcing steel, along with tighter checks on imported cement. The council also proposed a building resilience seal for homes and buildings inspected and confirmed as earthquake-resilient. PSAC cited the need for stronger en-

forcement after the Department of Trade and Industry destroyed 12,500 metric tons of imported cement in April 2026 for failing key strength and durability tests. The council recommended strict enforcement of required testing before imported cement reaches the market. PSAC said flood solutions should address the whole water system rather than individual projects. The council recommended clearing the Manggahan Floodway, pursuing the Parañaque Spillway, supporting waste-to-energy facilities and creating a Department

PERSTIMA INVESTMENTS.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque meets with Perstima Philippines Inc. executives to discuss the company’s investments, operations and role in the country’s tinplate and tin-free steel industry. The meeting highlighted the importance of supporting local manufacturing capabilities and fostering a resilient domestic steel industry.

LRTA, Villar Group sign deal for Las Piñas LRT-1 Station lots By Darwin G. Amojelar

HERITAGE PARKS. The Department of Tourism joins the inaugural Association

of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Heritage Parks (AHP) Forum, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led by Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna. Speaking on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay reaffirms the DOT’s commitment to building a sustainable tourism industry that drives regional development and strengthens ecological conservation across the country’s protected areas.

THE Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Villar Group covering seven properties needed for the construction of the Las Piñas Station under the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project, paving the way for site access. LRTA administrator Hernando Cabrera said six of the seven lots covered by the agreement are being donated to the government, while the seventh is subject to a right-of-way usage agreement. Two deeds of donation covering two of the properties have already

been signed, Cabrera said. The remaining properties are still subject to the completion of title and other documentation requirements. The properties are expected to be released within September, Cabrera said, adding that he was confident the process would be completed within the month. “They [Villar Group] are very confident regarding the property’s release this September,” he said. Cabrera said the LRTA will be allowed to enter the properties once the conditions under the agreement take effect. “By Oct. 11, we will now have the right to enter,” he said.

of Water Resources to coordinate flood control, drainage, drought response and water supply. “On flooding, we cannot solve it project by project. We have to look at the whole system,” Aboitiz said. PSAC pointed to Metro Manila’s water experience this year as evidence that early preparation makes a difference. Angat Dam fell to around 151 meters in 2026, below the 159-meter low recorded during the 2019 El Niño, yet Metro Manila avoided major El Niño-related water interruptions.

Gov’t allocates P31.2b to hire 64,530 teachers THE Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Thursday the government allocated P31.220 billion to fill 64,530 authorized teaching positions under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP). The DepEd’s request for additional teaching positions was excluded from the proposed national budget, but that exclusion does not mean the agency cannot hire teachers in 2027, according to DBM. It said the 2027 NEP does not propose the creation of another batch of Teacher I positions, but tens of thousands of previously authorized positions remain open for filling. The DBM said of the funded positions, 31,614 existing teaching positions remain vacant in the General Manpower Information System as of April 24, while DBM approved 32,916 newly created positions on May 7, the agencies said. “These positions remain available for filling. DepEd may hire against these authorized vacant items in this year until next year, or until they are filled. Kaya huwag po sanang maniwala ang ating mga kababayans sa mga viral reels na nagsasabing walang hiring ng teachers sa 2027,” DBM Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said. The 14,274 additional positions DepEd requested, estimated at P4.29 billion, are separate from the authorized teaching positions already funded for filling. The agencies said they may evaluate the additional request later if gaps persist despite the filling of existing vacancies. Thony Rose Lesaca

CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK CYAN CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

Manila Manila Manila

Standard Standard Standard TODAY TODAY TODAY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PSEi drops below 6,100 as global oil tops $100 PHILIPPINE shares fell Thursday as selling pressure persisted after global crude oil prices surged past $100 a barrel amid renewed tensions in the Middle East. The peso depreciated slightly against the US dollar, closing at 62.535 on Thursday compared with 61.513 on Wednesday. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index dropped 17.30 points, or 0.28 percent, to close at 6,099.23. The broader all shares index slipped 2.54 points, or 0.08 percent, to 3,383.31. “The local bourse ended lower amid broad selling pressure as oil prices topped $100 per barrel, heightening concerns over inflation and economic growth,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp. “Sentiment also weakened as global markets tracked renewed uncertainty after President Trump’s remarks that the U.S.-Iran war could continue beyond the U.S. midterm elections,” he added. Mining and oil was the top-performing sector, rising 2.59 percent, while services gained 0.74 percent. Conversely, holding firms lost 1.17 percent, while industrials, property and financials declined 0.60 percent, 0.55 percent and 0.33 percent, respectively. Market breadth was negative, with 93 decliners outpacing 83 gainers, while 67 issues ended unchanged. Total turnover reached P6.85 billion. Foreign investors were net buyers for a third straight session, with net inflows of P166.8 million. Asian stocks fell Thursday and Brent oil extended gains a day after breaking the psychological $100 barrier on the back of resurgent Middle East hostilities that have fanned inflation fears. With the US and Iran exchanging strikes around the crucial Strait of Hormuz -- and Saudi Arabia entangled in a conflict with Yemeni rebels -- there appears little prospect of an end to the crisis, dealing a rally across markets. Brent crude struck past $101 on Wednesday for the first time since July and has surged more than 20 percent in less than a week as forces have exchanged attacks on vessels in Hormuz. That has fanned speculation the Federal Reserve and other central banks will have to hike interest rates to tame prices -- US diesel is already at a record of almost $6 a gallon. The European Central Bank is tipped to lift borrowing costs Thursday. In the latest round of attacks, Iran said it hit more than a dozen ships attempting to pass through the strait Wednesday, and announced an expansion of a no-go zone outside the waterway. Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

Del Monte Pacific seeks asset sales, debt restructuring By Jenniffer B. Austria

EL Monte Pacific Ltd. is looking to sell more assets as part of a broader restructuring aimed at easing liquidity pressures and addressing $1.2 billion in total liabilities. In a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday, the company said it has started restructuring discussions with principal creditors and other stakeholders, with assistance from external financial advisers to develop a plan. “Management recognizes that the capital deficit at the holding company level, arising principally from the impairment of its former U.S. subsidiary, does not fully reflect the fi-

nancial strength and underlying operating capacity of DMPL’s core Philippine business,” Del Monte Pacific said. “At the same time, management recognizes that the performance of DMPI, by itself, is not sufficient to address the group’s total liabilities of $1.2 billion or the negative equity at the DMPL level of $579 million,” it added, referring to subsidiary Del Monte Philippines Inc. The plan focuses on addressing nearterm liquidity and debt maturity pressures, strengthening the balance sheet and cashgenerating capacity of Del Monte Philippines, and establishing a more sustainable capital structure for the group. The parent firm said it is exploring the divestment of certain assets to simplify its business structure and generate liquidity. Any asset sale would be subject to required approvals, including minority shareholder approval when necessary. “No equity raise, by itself, is expected to

PROJECT RESHORE.

Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste (left) and Metro Pacific Investments Foundation president Melody del Rosario celebrate the launch of Project RESHORE in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The initiative, officially named Resilient Ecosystem and Sustainable Habitats through Organized Restoration and Employment, will engage 30 qualified small-scale fisherfolk and coastal residents to restore a 2.19-hectare damaged section of the Bued Mangrove Eco-Park.

Career Opportunity Sovereign Motors Corp. Career Career Opportunity Opportunity inininSovereign Sovereign Motors Motors Corp. Corp. Foreign Client Relations Officer Foreign Foreign Client Client Relations Relations Officer Officer One (1) Vacancy One One (1) (1) Vacancy Vacancy Job Description: Job Description: Job Description:

Responsible for managing and maintaining professional relationships with foreign clients, Responsible Responsible for for managing managing and and maintaining maintaining professional professional relationships relationships with with foreign foreign clients, clients, assisting them with inquiries and concerns, coordinating transactions, and ensuring assisting them with inquiries and concerns, coordinating transactions, and ensuring assisting them with inquiries and concerns, coordinating transactions, and ensuring excellent customer service. The position also serves aliaison liaison between foreign clients excellent customer service. The position also serves between foreign clients excellent customer service. The position also serves asasas a aliaison between foreign clients and the company’s sales, operations, and management teams. and the company’s sales, operations, and management teams. and the company’s sales, operations, and management teams. Qualification: Qualification: Qualification: Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.   Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Proficient English; knowledge other languages isan an advantage. Proficient English; knowledge other languages advantage.   Proficient ininin English; knowledge ofofof other languages isisan advantage. Good organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Good organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.   Good organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Able work with foreign clients and understand different cultural backgrounds. Able work with foreign clients and understand different cultural backgrounds.   Able tototo work with foreign clients and understand different cultural backgrounds.  

Applications may be sent to: Applications Applications may may bebe sent sent to: to: Imperiumautogroup.2026@gmail.com Imperiumautogroup.2026@gmail.com Imperiumautogroup.2026@gmail.com Company/Employer Name of foreign national intending to apply for the Company/Employer Company/Employer Name Name ofof foreign foreign national national intending intending toto apply apply for for the the position position position Company Name: Name: Company Company Name: Name: Name: Name: Sovereign Motors Corp. Salahian Karnik Sovereign Sovereign Motors Motors Corp. Corp. 1.1.1. Salahian Salahian Karnik Karnik Company Address: Address: Company Company Address: Address: Address: Address: Level 28 Six Neo Bldg.5th 5th 1.Taguig City Level Level 2828 Six Six Neo Neo Bldg. Bldg. 5th 1.Taguig 1.Taguig City City AvenueCorner Corner 26th st. Bonifacio Nationality: Nationality: Avenue 26th st.st. Bonifacio Avenue Corner 26th Bonifacio Nationality: Global City,Taguig Taguig City Syrian Global Global City, City, Taguig City City 1.1.1. Syrian Syrian Nature of Business: Foreign Intended period of employment: Nature Nature ofof Business: Business: Foreign Foreign Intended Intended period period ofof employment: employment: Client Relations Officer Three3(years) 3(years) Client Client Relations Relations Officer Officer 1.1.1. Three Three 3(years) SOVEREIGN MOTORS CORP. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national SOVEREIGN SOVEREIGN MOTORS MOTORS CORP. CORP. hereby hereby declares declares that that the the above-named above-named foreign foreign national national isisis able, willing, and qualified toperform perform the services and job description for this position. able, able, willing, willing, and and qualified qualified toto perform the the services services and and job job description description for for this this position. position. The company has theintention intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien The company has the toto employ the said foreign national and apply for anan Alien The company has the intention employ the said foreign national and apply for Alien Employment Permit with the Department Labor and Employment- -National -National National Capital Employment Permit with the Department ofofof Labor and Employment Capital Employment Permit with the Department Labor and Employment Capital Region located Dole Central officemuralla muralla corner general Luna.. Region Region located located atatat Dole Dole Central Central office office muralla ststst corner corner general general Luna.. Luna..

turn DMPL’s equity position to positive,” the company said. Aside from asset sales, the company is considering a combination of measures, including debt restructuring, operational improvements and shareholder support. It added that it does not expect to declare or pay dividends while the capital deficit remains outstanding. Despite financial pressures, the group expects to remain profitable in fiscal 2027, even as operating conditions remain challenging. During the first quarter of fiscal 2027, Del Monte Pacific saw its net income triple to $16.1 million from $5.5 million a year earlier, while sales climbed 9 percent to $222.1 million. To ensure continued growth amid rising costs, the company said it will implement pricing actions, accelerate productivity programs, diversify suppliers, reduce waste and inventory write-offs, and cut discretionary spending.

NOTICETO TOTHE THE NOTICE NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC Noticeisisishereby herebygiven given Notice Notice hereby given thatthe theestate estateofof ofthe the that that the estate the Concepcion Marquez Concepcion Concepcion Marquez Marquez Aquinowho whodied diedon onOcOcAquino Aquino who died on October5,5, 5,2025 2025was wasexextober tober 2025 was extrajudicially partitioned partitioned trajudicially trajudicially partitioned byand andamong amongher herheirs heirs by by and among her heirs asper perDoc. Doc.No. No.344, 344, as as per Doc. No. 344, PageNo. No.70, 70,Book BookNo. No. Page Page No. 70, Book No. I, Series of 2026 before I,I,Series Seriesofof2026 2026before before Notary Public Atty. Mary Notary NotaryPublic PublicAtty. Atty.Mary Mary ElyssaJo JoL.L. L.Lindo Lindoofof of Elyssa Elyssa Jo Lindo PasigCity. City. Pasig Pasig City. (MS-Aug 28/Sept 4/11, 2026) (MS-Aug (MS-Aug 28/Sept 28/Sept 4/11, 4/11, 2026) 2026)

PhilWeb sees cash-flow boost from JKS Tech investment PHILWEB Corp. expects its strategic investment in JKS Tech Solutions Inc. to be immediately accretive to its consolidated financial performance, boosting recurring cash flow and generating a share of JKS’ net income. The listed gaming technology company said the deal was structured without new ex-

ternal debt and will be funded partly through the sale of 81.38 million treasury shares to JKS at P16.50 per share. The sale is expected to generate about P1.343 billion, which PhilWeb will use to fund the investment. The transaction allows the company to put treasury shares to productive use while reallocating capital to a complementary operating business. The move comes as PhilWeb seeks to expand its digital infrastructure footprint through JKS, which launched its business-to-business commercial operations in February 2026. JKS serves licensed midmarket operators in the regulated digital entertainment sector. PhilWeb said the investment will broaden its customer reach and create opportunities to integrate technology, systems, data and selected shared services. “JKS is strategically complementary to PhilWeb in both market reach and operating capabilities,” PhilWeb president Brian Ng said. “Our priority now is execution — progressively integrating systems, technology, data, and selected shared services to create a more efficient and scalable B2B infrastructure platform.” Meanwhile, trading of PhilWeb shares resumed Thursday after the company submitted additional information on the deal to the stock exchange. Jenniffer B. Austria

AUSTRALIAN INVESTORS. A delegation of Australia’s

largest institutional investors, representing nearly A$1.4 trillion in assets under management, visits the Philippines from Sept. 8 to 9 to explore investment opportunities in energy, infrastructure and other strategic sectors. The group includes senior representatives from AustralianSuper, IFM Investors, Macquarie Asset Management, Pentagreen Capital and Plenary Group.

CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK CYAN CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

B3 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Aussie firm trains 500 solar workers By Othel V. Campos

DIGITAL GOVERNANCE. PLDT Enterprise and the Cebu provincial government formalize their partnership to support digital governance through enhanced connectivity and collaboration solutions. From left: Hazel Amoyan and Jay Lagdameo of PLDT Enterprise, Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, and Cebu Provincial Administrator Joseph Durano.

Pleased.com opens BGC office, hires 100 tech workers By Darwin G. Amojelar TECH entrepreneur Jonathan Sterling’s customer service software firm Pleased.com plans to hire at least 100 employees in the Philippines as it opens its new headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Founded four years ago, Pleased.com previously operated remotely from Europe. The company provides customer service software covering live chat, email ticketing and voice support. The platform currently handles 6 million to 7 million customer contacts annually for enterprise clients, including European credit institution Unlokk and African digital bank Tenn.io. Pleased.com uses artificial intelligence to resolve about 75 percent of customer contacts end-to-end, while automatically

routing more complex or frustrated customers to human agents when necessary. Sterling, however, emphasized that the company is primarily a customer service software provider rather than an AI firm. “We’re kind of a blend of many things, but at our core we’re a customer service software company, and we use AI to deliver customer service at times, but not always,” Sterling said. “AI is a tool that we use, but we are not an AI company.” The new Philippine headquarters will support Pleased.com’s planned expansion into the small and mid-sized business market, particularly in the United States. “We try to be, for customer service software, what Stripe was for payment software. It’s very easy to get set up and running … all on your own, all within 10 minutes,” Sterling said.

To support its growth, the company plans to hire 100 to 110 employees in the Philippines over the next year, focusing on technology and product roles. “I’m talking [about] engineers, people with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in STEM topics,” Sterling said. The company has already hired its administrative staff and about 10 local engineers, with plans to increase its engineering workforce to 50 by year-end. Sterling said the company views the Philippines as a key source of highly skilled talent while offering employees the opportunity to build careers locally. “Then give them a high-quality job that they can do in the Philippines … You can make good money, but you can still stay in the culture that you love, and stay connected to your family and friends,” he said.

PEZA, Seagate team up to explore subsea cable system THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority and Malaysian digital infrastructure developer Seagate Networks Berhad are exploring the development of a next-generation subsea cable system and related digital infrastructure projects in Philippine economic zones. PEZA director general Tereso Panga and Seagate Networks Berhad chief executive Musa Bin Rahman signed a memorandum of understanding Sept. 1 to explore cooperation on the proposed Seagate SMART Subsea Cable System and other digital infrastructure initiatives. The Seagate SMART Subsea Cable System is designed to provide high-capacity international connectivity while incorporating sensing capabilities for disaster resilience, environmental monitoring and maritime awareness. Under the MOU, PEZA may facilitate coordination with government agencies, ecozone stakeholders and potential project sites as Seagate evaluates opportunities to develop or connect infrastructure within PEZAadministered or supervised zones. The agreement also provides for the separate exploration of Seagate’s closed-loop geothermal energy solution, which will be evaluated independently from the cable project. Panga said the proposed projects could strengthen the country’s digital and energy infrastructure while supporting investments in ecozones. “PEZA supports initiatives that strengthen the Philippines’ digital and energy infrastructure,” Panga said. “We recognize Seagate’s experience in these fields and its potential role in strengthening the country’s international connectivity and drawing investment into our economic zones.” PEZA said the partnership could support the Philippines’ development as a regional digital gateway for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Othel V. Campos

HILIPPINE Aurion Solar Technologies Inc. has recruited and trained more than 500 Filipino professionals and technical workers for its solar cell manufacturing operations in Batangas, supporting local skills development for the renewable energy industry.

The Australian-backed company is building a 1.3-hectare solar cell manufacturing facility at the First Philippine Industrial Park in Santo Tomas, Batangas, where workers will be trained in specialized solar manufacturing processes. “Philippine Aurion’s decision to set up its first Philippine facility here reflects the kind of investment we want to attract to FPIP, something that brings new technology and long-term value to the park and the country,” said Yutaro Kuryu, senior vice president of FPIP Industrial Business. The facility will produce solar cells primarily for customers in the United States and Europe, with plans to expand into other markets as Philippine operations grow. “This investment reflects our confidence in the country’s growing renewable energy sector and its skilled workforce, and we look forward to contributing to the Philippines’ clean energy future,” said Huai Jin Yang, president of Philippine Aurion. The company said the training program will provide Filipino workers with specialized manufacturing knowledge and technical skills, strengthening the local talent pool for renewable energy manufacturing. Philippine Aurion announced earlier that it is investing more than P3.34 billion to establish the facility, adding to the country’s emerging renewable energy manufacturing base. The company joins FPIP’s locator base of more than 160 manufacturing firms in industries including aerospace, motor vehicles, food and electronics.

ECONOMIC BRIEFING. Finance Secretary Frederick Go highlights the Philippines’ economic fundamentals and investment opportunities at the Philippine Economic Briefing in Hong Kong. Go invited local businesses to invest in the country to help generate quality jobs, support local enterprises, and expand opportunities for Filipinos.

DA callsStandard for ASEAN-India push on food security Manila

TODAY AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is calling for stronger ASEANIndia cooperation as geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, and volatile energy and farm input costs threaten regional food supplies. Tiu Laurel made the call Sept. 9 at the Ninth ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry in New Delhi, where ministers and senior officials discussed ways to make agriculture and food systems more resilient to global disruptions. The meeting focused on cooperation in areas including food security, climate resilience, agricultural innovation and resilient value chains. Speaking for the Philippines as ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry chair, Tiu Laurel said the region can no longer treat food security as a purely domestic concern as shocks to trade, transport, energy and agricultural inputs increasingly cross borders. “Geopolitical and economic uncertainties, climate-related tragedies, and volatility in energy, transport, food and agricultural input markets continue to test the resilience of our food systems and supply chains,” he said, “reinforcing the very importance of practical regional cooperation, open communication and sustained partnerships.” He said safeguarding food security and agricultural supply chains remains a central priority for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, particularly as disruptions in global trade and logistics can quickly affect farmers, consumers and food prices. Tiu Laurel cited discussions during the 47th AMAF meeting last year and a special AMAF meeting in April on the Middle East situation, where members emphasized preparedness, market transparency, sustainable production and stronger supply chain resilience.

He said India is a key partner because of its experience in agriculture, food systems, research, technology and capacity development. The meeting also reviewed the ASEANIndia Medium-Term Plan of Action for Cooperation in Agriculture and Forestry for 2021-2025 and the next five-year plan covering 2026-2030. Othel V. Campos

NOTICE OF SPECIAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING To All Stockholders: Please be advised that the Special Meeting of the Stockholders of MARCVENTURES HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Corporation”) will be held on October 2, 2026 (Friday) at 2:00 P.M. The meeting will be held virtually via remote communication or in absentia: The Agenda of the meeting is as follows: 1. Call to Order 2. Proof of Notice and Certification of Quorum 3. Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Annual Stockholders’ Meeting Held on July 31, 2026 4. Election of Rolando S. Santos as Regular Director for 2026-2027 5. Other Matters 6. Adjournment For purposes of the Meeting, stockholders of record as of September 4, 2026 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the said meeting. Stockholders intending to participate by remote communication should pre-register by sending us an email at inquiries@marcventures.com.ph on or before September 18, 2026. If you will not be able to attend the meeting but would like to be represented thereat, you are requested to submit a duly signed and accomplished proxy form via email to inquiries@marcventures.com.ph on or before 6:00 p.m., September 22, 2026. Beneficial owners whose shares are lodged with PDTC or registered under the name of a broker, bank, or other fiduciary allowed by law, must likewise submit a notarized certification from the owner of record (i.e. the broker, bank, or other fiduciary) that he is the beneficial owner indicating thereon the number of shares. Corporate shareholders shall likewise be required to submit a notarized Secretary’s Certificate attesting to the authority of its representative to attend and vote at the Stockholder’s Meeting. Printed copies of the above-mentioned documents should be delivered to: The Office of the Corporate Secretary Marcventures Holdings, Inc. 4th Floor BDO Towers Paseo (Formerly Citibank Center) 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City The deadline for submission of proxies is on September 22, 2026. Validation of proxies will take place on September 25, 2026. Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Notice dated March 11, 2026, an electronic copy of the Information Statement and Management Report and other pertinent documents related to the meeting may be accessed through the Corporation’s website at https://www.marcventuresholdings.com.ph/ and on the Philippine Stock Exchange Edge website. For any question about the meeting, you may send an email to: inquiries@marcventures.com.ph Makati City, August 26, 2026. ROBERTO V. SAN JOSE Corporate Secretary

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

MSH upgrades cargo capacity By Othel V. Campos

TRATEGIC partners DP World and Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) have commissioned six hybrid rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes at Manila South Harbor (MSH), expanding the terminal’s cargo-handling capacity while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The new units, manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. (ZPMC), bring MSH’s RTG fleet to 29 cranes. Each machine can stack containers six-high and comes equipped with automated gantry steering, anti-sway technology, truck detection, chassis positioning and emergency-stop systems to im-

prove safety and efficiency. The cranes are also designed for future conversion to fully electric operations, supporting the partners’ shift toward lower-emission cargo-handling equipment. DP World vice-president William Khoury said the partners are investing in cleaner equipment, smarter technologies and more

resilient infrastructure to support Philippine trade. “For 40 years, ATI has continuously invested in the infrastructure, technology and people that keep Philippine trade moving. Together with DP World, we are building on this strong foundation by investing in cleaner equipment, smarter technologies and more resilient infrastructure that will make our gateways safer, more efficient and sustainable into the future,” he said. The investment builds on MSH’s broader modernization program, which includes infrastructure upgrades, new cargohandling equipment and digital systems improvements.

In early 2025, ATI and DP World inaugurated an expanded Pier 3 fitted with two new quay cranes, among the largest in the Philippines. The project and related upgrades lifted MSH’s annual containerhandling capacity nearly 40 percent, from 1.45 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2021 to 2 million TEUs in 2025. Last year, the partners also deployed 15 fully electric internal transfer vehicles at MSH, backed by quick-charging stations, which ATI said marked a first for the Philippines. By end-2026, the terminal expects to add three electric empty container handlers, two electric reach stackers and another 15 electric internal transfer vehicles.

PH power grids under pressure as outage rules loosen By Alena Mae S. Flores CONSUMERS in the Philippines are pushing for a more reliable power system as recurring grid alerts expose weaknesses in the country’s electricity supply, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) said. The Visayas grid recorded 123 yellow and red alerts since January, the energy think tank said, underscoring the need for policy and system-level measures to strengthen the power system and ensure consumers have access to affordable and secure electricity. Both the Visayas and Mindanao grids remained on red alert Thursday due to ongoing power plant outages. The institute raised concerns that the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) recent revision of reliability standards and allowable equivalent unplanned outage days for generating units could weaken incentives for generation companies to improve plant reliability. ICSC said the Visayas and Mindanao alerts coincided with a pattern of unplanned outages among large power plants, particularly coal-fired units, which went offline unexpectedly and placed additional strain on a tight power system. Under the commission’s new resolution, allowable unplanned outage days have increased for nearly all generation technologies covered by previous standards. In several cases, including pulverized coal, combined cycle and conventional hydro, the revised allowance effectively doubled the limits set under Resolution No. 10, Series of 2020. The ERC based the revised thresholds on actual operating and outage data between 2015 and 2024, the commission said.

STUDENT TOURS. College students learn about the history of Philippine currency as part of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) ‘Student Tours’ held on Aug. 25 and 27 at the BSP Hub, the one-stop shop for the BSP’s public services along Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

USTDA vows to help improve NAIA security screening system THE US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will provide technical assistance to modernize security screening systems at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is undergoing an upgrade to handle up to 62 million passengers annually by 2028. USTDA and New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the airport’s private operator, signed an agreement covering technical, operational and financial assessments of screening systems across NAIA’s terminals. The technical assistance will develop security screening concepts for all terminals aligned with US Transportation Security Administration standards for last-point-of-departure airports and identify US suppliers of advanced screening equipment. USTDA said the project will strengthen the airport’s ability to detect potential threats before they reach the United States and enhance the security of passengers, American citizens and goods passing through the gateway. “By working together to modernize security at NAIA, we are protecting travelers on both sides of the Pacific. This project stops threats before they reach American shores, deepens cooperation with a vital ally, and exemplifies the partnerships that sustain a free and open Indo-Pacific,” USTDA deputy director Thomas Hardy said. New NAIA Infra Corp. president Ramon Ang said the assistance would help standardize security screening across NAIA while providing access to US expertise and technology. “We are grateful to USTDA for supporting this important part of NAIA’s modernization. The assistance will help us take a more detailed look at how security screening across the airport can be improved and standardized, while giving us the benefit of US expertise and experience,” he said. Othel V. Campos

Roar Agile Communicators announces new appointments in editorial push ROAR Agile Communicators, the communications group behind niche publications Power Philippines, Powered to Wellness, Agri Tayo and Ang Minero, announced key personnel changes and a new editorial push on sustainability coverage. Roar Agile Communicators editor-in-chief Ricardo Magsajo joins the group after 25 years in the automotive industry. He began his career as a motoring editor before moving to Columbian Autocar Group as marketing director for Peugeot Philippines. He later led business development, sales training and media relations at Astara Philippines, which distributes four automotive brands. Power Podcast host Abigail Ho-Torres, an awardwinning journalist and public relations practitioner, previously covered business for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. She brings 20 years of experience across the media and utilities industries to the role as she hosts the podcast’s second season. Producers are already preparing new episodes, which will adopt a more enduser-friendly tone to reach a broader audience. “I’m very excited to have found my way back to the publishing world via Roar. The Roar team is both uniquely skilled and fiercely driven. Adding Abigail Ho-Torres into the equation as host of one of our channel’s most followed sub-projects is a big plus as well. I think as a group we’re poised to take Roar to its next growth phase. There’s a certain synergy that we can aspire to and it’s right in front of us

Electric co-ops sign 565.6-MW supply deal LUZON and Visayas electric cooperatives have signed 15-year power supply agreements with six generation companies for a combined contract capacity of 565.6 megawatts, the National Electrification Administration said Thursday. The Luzon and Visayas Electric Cooperatives Aggregation signed the deals with Sual Power Inc., Therma Luzon Inc., Malita Power Inc., Palm Concepcion Power Corp., Therma Visayas Inc. and Energy Development Corp. of the First Gen Group. The agreements cover baseload power supply for 29 on-grid electric cooperatives, 19 in Luzon and 10 in the Visayas. The NEA’s special bids and awards committee ran a joint competitive selection process to award the contracts, assisted by a technical working group made up of representatives from the participating electric cooperatives and the agency. NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, in a message delivered by deputy administrator Vic Alvaro, said the agreement extends beyond the megawatt figures involved. “The scale of this undertaking cannot be measured by megawatts alone. Behind these numbers are millions of Filipino households, small businesses, health and social services that rely on us from sunrise to sunset,” Almeda said. Alena Mae S. Flores

ERC sets grid compliance rules for legacy plants THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has adopted clearer rules for testing older power plants, giving qualified legacy facilities a defined path to prove they can operate safely and reliably within the power grid. Resolution No. 27, Series of 2026, applies to legacy plants, defined as those with commercial operation dates before the enactment of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. Multiple power plants have gone on outage, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao grids, triggering rotating brownouts.

to tackle,” Magsajo said. “It’s nice to go back to my roots as a journalist. While the energy sector that I covered then is vastly different from the energy sector now, what hasn’t changed are the leaders that the sector has always attracted and cultivated. Not only are they smart, they are also generous with their knowledge and eager to educate the public about the industry. I look forward to many interesting and insightful conversations,” Ho-Torres said. Roar Publications will also push for more sustainability stories across all its titles by the fourth quarter of 2026, in partnership with the Society of Sustainability Practitioners Inc. (Sustainability PH), the industry association representing sustainability practitioners nationwide. “We’re working very closely with the Society of Sustainability Practitioners, Inc. [Sustainability PH], the industry association dedicated to championing sustainability efforts throughout the entire country. With its long, impressive list of members of sustainability practitioners from the business, government, academe and non-profit sectors, we’re confident we can tell many inspiring stories that will contribute to pushing for a more sustainable Philippines as we move forward. The partnership ties in very neatly with Roar’s unique offering of niche publications. Truly, we’re looking at a bigger, brighter future,” Magsajo said.

IN BRIEF The commission said some older facilities cannot comply with certain tests required under the 2016 Philippine Grid Code because of outdated technology or because compliance would be technically, economically or operationally impractical. ERC chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said the new requirements recognize the technical realities facing legacy plants without compromising essential grid standards. “By establishing requirements that recognize the technical realities of legacy plants without compromising essential grid standards, we are providing greater regulatory clarity while safeguarding the reliability of the power system,” Juan said. Alena Mae S. Flores

ACS Manufacturing taps 100% renewable energy

ACS Manufacturing Corp., maker of household brands Pride Detergent, Shield Bath Soap and Unique Toothpaste, has signed a retail electricity supply agreement with ACEN RES, the retail electricity unit of the Ayala Group, to power its two manufacturing facilities in Laguna with 100-percent renewable energy. ACEN RES will supply the plants with electricity from its portfolio of solar, wind and geothermal assets, the companies said. The deal was made possible through the government’s Retail Competition and Open Access program and the Retail Aggregation Program. RCOA allows large electricity users with a peak monthly demand of at least 500 kilowatts to choose their own power supplier instead of relying solely on their local franchise utility, while RAP lets smaller facilities or end-users combine their power requirements to meet that threshold. Both programs let businesses negotiate competitive rates and select specific power sources, including renewable energy. ACS Manufacturing said the switch will help it avoid emitting an estimated 4,270 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, equal to the carbon dioxide absorbed by more than 193,000 trees per year. Alena Mae S. Flores

Roar Agile Communicators announces the appointment of veteran automotive journalist Ricardo Magsajo as editorin-chief of the group’s publication and Abigail Ho-Torres as host of Power Podcast.

Court orders forfeiture of 10 bank accounts linked to drug trafficking A MANILA regional trial court has ordered the forfeiture of 10 bank accounts tied to four individuals for containing proceeds of illegal drug trafficking, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said Wednesday. The accounts held about P3.5 million in proceeds from unlawful activity, the AMLC said in a statement. It said the case originated from a buy-bust operation the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted against two individuals in Zamboanga City, during which authorities recovered financial documents and methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu). PDEA then asked the AMLC to conduct a financial investigation into the subjects and bank accounts identified in the recovered documents. The investigation uncovered additional related bank accounts and

established the individuals’ involvement in illegal drug trafficking. AMLC said the forfeiture reflects its commitment to work with partner agencies to deprive criminals of the proceeds of their unlawful activities.

“Through sustained financial investigations and asset recovery efforts, the AMLC continues to protect the integrity of the Philippine financial system and help build safer communities for all Filipinos,” the council said. Thony Rose Lesaca

TRANSPORT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com Darwin G. Amojelar, Issue Editor

LRT-2 Pamilya Pass drew over 77,000 riders in August

Railways ensure sustainable transport system

S THE Philippines expands its railway network, trains are emerging not only as a solution to traffic but also as a critical part of the government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and build a more sustainable transportation system.

For commuters like Aiji, choosing the train is more than a matter of convenience. It is also a small but meaningful contribution to addressing climate change. “It is no secret that the Philippines is one of the countries most affected whenever disasters strike globally, and a major factor is global warming and climate change—issues further exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions,” Aiji said. The engineering graduate is among

the commuters who believe that encouraging more Filipinos to leave their private vehicles at home and take public transportation could make a significant difference. Former seafarer Matt, who owns a private vehicle but prefers to travel by train said, ““I worked on ships for a long time, so we were well aware of environmental impacts. Using fuel naturally affects the environment; it adds to the heat and increases costs. In contrast, taking the LRT is faster

Light Rail Transit-1 EDSA-Taft Avenue station, Pasay City. (File photo PNA)

and more convenient.” According to National Rail UK’s Greener Travel data, travelling by car produces about 167 grams of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per kilometer, compared with just 35 grams of CO₂ per passenger per kilometer for rail. Even if a private vehicle carries an average of two passengers, car travel still produces about 83.5 grams of CO₂ per passenger per kilometer—more than twice the emissions associated with rail travel. That difference becomes even more significant when multiplied by the millions of journeys made every day. The green advantage of rail The country’s existing railway systems—including the MRT-3, LRT1, LRT-2 and the Philippine National Railways (PNR)—are already helping reduce emissions. Collectively, the four train lines are estimated to contribute to a net reduction of 74,781 tons of CO₂ annually, representing an average reduction of about 50 percent compared with private car travel. The upcoming North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is projected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 150,000 tons annually— more than twice the estimated reduction generated by the country’s four existing train lines. The MRT-7, expected to open in the second quarter of 2027, is likewise projected to deliver a net emissions reduction of around 58 percent, equivalent to more than 60,000 tons of CO₂ annually, compared with more than 105,000 tons of emissions that would otherwise come from car travel.

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) could reduce annual CO₂ emissions by as much as 63 percent, or more than 70,000 tons. Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said the DOTr has been pushing for sustainability efforts in existing rail lines. “The President’s directive is to make our transportation system sustainable. That is why at the DOTr, we are championing commutercentric transport—such as trains— which can accommodate a larger number of passengers,” Lopez said. “If more people take the train instead of using private vehicles, there will be a significant reduction in carbon emissions on the road,” he added. Meanwhile, the country’s economy loses an estimated amount of P3.5 billion a day due to traffic, based on a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This could increase to as much as P5.4 billion per day by 2035 if no government interventions are implemented, JICA added. For student Ken and senior citizen Chona, the traffic problem may be addressed if more people opt to use trains instead of private cars. “When we take the train, we are using mass transportation; it accommodates a large number of passengers, so it helps reduce the traffic here in Metro Manila,” Ken said. “If everyone took the train—like in other countries—there would be lower carbon dioxide emissions and fewer vehicles on the road,” Chona added. Darwin G. Amojelar

MCIA earns Riyadh Air launches inaugural Riyadh-Manila service top Asia-Pacific recognition MACTAN-CEBU International Airport (MCIA) has strengthened its standing as one of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading airports for passenger experience after receiving two major recognitions from Airports Council International (ACI). The Philippines’ busiest gateway outside Manila was again named among the Best Airports in Asia-Pacific in the 5–15 million passengers category at the ACI Airport Experience Summit 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. The recognition marks MCIA’s second consecutive ACI Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Awards distinction under the management of Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports (AIC Airports). The airport first received the award in 2025, following AIC Airports’ assumption of operations in 2024. MCIA also advanced to Level 3 of ACI’s Airport Customer Experience Accreditation, up from Level 2. It is currently the first and only Philippine airport to reach the level, reflecting efforts to integrate customer experience more deeply into airport management and operations. “These recognitions affirm our commitment to making every journey through MCIA a positive and meaningful experience,” AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Rafael M. Aboitiz said. “More importantly, they challenge us to continuously raise our standards and find new ways to serve our passengers better,” he added. Aboitiz said the company’s investments and improvements at the airport are focused on enhancing passenger experiences, strengthening connectivity, and helping Cebu and the Philippines maximize opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment.

SAUDI Arabia’s digital-native officially launched its inaugural Riyadh and Manila, marking a in the airline’s rapid expansion new route is the carrier’s 13th since its commercial launch in The new daily service, operated state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, strengthens one of

carrier, Riyadh Air, service between major milestone across Asia. The inaugural flight June 2026. w i t h

the Kingdom’s vital travel and trade corridors. It responds to sustained demand from Saudi Arabia’s large Filipino community while supporting growing commercial ties between the two countries. Saudi Arabia remains a major destination for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and the direct connection provides travelers with a more convenient gateway between the Philippines and the Kingdom. Through Riyadh Air’s onward connections, passengers from Manila can also gain convenient access to key destinations across Europe. The new air link is expected to encourage travel from Saudi Arabia to the Philippines, supported by the country’s

30-day visa-free entry policy for Saudi passport holders. As the Philippines expands its offerings in Halal-certified services, luxury family resorts, and premium tourism, the direct connection is poised to strengthen leisure travel and generate broader economic opportunities for both countries. Passengers on the new route will experience Riyadh Air’s multi-cabin configuration, comprising Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. Onboard features include ergonomic seating with enhanced privacy, Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system, mobile-first connectivity, wireless listening capabilities, elevated dining options, Saudicrafted Kayanee wellness amenities, and bespoke Disney kits for young travelers. Frequent flyers can also access Riyadh Air’s loyalty program, Sfeer—a name combining the Arabic word for “ambassador” with the English word “sphere.” The program offers member-focused benefits, including a Best Offer Guarantee, points that never expire, and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi.

LRMC wins 3 Philippine Quill Awards LIGHT Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the private operator of LRT-1, secured three honors at the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines for its communication and advocacy initiatives. LRMC received two Excellence Awards and one Merit Award, recognizing programs that promote education, safety, culture, and community engagement among commuters and communities along the LRT-1 route. The Philippine Quill Awards is the country’s premier awards program for business communication, honoring communication campaigns that demonstrate strong strategy and meaningful community impact. One of LRMC’s Excellence Awards came in the Audio/Visual Communication category for

“Kasakaysayan: Learn and Travel with LRT-1.” Developed in partnership with Renacimiento Manila and DDB Philippines, the initiative combines the Filipino words kasakay, or copassenger, and kasaysayan, or history. The program uses the audio systems installed in LRT-1’s 4th-Generation trains to play short historical facts before each station, turning ordinary commutes into brief learning experiences for hundreds of thousands of passengers. LRMC also earned an Excellence Award in Safety Communication for “LRT-1 KaligtaSakay: A Safety Education Program.” The company’s third recognition was a Merit Award in the Special and Experiential Events category for the “LRT-1 ikotMNL Heritage Transit Tour (South Route).”

THE Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) said it posted a total of 77,308 passengers who benefited from the LRT Line 2 Pamilya Pass 1+3 Program during the five Sundays of August 2026, based on the total number of coupons issued. The initiative allows a single paying adult to bring up to three family members or companions to ride LRT2 for free every Sunday, making weekend travel more affordable and accessible. Weekly data released by the LRTA showed peak ridership on August 2 with 19,203 beneficiaries, followed by 18,241 on August 16, and 18,158 on August 23. Subsequent weekends also drew solid participation, with 8,199 beneficiaries recorded on August 9 and 13,507 on August 30, based on the total number of coupons issued.

Passengers can avail of the program every Sunday by purchasing a regular fare ticket at any ticket booth across LRT-1, LRT-2, or MRT-3 stations. Upon purchase, commuters receive Pamilya Pass coupons that enable up to three traveling companions heading to the same destination to ride LRT-2 at no extra cost. Alongside its public service initiatives, the LRTA reported a strong governance milestone, recording zero complaints or grievances under its institutional integrity framework. Guided by the Whistleblowing and Integrity Program Policy (Doc. Code: 2026.PO.OOA.003) adopted pursuant to Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) Memorandum Circular No. 202501, the LRTA has established a formal mechanism for reporting illegal, unethical, or disadvantageous practices. The framework ensures strict confidentiality, fairness, and protection for whistleblowers against retaliation. Since the launch of the Whistleblowing and Integrity Program (WHIP) in March 2026, the agency has not received any feedback, inquiries, or complaints through platforms managed by the Fact-Finding Committee (FFC), notably covering the second quarter of 2026. LRTA officials noted that the zero-complaint record highlights a strengthened workplace culture rooted in ethical leadership, proactive governance, and operational transparency, reinforcing the principle that public office remains a public trust.

SHOWBIZ FranSeth’s first kiss:

C2 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Why they saved it

for ‘A Cake to Remember’

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

T took years of being paired together, countless kilig moments and a legion of devoted fans, but Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin have finally crossed one major line: their first onscreen kiss. And they were determined to give that milestone to ABS-CBN. The longtime loveteam shared their first kissing scene in A Cake to Remember, their new vertical drama series on iWant, making the moment particularly meaningful for the young stars. “We really wanted to give it to ABS-CBN, our mother network. It has given us all these opportunities, so we guess it’s only logical for us to have our first onscreen kiss in an ABS-CBN project,” Francine said during the Star Magic Spotlight press conference, which will air on Oct. 7 The young actress revealed that they had been asked to do a kissing scene before, but they chose to wait. “There were requests for a kissing scene before, but we chose to give it to ABS-CBN for so many valid reasons,” she added. Francine and Seth have grown from a young loveteam into actors taking on more mature roles, but they remain careful about how far they take that evolution onscreen. So, was the kiss merely the beginning? Francine was not ready to make that promise. “If we’re going to use the word ‘daring,’ maybe that’s too much to describe it. It’s more about the next step,” she explained. She added that they are becoming more “courageous” about taking on challenging roles, both individually and as a pair, but are not rushing into more intimate scenes. “In terms of doing a kissing scene, we don’t know yet if we can take it to the next level,” Francine added. Seth, meanwhile, mentioned another consideration: their young fan base. The actor acknowledged that there can be pressure to give audiences what they want, particularly as the loveteam takes on more mature material. “Do we need to keep up with what’s daring? Do we need to show what they want to see?” Seth said. For the pair, however, career growth comes with responsibility. “We want to be versatile actors, but everything has to be part of

Their willingness to try something new is also evident in A Cake to Remember, which uses the increasingly popular verticaldrama format. Francine admitted that the acting experience is different from working on traditional television or film. “It feels like everything is high energy, always at the climax, and the episodes are just short,” she said. Produced by JRB Creative Production and directed by Emerald Silvestre, A Cake to Remember follows Mandy, played by Francine, a baker struggling to save her business. Her biggest problem becomes even more complicated when the groom behind a lucrative weddingcake order turns out to be Landon, her former fiancé, played by Seth. Landon left Mandy at the altar and later lost his memories of their romance following a tragic accident. Mandy then tries to make him remember their past through the cakes they once made and shared. The series premiered Aug. 28, with its first five episodes drawing more than 7.5 million views across iWant and ABS-CBN Entertainment’s Facebook, TikTok and YouTube pages.

With guidance from Star Magic, the longtime love team takes a careful step into more mature material

Francine Diaz (left) and Seth Fedelin talk about saving their first onscreen kiss for ‘A Cake to Remember,’ which has reached millions of viewers online

a plan,” Seth said. “That’s why we have Star Magic guiding us. We ask them if something is OK.” Francine agreed, stressing that their next career moves are made with guidance from their management. “Whatever the next level is in our careers or whatever we can do onscreen, it’s not just our decision. Star Magic is always there to decide what’s good for us and guide us every step of the way,” she said.

As their vertical drama reaches a turning point, Francine Diaz (left) and Seth Fedelin open up about timing, trust, and career growth

Who will claim the first Lakan ng Pilipinas title? TWENTY-FIVE candidates coming from the different regions across the country are vying in the inaugural Lakan ng Pilipinas 2026 pageant. The first-ever winner will be known during the finals, to be held at Grimaldi Restobar, Grand Monaco Hotel in Taytay, Rizal, tonight. Lakan ng Pilipinas 2026, organized by Jorge Hizon, president of Manila’s Best Dressed, aims to find the embodiment of a true Filipino gentleman who will represent the country at the Man of the Universe 2026, to be held in Shenzhen, China, from Nov. 9 to 16. Lakan ng Pilipinas 2026 is another addition to the growing national male pageants, one that celebrates the modern Filipino man, not only for his physical looks, but more importantly, for what he represents and what he can do to make a difference in his country and the world. The 25 candidates are Angelo Manimtim (Paete, Laguna), Darryl Deon DC Ugalino (Sta. Rosa, Laguna), Ryan Justine Raynes (Cagayan Valley), Wilson Jhon Dee (Quezon City), Joma Edd Polega (Lipa, Batangas), Kean Telan (Isabela), Mervin Lacanaria

Pageant Concept Eton Concepcion

(Caloocan City), Nigel Cunanan (Zamboanga del Norte), Karl Justin Estrellado (San Pablo City, Laguna), Jayvinne Klein Jainan (Parañaque City), and Kyle Elizer Belaro (San Mateo, Rizal). Completing the list are Dave Franco (Cainta, Rizal), Justin Kumar (Sta. Cruz, Laguna), John Deiniel Pamatmat (Taytay, Rizal), Ron Michael Galapin (Bulacan), Jeys Marrano (Norzagaray, Bulacan), Carl Josiah Geronimo (Bocaue, Bulacan), Jermiah Ussher (Parañaque City), Mark Clem Alpapara (Negros Oriental), Clark Ferrer (Pampanga), Dhabe Corrales (Biñan, Laguna), Joven Morong (Rodriguez, Rizal), Ramssel Brenan Presores (Antipolo City), Jimlyn Luna (North Cotabato), and John Marwin Mariano (Bulacan). Mutya ng Pilipinas-Rizal 2026 launched Meanwhile, the Mutya ng Pilipinas platform has come to the province of

Rizal, made possible by the Grand Monaco Foundation, Inc. (GMFI), which sees the franchise as an opportunity to empower the women of Rizal while promoting leadership, service, and community involvement. Ten official candidates of the inaugural Mutya ng PilipinasRizal 2026 search were introduced during a press presentation held at the Grand Monaco Hotel, graced by Mutya ng Pilipinas president Cory Quirino and GMFI officials headed by Reynaldo A. Carpio, president and founder, and his two sons, Mark Anthony and Jerome Carpio. The finals will be held tonight (September 11) at Grand Monaco Hotel. The candidates are Gwen Sigrid Cledera (Taytay), Axa Nobleza (Brgy. San Jose, Antipolo City), Beatric Reyna Asuncion (Brgy. Mayamot, Antipolo City), Ana Margarita Vallega (Cuyambay, Tanay), Maria Raycel Pabelenia (Angono), Amara Kalisha Salgado (Antipolo City), Vianch Louisa Rosales (Binangonan), Marielle Angelyn Valler (Morong), Andrea Shane San Jose (Sampaloc, Tanay), and Jersey Regalado (Tanay).

Dina Bonnevie honors Kristine Hermosa (left) on her birthday, thanking her for standing by Oyo Boy Sotto (right) and caring for their family

Dina Bonnevie praises Kristine Hermosa for love, sacrifices for Oyo’s family By Jasper Valdez

Twenty-five candidates vie for the title and the chance to represent the Philippines at Man of the Universe 2026 in Shenzhen, China

DINA Bonnevie praised daughter-in-law Kristine Hermosa for the love, sacrifices, and care she has given Oyo Boy Sotto and their family over the years. In a birthday message posted on Instagram, Dina said she had come to appreciate the many things Kristine does for the family, including those that often go unnoticed. “I want you to know how grateful I am for the love you give to my son, for the family you are building together, and for the beautiful person you are,” Dina wrote. She added, “I see your strength, your sacrifices, your kindness, and all the little things you do that sometimes go unnoticed. Please know that they do not go unnoticed by me.” Dina also said Kristine had grown from being her son’s wife into someone she considers her own daughter. “You are not just my daughter-in-law—you are my daughter, and that place in my heart is yours forever,” she said. Kristine celebrated her birthday Sept. 9.

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

Beyond bookings How talent management should go beyond just finding work for their stars

Professional People’s Lab focuses on career development beyond auditions, projects, and endorsements

N the entertainment industry, talent management is often understood in very practical terms. It is about finding projects, negotiating opportunities, securing endorsements, managing artists’ images, and keeping them visible. All of these are important. But if the goal is to build careers that last, I believe talent management has to go further. It has to be about developing the artist as a whole person. This was one of the things that struck me when I attended Professional People’s Lab’s (PPL) town hall in June. What stood out was that the company dedicated an entire day to its artists, not just to discuss upcoming projects, but to invest in their development. The program brought together PPL leaders, industry professionals, and facilitators who tackled subjects that artists may not always learn about through their regular work, from branding and financial management to contracts, legal know-how, communication, and even the ability to own a room. For me, that is a meaningful distinction. Getting an artist a job is one thing. Preparing an artist for a career is another. PPL president and CEO Perry P. Lansigan shared his experience from decades in the entertainment industry, while creative director Hazel Abonita Rivera and senior business unit head Apples Eigenmann also brought their perspectives from behind the scenes of talent management.

Dingdong Dantes, chief vision officer of The Doorbell Collective and award-winning actor, offered insights on building a career and personal vision beyond the traditional confines of show business. Stage, film, and television actor Jamie Wilson tackled “owning the room,” a skill that can make a difference when artists walk into auditions, meetings, productions, and professional events where confidence and presence matter. Financial literacy was also part of the program, with a Sun Life financial manager discussing asset management. In an industry where income can fluctuate, knowing how to manage, protect, and grow what one earns is an important part of building a sustainable career. Attorney Melodie Esquejo discussed contract literacy and legalities, helping artists better understand the agreements they sign and the responsibilities and protections that come with them. Branding was another key topic, with Leon Flores III sharing insights on how

PPL gathers its artists for sessions on branding, contracts, financial management, communication and career development

Random Talk Kate Adajar

artists can build and communicate their personal brands. The town hall also included Lilybeth G. Rasonable, vice-chair and cofounder of The Doorbell Collective; Redgynn Alba, CEO of The Doorbell Collective; and Ays Espiritu, creative director for Agosto Dos. They brought in perspectives from the creative and business side of the industry. Taken together, the sessions showed that talent development can be much broader than preparing someone for the next project. Artists today need more than acting, singing, dancing, or performing skills. They also need to know how to manage the realities that come with the profession. Show business can be unpredictable. There can be periods of intense work

followed by uncertainty. Artists deal with rejection, competition, public scrutiny, and the pressure to remain relevant. Giving them tools to manage their careers and their well-being is part of responsible talent development. This is where PPL’s 17 years in the industry become particularly interesting. The company has built a roster that includes recognizable names such as Dingdong Dantes, Gabby Eigenmann, Ivana Alawi, Max Collins, Paul Salas, Rochelle Pangilinan, and Arthur Solinap, among others. But beyond the names and bookings, there are people working behind the scenes to help artists grow. Perry’s decades of experience in entertainment provide a foundation that can be passed on to the next generation. Hazel, with her background in journalism from UP Diliman and more than two decades in television, brings a perspective shaped by both media and

Julia Barretto, Maris Racal fighting for what’s ‘mine’ JULIA Barretto and Maris Racal are back at it again, and this time, they are fighting over something neither star is willing to give up. The two actresses return in Maya’s latest campaign, “Mine,” turning an everyday money perk into an entertaining showdown as they battle it out for 1 percent cashback whenever they use their Maya Card. The new video puts Julia and Maris in another competitive exchange, with both actresses determined to claim the cashback from their purchases. The campaign touches on the growing attention Filipinos give to everyday spending, from comparing prices and looking for deals to finding ways to get more value from regular purchases. For the latest video, Julia and Maris bring that familiar rivalry into the conversation, turning a routine financial benefit into an entertaining exchange between the two stars. The Maya Card cashback program

covers in-store and online purchases in the Philippines, including expenses such as coffee, groceries, dining, shopping, and online transactions. The campaign is available through Maya’s digital and social media channels. For more information, visit maya.ph/mine and follow @ makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to P1 million per depositor. Maya is the #1 Fintech Ecosystem in the Philippines, with Maya, the #1 Digital Bank, and Maya Business, the #1 Omni-Channel Payment Processor. Maya Bank is a digital bank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, with deposits insured by PDIC up to P1 million per depositor.

The company, which built its business largely through online sales, is expanding into physical retail as it increases its presence in the Philippine market. For customers visiting the new Blackbough-owned stores, the brand is offering a 10 percent discount through the code BBSUMMER4EVER. Blackbough is also holding its Forever Summer Sale from Sept. 8 to 14 through its Philippine online store.

Blackbough strengthens its presence in the Philippines as the swimwear brand expands from online retail into more physical shopping spaces

Swimwear brand expands physical retail presence in Metro Manila BLACKBOUGH is expanding its physical retail presence in Metro Manila with three new locations, including its first local department store partnership with Rustan’s. The expansion follows the swimwear brand’s first Philippine popup at Power Plant Mall earlier this year and adds Blackbough-owned stores at Glorietta 3 and Alabang Town Center. The Glorietta 3 store, located on Level 1, is scheduled to open in late September, while the Alabang Town Center location on the upper ground level is expected to open in late October. Blackbough’s partnership with Rustan’s began Sept. 1, with its swim and resort wear now available at Rustan’s ShangriLa, Rustan’s Glorietta, and Rustan’s Alabang Town Center. A Rustan’s Cebu location is also planned.

Julia Barretto (left) and Maris Racal bring their onscreen rivalry back for a digital wallet’s new campaign

creative work. Apples, who has been with PPL for 17 years, has grown within the organization and now serves as its Senior Business Unit Head. There are other heroes behind the scenes at PPL, working hard to optimize talent management. Their stories remind us that development is not limited to the people in front of the camera. The people guiding artists also continue to learn and evolve. An artist is not just a product to be booked. There is a person behind the celebrity, someone with financial responsibilities, relationships, ambitions, interests, and a life beyond the next project. Lifelong learning can mean understanding branding and social media, developing financial and business knowledge, improving communication skills, exploring new creative abilities, or simply becoming more intentional about the kind of career track and life direction an artist wants to build. This is why I think PPL’s town hall is worth looking at beyond the event itself. An entire day devoted to training artists sends a simple message: you are worth investing in even when that investment does not immediately translate into a booking. That is a different way of looking at talent management. The question isn’t only, “What work can we get for this artist?” It is also, “What can we teach this artist today that will help them five, 10, or even 20 years from now?” A star can emerge from one successful project. But building an artist, someone who can adapt, learn, reinvent, and sustain a meaningful career, takes much longer. That is probably what making a difference is for PPL. The group attempts to transform talents from potential to people who learn, grow, and excel.

The campaign showcases the actresses’ rivalry as they compete for one percent cashback on purchases

The newest pop-up store gives shoppers more opportunities to see, try on, and shop its swim and resort wear in person The swimwear brand brings its signature swim and resort wear to more Filipino shoppers

The brand goes for an easy summer look with colorful swimwear and resort pieces

LIFE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Ralph Lauren opens fur-free New York Fashion Week LEGENDARY US designer Ralph Lauren on Wednesday kicked off New York Fashion Week with his namesake brand’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection, as the industry showcase implements its first full ban on fur on the runway. The 86-year-old designer, whose preppy aesthetic has influenced American style for decades, featured looks that emphasized his signature colors, navy blue and white. Hints of gold, beige, and dusty rose completed the palette. Oscar-winning actresses Viola Davis and Ariana DeBose joined Wicked star Cynthia Erivo in the front row at the show, which took place on the eve of fashion week’s official launch. The label said the collection sought to upend “traditional notions of chic” and rework historical silhouettes. Suit trousers were paired with a leather jacket, a boater hat, and ballet slippers. Of course, there were gowns that the A-list Hollywood talent could easily wear to red carpet events. US fashion house Coach, known for its handbags and other leather accessories, hosted the only other show on Wednesday—a calm night before the fashion frenzy picks up pace, beginning in New York before heading to London, Milan, and Paris. Both brands have found success this year despite a slowing luxury market due to their more accessible branding, with each reporting double-digit revenue growth in the last quarter. New York Fashion Week gets into full swing on Thursday, with Henry Zankov debuting his first collection as artistic director at Diane von Furstenberg. Other shows on Thursday include Proenza Schouler, Christian Siriano, Tory Burch, and Tommy Hilfiger—which made waves with its latest ad campaign featuring Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce, who happens to be Taylor Swift’s husband. Upcoming shows to watch out for during the roughly 70 collections set to hit New York runways this week include Michael Kors and Calvin Klein on Friday, Carolina Herrera on Monday, and Thom Browne’s show to end the week on Tuesday. AFP

Fashion designer Ralph Lauren (left) is greeted by wife Ricky Lauren after his Spring/Summer 2027 presentation at New York Fashion Week

BÚTLAK collection brings Negros island’s creative spirit to life

ANP leaders, partners, and Negrense culinary personalities share a celebratory moment at the BÚTLAK media launch

Fashion pieces inspired by Negros heritage show how regional design traditions continue to find new forms

Forty years of flavor, fashion, and craftsmanship from Negros

By Nickie Wang

NOW & NEXT

OR years, the Negros Trade Fair has brought unique Negrense food, fashion, crafts, and creative products to Manila. The annual event has given shoppers a chance to discover things they might not normally find in malls. This year’s fair is especially significant because it celebrates its 40th edition.

Meanwhile, Anglo sees the fair as an event that has kept pace with changing tastes without losing its appreciation for craftsmanship. “Life is always changing; it’s a constant evolution,” Anglo said. “And that’s why the Negros Trade Fair is thriving through the years—it’s because of that chase to perfection and love for craftsmanship.” Food remains a major draw, with Bob’s Café, 21 Restaurant, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie’s Homemade Products joining newer concepts, regional specialties, sweets, pantry staples, and pasalubong. As Basti Escalante of the Antonio’s Group put it, “Negrense food goes beyond inasal—there’s a lot more to discover.” There is also plenty to browse beyond the dining tables. Fashion The Association of Negros Producers and lifestyle brands (ANP), together with SM Supermalls, has will bring resort wear, launched BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade jewelry, woven pieces Fair, featuring 178 brands from the Negros Island and contemporary designs. Region at the SMX Convention Center Aura from Arête creates accessories Sept. 22 to 27. using indigenous The media launch, which happened recently, Philippine materials, offered a taste of what visitors can expect, while Ellege Handcrafted from regional flavors and heirloom recipes Fashion brings Negros to contemporary fashion, home pieces, art, Basti Escalante of the Antonio’s Group Occidental’s handand handcrafted products. smocking tradition into joins the launch of the 40th Negros The official BÚTLAK video also took Trade Fair contemporary clothing. viewers on a cinematic trip across Negros, Home and craft pieces showcasing its landscapes, landmarks, from Hacienda Crafts, fashion, and artistry. Tumandok Crafts Industries, ANP president Christina Gaston said that the trade fair is ultimately Artisana Island Crafts and NVC about what happens when creativity finds a market. Foundation will feature materials “For ANP, MSME development is about giving people the opportunity such as abaca, rattan, bamboo, Contemporary Negrense fashion to discover what they can create, what they can become, and where their capiz, ceramics, wild pandan and draws from local heritage and creativity can take them,” Gaston noted. “Over 40 years, we have seen repurposed materials. craftsmanship as part of the 40th small businesses grow into enterprises and local products reach markets For Stephanie and Cristina Negros Trade Fair once thought beyond their reach.” Claparols of Lakat Sustainables, the SM Supermalls president Steven Tan described meeting of established the partnership as a way of connecting names and younger brands is part of the fair’s appeal. Filipino culture with enterprise. “To us, this really feels like a family gathering, and there’s a “Our role is to help open doors. For lot of new brands to discover, especially coming from the new us, the Negros Trade Fair is a wonderful generation. I think that’s the most exciting part of it,” they said. example of how culture and enterprise That generational mix gives the 40th edition its can grow together,” Tan said. particular charm. The trade fair is looking back at four But perhaps the easiest way to decades of Negrense enterprise while making room for the understand the fair’s enduring appeal entrepreneurs, designers, chefs, and makers who will carry is through the stomach. the story forward. At the launch, Negrense culinary ANP vice president Mary Anne Colmenares personalities JJ Yulo, Joel Torre, described it as a meeting of tradition and new ideas. and Chef JP Anglo offered a taste of “Our roots are found in the traditions, skills, and the region. stories handed down to us. Our blooms are the “I’m a proud Negrense. I’m very new ideas, new enterprises, and new generations proud of Negros products,” Torre, emerging from those roots. After 40 years, Negros the actor, restaurateur, and owner of continues to bloom—and its brightest chapters are still JT’s Manukan, said, adding that the ahead,” Colmenares said. connection is personal. BÚTLAK: The 40th NegrosTradeFairruns from Sept. 22 to 27 at the SMX SM Supermalls president Steven Tan (left) and Convention style icon Tessa Prieto celebrate the color, craft, and unmistakable creative spirit of Negros CenterAura.

Denim gets a new attitude in fashion campaign DENIM gets a fresh soundtrack this fall with multinational clothing brand Gap pairs two rising creative talents for its latest campaign. The American fashion brand has launched “Denim on Your Own,” its Fall 2026 campaign starring musician Malcolm Todd and actress Inde Navarrette, bringing music and fashion together in a celebration of GapDenim and individuality. The campaign features Todd’s original reinterpretation of Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own,” created specifically for the campaign. Todd and Navarrette come from different creative worlds but share a confidence that allows them to express themselves in their own distinct ways. The campaign follows the two t a l e n t s through a series of spaces where they showcase their individual rhythm and style, with GapDenim serving as a canvas for their creativity. “Gap has always been at the intersection of music, style, and culture, partnering with artists who bring a unique point of view and inspire people to express themselves,” said Mark Breitbard, president and CEO of Gap brand. “From our heritage of iconic creative collaborations to championing today’s emerging voices, we continue to evolve how we show up in culture, building our own cultural currency through authentic partnerships, original storytelling, and a clear point of view,” he added.

The campaign is directed by Tanu Muiño, with creative direction from Calvin Leung, head of Gap Brand Creative. Fashion and image direction come from Alastair McKimm, with photography by Bjorn Loos. The collaboration continues Gap’s long-running connection with emerging artists and creative voices, while placing personal expression at the heart of its latest denim collection. “For this campaign, we didn’t simply ask Malcolm to cover ‘Dancing On My Own,’ we asked him to reinterpret the song through his own perspective,” said Fabiola Torres, chief marketing officer of Gap brand. GapDenim has been part of the brand’s identity since 1969, with styles that have become staples in wardrobes around the world. In the Philippines, Gap is exclusively distributed by Specialty Lifestyle Concepts, Inc., formerly Casual Clothing Retailers, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc. Gap taps Inde Navarrette (left) and Malcolm Todd for a Fall 2026 campaign that pairs denim with music and self-expression

Inde Navarrette brings a relaxed, individual approach to denim in Gap’s Fall 2026 campaign

Malcolm Todd lends his own sound and style to the brand’s latest denim campaign