Manila Standard - 2026 September 18 - Friday

manilastandard.net

@ManilaStandardPH

@mnlstandardph

@manilastandard

@ManilaStandardYT

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net . For advertisement: email: advertise@manilastandard.net •09173382170 / 85646229

AVOID ACTS AGAINST PALESTINE STATE — DFA

US CONGRESS PASSES ANTI-RUSSIA SANCTIONS

NIÑO MUHLACH’S LICENSE REVOKED FOR TWO YEARS

NEWS / A3

WORLD / A6

SHOWBIZ / C3

Senators to caucus before holding impeach threshold vote By Ram Superable, Charles Dantes and Pot Chavez VOL. XL • NO. 216 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 •

SENATE President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III has confirmed that they are set to hold a caucus to ultimately

Palace backs SC, wants anti-dynasty law enacted But Carpio vows to challenge law if House version prevails

determine the threshold for conviction in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Meanwhile, Malacañang said the Senate impeachment court alone should decide whether to retain the 16vote conviction threshold following Next page

ICC judge advises prosecution to trim down witnesses By Pot Chavez and Gwyneth Nolasco THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has advised the prosecution in the trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged crimes against humanity to consider reducing the number of their witnesses. Next page

By Charles Dantes, Pot Chavez, Joel E. Zurbano and Maricel V. Cruz

M

ALACAÑANG on Thursday backed the Supreme Court’s directive for Congress to enact an anti-political dynasty law, saying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants the measure passed during his administration after the high court ruled that the lawmakers’ 39-year failure to act violated their constitutional duty. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Mr. Marcos considers the measure a priority and wants Congress to expedite its passage, although the legislative timetable remains in lawmakers' hands. “The President agrees with the Supreme Court’s decision that there should be a law concerning political dynasties,” Castro said. In a unanimous decision dated Aug. 26 and announced Sept. 16, the Supreme Court said Congress has a

NUTRITION ASSURED. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. joins a gaggle of school children during his visit to Sta. Barbara Central School sa Pangasinan to ensure the implementation of the DepEd School-Based Feeding Program at Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) at Kalinga Caravan. PCO

Next page

Palace denies gagging demos as PNP on full alert for Sept. 21 By Vince Lopez and Charles Dantes MALACAÑANG on Thursday rejected claims that its call for peaceful protests on Sept. 21 amounts to dictating how demonstrators should conduct their rallies even as the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that police in Metro Manila will be placed on full alert on Sept. 19 to ensure peace and security ahead of rallies scheduled for the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. “The full alert status will start at

AGROUND IN MINDORO. Passenger vessel Roromaster 5 lies abandoned after running aground at around 12:30 am yesterday near Sitio Sigman, Barangay Udalo, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro. The vessel’s 80 passengers, inset, were all safely rescued by the Coast Guard. Abra de Ilog MDRRMO

Marcos orders new guidelines to limit class suspensions By Charles Dantes and Gabriel Oliva MALACAÑANG on Thursday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies to hasten

new guidelines on weather-related class suspensions across the country to avoid disrupting the school calendar, which results in learning loss. Presidential Communications Office

Next page

BI: Sandigan case respondent left PH By Vito Barcelo ONE of the respondents in a plunder case pending before the Sandiganbayan has left the country, the Bureau of Immigration said yesterday.

The bureau said Joselyn Serenio, a personal assistant of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, went abroad prior to the issuance of a hold departure order. Aside from the former Speaker and Next page

midnight on Sept. 19, Saturday, and full deployment will be done by 5 p.m. on Saturday,” PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said during a press briefing held at Camp Crame. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government’s appeal for nonviolent protests is consistent with existing laws and does not prevent anyone from exercising the right to peaceful assembly. “First of all, we are not dictating anything. The commitment to peace is actually enshrined in our laws,” Castro said in a Palace briefing. Next page

Rare purple flower spotted after 130 years in Masungi By Gabriel Oliva RESEARCHERS photographed a rare purple flower at the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, marking what is believed to be the first recorded sighting of the species in more than 130 years after it was thought to have been lost from scientific observation. In a statement, Masungi Georeserve described Exacum loheri, currently blooming along the reserve’s Discovery Trail, as a “previously lost Next page

RARE FLOWER. ‘Exacum loheri’ blooms along the Discovery Trail of the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal. (Masungi Georeserve/Facebook)

A2

NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

8 remain missing in Coron ferry fire—PCG T This follows the discovery that four passengers listed on the ticket manifest did not actually board the ship when it left Manila's Baseco Port. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) safely evacuated some 80

passengers and crew of MV RoRo Master 5 which ran aground 30 meters from the shoreline of Barangay Udalo, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, yesterday morning. According to PCG Spokesperson,

Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, the 779-gross-ton RoRo passenger vessel was traveling from the Port of Batangas to the Port of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro when the incident occurred at 12:45AM. “Our personnel immediately proceeded to the incident site and boarded the vessel to assist the passengers and crew. Four life rafts and a lifeline secured toward the shoreline were used to safely transfer everyone from the grounded vessel,” Commodore Cayabyab said. All passengers were transported to

Palace...

Principally authored by Speaker Faustino Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, House Bill 8389 covers spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity in specified circumstances involving the simultaneous or successive holding of elective office. The House approved the bill on third and final reading on June 3 by a vote of 267-20, with seven abstentions. In an interview with Manila Standard, Carpio said the bill would, in his view, legitimize political dynasties. “I call the Dy-Marcos bill approved by the House a Political Dynasty Legitimization and Entrenchment Law if passed,” Carpio said. He said there were two possible courses of action: challenge the law’s constitutionality before the Supreme Court if it is enacted, or pursue a people’s initiative for what he considers a

genuine anti-political dynasty law. Carpio said political dynasties should be defined and prohibited within the fourth civil degree, involving one national and one local candidate. Castro said Malacañang recognized that Congress was dealing with multiple legislative priorities but maintained that Mr. Marcos’ position on the measure had not changed. “The timeline of Congress is in their hands. What the President simply wants to convey is that he wants it to be passed,” she said. The Supreme Court noted that numerous anti-political dynasty measures had been filed since the ratification of the 1987 Constitution but remained unacted upon. Its ruling has renewed pressure on Congress to enact legislation implementing the constitutional prohibition. Dy: Law a congressional priority The ruling comes as the House has

approved its version of the measure while the Senate has advanced its own. Dy said enacting a reasonable and constitutional anti-political dynasty law is a congressional priority. “One of the priorities of the new Congress is to enact a reasonable and constitutional Anti-Political Dynasty Law as part of its duty to implement the policies and principles enshrined in the Constitution and to advance reforms that expand equal opportunity, strengthen democratic participation, and promote good governance,” Dy said. House Bill 8389, or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, was transmitted to the Senate on June 8 after its approval by the House. Dy said the Supreme Court ruling gives Congress an opportunity to give fuller effect to the constitutional policy, but stressed that the legislation should establish clear and reasonable rules. “This is not simply a matter of im-

posing restrictions on political families,” Dy said. “Its implementation requires a fair, definite, and principled legal framework that promotes equal access to opportunities for public service while preserving the fundamental role of the electorate in choosing its representatives,” he said. “Ultimately, the goal of the law is to ensure that public service remains open to more Filipinos, that the limitations imposed are clear and reasonable, and that the exercise of political power remains grounded in the Constitution, accountability to the nation, and the sovereign will of the people,” Dy added. House ready for bicam talks House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms chairperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the House is ready to enter bicameral talks once the Senate completes its version.

has four experts on the same topic. “It really is important… that we conclude the case as quickly as possible. I think you may want to think long and hard about this,” she added. For their part, ICC trial lawyer Edward Jeremy said the prosecution will look for opportunities to streamline their case. Jeremy said their request for 193 hours was already the “reduced version.” Korner, meanwhile, clarified that the Trial Chamber will not make a decision today. Duterte, who is facing charges over alleged killings during his time as President and Davao City mayor, attended his status conference for the

first time. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Duterte appeared to have accepted the continuation of ICC proceedings on crimes against humanity charges related to his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. “First of all, our fellow Filipinos, we have seen that the condition of former president Duterte is quite good,” Castro said. “We also saw that he seems to have accepted that the proceedings at the ICC will continue,” she added. Duterte, dressed in a black suit and white shirt, attended Wednesday’s third status conference of the ICC

Trial Chamber III. Meanwhile, relatives of the drug war victims expect Duterte to be physically present at every single hearing of the case at the ICC. In an interview with Manila Standard, Common Legal Representative of the Victims (CLRV) lawyer Gilbert Andres described Duterte’s appearance as a “triumph of the process of justice.” “The victims really expect Mr. Duterte to face justice including being physically present in hearings before the ICC. The victims view Mr. Duterte's physical presence, during the September 16 status conference hearing, as the triumph of the process of justice,” he noted.

Senators...

changed... I maintain my innocence.” "This is a difficult moment for me and my family. But I will face the days ahead with dignity, with faith in God, and with confidence in the truth,” Romualdez added. The former Speaker is currently in the infirmary ward of the New Quezon City Jail for medical monitoring. "Those are the recommendations of the PGH doctors... He has to be under medical supervision so an EKG once a week. There is a CPAP machine recommended to him but as of now he has refused, he doesn't want to use it. He needs a hospital bed just in case there is an emergency," Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. PGH medical director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi earlier told the Sandiganbayan that the lawmaker’s medical condition can be managed outside the hospital. But he said the former Speaker needs continued psychiatric treatment for major depressive disorder and anxiety. Based on his medical abstract from Cardinal Santos, Romualdez, who underwent angioplasty in October 2024, is suffering from “hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, unstable angina, coronary artery disease, post percutaneous coronary intervention, cerebrovascular ischemic disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and primary hypothyroidism.”

Palace denies...

The full alert status is the PNP’s highest operational readiness and security deployment level. It suspends all leaves for officers and requires all personnel of the units concerned to be on standby. More than 15k cops on full alert “We will be deploying more than 15,700 personnel, and the instruction is that all security personnel will not be carrying their firearms. Our body-worn cameras will be used for the said security operations,” Co said, adding that he could not specify when the full alert status would be lifted. The PNP is also particularly concerned about the incident that happened last year on the same date, when a small youth group set vehicles on fire and attacked police officers on roads leading to Malacañang Palace. Meanwhile, an investigation later revealed that there had been a plan to attack Malacañang at that time. Co said security would be in place on all roads leading to Malacañang in a bid to foil a similar attempt this year. “We have contingency plans in place. We do not see any specific threats as of now, but we are continuously monitoring the situation. If we receive information, we would verify, validate, and act if need be,” Co said.

By Vince Lopez

HE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday reported that the number of missing passengers from the ill-fated MV June Aster off Coron, Palawan, was reduced to eight.

From A1

mandatory constitutional duty under Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution to enact a law defining and prohibiting political dynasties. The court said Congress’ failure to enact an enabling law for 39 years constituted grave abuse of discretion and directed lawmakers to pass the measure “at the earliest opportunity.” It said the phrase “as may be defined by law” gives Congress the authority to define political dynasties and determine the scope of the prohibition, but does not allow lawmakers to indefinitely defer the required legislation. Carpio vows legal challenge Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said he would seek legal recourse if Congress enacts the House version of the measure.

ICC... From A1

Meanwhile, Malacañang said Duterte appeared to be in “good condition” during his first personal appearance at the ICC status conference. ICC Chamber III Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said the prosecution requested 193 hours to present its case, calling it a "very lengthy period of time." “You may want to think about whether it is possible to reduce the number of witnesses, as I say,” Korner said during the third status conference. Korner noted that the prosecution

BI:... From A1

Serenio, the HDO also covers former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who left the country in September 2025 and is reported to be in Europe, and Samchan Foreign Exchange Corporation Felicito Cristobal Guevarra, who remains in the country. “The BI will continue to strictly enforce the HDO and undertake appropriate immigration measures within its mandate,” the bureau said. The bureau declined to give details of Serenio's travel, citing the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Romualdez, for his part, earlier pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at the Sandiganbayan Third Division. His lawyers said their client also intends to seek bail. While a plunder is non-bailable, provisional liberty can be allowed if the evidence against the accused is not strong. Both the prosecution and defense teams were directed to pre-mark their evidence on Sept. 18, 21, 22, 23, 24. Romualdez said he is prepared to face the charges against him “with confidence in the truth." “I have always said that I will face the charges against me and answer them before the proper court. That has not

Marcos... From A1

Undersecretary Claire Castro said this issue was discussed during the recent 11th Economy and Development Council meeting led by Mr. Marcos. The proposed rules aim to make announcements faster and more localized while avoiding conflicting directives from local governments and the Department of Education (DepEd), based on the color-coded rainfall warning levels. Castro said coordination among national and local authorities is necessary to avoid confusion over who should issue suspension or resumption announcements. She added that the guidelines are being expedited because weather conditions can change quickly, making existing advisories difficult to follow. “The weather has been erratic, es-

pecially these days when the rain is pouring sometimes all of a sudden or not at all,” Castro said. “This (revised policy) needs to be done more quickly because more children and parents are affected when announcements are not made promptly,” she added, noting that the proposed system has yet to be approved and still needs refinement. Castro said the president raised concerns about situations in which classes are suspended because of bad weather, only for conditions to improve, or when classes resume and heavy rain suddenly pours. The DepEd said it has already drafted an executive order that would establish a more responsive framework for class suspensions and resumptions. Under its proposal, decisions may be “automatic, localized or granular,” depending on the nature and extent of the risk.

From A1

She made the statement after Bayan secretary-general Mong Palatino accused Malacañang of having no right to tell the public how to conduct their planned Sept. 21 protests. Castro stressed that protesters are not being prohibited from holding demonstrations but warned that violence, assault, and other unlawful acts are not protected by the right to protest. “Urging them to keep their protest peaceful is not an attempt to dictate to them; in fact, they are not being prohibited from protesting,” she said. Castro challenged protesters to clarify whether their demonstrations would involve violence if they object to the Palace’s call for peaceful rallies. Last year’s Sept. 21 anti-corruption rallies turned violent in Mendiola and Ayala Bridge after masked protesters threw rocks, bottles, and incendiary devices at police and set fire to a container van used as a barricade in an attempt to enter the Palace compound. Authorities later reported that dozens of police officers were injured and more than 200 protesters were arrested in connection with the violence.

Rare... From A1

species” and a rare endemic flower found only in the Philippines. “The finding provided the first photographs of the living plant and the first verified record of the species in more than 130 years,” the statement read. According to Masungi, the plant does not contain chlorophyll, the pigment that gives most plants their green color and helps them produce food through photosynthesis. Instead, it gets its nutrients through its relationship with fungi in the soil, a process known as mycoheterotrophy. The flower was first documented in Rizal in 1895 by Swiss botanist August Loher. It later went unrecorded for years before researchers rediscovered it during a field study in Masungi’s limestone forests. “Today, its small bluish-purple flowers are blooming once again along the trail. A reminder that even within a familiar landscape, there can still be species waiting to be noticed,

the Port of Abra de Ilog, with assistance from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Orange Navigation Inc. The Coron Emergency Operations Center, on the other hand, initially received the information about the four passengers who did not board the ferry. This was later verified by the Coast Guard. "Based on the verification, three of the four individuals said they intended to book tickets from Coron to Manila but mistakenly booked the opposite route, from Manila to Coron," Cay-

abyab said. Moreover, the fourth individual on September 5 already traveled to Coron aboard another passenger vessel prior to the MV June Aster's departure. The PCG previously reported that two other passengers listed on the ticket manifest did not actually board the vessel. According to its latest data, 128 people were aboard the ferry at the time of the fire incident. Eight of them remain missing, while the PCG confirmed that 77 died and 43 survived.

studied, and protected,” Masungi said. Despite being a Philippine endemic, the flower has no local name, as stated by Masungi Georeserve, in a reply to a social media user’s comment asking for its common name. It added that the flower obtained its name from its discoverer and is often referred to by its scientific name. Meanwhile, the georeserve said conservation means ensuring a species formerly lost to science has a place to exist again. Masungi Georeserve is a conservation and geotourism site in Baras, Rizal, known for its limestone karst formations formed mostly during the Paleocene epoch 60 million years ago and surrounding rainforest. Described as the Philippines’ “largest” exposed limestone spine, the reserve is home to more than 400 plant and animal species, including over 70 that are endemic to the country. Endemic species of plants and animals are protected by law under Republic Act 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.

From A1

legal opinions from retired Supreme Court justices that the requirement could change depending on the number of senator-judges qualified to participate. In a related development, retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio said the 16-vote threshold for conviction is not absolute. Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito also revealed that the caucus could happen as early as Monday, where lawmakers may reach a consensus based on the opinions of former Supreme Court justices acting as friends of the court or amici curiae. Impeachment Court spokesperson Reginald Tongol likewise said Impeachment Court presiding judge Francis Escudero retains his right to vote on Senator Erwin Tulfo’s motion alongside the other members of the court, adding that if he votes to reverse his own decision, it indicates that he was convinced by the arguments of the amici curiae. "A judge should not be criticized for changing their decision. It is also stated in our Rules of Court, under Rule 135, Section 5, Letter G, that interlocutory orders, meaning orders that are not yet final, can be amended in order to conform to the law. So that is part of the inherent power of judges or the court to revise, reverse, or reconsider their rulings," Tongol said. The Senator-judges are expected to decide next week through a majority vote of members present whether to approve a motion filed by senator-judge Erwin Tulfo to overturn Escudero’s ruling on the conviction threshold issue. Escudero had earlier ruled that “without a tinge of doubt, 2/3 of the figure or not less than 16 members is unquestionable compliance with the requisite number of votes mentioned in Section 21 of Article 7.” On Thursday, Tongol clarified that the Sep. 23 vote focuses directly on Tulfo’s motion to reverse the standing order previously issued by Escudero. "There are two schools of thought being debated. First, whether they will conduct two votes. The first vote would be on the propriety of questioning the ruling of the presiding officer. Then second, if that first vote to overturn wins, what will be the number needed to convict? Where will that be based, and which senator-judges will be excluded from the 24-member denominator?" he explained. "The other school of thought argues that by conducting all of these proceedings already, it means the impeachment court has already agreed to take on the appeal, and they will simply consider in their vote what denominator number they will use as the basis for the twothirds requirement," Tongol added. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the views presented by the four amici curiae during Wednesday’s proceedings could help the senators decide the constitutional issue, but would not bind the impeachment court.

NEWS

A3

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Vietnamese reminded to certify docs for PH By Katrina Manubay

THE Philippine Embassy in Hanoi on Wednesday reminded Vietnam-

WARM WELCOME. Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto welcomes Japan Senate Vice President Fukuyama Tetsuro during his visit to Manila to advance parliamentary exchanges and reaffirm the Philippines-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

ese nationals that documents intended for use in the Philippines must be apostilled by Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then authenticated by the same embassy or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. In an advisory, the embassy explained that these requirements remain in place pending the entry into force of the 1961 Apostille Convention between the two countries. “Pending the entry into force of the 1961 Apostille Convention between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, all Vietnamese documents intended for use in the Philippines must be apostilled at the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then authenticated at the Embassy of the Philippines in Hanoi or the Consulate General of the Philippines in Ho Chi Minh City,” the advisory read. The embassy also announced that an appropriate advisory would be issued in due course regarding any changes in the authentication and legalization requirements between the two countries. An apostille is used for official documents, such as birth certificates, corporate papers, and court records, intended for use in member countries, requiring only a single apostille stamp from the issuing country. In 2025, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam deposited its instrument of accession to the Convention of Oct. 5, 1961, Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (1961 Apostille Convention). Reports indicate that the convention entered into force for Vietnam on Sept. 11 this year.

DFA: Avoid acts against Palestine state IN BRIEF T By Katrina Manubay

HE Department

(DFA) on Thursday expressed concern over Israel’s progress with the controversial E1 settlement plan and the ongoing increase in settler violence in the occupied West Bank, urging all parties to avoid unilateral actions that could threaten peace in Palestine.

Iloilo launches ‘EDU-GO’ for childhood literacy

THE Iloilo City local government unit (LGU) on Wednesday launched the EDU-GO: Read, Learn, Grow program, an initiative that aims to strengthen early childhood literacy in the city. The launch, held at Iloilo City Hall on Sept. 16, introduced projects focused on expanding reading, comprehension, and learning opportunities for children, youth, and adults in partnership with the West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Education. In a statement, the Iloilo City LGU said the program features seven key components covering early childhood foundations, support for children with special needs, skills development, and numeracy, among others. Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said the initiative highlights the importance of early childhood education through literacy interventions. Gabriel Oliva

PCG monitors Chinese rocket; issues notice THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitored the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket on Thursday, September 17, following projections that portions of the rocket debris could fall within Philippine archipelagic waters off Palawan. According to PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, the rocket was launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan, China, at approximately 8:32 a.m. Three loud explosions were heard and a white smoke trail was observed over Puerto Princesa City and nearby areas at around 8:45 a.m. Cayabyab said Coast Guard units in Palawan remained on standby to respond to reported sightings of possible rocket debris. Based on information from the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), the projected debris area was approximately 25 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa City and 19 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, within Philippine archipelagic waters. Vince Lopez

BOC seizes medical equipment at Cebu port THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized two 40-foot containers carrying 78,720 regulated medical devices worth an estimated P1.041 million at the Port of Cebu. The shipment was declared as “water purifier tube and bag,” but a 100% physical examination found medical devices instead. The seized goods included 24,000 peritoneal dialysis drainage bags, 43,200 sterile disposable intravenous infusion sets, and 11,520 hemodialysis blood tubing sets packed in 1,800 cartons. The BOC said the goods were misdeclared and subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. District Collector Atty. Zsae Carrie C. De Guzman issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention for violations of customs and FDA regulations. De Guzman said the Port of Cebu remains vigilant against misdeclaration and other attempts to circumvent the law. BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno stressed the need to ensure that regulated medical devices are properly declared and compliant with government requirements. The shipment remains under BOC custody pending seizure and forfeiture proceedings. Vito Barcelo

MANILA’S FINEST. Visitors explore the Museum of Manila’s Finest at the Manila Police District headquarters in Ermita, Manila, on Sept. 17, 2026, as a police guide explains historical artifacts and memorabilia highlighting the MPD’s 125-year history. The museum is inaugurated in 2026 to mark the district’s founding anniversary. Norman Cruz

Landbank backs Palace says VP Sara’s camp low-income UP unaware of PBBM admin’s work qualifiers By Charles Dantes

By Gabriel Oliva THE University of the Philippines (UP) on Thursday announced it signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) earlier this week with the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) to provide financial assistance to less fortunate Iskolars ng Bayan through the Lingap Iskolar Program. UP President Angelo Jimenez and Landbank President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette Ortiz formalized the partnership between the two institutions through the MOA signing at the Executive House in UP Diliman on September 14. According to the university, the Lingap Iskolar Program provides financial assistance to incoming students from far-flung communities and low-income households with annual family incomes of P135,000 or less who are not receiving other forms of financial aid. “The assistance includes vouchers for housing, food, communication, educational materials, and transportation, as well as a mentoring program to help scholars adjust to university life,” UP said. In a statement, the university said the assistance was funded through voluntary donations from more than 12,000 employees, providing 10 UP scholars with an annual stipend of P160,000 each. Moreover, the government-owned bank pledged to coordinate with the UP Office of Student Development Services to provide employment and career development opportunities within the bank for UP graduates. To qualify for the scholarship, a student must prepare the required documents, including an application letter stating why they are interested in and worthy of the scholarship, an acceptance letter from the UP Office of Admissions, proof of residence, proof of income, the parents’ income tax return, or a certificate of indigency.

MALACAÑANG on Thursday suggested that Vice President Sara Duterte’s repeated criticism of the Marcos administration may be partly due to her camp’s failure to listen to the Palace’s regular briefings on government programs and accomplishments. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement after lawyer Paolo Panelo Jr., Duterte’s newly appointed spokesperson, said he was not designated to counter Castro and dismissed the need to respond to her every statement. Panelo also said Castro was “difficult to take seriously.” Castro, however, shifted the focus from the personal exchange, saying the Palace’s

briefings provide information not only in response to questions from reporters but also about the administration’s programs, accomplishments, and plans. “Now we have seen an admission that they are not listening to what we are saying, so perhaps this is the reason why the Vice President appears clueless and unaware of what the administration is doing for our countrymen,” Castro said. Castro said the lack of attention to the Palace’s briefings could explain why Duterte and her camp continue to claim that the administration is not doing enough for the public. “They always say nothing is being done, and this apparently is the reason: They have no time to listen, watch, or seriously hear what is being said, especially here in the briefing,” she said.

In a statement, the DFA warned that such actions might violate international law and hinder efforts to establish a future Palestinian state. “We express our deep concern over recent developments in the West Bank. We note with alarm the efforts of the Israeli government to advance the E1 settlement plan, as well as the continued rise of settler violence in the West Bank,” the statement read. “The Philippines views these actions, which may contravene international law, as detrimental to finding a just, lasting, and comprehensive solution to the Middle East conflict,” it added. According to a report by BBC News, the Israeli government is moving ahead with unilateral construction tenders for the controversial E1 Settlement Project in the occupied West Bank. Reports indicate that the plan involves building around 3,000 homes east of occupied East Jerusalem, with companies and bidders encouraged to submit bids by October 19. “We therefore urge all parties to desist from unilateral actions that erode the conditions for peace and undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state,” the statement read. The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the fundamental and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to selfdetermination. In 2025, the DFA expressed the Philippines’ support for the State of Palestine and its willingness to provide technical assistance.

REKINDLING FAMILY TIES.

Kankanaey tribespeople from Central Mountain Province perform a traditional dance in colorful regalia during the ‘Amammung’ Rekindling Family Ties Festival in Bontoc, Mountain Province. Dave Leprozo

NEWS

A4

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

DSWD clears mechanics of extended 4Ps T By Maricel V. Cruz

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday clarified that extension of the maximum seven-year limit in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) only applies to families classified under Level 1 (survival) and Level 2 (subsistence) categories.

FIREMEN’S DRILL. Members of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Central Luzon, led by acting regional director FSSupt. Bernardo Rosete, undergo Operational Readiness Site Inspection and Troop Evaluation exercises in Zambales province.

IN BRIEF OPAPRU releases P257m for Mt. Province infras MPD: Cops deployed to DOLE rally unarmed THE Manila Police District (MPD) has dismissed allegations that its crowd control personnel dispatched to a protest rally in front of the Department of Labor in Intramuros were armed with guns. The allegation was posted on social media by the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan which staged the demonstration on Monday, Sept. 14. In a statement, the MPD asserted that its personnel deployed during the rally strictly adhered to the established protocols. “Responding police personnel were unarmed and carried no firearms during the operations,” the statement read. Pot Chavez

PMA cadets undergo social media training THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has spearheaded a workshopseminar for its military and civilian personnel on responsible use of social media and the evolving information environment, including cognitive warfare and disinformation. The event, dubbed “The Digital Battlespace: AFP Social Media Use and Policy in the Contemporary Information Environment,” was held Sept. 14 as part of the PMA’s command-related training program for 2026. Maj. Prolen Bonacua and Maj. Mark Anthony Cardinoza of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil-Military Operations Command served as guest lecturers. The PMA said modern conflicts increasingly extend into the cognitive domain, where perceptions, behavior and public trust can be influenced even before physical confrontation occurs. Rex Espiritu

Cagayan marks triumph over 50-year insurgency TUGUEGARAO City– Cagayan provincial officials on Wednesday (Sept. 16) unveiled a peace marker at the capitol compound here to permanently enshrine the province’s victory over five decades of communist insurgency. Gov. Edgar Aglipay, in his capacity as concurrent chairman of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, along with the Army’s 5th Infantry Division deputy chief Brig. Gen. Romualdo Raymund Landingin, presided at the event.. In December last year, Cagayan was officially declared Insurgencyfree under the watch of then-governor-now Vice Gov. Manuel Mamba. “This milestone was made possible by the bold decisions and programs initiated by Vice Gov. Mamba. Today, our responsibility is to sustain and further strengthen the peace we have achieved,” Aglipay said. Jessica Bacud

By Dexter See BAUKO, Mountain Province—The provincial government of Mountain Province recently broke ground on the Balicanao–Am-am Road to be funded by a P257-million grant from the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU). OPAPRU chief Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento turned over the P257 million PAMANA check to Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. and Vice Gov. Jose Dominguez during the ground-breaking ceremony held at the Mount Data Hotel grounds.

During the event, Sarmiento also handed over P85 million in PAMANA funds to Bauko Mayor Randolph Awisan. The presentation followed the release of P572 million in PAMANA funds to eight other municipalities during turnover ceremonies in Paracelis on Sept. 10, bringing the total municipal peace and infrastructure allocation to P657 million for multiple infrastructure projects across the province. The activities coincided with the leadup to the 40th commemoration of the Sept. 13, 1986 Mount Data Sipat Peace Accord between the national government and the Cordillera Bodong Administration–Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA).

The P657 million municipal PAMANA fund will bankroll farm-to-market road construction and local access infrastructures consisting of P165 million for Sabangan; P100 million for Besao; P95 million for Paracelis; P85 million for Bauko: P65 million for Tadian;: P60 million for Sagada; P50 million for Bontoc; P30 million for Barlig; and P7 million for Sadanga. Provincial engineer Edward Likigan said the P257 million earmarked for the entire province will fund six projects, including the third phase of the BalicanaoAm-am provincial road in Bauko and the second phase of the Mountain Province Peace and Development Center in Mt. Data, Bauko costing P25 million.

“There will still be measures and mechanisms, like there should be eligible monitored children, and they should comply with the conditionalities under the law,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna said in mixed Filipino and English during a media forum. Under the extension, qualified households under Levels 1 and 2 may continue to receive 4Ps assistance beyond the previous seven-year period, subject to existing program rules and assessment, she said. “Nothing will change in the system. The beneficiaries should still comply with the conditionalities under the law on health, education, and attendance at the Family Development Sessions. The conditionalities that they have to comply with are still the same, and even the eligibility requirements,” Fallarcuna said. Based on the latest Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI) results, a total of 1,381,625 families are qualified for the extension. Of this figure, 1,744 families are Level 1 while 1,379,881 families are Level 2. According to Fallarcuna, the extension is not automatic, meaning beneficiaries will be assessed annually using the enhanced SWDI tool. The DSWD official said 4Ps beneficiaries will be eligible to exit once they reach Level 3 and/or no longer have monitored children in the family.

PH needs stronger infras to withstand disasters—Teodoro By Rex Espiritu THE Philippines needs to strengthen its infrastructure and disaster adaptation systems as it faces increasingly severe and unpredictable disasters, according to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. “We need to invest once again in building our infrastructure, our mechanisms and our adaptation systems in the face of more unpredictable and more violent disasters, with greater effects on people, particularly complex emergencies,” Teodoro said at a press briefing on Wednesday at the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience at the Conrad Manila Hotel in Pasay City. Teodoro cited volcanic degassing combined with the effects of the southwest monsoon, which can trigger lahar, as well as the contrasting occurrence of heavy rains in one part of the country and drought in another. “We have to work faster to put in place systems and infrastructure for our resilience. We should not only have them for productivity and other purposes,” he said. Teodoro also said the Philippines could learn from the best practices of other countries in disaster response and resilience.

COASTAL CLEANUP. Elements of the Philippine Coast Guard in North Central Palawan join volunteers from the local government unit in removing trash and debris that littered along the shorelines of Barangay Barbacan in Roxas town in conjunction with the observance of the 126th year of the Philippine Civil Service and International Coastal Cleanup 2026.

SC ruling clarifies legal issues over AFAB’s regulatory powers By Butch Gunio

BATAAN FREEPORT. The Supreme Court has affirmed the powers of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) to regulate and administer port operations within the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) and its expansion areas pursuant to the amended Republic Act No. 11453. Butch Gunio

THE Supreme Court has affirmed the powers of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) to regulate and administer port operations within the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) and its expansion areas. The ruling was expected to put to rest legal issues over AFAB’s port regulatory authority and confirmed its mandate under Republic Act No. 9728, or the Freeport Area of Bataan Act of 2009, as amended by Republic Act No. 11453. The case was initiated by AFAB in 2021 to clarify the scope of its authority over port facilities and transactions within the Freeport. Following the issuance of a Writ of

Execution on June 8, 2026, AFAB began implementing the ruling and coordinating with enterprises and private port operators on their transition to the agency’s regulatory and economic framework. Under the ruling, port-related transactions within the FAB, including regulatory, administrative and collection requirements, will be coordinated with AFAB. The development comes as port activity in the FAB continues to grow. Data showed 828 vessel calls in 2025, while 588 vessel calls were recorded as of July 2026, already equivalent to 71 percent of last year’s total. Based on the current trend, vessel calls in 2026 are projected to exceed the 2025 total by 21.74 percent.

OPINION

A5

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Who’s afraid of a ballot? FOUR days in September will settle what months of litigation could not. On September 19–20 and again on September 26–27, more than 250,000 member-consumer-owners of the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative Inc. (SOCOTECO II) will vote on the Conditional Joint Venture Agreement between their cooperative and IGNITE Power and Energy Corp., backed by Primelectric Holdings Inc. and MP Holdings Inc. Nobody else decides. Not the courts, not Congress, not the pulpit. That is worth stating plainly, because considerable effort has gone into keeping those four days from happening. The latest attempt ended at Branch 62 of the Regional Trial Court in Polomolok, which lifted the temporary restraining order on the plebiscite and refused to issue a preliminary injunction. Its 12-page resolution treated the claims of a secretive approval as speculation rather than proof, and noted what petitioners were least willing to concede: the agreement must still survive an independent democratic test. Consider what consumers are voting on. Their power distribution system is old. Its losses are high. Modernization has been deferred for years, and every deferment is paid for twice. Now consider who wants the vote stopped. General Santos Rep. Shirlyn BañasNograles, vice president for Mindanao of the Duterte wing of PDP-Laban, leads the opposition with her brother, City Councilor Cesar Bañas Jr. Her House resolution seeks an inquiry in the name of protecting consumers. It identifies no wrongdoing. She was once part of Pacquiao’s People’s Champ Movement; the alliance broke when she ran against his candidate for mayor. Her inquiry now lands on a partnership involving Pacquiao’s holding company. Alongside her stands Notre Dame of Dadiangas University president Bro. Manuel de Leon, who calls his role education rather than opposition, yet welcomed a restraining order whose only practical effect was to deny people a choice. After touring Primelectric’s MORE Power operations in Iloilo, he conceded on radio that the Razon Group and Primelectric hold the capital, technology and operating discipline the cooperative needs, and that

a P10-billion program sits well within their means and moves faster than debt. When the courtroom closed, the campaign found another door. On September 1, Bishop Cerilo Casicas of the Diocese of Marbel, joined by Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, wrote Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla seeking the preventive suspension of the SOCOTECO II board while complaints against its directors and National Electrification Administration officials remain pending. The letter, received September 8, calls the forthcoming plebiscite illegitimate.

—“—

Consider who wants the vote stopped. Note the sequence. A restraining order. Then an injunction. Then a suspension request plus a congressional inquiry as icing on the cake. The venue keeps changing; the objective never does. Lawyers have a term for shopping a losing cause from forum to forum, and it is not advocacy. The bishops wrote on behalf of 300,000 MCOs. That claim drew an immediate answer. Ustadz Haron Macantal of the Socsargen Imam Council, Datulabi Kalursiang of the Ulama Council of Sarangani and Bangsamoro educator Norcisa Mudsol said the Diocese cannot presume to speak for a membership that includes Muslims, Catholics, other denominations, Indigenous Peoples and women, and that consumers should not be assigned a position by their faith. “The voice of the people should benefit all segments of society, not just one religious group,” Kalursiang said. That is where this has landed. A commercial contest over an ailing cooperative is now being argued along religious lines, in a region that has paid dearly for exactly that kind of argument. The remedy is already scheduled. Open the precincts on the 19th, the 20th, 26th and 27th. No bishop, no imam and no congressman needs to speak for 250,000 people who are entirely capable of speaking for themselves. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Two-thirds of what number? THE impeachment court has reached a defining constitutional crossroads. Four retired justices arrived to help guide it. They spoke as amici curiae last September 16. Former Chief Justice and framer of the 1987 Constitution Hilario Davide Jr. sent a written opinion. Retired Chief Justices Artemio Panganiban and Reynato Puno appeared before the Impeachment Court with retired Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna who also helped write the current constitution, The tribunal posed three closely connected legal questions. What does “all Members of the Senate” mean? Does Avelino v. Cuenco actually govern this dispute? May an absent senator-judge still cast a valid vote? The phrase lives in Article XI, Section 3 itself. It sets the crucial twothirds conviction vote. That single fraction can end an official’s tenure. Davide firmly rejected any automatic sixteen-vote reading here. “All Members” should mean only the capable senators. Resignation, death, or removal can shrink the voting pool. Detention, suspension, and absence abroad clearly matter too. Such realities may reshape the working constitutional denominator. He framed the whole trial as a judicial proceeding. The Senate sits there as a genuine impeachment court. He found Avelino persuasive only through

careful analogy. Senator-judges must still weigh every piece of evidence. Panganiban placed truth, fairness, and participation first. Sixteen of twenty-four holds only as pure arithmetic. Real impeachment trials plainly ask for far more. Judges must hear each living witness in person. They must carefully study every witness’s demeanor.

—“—

It would be absurd to continue to use a positivist and formalist approach. Tone and spontaneity often reveal otherwise hidden truth. An absent senator inevitably misses all these signals. That senator then lacks any real factual footing. Fair and truthful judgment becomes impossible from afar. One jarring note in the proceeding was Panganiban’s sexist remarks during the interpellation of Senator Risa Hontiveros. He should apologize for that language and behavior which the Supreme Court has repeatedly censured. Puno turned closely to the constitutional wording itself. The charter deliberately chose the fraction called twothirds. That figure can plainly move

No choice but to build more alliances

T

HERE’S no longer any doubt that the Philippines is entering a more difficult phase in its relationship with China. Hence, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s blunt statement that the country has “no choice” but to expand its defense partnerships deserves serious attention. This isn’t merely a matter of collecting military allies. It is about deterrence, and about ensuring that the Philippines does not face an increasingly powerful China alone. The latest move by the Marcos Jr. administration to forge a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with France is therefore significant. Approved by the Senate committee on foreign relations, the proposed pact would establish the legal framework for Filipino and French defense personnel to operate in each other’s territory. If ratified, it would be the country’s first such agreement with a European country. We must emphasize that France is not an incidental choice. It is both a European and Indo-Pacific power, with territories such as New Caledonia and French Polynesia. It has also consistently supported our position on the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea and the principles of freedom of navigation and international law. The agreement thus carries much

ManilaStandard

ONLINE

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

France is not an incidental choice. China’s recent actions reinforce the urgency. The reported firing of flares twice at an unarmed Philippine Coast Guard aircraft conducting a routine surveillance mission is deeply disturbing. The aircraft was not a warplane. Yet Chinese forces reportedly challenged it by radio and then fired flares in its direction near Subi and Mischief reefs.

Honor Blanco Cabie IN CEBU, geography can still decide how quickly help arrives. A ferry can stop. Bad weather can isolate an island. For communities beyond the urban center, an emergency can become a race against time. That is why Blake Nelson Go’s latest aviation project is worth watching. The Prince Stores vice president for business development and finance is preparing to bring a Leonardo AW119 Koala helicopter to the region to be used for emergency response, medical evacuation, disaster relief and other utility missions. For a former racing champion, there is an obvious irony. Go won a national karting championship in his first year and was later credited with back-to-back Quick8 and Class A drag titles. Now he wants that speed to serve a different purpose. The race is no longer about getting there first. It is about getting there on time.

Go’s connection to Cebu also gives the project a particular context. He grew up around the family’s retail business and later helped expand its presence beyond Mandaue. His work has increasingly involved finding practical ways to serve communities outside the major urban centers.

But the helicopter is a different proposition. A rescue aircraft is not simply something you buy and park in a hangar. It requires trained pilots and crew, appropriate equipment, maintenance,operating procedures and coordination with emergency responders. Go is training with the intention of

flying rescue missions himself. That may ultimately prove more important than the aircraft’s specifications. Cebu’s geography makes the need easy to understand. When conditions are normal, roads and boats connect communities. During a typhoon or major emergency, thoise links can become unreliable or disappear altogether. A helicopter cannot fix that problem altogether. That make’s Go’s [project interesting -- not the price of the machine, nor the glamor attached to aviation, but the possibility of turning a personal passion into a practical public service. People do not always change as dramatically as their biographies suggest. The racer is still there. The aviator is still there. The difference is what he is racing toward. This time the finish line may be someone waiting for help.

with the circumstances. Legally relevant events may change the final count. The required votes may therefore rise or fall. Puno also strongly defended the Senate’s own authority. It alone tries and decides all impeachment cases. The Supreme Court cannot simply displace that power. Azcuna broke very sharply from the other three. “All Members” means the full twenty-four sitting senators. Absence or detention changes absolutely nothing here. Only death, resignation, or removal reduces true membership. So the threshold holds firm at 16 votes. He wanted that number fixed from the start. Certainty, he argued, protects the entire process. A shifting denominator could quietly invite dangerous manipulation. The supermajority shields officials from fleeting passing majorities. Azcuna carefully separated membership from present ability. An absent senator still counts within the total. Questions about actual voting can be handled apart. All four then examined Avelino v. Cuenco closely. That older case con-

cerned a simple Senate quorum. None of them treated it as directly controlling. Quorum and conviction plainly pose different legal problems. Davide read it as a loose guiding analogy. Panganiban accepted it as merely gentle guidance. Puno noted its clear 1935 Constitution origins. Azcuna dismissed its relevance the most forcefully here. He tied it strictly to legislative quorum questions. The third question probed absent senator-judges quite directly. Panganiban said the unheard should simply stay silent. Davide separated true absence from merely light questioning. Puno again demanded informed, honest, careful judgment. Azcuna kept closely to his firm membership rule. Membership itself confers the plain right to vote. Attendance never alters that basic constitutional entitlement. So the whole heated debate circles one phrase. Two-thirds of exactly what number, precisely? The answer will shape every future impeachment. Both readings claim deep fidelity to

the charter. One prizes flexible fairness under hard circumstances. The other favors fixed and predictable certainty. Fewer capable senators could lower the conviction bar. Davide, Panganiban, and Puno accept that real possibility. Azcuna fears it weakens the intended constitutional safeguard. A temporary majority might then remove an official. Personally, I have always taught that two thirds of 24 is 16 and that is the necessary threshold for conviction. However, I did not anticipate the number of senators who would not be participating in the trial. In that context, it would be absurd to continue to use a positivist and formalist approach. At the same time, we do not want an absurd situation where an official elected by the people can be removed by a vote of 12 senators or a lesser number (if the absent senators increase to 6 or more). In any case, this decision is for the Senate to solely make. And I hope they make the right decision for the country. Website: tonylavina.com Facebook/ Instagram: tonylavs

—“—

For a former racing champion, there is an obvious irony.

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser

Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

—“—

When speed finds a better purpose

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

importance beyond military exercises or the temporary presence of foreign troops. It signals that what happens in the West Philippine Sea is not merely a bilateral PhilippineChina dispute. It concerns the wider international order, particularly the principle that maritime rights cannot simply be dictated by the strongest power.

Such incidents may appear small when compared with an armed confrontation, but they are precisely the kind of actions that can gradually normalize a more dangerous status quo. Harassment, intimidation and coercive maneuvers can become routine until the Philippines is effectively pushed out of areas that are legally within our rights to patrol. The reported plan by Beijing to put up a marine observatory at Bajo de Masinloc, or Scarborough Shoal, is another development that our national government cannot afford to ignore. Secretary Teodoro is also right about another matter: the Philippines should not expect China to change its behavior simply because we protest. Beijing has demonstrated a sustained willingness to test Philippine resolve and exploit gaps in our country’s capabilities. That makes his observation that “what we should change is the way we react” particularly important. Building defense partnerships should not mean pursuing confrontation for its own sake. The objective, we wish to point out, must be deterrence. A stronger network of partners can raise the political and strategic cost of aggression while giving the Philippines more viable options in a crisis.

Mario R. Policarpio Jr. Head - Finance

Baldwin R. Felipe

Head - Ad Solutions

Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie

Opinion Editor

Feliciano T. Buscas Jr. Head - IT-MIS

Paula A. Reynoso

Head - Suppplements

Virgilio DC Galvez

Aytch dela Cruz

Online Editor

Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

News Editor

(On leave)

Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

A6

WORLD

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Houthis say Saudi strikes killed one, targeted telcos SANAA – Saudi strikes in Yemen killed one person and targeted three telecommunications towers on Thursday, Houthi media said, in the latest attacks since the Iran-backed group seized control of the entire Red Sea coast. “Saudi enemy warplanes targeted three telecommunications towers” in Taiz province, while one civilian was killed and another injured in strikes on the town of Abs, Almasirah television said. On Wednesday, Riyadh accused the Houthis of launching a “cowardly” attack targeting Islam’s holy city of Mecca, a claim they denied. AFP

Fiji declares national HIV crisis: 1 in 60 adults infected

RACE AGAINST TIME. A helicopter lands on an Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) vessel at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan on September 17, 2026, before resuming the search for victims of the passenger ship Virgo Transport 8 after it sank in the Java Sea. Indonesian rescuers brought ashore on September 15 nearly two dozen survivors from the passenger, their evacuation delayed by bad weather, officials said. AFP

US Congress passes sweeping Russia sanctions bill over war

W

ASHINGTON – US lawmakers approved broad new sanctions on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) designed to squeeze Russia over its war in Ukraine, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump after months of delay. The Republican-led House of Representatives passed the package by 262159, giving a final congressional green light to the most substantial US legislative effort against Moscow since Trump returned to office. Trump has said he will sign the measure, which sailed through the Senate in an 86-11 vote last month. The legislation targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors, President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, as well as Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions. It also gives Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas – including potentially China and India – in

an effort to choke off revenue financing Moscow’s war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the legislation’s passage as “symbolic” and thanked US lawmakers. The bill is “an extremely powerful tool that can stop this terrorist war and bring Russia to the point where it has to make peace,” Zelensky wrote in a statement. “Sanctions must be strong so that all efforts for peace – including our joint diplomatic efforts with the United States, Europe, and our other friends – can succeed,” he added. The bill would also target companies and foreign actors supporting Russia’s military and extend sanc-

tions involving Iran. India said on Thursday it would continue buying oil “through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics.” Moscow is one of New Delhi’s most important strategic partners and military suppliers. Pressure on Putin The legislation’s sweeping tariff powers produced an unusual split among Democrats, who overwhelmingly support Ukraine but have resisted handing Trump greater authority over trade. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called the bill “deeply flawed.” “White House lawyers drafted the current text to maximize President Trump’s authority to impose new import taxes on the American people, and to minimize any obligation to actually impose new sanctions on Russia or its enablers,” he said. Dozens of Democrats nevertheless backed the measure, offsetting opposi-

tion from a handful of Republicans who objected to sanctions on free-market or non-interventionist grounds. Supporters argue that tougher economic pressure is needed, with Russia’s full-scale invasion grinding through its fifth year and no peace settlement in sight. The House vote was celebrated by pro-Ukraine activists, who pointed to continuing Russian attacks, including drone strikes on Wednesday on civilian transport in the south that officials in Kyiv said killed five people. Trump has generally preferred to retain control over sanctions and tariffs rather than have Congress dictate policy, helping delay the measure for more than a year. Its sponsor, Republican senator Lindsey Graham – who died suddenly in July – had pushed the legislation since April 2025. Wednesday’s vote came just before House lawmakers were due to leave Washington to campaign ahead of November’s midterm elections. AFP

SYDNEY – Fiji has declared a national HIV crisis as sexual transmission and illicit drug use help to spread the virus, now infecting an estimated one in 60 adults in the Pacific nation. New HIV diagnoses surged to 2,016 cases in 2025 – 16 times the level recorded in 2019, authorities said, vowing a “whole of government” response. “I am formally declaring a national HIV emergency in Fiji,” Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu told reporters on Wednesday. “This decision recognizes the seriousness of the epidemic and the urgent, coordinated response our country now needs.” An estimated one in 60 adults in Fiji have HIV – up from one in 167 five years earlier, the government said. AFP

Japan’s Takaichi keeps key ministers in Cabinet reshuffle Tokyo – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi retained her key ministers on Thursday in a cabinet reshuffle aimed at solidifying the ruling coalition and advancing a food tax cut despite concerns over how it will be financed. Prime ministers in Japan routinely shuffle their cabinets to refresh the government’s public image and to distribute ministerial posts to loyal supporters and experienced lawmakers from the same party. But Takaichi – who has unusually high approval ratings nearly a year into office – kept core members of her team, according to a cabinet list announced by her righthand man and top government spokesman Minoru Kihara. AFP

Buckingham hits back at claims in new Diana book

Kim’s sister says only ‘idiots’ think Nokor to give up nukes SEOUL – The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Thursday that the country’s nuclear-armed status was “absolute,” calling those hoping for its denuclearization “idiots.” North Korea has legally enshrined its status as a nuclear weapons state, with its leadership declaring the country’s atomic arsenal permanent and irreversible. US President Donald Trump said in August that Pyongyang possesses 57 “very powerful” nuclear weapons, with Seoul putting the figure at between 80 and 120. Seoul said it was paying close attention to Thursday’s remarks because they come as Trump has floated the idea of a new meeting with Kim. “The DPRK’s position as a nuclear weapons state is absolute which cannot reverse with anything,” Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency. Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal “makes a significant contribution to deterring the outrageous acts of international

rogues,” she said. Kim’s statement came during the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, where she said the “familiar silly talk” of efforts to denuclearize the North was expected. “If they believe that it is really possible, they will only hear the word of idiots,” she said. “No matter how rhetorically the hostile forces may deny, the reality in which the nuclear position of the DPRK has been permanently settled physically and legally cannot change even a bit,” she added, using the acronym for North Korea’s full name. An official at South Korea’s Unification Ministry said the statement was noteworthy given its timing. “We are paying close attention to Kim Yo Jong’s statement, as it comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has recently expressed his willingness to pursue dialogue with North Korea,” the official said, according to a transcript obtained by AFP. AFP

IN DIANA’S SHADOW. Britain’s King Charles III attends The King’s Foundation’s Harmony in Food and Farming Summit at Dumfries House near Cumnock, Ayrshire, Scotland on September 16, 2026. AFP

NEW NORMAL. Infographic shows the daily average amount of barrels of crude oil – not coming from Iran, not on an Iranian or sanctioned boat and not exiting via the Iranian route – flowing out of the Strait of Hormuz, per seven-day period, before and after the war broke out in the Middle East. AFP

Australia to cut migration to fix housing crisis – minister SYDNEY – Australia will reduce migration by curbing “visa hopping,” tightening rules on students and working holiday makers as well as cracking down on overstayers, its interior minister said Thursday, as the far-right surges in the polls. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told the National Press Club in Canberra that immigration was “fundamentally a strength” for Australia, but

accepted that housing pressures required changes. He denied his ruling Labor party was tightening visa rules in response to the rise of One Nation, which has become one of the country’s most popular parties this year with pledges to drastically slash migration. Business groups warned such cuts would cause economic damage. “We need immigration to soften

enough that housing has a chance to catch up,” he said, while stressing the housing shortage was not caused by migrants. Net overseas migration – the net gain or loss to the population through movement to and from Australia – reached a peak of 538,000 in 2022 after a surge in arrivals when borders re-opened after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Numbers fell to 292,100 in the year to March, data on Thursday showed. Burke said this was 47 percent below the post-Covid peak – and that policy changes would help to reach a target of 225,000 for next year. Australians want to know the government was “taking control” of migration but also “being decent about it,” he said. Students are the largest group of arrivals, with 753,000 international students in Australia, most from China and India, data shows. AFP

LONDON – Buckingham Palace has hit back at claims by the late Princess Diana’s brother that King Charles III acted insensitively following her death in a car crash almost 30 years ago. The Palace issued an unusually strong statement after Charles Spencer claimed in his new memoir that the then-prince, Diana’s former husband, said “rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough” days after she died in 1997. “While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle,” a palace spokesperson said late Wednesday. “His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and color memory in ways others do not recognize, even many years after such a loss.” “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister” is due to be published next week. In the book, serialized in the Daily Mail, Spencer claims that Charles subjected him to a “stream of anger” after he insisted Diana would not have wanted her sons, princes William and Harry, then aged 15 and 12, to walk in her funeral procession. AFP

A7

SPORTS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

Messi heads Inter Miami to Campeones Cup triumph MIAMI—Lionel Messi headed a goal and provided an assist as Inter Miami won the Campeones Cup on Wednesday, beating Cruz Azul 2-0 in the annual clash between Major League Soccer and Mexican Liga MX champions. It was Inter Miami’s first Campeones Cup triumph and came thanks to the Argentine superstar’s 100th goal for the reigning MLS Cup winners. A late Messi corner was headed home by Casemiro to seal the win. Victory gave 39-year-old Messi his first trophy of the year, two months after the heartbreak of losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain with Argentina. After the game, Casemiro paid tribute to his illustrious teammate Messi. “We have to enjoy this because we don’t know how long we’ll have it,” the former Real Madrid midfielder said. “What he has done and continues to do for football is incredible... he remains the best. He proved it at the World Cup and continues to prove it in MLS.” Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said Messi deserved to win a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or. “When you see him do things like this tonight, when you see him have the World Cup that he’s had... there is no one at 39 that’s doing that, and doing it at that level,” said Beckham. “So he deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it.” Cruz Azul had the game’s first big chance, Jose Paradela’s shot saved at the near post by Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair. Miami’s opener came in the 24th minute. Though the goalscorer was no surprise, it was a rare Messi header that broke the deadlock. AFP

PH defeats Togo, Malawi in World Chess Olympiad

S

AMARKAND, Uzbekistan—The Philippines flexed its muscle early and routed Togo and Malawi with a pair 4-0 wins Wednesday that set in motion their bid for a better finish in the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Michael Concio, Jr., Pau Bersamina, Daniel Quizon and Jem Garcia presided over the carnage of the Togolese in the men’s side while Mhage Sebastian, Ruelle Canino, Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Shania Mae Mendoza were untouchable against the Malawians in another sweep triumph.

Grandmaster Darwin Laylo and Woman GM Janelle Mae Frayna are expected to suit up in the second round as of press time after sitting it out in the opening round, where opponents are usually a little lighter. But it will not be that way in the succeeding rounds as the Filipinos, seeded

57th of 208 nations, clash with the Azeris, the seventh seeds, while the Filipinas, seeded 42nd of 190 countries, face off with the lower-ranked Syrians. The Philippines, which is being sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, finished 59th in the men’s last edition in Budapest, Hungary, two years ago, while the women’s wound up 24th, which was good enough to seal it the Category B gold medal, its first in a long while. There would be added motivation, though, in Samarkand, as National Chess Federation of the Philippines deputy president for Mindanao and

Misamis Occidental governor Henry Oaminal, Sr., who is also delegation head, vowed to reward P1 million if the country finishes in the top 10 or P500,000 for a top 20 finish. Oaminal also promised to give P500,000 for a category team gold, P300,000 for a silver and P200,000 for a bronze and P100,000 for an individual gold medal, P75,000 for a silver and P50,000 for a bronze. Already, he also gave $500 to each member of the team. “It will come from his own pocket,” said NCFP secretary-general and national women’s coach GM Jayson Gonzales.

Xavier legends to grace Mighty Sports inauguration Batangas, Gensan dispute top 4 spot LEGENDS of Xavier School will have a grand reunion when the basketball courts at the Mighty Sports Center in Acrocity are to be inaugurated on Sept. 27 in Guiguinto, Bulacan. Apart from the legendary trio of Chris Tiu, Joseph Yeo and TY Tang, other former stars of the school who are expected to join the event and play in the charity event are current PBA stars Jeron Teng, Tyler Tio, Isaac Go and Ralph Cu. They will play against the Malolos Bulacan Agilas of Mayor Christian Natividad. Proceeds and support from this special event will benefit the Persons with

Disabilities Malolos Foundation and the Xavier School Association Retired Colleagues, Incorporated. The other beneficiaries are the Guiguiteno student-athletes who made a mark in the regional and national levels of competitions. The basketball courts are the latest additions to the facilities of Mighty Sports after the opening of the pickleball and badminton courts. Acrocity is a fully integrated commercial and industrial development of Czark Mak Corporation, chaired by Caesar Wongchuking.

“It’s our own way to give back to the Guiguinto community, and of course, to our beloved school, Xavier,” said Wongchuking. “We are glad that friends and former players of Mighty Sports are going to play and grace the event.” Envisioned as a ‘Live, Work, Play’lifestyle hub, AcroCity is becoming the place to be in Guiguinto, being home to Acro Residences Hotel, restaurants like Cafe de Margaux and Mt. Fuji and event venues (Ang Hardin) and NDW Plaza – named after the Wongchuking family matriarch Nelia D. Wongchuking – and the T12 Polo Land. Chris Tiu, Joseph Yeo and TY Tang

Almost is the operative word A

LMOST anyone would have thought that after being mere spectators of the sport for the last 52 years, one would have taken all the stops necessary to at least prepare a team for the tough competition ahead, or at least a semblance of a team expected to at least make the most of the opportunity to play in the biggest sporting event on the continent this year. The operative word is almost. Because how would you expect a bunch of young ones, assembled almost at the last moment, with no tune-ups, no friendlies, and without all the other preparations, except maybe for the usual hype, drumbeating and prayers, to make good against teams that have been on the go for the last several months or even years?

Someone said the team barely had practice before flying to Japan. Another commented that some of the players met their teammates just days before the tournament. Whether these are true or not, the results showed and can’t be disputed. Talent-wise, the under-22 team that is now competing in the football tournament of the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan is respectable. There are several good players in the team and some more are promising on paper. But paper is worthless when it comes to the actual game; standing on the actual grass pitch feels miles away from the usual fake grass that they usually play on. More importantly, football will always be a team sport. The 5-1 beatdown we suffered against Uzbekistan in the opening fixture in Group C was expected. Really. We don’t have to kid ourselves that we could win against the Uzbeks. They were better prepared, they played as a team and they were simply too good against our lads.

The Philippine Football Federation could have done more. The usual excuse of learning experience doesn’t cut it anymore. It is an insult. Why? For starters, there should have been tons of lessons learned in the more than five decades of absence of the Philippines in Men’s football at the Asian Games. And even if we gained entry just because India backed out, we should have grabbed the opportunity and made the most of it. Instead, we just showed why our absence was justified. The team could only do so much. And we couldn’t ask for more from a 10-man team playing almost the entire second half against an inspired opponent ready to pounce on every opportunity and mistake. And it will not get easy either for the team for the rest of the tournament. The next match is against perennial tormentor Vietnam at 3:30 p.m. today before they conclude their campaign against Kuwait. I won’t defend why it is easy to criticize

Members of the PH chess team competing in the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan are shown here.

Mark Cruz of GenSan

THE Batangas City Tanduay Athletics and the Gensan Warriors dispute a top-four slot in the South division playoffs when they tangle at 7 p.m. on Friday in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Batangas City Coliseum. Batangas City totes an 18-6 slate and Gensan 18-5, but if the Athletics win, they would secure the No. 4 spot by virtue of the win-overthe-other tiebreaker. The Cebu Greats (19-6) would become No. 3 because of their freak 84-83 stunner over the Athletics on April 23, when Batangas’ Rhinwill Yambing was called for a goaltending violation after Cebu’s Paul Desiderio threw a desperation triple from way out to beat the buzzer. A win by Gensan puts the Warriors at No. 3, the Greats at No. 4, and the Athletics at No. 5. GenSan trounced Cebu, 91-80, on May 29. Finishing in the top 4 of the eight qualifiers carries the homecourt advantage in the quarterfinal playoffs. Batangas will lean on Jhan Nermal, Ino Comboy, Ced Ablaza, Jeckster Apinan and Yambing in their bid to regain the crown it won in the 2018 inaugural edition of the country’s biggest regional league.

on my end. I will, however, pray for the team that they will fare better in their remaining games. I will even ask the football gods, not those pretentious ones, to be a little kind and understanding towards our team. It is not their fault. Speaking of why, a good friend recently gave me a list. Offhand, I initially thought it was an attendance list of people working in a company or you guessed it right, a national sporting association. And you probably know which one The Designated Kit Man is talking about, if you have read my column for the past few years. Back to the list, it included more or less 43 names. If a roll call is made, instead of the usual present, there will be several seconds of silence until someone who is still in the organization will answer, either resigned or dismissed. How could you lose that number of people in less than three years? Low salary, perhaps. Toxic environment, plausible. There is a saying that people leave their places of employment not because of the job but because of people they work with. And based on a familiar and not surprising pattern, we expect more people to leave.

Thankfully, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team remains in contention after a tough 1-1 draw against suki Uzbekistan in their opening match. They will go up against China in their next match on September 21. The Filipinas continue to carry the entire federation on their backs as they remain one of the few bright spots of Philippine football right now. Debutant Natalie Collins opened her account with the Filipinas with the equalizer in the closing minutes of the game as the team salvaged a valuable point in Group G. The Filipinas are also favored to beat Hong Kong in their next match before the much-anticipated and crucial clash against China on September 21 at 3 p.m. On a personal note, rest in peace Manong Recah. I hope you and Kuyang Chino are having a blast discussing the Philippines’ campaign in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@ yahoo.com or follow his account at X (formerly Twitter): @erelcabatbat

SPORTS

A8 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

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

Guiao signs extension with Painters By Jeremiah Sevilla

POC president Bambol Tolentino exchanges gifts with the Nagoya City Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa during a welcome ceremony. POC

PH chooses gratitude amid Nagoya housing complaints By Randy M. Caluag

T

EAM Philippines has embraced the hospitality of host city Nagoya, expressing gratitude and encouragement even as accommodation complaints from other delegations mount ahead of the 20th Asian Games. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino led the delegation during its official welcome, exchanging gifts with Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa in a gesture of friendship and mutual respect. “Beyond the sporting arena, it was also a day of camaraderie and respect,” the POC said in a social media post.

Perpetual Help’s JM Tulabut scores inside. Dennis Abrina

Perpetual Help overpowers EAC for 1st win By Dennis Abrina

THE Perpetual Help Altas leaned on a balanced scoring effort to secure their first victory in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament, beating the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 83-72, Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. Five Altas players scored in double figures, combining for 74 points in the victory. Gelo Gelsano led Perpetual with a game-high 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three steals. LA Casinillo added 16 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Mark “MGC” Gojo Cruz contributed 15 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal. JM Tulabut also scored 15 points to go with six rebounds and three assists, while Rey Allen Maglupay chipped in 11 points. The Junior Altas likewise picked up their first win of the season, defeating the EAC Brigadiers, 80-74. Sizco Roquid and captain Louie Rosales led the way with 18 and 16 points, respectively, while Brian Orca Jr. added 10 as the trio combined for 44 points. With the victories, both the Perpetual Altas and Junior Altas improved to 1-1 in their respective NCAA Season 102 campaigns.

“To mark our official welcome, President Bambol participated in a special exchange of gifts with the Mayor of Nagoya, Ichiro Hirosawa, expressing our deep gratitude for the host city’s warm hospitality and solidifying the strong ties between our nations.” Tolentino also attended the flag-rais-

ing ceremony at the main plaza of the Athletes’ Village, where the Philippine flag was hoisted alongside those of the other participating nations. “Our colors are hoisted, and our athletes are ready. Let’s unite and cheer for our heroes!” the POC said. The Philippine delegation offered no complaints about its accommodation, choosing instead to focus on the competition and rally support behind Filipino athletes. Its positive reception came as organizers pledged to address concerns raised by several participants regarding temporary housing facilities. Some South Korean basketball players reportedly complained that

beds inside wooden container-style units were too short for athletes standing more than two meters. Other concerns included water leaks and inadequate facilities. A South Korean team member posted a video showing a leaking pipe and wet flooring inside a room. Occupants of some temporary units were also evacuated after record rainfall caused flooding in Nagoya last week. Unlike previous editions, the AichiNagoya Games do not have a traditional athletes’ village. More than 17,000 athletes and officials are being accommodated in hotels, rental units, temporary cabins and aboard the Costa Serena cruise ship docked in Nagoya.

VETERAN coach Yeng Guiao will remain at the helm of Rain or Shine for two more years after agreeing to a fresh contract extension with the Elasto Painters. Rain or Shine announced the development through its social media pages on Thursday, keeping the fiery tactician under contract through 2030. The 67-year-old Guiao still had two years remaining on his previous deal before signing the extension. Rain or Shine team owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que, team governor Mamerto Mondragon, and other officials of Asian Coatings Inc. graced the contract signing. Guiao, known for his up-tempo and physical brand of basketball, has been closely synonymous with ROS, first coaching the squad from 2011 to 2016 before returning in 2022. He steered the Elasto Painters to PBA titles in the 2012 Governors’ Cup and 2016 Commissioner’s Cup. After a six-year stint with NLEX, Guiao returned to Rain or Shine in September 2022 on a three-year contract. The former Gilas Pilipinas mentor later signed a five-year extension in March 2023 that was set to keep him with the team through 2028. The latest deal now extends his stay until 2030. Guiao has guided the Elasto Painters to playoff appearances since his return, but the team has remained on the hunt for its first championship since 2016.

Yeng Guiao. PBA

DITO takes 5G connectivity further for Filipino gamers DITO Telecommunity has launched the DITO Gaming Modem, a new 5G home connectivity proposition designed specifically for Filipino gamers, as part of the company’s push to build more specialized experiences around how customers use data. Unveiled during DITO’s recent MAXX MODE ON event, DITO Gaming is anchored on the new DITO Gaming Modem, which combines UNLI 5G, WiFi 6, Network Priority and Gaming Turbo in one gamingfocused package. “Different communities have different connectivity needs. With DITO Gaming, we listened to what matters to gamers and built an experience around how they actually play,” said Atty. Adel Tamano, Chief Commercial Officer of DITO Telecommunity. The DITO Gaming Modem comes with Network Priority and Gaming Turbo, two features designed to support a better gaming experience. Gaming Turbo automatically optimizes the

Rupert Zaragosa

design inspired by Team Liquid Philippines, complete with the esports team’s logo. Team Liquid PH is the first team in MPL Philippines history to win three consecutive championships. The DITO Gaming Modem is currently available at a discounted price of P6,990, inclusive of 15 days of UNLI 5G and P250 worth of Steam Wallet credits. Customers can continue with 30 days of UNLI 5G for P1,490, which comes with P50 worth of Steam Wallet credits. “DITO Gaming reflects how we are building around real customer needs— bringing together the right technology and benefits to create more value for how gamers play,” said Miriam Choa, Deputy Chief Revenue Officer of DITO Telecommunity. Atty. Adel Tamano, Chief Commercial Officer of DITO Telecommunity, delivers the opening For DITO, gaming is one of the first remarks at DATA MAXX MODE ON, highlighting DITO Gaming as part of DITO’s push to communities where that strategy is becreate more specialized connectivity experiences designed around the needs of the Filipino gaming community. ing brought to life—combining connectivity, technology, partnerships and gaming benefits in one proposition built modem’s connection for gaming to sponsive gameplay. help deliver smoother and more reThe modem also features a unique around how gamers play.

Can Zaragosa make it three at Marapara? RUPERT Zaragosa returns to Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club on Monday (Sept. 21) with a chance to turn a remarkable run of success into Philippine Golf Tour history. The diminutive but gifted shotmaker goes after a third straight ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic title at what is known as the Marapara layout, where he has developed what is beginning to look like a special romance with one of the Tour’s toughest layouts. Zaragosa first cracked the code of the tight, demanding Marapara course in 2024, charging to the top early and eventually claiming an abbreviated 36-hole victory after bad weather forced the tournament to be reduced by half. He proved that triumph was no one-off a year later. Playing the full 72 holes, Zaragosa again emerged on top, holding off a formidable cast led by Clyde Mondilla, Keanu Jahns and young stalwart Aidric Chan to win by two strokes. Now he returns seeking a third consecutive victory on the same course – a feat that would further cement his remarkable affinity with Marapara and put him in position to become the first player on the Tour to win the same event three straight times at the same venue.

Marapara has become something of a Zaragosa story, with the course seemingly bringing out the best in a player whose strengths – shotmaking, touch around the greens and an ability to plot his way around trouble – fit the demands of the layout. But there is little room for complacency. Zaragosa enters the P2.5-million championship with confidence, yet his results in the first five legs of the season have been uneven as he continues to search for consistency, particularly on more open layouts where length off the tee becomes a bigger factor. He placed eighth at Lakewood, tied for 31st at Caliraya Springs, finished fourth at Pinewoods, tied for sixth at Pradera Verde and slipped to joint 29th at Summit Point last week. Marapara, however, presents an entirely different challenge – and perhaps a setting where Zaragosa feels most at home. The narrow and exacting layout puts a premium on course management, accuracy, the short game and sound decisionmaking rather than sheer power. Zaragosa and the rest of the field will get one final look at the course during Sunday’s traditional pro-am before the rare Monday start.

BUSINESS

B1

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

OFW WELFARE.

Emirates signs a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to explore collaborative initiatives that support the welfare, empowerment and positive representation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. Signing the agreement are (from left) Tatiana Korshunova, Emirates senior regional manager, commercial operations; Orhan Abbas, Emirates senior vice president, commercial operations, Far East; OWWA deputy administrator Ryan Vincent Uy; and OWWADubai welfare officer Martel Dasayon

15,890 Building permits in July 2026

16,079

Building permits in July 2025

9,805 Housing permits in July 2026

Building permits declined 1.2% in July as housing activity eased By Thony Rose Lesaca THE number of constructions approved through building permits in the Philippines fell 1.2 percent to 15,890 in July 2026 from 16,079 a year ago, even as the total climbed 5.1 percent from June. Residential buildings accounted for the largest share of constructions at 9,805, or 61.7 percent of the total, down 6.7 percent from 10,511 a year earlier. Single-type houses made up 8,274 of residential constructions, or 84.4 percent. Non-residential construction ranked second with 3,662 projects, or 23.0 percent of the total, up 7.9 percent from the same month last year. Commercial buildings led this category with 2,431 constructions, or 66.4 percent. Additions, alterations and repairs of existing structures and other constructions made up 3.2 percent, 8.1 percent and 4.0 percent of total constructions respectively. Each category posted annual gains of 15.6 percent, 4.2 percent and 25.9 percent respectively. The total value of constructions reached P47.22 billion in July 2026, down 0.9 percent from P47.66 billion in the same month last year. Residential buildings posted the highest construction value at P20.79 billion, or 44.0 percent of the total, up 2.3 percent from P20.33 billion a year ago. Singletype buildings led residential value at P12.36 billion, or 59.4 percent.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

DOE cancels 2026 coal bidding on legal issues By Alena Mae S. Flores

T

HE Department of Energy has terminated the 2026 Coal Bid Round, including 10 Semirara coal blocks under the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program, after interested bidders raised legal concerns.

The termination follows legal, constitutional and operational objections raised by Semirara Mining and Power Corp. against the government’s proposed Joint Administrative Order No. 202601, which sets a new framework for evaluating and awarding natural resource contracts, including coal. “The concerns raised by stakeholders during the presubmission conferences, developments affecting Semirara

Island—one of the offered areas— including continuing water seepage, and certain legal considerations warrant a reassessment of the evaluation criteria applicable to the award of DP COCs [development and production coal operating contracts] for the offered areas,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said in the advisory. The DOE said canceling the coal bidding gives the agency an opportunity to review and further develop “a

fair, equitable, transparent and comprehensive evaluation framework” for awarding contracts in areas with confirmed or established reserves. It remains unclear whether the DOE will pursue the bidding next year ahead of the expiration of SMPC’s contract with the government. Under the planned bid round, the DOE offered three predetermined areas comprising 18 coal blocks across 3 locations, covering a combined 18,000 hectares. The other predetermined areas include Amulung and Iguig, Cagayan, with 3 coal blocks covering 3,000 hectares, and Benito Soliven, Naguilian and Cauayan, Isabela, with 5 coal blocks covering 5,000 hectares. Coal Operating Contract No. 5, held by SMPC, covers the 10 coal blocks on Semirara Island under a 50year term set to expire in July 2027.

SMC Tollways H1 profit hit P5.14b

B2

Camiguin targets more visitors

B3 PH bank assets up 10.7% in July

B4

ED Council approves changes to North-South Rail, Cebu Airport deals THE Economy and Development (ED) Council, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., approved amendments to the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Operations and Maintenance (O&M) project and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) project during its 11th meeting on Wednesday. The council approved changes to the NSCR project’s parameters, terms and conditions to attract more bidders and encourage competitive proposals for the flagship rail project linking Central Luzon, Metro Manila and Southern Lu-

zon. Partial operations are expected to begin in December 2027. Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary and ED Council vice-chair Arsenio Balisacan said the NSCR represents an investment in opportunity. “Improved mobility will expand access to jobs, markets, education and services across regions, reflecting our commitment to a more productive, resilient and inclusive economy,” Balisacan said. The council also approved an extension of the concession period for MCIA, which will give the concession-

aire a longer investment recovery period. The extension is intended to enable improvements such as the restoration and expansion of domestic and international routes and more seamless airport transfers, while easing pressure to raise passenger service charges. Under the contract variation, the concessionaire will provide nearly P15 billion in capacity augmentation and capital investments. The council also approved changes to the scope, cost and implementation timelines of three development projects. The Technical Education and Skills

Development Authority (TESDA) is implementing the Supporting Innovation in the Philippine Technical and Vocational Education and Training System (SIPTVETS) project. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is implementing the Road Network Development Project in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao (RNDP-CAAM). The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is implementing the Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers (REFUEL) project. Thony Rose Lesaca

SEC urges more firms to list on PH stock market By Jenniffer B. Austria

SAFE WATER. In response to the widespread flooding that prompted the declaration of a state of calamity in Pangasinan, Manila Water non-east zone operating units Calasiao Water and North Luzon Water, in partnership with Manila Water Foundation (MWF), provide safe drinking water to evacuees in the municipalities of Calasiao, Malasiqui and Sta. Barbara.

August transmission rates dropped 13.3% on lower ancillary charges

FEEDING PROGRAM. Chef Antonio Sotto Apolinar Jr. oversees daily meal

preparation at the BLT Central Kitchen in Roxas City, where hundreds of meals are cooked and distributed to communities and partner schools through a centralized school feeding system. Recognizing that hunger is one of the barriers preventing children from learning, the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), in close partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) launched the Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) program in 2007.

NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said Thursday its overall transmission rate declined 13.3 percent or P0.2335 per kilowatthour for the August billing period, on lower ancillary service charges. NGCP head of revenue management Julius Ryan Datingaling said the overall transmission rate fell to P1.5225 per kWh in August from P1.7560 per kWh in July. The August rate comprises transmission wheeling charges of P0.5655 per kWh and ancillary service charges of P0.8061 per kWh. “For the August 2026 billing period, the overall transmission rate dropped by 23 centavos per kilowatt-hour—a

13.3 percent reduction—driven by a decrease in ancillary service rates,” Datingaling said. On a per-grid basis, the effective rate in Luzon rose P0.04 per kWh, or 8.09 percent, due to lower energy consumption during the month. Rates in the Visayas and Mindanao grids fell P0.0302 per kWh and P0.0462 per kWh, respectively, as energy consumption increased in both areas, Datingaling said. For ancillary service rates, Luzon’s rate dropped P0.3377 per kWh, or 30.57 percent, while the Visayas and Mindanao posted increases of P0.0311 per kWh and P0.0597 per kWh, respectively. Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is urging more companies to list on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) to strengthen the capital market and replace firms lost to delistings. SEC chairman Francisco Lim said in a speech at a recent forum that the country needs a stronger pipeline of companies entering the market, as the local bourse continues to have one of the smallest listed-company bases in Southeast Asia. The Philippines has a deep and diverse corporate base, with more than 200,000 microenterprises, 100,000 small corporations, 42,000 mediumsized companies and nearly 8,000 large corporations, Lim said. While most of these firms are not yet ready for listing, Lim said companies grow and their capital needs grow with them. He said the capital market should provide a path for these companies to tap the markets and expand. As of Aug. 31, 2026, the PSE had 279 listed companies, compared with 405 in Vietnam, 604 in Singapore, 867 in Thailand and 962 in Indonesia. This gives the Philippines the secondsmallest listed-company base in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ahead of Cambodia. The Philippines has not recorded a new initial public offering (IPO) in 2026 as of September, Lim said, while other ASEAN markets logged between three and 43 new listings during the same period.

CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK CYAN

BUSINESS

B2 Manila Manila

Standard TODAY TODAY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com

SMC Tollways H1 profit hit P5.14b S By Darwin G. Amojelar

AN Miguel Corp.’s tollways business posted a 4 percent increase in consolidated net income in the first half of 2026, driven by lower operating and financing costs despite weaker traffic on the Skyway system. SMC Tollways Corp. said consolidated net income reached P5.14 billion in the first six months of the year, up from P4.94 billion in the same period last year. Consolidated total revenue remained flat at P11.07 billion, compared with P11.06 billion a year ear-

lier. The company attributed the slight movement to lower traffic volume. SMC Skyway Corp. recorded an average daily traffic of 279,807 vehicles in the first half, down 2 percent from 286,011 a year earlier. Traffic on SMC Skyway Stage 3 Corp., however, rose 1 percent

to 177,547 vehicles per day from 176,534 in 2025. Despite softer traffic on the Skyway, SMC Tollways benefited from an 18 percent reduction in consolidated operating expenses. The drop was primarily driven by lower management fees, as June billings had not yet been recognized and are expected to be recorded in the second half of 2026. Meanwhile, the consolidated cost of services grew 1 percent, mainly due to higher government fees, operation and maintenance expenses, and provisions for infrastructure restoration. The higher government fees resulted from an increase in the govern-

ment’s share of Skyway Stage 3 revenues to 3 percent from 2.5 percent. SMC Skyway holds the concession for the Skyway Project, which includes a 9.02-kilometer elevated road connecting Bicutan to the Makati Central Business District. Its scope also covers the rehabilitation of a 13.43-kilometer section of the South Luzon Expressway from Alabang to Magallanes and the 6.88-kilometer elevated expressway from Bicutan to Alabang, including ramps leading to the SLEX. The SMC Skyway system consists of Skyway Stage 1 and Stage 2 and was further expanded through the Skyway Extension Project.

BUSINESS CONFERENCE. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–National Capital Region (PCCI-NCR) stages the Metro Manila Business Conference (MMBC) 2026 at The Manila Hotel. Joining the opening of the two-day event are (from left) PCCI chairman Raymund Jude Aguilar; Area Vice President for NCR Yolanda Dela Cruz; PCCI co-chairman for international affairs EduardoSumulong; Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno; Women’s Business Council Philippines Inc. president Rosemarie Bosch-Ong; PCCI honorary chair and treasurer and Philexport and ECOP president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr.; Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino; PCCI central regional governor and MMBC 2026 director Arnel Mateo; and PCCI San Juan president Philip Lirag.

Job Description: Description: Job Ableto toanalyze, analyze,speak, speak,read readand andwrite writefluently fluentlyin inboth bothJapanese Japaneseand andEnglish. English. -Able Technicalin inWriting Writingand andlistening listeningskills. skills. -Technical -Manage Japanese Language interpretation and translation skills and expectation. Manage Japanese Language interpretation and translation skills and expectation. Provideaccurate accurateand andfluid fluidinterpretation interpretationbetween betweentwo twoor ormore morelanguages languagesduring duringmeetings, meetings, -Provide conferences, interviews, and other events. conferences, interviews, and other events. Translatewritten writtendocuments, documents,such suchas ascontracts, contracts,reports, reports,and andcorrespondence, correspondence,from fromone onelanguage languageto to -Translate anotherand andmaintaining maintainingthe theoriginal originalmeaning meaningand andtone. tone. another Performanother anotherrelated relatedtask. task. -Perform Qualification (Education, (Education, Experience, Experience, Professional Professional License, License, Skills Skills Certification, Certification, Specialized Specialized Qualification Training): Training): BachelorDegree Degreein inany anyfield fieldis ispreferred. preferred. Bachelor JapaneseNative-level Native-levelfluency fluencyin inat atleast leasttwo twolanguages. languages. Japanese Excellentwritten writtenand andverbal verbalcommunication communicationskills. skills. Excellent Understanding of cultural nuances and differences betweenlanguages. languages. Understanding of cultural nuances and differences between Previousexperience experiencein intranslation translationor orinterpretation interpretationis isbeneficial. beneficial. Previous Applications may may be be sent sent to: to: Applications Name of of Company Company HR: HR: Luz Luz C. C. Bundoc Bundoc Name Email address: address: hr@aaa-ph.com hr@aaa-ph.com Email Company/ Employer Employer Company/ Company Name: Name: Advance Advance Ability Ability Assistance Assistance Company Training Center Center Inc., Inc., Training Complete address: address: :: Unit Unit 215, 215, 22ndnd Flr, Flr, Complete Crosstown Mall, Mall, Brgy. Brgy. Pulong Pulong Sta.Cruz Sta.Cruz City City of of Crosstown Sta.Rosa Laguna Sta.Rosa Laguna Nature of of business: business: Japanese Japanese Language Language Nature Training Center Center Training

Name of of foreign foreign national national intending intending to to apply apply Name for the the position position for Name: Rin Rin Takada Takada Name: Address: Zadia Zadia Tower Tower 11 6th 6th floor floor Unit Unit 99 Address: Greenfield City,United City,United Blvd, Blvd, Don Don Jose, Jose, Santa Santa Greenfield Rosa, Laguna Laguna Rosa, Nationality: Japanese Japanese Nationality: Intended period period of of employment: employment: One One (1) (1) year year Intended

Company hereby hereby declares declares that that the the above-named above-named foreign foreign national national is is able, able, willing, willing, and and qualified qualified to to Company perform the the services services and and job job description description for for this this position. position. The The company company has has the the intention intention to to employ employ perform the said said foreign foreign national national and and apply apply for for an an Alien Alien Employment Employment Permit Permit with with the the Department Department of of Labor Labor the and Employment Employment -- Regional Regional Office Office No. No. IV-A IV-A located located at at 3rd 3rd and and 4th 4th Floor, Floor,Andenson Andenson Bldg. Bldg. II, II, Brgy. Brgy. and Parian, Calamba Calamba City, City, Laguna. Laguna. Parian,

Qualification (Education, (Education, Experience, Experience, Professional Professional License, License, Skills Skills Certification, Certification, Specialized Specialized Qualification Training): Training): -Bachelor Degree in any field is preferred. Bachelor Degree in any field is preferred. JapaneseNative-level Native-levelfluency fluencyin inat atleast leasttwo twolanguages. languages. -Japanese Excellentwritten writtenand andverbal verbalcommunication communicationskills. skills. -Excellent Understandingof ofcultural culturalnuances nuancesand anddifferences differencesbetween betweenlanguages. languages. -Understanding Previousexperience experiencein intranslation translationor orinterpretation interpretationis isbeneficial. beneficial. -Previous Applications may may be be sent sent to: to: Applications Name of of Company Company HR: HR: Luz Luz C. C. Bundoc Bundoc Name Email address: address: hr@aaa-ph.com hr@aaa-ph.com Email Name of of foreign foreign national national intending intending to to apply apply Name for the the position position for

Complete address: address: :: Unit Unit 215, 215, 22ndnd Flr, Flr, Complete Crosstown Mall, Mall, Brgy. Brgy. Pulong Pulong Sta.Cruz Sta.Cruz City City of of Crosstown Sta.Rosa Laguna Laguna Sta.Rosa Nature of of business: business: Japanese Japanese Language Language Nature Training Center Center Training

Name: Ryosuke Ryosuke IIzuka IIzuka Name: Address: Zadia Zadia Tower Tower 22 9th 9th floor floor Unit Unit 25 25 Address: Greenfield City,United City,United Blvd, Blvd, Don Don Jose, Jose, Santa Santa Greenfield Rosa, Laguna Laguna Rosa, Nationality: Japanese Japanese Nationality: Intended period period of of employment: employment: One One (1) (1) year year Intended

Company hereby hereby declares declares that that the the above-named above-named foreign foreign national national is is able, able, willing, willing, and and qualified qualified to to Company perform the the services services and and job job description description for for this this position. position. The The company company has has the the intention intention to to employ employ perform the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment Employment -- National National Capital Capital Region Region located located at at 967 967 Maligaya Maligaya Street, Street, Malate, Malate, Manila. Manila. and

Technical Adviser Adviser for for Language Language and and Cultural Cultural Development Development (1 (1 Vacancy) Vacancy) Technical Job Description: Description: Job ----------

Identify training training curriculum curriculum and and tolls tolls for for tother tother project project component component about about teaching teaching preference preference for for the the whole whole Identify academicterm. term. academic Assist/guide in training design, curriculum and materials development Assist/guide in training design, curriculum and materials development Overseethe thedevelopment developmentof ofdirectories directoriesand andguides guidesrelated relatedto tothe theproject’s project’savailable availablecurricula curricula Oversee Developthe thelanguage languageportion portionof ofthe theJapanese JapaneseStudies StudiesProgram, Program,and andother otherrelated relateddocs docs Develop Providingguidance guidanceto tothe thestudents/trainees students/traineesregarding regardinginternship, internship,training trainingabroad abroadand andother otherextracurricular extracurricularactivities activities Providing Promotingthe theJapanese Japaneseprogram programwith withthe thedirector directorof ofJapanese JapaneseProgram Programvia viasocial socialmedia media&&others others Promoting Participatein inthe thepreparation preparationof oftraining trainingcomponent componentof ofthe theAnnual AnnualWork WorkPlan, Plan,includes includesthe theprogress progressreport report Participate Performanother anotherrelated relatedtask. task. Perform

Qualification (Education, (Education, Experience, Experience, Professional Professional License, License, Skills Skills Certification, Certification, Specialized Specialized Qualification Training): Training): ------

Top-notchin intechnical technicaladviser adviserand andexcellent excellentin increating creatingJapanese Japanesetextbook, textbook,with withsuperior superiorleadership leadershipand andqualities. qualities. Top-notch Mustbe bepro-active pro-activein inre-solving re-solvingand andanalyzing analyzingthe theconcern concernfor forboth bothteacher teacherand andtrainees. trainees. Must Languageexpertise expertisein inboth bothJapanese Japaneseand andEnglish Englishand andfacilitate facilitatethe thecommunication communicationbetween betweendifferent differentgroup group Language Ableto towork workas aspart partof ofthe theteam teamto toensure ensurethe theprogram programfloor floorisisaapositive positiveand andprofessional professionalenvironment environment Able Mustbe bein inBachelor’s Bachelor’sDegree Degree Must Applications may may be be sent sent to: to: Applications Name of of Company Company HR: HR: Luz Luz C. C. Bundoc Bundoc Name Email address: address: hr@aaa-ph.com hr@aaa-ph.com Email Company/ Employer Employer Company/

Company Name: Name: Advance Advance Ability Ability Assistance Assistance Training Training Company Center Inc., Inc., Center Complete address: address: :: Unit Unit 215, 215, 22ndnd Flr, Flr, Crosstown Crosstown Mall, Mall, Complete Brgy. Pulong Pulong Sta.Cruz Sta.Cruz City City of of Sta.Rosa Sta.Rosa Laguna Laguna Brgy. Natureof of business: business: Japanese Japanese Language Language Training Training Nature Center Center

Position title: title: Senior Senior Contract Contract Manager Manager Position Vacancy (1) (1) Vacancy Job Description: Responsible for the the strategic strategic administration administration of of prime prime contracts, contracts, variations, variations, and and claims claims to to protect protect Job Description: Responsible for project profitability profitability and and minimize minimize financial financial risk. risk. Proactively Proactively mitigates mitigates commercial commercial disputes disputes and and coordinates coordinates major major project subcontracts to maintain back-to-back risk alignment across the entire project lifecycle. subcontracts to maintain back-to-back risk alignment across the entire project lifecycle. Qualifications: Qualifications: Bachelor degree degree in in quantity quantity surveying, surveying, law, law, engineering, engineering, construction construction management, management, transportation transportation or or aa related related ●● Bachelor field. field. ● 5-7 years of experience in commercial or contract management, railway operations, construction, training ● 5-7 years of experience in commercial or contract management, railway operations, construction, training development, or or aa related related role. role. development, Expert knowledge knowledge of of project project coordination, coordination, documentation, documentation, compliance compliance procedures, procedures, negotiation negotiation skills, skills, and and aa ●● Expert interfaces. strategic understanding understanding of of railway railway engineering engineering interfaces. strategic may be be sent sent to: to: Application may Application Email address: address: colasrail.philippines@colasrail.com colasrail.philippines@colasrail.com Email Company/ Employer Employer Company/

Name of of Foreign Foreign National National Intending Intending to to Apply Apply for for the the Position Position Name

Company Name: Name: Colas Colas Rail Rail Company Philippines, Inc. Inc. Philippines, Complete Address:Level Address:Level 66 Ayala Ayala Complete Triangle Gardens Gardens Tower Tower 2, 2, Paseo Paseo De De Triangle Roxas cor. cor. Makati Makati Avenue Avenue Bel-Air Bel-Air 1209 1209 Roxas City of Makati NCR, Fourth District City of Makati NCR, Fourth District Philippines Philippines Nature of of Business: Business: Construction Construction of of Nature roads, highways, highways, bridges bridges and and railways. railways. roads,

Name: Noha Noha Ahmed Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed Ahmed Salem Salem Name: Address: Quezon Quezon City City Address: Nationality: Egyptian Egyptian Nationality: Intended Period Period of of Employment: Employment: Three Three (3) (3) years years Intended

COLAS RAIL RAIL PHILIPPINES, PHILIPPINES, INC. INC. hereby hereby declares declares that that the the above-named above-named foreign foreign national national isis able, able, willing willing and and qualified qualified COLAS to perform perform the the services services and and job job description description for for this this position. position. The The company company has has the the intention intention to to employ employ the the said said foreign foreign to national and and apply apply for for an an Alien Alien Employment Employment Permit Permit with with the the Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment –– Department Department of of national Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002

Any Filipino Filipino jobseeker jobseeker who who isis competent, competent, able able and and willing willing to to perform perform the the services services for for which which the the foreign foreign national national isis Any intended to to be be hired hired for, for, may may file file an an objection objection at at Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment –– Department Department of of Labor Labor and and intended Employment (DOLE) (DOLE) Building, Building, Muralla Muralla Wing Wing cor. cor. General General Luna Luna St., St., Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila, Manila, 1002 1002 after after this this publication. publication. Employment Please inform inform the the Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment –– NCR, NCR, ifif you you have have any any information information on on criminal criminal offenses offenses Please committed by by the the foreign foreign national. national. committed

POSITION: ASSISTANT ASSISTANT PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER MANAGER POSITION:

Job Description: Description: Job Ableto toanalyze, analyze,speak, speak,read readand andwrite writefluently fluentlyin inboth bothJapanese Japaneseand andEnglish. English. -Able Technicalin inWriting Writingand andlistening listeningskills. skills. -Technical -Manage Japanese Language interpretation and translation skills and expectation. Manage Japanese Language interpretation and translation skills and expectation. Provideaccurate accurateand andfluid fluidinterpretation interpretationbetween betweentwo twoor ormore morelanguages languagesduring duringmeetings, meetings, -Provide conferences,interviews, interviews,and andother otherevents. events. conferences, Translatewritten writtendocuments, documents,such suchas ascontracts, contracts,reports, reports,and andcorrespondence, correspondence,from fromone onelanguage languageto to -Translate anotherand andmaintaining maintainingthe theoriginal originalmeaning meaningand andtone. tone. another -Perform another related task. Perform another related task.

Company Name: Name: Advance Advance Ability Ability Assistance Assistance Company Training Center Center Inc., Inc., Training

PHILIPPINE shares rose Thursday as investors went bargain hunting following the previous day’s decline, with the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index gaining 41.70 points, or 0.70 percent, to close at 5,958.64. The peso also held steady against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, closing at 62.73 compared to 62.739 on Wednesday. The broader all shares index also advanced, rising 17.85 points, or 0.54 percent, to 3,318.11. “The local index closed higher as bargain hunting prevailed following the steep sell-down in the previous session,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp. “Investors took advantage of lower valuations after the recent decline,” he added. Sentiment, however, remained weak amid ongoing market uncertainties and anticipation of an off-cycle rate hike by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas following a rate hike by the Federal Reserve. Jonathan Ravelas, a veteran stockbroker, said he would not be surprised if the BSP implemented an off-cycle rate hike of 25 to 50 basis points, which could come as early as this week. Most sectoral indexes gained, led by holding firms, which rose 1.45 percent. Services climbed 1.18 percent, industrials increased 0.94 percent, mining and oil gained 0.88 percent, and financials rose 0.82 percent. Property was the sole decliner, slipping 0.25 percent.

CareerOpportunity Opportunity in inINATEC INATECCORPORATION CORPORATION Career

Document Interpreter/Translator Interpreter/Translator Document (1 Vacancy) Vacancy) (1

Company/ Employer Employer Company/

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Career Opportunities Opportunities in in COLAS COLAS RAIL RAIL PHILIPPINES, PHILIPPINES, INC. INC. Career

Document Interpreter/Translator Interpreter/Translator (1 (1 Vacancy) Vacancy) Document

------

PSEi rebounds 0.70% to 5,958 on bargain-hunting

Name of of foreign foreign national national intending intending to to Name apply for for the the position position apply Name: Gen Gen Hiroyuki Hiroyuki Name: Address: Zadia Zadia Tower Tower 22 12th 12th floor floor Unit Unit 21 21 Address: Greenfield City,United City,United Blvd, Blvd, Don Don Jose, Jose, Santa Santa Greenfield Rosa, Laguna Laguna Rosa, Nationality: Japanese Japanese Nationality:

Intended period period of of employment: employment: One One (1) (1) year year Intended Company hereby hereby declares declares that that the the above-named above-named foreign foreign national national is is able, able, willing, willing, and and qualified qualified to to Company perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said said foreign foreign national national and and apply apply for for an an Alien Alien Employment Employment Permit Permit with with the the Department Department of of Labor Labor and and the Employment -- National National Capital Capital Region Region located located at at 967 967 Maligaya Maligaya Street, Street, Malate, Malate, Manila. Manila. Employment

(1 VACANCY) VACANCY) (1

Job Description: Description: Job      

Overseeing production productionprocesses processes Overseeing Supervisingthe thework workof of all allproduction productionsections. sections. Supervising Manage and evaluate machine resourcesto to ensure ensureproductivity productivityand and minimize minimize downtime downtime Manage and evaluate machine resources Organizing the the repair repair and and routine routinemaintenance maintenanceof of production production equipment. equipment. Organizing Strive to reduce expenses and increase productivity across all sections. Strive to reduce expenses and increase productivity across all sections. Establish workflow workflowpolices policesthat that enhance enhancespeed speedand and efficiency efficiencywithout without comprising comprisingproduct product safety safetyor orintegrity. integrity. Establish

Qualification:  Qualification:

----

Able to tospeak, speak, read readand andwrite write Japanese JapaneseLanguage. Language. Able With good goodEnglish EnglishLanguage. Language. With Strong analytical skills and Problem-solving. Strong analytical skills and Problem-solving. Applicationmay may be besent sentto: to: Application MyrnaCastillo Castillo Myrna hr@inat ec.com.ph hr@inat ec.com.ph

COMPANY/ EMPLOYER EMPLOYER COMPANY/ Company Name: Name: INATEC INATEC CORPORATION CORPORATION Company CompleteAddress: Address: Unit Unit 22Block Block22Lot Lot11 Light LightIndustry Industry Complete andScience SciencePark ParkIII IIISto. Sto.Tomas Tomas Batangas Batangas and Natureof of business: business:Manufacturing Manufacturing Nature

NAME OF OF FOREIGN FOREIGN NATIONAL NATIONAL INTENDING INTENDING TO TO NAME APPLY FOR FOR THE THE POSITION POSITION APPLY Name: KEISHI KEISHIMOCHIZUKI MOCHIZUKI Name: Address: Sto.Tomas, Sto.Tomas, Batangas Batangas Address: Nationality: Japanese Japanese Nationality: Intendedperiod periodof of employment: employment: One One (1) (1)Year Year Intended

INATECCORPORATION CORPORATION hereby hereby declares declaresthat thatthe theabove-named above-named foreign foreignnational national isis able, able,willing willingand andqualified qualifiedto to INATEC perform the the service service and andjob jobdescription descriptionfor forthis this position. position. The Thecompany companyhas has the the intention intentionto toemploy employ the thesaid saidforeign foreign perform national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region located locatedat atDOLE DOLEBuilding, Building,Muralla MurallaWing Wingcor. cor.General GeneralLuna LunaSt., St.,Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila Manila1002. 1002. Region Any Filipino Filipino jobseeker jobseeker who who isiscompetent, competent, able ableand andwilling willingto toperform performthe theservices services for forwhich whichthe theforeign foreignnational national Any intended to to be behired hired for, for,may mayfile file an anobjection objectionat atDOLE-NCR DOLE-NCR located located at atDOLE DOLE Building, Building, Muralla Muralla Wing Wingcor. cor.General General Luna Luna isis intended St., Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila Manila1002 1002 within within30 30 days daysafter afterthis thispublication. publication. St., Please inform informDOLE-NCR DOLE-NCR ifif you youhave have any any information informationon oncriminal criminaloffenses offenses committed committedby by the theforeign foreignnational. national. Please

CareerOpportunity Opportunity in inINATEC INATEC CORPORATIONs CORPORATIONs Career

Career Opportunities Opportunities inin COLAS COLAS RAIL RAIL PHILIPPINES, PHILIPPINES, INC. INC. Career

POSITION: ASSISTANT ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION MANAGER MANAGER POSITION: (1 VACANCY) VACANCY) (1 Job Description: Description: Job



   

  

Participates in in formulating formulatingand and administering administeringcompany company policies, policies, directing directing and and coordinating coordinating all all divisional divisional Participates department activities activitiesto to develop develop and and implement implement long-range long-range goals goalsand and objectives objectivesto to meet meet business business and and department profitabilitygrowth growthobjectives. objectives. profitability

Reviewsanalysis analysisof of activities, activities, costs, costs, operations operations and and forecast forecast data data to to determine determine department departmentor or division division progress progress Reviews toward stated stated goals goals and andobjectives. objectives. toward Conferswith withthe the chief chief administrative administrative officer officerand and other otheradministrative administrative personnel personnel to to review review achievements achievements and and Confers discuss required required changes changes in ingoals goalsor orobjectives objectives resulting resulting from from current current status status and andconditions. conditions. discuss

Develops, reviews, reviews, updates updatesand and implements implements business businessstrategic strategic planning, planning, including including sales, sales, financial financialperformance performance Develops, and new new product product development. development. and

Overseesmanufacturing manufacturing and and materials materials departments departmentsto to review review production production and andoperating operatingreports reports and and resolve resolve Oversees operational,manufacturing manufacturingand and facility facility problems problemsto to ensure ensure minimum minimum costs costsand and prevent preventoperational operational delays delays and and operational, to meet meet future future growth. growth. to

Qualification: Qualification:

Able to to speak, speak, read readand and write write Japanese JapaneseLanguage. Language. Able With good good English EnglishLanguage. Language. With Strong analytical skills and Problem-solving. Strong analytical skills and Problem-solving.

COMPANY/ EMPLOYER EMPLOYER COMPANY/

Application may may be be sent sentto: to: Application Myrna Castillo Castillo Myrna hr@inatec.com.ph hr@inatec.com.ph

Company Name: Name: INATEC INATEC CORPORATION CORPORATION Company CompleteAddress: Address: Unit Unit 22Block Block22 Lot Lot11 Light LightIndustry Industry Complete and Science SciencePark ParkIII III Sto. Sto.Tomas Tomas Batangas Batangas and Nature of of business: business: Manufacturing Manufacturing Nature

NAME OF OF FOREIGN FOREIGN NATIONAL NATIONAL INTENDING INTENDING TO TO NAME APPLY FOR FOR THE THE POSITION POSITION APPLY Name: TAKAKI TAKAKI YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO Name: Address: Sto.Tomas, Sto.Tomas, Batangas Batangas Address: Nationality: Japanese Japanese Nationality: Intended period period of of employment: employment: One One (1) (1)Year Year Intended

INATECCORPORATION CORPORATION hereby hereby declares declaresthat thatthe theabove-named above-named foreign foreign national national isis able, able,willing willing and and qualified qualified to to INATEC perform the the service service and and job job description descriptionfor forthis this position. position. The Thecompany companyhas has the the intention intentionto to employ employ the thesaid said foreign foreign perform national and and apply applyfor foran an Alien Alien Employment EmploymentPermit Permitwith with the the Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment-National Employment-National Capital Capital national Region (DOLE-NCR) (DOLE-NCR) located located at at DOLE DOLEBuilding, Building, Muralla Murallawing wing cor. cor. General General Luna Luna St., St.,Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila Manila1002. 1002. Region Any Filipino Filipino jobseeker jobseeker who who isiscompetent, competent, able ableand and willing willing to to perform performthe theservices services for forwhich which the theforeign foreign national national Any intended to to be behired hired for, for,may mayfile file an anobjection objection at atDOLE-NCR DOLE-NCR located located at at DOLE DOLE Building, Building, Muralla Muralla wing wingcor. cor. General General Luna Luna isis intended St., Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila Manila1002 1002 within within 30 30 days daysafter afterthis thispublication. publication. St., Please inform informDOLE-NCR DOLE-NCR ifif you you have have any any information informationon on criminal criminaloffenses offenses committed committed by by the theforeign foreign national. national. Please

Position title: title: Testing Testing and and Commissioning Commissioning (T&C) (T&C) Manager Manager Position Vacancy (1) (1) Vacancy Job Description: Responsible for the comprehensive end-to-end verification, verification, integration, integration, and and safety safety certification certification ofof complex complex railway railway Job Description: Responsible for the comprehensive end-to-end systems—including track, track, power, power, and and signaling—to signaling—to ensure ensure smooth smooth transition transitionfrom fromconstruction construction toto live live operational operational handover. handover. systems—including Qualifications: Qualifications: Bachelordegree degree inin engineering, engineering,construction construction management, management,transportation transportation oror aarelated related field. field. ●● Bachelor 3–5 years yearsofof experience experience inin railway railway operations, operations, construction, construction,training trainingdevelopment, development,ororaa related related role. role. ●● 3–5 Strongknowledge knowledge ofofproject project coordination, coordination,documentation, documentation, and and compliance compliance procedures procedures ●● Strong Application may may be besent sentto: to: Application Email address: address: colasrail.philippines@colasrail.com colasrail.philippines@colasrail.com Email Company/ Employer Employer Company/

Name of of Foreign Foreign National National Intending Intending to toApply Apply for for the the Position Position Name

Company Name: Name: Colas Colas Rail Rail Company Philippines,Inc. Inc. Philippines, CompleteAddress:Level Address:Level 66 Ayala Ayala Complete Triangle Gardens GardensTower Tower 2,2,Paseo Paseo De De Triangle Roxas cor. cor. Makati Makati Avenue Avenue Bel-Air Bel-Air 1209 1209 Roxas City ofof Makati Makati NCR, NCR, Fourth FourthDistrict District City Philippines Philippines Nature of of Business: Business: Construction Construction ofof Nature roads, highways, highways, bridges bridgesand and railways. railways. roads,

Name: Haroon Haroon Rasheed Rasheed Sirajudeen Sirajudeen Name: Address:Quezon Quezon City City Address: Nationality: Indian Indian Nationality: Intended Period Period of of Employment: Employment: Three Three (3) (3) years years Intended

COLAS RAIL RAIL PHILIPPINES, PHILIPPINES, INC. INC. hereby hereby declares declares that that the the above-named above-named foreign foreignnational national isisable, able, willing willing and and qualified qualified totoperform performthe the COLAS services and and job job description description for forthis this position. position. The The company companyhas hasthe the intention intentiontoto employ employthe the said saidforeign foreign national national and andapply applyfor for an anAlien Alien services Employment Permit Permit with with the the Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment –– Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment (DOLE) (DOLE) Building, Building, Employment Muralla Wing Wing cor. cor. General General Luna Luna St., St., Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila, Manila, 1002 1002 Muralla

Any Filipino Filipino jobseeker jobseeker who who isis competent, competent, able ableand and willing willing toto perform performthe the services services for forwhich which the the foreign foreignnational national isisintended intended toto be be hired hired Any for, may may file file an an objection objection atat Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment –– Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment (DOLE) (DOLE) Building, Building, for, Muralla Wing Wing cor. cor. General General Luna Luna St., St., Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila, Manila, 1002 1002 after after this this publication. publication. Please Please inform inform the the Department Department ofof Labor Labor and and Muralla Employment–– NCR, NCR, ifif you you have have any anyinformation information on on criminal criminal offenses offenses committed committedby by the the foreign foreignnational. national. Employment

CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK CYAN

CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK CYAN

BUSINESS

B3

Manila Manila

Standard Standard

TODAY TODAY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com

SUBWAY INSPECTION.

DA inaugurates P74-m modern rice processing center in Cabanatuan

Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez, left, and Senate Finance Committee chair Sen. JV Ejercito inspect big-ticket railway projects, including the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway, on Sept. 17, 2026. The inspection came a day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. broke ground for the subway’s NAIA Station and ordered the Department of Transportation to accelerate construction across major rail networks.

THE Department of Agriculture on Thursday inaugurated a P74.4 million rice processing facility in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, giving 4,060 farmers access to modern drying and milling equipment to cut postharvest losses and raise farm incomes. The Rice Processing System III, funded under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program, will serve farmers cultivating about 8,976 hectares of rice land in the city. The Cabanatuan City government received the facility through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Devel-

Camiguin targets 824,000 tourists annually by 2028 By Othel V. Campos

M

AHINOG, Camiguin — Camiguin is preparing for a sharp increase in tourist arrivals, with the provincial government projecting more than 824,000 visitors annually by 2028 as it works to expand the economic value of tourism while protecting the island’s natural and cultural assets. Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo said the province recorded 397,818 visitors in 2025,

up 23.32 percent from 288,558 in 2024. Last year’s total included 376,322 domestic tourists and 21,496 foreign visitors. The province is targeting a foreign visitor share of 15 percent by 2028, up from about 6 percent currently. “These figures show opportunity. The projected growth raises the need to prepare transport, water supply, accommodation, public services and tourism sites for the additional demand,” Romualdo said during the Camiguin Roundtable Discussion on Sustainable Island Destination Governance 2026 on Thursday. Domestic travelers remain Camiguin’s primary market, with nearly 270,000 Filipino arrivals recorded in 2024. Spain, the United States, France and Germany were also identified as key source markets in 2024. The province has 170 tourism establishments with 1,312 rooms, including 127 Department of Tourism-accredited accom-

modation establishments with 581 DOT quality-assured rooms. Romualdo said the province wants visitors to stay longer, explore more destinations and spend more within the local economy. He added that expanding the tourism industry should also create opportunities for farmers, fishers, artisans, guides, transport operators and other local suppliers. “This means shifting the focus from visitor volume alone toward the value tourism creates and how widely its benefits are distributed across communities,” Romualdo said. Under the Camiguin Tourism Action Plan 2025-2028, the province is focusing on five areas: sustainability and resilience; infrastructure and accessibility; smart tourism and digitalization; governance, community and culture; and marketing, events and economic growth.

ÊÊ

ÊÊ ÊÊ

By Alena Mae S. Flores GRID operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines expects to complete six transmission line projects costing about P23.5 billion during the remaining months of the year. Four of the six projects scheduled for completion in 2026 are in the Visayas and Mindanao: the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay transmission line project (P7.418 billion), the Panay-Guimaras 138-kilovolt interconnection project (P3.552 billion), the Mindanao substation expansion 4 project (P3.656 billion), and the Nasipit substation bus-in project (P872.5 million). The remaining projects are the Tuguegarao-Lal-lo 230-kilovolt transmission project and the North Luzon substation upgrading project, costing P3.525 billion and P4.515 billion, respectively. The projects are designed to

support load growth, improve system reliability and power quality, and enable the entry of new renewable and nonrenewable generating plants. “The transmission system is only able to deliver power that exists and has been generated. If there is no power to deliver, no matter how expansive or reliable the system is, it would still have problems,” NGCP spokesperson Cynthia PerezAlabanza said. She stressed that NGCP continues to invest in expanding the country’s transmission capacity. “Every year, there are new projects that we begin, there are those in the pre-construction stage, and those under construction,” Perez-Alabanza said. “And then, when we move from pre-construction to construction, another will move into pre-construction as we complete and further develop the grid.”

Manila to host 9th ASEAN biz forum ABOUT 300 government officials, business leaders and development partners from across Southeast Asia will gather in Manila on Sept. 22 to explore ways to integrate small producers, low-income workers and local enterprises into regional supply chains. The 9th ASEAN Inclusive Business Forum at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Hall in Pasay City will focus on strengthening inclusive business models that connect underserved groups to formal markets and expand their participation in regional trade. The Philippines, through the Department of Trade and Industry, is hosting the forum with the ASEAN Secretariat, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the ASEAN Foundation. Themed “Building Capacities for Inclusive Business: Advancing the ASEAN Framework for Talent and Institutional Development,” the forum will help governments, enterprises and business support organizations develop and scale inclusive business models. Discussions will assess 10 years of regional progress, explore social public procurement as a way to expand market access, strengthen cross-border business networks and review the draft Regional Roadmap for Inclusive Business Capacity Building and Talent Development. The forum will also launch the OECD publication “From Margins to Markets: Powering ASEAN’s Economy Through Inclusive Business,” which examines the economic and supply-chain impact of inclusive enterprises across Southeast Asia. The ASEAN Inclusive Business Awards will recognize business models from each member state that integrate low-income workers, smallholder farmers, and micro, small and medium enterprises into higher-value supply chains. Othel V. Campos

Ê Ê

Position title: Manager Finance Position title: Manager III,III, Finance Vacancy Vacancy (1)(1)

Position title: InvestigationSpecialist Specialist Position title: Investigation I I Job Description: Job Description:

Vacancy (1)(1) Ê Ê Vacancy

Lead and manage a team 8-12 cash application specialists, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, and career development, build a high•Ê •Ê Lead and manage a team of of 8-12 cash application specialists, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, and career development, to to build a high-

Job Description: Job Description: performing operations team. performing operations team.

Own end-to-end cash application operations AWS APAC customers, ensuring accurate and timely posting payments across multiple currencies and payment •Ê •Ê Own end-to-end cash application operations forfor AWS APAC customers, ensuring accurate and timely posting of of payments across multiple currencies and payment

channels. channels. Provides prompt and efficient serviceto toAmazon AmazonSellers, Sellers, including the appropriateescalation escalation Sellers’ issues a contactcenter centerenvironment. environment. ➢ ➢ Provides prompt and efficient service including the appropriate of of Sellers’ issues in ina contact Drive operational excellence by establishing and monitoring KPIs, SLAs, and quality metrics, consistently achieving 95%+ same-day cash application rates and minimizing Drive operational excellence byprofessional establishing and monitoring KPIs, SLAs, and quality metrics, consistently achieving 95%+ same-day cash application rates and minimizing Maintains a positive andprofessional demeanor, always portraying company a positive light while effectively managing sensitive issues. ➢•Ê➢•ÊMaintains a positive and demeanor, always portraying thethe company in in a positive light while effectively managing sensitive issues. unapplied cash aging. unapplied cash aging. Demonstrates excellent time-management skillsand and ability work independentlywhile whileusing using departmental resources, policies , andprocedures. procedures. ➢ ➢ Demonstrates excellent time-management skills thetheability toto work independently departmental resources, policies , and Collaborate with cross-functional partners including Collections, Billing, Treasury, Customer Service, and technical teams resolve payment discrepancies Collaborate with cross-functional partners including Collections, Billing, Treasury, Customer Service, and technical teams to to resolve complex payment discrepancies Maintains acceptable performance metrics such quality, productivity, first contact resolution, and attendance . ➢•Ê➢•ÊMaintains acceptable performance metrics such asas quality, productivity, first contact resolution, and attendance . complex and system issues. and system issues. Actively seeks solutions through logical reasoning anddata data interpretation skills , and identifies trends appropriate channel, including improvement ➢ ➢ Actively seeks solutions through logical reasoning and interpretation skills , and identifies trends toto thetheappropriate channel, including improvement Analyze payment trends, exception patterns, and age reports identify root causes and develop sustainable solutions that prevent recurring issues. •Ê •Ê Analyze payment trends, exception patterns, and age reports to to identify root causes and develop sustainable solutions that prevent recurring issues. suggestions suggestions

Ê Ê

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training):

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training):

Ê Ê

Ê Ê

Bachelor's degree Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, a related field. •Ê •Ê Bachelor's degree in in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, oror a related field.

Interpersonal skills, the ability communicate complex transactional issues correctly and clearly both internaland and external customers. ➢•Ê➢•ÊInterpersonal skills, with the ability toto communicate complex transactional issues correctly and clearly to toboth internal external customers. 5+ years experience in finance operations, accounts receivable, cash application functions. 5+ years of of experience inwith finance operations, accounts receivable, or or cash application functions. Clear, crisp, and proactive documentation operational procedures required to tackle knownrisk-related risk-related patterns. ➢•Ê➢•ÊClear, crisp, and proactive documentation ofof operational procedures required to tackle known patterns. 2+ years people management experience, including hiring, coaching, and performance management. 2+ years of of people management experience, including hiring, coaching, and performance management. Experience with cash application processes, payment reconciliation, and accounts receivable management. Experience with cash application processes, payment reconciliation, and accounts receivable management. Problem-solving skills, having demonstrated ability recognize non-obvious patterns and analyze problems logically. ➢•Ê➢•ÊProblem-solving skills, having demonstrated ability toto recognize non-obvious patterns and analyze problems logically. Proficiency financial systems and tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, similar ERP systems). Proficiency in in financial systems and tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or or similar ERP systems). Self-disciplined, diligent, proactive, and detail-oriented, impacting timemanagement management and organizational skills. ➢•Ê➢•ÊSelf-disciplined, diligent, proactive, and detail-oriented, impacting time and organizational skills. Proven ability work fast-paced, dynamic environments where decisions are made without compromising customer experience and financial ➢ ➢ Proven ability totowork in in fast-paced, dynamic environments where decisions are made without compromising onon customer experience and financial Applications may sent Name Applications may bebe sent to:to:Name of of losses. losses. Company HR: Ivanka Patricia Quinial Company HR: Ivanka Patricia Quinial Email address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search Email address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search

Applications may sent Applications may bebe sent to:to: Name foreign national intending apply the position Name Company HR: Ivanka Patricia Quinial Name of of foreign national intending to to apply forfor the position Name ofof Company HR: Ivanka Patricia Quinial Email address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search Email address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search Ê Ê

Company/ Employer Company/ Employer Company Name: Company Name:

Name: Vijay Kumar Patil Name: Vijay Kumar Patil

Amazon Operation Services Philippines (AOSPI) Amazon Operation Services Philippines IncInc (AOSPI) Company/ Employer Company/ Employer

TOOUR OURSTOCKHOLDERS: STOCKHOLDERS: TO

Complete address: Complete address:

Nationality: Indian Nationality: Indian

AGENDA AGENDA CalltotoOrder. Order. 1.1. Call DeterminationofofQuorum. Quorum. 2.2. Determination Approvalofofthe theMinutes Minutesofofthe thePrevious PreviousStockholders’ Stockholders’Annual AnnualMeeting MeetingofofDecember December15,2023, 15,2023, 3.3. Approval December12, 12,2024 2024and andOctober October27, 27,2025. 2025. December ManagementReport Report 4.4. Management AnnualReports Reportsand andApproval Approvalofofthe the2023, 2023,2024 2024and and2025 2025Audited AuditedFinancial FinancialStatements. Statements. 5.5. Annual Ratificationofofthe theActs, Acts,Resolutions, Resolutions,and andProceeding Proceedingofofthe theBoard BoardofofDirectors, Directors,Corporate CorporateOfficers, Officers, 6.6. Ratification andManagement Managementfrom fromDecember December15, 15,2023 2023totoOctober October15, 15,2026. 2026. and Approvalofofthe thesale saleofofaaproperty propertyininSubic, Subic,Zambales Zambales 7.7. Approval Electionofofthe theBoard BoardofofDirectors Directorsand andIndependent IndependentDirectors. Directors. 8.8. Election AppointmentofofExternal ExternalAuditor. Auditor. 9.9. Appointment 10. Other Othermatters matters 10. 11. Adjournment Adjournment 11. Onlystockholders stockholdersofofrecord recordatatthe theclose closeofofbusiness businesson onSeptember September15, 15,2025, 2025,are areentitled entitledtotonotice noticeand and Only voteatatthis thismeeting. meeting.The Themeeting meetingwill willbe beheld heldonline onlinevia viathe theZoom Zoomplatform. platform.Those Thosestockholders stockholdersinterested interested vote joiningthe themeeting meetingmust mustsend sendtheir theiremail emailtotothe theCompany’s Company’semail emailaddress: address:dcsmines@yahoo.com, dcsmines@yahoo.com,oror ininjoining theActing ActingCorporate CorporateSecretary’s Secretary’sororthe theCompliance ComplianceOfficer’s Officer’semail emailaddress: address:ynodizon@gmail.com ynodizon@gmail.comand andthe the the Company’sstock stocktransfer transferagent agentProfessional ProfessionalStock StockTransfer TransferInc., Inc.,(Ms. (Ms.Edelyn EdelynS.S.Jimeno; Jimeno;email emailaddress: address: Company’s info@professionalstocktransfer.com)no nolater laterthan thanOctober October2,2,2026, 2026,ininorder ordertotoreceive receivethe theconfirmation confirmationofof info@professionalstocktransfer.com) theirregistration, registration,the theZoom ZoomIDIDand andthe thepassword passwordtotoallow allowaccess accesstotothe themeeting. meeting.Please Pleaserefer refertotothe theGuidelines Guidelines their forparticipants participantsusing usingRemote RemoteCommunication Communicationand andVoting VotingininAbsentia, Absentia,Letter LetterofofIntent Intentand andthe theProxy Proxyform formare are for attachedasasAnnexes AnnexesA,A,B,B,and andCCrespectively respectivelyininthe theInformation InformationStatement. Statement. attached physicalmeeting meetingisisallowed, allowed,the thestockholders stockholdersmust mustbring bringtheir theiridentification identificationcard cardsuch suchasasaapassport, passport, IfIfaaphysical driver’slicense, license,ororcompany companyI.D. I.D.totofacilitate facilitateregistration, registration,which whichwill willstart startatat1:00 1:00PM. PM. driver’s Anystockholder stockholderwho whodoes doesnot notexpect expecttotoattend attendthe themeeting meetingininperson personand anddesires desirestotobe berepresented representedmay may Any sendtheir theirduly dulyaccomplished accomplishedproxy proxyform formtotothe theCorporate CorporateSecretary Secretaryatatthe the7th7thFloor, Floor,Peaksun PeaksunBuilding, Building,1505 1505 send PrincetonStreet, Street,Greenhills GreenhillsEast, East,Mandaluyong MandaluyongCity, City,Metro MetroManila Manilafor forvalidation validationon onororbefore beforeOctober October9,9,2026. 2026. Princeton Onlyproxy proxyforms formssubmitted submittedon ontime timewill willbe bevalidated. validated. Only Onlythose thoseregistered registeredstockholders stockholderswho whoconfirmed confirmedtheir theirpresence presencethru thruthe theabove-mentioned above-mentionedemail email Only addressesshall shallbe beallowed allowedinto intothe theonline onlinemeeting. meeting. addresses Anelectronic electroniccopy copyofofthe theInformation InformationStatement, Statement,Management ManagementReport, Report,Annual AnnualReport ReportSEC17A SEC17Acontaining containing An theAudited AuditedFinancial FinancialStatements Statementsfor forthe theyear year2025, 2025,Audited AuditedFinancial FinancialStatement Statement2023 2023and and2024, 2024,and andthe the the InterimFinancial FinancialStatements StatementsasasofofJune June30, 30,2026 2026and andother otherpertinent pertinentdocuments documentscan canbe befound foundon onour ourwebsite: website: Interim https://dizminings.comand andPSE PSEEDGE EDGEportal portalvia viahttps://edge.pse.com.ph. https://edge.pse.com.ph. https://dizminings.com

Natureof ofbusiness: business:AOSPI AOSPIis isa acorporation corporationorganized organizedunder underPhilippine Philippinelaws. laws. Nature It It Complete address: Complete address:

is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)under under SEC Certificate is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) SEC Certificate

Registration No. CS201722700. isauthorized authorized provide support services, of ofNo. Registration No. CS201722700. It Itis Bldg., to toDrive, provide support services, Unit No. 2C, Flr. no. 4th,One One E-Com Bldg., Ocean Drive, Mall Asia Unit 2C, Flr. no. 4th, E-Com Ocean Mall ofofAsia including but notlimited limited remote technical support services, ITMetro development, including but not to toremote technical support services, ITMetro development, Complex St., Zone 10,Barangay Barangay 076, District Pasay City, Manila, Complex St., Zone 10, 076, District 1,1, Pasay City, Manila, customer support,customer customercare careservices, services,business businessprocess processoutsourcing, outsourcing,backbackcustomer support, NCR, 1300 NCR, 1300

TRADEFACILITATION FACILITATIONSERVICES SERVICES(TFS) (TFS)MANAGER MANAGER TRADE Qualificationsand andExperience: Experience: Qualifications Universitydegree degreeororequivalent equivalentprofessional professionalqualification. qualification. • • University Minimumofof55years yearsofoftrade tradeexperience experienceinininternational internationaltrade tradeand andcommerce. commerce. • • Minimum Minimumofof55years’ years’proven provenmanagement managementexperience experiencewith withpeople peoplemanagement managementskills skillsofofaamedium mediumtoto • • Minimum largesize sizeorganization. organization. large ExperienceininSGS SGSTFS TFSservices servicesisisan anadvantage. advantage. • • Experience Definitionofofequivalent equivalentprofessional professionalqualification: qualification:minimum minimum77years’ years’experience experienceininthe thesector sectorororwithin within • • Definition thecompany. company. the JobDescription: Description: Job Ensuresachievement achievementofofTFS TFSfinancial financialobjectives objectives(revenues (revenuesand andLC LCfor forLocal Localand andGlobal Globalbusiness) business) • • Ensures Controlscost costand andensure ensurethat thatexpenditure expenditureisiswithin withinthe thebudget. budget. • • Controls Financialand andoperational operationalreporting reportingand andcontrol controlofofTFS TFSNetwork NetworkData Dataaccording accordingtotolocal localaffiliate affiliate • • Financial requirements. requirements. MonthlyTFS TFS financial financial report report toto Regional Regional Operations Operations Manager Manager oror Global Global Standardization Standardization and and • • Monthly OperationsManager. Manager. Operations PreparationofofAnnual AnnualBudget BudgetofofTFS TFSBusiness Businessand andsubsequent subsequentsubmission submissionfor forapproval approvaltotothe the • • Preparation correspondingparties parties(Managing (ManagingDirector Director&&Sector). Sector). corresponding Closeliaison liaisonwith withthe theRegional RegionalOperations OperationsManager ManagerororGlobal GlobalStandardization Standardizationand andOperations Operations • • Close Manageron onareas areasrequiring requiringclarification clarificationofofpolicy policyissues issuesininprocess processdesign, design,operational operationalrequirements, requirements, Manager peoplemanagement, management,etc. etc. people Overseestraining trainingand andcoaching coachingofofallallTFS TFSemployees, employees,asasrequired. required. • • Oversees Ensuresoperations operationssmoothly smoothlyand andimplements implementsany anynecessary necessarycorrective correctiveaction actioninincase caseofofinefficiency, inefficiency, • • Ensures delays,problems, problems,etc. etc. delays, Ensurethat thatrisk riskinformation informationisisbeing beingsystematically systematicallycollected collectedand andforwarded forwardedtotothe theProfiler ProfilerPCC PCCteam team • • Ensure Manila. ininManila. Constantlyevaluates evaluatesthe theperformance performanceofofTFS TFSstaff staffand andapplies appliescorrective correctiveactions actionsasasnecessary. necessary. • • Constantly EnsuresIntegrity Integritytraining trainingisisconducted conductedannually annuallybybyallallTFS TFSemployees employeesand andthat thatIntegrity Integritycode codeisis • • Ensures followedbybyallallthe theteams. teams. followed Ensurehealth healthand andsafety safetyrules rulesare areimplemented implementedand andrespected respectedbybyallallTFS TFSmembers. members. • • Ensure Reportstotothe theManaging ManagingDirector Directorasaswell wellasastotothe theRegional RegionalOperations OperationsManager Managerany anybreach breachofof • • Reports integrity,solicitation solicitationfor, for,ororoffer offerofofan animproper improperpayment paymentofofadvantage advantagecoming comingtotohis hisknowledge. knowledge. integrity, Manages and and resolves resolves complaints, complaints, financial financial claims claims and and appeals appeals received received from from the the Trade Trade inin • • Manages accordancewith withTFS TFSand andCorporate Corporateprocedures, procedures,investigating investigatingevents eventsininthe thefile, file,preparing preparingreplies, replies, accordance andrecording recordingdata dataininthe theTFS TFSquality qualitysystem systemininShare SharePoint. Point. and Assistsininthe themaintenance maintenanceofofthe theCompany CompanyQuality QualityManagement ManagementSystem Systemand andthe theorganization’s organization’s • • Assists compliancetotothe theIFIA IFIArequirements requirementsand andrelevant relevantstandards standards(e.g. (e.g.ISO17010, ISO17010,ISO ISO17065). 17065). compliance Performs other other tasks tasks toto achieve achieve operations operations efficiency efficiency asas may may be be required required byby Management. Management. • • Performs HUMANRESOURCES RESOURCESDEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT HUMAN SGSGLOBAL GLOBALBUSINESS BUSINESSSERVICES SERVICESASIA, ASIA,INC. INC. SGS 8/FCapella CapellaBuilding, Building,Lot Lot33&&44Block Block2,2,Asean AseanDrive Drive 8/F FilinvestCorporate CorporateCity, City,Alabang, Alabang,Muntinlupa MuntinlupaCity City Filinvest Tel.No. No.(+632) (+632)8876-1441 8876-1441 Tel. Email:ph.hr.talentacquisition@sgs.com ph.hr.talentacquisition@sgs.com Email:

Company/Employer: Company/Employer:

Nameofofforeign foreignapplicant applicantintending intendingtotoapply: apply: Name

SGSGLOBAL GLOBALBUSINESS BUSINESSSERVICES SERVICESASIA, ASIA,INC. INC. SGS

Name:Craig CraigJohn JohnWilson Wilson Name:

8/FCapella CapellaBuilding, Building,Lot Lot3&3&4 4Block Block2,2,Asean AseanDrive Drive 8/F FilinvestCorporate CorporateCity, City,Alabang, Alabang,Muntinlupa MuntinlupaCity City Filinvest

Phil.Address: Address:No. No.513 513Acacia AcaciaAvenue, Avenue,Ayala AyalaAlabang AlabangVillage, Village, Phil. Alabang,Muntinlupa MuntinlupaCity City1780 1780 Alabang,

NatureofofBusiness: Business:Services Services Nature

Nationality:South SouthAfrican African Nationality:

Intended period employment: two years Intended period ofof employment: two (2)(2) years

publication. Please inform Department Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information criminal offenses committed the foreign national. publication. Please inform Department of of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information onon criminal offenses committed byby the foreign national.

Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the Ê Ê Amazon services and job description this position. The company has the intention employ the said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit services and job description forfor this position. The company has the intention toto employ the said foreign national and apply forforanan Alien Employment Permit Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the

with the Bureau LocalEmployment, Employment, First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana cor. Soriano Ave.,Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila with the Bureau ofof Local 6F6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St.St. cor. A.A.Soriano Ave., Manila

Career Opportunity in Tenerity Philippines Corp. Career Opportunity inwho Tenerity Philippines Corp. Any Filipino jobseeker who competent, able andwilling willing performthe the servicesforforwhich which theforeign foreign nationalis isintended intended hired mayfilefile objection Any Filipino jobseeker is iscompetent, able and toto perform services the national totobebe hired may ananobjection BureauofofLocal LocalEmployment, Employment,6F6FFirst FirstIntramuros IntramurosBF BFCondominium, Condominium,Solana SolanaSt.St.cor. cor.A.A.Soriano SorianoAve., Ave.,Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila, Manila,after afterthis thispublication. publication. atatBureau Positiontitle: title: Customer Care Specialist Position Customer Care Specialist Please inform the Departmentofof Labor and Employment– – NCR,if you if you have any information criminal offenses committed the foreign national Please inform the Department Labor and Employment NCR, have any information ononcriminal offenses committed byby the foreign national

Vacancies Vacancies (2)(2) Job Description: Job Description: Maintainand andimprove improvecontact contactcenter centercustomer customerrelations relationsbybyproviding providingexemplary exemplarycustomer customerservice servicewith withone onecontact contactresolution. resolution.Achieve Achieve Maintain contactcenter centergoals goalsand andstandards standardsthrough throughoverall overallpersonal personalperformance. performance.Play Playa akey keyrole roleininensuring ensuringthe thebusiness businesscontinues continuestotoachieve achieveoror contact exceedClient Clientexpectations. expectations. exceed Qualification (Education, Experience,Professional ProfessionalLicense, License, SkillsCertification, Certification,Specialized Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Skills Training): 

Excellentinterpersonal, interpersonal,listening, listening,written, written,and andverbal verbalcommunication communicationskills, skills,ability abilitytotowork workcollaboratively collaborativelyinina a Excellent team environment team environment Must fluent English, Spanish and French both oraland and writing. Must bebe fluent inin English, Spanish and French both oral writing. Applications maybebe sentto:to: Applications may sent NameofofCompany CompanyHR: HR:Clarence ClarenceMae MaeDeDe Asis Name Asis Emailaddress: address:MNL_Expat@tenerity.com MNL_Expat@tenerity.com Email Name foreign national intending apply the position Name ofof foreign national intending toto apply forfor the position

Company/Employer Employer Company/

Name: Gildas Neslie Nongni Name: Gildas Neslie Nongni

Tenerity Philippines Corp. Tenerity Philippines Corp. 565430658-v1\AP_DMS 565430658-v1\AP_DMS Complete address: Complete address:

Address: Taguig City Address: Taguig City Nationality: Cameroonian Nationality: Cameroonian

12thFloor, Floor,WWFifth FifthAvenue Avenue Building,32nd 32ndStreet Street corner5th 5th 12th Building, corner AvenueBonifacio BonifacioGlobal GlobalCity CityTaguig TaguigCity City1634 1634 Avenue

Intended period employment:Two Two(2)(2)Years Years Intended period ofof employment:

Natureofofbusiness: business:a adomestic domesticcorporation corporationprimarily primarilytoto Nature Name:Kapeu KapeuJean JeanRonis RonisGongo Gongo engagein,in,operate, operate,conduct conductand andmaintain maintainthe thebusiness businessofof Name: engage providing information informationtechnology technologyoutsourcing outsourcingservices servicesand and Address: Muntinlupa City providing Address: Muntinlupa City business process process outsourcing outsourcing services services and and support support business solutionsincluding, including,but butnot notlimited limitedto,to,inbound inboundcalls, calls,back back Nationality: Nationality:Cameroonian Cameroonian solutions officequality qualitymonitoring monitoring(non-voice (non-voice agent agentmonitoring monitoringand and office Intendedperiod periodofofemployment: employment:two two(2)(2)Year/s Year/s evaluation),back backoffice officetraining trainingdevelopment development (non-voice (non-voice Intended evaluation), training documentation documentation development development oror knowledge knowledge training management development), development), back back office office work work force force management management (real (realtime timeagent agentmonitoring), monitoring),back backoffice office management reporting(reporting (reportingand anddata dataanalytics), analytics),back backoffice officeinternal internal reporting helpdesk desk- internal - internalITIThelp helpdesk desksupport supportand andback backoffice officeITIT help developmentand andother othersimilar similar services, services,and andtotoprovide provide development supporttotoallallaspects aspectsofofthe thebusiness businessofofaffiliates affiliatesand andrelated related support companiesand andoperations, operations,without withoutengaging engagingasasananinternet internet companies serviceprovider. provider. service TenerityPhilippines PhilippinesCorp. Corp.hereby herebydeclares declaresthat thatthe theabove-named above-namedforeign foreignnational nationalis isable, able,willing, willing,and andqualified qualifiedtotoperform performthe theservices servicesand and Tenerity jobdescription descriptionforforthis thisposition. position.The Thecompany companyhas hasthe theintention intentiontotoemploy employthe thesaid saidforeign foreignnational nationaland andapply applyforforananAlien AlienEmployment EmploymentPermit Permit job withthe theDepartment DepartmentofofLabor Laborand andEmployment EmploymentDOLE DOLEBuilding, Building,Muralla MurallaWing Wingcor. cor.General GeneralLuna LunaSt., St.,Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila Manila1002. 1002. with AnyFilipino Filipinojobseeker jobseekerwho whois iscompetent, competent,able ableand andwilling willingtotoperform performthe theservices servicesforforwhich whichthe theforeign foreignnational nationalis isintended intendedtotobebehired hiredfor, for,may may Any objectionatatDepartment DepartmentofofLabor Laborand andEmployment EmploymentDOLE DOLEBuilding, Building,Muralla MurallaWing Wingcor. cor.General GeneralLuna LunaSt., St.,Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila Manila1002. 1002. filefileananobjection Pleaseinform informBureau BureauofofLocal LocalEmployment, Employment,if you if youhave haveany anyinformation informationononcriminal criminaloffenses offensescommitted committedbybythe theforeign foreignnational national Please

Career Opportunity Tenerity Philippines Corp. Career Opportunity in in Tenerity Philippines Corp. Position title: Customer Care Specialist Position title: Customer Care Specialist II II Vacancy Vacancy (1)(1) Job Description: Job Description: Deals with cases that have been escalated due the need further investigation review the case details member request, Deals with cases that have been escalated due toto the need forfor further investigation oror review ofof the case details oror member request, escalated avoid “business risks” involving media authorities, social media, legal and/or business regulatory organizations, cases that escalated toto avoid “business risks” involving media authorities, social media, legal and/or business regulatory organizations, cases that require“ad-hoc” “ad-hoc”ororspecialized specializedtools, tools,cases casesrequiring requiringauthorization authorizationtotoprocess processrequests requestsfrom frommembers, members,the theneed needtotoescalate escalatefrom from require frontline CSR as requested by the member or cases requiring further or specialized knowledge. frontline CSR as requested by the member or cases requiring further or specialized knowledge. Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Preferably someone with Frontline CSR experience and has demonstrated the capability pacify and work with irate customers, the ability   Preferably someone with Frontline CSR experience and has demonstrated the capability toto pacify and work with irate customers, the ability multi-task and work with ad-hoc/specialized tools and can take ownership cases ensure issue resolution and member satisfaction. to to multi-task and work with ad-hoc/specialized tools and can take ownership of of cases to to ensure issue resolution and member satisfaction. Must have good conduct and performance standing and must exhibit integrity, excellence, trust, openness communicating, customer focus   Must have good conduct and performance standing and must exhibit integrity, excellence, trust, openness in in communicating, customer focus and a team player; and is is a team player; Must fluent English and French both oral and writing.   Must bebe fluent in in English and French both oral and writing. Applications may sent Applications may bebe sent to:to: Name Company HR: Clarence Mae Asis Name ofof Company HR: Clarence Mae DeDe Asis Email address: MNL_Expat@tenerity.com Email address: MNL_Expat@tenerity.com Name foreign national intending apply the position Name ofof foreign national intending toto apply forfor the position

Company Name: Company Name:

JOBVACANCY VACANCY JOB

Nationality: Chinese Nationality: Chinese

services,ITITdevelopment, development,customer customer support, support,customer customer care careservices, services, services, business processServices outsourcing, back-office support (including but not limitedforeign business process outsourcing, back-office support (including but not limited Amazon Operation Services Philippines (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified perform theservices services and Amazon Operation Philippines IncInc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named national is able, willing, and qualified totoperform the and jobjob systems, hardware, software, financial operations, vendor management, toto systems, hardware, software, financial operations, vendor management, description for this position. The company has the intention employ the said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit description for this position. The company has the intention toto employ the said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit and human resources relating theback-office), back-office), and activities and human resources relating totothe and activities with the Department Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office , other DOLE Building, Muralla Wing corner, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines with the Department of of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office , other DOLE Building, Muralla Wing corner, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines necessaryororuseful usefulthereto, thereto,asaswell wellasasmarketing marketingsupport supportactivities, activities,without without necessary Any Filipino jobseeker who iscompetent, competent, and willingto perform the services which the foreign national intendedtoto hiredfor, for, mayfilefile objection Any Filipino jobseeker who isthe and willing perform the services forfor which the foreign national is isintended bebe hired may ananobjection engaging retail trade, practiceofable ofaable aprofession, profession, or actingas as an Internet engaging ininretail trade, the practice orto acting an Internet Department Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office DOLE Building, Muralla Wing corner, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines after this at at Department of of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office DOLE Building, Muralla Wing corner, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines after this Service Provider. Service Provider.

Company/ Employer Company/ Employer

SGSGLOBAL GLOBALBUSINESS BUSINESSSERVICES SERVICESASIA, ASIA,INC., INC.,invites invitesqualified qualifiedcandidates candidatesfor forthe thefollowing followingposition: position: SGS

Address: Manila City Address: Manila City

officesupport support(including (includingbut butnot notlimited limitedtotosystems, systems, hardware, software, financial office hardware, software, financial operations, vendor management, human resources relating the back-office), Nature business: AOSPIand isahuman acorporation corporation organized under Philippine operations, vendor management, resources relating to to the back-office), Nature ofofbusiness: AOSPI is and organized under Philippine andIt other activitiesnecessary necessary or usefulthereto, thereto, aswell wellas asCommission marketingsupport support and other activities or useful asExchange marketing laws. It registered withthe the Securities andExchange Commission (SEC) laws. is isregistered with Securities and (SEC) activities, without engaging in retail trade, the practice a profession, or acting activities, without engaging inRegistration retail trade, the practice of of a profession, orauthorized acting as astoto under SEC Certificate No. CS201722700. under SEC Certificate ofofRegistration No. CS201722700. It Itis isauthorized Internet anan Internet provide supportservices, services, includingbut butnot notlimited limited remote technical support provide support including toto remote technical support Service Provider. Service Provider.

Formore moreinformation, information,contact contactthe theCorporate CorporateSecretary SecretaryatatTel. Tel.No. No.8856-2011. 8856-2011. For REYNOD.D.DIZON DIZON REYNO ActingCorporate CorporateSecretary Secretary Acting

Name: Shulan Cai Name: Shulan Cai Intended period employment: two years Intended period of of employment: two (2)(2) years

Complex St., District 1, Barangay 076, Pasay City, Metro Manila, 1300 Complex St., District 1, Barangay 076, Pasay City, Metro Manila, 1300 Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI) Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI)

Company Name: Company Name:

NOTICEISISHEREBY HEREBYGIVEN GIVENTHAT THATthe theAnnual AnnualMeeting Meetingofofthe theStockholders StockholdersofofDizon DizonCopper-Silver Copper-SilverMines, Mines, NOTICE Inc.(DCSMI) (DCSMI)will willbe beconducted conductedthrough throughteleconference teleconferencevia viaZOOM ZOOMPlatform Platformand, and,if ifcircumstances circumstancesallow, allow,the the Inc. face-to-facemeeting, meeting,will willbe beheld heldon onthe the7th7thFloor, Floor,Peaksun PeaksunBuilding, Building,1505 1505Princeton PrincetonStreet, Street,Greenhills GreenhillsEast, East, face-to-face MandaluyongCity, City,Metro MetroManila Manilaon onOctober October16, 16,2026 2026(Friday) (Friday)atat2:00 2:00PM PMwith withthe thefollowing: following: Mandaluyong

Applicationsshall shallbe besent sentto: to: Applications

Address: Pasay City Address: Pasay City Name foreign national intending apply for the position Name ofof foreign national intending toto apply for the position

Company Name: Company Name: 9th 14th Floor, Four E-Com Center, Blk. No. Harbor Drive, Mall Asia 9th toto 14th Floor, Four E-Com Center, Blk. No. 22,22, Harbor Drive, Mall of of Asia

DIZONCOPPER-SILVER COPPER-SILVERMINES, MINES,INC. INC. DIZON ANNUALSTOCKHOLDERS’ STOCKHOLDERS’MEETING MEETING ANNUAL NOTICEOF OFANNUAL ANNUALMEETING MEETINGOF OFSTOCKHOLDERS STOCKHOLDERS NOTICE

ÊÊ

Career Opportunity Amazon Operation Services Philippines (AOSPI) Career Opportunity ininin Amazon Operation Services Philippines IncInc (AOSPI) Career Opportunity in Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI) Career Opportunity Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI) Ê Ê



NGCP eyes to finish P23.5-b new transmission projects

opment and Mechanization. The facility features a multi-stage rice mill that can process 4 to 5 metric tons an hour and three recirculating dryers that can handle 12 metric tons per batch. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government should measure such investments by their impact on farmers and their families. He said the facility would speed up drying and milling, reduce postharvest losses, improve rice quality and increase farmers’ net income. Othel V. Campos

Name: Babette Celestine Ngo Loga Abanda Name: Babette Celestine Ngo Loga Abanda

Tenerity Philippines Corp. Tenerity Philippines Corp.

Address: Pasig City Address: Pasig City

Complete address: Complete address:

Nationality: Cameroonian Nationality: Cameroonian

12th Floor, Fifth Avenue Building, 32nd Street corner 5th 12th Floor, WW Fifth Avenue Building, 32nd Street corner 5th Avenue Bonifacio Global City Taguig City 1634 Avenue Bonifacio Global City Taguig City 1634

Intended period employment: two Year/s Intended period ofof employment: two (2)(2) Year/s

Nature business: a domestic corporation primarily engage Nature ofof business: a domestic corporation primarily toto engage in,in, operate, conduct and maintain the business providing operate, conduct and maintain the business ofof providing information technology outsourcing services and business process information technology outsourcing services and business process outsourcing services and support solutions including, but not outsourcing services and support solutions including, but not limited inbound calls, back office quality monitoring (non-voice limited to,to, inbound calls, back office quality monitoring (non-voice agent monitoring and evaluation), back office training development agent monitoring and evaluation), back office training development (non-voice training documentation development knowledge (non-voice training documentation development oror knowledge management development), back office work force management management development), back office work force management (real time agent monitoring), back office reporting (reporting and (real time agent monitoring), back office reporting (reporting and data analytics), back office internal help desk - internal help data analytics), back office internal help desk - internal ITIT help desk support and back office development and other similar desk support and back office ITIT development and other similar services, and provide support aspects the business services, and toto provide support toto allall aspects ofof the business ofof affiliates and related companies and operations, without engaging affiliates and related companies and operations, without engaging internet service provider. asas anan internet service provider. Tenerity Philippines Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national able, willing, and qualified perform the services and Tenerity Philippines Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is is able, willing, and qualified toto perform the services and jobjob description this position. The company has the intention employ the said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit with the description forfor this position. The company has the intention toto employ the said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau Local Employment located First Intramuros Condominium, Solana cor. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila. Bureau ofof Local Employment located atat 6F6F First Intramuros BFBF Condominium, Solana St.St. cor. A.A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila. Any Filipino jobseeker who competent, able and willing perform the services which the foreign national intended hired for, may Any Filipino jobseeker who is is competent, able and willing toto perform the services forfor which the foreign national is is intended toto bebe hired for, may filefile anan objection Bureau Local Employment located First Intramuros Condominium, Solana cor. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, objection atat Bureau ofof Local Employment located atat 6F6F First Intramuros BFBF Condominium, Solana St.St. cor. A.A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila after this publication. Please inform Bureau Local Employment, if you have any information criminal offenses committed the Manila after this publication. Please inform Bureau ofof Local Employment, if you have any information onon criminal offenses committed byby the foreign national foreign national

Career Opportunity Tenerity Philippines Corp. Career Opportunity in in Tenerity Philippines Corp. Position title: Contact Center Team Leader Position title: Contact Center Team Leader Vacancy Vacancy (1)(1) Job Description: Job Description: Effectively lead, manage, and develop a high-performing Customer Care team that meets and exceeds company, customer and client standards Effectively lead, manage, and develop a high-performing Customer Care team that meets and exceeds company, customer and client standards alignment with Tenerity’s business objectives. in in alignment with Tenerity’s business objectives. Monitoring calls observe ensure that quality standards are met.   Monitoring calls toto observe toto ensure that quality standards are met. Identifying areas opportunity and coaching specialists how improve   Identifying areas ofof opportunity and coaching specialists onon how toto improve performance. performance. Emphasizing excellence through evaluating performance ongoing basis,   Emphasizing excellence through evaluating performance onon anan ongoing basis, including recognizing exemplary performance and implementing performance including recognizing exemplary performance and implementing performance improvement plans when necessary. improvement plans when necessary. Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and two-way communication skills.   Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and two-way communication skills. Act ethical and honest manner.Build Build trust while being reliable and dependable.   Act in in anan ethical and honest manner. trust while being reliable and dependable. Passion customer service.   Passion forfor customer service. Ability adapt quickly change a high paced environment.   Ability toto adapt quickly toto change in in a high paced environment.

Company/ Employer Company/ Employer

Applications may sent Applications may bebe sent to:to: Name Company HR: Clarence Mae Asis Name ofof Company HR: Clarence Mae DeDe Asis Email address: MNL_Expat@tenerity.com Email address: MNL_Expat@tenerity.com Name foreign national intending apply the position Name ofof foreign national intending toto apply forfor the position

Company Name: Company Name:

Name: Aurelio Bote Matomba Name: Aurelio Bote Matomba

Tenerity Philippines Corp. Tenerity Philippines Corp.

Address: Cavite City Address: Cavite City

Complete address: Complete address:

Nationality: Equatorial Guinean Nationality: Equatorial Guinean

12th Floor, Fifth Avenue Building, 32nd Street corner 5th 12th Floor, WW Fifth Avenue Building, 32nd Street corner 5th Avenue Bonifacio Global City Taguig City 1634 Avenue Bonifacio Global City Taguig City 1634

Intended period employment: two Year/s Intended period ofof employment: two (2)(2) Year/s

IntendedPeriod PeriodofofEmployment: Employment:2 2years years Intended

Nature business: a domestic corporation primarily engage Nature ofof business: a domestic corporation primarily toto engage in,in, operate, conduct and maintain the business providing operate, conduct and maintain the business ofof providing information technology outsourcing services and business process information technology outsourcing services and business process outsourcing services and support solutions including, but not outsourcing services and support solutions including, but not limited inbound calls, back office quality monitoring (non-voice limited to,to, inbound calls, back office quality monitoring (non-voice agent monitoring and evaluation), back office training development agent monitoring and evaluation), back office training development (non-voice training documentation development knowledge (non-voice training documentation development oror knowledge management development), back office work force management management development), back office work force management (real time agent monitoring), back office reporting (reporting and (real time agent monitoring), back office reporting (reporting and data analytics), back office internal help desk - internal help data analytics), back office internal help desk - internal ITIT help desk support and back office development and other similar desk support and back office ITIT development and other similar services, and provide support aspects the business services, and toto provide support toto allall aspects ofof the business ofof affiliates and related companies and operations, without engaging affiliates and related companies and operations, without engaging internet service provider. asas anan internet service provider.

Workplace: Workplace: 8/FCapella CapellaBuilding, Building,Lot Lot3&3&4 4Block Block2,2,Asean AseanDrive Drive Filinvest Filinvest 8/F CorporateCity, City,Alabang, Alabang,Muntinlupa MuntinlupaCity City Corporate

Tenerity Philippines Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national able, willing, and qualified perform the services and job Tenerity Philippines Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is is able, willing, and qualified toto perform the services and job description this position. The company has the intention employ the said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit with the description forfor this position. The company has the intention toto employ the said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit with the Department Labor and Employment DOLE Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines. Department ofof Labor and Employment DOLE Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines.

LEIGHTONASIA ASIAPHILIPPINES PHILIPPINESINC. INC.declares declaresthat thatthe theabove-named above-namedforeign foreignnational nationalisisable, able,willing willingand and LEIGHTON qualifiedtotoperform performthe theservices servicesand andjob jobdescription descriptionfor forthe theposition. position. The TheCompany Companyhas hasthe theintention intentiontoto qualified employsaid saidnational nationaland andapply applyfor foran anAEP AEPwith withthe theDOLE-NCR DOLE-NCRlocated locatedatat967 967Maligaya MaligayaStreet, Street,Malate, Malate, employ Manila. Manila.

Any Filipino jobseeker who competent, able and willing perform the services which the foreign national intended hired for, may Any Filipino jobseeker who is is competent, able and willing toto perform the services forfor which the foreign national is is intended toto bebe hired for, may filefile anan objection Department Labor and Employment DOLE Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines. objection atat Department ofof Labor and Employment DOLE Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines. afterthis thispublication. publication.Please Pleaseinform informDepartment DepartmentofofLabor Laborand andEmployment EmploymentCentral CentralOffice, Office,if ifyou youhave haveany anyinformation informationononcriminal criminaloffenses offenses after committed the foreign national committed byby the foreign national

CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK CYAN

11

BUSINESS

B4

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

PH bank assets up 10.7% in July P By Thony Rose Lesaca

HILIPPINE bank assets rose 10.72 percent to P30.72 trillion in July from P27.74 trillion a year ago, led by a steady growth in loans and deposits, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed. Universal and commercial banks accounted for the largest share of assets at P28.71 trillion, up 10.73 percent from P25.93 trillion in July 2025. Thrift banks’ assets grew 8.95 percent to P1.41 trillion from P1.29 trillion, while digital banks’ assets surged 51.55 percent to P204.65 billion from P135.04 billion.

Rural and cooperative banks posted assets of P475.78 billion as of endJune. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the higher assets in July remained consistent with loan growth, which rose around 10 percent during the month as consumer lending in-

creased faster due to some frontloading and hedging of purchases. “This is also consistent with the high single-digit growth in bank deposits in recent months, especially since PDIC insurance doubled to P1 million per depositor per bank, that increased the confidence of the depositing public,” he said. Ricafort said geopolitical risks, particularly the Middle East conflict that pushed interest rates higher both globally and locally, could weigh on net income and asset growth in the coming months. The Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) said in a report the financial system remains resilient

despite a challenging global environment, citing sound capital positions and stable asset quality. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor and FSCC chairman Eli Remolona Jr. said the financial system can absorb shocks even as global risks stay elevated. “Global risks remain elevated, with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and volatile financial markets. Nonetheless, our financial system remains well-positioned to absorb shocks,” Remolona said. The council attributed the system’s strength to sound capital and liquidity positions, prudent risk management and stable asset quality.

Toyota expects lower 2026 car production in PH By Othel V. Campos TOYOTA Motor Philippines Corp. expects production to fall to about 60,000 vehicles this year from a record 63,500 units in 2025, as shifts in demand reshape its locally-manufactured model lineup, senior vice president for marketing Sherwin ChuaLim said. The adjustment stems partly from changes in the Vios lineup, with higher-grade variants now served by the ATIV, Chua-Lim said. Toyota continues to produce selected Vios variants for the local market. “You cannot just increase one model. If you want to increase the whole production, you have to increase all of the three models together,” ChuaLim said, explaining the production balance among the Vios, Tamaraw and Innova. The Vios previously sold more than 3,000 units a month, but its volume has since changed with the shift in model mix, Chua-Lim said. Despite the lower volume, Toyota’s market share in the Vios segment remains stable, with the ATIV helping offset the decline. Toyota continues to target production of about 1,300 Tamaraw units a month, while Innova demand is also recovering. Current monthly production stands at about 1,800 Tamaraws, 1,000 Innovas and more than 2,000 Vios units. Toyota maintains its dominant position in the Philippine automotive market, with sales from January to July 2026 reaching 118,706 vehicles, a 49.11-percent share of the local market, according to industry sales data. Chua-Lim also credited the government for supporting the automotive industry, noting that Toyota has substantially reduced its outstanding obligations under the local manufacturing program. The company still has more than P1 billion in remaining obligations, but the amount has declined significantly.

BANKING SERVICE. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company chairman Arthur Ty, vice chairman Francisco Sebastian and

president Fabian Dee honor Metrobankers celebrating 30 years of service. This year, Metrobank honored more than 1,000 service awardees, recognizing Metrobankers whose years of service have helped shape the bank’s legacy. Among them are 171 employees celebrating 30 years with Metrobank.

14 petroleum contracts to raise $324m in investments By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy said Thursday that 14 petroleum service contracts signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will generate $324 million in potential investments, the highest number of such contracts awarded during a single presidential term. Four of the 14 awarded PSCs are native hydrogen contracts, a new energy frontier for the Philippines. Two involve the first co-managed projects with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to fuel economic growth in the region. DOE Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo Bacordo told a Senate budget hearing that the successful drilling of the Camago 3 and Malampaya East 1 wells under renewed service contract 38 “yielded estimated reserves of 222 billion cubic feet of gas, extending operations to 2034 and providing enough fuel to power 13.1 million households for one year.” The Malampaya consortium has a committed work program of $893 million, the DOE said. Marcos recognized the Malampaya gas field as a key pillar of the country’s energy security during his State of the Nation Address, describing the latest natural gas discovery as a “national treasure” that will help sustain indigenous energy production for years to come. “Because of the extension as well of the Malampaya service contract until 2039, drilling operations once again resumed for the first time in eight years. What we have uncovered is truly a national treasure,” Marcos said. Malampaya is the Philippines’ only indigenous source of natural gas and supplies fuel to power plants that provide a significant portion of Luzon’s electricity requirements.

PH bidding to host ASEAN Center for Creative Industries to boost cooperation THE Philippines is bidding to host an ASEAN Center of Excellence for Creative Industries to strengthen regional cooperation among Southeast Asia’s creative economies, ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEANBAC) Philippines senior adviser for creative economy Junie del Mundo said Thursday. “We are making a bid to have an ASEAN Center of Excellence for the Creative Industries to be established here,” del Mundo said in a media briefing. The bid has already passed the ASEAN Economic Ministers and the ASEAN Ministers for Culture, del Mundo said. The proposal now requires only a leaders’ declaration before the center can advance. “What they are now looking at, because the leaders will be meeting in November, is that they are basically just finalizing the economic declarations. That’s what economic ministers are doing at the moment,” del Mundo

ACMobility keeps lead in EV charging network ACMOBILITY accounted for 45 percent of the Philippines’ fixed electric vehicle charging locations and 43.5 percent of charge points nationwide as of end-June 2026, maintaining its lead in the country’s EV charging infrastructure, according to Department of Energy data. ACMobility operated 222 of the nation’s 492 fixed EV charging hubs, while its 542 charge points represented 43.5 percent of the country’s total 1,246 charge points in the first half of the year. “Our goal at ACMobility is to help drive the Philippines’ shift to electric mobility by making EV charging accessible where people live, work, play and travel. Through the Philippine EV Spine, we are committed to connecting the archipelago with charging hubs that will enable Filipinos to charge anywhere, drive everywhere with EVs,” ACMobility Mobility Infrastructure head Carla Buencamino said. The company expanded its charging network as EV demand grew amid oil supply volatility, using its dealership network and partnerships with fuel stations, malls, residential and office buildings, restaurants and other retail establishments to build charging sites. Othel V. Campos

DBM approves nearly 27,000 DSWD positions THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved 5,711 regular positions and more than 21,000 contractual positions in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to strengthen the workforce behind the country’s major social protection programs. At the center of the staffing push is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), with the DBM approving 5,703 regular positions to institutionalize and reinforce its operations nationwide. “For 4Ps alone, we have approved 5,703 regular positions. This means a stronger organization on the ground and clearer career opportunities for qualified personnel who have long been doing the work. We are strengthening not only the program, but also the people behind it,” DBM acting Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said.

told reporters. The project will be a joint initiative under the sociocultural and economic ministers, he said. “It’s basically harmonized, and we’re hoping that once it is approved by the leaders, already in the leaders’ declaration, all the pre-work will be done, because I think the major work that needs to be done is the completion of a landscape study. And I know that the [Department of Trade and Industry] is looking for funding for that particular landscape study to be done,” he said. The creative industries center is proposed to be established at Likhang Filipino. If approved, it would become the Philippines’ second regional center of excellence, following the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity in Los Baños, Laguna. “Hopefully by 2028, it will be up and running because there’s a lot of groundwork being done,” del Mundo said. Thony Rose Lesaca

IN BRIEF The approval covers the institutionalization of the 4Ps Bureau in the DSWD Central Office, the creation of eight organizational units under the Bureau and the establishment of a 4Ps Division in each of DSWD’s 17 regional offices. Of the approved 4Ps staffing complement, 5,542 regular positions will support the 4Ps Divisions across the 17 regional offices, while another 85 regular positions will augment regional operations covering financial, administrative, logistics, information and communications technology and general support functions. Darwin G. Amojelar

MUFG to keep SBC tie-up under universal license

SECURITY Bank Corp, and MUFG Bank are building on a 10-year strategic partnership as MUFG Manila upgrades to a universal banking license in the Philippines, the companies said. Security Bank and MUFG Manila will continue to operate independently, with each company running established businesses in the market. The partnership combines Security Bank’s local franchise, network of 400 branches and client relationships with MUFG’s global reach and institutional banking expertise. Security Bank president and chief executive Victor Lee said MUFG’s continued commitment to the Philippines is a positive development for the market. “For the past ten years, our partnership has worked because of the strengths each of us brings. Security Bank knows this market and our clients deeply, while MUFG brings global reach and expertise. Together, we can create greater value for the clients we serve,” Lee said. MUFG Manila Branch country head Masami Yoshitake said the Philippines is an important market for MUFG, and Security Bank remains an important strategic partner. “As we strengthen our presence here, we look forward to building on what we have achieved together over the past decade,” Yoshitake said. The license upgrade does not change the strategic rationale for the partnership, the banks said.

AI WAVE. Kimberly Arevalo finds a way to grow her career from home through Elevate AIDA, working with Connected Women on a project while continuing to support her family Arevalo completed Elevate AIDA, Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship digital livelihoods program with Connected Women. Through the program, Arevalo learned the fundamentals of artificial intelligence data annotation and practical digital tools such as Google Sheets—skills that can open pathways to remote work.

DOE backs shipping firm’s ban on EV boarding, pushes maritime safety rules THE Department of Energy (DOE) said it supports Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc.’s decision to temporarily bar electric and hybrid vehicles from its ferries, calling the move a prudent step after a fatal maritime fire. MSLI banned electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) from all its vessels, including the Calapan-Batangas route, through a memorandum that took effect immediately. The company issued the ban after a fire and explosion aboard one ferry in Coron, Palawan, killed passengers, with preliminary investigations linking the blaze to an EV on board. The MV June Aster carried 134 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members, when a fire broke out aboard the vessel as it sailed from Manila to Coron. The DOE said it is working with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to update the 2026 implementing rules and regulations of the Fire Code to address risks tied to EVs and lithium-ion batteries. The department said it is also coordinating with the Maritime Industry

Authority (MARINA) to draft safety protocols for carrying electric and hybrid vehicles aboard vessels. The two agencies aim to set clear, science-based and uniform requirements that protect passengers and vessels without unnecessarily restricting the growth of electric mobility in the Philippines. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said safety should come first. “We want Filipinos to trust that riding a ferry with an electric vehicle is just as safe as riding with any other vehicle,” Garin said. “We are working closely with the Bureau of Fire Protection and MARINA to get the standards right, standards that protect our passengers and our vessels while still allowing electric mobility to grow,” she said. The DOE said it is coordinating with MARINA, the BFP and the Philippine Coast Guard on the investigation into the Coron incident. The department said it will continue working with these agencies to ensure safety measures for electric and hybrid vehicles keep pace with the country’s shift to cleaner transport.

TRANSPORT A

NEW Form of urban transport is being proposed above the streets of Parañaque — a cable car system gliding over the Redemptorist Canal.

Called the Parañaque SkyeLyne Metro Cable Car Project, the proposed system would stretch for about one kilometer, connecting two major economic destinations — the SM Mall of Asia complex and Aseana City/Business Park. Branded SkyeLyne Metro, the aerial transport system is envisioned as a new link between commercial, business and transport hubs in one of the capital region’s fastest-growing areas. Rather than adding another vehicle to already crowded roads, the project would take commuters above them. The proposed system would feature two stations: the SM MOA/ St. Luke’s Station and the Aseana Station. Between them, 41 gondolas, each capable of carrying up to 12 passengers, would move continuously along the ropeway. A one-way trip is expected to take roughly three minutes. At full operational efficiency, the cable car is designed to transport as many as 3,000 passengers per hour, or approximately 36,000 passengers a day. The SkyeLyne Metro is intended to provide a safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable mode of urban transportation, while complementing the existing public transport network. Pedestrian walkways designed for all-weather use would connect the cable car system with the LRT1 Redemptorist-Aseana Station, allowing passengers to transfer between the aerial ropeway and the railway.

C1

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

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

A cable car above the city Skylyne Metro to link MOA and Aseana City

PPA equips ports with 15 emergency response vehicles

chatgpt image

The project is being pursued by the SkyeLyne Consortium, with an estimated project cost of P1.62 billion. As of August 2026, however, the cable car remains a proposal under government evaluation. The project was endorsed by the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) to the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) on Aug. 3, 2026, after it was determined to be complete pursuant to Section 10 of the PPP Code. The city government of Parañaque

subsequently informed the proponent and the PPP in a letter dated August 12, 2026, that it would proceed with the detailed evaluation of the proposal. The project is now under evaluation by the Investment Coordination Committee. If approved and eventually built, the SkyeLyne Metro would add an unusual feature to Parañaque’s evolving skyline: rows of gondolas quietly moving above the canal, carrying passengers between the Mall of Asia area and Aseana City.

In 2021, the French government agreed to fun the first urban cable car system in the country that will serve as an environment-friendly means of mass transportation to help ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila. The proposed $100-million Manila Urban Car Cable Project of the Department of Transportation initially involves the construction of a cable-propelled mass transport system spanning about 4.5 kilometers along the Santolan-Eastwood-Pasig corridor. Darwin G. Amojelar

Asia-Pacific to drive global aviation growth over next 2 decades

AirAsia PH, Atome launch travel promo AIRASIA Philippines has partnered with digital financial services platform Atome to launch a new promotion aimed at encouraging more Filipino travelers to fly. Under the offer, Atome Cardholders can receive P300 off their first AirAsia booking, plus 500 AirAsia points, when they book through the AirAsia website or MOVE app using their Atome Card. The promotion runs from September 17 to 30, 2026, with a minimum booking spend of P3,000 required to qualify for the discount. Eligible passengers can use the promo code ATOMEPH, which will be automatically applied to qualifying AirAsia flight bookings once the Atome Card is selected as the payment method. The promotion covers AirAsia Philippines’ network of domestic destinations, including Cagayan, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan and Tacloban. For travelers heading overseas, the offer also applies to flights to destinations such as Taipei, Macao, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Bangkok, Kaohsiung and Da Nang, subject to applicable booking terms. Beyond the limited-time discount, travelers can also use their AirAsia points through the MOVE app for flights, hotel bookings, selected rewards and deal vouchers. AirAsia said travelers do not need to have enough points to cover the full cost of a booking to make use of the rewards program. Existing points can be used to offset part of the booking cost, giving passengers more ways to save on their travel expenses.

ASIA-PACIFIC is set to remain the biggest driver of global aviation growth over the next two decades, with passenger traffic in the region projected to more than double by 2045, according to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast. Airbus’ Global Market Forecast 2026–2045 projects passenger traffic in Asia-Pacific to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1 percent, significantly faster than the global average of 3.9 percent. The region is expected to require 19,120 new passenger aircraft over the next 20 years, accounting for about 45 percent of the 42,060 new aircraft Airbus forecasts will be needed worldwide through 2045. Of the aircraft required in Asia-Pacific, about one-third will replace existing fleets, while the remainder will support traffic and capacity growth. Airbus attributed the region’s expanding aviation demand to strong economic fundamentals, including a growing middle-income population and rapid urbanisation. By 2045, the middle-income population in AsiaPacific is projected to reach 3 billion people, increasing demand for air

travel as connectivity becomes increasingly important to economic and social development. Widebody demand Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of global widebody aircraft deliveries, with demand for 3,420 new aircraft in the category — nearly half of all new widebody aircraft projected worldwide. Airbus said its A330neo and A350 families are positioned to address the region’s long-haul requirements. The company said the two aircraft families have helped increase its share of the region’s widebody backlog to 50 percent over the past three years. Despite growing demand for long-

haul aircraft, single-aisle jets will continue to account for the bulk of AsiaPacific’s fleet requirements. Airbus forecasts demand for 15,700 aircraft in the 100-244-seat category by 2045, driven by continued domestic and intraregional network expansion, fleet replacement and long-term capacity growth. “We are seeing an evolution in the Asia-Pacific networks and how they connect,” said Anand Stanley, president of Airbus in Asia-Pacific. “Alongside sustained expansion in long-haul networks, airlines are decentralising beyond traditional hub-andspoke models to connect secondary cities directly to the global economy,” Stanley said.

THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is strengthening fire safety and emergency response capabilities in its ports through the deployment of dedicated Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) to selected Port Management Offices (PMOs) and Terminal Management Offices (TMOs) nationwide. “In an emergency, every minute matters. These emergency response vehicles give our port personnel another important layer of protection and response capability. We want our ports to be prepared to act immediately while coordinating with the proper emergency response agencies,” PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said.

Each ERV is equipped with a 2,000-liter water tank, 100-liter foam tank, and a pump control system that allows easier operation while providing continuous monitoring of the vehicle’s systems. The vehicles are designed to support fire suppression, rescue operations, and other emergency response activities within port premises. The ERVs will be deployed to TMO Matnog, PMO Batangas, PMO Mindoro, PMO NCR-South, PMO NCR-North, PMO Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro, PMO Davao, PMO Zamboanga, PMO Surigao, PMO MarQuez, TMO Iloilo, PMO Bohol, PMO General Santos, PMO Bataan/Aurora, and the Port of Currimao. Currently, the PPA facilities incorporate fire safety systems such as fire alarms and other protective equipment, while individual port management offices also undertake preventive maintenance and emergency drills to strengthen preparedness and response. Some PMOs already have established fire-rescue resources, including rescue boats and other emergency equipment. The additional vehicles will further enhance their existing capabilities, while providing offices with limited resources a dedicated asset that can be immediately mobilized during emergencies.

2GO, SMX, SM Estates, CBP launch integrated events logistics system

From left are: 2GO Forwarding Business Unit head Faye Alonzo; SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation senior vice president Walid Wafik; Central Business Park president Erickberth Calupe; and SM Prime Holdings senior vice president and Estate Management and Development head Jessel Kabigting

2GO, the Philippines’ largest integrated transportation and logistics provider, has partnered with SMX Convention Center, Central Business Park (CBP), and SM Estates to establish a centralized permit and logistics facilitation system for events held at the SMX Convention Center and the Mall of Asia Complex. Called 2GO-SMX Events Logistics, the initiative is designed to streamline permit processing and the

movement of exhibit materials, event equipment and other deliveries for exhibitors, organizers, suppliers and service providers. The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which aims to simplify permit facilitation, improve operational efficiency and provide a more coordinated logistics process for events. Under the agreement, 2GO will facilitate permit applications on behalf of

contractors, coordinate endorsements with SM Estates, process submissions with CBP and provide end-to-end logistics support during ingress, event operations and pull-out activities at the SMX Convention Center. “Streamlining our work with SMX, CBP, and SM Estates is a reflection of our commitment to innovation across the logistics ecosystem,” said Faye Alonzo, 2GO Forwarding Business Unit Head.

“Through this partnership, we are consolidating permit processing as an integrated end-to-end solution and a single point of contact for permit processing. This enables exhibitors and organizers to move cargo more efficiently and with greater confidence,” she added. The collaboration introduces a onestop service model intended to make permit processing more efficient while ensuring compliance with estate and operational requirements. The partners said the streamlined process is expected to reduce administrative workloads, minimize potential delays and improve the overall experience for event organizers, contractors and other stakeholders. “By aligning our expertise and resources, we are creating a more seamless and efficient framework for our venue logistics,” said Walid Wafik, senior vice president for operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, which manages the SMX Convention Center. “This reinforces our dedication to delivering world-class experiences supported by efficient operational systems,” Wafik added. For SM Estates, the partnership is expected to strengthen coordination in the review and endorsement of permits.

C2 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

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

BINI extends BreakTudo run with three nominations in 2026 By Jasper Valdez BINI is extending its international awards run after landing three nominations at Brazil’s BreakTudo Awards 2026. The P-pop group is nominated for International Women’s Group alongside acts including Blackpink, Twice, Itzy, Illit, Katseye, and Babymonster. Its “Sweet Tooth” music video also earned a nod for International Music Video, placing BINI in the same field as Lisa, Blackpink, Enhypen, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Doechii, and Katy Perry. Blooms, meanwhile, are nominated for International Fandom of the Year alongside A’TIN, ARMYs, Blinks, ENGENEs, and Swifties. The nominations add to Bini’s growing presence at the Brazilian awards show and come as the group continues its overseas push. BINI recently wrapped the North American leg of its Signals World Tour and appeared at San Diego Comic-Con, where it performed A Parallel World from DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island. Voting for the BreakTudo Awards runs from Sept. 17 to Oct. 17. The ceremony is set for Nov. 24 in São Paulo, Brazil.

P-pop group BINI is nominated in International Women’s Group, International Music Video, and International Fandom of the Year categories

SHOWBIZ Shuvee Etrata and Anthony Constantino level up their love story

S

HUVEE Etrata has a rather playful description of Anthony Constantino as her suitor: “Unreal. Too good to be true. Parang AI.”

Speaking with Manila Standard Entertainment, Shuvee shared that Anthony’s persistence continues to surprise her. “He’s really persistent as a person. Since day one, he hasn’t changed,” Shuvee shared. “In fact, his persistence has doubled. He has been consistent from the very beginning in showing me how he feels.” The two are taking their relationship at their own pace, with both agreeing that their careers and families remain important priorities. Anthony explained that they want to build a strong foundation before taking the relationship to the next level. “Especially with where we are now, our friendship, the industry we’re in and where we are in our lives, I think we have a mutual understanding that we want to push each other in our careers and support our families,” he said. “We want to make sure we create the foundations for a strong relationship and a family. There are things that need to be established in our careers and with our families first, so we’re making sure those foundations are very strong. I think we’re both aligned with that.” Shuvee agreed, explaining that her family remains her priority. “I think we’re on the same page. My priority right now is really my family,” she related. “I have eight siblings whom I still need to help before I focus on myself. Of course, I will choose myself in the near future, but right now, my priority is mainly my family.” Then came the playful punchline: “Kaya naman siguro kahit maghintay siya ng 10 more years.” Anthony revealed that his courtship has already lasted more than a year, although it began before Shuvee entered Pinoy Big Brother. He added that meeting Shuvee before her PBB journey made their connection even more meaningful. “I’m just happy that I was able to meet Shuvee before she became a PBB star,” he smiled. “She’s really persistent and very patient. When you meet Shuvee, she’s the same person she was before PBB. What you see is what you get, and that’s what I love most about Shuvee.” Their real-life courtship gets another layer of kilig in From Vlog to Love, their upcoming digital romantic-comedy series for GMA. Shuvee plays Angge, a college student doing her on-the-job training at a resort, while Anthony plays Bullet, the resort owner’s son. The cast also includes Caitlyn Stave as Cherrie, Kiel Gueco as Kiko, Christian Antolin as Jusa, Marnie Lapus as Fifi, Che RamosCosio as Aida, and Ruby Ruiz as Lola Vebs. “I’m really, really grateful. I’ve always wanted to do a rom-com show or series,” Shuvee shared. “Every opportunity that came my way after the show, I accepted wholeheartedly. This is a dream for me, especially doing a rom-com with someone I’m comfortable with.” She also welcomed the chance to showcase their talents through a digital release. “I’m so happy that we were given a platform to showcase our talents and hopefully push ourselves further in a genre that I really

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

want to do,” Shuvee added. “I think this is one of the best shows I’ve done.” Anthony also sees the digital release as an opportunity to connect with a wider audience. “Specifically, with it being a digital series, I think the industry is moving toward having more digital viewers, especially with such a big platform,” he shared. “It’s a great opportunity for us to start with a digital series because it will be accessible to a lot of people. We’re super excited about that, too.” From Vlog to Love premieres tonight and runs through Oct. 3, airing every Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. on the official YouTube channel of GMA Network.

REEL LOVE.

Shuvee Etrata (right) and Anthony Constantino take their real-life courtship into a new chapter as they headline the digital rom-com series ‘From Vlog to Love’

IV of Spades, SB19 lead Awit Awards winners IV OF SPADES and SB19 emerged as the big winners at the 39th Awit Awards, with both acts collecting major honors at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sept. 15. IV of Spades led the night with three awards, including Album of the Year for Andalucia and Song of the Year for “Aura.” The band also won Best Sound Engineered Recording for “Monster.” The four-piece capped the ceremony with a three-track set, performing their latest single, “Isang Pag-Ibig,” their hits “Kabisado” and “Aura,” which had just been named Song of the Year. SB19 matched the momentum with three awards for “DUNGKA!” The track won Best Pop Recording, Best Dance/Electronic Recording, and Best Music Video. The wins add to a busy year for the P-pop group, with member John Paulo Nase, known as Pablo of SB19 and Radkidz, also taking home Songwriter of the Year for his work on the group’s 2025 EP Simula At Wakas. Ben&Ben also had a strong showing, winning Best Performance by a Group and Best Musical Arrangement for “Saranggola,” ahead of the release of their first anthology album, Nine, this month. Producer Brian Lotho was named Producer of the Year for his body of work, which includes tracks from IV of Spades’ Andalucia, as well as nominated recordings by dwta and the James Reid-TJ Monterde collaboration “Pahinga.” Yara and Nateman won Best Remix Recording for “Sabi Ko Na (Remix),” while Marina Summers brought

“Walang Kaba” to the Awit Awards stage. The track was nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Recording. Maan Atienza, general manager of Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, described the wins as recognition of the label’s roster and its commitment to artistic work. “While commercial milestones are important, we believe that true success in music lies in artistic value,” Atienza said.

“We are proud that our roster of acts are being recognized for the quality, originality, and artistic vision they bring to the industry.” Presented by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry Inc. (PARI), the 39th Awit Awards recognizes artists, creators, and recordings contributing to the Philippine music industry.

The awards recognize artists, creators, and recordings contributing to the Philippine music industry

C3

SHOWBIZ

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

G-Dragon, global brand unite for K-culture campaign By Angelica Villanueva

G-Dragon fronts a regional campaign for the fast food chain reaching 13 Asian markets

MCDONALD’S Philippines is turning up the K-culture heat with G-Dragon as the fast-food giant launches its highly anticipated Asia Chicken Campaign across 13 Asian markets. The regional collaboration officially debuted in the Philippines on Sept. 17 and brought together two global names in an “ICON×ICON” partnership inspired by the growing influence of Korean culture. Led by McDonald’s Korea, the campaign is expected to reach hundreds of millions of consumers across Asia, combining the fast-food chain’s global reach with G-Dragon’s influence across music, fashion, art, and popular culture. The campaign brings a Koreaninspired flavor experience to McDonald’s

customers throughout the region, with the Philippines getting two featured menu items: McSpicy and McNuggets with Cajun Sauce. McSpicy features a whole-cut chicken thigh fillet coated in a crispy, spicy seasoning blend, served on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce and creamy mayonnaise. The McNuggets with Cajun Sauce pairs crispy, golden Chicken McNuggets with a creamy Cajun sauce, delivering a savory, tangy, and mildly spicy kick. The food is only part of the G-Dragonpowered rollout. McDonald’s will stage campaign activations across the 13 participating markets, including exclusive digital content and limited-time customer experiences. Fans will also get a chance to score exclusive PEACEMINUSONE

John Wayne Alba

Niño Muhlach’s Aug. 23 crash along Marcos Highway leads to penalties after investigators cite severe fatigue and reckless driving

eyes back-to-back win in Mister International 2026

M

ISTER Pilipinas International 2026 John Pageant Concept Wayne Alba Eton Concepcion made a splash during the Sashing Ceremony, kicking off the 18th Mister International 2026 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday. Competing against more than fifty candidates from around the world, Alba is aiming for a back-to-back victory to succeed reigning Mister International 2025 Kirk Bondad during the finals set for Sept. 26. The 22-year-old Alba, born and raised in Italy by Filipino parents from Bicol and Laguna, worked early at age 17, taking on various blue-collar jobs. Alba deferred his studies and focused on learning technical skills like video editing. He worked crafting carbonfiber chassis for high-performance race cars like Ferraris. He came to the Philippines to pursue his career and is currently studying Tourism Management at the College of Saint Benilde. Misters of Filipinas kings compete in Türkiye and Vietnam Top Model of Universe Philippines 2026 Kristzan Karlo Delos Santos and Mister Fitness Supermodel World Philippines 2026 Jacob Kier Gomez set their eyes on bringing honor to the country in international competitions. Misters of Filipinas’ Delos Santos is competing in Top Model of Universe 2026 in Görüşürüz, Türkiye, while Gomez is vying at Mister Fitness Supermodel World 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat,

Vietnam, with both finals to be held on Sept. 19 (Saturday). Delos Santos, a 32-year-old FilipinoAmerican, lived in New York, USA, for eight years and worked as a chef and financial advisor. He holds a degree in culinary arts from the International Culinary School of Arts Institute of Seattle. He previously represented the country in Mister Grand International 2022 in Trinidad and Tobago, where he placed as first runner-up. Gomez is a 20-year-old Tarlaqueño and currently a second-year Nursing student at Tarlac State University. A former Ginoong Kanlahi 2025, Gomez regularly travels to the USA to visit his parents. Gomez is aiming to win the title after three consecutive years of runner-up finishes by Filipinos, with Denver Agana in 2025 (2nd), Godfrey Nikolai Murillo in 2024 (1st), and Michael Angelo Toledo in 2023 (3rd).

John Wayne Alba represents the Philippines in Bangkok against more than 50 delegates as he follows reigning titleholder Kirk Bondad’s successful 2025 campaign

merchandise developed in collaboration with G-Dragon. Karl Christian Chua, brand manager for McDonald’s Philippines, described the campaign as a meeting of two global icons inspired by the growing popularity of Korean flavors and culture across Asia. “The Asia Chicken Campaign brings together two globally recognized icons, McDonald’s and G-Dragon, in a unique collaboration inspired by the growing influence of Korean flavor and culture across Asia,” Chua said. “Through this partnership, we are excited to create memorable experiences that connect people through great taste, creativity, and shared cultural moments. As only McDonald’s can, we are proud to deliver Feel Good Moments to customers across Asia.”

LTO revokes Niño Muhlach’s license for two years By Angelica Villanueva THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked actor Niño Muhlach’s driver’s license for two years following an Aug. 23 crash along Marcos Highway. LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said an investigation and hearing found that Niño was suffering from severe fatigue before he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into three establishments. The agency cited reckless driving and improper operation of a motor vehicle as grounds for the penalty. Niño’s vehicle will also remain under alarm status while the resolution is in effect. “The LTO is serious about enforcing traffic laws, especially violations that may endanger other road users,” Lacanilao said. The actor previously took responsibility for the accident, saying he fell asleep while driving after a demanding work schedule. He also offered to cover medical and property expenses resulting from the crash. In a separate case, the LTO recommended permanently revoking businessman Anthony Jude Violago’s license for allegedly using an unauthorized license plate bearing his initials. Violago was driving a Porsche 918 Spyder registered to actor Derek Ramsay. The vehicle is now in Bureau of Customs custody amid an investigation into its alleged misdeclaration upon importation in 2021.

Spanish Oscar hopeful ‘The Black Ball’ pays tribute to LGBTQ community SPAIN’S OSCAR entry The Black Ball has proven buzzy across the festival circuit, as its powerful message championing LGBTQ rights emerges from intertwined storylines revolving around sexuality and the Spanish Civil War. The drama featuring cameos by the likes of Penelope Cruz and Glenn Close received a standing ovation Tuesday at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), accolades that arrived the eve before Spain selected the film—known as La Bola Negra in Spanish—as its international feature film Academy Award contender. Directors Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, a creative duo affectionately known as “Los Javis” and who were until recently a couple, are famous in Spain, particularly for their television work, if less widely known on the international stage. But their stars are rising after a smash debut of the film at Cannes, where it won the best director award that was shared with Pawel Pawlikowski (Fatherland). Along with Cruz and Close, The Black Ball

stars Miguel Bernardeau and weaves the stories of three gay men across different eras in Spain. “It’s a tribute to the LGBTQ+ community” of the past that fought for human rights, Ambrossi told AFP. Speaking to journalists at a press conference at TIFF, he said “we wanted to make it big.” The story spooled into existence as they developed the film, he explained. It started “fragile” and “intimate,” Ambrossi said, “but we understood there was a political statement behind it” that allowed for an “epic gay drama for everyone.” The filmmakers noted that many countries still have anti-LGBTQ laws, and people within the community can be persecuted or even killed for their sexuality. Calvo emphasized that the film is “about empathy and humanity and seeing the other as a person.” Early inspiration came from the unpublished play written by Federico Garcia Lorca, the poet who was executed by fascist forces at the

The film is a multi-era drama inspired by Federico García Lorca and centered on queer lives across different periods of Spanish history

beginning of the Spanish Civil War. They said the four pages of unfinished writing sparked their curiosity and drew them in. “We got obsessed with his work,” Calvo told journalists, saying they immersed themselves

in Lorca’s writings, correspondence, and biographies. “We were trying to connect with what he wanted to do,” the filmmaker added. “It was years, years of working.” IFF ends on Sept. 20.

LIFE

C4

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

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

The scholar who came back to give back

PEOPLE Random Talk Kate Adajar

Music meets meaning Where young dreamers make their mark on world stage

WHENEVER there are ballet lessons, piano lessons, singing lessons, or voice classes, there is almost always a recital waiting at the end of it. It is a familiar childhood ritual. The way I remember it, people flock to an auditorium, families dressed in their Sunday best, and proud parents holding their phones (and film cameras back in the day) up to record every moment. There is something universal about that memory. But what happens when the recital levels things up? That is what RMA (Riccio Music & Artistry) Studio Academy, founded by celebrity vocal coach and soprano Jade Riccio, is doing with its fourth Grand Annual Concert, Destination: The World Stage, happening on Nov. 5, at The Proscenium Theater in Makati City. After several concerts that have progressively expanded the academy’s vision, RMA is taking the familiar student showcase and giving it the scale and ambition of a full concert production. This is no longer simply about students getting their few minutes onstage after months of lessons. It is about preparing young performers to understand what it means to command a stage, perform alongside seasoned artists, and experience music as a shared celebration. And Riccio has always been something of a dreamer herself. Her own journey as an artist has been shaped by big aspirations, from her career as an award-winning soprano to her work as a vocal coach and mentor. In 2024, she became the sole Hall of Fame recipient at the 37th Aliw Awards after five consecutive wins, including Best Classical Performer of the Year and Best Female Crossover Performer of the Year. She has also spoken about having dreamed of reaching the Aliw Hall of Fame since she was 17. That possibly explains why her idea of a student concert keeps getting bigger. Destination: The World Stage promises an immersive musical journey featuring more than 30 songs. These range from timeless classics to contemporary global hits. The production brings together RMA students, celebrity performers, families, corporate leaders, and guests, with visual and sound technology from co-presenter Solid Water. It will transform the stage into different destinations around the world. The musical backbone will be a 25-piece Philippine Events Orchestra, conducted by musical director Dr. Lester Delgado. Forty-eight of RMA’s top student performers are set to take on solo, duet, trio, and band arrangements. And yes, the celebrities will be there, too. The announced RMA celebrity student roster includes Ina Raymundo, Michelle Dee, Zia Dantes, Scarlet Belo, Pepe Herrera, Rhian Ramos, and Jema Galanza, with a special duet featuring the school founder Riccio and a surprise celebrity guest artist. That combination is part of what makes RMA’s concerts particularly interesting. The students are not performing in isolation. They get to share the same production with working performers and recognizable names. These lucky aspirants experience an environment that more closely resembles the professional concert world. The grand event also gives families and friends something more meaningful to cheer for. Months of training end in a night where students can see what their preparation looks like under real stage lights, in front of a live audience, and alongside professional musicians and performers. But the most important part of this year’s concert happens beyond the recognition and applause. A portion of the proceeds from Destination: The World Stage will benefit the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), supporting inclusive education and programs for children with special needs. Five ASP scholars will also perform alongside RMA students. That advocacy builds on RMA’s previous concert, That’s Amore: A Night at the Movies, which received multiple nominations at the 38th Aliw Awards: Best Special Events Production for That’s Amore, Best Special Events Director for Nazer Salcedo, Male Child Performer of the Year for Theo Tiu, and Female Child Performer of the Year nominations for Natalie Grace Yanzon and Zia Dantes. Those nominations went on to become wins for some. It is a fitting progression for an academy whose concerts have become increasingly ambitious. After all, the real purpose of a recital was never just to prove that a student learned to hit the right notes, the steps, or the song. It was always about them getting a stage. RMA Studio Academy is determined to make that stage a little bigger and, this time, give each unique musical journey a grand destination. Follow @rmastudioacademy on Instagram for more details. Jade Riccio brings together young performers, professional musicians, and guest artists for a Nov. 5 concert at The Proscenium Theater in Makati City

PLDT Home has expanded its fiber network to Camotes Island, bringing broadband connectivity to families and communities in San Francisco, Poro, and Tudela. The expansion is part of PLDT’s efforts to extend reliable connectivity to more communities in the Visayas and help bridge the digital divide. “Expanding into Camotes Island is about more than extending our network footprint. It is about helping close a connectivity gap that can limit access to opportunities,” Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., chief operating officer and chief technology officer of PLDT Inc., said. “By bringing reliable fiber connectivity to island communities, PLDT Home is providing families with the digital infrastructure they need to participate more fully in today’s digital economy.” Residents can subscribe to PLDT Home Fiber Unli All 1499, which provides unlimited fiber internet at speeds of up to 200 Mbps. The plan includes 63 Cignal channels, HBO Max Standard, unlimited landline calls and 9GB of Smart mobile data monthly, shareable with up to three nominated

A scholarship awarded in 2010 helps Angelica Lourdes Pangilinan finish college and eventually build a career as National University’s Tax and Audit Compliance assistant director Years after receiving educational support, Angelica Lourdes Pangilinan carries on her professional journey at National University with the same focus on service and education that shaped her college years

I

By Nickie Wang

N 2010, Angelica Lourdes “Des” N. Pangilinan needed a scholarship to help her family send three children to college. Today, she sits on the other side of that opportunity, building a career within the SM Group and helping others move forward.

At National University, Angelica Lourdes Pangilinan oversees tax and audit compliance across the group’s 17 entities while also training fellow finance staff

Des, a scholar-graduate, is now building her career within the SM Group as Tax and Audit Compliance Assistant Director at National University (NU) Philippines, Inc. Des believes that the scholarship became a lifeline for her family and inspired her to pay forward the kindness she received. “Looking back, I realize that the true impact of the SM Foundation scholarship extends far beyond earning a diploma,” Des said. “It created opportunities for my entire family, improved our living standards, and inspired me to pay forward the kindness and trust that were once extended to me.” In 2010, Des’ parents faced a difficult choice: how to send three children to college at once on limited means. That same year, she was named one of the Kabayan Ten Outstanding Public School Students of the Philippines and awarded an SM Scholarship, allowing her parents to focus their resources on her younger siblings. “The scholarship changed more than my life. It helped my parents send all their children to school and gave our family the chance to overcome our financial limitations,” she said. Today, all three siblings have graduated and built their own careers, while Des supports her parents. “I now have the privilege of supporting and spending more time with our senior parents,” she said. “Being there for them after all their sacrifices is something I deeply value.” At National University’s Finance Shared Services office, Angelica oversees tax and audit compliance across the Group’s 17 entities, work she says continues the sense of purpose that carried her through college. Des joined NU in 2022, initially leading Finance at NU Nazareth School

before moving to her current role two years later. “As an SM Scholar, I have always been grateful to the Sy family for making it possible for me to earn my degree,” Des said. Her decision to stay at NU was reinforced by a conversation with vice president Demy Magpantay, who, without knowing she had been an SM Scholar herself, spoke about the Sy family’s vision for the university and the kind of leaders it needed. “It affirmed my belief that I wanted to be part of an institution whose work extends beyond financial performance and contributes meaningfully to nation-building through education,” she explained. Angelica leads an income tax training session for NU Group finance staff, one of the responsibilities that come with overseeing compliance across 16 campuses nationwide. That same sense of purpose shaped how she approached her education and continues to guide her as a leader. To her, every scholarship benefit represented a sacrifice from someone who believed in her potential. She worked hard to make the Dean’s List, knowing that the support she received helped ease her family’s daily needs. That spirit of paying it forward continues to shape how Des leads. She conducts training sessions for NU’s finance staff, including new team members, sharing the knowledge and guidance she once received as a scholar. Angelica completes the National University’s Management Development Program, another step in her continuing journey as a leader. Des often recalls a story Harley Sy shared at an SM Foundation General Assembly. While a friend owned a watch worth millions, Sy continued to wear his old SM watch, which told the same time. For Angelica, every milestone at NU builds on the opportunity she received in 2010, which she now seeks to extend to others. “Success is not measured by what we own, but by the difference we make in the lives of others and in the communities we serve,” Des said. “That is a lesson I continue to carry with me, both in my work and in how I live.” More than four years into her role, Des has no plans to leave. “I have learned that commitment is not measured by the number of years but by the purpose that keeps you coming to work every day,” she said. “As long as I am able to make a meaningful contribution to NU, I would be honored to continue serving the university.” This September, SM Foundation will present its newest batch of scholar-graduates at the Presentation of SM College Scholar Graduates 2026, as they begin their own journeys and carry forward the possibilities that education can create. Angelica Lourdes Pangilinan completes National University’s Management Development Program as she continues building her career in finance and compliance

Keeping communities on Camotes Island connected Smart or TNT numbers. The rollout is expected to support students, remote workers, home-based entrepreneurs and local businesses that rely on connectivity for education, communication, digital services and online transactions. It may also help tourism-related businesses promote Camotes Island’s attractions to a wider audience. PLDT Home partnered with local government units and community partners to introduce its fiber services through information booths at the Agora Public Market in San Francisco, RBC Business Center near Poro Port and beside the Tudela Municipal Hall. Residents may visit PLDT Home booths and authorized local representatives to inquire about Fiber Unli All 1499 and check service availability. PLDT Home has expanded its high-speed fiber network to Camotes Island, covering San Francisco, Poro, and Tudela