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VOL. XL • NO. 223 • 3 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P20 •FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 •

Yulo bags PH’s first-ever gymnastics gold at Asiad By Riera U. Mallari NAGOYA (Powered by PLDT Home)—Carlos Yulo added a long-overdue Asian Games gold medal to his storied collection. The two-time Olympic champion delivered the Philippines' first-ever Asian Games gymnastics gold medal and the nation's opening gold victory at this year's regional sporting event by dominating the men’s artistic gymnastics floor exercise final on Thursday at the Nagoya General Gymnasium Rainbow Hall. "Sobrang overwhelmed

lang po talaga at sobrang saya sa naging karanasan ko," Yulo said. "Isang malaking karangalan po na matanggap itong biyaya mula sa Diyos, at talagang isasapuso ko ito." The 26-year-old Yulo topped the same apparatus where he won his first Olympic crown at Paris 2024, bagging the lone major title that had eluded his collection. He was seventh at the 2018 Jakarta Games at 18 and skipped the 2023 Hangzhou edition to compete at the World Championships. The Manila-born superstar

BSKE reset bill sent to Palace, no veto expected from PBBM—Win

WINNING FORM.

THE proposed measure postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and extending the terms of barangay and SK officials to five years has been transmitted to Malacañang for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Thursday. “We already sent it to the President, and as far as I know, there is no news that he will veto it. So, the

Carlos Yulo bags the country's first-ever Asian Games gold medal for gymnastics. POC Media

‘Impeachment court did its due diligence’

Tongol: No overreach, no lowering of conviction threshold

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

ENATE impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol on Thursday defended the court’s decision to calculate the twothirds voting requirement in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial from senators legally and factually capable of participating, saying the panel exercised due diligence before issuing its ruling. Tongol, a lawyer, said the Senate neither overreached nor lowered the constitutional threshold for conviction. Instead, it clarified the proper baseline of participating senator-judges after consulting retired Supreme Court justices, hearing oral arguments and deliberating on the issue. “If you look at the actions of the impeachment court, they invited amici Next page

WAY FORWARD FOR BARMM. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulates Interim Chief Minister and Bangsamoro Federal Party (BFP) chairman Abdulraof Macacua on the successful conduct of the recently concluded BARMM Parliamentary Elections, where the BFP garnered the most votes. The historic elections recorded a high voter turnout of approximately 84 percent and were generally peaceful across the Bangsamoro region. (Story on A4) PCO

COA flags P168m in OVP’s relief operations in '25 By Jimbo Gulle THE Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged major documentation and accountability gaps in the Office of the Vice President’s P168-million relief operations in 2025. The gaps include P84.12 million in distributions covered by Mission Orders that did not identify target beneficiaries and P39.01 million in relief operations that deviated from approved orders without documented authorization. In its 273-page report on the 2025 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, the commission also found that relief operations involving 33,980 beneficiaries and P25.27 million worth of welfare goods lacked complete preoperation documents. Beneficiary and distribution records contained discrepancies, duplicate entries and other deficiencies, it added. COA identified several other deficiencies in the OVP’s implementation of relief operations, including inconsistencies between situational reports, open-ended Mission Orders, missing or incomplete supporting documents, and the use of documentary requirements intended for another OVP program. State auditors found inconsistencies between situational reports prepared by concerned agencies and local government units and those prepared by the OVP. COA said the deficiencies reduced assurance over the completeness, Next page

NBI nabs SoCot shooting suspect, ‘groomer’ in Cebu By Gwyneth Nolasco, Joel Zurbano and Vince Lopez THE National Bureau of Investigation has arrested an individual allegedly linked to the Sept. 18 school shooting in South Cotabato and a suspected online groomer in Cebu, NBI Director Melvin

Matibag said Thursday. Matibag reported the arrests during a Senate budget hearing, saying the NBI made the apprehensions with the assistance of the National Prosecution Service and the Department of Justice. Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the agency was studying the na-

tionwide adoption of a technology-driven school alert and rapid response system developed in the Calabarzon region. The “Build Partnership. Early Detection. Swift Alert. Tactical Response,” or B.E.S.T. School Alert and Rapid Response System, was developed by the Police Regional Office 4A to facilitate Next page

Concrete ovens? Public schools’ designs trap heat By Ratziel San Juan A TOAST TO THE NEXT 40. Association of Negros Producers President

Christina Gaston and SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin share a toast during Arima, the traditional ringing of the bell, marking the opening of BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair. Come taste Negros and discover its food, fashion, craftsmanship, and homegrown creativity until September 27 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura.

NOTHING says “survival of the fittest” like concrete jungles in tropical climates. It is a common sight for Filipinos in Metro Manila to have ice-cold soft drinks in one hand and a recharge-

able handheld fan in the other — whether waiting in line, riding public transport, or sitting inside a classroom. For local schoolchildren, however, the heat can become another unfavorable learning condition they are expected to make do with, along-

side classroom shortages, shifting instruction modes, and alternating class schedules. But adaptation should not have to mean enduring an environment that makes learning more difficult. While Next page

‘P7B IN FLOOD CONTROL DEALS BAGGED BY ONE FIRM IN DAVAO’

US JUDGE: REINSTATE ACCESS OF CNN, MS NOW, POLITICO

ANGAT DAM NEARS SPILLING LEVEL AHEAD OF DRY SPELL

NEWS / A3

WORLD / A6

BUSINESS / B8

NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

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cess, specifically the right to be judged by a fair and impartial tribunal,” Panelo said. He said the ruling undermined the court’s legal and moral authority and the Vice President’s right to a fair and impartial tribunal. Panelo also accused the Senate of seeking to prevent Duterte from prevailing in the impeachment proceedings or the 2028 elections, and criticized senators who supported the revised voting base. Lead defense counsel Sheila Sison said Duterte would continue participating “ad cautelam,” or with reservations, while asserting her right to fairness and impartiality and preserving all legal remedies. “Let it be clear that the respondent does not shrink from accountability nor does she fear the outcome of this impeachment trial,” Sison said. “She asks for nothing spectacular from this court. Only the most essential and basic guarantees due to every individual: fairness and impartiality.” Prosecution defends ruling House lead prosecutor Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro meanwhile rejected the claim that the Senate had effectively amended the Constitution. She said the two-thirds requirement remained unchanged and the court merely clarified which senators belong in the denominator when some are unable to participate. Luistro also said a Supreme Court challenge was premature because no

final vote had been cast. An actual controversy and injury, she argued, would arise only upon conviction or acquittal, and the number of eligible senator-judges could still change before judgment. “The question must be justiciable— it must be ripe,” Luistro said. “The test is: Does the petitioner have an actual injury that can be sustained?” “No one can stop them, and even the prosecution should not stop them,” she said, adding that the Supreme Court would have the final say on whether the issue is justiciable. House prosecutor Terry Ridon likewise said the defense could bring the matter to the Supreme Court and that the prosecution would abide by the tribunal’s ruling. 'Threshold not a verdict' House prosecution spokesman Ace Barbers said the six senator-judges who did not join Wednesday’s threshold vote should not be viewed as signaling how they would decide the merits of the impeachment case. Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Bong Go, Imee Marcos, Camille Villar and Robin Padilla did not participate in the 13-1 vote. “We do not want to preempt whatever their decision may be,” Barbers said, noting that prosecutors still have witnesses to present, while Duterte’s defense will have the opportunity to present its own case. “It will be premature to predict what will happen once the impeachment trial

reaches its final conclusion,” Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong added. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian likewise said the threshold ruling did not determine the trial’s outcome and applied equally to conviction and acquittal. “When it comes to the verdict, it’s about the evidence. It’s about the testimonies,” he said in a separate interview, adding that Duterte’s defense had yet to present its case. Competing legal views Constitution framer Christian Monsod was the latest to add his voice to the competing legal views on the impeachment trial, noting the denominator of voting senators could change but the two-thirds requirement could not. Monsod, who previously served as Commission on Elections chairman, said he consulted with other living Constitution framers including Ed Garcia, Felicitas Arroyo, Florangel Braid and Rene Sarmiento. He said they agreed with his position. "That makes five of us so if you add (retired Chief Justice Hilario) Davide, who also agrees that it could be changed, that is already six and there are only 11 surviving members of the framers of the Constitution," he added. Retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also supported the court’s interpretation, which means that if 20 senator-judges participate, conviction would require 14 votes. Meanwhile, University of the Phil-

said, ‘Let’s fight this, Attorney.’ She is not fazed and will not let the latest developments defeat her. She knows she is standing up for what is right, so the fight continues,” he said. The discrepancies covered relief operations involving P19.67 million worth of welfare goods, including differences in the reported number of affected families. The audit also found that 24 relief operations involving P39.01 million worth of welfare goods deviated from approved Mission Orders without documented approval. The changes involved schedules, distribution locations, quantities of relief items and the amount of rice distributed. Eight Mission Orders covering P84.12 million in relief distributions also failed to specify target beneficiaries, instead directing the distribution of goods to affected or displaced families. COA said the lack of defined beneficiary targets weakened the basis for determining the quantities of relief goods requested and distributed. The audit team also identified deficiencies in beneficiary and distribution records, including uncertified master lists, discrepancies between Relief Distribution Sheets and master lists, incomplete beneficiary information, duplicate entries and unsigned distri-

bution sheets. COA further found that some relief operations used documentary requirements intended for the OVP’s Relief for Indigents and Individuals in Crisis and Emergencies program despite being covered by the Disaster Operations Policy Manual. The audit found that relief operations involving 33,980 beneficiaries and P25.27 million worth of welfare goods lacked complete pre-operation documents, including situational reports, Mission Orders and verified master lists. Lawmakers meanwhile are urging the COA to conduct a specialized forensic examination of alleged selective releases and utilization of P6.4 billion in Bangsamoro Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) allocations. This follows concerns raised in a House inquiry over whether some funds went to local government units and barangays allegedly aligned with the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP). The call stemmed from House Resolution No. 2199 and the findings of the House Committee on Public Accounts in Committee Report No. 1502, which recommended a deeper examination of the fund releases beyond a conventional audit. The House inquiry began after La-

nao del Sur Rep. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong raised concerns in January 2025 over reports that more than 400 barangays received between P500,000 and P2.5 million each in LGSF allocations. Lawmakers questioned whether established procedures were followed in the distribution and release of the funds and whether political affiliations influenced the allocations. Some local officials also told the committee that they had received funds for projects they had not requested or that were later canceled. The report also raised concerns over possible political selectivity in the allocation of LGSF funds, particularly among LGUs and barangays allegedly aligned with the UBJP. The congressional inquiry did not establish that political affiliation determined the release of the funds. House Resolution No. 2199 was filed by Adiong together with Deputy Speaker Yasser Alonto Balindong, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, Sulu Rep. Samier Tan, Maguindanao Rep. Mohamad Paglas and KUSUG TAUSUG Party-list Rep. Shernee TanTambut. The House panel said the forensic examination should determine how the P6.4 billion was released, distributed and utilized across the Bangsamoro region and whether applicable rules were violated.

‘Impeachment... From A1

curiae, held oral arguments and then deliberated. These processes ensure that the impeachment court came up with this decision with due diligence,” Tongol said in a television interview. He added that Duterte’s camp could seek Supreme Court review through a Rule 65 petition for certiorari, but would have to show grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction. “There’s always a recourse when you are aggrieved by a decision of a court. You can try to elevate it to the Supreme Court through a Rule 65 petition for certiorari,” Tongol said. The petitioner would have to show grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction, he said. Defense assails ruling Duterte’s camp maintained that the Senate violated the Constitution by lowering the voting threshold and denied the Vice President due process. Spokesperson Paolo Panelo said the requirement should remain two-thirds of all 24 senators, or 16 votes, and argued that the impeachment court had no authority to change it. “The Senate’s decision to reduce it is a clear violation of the Constitution—not only because the Senate lacks the authority to do so, but also because it tramples upon Vice President Sara Duterte’s right to due pro-

COA... From A1

reliability and verifiability of relief distribution records and weakened controls over the OVP’s relief operations. The audit team recommended that the OVP strengthen its review procedures and ensure that operational adjustments, beneficiary lists and distribution records are properly documented, verified and authorized. It also recommended that future Mission Orders clearly define the scope and coverage of relief operations whenever sufficient information is available during the planning stage. Vice President Sara Duterte’s spokesperson, lawyer Paolo Panelo, said the OVP would issue a statement after reviewing the COA notice. “I have just received requests for comment regarding this matter, and I am currently coordinating with the OVP today to determine who can respond. The OVP will issue a response or statement once they have studied the COA notice or letter,” Panelo said in an “Unang Balita” TV interview on Thursday. Panelo said Duterte remained unfazed by the latest developments. “Yesterday, when we spoke, she Republic of the Philippines Regional Trial Court National Capital Judicial Region Branch 107, Quezon City E-mail Address: rtc1qzn107@judiciary.gov.ph Tel No. (02) 8529-9986

MANOLO F. LOMIBAO, Petitioner, - versus -

CASE NO. R-QZN-23-11023-CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage

SOLITA B. LOMIBAO, Respondent. X------------------------------------------------X DECISION WHEREFORE, in view of all the foregoing, the Petition to Declare the marriage of Manolo F. Lomibao and Solita B. Lomibao as null and void initio is GRANTED. Decision is hereby rendered as follows: 1. Declaring the marriage of petitioner of Manolo F. Lomibao and respondent Solita B. Lomibao on October 11, 1986, in Carmona, Cavite, NULL AND VOID AB INITIO on the ground of lack of marriage license under Article 35(3) of the Family Code of the Philippines; 2. The absolute community property relations of the parties are hereby DISSOLVED;

NBI... From A1

faster reporting, information-sharing and response to security threats in schools, Nartatez said. The Department of Information and Communications Technology and its Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center also lifted the temporary ban on Discord on Thursday after the platform committed to cooperate with the government on online safety measures. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda and CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso confirmed the lifting of the ban following an online meeting with Discord representatives. On Tuesday, CICC gave both Reddit and Discord 24 hours to establish a Philippine presence to enhance collaboration with the government following the shooting at the Banga National High School in South Cotabato. Identity of suspect, groomer not disclosed “Yesterday, we were able to apprehend one of the individuals somehow related to what happened in South Cotabato, and we also apprehended one of the suspected

groomers from Cebu,” Matibag told lawmakers. He did not disclose the nature of the South Cotabato suspect’s alleged involvement in the shooting at Banga National High School, where three students were killed. Matibag said the NBI was coordinating with the school, processing the arrests and working to rescue individuals believed to have been affected by the alleged online grooming. “Probably in the coming days, there will be 10 individuals rescued who belong to that group,” he said. Sen. Francis Pangilinan, who chaired the hearing, expressed concern over what he described as the increasing incidence of school violence. “It is unusual that there have been three mass shootings, which had never happened before, leading many to suspect that this is actually organized, syndicated and calibrated,” Pangilinan said. Matibag said the NBI was committed to strengthening its investigation and monitoring of online threats but would need additional resources to respond more quickly to potential attacks. “It might have been faster, but we are doing our best,” he said.

3. Henceforth, the respondent shall be known by her maiden name, “Solita Bechaves”; 4. Their children, Katherine Bechaves Lomibao and April Bechaves Lomibao are hereby declared ILLEGITIMATE. The Local Civil Registrar of General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite (where the birth is recorded) is hereby DIRECTED to issue an amended birth certificate indicating the new civil status of Katherine Bechaves Lomibao and April Bechaves Lomibao; The parties are ordered to verify with the Branch Clerk of Court the service of this Decision to the parties concerned for the issuance of the Certificate of Finality. The Decision becomes final upon the expiration of fifteen (15) days from notice to the parties. Entry of Judgment/Certificate of Finality shall be made if no Motion for Reconsideration/New Trial or Appeal is filed by any of the parties, the public prosecutor, or the Office of the Solicitor General. Thereafter, the Decision and the Entry of Judgment/Certificate of Finality shall be registered in the Local Civil Registry where the marriage was recorded (Carmona, Cavite), and the Local Civil Registry where this Family Court is located (Quezon City) for information and appropriate action, and the Decree of Nullity of Marriage with the Philippine Statistics Authority. Petitioner must submit to this Court proof of compliance thereof within thirty (30) days from registration, only then can he be free to marry again. SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Metro Manila, June 9, 2026. (Sgd.) JOSE L. BAUTISTA, JR. Presiding Judge

(MStandard - Sep. 25, 2026)

Concrete... From A1

students and teachers find ways to keep cool, the design of the spaces themselves may be part of the problem. Manila Standard sought the opinions of public and private professionals to examine whether Philippine school buildings and classrooms are properly designed for the country's increasingly dangerous temperatures, or whether some of their features may inadvertently trap heat rather than keep it out. Concrete problems According to a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer who has worked with the Department of Education on classroom construction, the current design of many public school buildings could be considered “moderately ineffective” at addressing extreme heat because of several limitations. “While standard school designs often include features such as large windows for natural ventilation and high ceilings that can help reduce indoor temperatures under normal conditions, several factors limit their effective-

ness. These include the use of heat-absorbing materials, overcrowded classrooms, aging infrastructure, and insufficient shading,” the DPWH engineer told Manila Standard. “As a result, many public school classrooms become uncomfortably hot, especially during the dry season,” they added. They further explained that extensive use of concrete in construction is a major factor contributing to thermal or heat-related discomfort. “Concrete has a high thermal mass, meaning it can absorb, store, and gradually release heat, which can increase indoor temperatures,” the engineer said. This is compounded by other significant contributors, including metal roofing without adequate insulation, poor ventilation, and building orientations that expose walls and windows to prolonged direct sunlight. Moreover, they said that insufficient shading, dark-colored roofing and wall materials, and limited green spaces around school buildings can further intensify heat-related discomfort. The engineer’s insights correspond with the findings of a June 2025 conference paper presented at the International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Green Technology 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

ippines College of Law Associate Dean Paolo Tamase said that "the amici’s weight is less on the arguments per se but on the reasonability of the decision on the threshold." "I think It would be hard to argue grave abuse in the Supreme Court if the Senate conducted an extensive process of consulting the amici and a two week period to reflect on and decide the threshold issue," Tamase told Manila Standard. The impeachment court voted 13-1, with six senator-judges not participating, to interpret “all the Members of the Senate” as those legally and factually capable of participating when judgment is rendered. This set aside the earlier fixed requirement of 16 votes based on all 24 senators. Sen. Erwin Tulfo, who sought reconsideration of the earlier ruling, said the court clarified the voting base rather than lowered the constitutional twothirds requirement. Retired justices Artemio Panganiban, Hilario Davide Jr. and Reynato Puno supported allowing the denominator to change according to who could participate, while Adolfo Azcuna maintained that all 24 senators should be counted. The issue arose because Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta are detained, Ronald dela Rosa is subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, and Loren Legarda is on medical leave. With Ram Superable

Yulo... From A1

performed an almost flawless routine to take the win with 14.666 points (5.7 D-score, 8.966 E-score). He kept his composure to the very end, beating Japan’s Shoma Tsukiyama (14.566) and Milad Karimi of Kazakhstan, who claimed silver with a score of 14.600 — a mere 0.066 behind Yulo. Yulo will aim to add to his collection on Friday in the finals of the parallel bars and vault, where he is also the reigning Olympic champion. "Bukas po, mag-iingat lang tayo at aasa sa pinakamabuting resulta. Ang layunin ko lang ay patuloy na magpakita ng mas artistic at malinis na performance. Kapag mas mataas ang kalidad ng routine, kusa namang lalapit ang medalya nang walang labis na stress," he said. Other results saw Asiad debutant Eldrew Yulo, 18, finish seventh with a 12.233 after stumbling in his opening pass, but he returns to action Friday in the horizontal bar final with Miguel Besana. He then offered words of advice to his younger brother Eldrew. "Ang matalo, matuto, magkamali, at muling bumangon nang paulit-ulit— bahagi talaga 'yun ng pagtatagumpay. Napakatalentadong bata niyan, at darating din ang panahon niya basta huwag lang siyang susuko."

BSKE... From A1

terms of barangay officials will be extended to five years. The term of incumbent barangay officials will be extended by two more years,” Gatchalian told reporters. “I have not heard anything about Malacañang vetoing it, so it may be signed anytime, maybe this week,” he added. Gatchalian said the proposed measure was transmitted to the Palace on Wednesday, although Malacañang has yet to announce when Marcos will sign it. The BSKE is currently scheduled for Nov. 2, with the filing of certificates of candidacy set from Sept. 28 to Oct. 5. The Senate last week approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2387, which seeks to increase the terms of barangay and SK officials from four to five years and move the next BSKE to the second Monday of November 2028. The measure was approved with 13 votes in favor, five against and no abstentions. The bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 12232, which currently provides for four-year terms for barangay and SK officials. Under the proposed measure, no elected barangay official may serve more than two consecutive terms in the same position, while an elected SK official may serve no more than one term in the same position. Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the bill’s principal author and sponsor, said the five-year term would give barangay and SK officials more time to plan, implement and evaluate programs before the next elections. Ram Superable

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One firm got P7b Davao flood projects: Matibag By Gwyneth Nolasco

ATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag revealed on Thursday that they discovered P7 billion worth of flood control projects in the first district of Davao City were awarded to only one contractor. This was based on records from the Commission on Audit (COA) that the NBI recently obtained. “The figure we were looking at, P1.9 billion worth of projects secured by one contractor, turned out to be incomplete. It is P7 billion from 2018 to 2024,” Matibag said in an interview. The NBI director earlier said Genesis88 Construction Inc. secured P1.9 billion worth of flood control projects in the district led by Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte in Davao City. In relation to the recent finding, he added that the NBI would issue subpoenas for the documents from COA. Aside from Genesis88, Gemma Construction Supply and Agong Builders and Construction were also included in the flood control probe conducted by the NBI. When asked about the three contractors’ alleged close relations with the Dutertes, Matibag said the matter was “subject to validation.”

Matibag initially said 47 flood control projects in Duterte’s district were identified as “red flags,” but later clarified that the number of projects being investigated by the bureau had risen to 51. After Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Engr. Juby Blancaver Cordon received an NBI subpoena on Sept. 17, 2026, she arrived at the NBI Office of the Director on Thursday to comply with the subpoena amid the flood control probe. The DPWH Davao Region submitted 10 boxes of documents containing records of the projects in Davao City. “There are about 10 boxes of documents that we will examine one by one to see what really happened with these projects. If there is no evidence that would support the filing of a case, we will also say so,” Matibag said, noting that he had yet to review the documents presented.

FLOOD CONTROL WORKS. Construction of a flood control project continues at the corner of Araneta Avenue and Maria Clara Street in Quezon City, an area prone to flooding during typhoons and the southwest monsoon, on Thursday. Edd Castro

Quimbo bill eyes higher excise taxes on luxury cars, perfume levy removed By Maricel V. Cruz A BILL has been filed at the House of Representatives to increase excise taxes on high-value automobiles and expand the coverage of non-essential goods, while eliminating the tax on perfumes and toilet waters. Rep. Miro Quimbo of Marikina’s Second District filed House Bill 11465, which seeks to further amend Sections 149 and 150 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, to strengthen the tax framework on luxury and other non-essential consumption. “The proposed measure aims to achieve greater tax progressivity and promote a more equitable distribution of wealth since

ADVISORY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

luxury and high-value goods are generally purchased by consumers with greater disposable income and capacity to pay,” said Quimbo, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. “By raising the cost of high-value discretionary purchases, the measure may discourage conspicuous consumption and redirect part of household resources toward savings, investments, or socially productive expenditure,” he added. Under the proposed measure, automobiles priced above P4 million up to P8 million would be subject to a 50-percent ad valorem tax, while those priced above P8 million would be taxed at 75 percent. Existing tax rates for automobiles priced at P4 million and below would remain unchanged.

FISHERFOLK PROTEST. Fisherfolk from the Verde Island Passage raise their fists and placards in front of Verde Island on Thursday, calling for legal protection of the marine biodiversity hotspot and effective vessel monitoring to protect small-scale fishers and their livelihoods. Manny Palmero

No. 2026-0051

Acceptance of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) E-Certificate Signed September 23, 2026

In line with Republic Act No. 11032 or the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018,” and the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to recognize digital documents across government offices in support of the government’s digitalization initiatives and improved public service, all National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) beneficiaries, accredited health care providers, partner institutions, and other stakeholders are hereby informed that the PSA E-Certificate shall be honored and accepted in PhilHealth transactions requiring the submission of civil registry documents issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA E-Certificate is a secure, verifiable, and legally recognized alternative to PSA-issued paper certificates. It may be presented for transactions requiring civil registry documents, including but not limited to: • • • • •

Certificate of Live Birth Certificate of Marriage Certificate of Death Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) Certificate of No Death (CENODEATH)

Members shall ensure that the printed copy of the E-Certificate presented during on-site transactions is clear and legible. Likewise, for online submissions through the PhilHealth Member Portal, a clear and legible digital copy of the E-Certificate shall be uploaded. Effective immediately, all concerned PhilHealth offices, accredited health care providers, and stakeholders are hereby directed to recognize and accept PSA E-Certificates submitted by registrants, members, and claimants, whether through onsite or online transactions, for purposes of membership registration, record amendment or updating, benefit availment, claims processing, and other PhilHealth-related transactions, where applicable. For your information and guidance.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

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Mrs. Marcos joins other First Ladies at luncheon in NY

STORM WATCH.

Meteorologists from the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department monitor tropical storm Surigae as it slightly intensifies before entering the Philippine area of responsibility Thursday morning. At about 3 a.m., the disturbance, to be named ‘Queenie,’ was spotted 1,500 kilometers east of Northern Luzon. Norman Cruz

PBBM meets Macacua at Palace By Charles Dantes

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister and Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) chairman Abdulraof Macacua on the successful conduct of the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Malacañang said Thursday. Mr. Marcos met with Macacua at the Palace on Wednesday, where he congratulated the interim chief minister after the BFP emerged as the leading

party in the Sept. 14 elections. The elections drew a heavy voter turnout of 84.34 percent of the 2.3 million registered voters casting the bal-

IN BRIEF Romanian sex trafficker cuffed on arrival at NAIA BUREAU of Immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport barred from entering the country a Romanian national who was convicted for trafficking women into prostitution. Razvan Mircea Nedelea, also known as Razvan Necule, was flagged based on intelligence information that he was traveling to the Philippines. Immigration Anti-Terrorist Group deputy chief Bienvenido Castillo III said records identified Nedelea as a member of a Romanian criminal group involved in trafficking women to Scotland. Castillo said his team was on alert Nedelea’s arrival on board a Qatar Airways flight and immediately apprehended the alien upon arrival. The unwanted visitor was recommended for exclusion and eventual deportation. Vito Barcelo

BOC agents foil kush smuggling bid, nab 3 GOVERNMENT operatives arrested three plane passengers from Bangkok, Thailand for alleged attempt to smuggle through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) 18.679 kilograms of suspected high-grade marijuana, or kush concealed in six pieces of luggage. The Bureau of Customs at the airport said the luggage initially appeared to contain food items, but yielded suspicious images during X-ray inspection, prompting a physical examination. The seized kush has an estimated value of ₱18.679 million, according to the BOC-NAIA. Examination and verification procedures remain ongoing. Authorities said further details will be released after the completion of the examination and validation. Vito Barcelo and Joel Zurbano

lots, according to the Commission on Elections. The BFP secured 16 seats of the BARMM parliament. Malacañang said the polls were generally peaceful and marked the completion of the political track of the Bangsamoro peace process and the region’s transition to a fully elected parliamentary government. The meeting also covered the way forward for the newly elected BARMM government, including the continued implementation of development programs and delivery of essential services to Bangsamoro communities.

Mr. Marcos and Macacua also discussed the continuation of the normalization track of the peace process to sustain gains in peace and development in the region. Also present at the meeting were Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, and Minister of the Interior and Local Government Jordan Bayam. The 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament was officially proclaimed on Sept. 16 following the completion of the canvassing of votes.

FIRST Lady Liza Araneta Marcos joined her American counterpart, Melania Trump, and other first spouses at a luncheon in New York where they talked about protecting children and expanding access to education and technology. Marcos said she was pleased to participate in the event dubbed “Fostering the Future Together,” which brought together representatives of countries participating in the global coalition during the 81st United Nations General Assembly. “No matter where we come from, we all share the same hope for our children — that they are given every opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, while staying safe and protected in an increasingly digital world,” Marcos said in a social media post. She also highlighted concerns over Filipino children who have fallen victim to harmful online content and websites. “Here’s to building a safer, brighter and more hopeful future for all children — especially our young Filipino youth who have fallen victims to all these creepy websites,” Marcos said. For her part, Melania Trump said the coalition had expanded to 57 participating countries, describing it as a global initiative aimed at empowering children through technology and education.

UNIQUE AS THEY COME.

Malabon City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office puts on display various unique costumes during the Tambobong Festival Attire Exhibit at the City Hall Lobby. Andrew Rabulan

Pag-IBIG Fund to launch new module for 4PH program By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) through the Pag-IBIG Fund will soon launch a new modality to further boost the implementation of the Marcos administration’s flagship Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. Housing czar Jose Ramon Aliling said the Expanded 4PH modality will enable private developers to dispose of current inventory, hence, address the supposed condominium glut, particularly in the National Capital Region.

At the same time, the new modality, covering prime-located condominium units costing P3 million and below, will provide wider options for homebuyers at a lower price and low interest rates offered by Pag-IBIG Fund. Aliling said the DHSUD and Pag-IBIG Fund will soon announce the guidelines for the new Expanded 4PH modality that will also help the private developers with their compliance to balanced housing program. “With this new modality through Pag-IBIG Fund, we will enable private developers to sell more units, thus addressing inventory issues, while offering wider options for our homebuy-

ers and access to best-located housing units at a lower price with low interest rates,” he said. “It will be a win-win balance for our stakeholders --the homebuyers and developers,” he added. The DHSUD chief brought up the new modality during last Tuesday’s meeting of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Infrastructure Sector Group-Real Estate presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Aliling welcomed the PSAC meeting as a huge boost to the DHSUD’s efforts of ensuring a more enabling environment for all stakeholders in the housing and real estate industry.

Lazaro calls for global support for total nuke testing prohibition

Two Army soldiers slain in Maguindanao Norte THE Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) condemned the killing of two soldiers in a shooting incident in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on Sept. 23. In a statement, 6ID/JTFC acting commander Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog described the incident as an “unacceptable and a cowardly act of violence.” The two fallen soldiers from the 7th Infantry (Tapat) Battalion were reportedly off duty and were riding tandem on a motorcycle to buy provisions when they were ambushed by two armed men along the Davao-Cotabato national highway in Barangay Ladia, Sultanj Kudarat. Rex Espiritu

By Charles Dantes

By Katrina Manubay

LOAD ‘EM UP. Workers load LPG tanks for delivery to consumers, unmindful of

skyrocketing fuel prices that would potentially trigger inflation across the country and elsewhere in the world. Norman Cruz

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro urged other countries to maintain political momentum toward the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), as the landmark agreement marks its 30th anniversary this year. During her remarks at the 12th Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the CTBT, held on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Lazaro emphasized the importance of keeping political momentum to accelerate the final steps for the treaty’s ratification. “We have seen remarkable progress in the past three decades. Before the CTBT opened for signature, thousands of nuclear tests were conducted. Since 1996, there have been only 10,” Lazaro said.

OPINION

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Is this the final nail in the coffin? IF the prosecution can turn the unexplained-wealth allegations against Vice President Sara Duterte into a clear financial case, this could become the decisive argument for her removal from office. But it is crucial to distinguish between allegations and what has actually been proven before the Senate impeachment court. The timing is important. The prosecution has moved ahead to Article II, dealing with unexplained wealth, after completing most of its presentation on the alleged misuse of confidential funds. More than 1,800 financial records have been assembled, including bank, tax, insurance and other documents involving Duterte, her husband Manases Carpio and their businesses. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) had previously reported ₱6.7 billion in covered and suspicious transactions involving accounts under Duterte and Carpio from 2006 to 2025. The Senate is now examining the records rather than relying merely on political accusations. This alters the character of the impeachment battle. The confidential-funds controversy involved questions of procedure, responsibility and the interpretation of government rules. Unexplained wealth is more straightforward: How much money and property did the Dutertes have? Where did it come from? Does their declared income reasonably account for it? And are the financial transactions consistent with their legitimate sources of income? Those are questions that can be answered or contradicted by documents. The Senate impeachment court itself has already ruled that the subpoenaed bank and tax records were relevant and material to determining Duterte’s financial baseline. It also accepted the prosecution’s argument that examining Carpio’s finances was needed because Duterte and Carpio have no prenuptial agreement and are subject to the regime of absolute community of property. The trial arrives therefore at the “follow the money” moment. However, the ₱6.7 billion figure by itself does not prove corruption. A large chunk of transactions is not automatically equivalent to ₱6.7 billion of unexplained personal wealth. The prosecution still has to establish what the transactions represented, which were actually attributable to Duterte or her husband, what assets were acquired, what legitimate income existed, and what remains unaccounted for. If the prosecution succeeds in connecting the documentary evidence to a substantial and unexplained accumulation of

wealth, especially if the evidence shows discrepancies between actual wealth, bank activity, tax records and statements of assets and liabilities, then the political effect could be devastating. This could also reinforce the prosecution’s broader argument that the alleged misuse of confidential funds and the alleged accumulation of unexplained wealth are not isolated incidents but parts of a pattern involving public accountability, personal integrity and the use of political power. And we need to point out that this is where the case could become particularly damaging to Duterte’s political future.

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The Senate is now examining the records rather than relying merely on political accusations. A conviction in an impeachment trial does not merely remove an incumbent official. Under Article XI, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution, the Senate’s judgment may include disqualification from holding any public office. Hence, if the Senate convicts Duterte and imposes disqualification, the consequence would extend beyond her vice presidency and could effectively shut the door to another presidential or other bid for public office. Given this, we need to ask: Is unexplained wealth the final nail in the coffin? It could be, but only if the evidence delivers what the prosecution needs: a persuasive documentary chain from money to ownership, ownership to wealth, and wealth to an absence of legitimate explanation. If that chain is established convincingly before the senators, Article II could in fact become the most powerful and potentially decisive part of the impeachment case. At that point, the issue would no longer be simply whether Filipinos believe Sara Duterte is fit to govern. The Senate would have to answer a much more basic question: Can someone entrusted with a high public office remain in power when the documentary evidence shows wealth that cannot be satisfactorily explained? That is the question that decides not only her vice presidency, but also her political future. ernhil@yahoo.com

Malaysia’s migrant return plan chills Myanmar Rohingya YANGON — As a Rohingya exile who abandoned his life in Malaysia to return to Myanmar, Ismail’s bleak prospects may portend what awaits others caught in Kuala Lumpur’s migrant crackdown. Weeks ago, the 25-year-old was eking out a living at a Malaysia fish market, one of legions of the Muslim minority group who left Myanmar to escape violence some monitors say amounted to genocide. But a wave of anti-Rohingya sentiment, migrant arrests and a government plan to repatriate Myanmar nationals drove Ismail back, even though the nation he fled still denies him full citizenship. “People without a country like us, we have nowhere to come back (to),” said Ismail, using a pseudonym for security reasons like other Rohingya in this story. He subsists jobless on the charity of family in Yangon, carrying ID branding him a second-class citizen and cowering from the security forces who spearheaded the crackdown on his people. “We are the most discriminated people,” said Ismail, “the people from nowhere.” Nearly 1,500 Myanmar migrants are due to be sent home from Malaysia next week, the first of 5,000 that Kuala Lumpur says agreed to “voluntary” repatriation from detention centers. Malaysia’s foreign and home ministries have not responded to a query on what proportion will be Rohingya. But the group makes up two-thirds of the 190,000 Myanmar refugees and asylum seekers in the country, according to the United Nations. Perilous precedent The Rohingya left Myanmar en masse starting in 2017 when a crackdown of mass killing, rape and arson began in western Rakhine state. Rights groups say it was a military-led campaign of ethnic cleansing, a claim the armed forces deny. The majority of Rohingya -- 1.2 million -- now live over the Bangladesh border in overcrowded camps, while Malaysia is the

second-largest host nation. Despite Malaysia being a Muslim-majority country, the Rohingya there are facing pressure, including from an online campaign that rights advocates say is fuelling xenophobia and intimidation. For years, efforts to repatriate Rohingya to Myanmar have stalled over the ethics of returning them to a country where conditions have only worsened since a 2021 coup that triggered civil war. Some fear Malaysia’s return scheme will erode existing protections.

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For years, efforts to repatriate Rohingya to Myanmar have stalled over the ethics of returning them to a country where conditions have only worsened. “Whether or not Rohingya are among those returned, this could set a troubling precedent,” said one UN official in the region, speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to talk to media. “Other countries in the region could follow suit despite ongoing risks in Myanmar.” With many Rohingya sequestered inside detention centres with reportedly dire living conditions, it is hard to judge how voluntary the repatriations are. “Given the choice, I don’t think anyone wants to stay there,” said Yap Lay Sheng, a senior human rights specialist with NGO Fortify Rights. “They would rather risk their life and go back home.” The Myanmar government has pledged a “safe and dignified” welcome. But it is unclear where the Myanmar navy ships slated

A question of numbers

T WAS bound to happen. We’re talking about the Senate impeachment court’s decision on September 23 to drop the fixed 16-vote threshold and instead compute the two-thirds requirement based on the number of senators who are actually able to participate in the proceedings. The constitutional bar of a twothirds vote for conviction hasn’t changed, but the denominator has, and this shift could prove decisive. When the trial opened on July 6, Presiding Officer Francis Escudero ruled that conviction required 16 votes. The arithmetic was simple: the Constitution says two-thirds of all 24 senators, which equals 16. But circumstances have complicated that seemingly cut-and-dried formula. Four senators are unable to take part: Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta are detained, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is absent while facing an ICC warrant, and Loren Legarda is abroad on medical leave. Senator Erwin Tulfo challenged whether those absences should still count toward the denominator. The court’s new ruling says “all members” doesn’t automatically mean all 24 if some are legally or factually incapable of serving as senator‑judges. In other words, senators who are detained, incapacitated, or beyond the Senate’s reach

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The calculus may have shifted, but the real battle remains over the weight of the evidence. The constitutional debate is far from settled. Former Chief Justices Artemio Panganiban, Hilario Davide Jr., and Reynato Puno have supported the idea that the threshold should reflect senators who can actually participate. Former Justice Adolfo Azcuna disagrees, insisting

Such cases must be decided by the Court en banc. This power still has limits. Courts do not roam freely seeking laws to strike. Four requisites must first be met. First, there must be an actual case or controversy. Second, the petitioner must have legal standing. This means a personal and substantial interest in the outcome. Third, the question must be raised at the earliest opportunity. Fourth, constitutionality must be the case’s very lis mota. Lis mota means the heart of the dispute. Courts avoid constitutional questions when other grounds suffice. Standing is sometimes relaxed for transcendental importance. Taxpayers and legislators have sued under this exception.

EVERY constitution needs a guardian. Judicial review assigns that role to the courts. How boldly courts play it remains fiercely debated. The doctrine was born in Washington in 1803. Outgoing President John Adams named William Marbury a magistrate. Secretary of State James Madison withheld the commission. Marbury went straight to the Supreme Court for a writ. Chief Justice John Marshall saw a larger question lurking. Marshall ruled that Marbury deserved his commission. Yet the statute granting the Court jurisdiction was void. Congress cannot enlarge powers the Constitution fixed. Saying what the law is, he wrote, belongs to courts. Judicial review crossed the Pacific with American rule. It found its Filipino voice in 1936. The case was Angara v. Electoral Commission. Jose Angara won a seat in the National Assembly. Pedro Ynsua filed a protest before the Electoral Commission. The Assembly had earlier confirmed Angara’s election by resolution. Angara argued the protest came too late. He asked the Supreme Court to stop the Commission. Justice Jose P. Laurel wrote for the Court. The Commission, he held, acted within its constitutional sphere. More enduring was his defense of judicial review itself. Courts allocating constitutional boundaries assert no superiority over coequal branches. Then came martial law. Courts often invoked the political question doctrine. Critics said this left executive acts largely unreviewed. The 1987 framers responded by widening judicial power. Article VIII, Section 1 now defines that power broadly. Courts must settle actual controversies involving enforceable rights. They also check grave abuse of discretion in government. Chief Justice Roberto Concepcion championed this expanded power. Scholars call it expanded certiorari jurisdiction. The political question doctrine narrowed considerably. Section 5 grants final say over constitutional challenges.

Meeting the requisites opens the door. How far the Court walks through depends on philosophy. Two broad approaches compete: activism and restraint. Judicial activism favors robust intervention to protect constitutional values. Activist courts read their powers generously. They relax standing and reach novel questions. Supporters say this shields rights from majoritarian excess. Critics warn it lets unelected judges make policy. Judicial restraint counsels deference to the political branches. Restrained courts strike down acts only when violations are clear. Supporters say this respects democracy and separation of powers. Critics warn it can leave constitutional wrongs unremedied. Philippine jurisprudence shows both tendencies. The expanded definition invites more intervention. Yet the Court often reaffirms deference to coequal branches. Now apply these principles to impeachment. Article XI, Section 3(6) sets the threshold for conviction. Two-thirds of all

Senate members must concur. With 24 senators, that means 16 votes. Questions arise when senators are absent, or when they abstain or inhibit. Suppose a conviction rests on fewer than 16 votes. Or suppose the Senate counts only members present as it now has decided. The Senate holds sole power to try impeachments. Francisco v. House of Representatives still permits some review. There, in 2003, the Court enforced constitutional limits on impeachment. In 2025 and 2026, in the first impeachment complaint against Sara Duterte, the Supreme Court also intervened to interpret the one year bar rule. An activist Court would likely take the case. It would read “all the Members” as unambiguous. Counting votes, it might say, needs no political judgment. A shortfall would then be grave abuse of discretion. The conviction could then be annulled. A restrained Court would proceed more cautiously. It might stress the Senate’s sole power to try. It could defer to the Senate’s own vote-counting rules. It might find the question political and nonjusticiable. Both camps would likely agree on one point. The Court would not reweigh the evidence. Guilt or innocence remains the Senate’s call. For me, it is not the lowering of the threshold that is the precedent here. The precedent is that the Senate (and the House for similar situations) can determine what the threshold for conviction is, and for that matter, charter change. In other words, it can choose to return to the higher bar or lower it further as it pleases. In that context, will this survive judicial scrutiny or is this the kind of arbitrariness or grave abuse of discretion that is indicated in Article 8, Section 1, paragraph 2, as subject of judicial review? I suspect this might be the line of attack in a Supreme Court petition questioning this ruling. Indeed, judicial activism and judicial restraint each carry real risks. The public is well served by understanding both. The Supreme Court should be wise enough to make the right choice for the country.

to carry them will dock, and what their future holds. Myanmar-based activist Mohammad fears any fellow Rohingya may be dispatched to impoverished and besieged displacement camps in Rakhine. Four residents recently died there in a suspected cholera outbreak, while both sides of the civil war are accused of atrocities against the Rohingya. “I feel extremely helpless,” said 26-yearold Mohammad. “They don’t recognise us as human.” But he struck a note of resilience: “While they don’t count us as people, I still have

my own life and hope -- because I was born human.” ‘Bargaining chips’ Yap of Fortify Rights said the Rohingya are being treated as “bargaining chips.”. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is “politically embattled” and “wants to be seen as powerful on immigration enforcement” ahead of elections due by early 2028, he said. Myanmar meanwhile is seeking favor from Malaysia as it tries to shake off its post-coup pariah status. Anwar has invited coup leader turned civilian president Min Aung Hlaing for an

official visit in a bid to expedite the repatriations. It would be the first such welcome since the coup for Min Aung Hlaing, named as a chief architect of the Rohingya crackdown in numerous legal cases. The Myanmar military claims the campaign was targeting insurgents, but the International Court of Justice is weighing whether it constituted genocide. Caught between a hostile adoptive home and a motherland that denies their rights, Rohingya migrants in Malaysia, like 30-year-old Asif, face an agonizing choice. AFP

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Two broad approaches compete: activism and restraint.

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser

Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

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The mighty power of judicial review

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

can be excluded. That interpretation potentially lowers the denominator to 21, which means 14 votes—not 16—would be enough to convict. Retired Justice Antonio Carpio had earlier argued for this approach, though he considered Legarda still part of the count since she remains a sitting senator despite her absence.

“all” means all 24, and that the 16vote requirement should remain fixed. The defense has seized on this dispute, arguing that changing the rule midway undermines due process. Their lawyer, Michael Poa, has hinted the issue could end up before the Supreme Court. This raises a bigger institutional question: is the Senate simply applying the Constitution to the reality of who can function as senator-judges, or is it venturing into constitutional interpretation that properly belongs to the Supreme Court? Critics say only the Court can settle that. The Senate counters that it hasn’t rewritten the rule: two-thirds still applies -- but just to those who can actually sit in judgment. The prosecution now faces a lower hurdle for conviction and removal of VP Sara from office if found guilty. But as prosecutor Chel Diokno pointed out, the change cuts both ways. With 24 senators, 16 votes convict; with 21, 14 convict but only seven are needed to block conviction. The calculus may have shifted, but the real battle remains over the weight of evidence. The Senate has redrawn the framework, but conviction still requires a supermajority of senator-judges persuaded by the case.

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WORLD

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TODAY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Australian PM says OpenAI hacked gov’t health website OpenAI and rival developer Anthropic. “Today, I spoke with the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, to express Australia’s extreme concern about this incident,” Albanese told reporters in New York on Wednesday. “I also expressed my disappointment that it took the company way too long to inform the government what had occurred,” he said. “It took until September 10 before there was any notification at all – and the notification was an email sent to just the public mailbox.” The AI tool accessed public and non-public files hosted on an old health statistics website. Albanese said there was “no evidence” that personal information

SYDNEY – A rogue OpenAI model bypassed safeguards during training and hacked an Australian government website, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said as he admonished the ChatGPT creator over an “obviously unacceptable” breach. The AI tool sought access to a health statistics portal in June and “didn’t accept no for an answer,” sidestepping restrictions to breach a section hosting private files, Albanese said. OpenAI did not raise the alarm with the Australian government until September, when it sent a message to a generic email inbox that is only checked once each day. Global worries about the power of advanced AI tools are mounting after a string of hacking incidents involving models from both

Career Opportunity in Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited - Manila Branch Position Title: Deputy Head – Corporate Banking Job Description: 1. In charge of managing the Team of Corporate Banking focused on handling Chinese clients and the Team of Credit Management, Business Support & Control. 2. In charge of consolidating management reports for submission to GMO, BOCHK and HO. 3. Generates revenue growth & account profitability by: • Understanding the logic of a targeted industry & identifying its key players as prospective clients. • Understanding the business strategy, business performance, financing requirements & payment capacity of existing & prospective clients through thorough credit evaluation & financial analysis using industry reports, financial statements & other relevant information. 4. Achieves total banking relationship by performing the following marketing activities: • Conducting marketing calls & office/factory visits to clients. • Offering loan facility to address business expansion or diversification. • Cross-selling of other Bank products (e.g. Deposit products, Trade, Cash Management, FX, Advisory, other products) 5. Maintains quality loan portfolio by performing the following due diligence: • Monitoring the business performance of clients, as well as prevailing industry and market situation. • Minimizing the occurrence of past due accounts by identifying early warning signals.

Making of account plans/strategy to help in the realization of targets. Other jobs, special projects that may be assigned by management. Maintains effective credit management by compliance with credit policies, procedures & processes at all times. Provide subject matter expertise on China and Hong Kong regulatory requirements specifically on risk management by observing established operational controls & procedures, as well as complying with the Bank's policies & regulatory issuances at all times. Conduct KYC on customers and ensure that the CDD and EDD policies of the bank are complied with executes transactions in compliance with regulatory and internal policies.

7. 8. 9.

10.

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • Graduate of any business-related course • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Chinese and English language • Experience working in international and cross-cultural environment • More than 8 years of relevant experience in China’s banking industry • Familiar with system from BOC Head Office(Beijing) or Regional Office (HK) Applications may be sent to: Yu, Li Email Address: yu_li@ph.bank-of-china.com

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company/ Employer

Name: Liu, Ya Address: Taguig City Nationality: Chinese Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) Years

Company Name: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited - Manila Branch Complete Address: 28th Floor, The Finance Centre, 26th Street cor. 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Nature of Business: Banking

Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • Graduate of any business-related course • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Bahasa Indonesia and English language • Experience working in an international and cross-cultural environment • Courteous with strong customer service orientation. • Must be fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and English speaking, reading, writing, and listening • Skilled in multi-tasking; including the ability to be flexible and adapt to changes quickly. • Demonstrate patience in all customer contact situations, including maintaining a pleasant and professional tone and manner • Strong analytical, organizational and problemsolving skills • Experience in software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook and Internet • Clarity of verbal communication (pace and tone) • Excellent written communication (grammar) Applications may be sent to: PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix. com

Position Title: Advisor Bilingual: Customer Service, CRM Job Description: • Assist external users of the client's technical products or services; identify, investigate, research and provide resolution to user questions and problems • Ensure service delivered to our customers meets contractual Key Performance Indicator (‘KPIs’) • Listen attentively to customer needs and concerns; demonstrate empathy while maximizing opportunity to build rapport with the customer. • Participate in activities designed to improve customer satisfaction, team camaraderie, and business performance. • Participate in activities designed to improve customer satisfaction, team camaraderie, and business performance. • Troubleshoot basic and routine customer issues that are technical in nature; including hardware, software, networking, or other designated client products • Follow appropriate escalation paths to resolve technical issues; including making follow up outbound calls to customers or other parties as needed • Solve problems that are generally unstructured and require extensive use of conceptual thinking skills • Greet customers in a courteous, friendly, and professional manner using agreed upon procedures

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company/ Employer Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc. Complete Address: 10th 11th 12th 14th 15th Floors GBF Center 2 Bridgetowne C5 Road Ugong Norte District 3, Quezon City 1110 Nature of Business: Business to Business IT

Name: Ulitha Melda Sari Pane Address: Mandaluyong City Nationality: Bahasa Indonesia Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) Years

PUSH BACK. Flyers supporting the Associated Press, CNN, MS NOW and Politico hang inside of the White House briefing room in Washington, DC. The leading US news outlets went to court after being banned from the White House, as President Donald Trump claimed that media critical of his administration is a ‘cancer’ threatening national security. AFP

US judge: Reinstate access of CNN, MS NOW, Politico

ASHINGTON – The Trump administration must immediately reinstate White House access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, a US federal judge ordered Thursday, after their reporters were banned from the premises. President Donald Trump barred the outlets from the White House on Friday as punishment for distributing what he branded as “fake news” and Manila Standard “fiction and lies.” TODAY CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed a joint lawsuit asking for a temporary restraining order against the ban on

the grounds that it violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which upholds the right to a free press. Judge Timothy Kelly found that the revocation of press passes “likely violated their constitutional due process rights,” according to the ruling. “The ‘general rule’ is that ‘individu-

als must receive notice and an opportunity to be heard before the Government deprives them’ of a constitutionally protected interest,” Kelly wrote. The billionaire former reality TV star has long attacked media outlets that have aired critical coverage of his campaigns and administrations, repeatedly blasting the press as the “enemy of the people.” The ban comes at a time when his approval ratings are at record lows, his Republican Party risks losing control of Congress in November’s midterm elections, and the US-Iran war drags on with no end in sight. AFP

Career Opportunity in COLAS RAIL PHILIPPINES, INC. Position Title: Construction Manager

Job Description: ● Responsible for coordinating, and overseeing all aspects of railway track construction and maintenance projects. This role involves managing resources, ensuring safety compliance, maintaining quality standards, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of projects. Qualification ● Bachelor degree in engineering, construction management, transportation or a related field. ● 3–5 years of experience in railway operations, construction, training development, or a related role. ● Strong knowledge of project coordination, documentation, and compliance procedures

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID The ILOCOS NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (INEC) through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) is inviting all interested manufacturers, and distributors of goods to apply for and bid for the following:

Application may be sent to colasrail.philippines@colasrail.com Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company/ Employer

Bid No.

Name of Project (Brief Description)

BAC-212026

INSTALLATION OF 393.7KW SOLAR ROOFTOP PV SYSTEM IN INEC MAIN OFFICE BUILDING

ABC

₱38,438,190.00 OGM-10076

Source of Fund

Completion Period

120 DAYS Upon receipt of Notice to Proceed

Accreditation Fee (valid for 1 year)

NonRefundable Fees/Bid documents

Company Name: Colas Rail Philippines, Inc.

Name of Foreigner: Mustapha Mimoune

Complete Address: Level 6 Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, Paseo De Roxas cor. Makati Avenue Bel-Air 1209 City of Makati NCR, Fourth District Philippines

Address: Makati City Nationality: French Intended Period of Employment: Three (3) years

Nature of Business: Construction of roads, highways, bridges and railways.

₱10,000.00

₱25,000.00

Prospective Bidders should have completed a similar contract, and have key personnel and equipment available for the execution of the contract. The Eligibility Check/Screening, as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids, shall use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria. Post-qualification of the Lowest Calculated Bid (LCB) shall be conducted. All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, PreBidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of the NEA Procurement Guidelines and Simplified Bidding Procedures for Electric Cooperatives.

COLAS RAIL PHILIPPINES, INC. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may fi le an objection at Department of Labor and Employment – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines after this publication. Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

To complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows: Procurement Activity

Date

Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid

September 25, 2026

Start of Availability of Bidding Documents

Conditions/Remarks

Pre-Bid Conference

October 02, 2026

10:00 AM at INEC Training Room, Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte

Deadline of Submission and Receipt of Bids, and Bid Opening

October 14, 2026

10:00 AM at INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte

Bid Evaluation & Post Qualification

October 15- 16, 2026

INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte

Issuance of Notice of Award

To be announced

Interested bidders may obtain further information from INEC through the BAC and its Secretariat located in INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte. INEC reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: THE INEC BAC SECRETARIAT Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte Email : bidsawardc@gmail.com (Lorena T. Bungcayao) Contact Nos. : (077) 600-46-32 loc. 1101; 09608179844 (077) 600-46-32 loc. 1301; 09611003849 (Sgd.) ENGR. ALBERTO C. ACERET BAC Chairman Noted by: (Sgd.) MR. CIPRIANO E. MARTINEZ III General Manager

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CareerOpportunity OpportunityininAmazon AmazonOperation OperationServices ServicesPhilippines PhilippinesInc Inc(AOSPI) (AOSPI) Career

Position Positiontitle: title:Investigation InvestigationSpecialist SpecialistI I Vacancy Vacancy(1) (1) Job JobDescription: Description: ➢➢ Provides Providesprompt promptand andefficient efficientservice servicetotoAmazon AmazonSellers, Sellers,including includingthe theappropriate appropriateescalation escalationof of Sellers’ Sellers’ issues issues in in aa contact contact center center environment. environment. ➢➢ Maintains Maintainsa apositive positiveand andprofessional professionaldemeanor, demeanor,always alwaysportraying portrayingthe thecompany companyininaapositive positivelight lightwhile while effectively effectively managing managing sensitive sensitive issues. issues. ➢➢ Demonstrates Demonstratesexcellent excellenttime-management time-managementskills skillsand andthe theability abilitytotowork workindependently independently while while using using departmental departmental resources, resources, policies policies,, and and procedures. procedures. ➢➢ Maintains Maintainsacceptable acceptableperformance performancemetrics metricssuch suchas asquality, quality,productivity, productivity,first firstcontact contactresolution, resolution,and and attendance attendance.. ➢ Actively seeks solutions through logical reasoning and data interpretation skills , and identifies trends to the appropriate channel, including improvement ➢ Actively seeks solutions through logical reasoning and data interpretation skills , and identifies trends to the appropriate channel, including improvement suggestions suggestions Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): ➢ Interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex transactional issues correctly and clearly to both internal and external customers. ➢ Interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex transactional issues correctly and clearly to both internal and external customers. ➢ Clear, crisp, and proactive documentation of operational procedures required to tackle known risk-related patterns. ➢ Clear, crisp, and proactive documentation of operational procedures required to tackle known risk-related patterns. ➢ Problem-solving skills, having demonstrated ability to recognize non-obvious patterns and analyze problems logically. Problem-solvingdiligent, skills, having demonstrated ability to recognize patterns and analyze problems ➢➢ Self-disciplined, proactive, and detail-oriented, impactingnon-obvious time management and organizational skills. logically. Self-disciplined, diligent, proactive, dynamic and detail-oriented, impacting management and organizational skills.on customer experience and financial ➢➢ Proven ability to work in fast-paced, environments where time decisions are made without compromising ➢ Proven losses. ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments where decisions are made without compromising on customer experience and financial losses. Applications may be sent to: Applications be sent to: Quinial Name of Company HR:may Ivanka Patricia Email address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search Name of Company HR: Ivanka Patricia Quinial Email address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search Company/ Employer Company/ Employer Company Name: Company Name: Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI) Amazon Operation

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Amazon Operation Complete address: Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI)

Address: Manila City Nationality: Chinese

Name:

Hongbin Fei

Name: Shulan Address: ManilaCai City

Complete Nationality: Chinese Intended period of employment: two (2) years Unit No. 2C, address: Flr. no. 4th, One E-Com Bldg., Ocean Drive, Mall of Asia Complex St., Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Unit No. 2C, Flr. no. 4th, One E-Com Bldg., Ocean Drive, Mall of Asia Intended period of employment: two (2) years NCR, 1300 Complex St., Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City, Metro Manila, NCR, 1300 Nature of business: AOSPI is a corporation organized under Philippine laws. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nature of Certificate business:ofAOSPI is a corporation organizedIt under Philippine under SEC Registration No. CS201722700. is authorized to laws. Itsupport is registered with the Securities and Exchange (SEC) provide services, including but not limited to remoteCommission technical support under SEC of Registration CS201722700. is authorized to services, IT Certificate development, customer No. support, customerIt care services, provide support including but not support limited to(including remote technical business processservices, outsourcing, back-office but not support limited development, customer customer services, toservices, systems, IT hardware, software, financialsupport, operations, vendor care management, business outsourcing, support (including but not limited and humanprocess resources relating back-office to the back-office), and other activities to systems, hardware, software, financial operations, vendor management, necessary or useful thereto, as well as marketing support activities, without and human resources relating back-office), and other engaging in retail trade, the practicetoofthe a profession, or acting as an activities Internet necessary or useful thereto, as well as marketing support activities, without Service Provider. engaging in retail trade, the practice of a profession, or acting as an Internet Amazon ServiceOperation Provider. Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office, DOLE Building, Muralla Wing corner, Luna Street,toIntramuros, Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able,General willing, and qualified perform the Manila, 1002, Philippines services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment, 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able, and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired may file an objection at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office, DOLE Building, Muralla Wing corner, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired may file an objection 1002, Philippines, after this publication. Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment – NCR if you have any information on criminal offenses at Bureau of Local Employment, 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila, after this publication. committed by the foreign national Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national

NO BACKING DOWN. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks as he holds a picture of Ali Khamenei, former Supreme Leader of Iran, during the 81st United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. AFP

President tells Trump: Iran will never ‘bend at the knee’ UNITED NATIONS – Iran’s president struck a defiant tone at the UN on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) where he spoke for the first time since Washington and Israel launched an allout war on his country, vowing Tehran would never “bend at the knee.” Masoud Pezeshkian accused Washington of “terrorism” for assassinating former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the start of the conflict, insisting Tehran had never started a war. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump had told the UN General Assembly that he was weighing whether to “annihilate” Iran but went on to hail renewed talks between Tehran and Washington’s negotiators.

Pezeshkian made no reference to the talks to resolve the stalled war in his steely speech. “(Trump) must know that the resistance of the Iranian people will only increase in the face of sanctions, increased pressure, increased bullying. We will never bow our head or bend at the knee,” he said. Pezeshkian insisted Tehran would not allow the Strait of Hormuz, which it has choked off since the start of the war causing global energy prices to spike, to be used as leverage against his country. “We cannot let some have free access and bolster their interests from the waterway, while at the same time using that waterway to impose their aggression upon us,” he said. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

SPORTS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Bugna bags triple crown in Isulan jrs. tennis tilt KATHLYN Bugna continued to make a strong case as one of the country’s most promising young tennis players, sweeping three titles, including two singles crowns, in the Bagong Pilipinas Juniors Age Group Tennis Championships at the Capitol indoor and outdoor courts in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat recently. The Batang Onay/RSB standout from La Carlota was virtually untouchable in the girls’ 16-and-under division, dropping just four games in four matches before routing Justine Gumbao, 6-0, 6-2, in the final. Bugna was just as dominant in the premier 18-and-U category, yielding only five games in four matches and capping her run with a 6-0, 6-0 demolition of Princess Obaniana. She completed her three-title haul by teaming up with Ashley Garcia to capture the 18-and-U doubles crown over Dyan Placa and Marxian Sira, matching her three-title performance in the Bagong Pilipinas circuit’s Manila leg, underscoring the consistency of a player being groomed for a bigger future in Philippine tennis. Her latest sweep also earned her another MVP trophy in the Philta and Universal Tennis Ranking-sanctioned circuit, further highlighting her emergence as a leading prospect in the junior ranks and her ambition to follow the path blazed by Alex Eala, who has risen to international prominence. Bugna’s continued development comes amid expanded efforts from both government and private-sector partners to strengthen the grassroots tennis pipeline. The tournament is part of the Bagong Pilipinas sports agenda and held under the long-running Palawan Pawnshop talentsearch, which seeks to widen opportunities for young athletes through grassroots programs, public training facilities and youth sports initiatives nationwide, while private supporters continue to help provide competitive avenues for rising players. Krelz Gecosala likewise sustained his impressive form in the boys’ side, ruling both the 16- and 18-and-U divisions in similarly dominant fashion.

Kathlyn Bugna (second from left) beams as she poses with (from left) coach Ronald Martin, fellow MVP Krelz Gecosala, and Lia and Erwin Garcia of A.C. Garcia Group of Companies.

Arbole lifts his trophy after winning the 2026 ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod. Fellow golfers pour water on Art Arbole after claiming his first PGT title. Manny Marcelo

EGROS OCCIDENTAL— Fourteen years of waiting, one disastrous hole and a furious comeback later, Art Arbole finally had the moment he had chased for most of his professional career. And when it finally came, it came with the kind of drama worthy of a long-awaited breakthrough. Arbole blew a one-stroke lead with an errant drive on the fourth hole, plunged two shots behind Jhonnel Ababa after a disastrous 7, then watched several proven winners close in as the pressure mounted in the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club here Thursday. Instead of folding, however, the journeyman found another gear. He answered the setback with a remarkable run of birdies, steadied himself as the challengers faded, and overcame a late miscue to fire a gritty 70 – finally securing

Arbole sinks 21-foot saver to seal first PGT crown the championship he had waited 14 years to win with a gutsy 21-foot parsaving putt on the 18th. Arbole finished at 10-under 270, one shot ahead of Jeffren Lumbo, whose closing 67 rally fell just short at 271, and two clear of Ababa, who faltered late with a 71 to finish at 272. The victory gave Arbole his first Philippine Golf Tour title, ending a drought that had stretched across most of his professional career. “Thank you, Lord. I really prayed for this win. Kasi, coming Sept. 29, birthday ko. So, binigay Niya talaga. Ang sarap sa feeling na binigay Niya,” said Arbole, who turns 36 next week. His victory looked anything but certain after the disaster on No. 4, where he drove out-of-bounds. His second drive struck a tree, forcing a punch-out, before he reached the green in five and eventually made a 7. As Ababa birdied the same hole, Arbole

went from one ahead to two behind in a matter of minutes. “Grabe, parang nag-shutdown na lahat after kong ma-OB,” he recalled. But rather than allowing frustration to take over, he stuck to his routine and focused on the holes ahead. “Laban lang. Laban lang,” he said. After dropping another stroke on No. 8 and falling three shots behind, Arbole began his charge with a birdie on the ninth, followed by another on No. 10. He added birdies on Nos. 12 and 14, transforming a three-shot deficit into a two-shot lead in a breathtaking turnaround. “I just hung in there and stayed focused. I never let those early setbacks shake my mindset,” said Arbole, who also trusted the putting and feel on the greens that had kept him in contention. The quality of the players chasing him made the comeback even more remarkable. Ababa, a former Order of Merit

Eight-court Pickle Park opens at Woodlands By Minerva Newman

PH women chessers rout Kyrgyzstan, near top 10 WOMAN International Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda-Grafil and Mhage Sebastian kept their strong showing and powered the Philippines to a 3.5-.5 destruction of Kyrgyzstan to move closer to gatecrashing into the top 10 party after seven rounds of the 46th World Chess Olympiad at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre in Samarkand, Uzbekistan Wednesday night. Fronda-Grafil delivered the first win over Woman FIDE Master Aizhan Sezdbekova on board three and, after WFM Shania Mae Mendoza halved the point with WFM Aimonchok Zhunusbekova on board four, Sebastian came through with the match-clinching win over WFM Nurai Sovetbekova on top board. Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna’s triumph over WFM Aleksandra Samaganova on board two was the icing on the cake for the Filipinas, who zoomed to a 26-nation tie for 12th place with 10 match points each going into the last four rounds of this biennial meet considered as the Olympics of chess. To barge into the top 10, the Nationals would need to stun the 23rd-seeded Romanians in the eighth round being played as of this writing. Interestingly, Romania downed the Philippines, 2.5-1.5, when the two countries last faced off in the ninth round of the Budapest edition two years ago. Now the Filipinas want nothing but revenge. Fronda-Grafil has been the most productive of the team so far, scoring 5.5 points in six outings while Sebastian was the steadying force on the top board where she has scored a phenomenal 4.5 points against higher-rated foes. And they would need to produce more if they want to pull the rug from under Romania.

LILOAN, CEBU — Cebu’s pickleball craze just got a major upgrade with the opening of the Cebu Pickle Park at Woodlands officially on September 20, at One Tectona Hotel in Upper Yati, Liloan, bringing the province its first park-inspired pickleball destination complete with eight internationalstandard courts and a 200-seat Championship Court. More than just a sports facility, the park was designed as a place to “play, gather, and relax.” It features five regular courts, two outdoor courts, an air-conditioned restaurant and sports lounge, spectator areas, showers, and ample parking — all set against mature trees and open green spaces. Born from a hotpot conversation, the idea started with a group of friends who call themselves “The Good Guys.” During a regular hotpot dinner, lawyer

Egg tarts THE Philippines finally got a win in the football competitions of the ongoing 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan. The under-22 team beat Kuwait, 2-1, to end its campaign on a high note. The win was the country’s first in Asian Games football in 68 years. It also gave the team a 1-02 record in Group C following losses to Uzbekistan (5-0) and Vietnam (2-0). Actually, all the goals in the game were scored by the Philippines, with Santi Rublico giving the team the early lead in the 19th minute. An own goal by Scott Woods gave Kuwait the equalizer before Andres Aldeguer’s strike secured the historic win for the team. I read somewhere that in the Philippines’ last win in the Asian Games, George Aldeguer scored the winning goal against Japan at the Tokyo Asian Games in 1958. Incidentally, George is the greatgranduncle of Andres.

Eight-court Pickle Park

and pickleball player Atty. Vincent Roel Tabuñag told the group how hard it was to book courts because demand was outpacing supply.

That complaint turned into a project. “We wanted to create a pickleball destination, not simply entering a sports facility.” said partner Butch

Trivia aside, the win against Kuwait should not be an excuse to sweep under the rug what could have been done to better prepare the team for the Asian Games. What if the team had had a decent amount of time to prepare? What if tune-ups had been arranged beforehand? There are so many what-ifs and buts. But there are several things that are certain. First, we can’t treat games in big international competitions as learning curves. The initial games, especially the first game, more often than not, set the tone of the campaign. There is no learning curve in games that actually matter. Second, preparation is everything. There are no shortcuts or band-aid solutions in football. Third, the team that competed in the latest edition of the Asian Games could well form the core of the squad that will represent the country in future international competitions. Fourth, re-election is not the priority. But then again, I’m just a fan and supporter of the team. I can only wish for things to be done, and it’s up to the football gods, formerly from Mt. Canley, to do what is best for the beautiful sport in the country. On the bright side, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team is through to the knockout stage.

The Filipinas absorbed a 5-1 beating against China in their last fixture in Group G to post a 1-1-1 win-draw-loss slate, good for four points. Uzbekistan leapfrogged over the Filipinas for second place in the group after a win against Hong Kong brought its tally to five points. The Filipinas, however, still managed to catch the bus to the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-placed teams after the group stage. Their reward, however, will be Japan. It will be a rematch of sorts between the two teams, which met in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. Japan posted an 8-1 win against the Filipinas. Japan was also a 7-0 winner when it tangled with the Philippines in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup a few months ago. Despite the odds, an upset against the Japanese side remains a possibility, no matter how slim the chances are. The Filipinas will face powerhouse Japan at Shizuoka Stadium in Fukuroi tonight at 8:30 p.m., Manila time. Speaking of odds, it seems that the eight-gold-medal projection made by our sports leaders before the start of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will be a tough target to meet. Despite sending its biggest delegation ever to the quadrennial games (at least 443 athletes competing in at least 34 sports), the country is still searching for its first gold medal in the event. As of yesterday, the Philippines

champion and winner of the 2024 Apo tournament, stayed within striking distance but dropped another shot on No. 11 and later bogeyed the 17th. Lumbo, winner of the South Pacific leg last year, briefly joined the battle at nine-under after birdieing No. 10 but could manage only pars over the final eight holes. Multi-titled Zanieboy Gialon also made a move with a 33 on the front nine, only to see his challenge fade into a string of backside pars. He finished with a 68 for solo fourth at 273. Defending back-to-back champion Rupert Zaragosa threatened to turn the tournament into a four-man shootout after three straight birdies from No. 7 put him within one shot of the lead at eight-under. But a bogey on No. 13 sent him four shots back, and bogeys on the final two holes dropped him to fifth at 275 after a 70. Guillen. Joined by Noli Caisip, Gerry Yangyang and Tom Academia, the group developed the park within the One Tectona Hotel complex, choosing the location for its trees, air, and resortlike feel. Ironically, only Tabuñag was a serious player at the start. The rest barely played. To get it right, Tabuñag toured courts in Cebu, Dumaguete, Manila, and even Vietnam to study spacing, flooring, lighting, and player amenities. Built for tournaments and beginners, the facility’s centerpiece is the Championship Court, with stadium-style seating for at least 200 spectators. It was built to host regional, national, and eventually international tournaments. But the partners say it’s not just for pros. “Cebu Pickle Park was created for beginners, recreational players, families, corporate groups, tourists, and even visitors who simply want to watch a game or have coffee. Pickleball has a very strong social aspect. People play together regardless of age, profession or background,” Guillen said. had one silver and four bronze medals. Thailand had 12 medals, five of which were gold. Malaysia had three gold, one silver and five bronze medals. Hong Kong, which has a population of at least 7.5 million, was doing much, much better than the country with 16 medals, three of them gold. Jean Claude Saclag was the closest Pinoy athlete to a gold medal, but he ran into Tajikistan’s Otabek Rajabov in the mixed martial arts men’s traditional -65kg final. Rajabov capitalized on a solid ground game to post a 3-0 unanimous decision. I’m hoping our athletes can post the breakout win to at least spark our campaign in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games back to life. Someone said when life throws eggs at you, make egg tarts instead. Expect a litany of excuses soon. And credit grabbing, too. As always, our athletes do the hard work, make the sacrifices and shed buckets of tears and sweat. When they win, who grabs the credit? Definitely not the one making the egg tarts. 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 on X (formerly Twitter): @ erelcabatbat

SPORTS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

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

PH gymnasts finish 6th in men’s artistic team event NAGOYA (Powered by PLDT Home)—Team Philippines finished sixth in the men’s artistic gymnastics team final of the 20th Asian Games on Wednesday at the Nagoya City General Gymnasium Rainbow Hall in Japan. Filipino gymnasts double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, FIG World Cup gold medalist Eldrew Yulo, Southeast Asian Games medalists Miguel Besana and Justine Ace De Leon as well as Zachary Nunez scored a total of 227.359 points. “For me, personally, malayo pa talaga tayo. Siguro bilang team, kung i-goal natin manalo, sobrang layo pa talaga. But at the same time nakakatuwa po kasi first time po yata na makapasok ng finals sa Asian Games bilang Team Philippines po,” the elder Yulo told POC Media. “So with that result po, sobrang ako natutuwa doon. And looking back sa mga nangyari, it’s really a good result already for us, Filipinos po. So, ayun po, natutuwa ako sa performance namin today. [We] really did our best and nag-all out talaga lahat. Pagod na pagod na talaga eh. Wala na din maibigay yung iba. Pero lumaban tayo ng buong puso,” he added. Yulo once again topped the floor exercise with 14.266 points, while bouncing back in the vault where he scored 14.566 points. “For me, stepping stone ko para sa akin yun na mas magperform well for tomorrow and sa susunod na bukas. And today, yung vault ko. Super comfortable ako today. And relaxed lang talaga yung pakiramdam ko kanina. So it went really, really well in my opinion. And ayun yung kailangan ko i-replicate sa susunod na bukas,” he said. The Olympic gold medalist and his brother Eldrew will now turn their focus to the men’s floor exercise final set for September 24 (Thursday) as they aim to strike it big time for Team Philippines supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission. “Gusto ko talaga i-showcase yung pagiging artistic ng gymnastics ko and yung elegance po na ang tinatarget ko talaga na ma-perform po sa nakakakabang sitwasyon. Pero I really wanted to be really graceful tomorrow and focus talaga sa mas magandang performance more than the result po,” Carlos said. “Sa floor, sobra akong naramdaman yung floor mismo. Like, parang nag-connect kami ng floor. Well, even though na my last pass is not that good or di siya yung expect ko, but alam ko na kung ano yung feeling or alam ko na kung ano yung next move ko for tomorrow. alam ko na kung ano yung i-change ko and kung paano ko siya i-change,” Eldrew shared.

Mazel Paris Alegado places second in the women’s park skateboarding. File photo from POC

Paris, Francisco book spots in Asiad park finals By Riera U. Mallari

AGOYA, Japan (Powered by PLDT Home) — Off to the finals.

Mazel Paris and Jericho Francisco advanced to the final rounds of their respective skateboarding events at the 20th Asian Games at Aichi Sky Expo on Thursday.

Paris, 12, finished fourth overall in the women’s park skateboarding preliminaries after scoring 73.93 points in Heat 2. Japan’s Mizuho Hasegawa topped the heat with 89.15 points. “It was super fun. I landed my r uns, and that was my goal,” Paris said. “For tomor row, I’m gonna pray to land my r uns and to have fun.” In the men’s park skateboarding event, Francisco also secured fourth place overall

with 80.64 points. “I had a really, really good time,” he said. “I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve that I’m gonna pull out in practice, and then just have fun and enjoy.” The finals are set for Friday, with the women’s park skateboarding event scheduled for 9 a.m. Manila time, followed by the men’s event at 11:30 a.m. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Amador finished fourth in Heat 2 with 59.99 points.

Sub-2:00 trackster Bossong ripe for Asian Games gold? By Riera U. Mallari NAGOYA (Powered by PLDT Home) -- Boasting a blistering personal best of 1:58.52 in the women’s 800 meters, a scorching time nearly five seconds faster than Tharushi Karunarathna’s gold-medal run (2:03.20) for Sri Lanka at the 2023 Hangzhou Games, Fil-Am track sensation Victoria Bossong has officially vaulted into the spotlight as one of Team Philippines’ gold-medal prospects at the 20th Asian Games. Even before her pet 800-meter stint on September 28, Bossong is already being hailed as a sure medal hopeful for a Philippine team struggling to find its footing here in Nagoya. That’s intense pressure for a Philippine team firsttimer, a Harvard graduate in Neuroscience in 2025. But Bossong, whose mother Dr. Catalina Yaco Atienza, is from Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, embraces it. “That’s our goal every time we step on the track. We certainly want to take back some hard work to the country,” said Bossong, who donned the Philippine jersey for the first time. “Right now, Philippine athletics... we’re just really in a great period of time where there’s so much growth happening. I think we have a good shot in all of our events.”

Bossong’s signature performance came on June 6, 2026, with her sub-2:00 masterpiece at the USATF Lone Star Grand Prix in College Station, Texas. Before that, Bossong’s first sub-2:00 feat came on April 13, 2024, when she clocked a 1:59.48, while finishing second at the Tom Jones (not the singer) Memorial Invitational in Gainesville, Florida. That milestone performance set a new Ivy League record and briefly established her as the NCAA leader for the outdoor season On Thursday, Bossong led the Philippines’ 4x400 mixed relay team, also composed of fellow Fil-Am Kaylia Johnson, Michael del Prado and Gabriel Borado, to the finals with a new national record of 3:19.68. Incredibly, the team only trained together a week at a pre-games camp in Tokyo, but Bossong’s instant impact triggered a run that symbolizes the explosive momentum of Philippine athletics. “I’m super proud of this team. It’s our first time running together and on such a big stage,” Bossong said. “We just broke the national record, so it’s super exciting. That’s just a testament to all of our hard work this season.” Bossong’s journey to becoming a national athlete must be known to all, according to Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio. “Victoria and her mother went back and forth from

By Jeremiah Sevilla

Victoria Bossong

the US to the Philippines three times to work on her passport without spending a single centavo from the government. That is admirable. Talagang gustong i-represent ang Pilipinas,” said Gregorio.

Thai ace pulls ahead with 63 as Bisera stumbles late TAICHUNG, Taiwan—Thai Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong unleashed a blistering nine-under 63 Thursday to seize a two-stroke lead, while Yvon Bisera faltered on the closing stretch and slipped seven shots off the pace after 36 holes of the Kenda Tires TLPGA Open at the Taichung International Golf Club. Santiwiwatthanaphong piled up nine birdies without a bogey for an 11-under 133 total, leapfrogging from joint 17th into a commanding position in the NT$4-million championship cosanctioned by the Taiwan LPGA Tour and the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour. Local standout You Chiang Hou, who shared the first-round lead, stayed within striking distance with a 68 for 135, while South Korea’s Seulgi Jeong matched Santiwiwatthanaphong’s fireworks for most of the day, firing a 65 to

Yvon Bisera slips seven shots off the pace.

Gilas Women bow to Taipei, places 5th

join Hou at two strokes behind. Bisera, meanwhile, appeared poised to remain firmly in the hunt after following her opening 67 with a steady start to her second round. The ICTSI-backed Filipina stayed on course for her projected nine-under target, overcoming an early setback on No. 3 with three birdies that put her at seven-under for the tournament with nine holes remaining. But her challenge unraveled on the back nine. After five consecutive pars, Bisera’s round unraveled on the par-4 15th when she missed the fairway and compounded the error with a threeputt, resulting in a double bogey. She failed to regain her momentum on the closing hole, dropping another stroke to finish with a 73. Reflecting on the costly stretch,

Bisera said the trouble began with an errant drive on No. 15, leaving her with little choice but to play out and then three-putt. “Kumaliwa yung drive ko, so nagplay-out lang ako tapos three-putts. Sa No. 18 naman, na-hit ko yung drive ko sa hazard kaya hindi ko na-save yung par,” she said. The one-over card sent Bisera tumbling from a share of third to joint 16th at four-under 140, leaving her seven shots behind leader Santiwiwatthanaphong with 18 holes remaining. Bisera acknowledged that while her driving was generally solid for most of the round, her putting let her down, particularly in the closing stretch. “Except sa closing holes, hindi naman masyadong masama yung driving ko. Pero sobrang pangit talaga ng putting ko today – 32 putts,” she rued.

GILAS Pilipinas Women put up gutsy comeback attempts before falling short against Chinese Taipei, 71-83, in the quarterfinals of the 20th Asian Games women’s tournament on Thursday at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan. The Nationals repeatedly tried to erase Chinese Taipei’s double-digit lead in the second half but eventually ran out of gas as they bowed out of the tourney in fifth place. Coach BT Toews’ squad matched the Philippines’ best-ever finish from the 2023 Hangzhou edition. Afril Bernardino played her best game in the tilt with 23 points and seven rebounds, Janine Pontejos and Stef Berberabe chipped in 12 markers apiece, while Kent Pastrana added 11. Naturalized player Elizabeth Means struggled against Chinese Taipei’s defense as she finished with only four points on a sour 1-of-10 shooting from the field in the loss. Gilas Women jumped off to a 9-2 start but Chinese Taipei buckled down on the defensive end to seize a 29-15 lead in the second quarter. Bernardino and the crew cut the deficit down to five, 56-61, late in the third frame, but Chinese Taipei quickly restored a twin-figure buffer, 70-58, early in the payoff period. The Filipinas once again mounted a fightback, with Pastrana draining a fastbreak layup to threaten within 64-72 with 5:25 remaining in the game. Chinese Taipei, however, pulled away for good with Han Ya-En fueling its finishing run. Chinese Taipei advanced to the semifinals, where it will face the winner between top seed Japan and Thailand.

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

August budget gap nearly P1.05 trillion Budget deficit in 8 group doubled as collection fell months of 2026 Mining condemns

By Thony Rose Lesaca

HE national government’s budget deficit widened by 90.23 percent to P161.3 billion in August from P84.8 billion a year ago, as revenue collection fell and spending on payments to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth) jumped, according to the Bureau of the Treasury.

The August gap was P76.5 billion wider than a year earlier. Expenditures rose 16 percent year-onyear, mainly because of the settlement of PhilHealth’s arrears, while revenue collections fell 1.85 percent, or P6.5 billion, on lower non-tax revenue. The deficit in first 8 months widened 21.30 percent, or P185.2 billion, to P1.05 trillion from P869.2 billion in the same period last year. It remains within the full-year deficit program of P1.66 trillion, which is

based on the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s 193rdapproved quarterly program dated May 25, 2026. Revenue collection in the 8-month period rose 4.3 percent to P3.22 trillion, while expenditures increased 8 percent to P4.27 trillion. Revenue collections slowed to P346.0 billion in August, down 1.85 percent, or P6.5 billion, from P352.5 billion a year ago. A 35.59 percent drop in non-tax collections and slower

growth in tax revenue weighed on the total. Collections in the first eight months reached P3.22 trillion, up 4.27 percent, or P131.6 billion, from P3.09 trillion a year earlier. Cumulative tax collections of P2.93 trillion rose 5.03 percent, or P140.0 billion, from P2.79 trillion and made up 90.99 percent of the year-to-date total. The remaining 9.01 percent, or P289.8 billion, came from non-tax revenue, which fell 2.83 percent, or P8.4 billion, from P298.3 billion a year earlier. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected P248.4 billion in August, net of P10.0 billion in tax refunds. That was down 0.70 percent, or P1.8 billion, from P250.1 billion in the same month last year, mainly because the agency paid higher refunds. Its cumulative collection in 8 months months rose 4.60 percent, or P98.5 billion, to P2.24 trillion from P2.14 trillion. The Bureau of Customs (BOC)

Mynt draws over 20 cornerstone investors for IPO

Revenue collection in 8 months

P4.27 trillion Expenditures in 8 months collected P80.7 billion in August, up 4.15 percent, or P3.2 billion, from P77.4 billion. Its year-to-date collection rose 6.87 percent, or P42.7 billion, to P664.1 billion from P621.4 billion.

ECONOMIC MINISTERS. ASEAN

economic ministers advance efforts to make trade across the region more seamless and resilient, with trade facilitation taking center stage at the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting and 40th ASEAN Free Trade Area Council Meeting. The discussions focused on improving the movement of goods, strengthening trade connectivity, and keeping ASEAN markets open and interconnected creating a more predictable trading environment for businesses while deepening economic cooperation among ASEAN member states and their free trade agreement partners.

By Jenniffer B. Austria MYNT Inc., the parent company of e-wallet giant GCash, has secured commitments from more than 20 global and domestic cornerstone investors for its proposed initial public offering (IPO), covering about the entire institutional offer tranche, the company said in a statement Thursday. Most of the investors have agreed to subscribe if the IPO is priced at no more than P6.60 apiece, according to the company’s latest registration statement. At that price, Mynt would raise up to P60.92 billion from the sale of 9.23 billion primary and secondary shares, making it the largest IPO in the Philippines to date. “The cornerstone investor group comprises leading institutions who have indicated interest to participate in Mynt’s proposed IPO,” Mynt president and chief executive Martha Sazon said. “We believe this reflects confidence in our position as the nation’s number one finance super app, our track record of profitable growth, and the significant market opportunity that lies ahead of us,” she said. The global investors include BlackRock, Capital Research and Management, Fidelity, HSBC Global Asset Management, International Finance Corp., Lazard Asset Management, Ninety One, Schroders, Citadel’s Surveyor Capital and T. Rowe Price. The domestic cornerstone investors include ATRAM Trust Corp., BPI Asset Management and Trust Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., Metrobank Bank & Trust Co., Philequity Management Inc. and RCBC Capital Corp. Mynt chief financial officer Evelyn Ng said building a diversified shareholder base would be important as the company transitions into a publicly listed firm. The final offer price is expected to be set on Oct 1 after bookbuilding.

P3.22 trillion

violence, killings

THE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) on Thursday condemned all killings and violence in any form and pledged full cooperation with authorities investigating alleged crimes against persons or property. “We do not support or endorse any acts of intimidation or direct harm to individuals or groups who disagree with mining operations,” COMP said in a statement. “We guarantee our full support and cooperation with proper authorities on any inquiry related to alleged acts of crime against persons or property,” it said. The group said one of its main advocacies is ensuring members meet the highest standards of responsible and sustainable mining, including respect for human rights and the health, safety and security of stakeholders. COMP said it subscribes to laws requiring free, prior and informed consent and regular consultations with host communities and authorities at every phase of the mining process. Fair and honest engagement with community leaders and advocates helps ensure mining activities recognize the mutual benefits that responsible mining can bring to mining communities and the nation, it said.

Senate energy chair favors new nuclear plants over BNPP revival By Alena Mae S. Flores JAKARTA, Indonesia — Senator Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, said does not favor reviving the mothballed 620-megawatt Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) and the Philippines should build new nuclear plants instead. Tulfo said on the sidelines of the Enlit Asia 2026 forum in Jakarta that building new plants might be more prudent than reviving the BNPP, which was completed in 1986 but never operated amid safety concerns. He said he would pitch his position to the Department of Energy and called for an independent study on the feasibility of reviving the facility. “It should not be DOE, or PhilATOM who will test it. It should be independent, probably from another country,” Tulfo said. The government aims to bring nuclear power into the generation mix starting in 2032. Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country targets at least 1,200 megawatts of nuclear capacity by

2032, rising to 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050. Tulfo acknowledged the need for public acceptance of nuclear energy. He said continued public resistance, even if nuclear power brings long-term benefits such as lower power rates, may jeopardize

RICE PROCESSING. Farmers from Camarines Sur’s first district will benefit from the P72-million rice processing system built by the Department of Agriculture Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilMech) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Rice Mechanization Component.

the 2032 target, and that an aggressive public information campaign is necessary. “Even if you pass these laws on nuclear safety, compensation, but you put it in a place where there is a lot of resistance, it would not happen,” Tulfo said.

“At the end of the day, they [the public] are the ones who will decide if they allow nuclear to be in their backyard,” he said. Tulfo said the government still needs to decide what to do with the BNPP if it is not revived.

CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK CYAN

BUSINESS

Manila

Manila Standard Standard TODAY

TODAY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PSE index hits lowest level this year By Jenniffer B. Austria

OCAL shares fell Thursday, with the main Philippine Stock Exchange index dropping to its lowest closing level so far this year as selling pressure mounted.

The peso also weakened against the U.S. dollar, closing at 62.735 on Thursday from 62.585 on Wednesday. The benchmark PSEi slumped 65.12 points, or 1.12 percent, to 5,730.02, while the broader all shares index slipped 35.72 points, or 1.10 percent, to 3,210.72. Market sentiment weakened after S&P Global Ratings and the Asian Development Bank sharply lowered their Philippine economic growth forecasts for the year. “The revisions, which rooted from the weaker-than-expected first half and persistent economic headwinds, added to concerns over the pace of the local market recovery,”

Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp., said. Most sectoral sub-indices ended in negative territory, led by mining and oil, which fell 3.79 percent. Industrial stocks dropped 1.64 percent, services lost 1.52 percent, financials slipped 1.33 percent and property fell 1.15 percent. Holding firms was the sole gainer, rising 0.43 percent. Decliners outnumbered advancers, 131 to 61, while 57 issues were unchanged. Trading volume was light, with total value turnover reaching P4.63 billion. Foreign selling persisted, with net outflows reaching P749 million.

Career Opportunity in EFS DOCUMENTATION SERVICES INC. Career Opportunity in EFS DOCUMENTATION SERVICES INC. EXACT POSITION : INDIAN APPOINTMENT SETTER EXACT POSITION : INDIAN APPOINTMENT SETTER

4 Vacancy) ( 4 (Vacancy) Description: JobJob Description:

-Familiarize themselves services offered -Familiarize themselves withwith thethe services offered -Research potential clients generate leads -Research potential clients andand generate leads -Contact potential clients calling, email or social media -Contact potential clients via via coldcold calling, email or social media -Qualify prospects based on their needs -Qualify prospects based on their needs -Schedule appointments between qualified prospects team -Schedule appointments between qualified prospects team -Maintain accurate records of all communications with potential clients -Maintain accurate records of all communications with potential clients Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): -Excellent English communication skills, both written verbal. -Excellent English communication skills, both written andand verbal. -Excellent phone, email, instant messaging communication skills. -Excellent phone, email, andand instant messaging communication skills. -Solid organizational and time management skills. -Solid organizational and time management skills.

Name of Foreign national intending to apply position Name of Foreign national intending to apply forfor thethe position Name : SIMAK, GURMAIL SINGH 1 1 Name : SIMAK, GURMAIL SINGH Address : 59-C MARLBORO EAST FAIRVIEW QUEZON CITY Address : 59-C MARLBORO ST. ST. EAST FAIRVIEW QUEZON CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN Name : SUKHMANDER SINGH 2 2 Name : SUKHMANDER SINGH Address : 51-C PABLO BRGY. PLAINVIEW MANDALUYONG CITY Address : 51-C SANSAN PABLO ST. ST. BRGY. PLAINVIEW MANDALUYONG CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN Name : RAJVEER KAUR 3 3 Name : RAJVEER KAUR Address 1 MAGINO BRGY VILLAGE DILIMAN QUEZON CITY Address : 1:MAGINO ST. ST. BRGY UP UP VILLAGE DILIMAN QUEZON CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN Name : JASMINDER SINGH 4 4 Name : JASMINDER SINGH Address : BLK 7 LOT 6 GABRIELA SILANG NEW CAPITOL 1 BRGY BATASAN HILLS QUEZON CITY Address : BLK 7 LOT 6 GABRIELA SILANG ST. ST. NEW CAPITOL 1 BRGY BATASAN HILLS QUEZON CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN : PUNJABI/HINDI CUSTOMER SERVICE CONSULTANT EXACT POSITION : PUNJABI/HINDI CUSTOMER SERVICE CONSULTANT EXACT POSITION 1 Vacancy) ( 1 (Vacancy) Description: JobJob Description: - great bilingual customer service assistant. - great bilingual customer service assistant. - responsible providing excellent customer service to our clients - responsible for for providing excellent customer service to our clients - managing a high volume of customer inquiries - managing a high volume of customer inquiries - have excellent communication skills especially English Punjabi/Hindi - have excellent communication skills especially English andand Punjabi/Hindi - able to work a fast-paced environment - able to work in ainfast-paced environment Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): - bilingual skills in Punjabi/Hindi English - bilingual skills in Punjabi/Hindi andand English - excellent written, interpersonal communication skills in both English Punjabi/Hindi - excellent written, oral,oral, andand interpersonal communication skills in both English andand Punjabi/Hindi - proficient in the of MS Office applications - proficient in the useuse of MS Office applications - strong multi-tasking, customer-service, problem-solving skills - strong multi-tasking, customer-service, andand problem-solving skills

Name of Foreign national intending to apply position Name of Foreign national intending to apply for for thethe position Name : BALVIR SINGH 1 1 Name : BALVIR SINGH Address : 1857 LY FABIE ESTATE STA. ANA MANILA Address : 1857 RD RD LY FABIE ESTATE STA. ANA MANILA Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN : INDIAN SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE EXACT POSITION : INDIAN SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE EXACT POSITION ( 4 Vacancy ) ( 4 Vacancy) Description: JobJob Description:

-Answering customer questions about service outcomes consulting necessary -Answering customer questions about service outcomes andand consulting necessary -Informing customers about potential -Informing customers about potential costcost -Overseeing managing scheduling workflow -Overseeing andand managing thethe scheduling andand workflow -Informing customers of changes in service -Informing customers of changes in service Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): - bilingual skills in Punjabi English - bilingual skills in Punjabi andand English excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills in both English Punjabi - excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills in both English andand Punjabi - proficient in the of MS Office applications - proficient in the useuse of MS Office applications - strong multi-tasking, customer-service, problem-solving skills - strong multi-tasking, customer-service, andand problem-solving skills

Name of Foreign national intending to apply position Name of Foreign national intending to apply for for thethe position Name : DHILLION, LAKHVIR SINGH 1 1 Name : DHILLION, LAKHVIR SINGH Address: RICHFIELD SUBD BRGY. TAGAPO LAGUNA CITY Address: RICHFIELD SUBD H.NH.N 329329 BRGY. TAGAPO LAGUNA CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN Name : NANAK SINGH 2 2 Name : NANAK SINGH Address: 0010 ) M.H PILAR PARANG MARKINA CITY Address: 0010 ( C () CM.H DELDEL PILAR ST. ST. PARANG MARKINA CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN Name : HARPREET SINGH 3 3 Name : HARPREET SINGH Address: 6 LOT GABRIELA SILANG NEW CAPITOL ESTATE BRGY. BATASAN HILLS QUEZON CITY Address: BLKBLK 6 LOT 10 10 GABRIELA SILANG ST. ST. NEW CAPITOL ESTATE 14 14 BRGY. BATASAN HILLS QUEZON CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN 4 Name : DEOL, SUKHDEEP SINGH 4 Name : DEOL, SUKHDEEP SINGH Address: 8 LOT CYPRESS HILLCREST TOWNHOMES BRGY. KALIGAYAHAN QUEZON CITY Address: BLKBLK 8 LOT 10 10 CYPRESS ST. ST. HILLCREST TOWNHOMES BRGY. KALIGAYAHAN QUEZON CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN : MANDARIN EXACT POSITION ADMIN HELP DESK : MANDARIN EXACT POSITION ADMIN HELP DESK

( 1 Vacancy ( 1 Vacancy ) ) Description: JobJob Description: -Answer direct phone -Answer andand direct phone callscalls -Can translate mandarin language to English language -Can translate mandarin language to English language -Manage communication answer emails from Chinese Client -Manage communication andand answer emails from thethe Chinese Client Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): -Excellent English communication skills, both written verbal. -Excellent English communication skills, both written andand verbal. -Excellent phone, email, instant messaging communication skills. -Excellent phone, email, andand instant messaging communication skills. -Solid organizational time management skills. -Solid organizational andand time management skills.

Name of Foreign national intending to apply position Name of Foreign national intending to apply for for thethe position Name : XU, SIYUN 1 1 Name : XU, SIYUN Address: 9438 CECILE AIRPORT VILLAGE BRGY. VITALEZ PARAÑAQUE CITY Address: 9438 CECILE ST. ST. AIRPORT VILLAGE BRGY. VITALEZ PARAÑAQUE CITY Nationality : CHINESE Nationality : CHINESE EXACT POSITION : INDIAN SPEAKING ADMIN ASSISTANT EXACT POSITION : INDIAN SPEAKING ADMIN ASSISTANT

( 5 Vacancy ( 5 Vacancy ) ) Description: JobJob Description: -Answer direct phone -Answer andand direct phone callscalls -Can translate mandarin language to English language -Can translate mandarin language to English language -Manage communication answer emails from Chinese Client -Manage communication andand answer emails from thethe Chinese Client Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): -Excellent English communication skills, both written verbal. -Excellent English communication skills, both written andand verbal. -Excellent phone, email, instant messaging communication skills. -Excellent phone, email, andand instant messaging communication skills. -Solid organizational time management skills. -Solid organizational andand time management skills.

Name of Foreign national intending to apply position Name of Foreign national intending to apply for for thethe position Name : DHILLON, KAMALJIT SINGH 1 1 Name : DHILLON, KAMALJIT SINGH Address: FRAC TOWNHOMES PASONG TAMO QUEZON CITY Address: 18B18B FRAC ST. ST. CBECBE TOWNHOMES PASONG TAMO QUEZON CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN Name : GURPREET KAUR 2 2 Name : GURPREET KAUR Address: UNIT 3 MT. APO CRESTA VERDE EXECUTIVE SUBD BRGY. MONICA NOVALICHES QUEZON CITY Address: UNIT 3 MT. APO ST. ST. CRESTA VERDE EXECUTIVE SUBD BRGY. STASTA MONICA NOVALICHES QUEZON CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN 3 Name : DHALIWAL, SUKHPAL SINGH 3 Name : DHALIWAL, SUKHPAL SINGH Address: 7 LOT 3 BP THAI GOLDEN HARVEST SUBD BRGY. CALZADA TAGUIG CITY Address: BLKBLK 7 LOT 3 BP THAI GOLDEN HARVEST SUBD BRGY. CALZADA TAGUIG CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN 4 Name : ANKIT 4 Name : ANKIT Address: TOWER 2 UNIT TREES RESIDENCES QUIRINO HIGHWAY BRGY. PASONG PUTIK NOVALICHES QUEZON CITY Address: TOWER 2 UNIT 240240 TREES RESIDENCES QUIRINO HIGHWAY BRGY. PASONG PUTIK NOVALICHES QUEZON CITY Nationality : CHINESE Nationality : CHINESE Name : GILL, KANWALJIT SINGH 5 5 Name : GILL, KANWALJIT SINGH Address: 0035 T 3A SATURN MARIA SUBD MATEO RIZAL Address: 0035 T 3A SATURN ST. ST. STASTA MARIA SUBD SANSAN MATEO RIZAL Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN : ASSOCIATE EXACT POSITION CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE - INDIAN : ASSOCIATE EXACT POSITION CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE - INDIAN

Name of Foreign national intending to apply position Name of Foreign national intending to apply for for thethe position Name : KINGRA, ARSHDEEP SINGH 1 1 Name : KINGRA, ARSHDEEP SINGH Address: 28B GEN HIZON STG. GALLER HEIGHTS SUBD TANDANG SORA QUEZON CITY Address: 28B GEN HIZON STG. GALLER HEIGHTS SUBD TANDANG SORA QUEZON CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN Name : SINGH, GURVINDER 2 2 Name : SINGH, GURVINDER Address: BLOCK 5 LOT F PHASE BUENAMAR CAINTA GREENLAND EXECUTIVE VILLAGE BRGY. JUAN CAINTA RIZAL Address: BLOCK 5 LOT 7 F7PHASE 4A 4A BUENAMAR ST. ST. CAINTA GREENLAND EXECUTIVE VILLAGE BRGY. SANSAN JUAN CAINTA RIZAL Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN 3 Name :DEERAJ KUMAR 3 Name :DEERAJ KUMAR Address: OLD SILVERCANE AVENUE SILVERLAND VILLAGE BRGY. PASONG TAMO QUEZON CITY Address: OLD 99A99A SILVERCANE AVENUE SILVERLAND VILLAGE BRGY. PASONG TAMO QUEZON CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN 4 Name : INDERJEET SINGH 4 Name : INDERJEET SINGH Address:LOT SUMMIT VIEW SUBD RAFAEL MONTALBAN RODRIGUEZ RIZAL Address:LOT 33 33 BLKBLK SUMMIT VIEW SUBD SANSAN RAFAEL MONTALBAN RODRIGUEZ RIZAL Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN Name : GURWINDER SINGH 5 5 Name : GURWINDER SINGH Address: B3L5 PHILAND DRIVE MAPLEWOOD ESTATE PASONG TAMO QUEZON CITY Address: B3L5 PHILAND DRIVE MAPLEWOOD ESTATE PASONG TAMO QUEZON CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN EXACT POSITION : SEÑIOR INDIAN ADVISORS EXACT POSITION : SEÑIOR INDIAN ADVISORS 1 Vacancy ( 1 (Vacancy ) ) Description: JobJob Description: -Answering customer questions about service outcomes consulting necessary -Answering customer questions about service outcomes andand consulting necessary -Informing customers about potential -Informing customers about potential costcost -Overseeing managing scheduling workflow -Overseeing andand managing thethe scheduling andand workflow -Informing customers of changes in service -Informing customers of changes in service Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): - bilingual skills in Punjabi English - bilingual skills in Punjabi andand English excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills in both English Punjabi - excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills in both English andand Punjabi - proficient in the of MS Office applications - proficient in the useuse of MS Office applications - strong multi-tasking, customer-service, problem-solving skills - strong multi-tasking, customer-service, andand problem-solving skills

Name of Foreign national intending to apply position Name of Foreign national intending to apply for for thethe position Name : PARMINDER SINGH 1 1 Name : PARMINDER SINGH Address: GARNET NORTHVIEW 1 BATASAN HILLS QUEZON CITY Address: 40 40 GARNET NORTHVIEW 1 BATASAN HILLS QUEZON CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN EXACT POSITION : PUNJABI CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE ASSOCIATE EXACT POSITION : PUNJABI CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE ASSOCIATE

( 1 Vacancy) ( 1 Vacancy) Description: JobJob Description: - provide customer service suport. - provide customer service suport. - responsible providing excellent customer service to our clients - responsible for for providing excellent customer service to our clients Can translate punjabi language to English language - Can translate punjabi language to English language - able to work a fast-paced environment - able to work in ainfast-paced environment Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): - bilingual skills in Punjabi English - bilingual skills in Punjabi andand English - excellent written, interpersonal communication skills in both English Punjabi - excellent written, oral,oral, andand interpersonal communication skills in both English andand Punjabi proficient in the use of MS Office applications - proficient in the use of MS Office applications - strong multi-tasking, customer-service, problem-solving skills - strong multi-tasking, customer-service, andand problem-solving skills

Name of Foreign national intending to apply position Name of Foreign national intending to apply for for thethe position Name : MANJIT KAUR 1 1 Name : MANJIT KAUR Address: UNIT BLDG G ARANETA BRGY. SANTOL QUEZON CITY Address: UNIT 2-D2-D BLDG 353353 G ARANETA AVEAVE BRGY. SANTOL QUEZON CITY Nationality : INDIAN Nationality : INDIAN Company Name Company Name : : DOCUMENTATION SERVICES INC. EFSEFS DOCUMENTATION SERVICES INC. th Complete Address: 1102B Center Esolta Brgy. Binondo Manila Complete Address: 1102B 11th11Flr.Flr. AICAIC Center Esolta St. St. Brgy. 291291 Binondo Manila Nature of Business : Documetation Nature of Business : Documetation Intended period of employment: Three years Intended period of employment: Three (3) (3) years

Applications may sent Applications may be be sent to to Name of Company ARMIE BAGGAYAN Name of Company HR:HR: MS.MS. ARMIE BAGGAYAN Email address: efsdocumentationservicesinc@gmail.com Email address: efsdocumentationservicesinc@gmail.com DOCUMENTATION SERVICES INC. hereby declares above-name foreign national is able, willing, qualified to perform EFSEFS DOCUMENTATION SERVICES INC. hereby declares thatthat thethe above-name foreign national is able, willing, andand qualified to perform services description position. company intention to employ foreign national apply thethe services andand jobjob description for for thisthis position. TheThe company hashas thethe intention to employ thethe saidsaid foreign national andand apply for for an an Alien Employment Permit with Department of Labor Employment-Central Office through Bureau of Local Alien Employment Permit with thethe Department of Labor andand Employment-Central Office through thethe Bureau of Local th 6th Flr. BF Condminium Corporation, corner Solana Avenue and Soriano St. Intramuros, Manila, Employment(BLE) located at Employment(BLE) located at 6 Flr. BF Condminium Corporation, corner Solana Avenue and Soriano St. Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. Philippines.

AI POWERED. Samsung Electronics is bringing its vision of AI-powered connected living to Cebu as its line of home appliances, SmartThings ecosystem and smart building technologies are set to be integrated into the premium mixed-use development Granz Forest Park of specialized real estate developer DH Plus. Signing a memorandum of understanding on Sept. 17 for the development of a premium AIoT-based mixed-use complex are Hwang Tae-hwan (right), executive vice president and head of Samsung Electronics’ B2B Integrated Offering Center and Lee Taek-seo, chairman of DH Plus.

Among active stocks, Ayala Corp. bucked the trend, jumping 3.09 percent to P500, while Manila Electric Co. fell 3.46 percent to P447. Asian markets fell on Thursday as jitters around a high-stakes summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping hit equities. Shanghai closed 1.2 percent down, shrugging off US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s announcement that the superpowers had agreed to extend a trade truce by two months. The simmering trade war between the world’s top two economies is a key concern. Both sides have maintained a tariff truce for nearly a year, but they have yet to secure a lasting agreement. The “economic detente” will now extend beyond its November 10 deadline to January 10, Bessent said. However, hopes of business deals have been dimmed by the fact that there are no Chinese CEOs in Xi’s delegation, two sources told AFP. In contrast, top US tech bosses —including the leaders of major artificial intelligence companies— are set to attend a banquet for Xi on Thursday. Pre-summit talks between Bessent and his Chinese counterpart He Lifeng included discussions over creating a communication channel for AI concerns as warnings swirled that the technology risks wiping out humanity. “Market participants are looking for signs of cooperation (however feigned) in managing the risks of AI without raising the regulatory risk to the space,” said Kyle Rodda, senior financial market analyst at Capital. com. With AFP

Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Position Title: ADVISOR I, SALES Position Title: ADVISOR I, SALES Description: JobJob Description: Assist external users client's technical products • • Assist external users of of thethe client's technical products services; identify, investigate, research provide or or services; identify, investigate, research andand provide resolution to user questions problems resolution to user questions andand problems • Ensure service delivered to our customers meets • Ensure service delivered to our customers meets contractual Performance Indicator (‘KPIs’) contractual KeyKey Performance Indicator (‘KPIs’) • Listen attentively to customer needs and concerns; • Listen attentively to customer needs and concerns; demonstrate empathy while maximizing opportunity demonstrate empathy while maximizing opportunity to to build rapport with customer. build rapport with thethe customer. Participate activities designed improve customer • • Participate in in activities designed to to improve customer satisfaction, team team camaraderie, camaraderie, andand business business satisfaction, performance. performance. Participate activities designed improve customer • • Participate in in activities designed to to improve customer satisfaction, team team camaraderie, camaraderie, andand business business satisfaction, performance. performance. • Troubleshoot basic and routine customer issues • Troubleshoot basic and routine customer issues thatthat technical nature; including hardware, software, areare technical in in nature; including hardware, software, networking, other designated client products networking, or or other designated client products Follow appropriate escalation paths to resolve technical • • Follow appropriate escalation paths to resolve technical issues; including making follow outbound calls issues; including making follow up up outbound calls to to customers other parties needed customers or or other parties as as needed Solveproblems problemsthatthatarearegenerally generallyunstructured unstructuredandand • • Solve require extensive of conceptual thinking skills require extensive useuse of conceptual thinking skills Greetcustomers customersin ina acourteous, courteous,friendly, friendly,andand • • Greet professional manner using agreed upon procedures professional manner using agreed upon procedures

Qualification (Education, Experience, Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Certification, Specialized Training): Excellent written verbal communication • • Excellent written andand verbal communication skills in Vietnamese English language skills in Vietnamese andand English language Experience working international • • Experience working in in an an international andand cross-cultural environment cross-cultural environment Courteouswith withstrong strongcustomer customerservice service • • Courteous orientation. orientation. Must fluent Vietnamese English • • Must be be fluent in in Vietnamese andand English speaking, reading, writing, listening speaking, reading, writing, andand listening Skilled multi-tasking; including ability • • Skilled in in multi-tasking; including thethe ability to be flexible adapt to changes quickly. to be flexible andand adapt to changes quickly. • Demonstrate patience in all customer • Demonstrate patience in all customer contactsituations, situations,including includingmaintaining maintaininga a contact pleasant professional tone manner pleasant andand professional tone andand manner Strong analytical, analytical, organizational organizational andand • • Strong problem-solving skills problem-solving skills Experience software programs such • • Experience in in software programs such as as MicrosoftWord, Word,Excel, Excel,Microsoft MicrosoftOutlook Outlook Microsoft Internet andand Internet Clarity verbal communication (pace • • Clarity of of verbal communication (pace andand tone) tone) Excellent written communication (grammar) • • Excellent written communication (grammar) Applications may sent Applications may be be sent to: to: U LT L IGNUGAULA@L @ P HP_HQ_CQ_CE_AESATSWT _WM_UMLT I L II N concentrix.com concentrix.com Name foreign national intending Name of of foreign national intending apply position to to apply forfor thethe position

Company/ Employer Company/ Employer Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc.Inc. th th th th th Complete Address: Floors GBF Center Complete Address: 10th1011th1112th1214th1415th15Floors GBF Center 2 Bridgetowne Road Ugong Norte District Quezon 2 Bridgetowne C5C5 Road Ugong Norte District 3, 3, Quezon City 1110 City 1110 Nature of Business: Business Business Nature of Business: Business to to Business IT IT

Name: Nguyen Hiep Name: Nguyen ThiThi Hiep Address: Marikina City Address: Marikina City Nationality: Vietnamese Nationality: Vietnamese Intended Period of Employment: Two Years Intended Period of Employment: Two (2)(2) Years

Company hereby declares above-named foreign national is able, willing, qualified to perform services Company hereby declares thatthat thethe above-named foreign national is able, willing, andand qualified to perform thethe services description position. company intention employ said foreign national apply andand jobjob description forfor thisthis position. TheThe company hashas thethe intention to to employ thethe said foreign national andand apply th 6th Floor, Banco Filipino for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6 Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila. Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Position Title: ADVISOR I, SALES Qualification (Education, Experience, Position Title: ADVISOR I, SALES Qualification (Education, Experience, Description: Professional License, Skills JobJob Description: Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Assistexternal externalusers usersof ofthetheclient's client'stechnical technical Certification, Specialized Training): • • Assist productsor orservices; services;identify, identify,investigate, investigate, products research provide resolution to user questions Excellentwritten writtenandandverbal verbalcommunication communication research andand provide resolution to user questions • • Excellent problems skillsin inBahasa BahasaIndonesia IndonesiaandandEnglish English andand problems skills language Ensure service delivered to our customers meets language • • Ensure service delivered to our customers meets contractual Key Performance Indicator (‘KPIs’) • Experience working in an international contractual Key Performance Indicator (‘KPIs’) • Experience working in an international andand cross-cultural environment Listenattentively attentivelyto tocustomer customerneeds needsandand cross-cultural environment • • Listen concerns; demonstrate empathy while maximizing • Courteouswithwithstrong strongcustomer customerservice service concerns; demonstrate empathy while maximizing • Courteous opportunity to build rapport customer. orientation. opportunity to build rapport withwith thethe customer. orientation. • Participate in activities designed to improve • Must be fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and English • Participate in activities designed to improve • Must be fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and English customersatisfaction, satisfaction,team teamcamaraderie, camaraderie,andand speaking, reading, writing, listening customer speaking, reading, writing, andand listening business performance. Skilled in multi-tasking; including ability business performance. • • Skilled in multi-tasking; including thethe ability to to flexible adapt to changes quickly. Participatein inactivities activitiesdesigned designedto toimprove improve be be flexible andand adapt to changes quickly. • • Participate customer satisfaction, team camaraderie, and • Demonstrate patience in all customer contact customer satisfaction, team camaraderie, and • Demonstrate patience in all customer contact business performance. situations, including maintaining a pleasant business performance. situations, including maintaining a pleasant andand professional tone manner Troubleshoot basic routine customer issues professional tone andand manner • • Troubleshoot basic andand routine customer issues technical in nature; including hardware, Strong analytical, organizational problemthatthat areare technical in nature; including hardware, • • Strong analytical, organizational andand problemsoftware, networking, other designated client solving skills software, networking, or or other designated client solving skills products Experiencein insoftware softwareprograms programssuch suchas as products • • Experience Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook • Follow appropriate escalation paths to resolve Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook andand • Follow appropriate escalation paths to resolve Internet technicalissues; issues;including includingmaking makingfollow followup up Internet technical outbound calls to customers or other parties as • Clarity of verbal communication (pace outbound calls to customers or other parties as • Clarity of verbal communication (pace andand needed tone) needed tone) • Solve problems that are generally unstructured and • Excellent written communication (grammar) • Solve problems that are generally unstructured and • Excellent written communication (grammar) require extensive of conceptual thinking skills Applications may sent require extensive useuse of conceptual thinking skills Applications may be be sent to: to: PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix. • Greet customers in a courteous, friendly, PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix. • Greet customers in a courteous, friendly, com professionalmanner mannerusing usingagreed agreedupon upon com andandprofessional procedures procedures Name of foreign national intending Name of foreign national intending Company/ Employer Company/ Employer to apply position to apply forfor thethe position Name: Nancy Margaretha Rantung Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Name: Nancy Margaretha Rantung Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc.Inc. th th th th th th th th th Address: Mandaluyong City Complete Address:10th1011 1112 1214 1415 15Floors FloorsGBF GBF Address: Mandaluyong City Complete Address: Nationality: Bahasa Indonesia Center 2 Bridgetowne Road Ugong Norte District Bahasa Indonesia Center 2 Bridgetowne C5C5 Road Ugong Norte District 3, 3, Nationality: Intended Period of Employment: Two Years Quezon City 1110 Intended Period of Employment: Two (2)(2) Years Quezon City 1110 Nature of Business: Business to Business Nature of Business: Business to Business IT IT Company hereby declares above-named foreign national is able, willing, qualified to perform services Company hereby declares thatthat thethe above-named foreign national is able, willing, andand qualified to perform thethe services andand description position. company intention to employ foreign national apply Alien jobjob description for for thisthis position. TheThe company hashas thethe intention to employ thethe saidsaid foreign national andand apply for for an an Alien th 6th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6 Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila. Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Career Opportunity CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Career Opportunity in in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Position Title: ADVISOR I, SALES Position Title: ADVISOR I, SALES Description: Job Description: Job Assist external users client's technical • • Assist external users of of thethe client's technical productsor orservices; services;identify, identify,investigate, investigate, products researchand andprovide provideresolution resolutionto touser user research questions and problems questions and problems • Ensure service delivered to our customers • Ensure service delivered to our customers meets contractual Key Performance Indicator meets contractual Key Performance Indicator (‘KPIs’) (‘KPIs’) Listenattentively attentivelyto tocustomer customerneeds needsand and • • Listen concerns; demonstrate demonstrate empathy empathy while while concerns; maximizing opportunity build rapport with maximizing opportunity to to build rapport with customer. thethe customer. Participate activities designed improve • • Participate in in activities designed to to improve customersatisfaction, satisfaction,team teamcamaraderie, camaraderie, customer and business performance. and business performance. Participate activities designed improve • • Participate in in activities designed to to improve customersatisfaction, satisfaction,team teamcamaraderie, camaraderie, customer and business performance. and business performance. Troubleshootbasic basicand androutine routinecustomer customer • • Troubleshoot issues that technical nature; including issues that areare technical in in nature; including hardware,software, software,networking, networking,or orother other hardware, designated client products designated client products Follow appropriate appropriate escalation escalation paths paths to to • • Follow resolvetechnical technicalissues; issues;including includingmaking making resolve followupupoutbound outboundcalls callsto tocustomers customersor or follow other parties as needed other parties as needed Solve problems problems that that areare generally generally • • Solve unstructuredand andrequire requireextensive extensiveuse useof of unstructured conceptual thinking skills conceptual thinking skills Greetcustomers customersin ina acourteous, courteous,friendly, friendly,and and • • Greet professional manner using agreed upon procedures professional manner using agreed upon procedures

Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Position Title: Position Title: ADVISOR BILINGUAL: CUSTOMER SERVICE, CRM ADVISOR BILINGUAL: CUSTOMER SERVICE, CRM Job Description: Job Description: Assistexternal externalusers usersof ofthetheclient's client'stechnical technical • • Assist productsor orservices; services;identify, identify,investigate, investigate, products research provide resolution to user questions research andand provide resolution to user questions and problems and problems Ensure service delivered to our customers meets • • Ensure service delivered to our customers meets contractual Key Performance Indicator (‘KPIs’) contractual Key Performance Indicator (‘KPIs’) Listenattentively attentivelyto tocustomer customerneeds needsandand • • Listen concerns; demonstrate demonstrate empathy empathy while while concerns; maximizing opportunity build rapport with maximizing opportunity to to build rapport with thethe customer. customer. Participatein inactivities activitiesdesigned designedto toimprove improve • • Participate customersatisfaction, satisfaction,team teamcamaraderie, camaraderie,andand customer business performance. business performance. Participatein inactivities activitiesdesigned designedto toimprove improve • • Participate customersatisfaction, satisfaction,team teamcamaraderie, camaraderie,andand customer business performance. business performance. Troubleshoot basic routine customer issues • • Troubleshoot basic andand routine customer issues technical nature; including hardware, thatthat areare technical in in nature; including hardware, software, networking, or other designated client software, networking, or other designated client products products Follow appropriate escalation paths resolve • • Follow appropriate escalation paths to to resolve technicalissues; issues;including includingmaking makingfollow followup up technical outbound calls customers other parties outbound calls to to customers or or other parties as as needed needed Solve problems generally unstructured • • Solve problems thatthat areare generally unstructured require extensive conceptual thinking andand require extensive useuse of of conceptual thinking skills skills Greetcustomers customersin ina acourteous, courteous,friendly, friendly, • • Greet professionalmanner mannerusing usingagreed agreedupon upon andandprofessional procedures procedures

Qualification (Education, Experience, Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Specialized Training): Certification, Graduate of any business-related course • • Graduate of any business-related course Excellent written verbal communication • • Excellent written andand verbal communication skills in French English language skills in French andand English language Experience working international • • Experience working in in an an international andand cross-cultural environment cross-cultural environment Courteouswith withstrong strongcustomer customerservice service • • Courteous orientation. orientation. Mustbe befluent fluentin inFrench FrenchandandEnglish English • • Must speaking, reading, writing, listening speaking, reading, writing, andand listening Skilled multi-tasking; including ability • • Skilled in in multi-tasking; including thethe ability to be flexible adapt to changes quickly. to be flexible andand adapt to changes quickly. Demonstrate patience in all customer contact • • Demonstrate patience in all customer contact situations, including maintaining a pleasant situations, including maintaining a pleasant professional tone manner andand professional tone andand manner Strong analytical, analytical, organizational organizational andand • • Strong problem-solving skills problem-solving skills Experiencein insoftware softwareprograms programssuch suchas as • • Experience Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook andand Internet Internet Clarity verbal communication (pace • • Clarity of of verbal communication (pace andand tone) tone) Excellent written communication (grammar) • • Excellent written communication (grammar) Applications may sent PH_QC_EASTW_ Applications may be be sent to: to: PH_QC_EASTW_ MULTILINGUAL@concentrix.com MULTILINGUAL@concentrix.com

Name foreign national intending Name of of foreign national intending apply position to to apply forfor thethe position

Company/ Employer Company/ Employer Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc. Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc. th th th th th Complete Address: Floors GBF Complete Address: 10th1011th1112th1214th1415th15Floors GBF Center 2 Bridgetowne Road Ugong Norte District Center 2 Bridgetowne C5C5 Road Ugong Norte District 3, Quezon City 1110 3, Quezon City 1110 Nature of Business: Business Business Nature of Business: Business to to Business IT IT

Name: Chenda-Rasmei Sim Name: Chenda-Rasmei Sim Address: Pateros City Address: Pateros City Nationality: Canadian Nationality: Canadian Intended Period Employment: 2 years Intended Period of of Employment: 2 years

Company hereby declares above-named foreign national able, willing, qualified perform Company hereby declares thatthat thethe above-named foreign national is is able, willing, andand qualified to to perform thethe services description position. The company intention to employ said foreign national services andand jobjob description forfor thisthis position. The company hashas thethe intention to employ thethe said foreign national andand th apply Alien Employment Permit with Bureau Local Employment (BLE) located Floor, Banco apply forfor an an Alien Employment Permit with thethe Bureau of of Local Employment (BLE) located at at 6th 6Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila. Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Qualification (Education, Experience, Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Certification, Specialized Training):

Position Title: ADVISOR I, SALES THAI Position Title: ADVISOR I, SALES THAI Job Description: Job Description: Assist external users client's technical • • Assist external users of of thethe client's technical productsor orservices; services;identify, identify,investigate, investigate, products researchandandprovide provideresolution resolutionto touser user research questions problems questions andand problems • Ensure service delivered to our customers • Ensure service delivered to our customers meets contractual Key Performance Indicator meets contractual Key Performance Indicator (‘KPIs’) (‘KPIs’) • Listenattentively attentivelyto tocustomer customerneeds needsandand • Listen concerns; demonstrate demonstrate empathy empathy while while concerns; maximizing opportunity build rapport with maximizing opportunity to to build rapport with customer. thethe customer. Participate activities designed improve • • Participate in in activities designed to to improve customer satisfaction, team camaraderie, customer satisfaction, team camaraderie, andand business performance. business performance. Participate activities designed improve • • Participate in in activities designed to to improve customer satisfaction, team camaraderie, customer satisfaction, team camaraderie, andand business performance. business performance. Troubleshootbasic basicandandroutine routinecustomer customer • • Troubleshoot issues technical nature; including issues thatthat areare technical in in nature; including hardware,software, software,networking, networking,or orother other hardware, designated client products designated client products Follow appropriate escalation paths resolve • • Follow appropriate escalation paths to to resolve technical issues; including making follow technical issues; including making follow up up outbound calls customers other parties outbound calls to to customers or or other parties needed as as needed Solve problems generally unstructured • • Solve problems thatthat areare generally unstructured requireextensive extensiveuseuseof ofconceptual conceptual andandrequire thinking skills thinking skills • Greet customers in a courteous, friendly, • Greet customers in a courteous, friendly, professional manner using agreed upon andand professional manner using agreed upon procedures procedures

• •

Excellent written verbal communication Excellent written andand verbal communication skills in Thai English language skills in Thai andand English language Experience working in an international Experience working in an international andand cross-cultural environment cross-cultural environment Courteouswith withstrong strongcustomer customerservice service • • Courteous orientation. orientation. Must fluent in Thai English speaking, • • Must be be fluent in Thai andand English speaking, reading, writing, listening reading, writing, andand listening Skilled multi-tasking; including ability • • Skilled in in multi-tasking; including thethe ability to be flexible adapt to changes quickly. to be flexible andand adapt to changes quickly. • Demonstrate patience in all customer contact • Demonstrate patience in all customer contact situations, including maintaining a pleasant situations, including maintaining a pleasant professional tone manner andand professional tone andand manner • Strong analytical, analytical, organizational organizational andand • Strong problem-solving skills problem-solving skills Experiencein insoftware softwareprograms programssuch suchas as • • Experience Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook andand Internet Internet • Clarity of verbal communication (pace • Clarity of verbal communication (pace andand tone) tone) Excellent written communication (grammar) • • Excellent written communication (grammar) Applications may sent Applications may be be sent to: to: PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix. PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix. com com • •

Name foreign national intending Name of of foreign national intending apply position to to apply forfor thethe position

Company/ Employer Company/ Employer Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc. Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc. th th th th th Floors GBF Complete Address: GBF Complete Address: 10th1011th1112th1214th1415th15Floors Center 2 Bridgetowne Road Ugong Norte District Center 2 Bridgetowne C5C5 Road Ugong Norte District 3, Quezon City 1110 3, Quezon City 1110 Nature of Business: Business Business Nature of Business: Business to to Business IT IT

Name: Kulsiri Razon Name: Kulsiri Razon Address: Valenzuela City Address: Valenzuela City Nationality: Thai Nationality: Thai Intended Period of Employment: Two Years Intended Period of Employment: Two (2)(2) Years

Company hereby declares above-named foreign national is able, willing, qualified to perform services Company hereby declares thatthat thethe above-named foreign national is able, willing, andand qualified to perform thethe services description position. The company intention employ said foreign national apply andand jobjob description forfor thisthis position. The company hashas thethe intention to to employ thethe said foreign national andand apply th Floor, Banco Filipino Alien Employment Permit with Bureau Local Employment (BLE) located Banco Filipino forfor an an Alien Employment Permit with thethe Bureau of of Local Employment (BLE) located at at 6th 6Floor, Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila. Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Career Opportunity CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Career Opportunity in in

Qualification (Education, Experience, Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Professional License, Skills Specialized Training): Certification, Specialized Training): Certification, Excellent written and verbal communication • • Excellent written and verbal communication skillsin inBahasa BahasaIndonesia Indonesiaand andEnglish English skills language language Experience working international and • • Experience working in in anan international and cross-cultural environment cross-cultural environment Courteouswith withstrong strongcustomer customerservice service • • Courteous orientation. orientation. Mustbebefluent fluentin inBahasa BahasaIndonesia Indonesiaand and • • Must Englishspeaking, speaking,reading, reading,writing, writing,and and English listening listening Skilled multi-tasking; including ability • • Skilled in in multi-tasking; including thethe ability flexible and adapt changes quickly. to to bebe flexible and adapt to to changes quickly. Demonstratepatience patiencein inall allcustomer customer • • Demonstrate contact situations, including maintaininga a contact situations, including maintaining pleasant and professional tone and manner pleasant and professional tone and manner • Strong analytical, organizational and • Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills problem-solving skills Experience software programs such • • Experience in in software programs such asas MicrosoftWord, Word,Excel, Excel,Microsoft MicrosoftOutlook Outlook Microsoft and Internet and Internet Clarity verbal communication (pace and • • Clarity of of verbal communication (pace and tone) tone) • Excellent written communication (grammar) • Excellent written communication (grammar) Applications may sent Applications may bebe sent to:to: PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@ PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@ concentrix.com concentrix.com

Company/ Employer Company/ Employer

foreign national intending Name of of foreign national intending Name apply position to to apply forfor thethe position

Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc. Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc. Company th th th th th th th th th 11 Complete Address: Floors Complete Address: 1010 11th 1212 14141515Floors GBFCenter Center2 2Bridgetowne BridgetowneC5C5Road RoadUgong Ugong GBF Norte District Quezon City 1110 Norte District 3, 3, Quezon City 1110 Nature Business: Business Business Nature of of Business: Business to to Business IT IT

Name: Nancy Margaretha Rantung Name: Nancy Margaretha Rantung Address: Mandaluyong City Address: Mandaluyong City Nationality: Bahasa Indonesia Nationality: Bahasa Indonesia Intended Period Employment: Two Years Intended Period of of Employment: Two (2)(2) Years

Company hereby declares that above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified perform Company hereby declares that thethe above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to to perform services and description this position. The company has intention employ said foreign thethe services and jobjob description forfor this position. The company has thethe intention to to employ thethe said foreign Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila. Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila. at at 6th6Floor,

ADVISOR I, SALES Position Title: ADVISOR I, SALES Position Title: Job Description: Job Description: Assist external users client's technical • • Assist external users of of thethe client's technical products services; identify, investigate, products or or services; identify, investigate, researchand andprovide provideresolution resolutionto touser user research questions and problems questions and problems Ensure service delivered customers • • Ensure service delivered to to ourour customers meets contractual contractual Key Key Performance Performance meets Indicator (‘KPIs’) Indicator (‘KPIs’) • Listen attentively to customer needs and • Listen attentively to customer needs and concerns;demonstrate demonstrateempathy empathywhile while concerns; maximizing opportunity build rapport with maximizing opportunity to to build rapport with customer. thethe customer. Participate activities designed improve • • Participate in in activities designed to to improve customersatisfaction, satisfaction,team teamcamaraderie, camaraderie, customer and business performance. and business performance. Participate activities designed improve • • Participate in in activities designed to to improve customersatisfaction, satisfaction,team teamcamaraderie, camaraderie, customer and business performance. and business performance. Troubleshoot basic and routine customer • • Troubleshoot basic and routine customer issuesthat thatarearetechnical technicalin innature; nature; issues including hardware, software, networking, including hardware, software, networking, other designated client products or or other designated client products Followappropriate appropriateescalation escalationpaths pathsto to • • Follow resolve technical issues; including making resolve technical issues; including making follow up outbound calls to customers follow up outbound calls to customers or or other parties needed other parties asas needed Solve problems problems that that areare generally generally • • Solve unstructured and require extensive use unstructured and require extensive use of of conceptual thinking skills conceptual thinking skills Greet customers courteous, friendly, • • Greet customers in in a a courteous, friendly, andprofessional professionalmanner mannerusing usingagreed agreed and upon procedures upon procedures Company/ Employer Company/ Employer Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Company Inc. Inc. th th th th th th th th th 11 CompleteAddress: Address:1010 Complete 11th 1212 1414 1515 Floors GBF Center 2 Bridgetowne Road Floors GBF Center 2 Bridgetowne C5C5 Road Ugong Norte District Quezon City 1110 Ugong Norte District 3, 3, Quezon City 1110 Nature Business: Business Business Nature of of Business: Business to to Business IT IT

Qualification (Education, Experience, Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Certification, Specialized Training): Excellentwritten writtenand andverbal verbalcommunication communication • • Excellent skills Thai and English language skills in in Thai and English language Experienceworking workingin inananinternational internationaland and • • Experience cross-cultural environment cross-cultural environment Courteous with with strong strong customer customer service service • • Courteous orientation. orientation. Must fluent Thai and English speaking, • • Must bebe fluent in in Thai and English speaking, reading, writing, and listening reading, writing, and listening Skilled multi-tasking; including ability • • Skilled in in multi-tasking; including thethe ability to to flexible and adapt changes quickly. bebe flexible and adapt to to changes quickly. Demonstrate patience customer contact • • Demonstrate patience in in all all customer contact situations, including maintaining a pleasant and situations, including maintaining a pleasant and professional tone and manner professional tone and manner • Strong analytical, organizational and problem• Strong analytical, organizational and problemsolving skills solving skills Experiencein insoftware softwareprograms programssuch suchasas • • Experience Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook and Internet Internet Clarity verbal communication (pace and tone) • • Clarity of of verbal communication (pace and tone) Excellent written communication (grammar) • • Excellent written communication (grammar) Applications may sent Applications may bebe sent to:to: PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@ PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@ concentrix.com concentrix.com

Name foreign national intending Name of of foreign national intending apply position to to apply forfor thethe position Name: Phuris Jaruworapong Name: Phuris Jaruworapong Address: Makati City Address: Makati City Nationality: Thai Nationality: Thai Intended Period of Employment: One Year Intended Period of Employment: One (1)(1) Year

Company hereby declares that above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified perform Company hereby declares that thethe above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to to perform services and description this position. The company has intention employ said foreign thethe services and jobjob description forfor this position. The company has thethe intention to to employ thethe said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila. Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila. at at 6th6Floor,

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B7 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com

First Gen urges reforms to boost PH geothermal Dinh Xuan Thuy, deputy commercial director of Vietjet, says Cebu is not only the Philippine’s key economic and tourism center, but also an important gateway for the Visayas with strong potential for tourism and trade growth. Minerva Newman

By Alena Mae S. Flores

hilippine geothermal expertise and resources can serve as a strategic competitive advantage for the country if supported by key market reforms, longterm regulatory certainty and de-risking mechanisms, according to an industry official. Francis Giles Puno, president of First Gen Corp., said at the Power Economics Forum that the Philippines possesses a distinct advantage in indigenous renewable energy, backed by decades of development experience and technical capability. Puno said the Lopez-led company has invested more than P200 billion in “building and operating some of the world’s largest integrated geothermal steamfield and power generation operations.” First Gen subsidiary Energy Development Corp. is the country’s largest geothermal producer. “Today, that capability is extending beyond our shores. Through our partnership with Sinar Mas, we are bringing decades of Philippine geothermal experience to Indonesia,” he said. Puno noted that turning the country’s geothermal capacity into a lasting national advantage requires improvements in the local energy landscape. The Philippines currently ranks as the world’s third-largest geothermal producer, behind No. 1 United States and No. 2 Indonesia. “Our advantage, therefore, is not simply the resource beneath our feet,”

Puno said. “It is the knowledge and capability we have built around it.” Puno called for regulatory and market enhancements, particularly as lawmakers evaluate proposed amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and the expansion of retail competition and open access. He said targeted policy reforms can encourage investment in indigenous renewable energy, strengthen market competition and provide consumers with greater freedom in choosing their power suppliers. Puno emphasized that geothermal power goes beyond individual plant generation, playing a critical role in energy security, decarbonization and broader economic resilience—provided the power grid and market structures enable competitive pricing for end users. “If we can combine our geothermal resources and expertise with the right infrastructure, regulation, and market design, geothermal can become more than another source of renewable electricity,” Puno said. “It can become a strategic national asset—strengthening our energy security, supporting decarbonization, and building a Philippine capability with

Vietjet to launch Cebu-Vietnam flights in November By Minerva Newman CEBU CITY — Vietnam’s largest private airline Vietjet will launch direct flights from Cebu to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi on Nov. 10, 2026, positioning the Philippine city as its newest gateway in the country. Vietjet deputy commercial director Dinh Xuan Thuy said at a media and trade briefing here on Sept. 24 that Cebu is “not only the Philippine’s key economic and tourism center, but also an important gateway for the Visayas,” with strong potential for tourism and trade growth. Vietjet will operate the Cebu routes

three times weekly, complementing its daily Manila-Ho Chi Minh City service. The airline will also start Clark-Ho Chi Minh City flights on the same date. Thuy said Ho Chi Minh City is “very well known for the new lifestyle, for food, as well as a new economic and new tourism destination in Vietnam.” He described Hanoi as famous for “historical, traditional cuisine” and as a jump-off point to northern destinations such as Sapa, Fansipan and Ha Long Bay, where “cooler weather” and diverse landscapes await. Passengers can connect from either city to Da Nang and other leisure destina-

tions in Vietnam. Vietjet said the Cebu launch is “the first step” in a broader network plan. The airline intends to use its growing Vietnam hub to connect Cebuanos to the rest of its network, including Northeast Asia and India. “We would like to bring more choice for customers, not only the direct flight from Cebu to Vietnam, but also beyond Vietnam to new destinations,” Thuy said. Vietjet will also launch a HanoiAlmaty service in Kazakhstan the week of Oct. 10, 2026. It will also start its first scheduled service to Europe, to Prague via Almaty, in October 2026.

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Angat Dam nears spilling level By Mark David Marababon

NGAT Dam, Metro Manila’s main water source, is nearly full after monsoon rains lifted it from a record low in July, giving the region a cushion ahead of an expected El Niño dry spell. The Luzon reservoir stood at 208.79 meters at 8 a.m. Thursday, just 1.21 meters below its full level of 210 meters, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said. Angat supplies 90 percent of Metro Manila’s tap water and irrigates 25,000 hectares of farmland in Pampanga and Bulacan. The dam sank to a record low of 150.6 meters on July 25, nearly 10 meters below its critical level. It has

since risen more than 58 meters. The level climbed from 156 meters on Aug. 4 to 170 meters on Aug. 10, when a heavy downpour added 8.66 meters in 24 hours. It reached 180 meters on Aug. 14 and 204 meters on Sept. 4. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said monsoon flooding affected more than 9.6 million people and caused more than P8 billion in damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

DOST-Pagasa assistant weather services chief Rosalie Pagulayan said forecasters share rainfall forecasts with dam operators, who use them to decide when to open spillway gates. She said the agency stands by its warnings. National Power Corp. (Napocor) dams management acting manager Teresa Serra said operators held back water for as long as it was safe instead of releasing more right away, since downstream rivers were already high. She said the dam must gradually release water as rain continues to make room for new inflows. Decisions rely on multiagency weather forecasts, not water depth alone, she said. Magat Dam in Isabela stood at 189.05 meters, less than 1 meter below its 190-meter full level. It is ex-

IT-BPM industry targets $50.5-b revenue by 2028

BSP DONATION.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) continues its longstanding support for institutions providing essential healthcare and humanitarian services to Filipinos as it donated P40 million to four institutions including Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine General Hospital and Philippine Red Cross. Shown during the turnover ceremony are BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. and Red Cross chairman and chief executive Richard Gordon.

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry is targeting $50.5 billion in revenue and 2.14 million digital Filipino workers by 2028 as artificial intelligence (AI) boosts productivity and moves the sector toward higher-value services. IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) president and chief executive Jack Madrid said revenue will grow faster than employment as companies use AI to augment workers and raise the value of their work. “We project continued positive growth. We should hit $45 billion in 2027 as we expect jobs to grow 2.6 percent again to 1.99 million FTEs,” Madrid told a press briefing on Thursday, the second day of the International Innovation Summit 2026. The industry expects its workforce to grow 2.6 percent to 1.94 million in 2026 from 1.89 million in 2025. Revenue is projected to exceed $42 billion, up 5 percent from $40 billion a year earlier. Revenue per worker will rise from $21,800 this year to nearly $24,000 in 2028 as the industry shifts toward productivity and higher-value work rather than growth driven mainly by headcount. Madrid said the trend is part of the industry’s “Philippine pivot,” which requires operators, investors and locators to build capabilities that match changing global demand and ensure international clients recognize the country’s ability to deliver. The digital Filipino worker of 2028 should use AI with judgment and quality control, develop deeper expertise in fields such as accounting, nursing, analytics and engineering, and continuously upgrade skills, he said.

pected to irrigate 90,000 hectares of farmland. Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija was at 206.28 meters, more than 12 meters below its 218.50-meter full level, and is expected to irrigate 120,000 hectares. National Irrigation Administration administrator Eduardo Guillen said irrigation in Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley is stable and that full reservoirs let the agency adopt an optimized cropping calendar. Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) corporate office department manager Patrick James Dizon said regulators worked with dam stakeholders to build up reserves. He said MWSS asked the National Water Resources Board to raise Angat’s year-end level because El Niño is expected this summer.

PNB Holdings lists on PSE to unlock value By Jenniffer B. Austria PNB Holdings Inc. will list on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Friday to unlock the value of Lucio Tan’s high-end property developments, led by the much-anticipated 8,000-square-meter Buendia property in Makati. The listing by introduction will not raise fresh capital but will give liquidity to the company’s more than 30,000 shareholders, PNB Holdings Chief Financial Officer Ponciano Carreon Jr. said. The company is preparing to launch development of the Buendia project by late next year once overall conditions improve, Carreon said. “We are ready to press the button as early as late next year if the market is okay,” Carreon said. The company has started master planning the property but is reviewing the plans because the site’s development potential has risen significantly as the allowable floor area ratio (FAR) increased to 34 from 16. The higher FAR means the 8,000-squaremeter site could support up to about 272,000 square meters of floor area, Carreon said. The property market has weakened as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drove up inflation and interest rates. Carreon said the property could be a mixed-use development with retail, residential and office components. The company is considering an iconic high-rise that could become the tallest building in the country. PNB Holdings will also redevelop PNB Makati Center along Ayala Avenue and a 10-hectare property along Macapagal Boulevard. For now, the company will focus on unlocking the value of its existing property portfolio, which management said covers more than 11 hectares of prime properties in central business districts. The company could develop these properties over the next 10 to 15 years.

Ayala Corp. to use Mitsubishi proceeds to reduce debt, buy Ayala Land shares AYALA Corp. plans to use part of the proceeds from Mitsubishi Corp.’s $700-million investment to buy more shares of property arm Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), which it considers grossly undervalued because higher interest rates have weighed on the real estate sector. Ayala Corp. president Cezar Cosing said in an interview with ABSCBN News Channel (ANC) that the company will receive about P20 billion from the Mitsubishi transaction. It will use the money for debt reduction, purchases of shares in listed subsidiaries and business expansion. “Over time you’ll see us doing more together and then what we will do right now with the money they [Mitsubishi] will give us is we will pay down debt and we will acquire more Ayala Land shares,” Cosing said. Cosing said higher interest rates, which tend to weigh on the real estate sector, have affected ALI shares. He

Alternergy’s income rises 1.9% to P168.2m

ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. said on Thursday its consolidated net income edged up 1.9 percent to P168.2 million for fiscal 2026 from P165 million a year ago, as the company expanded its renewable energy portfolio. Consolidated revenues rose 31 percent to P471.8 million, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) increased 39 percent to P553.8 million for the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Contributions from the renewable energy portfolio, including the newly commissioned 28-megawatt Balsik Solar Project in Bataan province, drove the higher revenues and EBITDA. Consolidated gross profit climbed 44 percent to P272.6 million, and gross profit margin improved to 58 percent from 53 percent in fiscal 2025. “Fiscal 2026 marks an important stage in Alternergy’s growth. We are beginning to realize the returns on our portfolio investments as we build the financial and operational foundation for the next phase of our development,” said Alternergy president Gerry Magbanua. “The growth in revenues and EBITDA demonstrates the progress in our portfolio, while the substantial increase in our asset base shows the investments being made to bring our next wave of projects into operation,” said Magbanua. Alena Mae S. Flores

Eastern Communications opens Davao City center

EASTERN Communications has launched an Experience Center in Davao City to strengthen its footprint in Mindanao amid rising demand for reliable connectivity, cybersecurity and digital transformation solutions. The center is designed around the customer experience, letting businesses and other visitors explore Eastern’s technology and connectivity solutions through interactive displays and demonstrations. “Opening our Experience Center in Davao is our way of bringing Eastern closer to the people and businesses that continue to drive progress in Mindanao,” Eastern Communications co-coordinator Aileen Regio said.

said the property arm is also transforming as it expands its leasing and hospitality businesses while continuing its property development activities. Under the agreement, Mitsubishi will raise its economic stake in Ayala Corp. to 15 percent from 4.7 percent for about P44.5 billion. Its voting stake will increase to 20 percent. Mitsubishi will get 2 seats on Ayala Corp.’s expanded 9-member board. The transaction is also expected to pave the way for a deeper partnership. The two groups are exploring opportunities across real estate, infrastructure, energy transition, mobility, logistics and digital businesses. In July, Ayala Corp. allocated P5 billion for additional purchases of ALI shares, including P2 billion from its approved capital expenditure budget for investments. The conglomerate has been buying ALI shares from the market since then. Jenniffer B. Austria

IN BRIEF “We believe that the strongest connections are built not only through technology, but through being present, accessible, and committed to the communities we serve,” she said. Davao’s expanding economy presents opportunities for businesses to contribute to the city’s development, Eastern Communications cocoordinator Jaeson Evangelista said. “Davao is a city of opportunity, and we believe businesses have a role to play in helping that opportunity grow,” Evangelista said. Darwin G. Amojelar

AREIT shareholders clear P17.3-b infusion

SHAREHOLDERS of AREIT Inc. approved on Wednesday the infusion of four malls and two hotels worth P17.3 billion from sponsor Ayala Land Inc., lifting the real estate investment trust’s assets under management to P177 billion from P159 billion. Ayala Land (ALI) and its subsidiaries Capitol Central Commercial Ventures Corp, Makati Cornerstone Leasing Corp, Bay City Commercial Ventures Corp and North Triangle Hotel Ventures Inc will subscribe to 462,481,990 AREIT primary common shares at P37.48 each, a premium to the REIT’s 30-day volume-weighted average price as of the board’s Aug 10 approval. AREIT will now seek regulatory approval. The assets are Glorietta 4 and Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati City, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf in Quezon City and Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, plus the 578-room New World Makati Hotel in Makati City and the 438-room Seda Vertis North in Quezon City. Retail and hospitality together will account for 41 percent of AREIT’s post-swap assets under management, the highest share in its history. Offices will make up 55 percent, retail 33 percent, hotels 8 percent and land 4 percent. The deal also introduces new lease structures for AREIT. It will hold the four malls under direct leases and the two hotels under hybrid master leases, which combine fixed base rent with a variable component linked to hotel revenues.

HOSPITAL CEO. University of Perpetual Help DALTA Medical Center (UPHDMC) and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) founder and chief executive Antonio Laperal Tamayo is named Hospital CEO of the Year Excellence Awardee at the Hospital Management Asia 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand on Sept. 3, 2026. Representing Tamayo is UPHDMC president Richard Antonio Tamayo, with Dr. Rachel Antonette Tamayo, medical management officer; Dr. Adrien Quidlat, executive medical director; Dr. Nelia Llanto, quality management director; and Rosalie Operaña, sales and marketing director. Dennis Abrina

BSP sets P1-b minimum capital for smaller banks going digital By Thony Rose Lesaca THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will require thrift, rural and cooperative banks that operate like digital banks to hold a minimum capital of P1 billion. Under BSP Circular No. 1240 dated Sept 21, existing thrift banks (TBs), rural banks (RBs) and cooperative (coop) banks that the BSP identifies as operating under a business model similar to a digital bank should meet the capital requirement, among other rules. They have at least six months from receipt of the BSP’s notice to comply. The BSP will also require a minimum capital of P1 billion when a proposed acquisition seeks to transform a TB, RB or coop bank into a technology-driven business model. The banks should also comply with prudential

standards for digital banks. “The BSP may also impose additional requirements, including enhanced supervisory reporting; restrictions on certain activities or new digital products and services; and strengthened risk management and control systems,” it said. The requirements cover banks whose business model resembles that of a digital bank, or whose risk management systems and capital no longer match their official business model and risk profile. They also cover banks that use digital platforms to deliver services and record significant growth in loan or deposit balances. “The requirements aim to ensure that these banks can adequately manage risks arising from the nature, scale, complexity, and risk profile of their operations,” the BSP said.

TRANSPORT Transport stops, cycling facility open in Alabang

OMMUTERS and cyclists in Muntinlupa now have access to improved transport facilities following the inauguration of three new public utility vehicle (PUV) stops and an end-of-trip cycling facility in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The facilities were inaugurated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Muntinlupa City government as part of efforts to make daily travel more accessible, convenient and safer for commuters and cyclists. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said facilities such as public transport stops and end-of-trip bike facilities are increasingly important as commuters look for alternatives amid rising fuel prices. “If you look at the government’s true direction, the President’s standing instruction to us is that—while major projects must be emphasized—the DOTr must never lose sight of the welfare of commuters and cyclists,” Lopez said during the inauguration.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

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

MARINA, Maritime Women’s Groups sign commitment to advance women’s leadership

He also highlighted the government’s support for active and alternative transportation, including cycling infrastructure. “This demonstrates our support for cyclists—especially now that alternative transport systems like bike lanes and active transport initiatives have become timely and relevant due to rising fuel prices,” Lopez said. The end-of-trip bike facility at the Alabang Public Market features a double-capacity bicycle parking area with 48 bike racks. It is also equipped with a bicycle repair station, lockers, solar panels and a shower area, giving cyclists a place to park, make basic repairs and freshen up before continuing to school or work or heading home. Cyclist Rommel Miles Corro welcomed the facility, particularly its high-capacity bicycle parking system, which was modeled after bicycle racks used in the Netherlands. “Kudos to the city government of Muntinlupa and the DOTr. I felt as if I were back abroad because this was prioritized. This is essentially a huge leap forward from where we were just a few years ago,” Corro said. Commuters can also use three newly established PUV stops located at the Alabang City Terminal, Sitio Masagana and the PNP Muntinlupa City Police Station. Each stop includes a sheltered waiting area and seating for commuters, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women and senior citizens. The facilities also provide charging ports, bicycle network maps, solar panels and emergency contact numbers. For cyclist and PWD Jayson Villeza, the tactile surfaces and lane markings are particularly helpful in making roads and sidewalks safer for pedestrians, cyclists and persons with disabilities. “Because of these features on our roads or sidewalks, PWDs like myself feel safer and more secure; there are resting areas and markings that truly help ensure a safe commute,” Villeza said. Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon thanked the DOTr for supporting infrastructure that promotes alternative forms of mobility. “We thank the Department of Transportation for their support in constructing facilities that promote alternative modes of mobility. We are pleased that the needs of Muntinlupeños have been addressed,” Biazon said. Muntinlupa Rep. Jimmy Fresnedi also expressed appreciation for the new cycling facility and its potential benefits to residents. “We thank the DOTr, led by Secretary Lopez, for providing this facility here in Muntinlupa—for cyclists and others who can utilize it. We are truly grateful,” Fresnedi said. Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Women in Maritime Asia (WIMA ASIA), and Women in Maritime Philippines (WIMAPHIL) signed a Manifesto of Commitment to promote greater opportunities for women in the maritime sector. The signing was held during the Women in Maritime Forum on September 22, 2026, as part of the activities for National Maritime Week 2026. The manifesto formalizes the organizations’ shared commitment to strengthen collaboration and pursue initiatives that expand women’s participation, leadership, and professional opportunities in the industry. MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized that advancing gender equality is essential to building a sustainable and resilient blue economy. “Advancing gender equality is not just a moral mandate—it is a strategic necessity for the future of marine governance and ocean prosperity,” Malaluan said. WIMAPHIL Board Member Christina Manzano likewise underscored the importance of ensuring that women have a meaningful role in shaping the future of the maritime sector. “As this blue maritime horizon continues to take shape in the years ahead, women must have every opportunity not only to be a part of it, but to help define it,” Manzano said. The forum also featured a session on the “Environment Outlook in the Blue Economy,” led by DENR Undersecretary Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, which explored environmental priorities and opportunities linked to the sustainable use of marine resources. A Women Leaders Panel followed, featuring Rear Admiral Mitzie Silva-Campo, PPA Station Commander Melinda Cerbito, PPA Harbor Master Maria Cristina Anne Gorospe, Marine Training Center Section Head Corazon Carlos, and BFAR-NCR Chief and GAD Focal Person Mary Ann Candelaria. The panel provided a platform for women leaders from various areas of the maritime sector to share their experiences and perspectives on leadership and professional advancement.

PPA, Port of Antwerp-Bruges sign 5-year partnership for port modernization THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has signed a fiveyear Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) to promote knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the adoption of international best practices in the Philippine port sector. PPA General Manager Jay Santiago and PoABI Head of Business Development Maartje Driessens signed the MOU, which establishes a framework for cooperation in areas including port operations, planning and optimization, digitalization, sustainability, safety, service quality, governance, and capacity building. According to Santiago, the partnership covers potential cooperation in port operations, port planning and optimization, port and terminal performance, digitalization and smart port applications, port safety and operational risk management, sustainability and green port operations, service quality management, and operational governance.

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago (3rd from right), Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) Head of Business Development Maartje Driessens (2nd from left), and other executives pose for a photo at the PPA headquarters in Manila. The PPA signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with PoABI to deepen cooperation in port development and management. (Photo courtesy of PPA)

“This will provide opportunities for capacity building on operational readiness for public-private partnership (PPP) port projects, port crisis and emergency response management, cruise port development, and port strategy, as well as the exploration of potential investment opportunities related to port development,” said GM Santiago. Meanwhile, PoABI sees strong opportunities for knowledge exchange with PPA, particularly as the Philippine port sector continues to pursue modernization and improvements in infrastructure, digitalization, sustainability, and safety. “The Philippine Ports Authority is clearly moving toward full modernization of its port network, including upgrading physical infrastructure, digitizing operations, and strengthening green and safety standards,” Driessens said. She also cited several PPA initiatives that caught PoABI’s attention, including improvements in passenger facilities, disaster resilience engineering, the implementation of ORAS and real-time data, as well as sustainability initiatives such as shore-based power supply and renewable energy. “These are initiatives where we can definitely learn from each other’s best practices and accelerate our growth strategies,” she added. Driessens also highlighted PPA’s public-private partnership initiatives as an area with potential for further knowledge sharing and international cooperation, noting that such approaches can contribute to improved port performance and efficiency. The collaboration likewise covers security and inter-agency integration, including efforts to connect port systems with other government agencies to provide more seamless services for port users. PoABI provides consultancy, advisory, training, and management solutions for port and terminal-related projects internationally. Its participation in the partnership provides PPA with an opportunity to engage with international expertise and best practices in port development and management.

SIA named world’s best airline in 2026 Skytrax Awards SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) has been named the World’s Best Airline at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, earning the prestigious title for the sixth time. SIA also received awards for Best Airline in Asia, World’s Best Economy Class, and World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering. Scoot, SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, was named World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline for the sixth consecutive year at the annual Skytrax awards ceremony held in London on September 18, 2026. The awards are based on the results of a global survey involving more than 24.8 million travelers, who rated more than 300 airlines between

New retail concepts bring more of Bohol to Panglao Airport TRAVELERS passing through Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) now have more ways to shop, dine and discover products that capture the character of Bohol, as new retail concepts expand the airport’s commercial offerings. Operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation (ABAC), BPIA has welcomed several new merchants since ABAC assumed operations, broadening the mix of dining options, travel essentials, retail stores and locally made products available to passengers. The expansion reflects a growing effort to make the airport more than simply a point of arrival and departure, with commercial spaces giving travelers an opportunity to experience Bohol through its food, products and

homegrown enterprises. “For many travelers, the airport is both the first and last stop of their journey. We want that experience to reflect the warmth, creativity, and identity of Bohol,” Aldwin C. Uy, general manager of Bohol-Panglao International Airport said. “By welcoming more retail concepts—particularly those showcasing locally made products— we’re creating an airport experience that is more convenient for passengers while providing meaningful opportunities for local businesses and artisans to reach visitors from around the world,” Uy added. The new commercial mix covers a range of needs, from quick meals and refreshments to souvenirs, fashion and travel essentials.

Duty Free Philippines, Sunglass Gallery, and Momento are among the new retail concepts at BPIA, alongside locally made products and offerings from Bohol-based enterprises.

September 2025 and August 2026. Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer Goh Choon Phong thanked customers for their continued support and credited the airline’s employees for the recognition. “We are grateful to our customers for their trust and support, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional, world-class travel experience every time they fly with us. This award is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our people, who continually strive to uphold SIA’s renowned standards for service and operational excellence,” Goh said. Scoot Chief Executive Officer Leslie Thng likewise welcomed the airline’s sixth consecutive win in the long-haul low-cost category. “It is an honour to receive the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline award for the sixth consecutive year. This recognition validates Scoot’s commitment to providing our customers with comfortable, reliable, and seamless travel experiences,” Thng said. “We are grateful to our loyal customers and valued industry partners, whose continued support makes this achievement possible. Scoot will continue to innovate, strengthen our operational resilience, and enhance the customer experience as we reinforce our position as a leading low-cost carrier,” he added. Skytrax Chief Executive Officer Edward Plaisted congratulated the Singapore Airlines Group on the awards, noting the group’s performance in both full-service and low-cost airline categories.

SHOWBIZ

C2 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

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

STANDARD EXCLUSIVE

By Nickie Wang

WO decades after their muchfollowed onscreen partnership and real-life romance ended, former flames John Prats and Heart Evangelista are back together for a Valentine movie scheduled for release in 2027.

John Prats (left) and Heart Evangelista reunite for a 2027 Valentine film after renewed fan interest revives plans for a project together

Longtime fans remember John Prats (right) and Heart Evangelista as one of their generation’s most closely watched young showbiz pairings

How John Prats and Heart Evangelista found their way back to the big screen The still-untitled film promises to revisit the memories, emotions, and unanswered “what ifs” that have lingered since the two were young stars whose relationship captured the attention of their generation. In an exclusive interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, Jeffrey Vadillo, executive producer of the film, revealed that getting John and Heart together again was hardly a matter of persuasion. “There was no convincing factor there,” Vadillo said. “Kasi during the time when John guested on Heart’s show, there was a lot of positive feedback and clamor from their fans for them to do something together.” The response was difficult to ignore, according to Cornerstone Entertainment’s chief operating officer and vice president. “So it was but natural for us to respond to the clamor from the fans,” he continued. “When that happened, you would look at their posts, and there were really so many of them. The feedback was great, with millions of engagements.” Vadillo said there was no firm plan for this particular project when John appeared on Heart’s show. The team had considered different concepts before, but none came to fruition. “Prior to that meeting, there really was no plan. We really wanted to do something, but we went through different concepts, but they

Executive producer Jeffrey Vadillo (leftmost) and writer Angel Tomas (rightmost) join John Prats and Heart Evangelista as the team prepares the still-untitled film for Philippine and international audiences

didn’t push through. Until this project came along.” This time, everything seemed to fall into place, from the casting to the audience the film hopes to reach. “So here, everything has to be right, the casting has to be right,” Vadillo said. “And, of course, John and Heart’s audience crosses through generations.” The film will have a theatrical release in the Philippines before being shown internationally, giving overseas fans who have followed John and Heart since their younger days a chance to see them together again. “We want as many people as possible to watch it,” he said. The reason is nostalgia, but there is something else at play. “It’s an event film. And there’s the nostalgia of it. I mean, people are very interested in going back in time for some reason. A lot of people really want to go back.” The movie itself will play with that feeling of looking back at another time in their lives. “The story behind the film that the writer explained earlier, the timeline, is really set in our days, in our younger days. And that is what we promised the audience. We need to provide them a trip

Heart Evangelista (right) and John Prats revisit a bond that remains familiar despite two decades of separate personal and professional paths

Harvey Weinstein gets 15 more years behind bars for 2006 sex assault DISGRACED movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, whose abuse allegations helped spur the #MeToo movement, was resentenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting former production assistant Miriam Haley. Weinstein, 74, forcibly performed oral sex on Haley in 2006. He was initially sentenced to 23 years in 2020, but the conviction was overturned on appeal in 2024. A jury found him guilty again in 2025 after a retrial in New York. He made a last-ditch plea for leniency Wednesday as he addressed a packed Manhattan court, where Haley sat in the audience. “I am not a violent man, have some

mercy,” said Weinstein, who wore a dark suit with a red tie and sat in a wheelchair due to health issues. “I sincerely apologize to anyone I have hurt.” After sentencing, his spokesman Juda Engelmayer said Weinstein planned to appeal the latest sentence and conviction. Judge Curtis Farber called Weinstein a “sexual predator” who had failed to take responsibility for his actions. “You had it all. Your legacy could have been cemented with greatness. But you threw it all away by assaulting Miriam Haley,” Farber said. Prosecutors had sought 20 years in prison, while Weinstein’s lawyers

Harvey Weinstein (center) returns to a Manhattan courtroom as he receives a 15-year prison term for the 2006 sexual assault of former production assistant Miriam Haley

warned that a longer sentence would likely see him die in prison. Haley said after the hearing that the 15-year term “was fair, in my opinion. So I’m happy with it.” She earlier told the court that she had suffered a “life sentence” and post-traumatic stress disorder after the assault. She said Weinstein “abused his position of power” and that she “felt embarrassed that he thought I was so insignificant that he dared to do something like this.” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg praised Haley for her “powerful, moving, and eloquent” testimony. Weinstein once ruled Hollywood as a kingpin powerful enough to make or break projects and careers. Investigations by The New Yorker and The New York Times exposed a raft of abusive behavior and prompted allegations from more than 80 people. Weinstein is also to be resentenced in California for the 2013 rape and assault of an actress in a Los Angeles hotel room, after an appeals court in June upheld the conviction but vacated his 16-year prison term. In New York, a judge in May declared a mistrial in a separate case after jurors failed to reach a verdict on allegations that he sexually assaulted actor Jessica Mann. Prosecutors later said they would not pursue a fourth trial in Mann’s case. Mann attended Wednesday’s hearing in support of Haley, along with Polish-born actor Kaja Sokola, whom Weinstein was acquitted of sexually assaulting in a 2025 retrial. AFP

down memory lane.” Then comes the question that perhaps explains why John and Heart still generate such interest after all these years: What if? There is a sense of unfinished business surrounding the reunion, although this time it will be explored through fiction. Vadillo believes part of the fascination comes from the feeling that their story ended too soon. “I think the interest is that it feels like such a shame, like something more could have been done. And here it is. After 20 years or so, this is the project that they can finally pursue.” John and Heart themselves seem to understand why the reunion means so much to those who watched them when they were young. During the press conference announcing the project, both spoke about how their rapport has remained intact despite the years apart and the changes in their personal and professional lives. “Again, I don’t know how else to say how special this still is,” Heart told Standard. “It’s for everyone, but truly, it’s for those who saw us in our younger years and those who grew up with us who will really share this moment.” “We’re around the same age, and nobody else would know how it feels to fall in love for the first time, to kiss for the first time, to cry your eyes out every night thinking it was just a nightmare that you’re not together,” Heart added. Perhaps that is also why their reunion does not feel like a simple exercise in nostalgia. When asked what has remained unchanged between them, Heart did not talk about their careers or memories. She talked about the heart. “For me, I feel it’s the heart,” she said. “We’ve been through a lot in our lives, in showbiz and in our personal lives. And for us, I feel like when I look at John, he still has the same heart.” She added, “For him not to be jaded and to keep that innocence and purity in him is very special. So I feel like it’s really, I can probably speak for both of us, our heart that hasn’t really changed.” John, too, spoke about the strange familiarity of being together again, recalling the emotions and memories that came rushing back. “If you told me that I would go back to this, if you told me that I would come back, we would talk as if all the problems were really gone,” he said. “It was like we had this, like a flashback of everything. And there was really nothing that had changed in our hearts.”

From left: William Chiu Jr., with daughters Kim Chiu (center) and Lakambini ‘Lakam’ Chiu, turns to volunteers as the family works to secure the bail needed for Lakam’s release

Kim Chiu’s father seeks help to raise bail for sister Lakam By Angelica Villanueva KIM Chiu’s father, William Chiu Jr., is seeking help to raise funds for the bail of his daughter Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu, who remains detained over 124 counts of qualified theft. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the patriarch of the Chiu family said in an interview with ABS-CBN that the family does not have enough money to secure Lakam’s immediate release. He said volunteers have stepped in to help raise funds. A Quezon City court initially set Lakam’s bail at P5.8 million before reducing it to P5.6 million. The court also allowed her to post a cash bond at 50 percent of the reduced amount, or

about P2.8 million. Her lawyer, Dominic Solis, said the family is instead pursuing a surety bond, which would allow a bonding company to guarantee the P5.6 million bail in exchange for a nonrefundable premium. Solis said the required documents are being processed and expressed hope that the court would issue a release order by Thursday. Lakam was arrested Sunday and remains detained at the Kamuning Police Station in Quezon City. The case stems from Kim’s complaint involving about P44.4 million in alleged financial discrepancies at a distribution company where the sisters are costakeholders.

LIFE & SHOWBIZ Wilbert Ross, Bea Binene

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Gym lover come rescue me: Staying active may lead you to your next date

face big-screen test with ‘Pee Mak’

After years of working together on streaming projects, Bea Binene (left) and Wilbert Ross take on their first film as a tandem

The local version focuses on its ensemble cast, giving the barkada a larger role alongside the film’s central romance

By Jasper Valdez

ILBERT Ross and Bea Binene are taking their love team from streaming to the big screen, a move both actors admit comes with a different kind of pressure.

Director Victor Villanueva (second from left) with the cast of Viva’s Filipino adaptation of hit Thai film ‘Pee Mak’

The cast and director of ‘Pee Mak’ reveal the film’s official poster ahead of its theatrical release

The pair leads Viva Films’ Philippine adaptation of the hit Thai horror-comedy Pee Mak, which opens in cinemas on Oct. 14. For Bea, who has spent years working in television before teaming up with Wilbert for Viva One projects, theatrical releases remain harder to predict. “Free TV is very different. I really grew up doing free TV, so I know how different it is. Even with Viva One and streaming, doing a movie presents a different kind of challenge,” Bea said during the film’s recent media conference. “No matter what project you do, whether it’s free TV, Viva One, or something else, the pressure and the challenge will always be there. You’ll always feel a little intimidated, especially now because it’s a very challenging time for films. It can feel make-or-break. There really is no formula for what will work and what won’t.” Wilbert shares that pressure as Pee Mak marks his first film as a lead for the big screen.

“The pressure will always be there with every project I do or get offered. I don’t think that ever really goes away,” he said. “This is my first movie where I’m leading a project for the big screen, so there’s definitely more pressure. But what gives me confidence is knowing the people I’m working with, both on camera and behind the scenes.” The actors have already built a following as “WilBea” through their Viva One projects, but Bea said the goal is to get audiences outside their existing fan base into cinemas. “I just hope that even casual viewers will give us a chance,” she said. Bea credited their supporters for actively promoting the tandem and their projects, joking that the fans have effectively become their own “marketing arm.” “We’re very grateful for that. But we also hope casual viewers will give the project a chance,” she added. “I feel like this is something we’re all proud of.” Unlike their previous projects, Wilbert said Pee Mak does not depend entirely on the romantic pairing. “The thing about this project is that it’s really not just about us. I actually feel like the barkada gets even more screen time,” he said. “The movie doesn’t revolve entirely around us. Our characters’ love story is just one of the flavors of the film.” Directed by Victor Villanueva, the adaptation also stars Vandolph Quizon, TJ Valderrama, Jairus Aquino, and Cup of Joe vocalist Gian Bernardino. Victor said Wilbert and Bea’s chemistry remains part of the film, but he wanted their first big-screen outing together to feel different from their streaming work. “When it comes to the romantic side, it comes naturally to them,” Victor said. “Their connection feels very genuine.” For Pee Mak, however, Victor said he wanted that chemistry presented on a larger scale. “What I wanted here was to make it feel more cinematic,” he said.

Philippines scores double triumph in global pageants A PAIR of Filipinas continued the Philippines’ winning habit in global competitions. Merianne Gabrielle Dekit edged out 25 other candidates from around the world and was named Top Model of Universe 2026 (Mr & Miss Model) during finals held in Istanbul, Turkiye. On the same day (Saturday) as Sophia Bianca Santos bested 35 contestants and was crowned Miss Elite 2026 in Somabay, a resort town at the Red Sea, Egypt, a back-to-back triumph succeeding Miss Elite 2024 Juvyel Anne Saluta. Dekit’s win in the female category nearly made it a double victory for the Philippines as Mister Philippine Island Czar Julius Olivar placed as first runner-up to the host country, Turkiye’s Murat Cakin, who won in the male category. Another Philippine bet Kristzan Delos Santos was named Top Model of Universe-Asia 2026. The statuesque, 18-year-old Dekit, who also won the Best National Costume and Miss Popularity special awards, is a model and entrepreneur, and currently a student in Accountancy at De La Salle University. She started modeling in 2012, won Philippines Idol Supermodel Ambassador 2022 and KMADA King & Queen of Runway PH Ambassador 2022, and is the reigning Miss

Merianne Gabrielle Dekit adds another international title to her modeling career, besting 25 candidates in Istanbul, Turkiye

Pageant Concept

have a good foundation of your self-concept and self-identity,” said Dekit in an interview during the competition. The 21-year-old Santos, who also won Best in Evening Gown, is a Communication Arts student at Systems Plus College Foundation. She joined Miss World Philippines 2024 and was named Second Princess. She was set to compete in Miss Elite World 2025, but the pageant was cancelled. She then joined Miss Grand Philippines 2024 and took the title Universal Woman Philippines 2025. She was unable to compete in Universal Woman 2025 due to age restrictions. Santos’ runnersup were Venezuela’s Anabelly Ojeda (1st), Tanzania’s Sharon Julius Ndasala (2nd), Bulgaria’s V i k t o r i a Lazarova (3rd), and Belgium’s Jera Redant (4th).

Eton Concepcion

Universe Philippines Nueva Ecija 2027. She is also preparing for Milan Fashion Week and Riyadh Fashion Week. “To be a top model, you have to have a good grasp of who you are, because when you pause for the camera, and when you walk on the runway, you need to show what makes you stand out and what’s special about you, and that is something that can only be achieved when you

Sophia Bianca Santos takes the Miss Elite 2026 crown in Somabay, Egypt, after competing against 35 delegates and also earning Best in Evening Gown

IF your dating life has been stuck in a rut, perhaps the answer is not another dating app swipe but a pair of running shoes. As wellness becomes an increasingly important part of everyday life, gyms, running clubs, pickleball courts, tennis courts, indoor cycling studios, and HYROX events have become unlikely hunting grounds for romance. A McKinsey report found that nearly 30 percent of Gen Z and millennials are prioritizing wellness significantly more than they did the previous year. With more people making an effort to sweat it out and live healthier, the chances of meeting someone who shares the same interests, lifestyle and, hopefully, heart may also be rising. The numbers certainly make a case for getting active. A study by a workout app found that 81 percent of people feel more confident getting to know someone when they are actively following an exercise routine, while 26 percent have gone on to date someone they met during a workout. Another study found that men who engage in sports are 52.8 percent more likely to receive a message through online dating than men who do not participate in sports. Perhaps there is something about working up a sweat together that gets the conversation flowing. Now, Viber Dating is tapping into this growing connection between fitness and romance through a partnership with Anytime Fitness. Viber Dating users who apply for an Anytime Fitness membership for the first time can get a three-day free trial. David Tse, senior director for APAC at Rakuten Viber, says shared interests and activities are common among successful matches on Viber Dating.

Shared workouts can give people an easy starting point for conversation

“Couples who have loved the same things, who are like-minded, have a higher chance of having a long-term relationship because they will naturally have a reason to bond together and experience the same things that can help strengthen their connection,” explains Tse. That connection can be particularly strong among people who enjoy staying active. “This is especially true for couples who love getting active. People are generally happier, healthier, and more confident when they stay active. Exercise even naturally triggers oxytocin, which helps you bond with other people and feel a sense of social connection,” Tse adds. “Finding someone who prioritizes getting fit and healthy also means being with someone who prioritizes the values and the lifestyle that matter most to you.” And perhaps the gym has another advantage over the usual dating scene: you already have something in common. “At Anytime Fitness, the fitness journey is also about the people you meet along the way. With shared workouts, classes, challenges, and everyday moments bringing members together, clubs create an environment where meaningful connections can happen naturally,” says Arnold Wilson, marketing manager of Anytime Fitness Asia Corporate. “We’re opening our doors to Viber Dating users, and who knows—they might find their perfect match, or even the perfect workout routine to commit to a healthier lifestyle. After all, having something in common can be a great place to start.” So, if your dating calendar has been looking rather empty lately, perhaps it is time to change the venue. Sign up for Viber Dating, head to your nearest Anytime Fitness branch, and take advantage of the three-day free trial. You may arrive looking for a workout and leave with a new routine, a new connection, or perhaps a date worth putting in the calendar.

LIFE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

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

James Reid

James Reid keeps his style comfortable and classic, favoring pieces that look polished without appearing overly styled

PEOPLE

puts his own spin on fashion Singer-actor James Reid notes that accessories, particularly sunglasses, can easily elevate an outfit without changing its overall relaxed feel

By Nickie Wang

INGER, record producer, and actor James Reid has a simple formula when it comes to fashion: keep it comfortable and classic, and never look as though you tried too hard. That philosophy was on full display when he served as the special guest celebrity at the opening of EA7 Emporio Armani’s first Philippine store at SM Mall of Asia. And if James’s own wardrobe is any indication, the sportswear label’s mix of performance and polished casualwear is right up his alley. Asked to describe his personal style, James paused, admitting that he had just spent an entire conversation discussing fashion. “If I could describe my personal fashion in a few words, I think for me, one has to be comfortable,” he told Manila Standard Life. “Two, I like something that feels classic. And when I mean classic, I mean a little bit retro too.” Lately, his taste has taken on a slightly more rugged edge. James revealed that it’s intentional. “I think what I go for the most is something where it feels like I’m not trying too much,” he explained. His look for the EA7 opening followed that rule, with James opting for an easy, sporty outfit rather than anything overly polished. “I just wanted to go comfy

and sporty today,” he added. For the actor, accessories can also change the entire mood of an outfit without requiring a complete wardrobe overhaul. “I would say accessories. I think that’s the easy way to up the look without having to change too much,” he elaborated. “For example, shades add a bunch to the outfit, bringing it away from that very kind of comfy home look.” James’s relationship with the Armani fashion world, meanwhile, stretches back two years to Milan Fashion Week, where he had a memorable encounter with the legendary designer himself. “Two years ago in Milan, I actually got to meet Giorgio Armani himself on the catwalk after the show, which was quite special, meeting him in person for the very first time at Fashion Week,” he recalled. “It was a huge honor to be able to be there and hopefully get to go back.” Milan remains on his fashion calendar, although a packed schedule has made another trip difficult. “It’s actually always in my plans,” James said. “But, you know, a lot of

EA7 Emporio Armani celebrates the opening of its first Philippine store at SM Mall of Asia, with the brand’s sportswear line taking center stage

projects at the same time,” he said. “I can’t complain. I’m super happy with how the year turned out, the Dolce, the movie, my album, everything.” There is still hope for a return to Fashion Week. “But Fashion Week is always in the plans. So hopefully January.” EA7’s first Philippine store is a 320-square-meter space at SM Mall of Asia that is also the brand’s biggest store in the world. It

showcases EA7’s latest collections through an interior built around the energy of sport, with textured silver metal, technical finishes, and integrated LED walls. Red accents inspired by Olimpia Milano basketball sit alongside Armani blue. Launched in 2004, EA7 is Emporio Armani’s sportswear line, covering training, tennis, basketball, driving, water sports, mountain sports, and golf.

James reveals that his connection to the Armani brand began two years ago at Milan Fashion Week, where he met Giorgio Armani

things come up.” He had hoped to return this year, but several projects arrived at once. “I was actually hoping to go this year, but there were so many other

EA7’s first Philippine store brings the sportswear line’s performance-driven collections to a 320-square-meter space at SM Mall of Asia

Handmade art: Small things, big heart I find myself fascinated attention, creativity, and because I also dabble in patience. handmade crafts. I enjoy working This is why supporting with polymer clay, making little handmade matters. creations, and sewing handmade When we buy from a small Kate Adajar plushies. I understand the joy, handmade business, we aren’t and sometimes the frustration, simply buying an object. We’re of making something with your own hands. encouraging someone to keep creating. We’re telling But my appreciation for handmade goes beyond a young maker that her skill has value. We’re helping my own hobbies. I believe it is particularly preserve crafts that are passed from one generation to important at a time when so much of life, especially another. for young people, happens through screens. In a world increasingly shaped by digital technology We live in an age of instant entertainment. There is and artificial intelligence, there is something beautifully always another video to watch, another notification to human about being able to say, “I made this.” Or check, another message to answer, and another piece someone made this for me. of content waiting for our attention. Technology isn’t And if we want young people to experience more inherently bad, and I’m certainly not suggesting that focus, mindfulness, creativity, and flow, we should give young people should abandon it. traditional, hands-on hobbies the space they deserve. But maybe we need to make more room for activities If you would like to support a young handmade that ask us to slow down. This is where positive business, check out @loopviathan on Instagram. Buy psychology offers an interesting perspective. a crochet charm. Commission something. Give a Take flow, for example. It is the state of being so handmade piece to someone you love. deeply absorbed in an activity that you become fully It may be a small purchase. But sometimes, the focused on what you’re doing. Flow can happen while smallest things carry the biggest reminder that handmade painting, playing music, writing, cooking, or creating is a work of art and the heart. something with your hands. Crocheting is almost made for this. You have the yarn. You have the hook. You have the pattern. You make one stitch, then another, then another. There is repetition, Handmade concentration, and immediate feedback. Slowly, crochet bows something begins to take form. reflect the There is also mindfulness, the practice of paying patience and attention to what is happening in the present moment. creativity behind a When you’re crocheting, your hands, eyes, and mind young maker’s have a specific task. You feel the yarn. You watch the growing craft stitches. You notice when something isn’t quite right and patiently correct it. And then there is savoring, the ability to slow down and appreciate a positive experience rather than rushing through it. I think about savoring whenever I look at my little crochet charms. The joy isn’t only in owning them. It’s in knowing their story. A handmade piece represents someone’s time,

Random Talk

Colorful crochet keychains show how a simple creative hobby can grow into a small venture built around skill and imagination

MORE than a year ago, one of my friends, Glaiza, brought along her teenage niece, Anya, to an afternoon tea. While us adults were busy chatting, catching up, and enjoying our little afternoon gathering, Anya was quietly doing her own thing. She was crocheting. What struck me was how quickly her hands moved. The young crafter was completely absorbed in what she was doing. I remember being fascinated by how naturally she handled the crochet hook, something I still struggle with at 41. On another occasion, I met Glaiza and noticed that she was using a crocheted blue and yellow wallet. When she told me that Anya made it, I was even more impressed. There was something very special about seeing a young person turn a hobby into a skill and then turn that skill into something tangible and functional that another person could actually use. So when Glaiza eventually told me about Anya’s little creative side project earlier this month, I was more than happy to support it. Anya and another crochet enthusiast began making custom crochet pieces. They turned something they loved doing as a hobby into a small creative venture. I decided to commission a few pieces myself, including ice cream cones and bows turned into keychains and bag charms. They are small things. They are not necessities. But when I received them, I appreciated them differently from something mass-produced. Somebody actually made these with her hands. That is special.

Small crochet charms turn a hands-on hobby into something personal, useful, and made with care

Each handmade charm carries the time, focus, and attention that set crafted pieces apart from mass-produced accessories