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PESO FALLS TO NEW LOW OF P63.09 TO 1$
POLICE ‘LOST CONTROL’ IN FRENCH PROTESTS
GAVILAN WINS 1ST PH GOLD IN PARA GAMES
BUSINESS / B2
WORLD / A6
SPORTS / A8
Witnesses admit they never saw ‘maletas’ brought to ex-Speaker By Maricel V. Cruz TWO prosecution witnesses admitted before the Sandiganbayan Third Division that they never personally saw cash delivered to former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez or knew whether suitcases carried by the body-
guards of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co contained money. During the hearing on Romualdez’s petition for bail, defense lawyer Via Valdepenas argued that the testimonies of Police Major Alvin Nuguid and Police Chief Master Sergeant Larry Zy-
VOL. XL • NO. 245 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026
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DFA summons China envoy Lazaro hits unacceptable remarks; Jing says PH, China remain friends By Katrina Manubay, Charles Dantes, Ram Superable and Maricel Cruz
F
OREIGN Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro on Monday summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to convey the Philippines’ “serious concern and strong objection” to his recent public remarks, which it said conveyed a threat of the use of force and were “provocative and unacceptable.”
SUMMONED.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan pose for a photo after their meeting at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
in the West Philippine Sea belong to the same propaganda network. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Congress has the authority to conduct investigations in aid of legislation, provided these are consistent
This as SenaPresident Marcos Jr. will proceed tor Erwin Tulfo with his scheduled visit to Shenzhen, filed a resoluChina to attend the APEC Leaders’ tion on MonMeeting from Nov. 18 to 20 despite day urging the the diplomatic row over the recent Department of remarks of the Chinese ambassador. Foreign Affairs “The President is not expected to to recommend cancel his schedule, as this is one way declaring Jing to improve dialogue between him persona non grata, a move and China’s leadership,” Presidential that the Palace Communications Office Undersecretary said President Claire Castro said. She, however, did Ferdinand Mar- not confirm whether Mr. Marcos will cos Jr. does not have a bilateral meeting with Chinese support. President Xi Jinping. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that Lazaro told Jing that such language only worsens the “already sensitive” bilateral relationship between the two countries. “It is not the place of a foreign mission to publicly
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Palace open to probe of China propagandists-VP backers link By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz MALACAÑANG on Monday said it would not oppose a congressional investigation into alleged links between Chinese propaganda efforts and supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte,
stressing that any inquiry must serve the country’s national interest. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is considering an inquiry to determine whether online personalities defending the Duterte political family and those promoting China’s interest
Sandiganbayan suspends Sen. Marcoleta for 90 days By Maricel V. Cruz THE Sandiganbayan Third Division has imposed a 90-day suspension on Senator Rodante Marcoleta who is facing plunder over P75 million in
undeclared campaign funds. Marcoleta is the second senator to be suspended by the Sandiganbayan. The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has ordered the 90-day Next page
Jonvic fears bloodbath if arrest of fugitive Sen. Bato enforced DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday that arresting Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa,
who is the subject of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, could lead to a bloodbath. Next page
NON-ESSENTIAL. The government is eyeing restrictions on water consumption of golf courses, swimming pools, and water parks as part of measures to conserve water during the El Nino season. Norman Cruz
DUE RECOGNITION. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. congratulates officers of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), Inc. during their National Annual Convention 2026 yesterday in Pasay City. The event coincides with the PNA’s 104th Foundation Anniversary and the 69th Nurses’ Week Celebration. PCO
PBBM touts hike in health allowances to P110-b By Charles Dantes
DA draws up P61.99-b El Niño action program By Othel V. Campos and Ram Superable THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has drawn up a P61.99-billion action plan to cushion the country’s food production and rural livelihoods from the expected effects of El Niño, including P371 million worth of interventions that remain unfunded. Next page
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said his administration has increased the allocation for health emergency allowances to more than P110 billion in 2026 from P6.8 billion in
2022, as he vowed to improve working conditions, staffing levels, and career opportunities for Filipino nurses. Speaking at the Philippine Nurses Association’s (PNA) 104th foundation anniversary, 69th Nurses’ Week celebration, and national annual convention
in Pasay City, Marcos said the government would continue strengthening the country’s health care workforce and supporting medical frontliners. The allocation covers public and private health care workers, according to Marcos. Next page
50k homes available at National Housing Expo THE country’s leading property developers are bringing more than 50,000 ready-for-occupancy homes, including condominiums, closer to Filipino workers and their families as the biggest-ever National Housing
Expo opened on Oct. 19 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Organized by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Pag-IBIG Fund, the two-day expo
brought together more than 80 partner developers offering homes suited to different family needs and budgets. Buyers can take advantage of special prices and incentives, comNext page
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DFA... From A1 Sandiganbayan... From A1 preventive suspension of Senator Jinggoy Estrada over a P573-million plunder case linked to the alleged flood control kickback scheme, marking his second suspension in connection with the scandal. “In the Sandiganbayan’s Resolution penned by Justice Karl B. Miranda and promulgated today, October 19, 2026, Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta is suspended from his position as Senator of the Republic of the Philippines and from any other public office which he may now or hereafter be holding for a period of 90 days from receipt of this resolution,” the Third Division ruling read. “His suspension shall automatically be lifted upon the expiration of the 90-day period from the implementation of this resolution,” it added. The court’s third division, chaired by Associate Justice Karl Miranda, handles Marcoleta’s non-bailable plunder charge. On the other hand, the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division, led by Associate Justice Michael Musngi, handles additional charges against the Marcoleta and his co-accused, former congressman Michael Defensor, along with businessmen Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Baluyut Viray, on alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 46 which punishes public officials for receiving gifts, and private persons for bribery. Marcoleta, a rabid supporter of the Duterte clan, was the representative of the Social Amelioration and Genuine Intervention on Poverty (SAGIP) party-list at the time the donations were made. The Ombudsman earlier said Marcoleta “unjustly enriched himself at the expense and prejudice of the Filipino people and the Republic of the Philippines when he accepted such an excessive sum of money from respondents Defensor, Viray, and Espiritu.” In a resolution promulgated last Oct. 12, the anti-graft court ordered Estrada suspended from his Senate seat and any other public office he held. The court directed that a copy of the resolution be furnished to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian through the Senate Secretary. It also asked the Office of the Senate President to report its action within five days of receiving the order.
Jonvic... From A1 Remulla further said Dela Rosa is hiding in Mindanao and is being protected by a “powerful group with armed men.” He said authorities are negotiating for Dela Rosa’s surrender, warning that an operation to arrest the senator could result in heavy casualties among police personnel. “He’s hidden in deep,” Remulla said, adding that “they have a lot of armed men.” “We have to negotiate, otherwise, if we go in hard, the body bags will be high,” he said. Remulla warned that a confrontation could result in a casualty count “worse than Marawi,” referring to the city in Lanao del Sur that ISIS-linked terrorists captured in 2017. “We do not want a civil war to start because of the arrest of one man,” he said. Remulla did not name the group allegedly protecting Dela Rosa or present evidence to support his claim. Vince Lopez
Palace... From A1 with its mandate. “The mandate of Congress, if it is in accordance with the conduct of legislation, cannot be stopped by the President.” Castro said. She added that any investigation should promote the country’s’ interest and help craft laws that protect national security. “Perhaps, if they conduct an investigation, it should be for the interest of our country and for the crafting of laws that would be beneficial and favorable to the rights of the Philippines,” she explained. Earlier, Bicol Saro Partyl=list Rep. Terry Ridon called for a probe into the possible connections between alleged Chinese
criticize or taunt Philippine officials and legislators who are acting within their mandates. As a democracy, the Philippines values freedom of expression and a plurality of voices, and it will not accept attempts by a foreign envoy to intimidate those who exercise them,” the DFA said. Jing, for his part, maintained that the Philippines and China are “friends and close neighbors” as he reiterated that his statement was taken out of context. “The DFA statement claims that my remarks seem to convey a thinly
Witnesses... From A1
veiled ‘threat.’ I cannot agree. What is a threat? If you don’t follow me, I will hurt you. This is a threat. But my point is despite our capacity, we don’t have the intention to use force. Because we are. There is no need to resort to force,” the ambassador said. Despite the Senate resolution, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said: “We know the President’s position. He would not want this kind of declaration against any representative of a foreign country in our country.” Asked whether the President would make good of his earlier statement that he would summon Jing, the Palace official said: “I don’t want to preempt the President’s move. For as long as it
(summon) does not happen yet, I cannot give any opinion,” she said. Tulfo’s proposed Senate Resolution No. 739 expresses grave concern over comments made by the envoy, noting the “severity of his remarks and their implications for Philippine sovereignty, national dignity, and bilateral relations.” “It would probably be better if he beats us to it, right? Why wait for persona non grata? Just go home,” Tulfo said in a separate interview. In a post on Facebook, the Chinese embassy in Manila said Jing made “strong demarches” or protests over recent remarks of Filipino officials and politicians which it said “take things out of context and constitute smear and
slander against the Chinese side.” The embassy cited the decision of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. to halt communication lines between the militaries of the Philippines and China as well as what it described as “waves of campaigns to attack” Beijing by “(Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral) Jay Tarriela, as well as some senators and congressmen/congresswomen.” The embassy also claimed the Philippines has carried out “at least 10 infringement activities and provocations at sea in the recent one month” – referring to the West Philippine Sea that is well-within the Philippines’ 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. With AFP
leged contents came from others. He could not recall when he saw suitcases being carried up to Co’s unit at Horizon Homes in Bonifacio Global City and estimated seeing them once or twice a month. During Co’s congressional tenure, Bellen recalled seeing only 10 to 12 suitcases but could not estimate their sizes. Bellen also said his claim that Romualdez wanted Co to run as an Ako Bicol representative was based on a conversation he overheard between Co and his wife. He never heard Romualdez make such a request or speak directly with Co. Although Co received telephone calls, Bellen did not know who the callers were and had no knowledge of any call from Romualdez. Bellen confirmed that he became a prosecution witness after receiving a subpoena from the Office of the Ombudsman.
testimony was based on information from others rather than personal observation. The defense said the witnesses’ admissions failed to establish that the suitcases contained cash or that money was delivered to Romualdez. Valdepenas maintained that neither witness had firsthand knowledge directly linking the former Speaker to the alleged transactions. Romualdez has squarely denied the allegations against him, adding that he will not be a scapegoat in the flood control controversy. The former Speaker said he is facing the charges against him “with confidence in the truth.” His lawyer, Ade Fajardo, said Romualdez is asking only for the same due process and fair hearing accorded to every Filipino. “We recognize the public interest surrounding this case. But ultimately, criminal liability must be determined by the evidence presented in court, under the rules and safeguards of our justice system,” Fajardo said.
PBBM... From A1
Senator Risa Hontiveros raised the concern during the budget hearing for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, citing the expected effects of a super El Niño later this year. “What are the plans for irrigation, watering golf courses, filling swimming pools in water parks and operating fountains at resorts?”, the lawmaker asked the concerned agencies. LWUA Administrator Jose Moses Salonga responded that the agency was considering temporarily closing valves and restricting water use by businesses that consume water for non-essential purposes.
“We must also work towards improving nurse-to-patient ratios, filling vacant positions, [and] providing more opportunities for our Filipino nurses’ growth,” Mr/ Marcos said. “All of this is necessary so that our nurses can carry out responsibilities more efficiently and ensure that our healthcare institutions better serve our people,” he added. President Marcos said the government was working with the Department of Health to strengthen the health care workforce and improve the working conditions of medical frontliners. The administration is also coordinating with the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to expand health care training through alternative pathways for nurses, he said. The initiatives aim to help more qualified Filipinos enter the nursing profession while strengthening nurses’ capabilities and protecting their welfare, Marcos added. He also cited the Clinical Care Associates Program, which provides employment opportunities and review assistance to nursing graduates who have yet to pass the licensure examination. Mr. Marcos said the government lifted the moratorium on new Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs in 2022, increasing the number of higher education institutions offering nursing courses from 354 in July that year to an estimated 425 as of June 2026. The administration has also developed an enhanced one-year master’s degree program in nursing to help produce more qualified clinical instructors and educators, he said. The chief executive acknowledged that building a resilient health care system requires sustained cooperation among government agencies, private companies, academic institutions, professional organizations and communities. He also recognized the contributions of Filipino nurses working in the Philippines and abroad, saying their skills, dedication and professionalism have earned international recognition.
plemented by affordable financing through Pag-IBIG Fund. Participating developers include SMDC, Amaia Land, Avida Land, DMCI Homes, Filinvest Land, Megaworld Corporation, PH1 World Developers, Robinsons Land, and Rockwell Land, along with other major firms. The strong private sector participation comes as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program gains greater momen-
tum. Held during National Shelter Month, the expo builds on these gains by bringing more housing choices and government assistance directly to families seeking a home of their own. DHSUD Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Board Chairman Jose Ramon P. Aliling said the growing support of leading developers strengthens the government’s efforts to carry out the President’s directive to make quality, safe, and affordable homes accessible to more Filipinos. “Under President Marcos’ Expanded 4PH Program, we are bringing government and the private sector together to give more Filipino families a real opportunity to own a home. The participation
of our leading developers means more quality homes to choose from, while affordable financing through Pag-IBIG Fund helps put these homes within our workers’ reach. Our biggest-ever National Housing Expo is a concrete manifestation of this shared commitment, bringing the gains of our housing efforts closer to the people we serve,” Aliling said. Expanded 4PH addresses both sides of the housing equation by bringing together more quality homes from developers and affordable financing through Pag-IBIG Fund, giving Filipino families more choices at monthly payments they can manage. Under the program, qualified social-
ized housing buyers may avail themselves of a 3% subsidized interest rate. For housing loan applications submitted from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2026, promotional rates of 4.5% per year apply to loans above the applicable socialized housing ceiling up to ₱4.9 million. Loans above ₱4.9 million up to ₱10 million qualify for a 5.75% annual rate. Both promotional rates are fixed for the first three years of the loan. More than 40,000 home seekers are expected across the expo’s two-day run — more than double last year’s attendance of 20,000 — reflecting strong public response to the government’s Expanded 4PH Program.
propagandists and Duterte supporters. Ridon said there are similarities between individuals involved in alleged Chinese propaganda networks and Duterte supporters Castro also said calls for a legislative inquiry into alleged Chinese funding received by Cale88 Food Corp. deserved consideration if evidence establishes a connection to national security. Castro said complaints raised by fishermen in Zambales over the reported remittances from China should be examined more closely, but cautioned against reaching conclusions before a thorough investigation. “If there is evidence and this issue is related to our national security, the calls of the fishermen are justified,” she noted. The alleged Chinese funding has
drawn scrutiny concerns over possible foreign influence in Philippine businesses and political organizations. Castro said the existence of evidence linking a foreign country to funding for a business and a political foundation should be assessed carefully, particularly if national security is implicated. Ridon disclosed that they were preparing a House resolution to investigate the apparent overlap between the two groups, including their social media activities and the identities of personalities who repeatedly defend both the Dutertes and the Chinese government. “We are still drafting the resolution, but its objective is this: to study the Duterte propaganda networks and the pro-China propaganda networks,” he said. The projected inquiry follows the
controversy surrounding Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, whose remarks that China could “easily win” in a confrontation with the Philippines drew strong objections from Philippine officials and renewed scrutiny of local personalities defending Beijing’s position. Ridon observed that several commentators who had been actively defending Vice President Sara Duterte during her impeachment trial appeared to have shifted their attention almost immediately to defending the Chinese ambassador and Beijing’s position in the maritime dispute. The lawmaker believes the apparent similarity in their messaging warrants congressional scrutiny to establish whether the same individuals are operating independently or participating in a coordinated campaign involving common
organizers and financial supporters. “Because if you really look at it, it’s just the same people speaking here. This means the same talking heads for China are the same talking heads for Duterte,” he said. The Philippines has been the target of coordinated online influence operations, including a network identified by Meta and Graphika in 2020 that promoted favorable narratives about China while also amplifying content supporting then-president Rodrigo Duterte. A June 2026 investigation by the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab separately documented domestic and foreign influence operations targeting overlapping Philippine audiences, underscoring the need to distinguish coordinated campaigns from ordinary political commentary.
mon Bellen were largely hearsay and failed to directly link the former Speaker to the alleged deliveries. Nuguid, Co’s assistant security officer from March 2024 to July 2025, said he accompanied the ex-lawmaker to several locations, including a townhouse at the Manila Polo Club, McKinley Road in Forbes Park, 30 Tamarind and Aguado Street. However, he did not accompany any alleged cash deliveries or see money transported to those locations. Although he had seen suitcases, Nuguid said he never saw their contents or knew where they were purchased or headed. He also said Co’s security personnel did not discuss alleged suitcase deliveries in their Viber groups, which were used for security concerns, marketing and scheduling. Bellen, Co’s close-in security officer since 2018, likewise admitted that his information about the suitcases’ al-
DA... From A1 Meanwhile, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) said during a Senate budget hearing on Monday that water consumption by water parks, swimming pools and golf courses will be restricted amid the looming threat of a very strong El Niño. DA Undersecretary for Operations Roger V. Navarro presented the consolidated plan to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. following the National El Niño Task Force meeting, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presided over at Malacañang Palace on October 13, according to a memorandum on the meeting. The proposed package includes P6.2 billion already released under the government’s UPLIFT Program, while additional funding is needed for other measures as the government prepares for possible drought-related disruptions. “We need to plan ahead and ensure farmers have the support they need to
50k... From A1
No first-hand knowledge
Valdepenas conducted limited cross-examination, noting that much of Bellen’s
cope with a potentially severe El Niño, including access to drought-tolerant rice varieties and other appropriate inputs. Early preparation is crucial to minimizing production losses and protecting farmers’ livelihoods and the country’s food supply,” Tiu Laurel said. Among the unfunded interventions are cloud seeding operations and measures to control red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation affecting sugarcane production. President Marcos directed the DA to submit a comprehensive accounting of cloud seeding operations, including areas covered and corresponding budget allocations, and to explore importing drought-resistant rice seeds from India for possible distribution to farmers, subject to feasibility and implementation requirements. The President also ordered intensified market surveillance and price monitoring of agricultural and fishery commodities to prevent manipulation, profiteering and other irregularities during the El Niño period. The DA was tasked to conduct location-specific information campaigns,
with materials to be aired or disseminated for at least two minutes every hour. The campaign will cover government interventions, available assistance and procedures for accessing support. The department must also prepare a prioritized list of beneficiaries to ensure assistance reaches vulnerable communities.
Concern over water distribution, conservation
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New PCG urged to build on past gains By Charles Dantes and Vince Lopez
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RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday directed newly installed Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Vice Admiral Rommel Supangan to build on the agency’s gains in maritime operations, search and rescue, and emergency response as he assumed leadership of the service. At the Coast Guard’s change-ofcommand and retirement ceremony in Manila, Marcos expressed confidence in Supangan’s ability to lead the agency, citing his decades of experience in maritime operations and leadership. “Your decades of experience in maritime operations and leadership, including your service as Commander of the Coast Guard Fleet, Coast Guard District Palawan, and the Marine Environmental Protection Command, have prepared you for this responsibility,” President Marcos said. “I am confident that you will build on the accomplishments of your predecessor, further strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard with the full support of this Administration,” he added. Supangan succeeds Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, who retired after more than three decades in public service, including three years as Coast Guard commandant. President Marcos said the agency had strengthened its capacity to protect lives at sea and respond to emergencies under Gavan’s leadership. The Coast Guard conducted nearly 5,000 search and rescue operations during his tenure, saving 22,784 people, according to the President. The agency also improved its emergency response through the 10/30 doctrine, which aims to accelerate the deployment of assistance when lives are at risk.
Mixed oil price movement takes effect today
CHANGE OF COMMAND. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honors Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan for more than three decades of public service and leadership as Philippine Coast Guard commandant from October 2023 to October 2026, and expresses confidence in incoming commandant Vice Admiral Rommel A. Supangan during the PCG change of command and retirement ceremony.
DOLE to issue guide to protect workers from El Niño By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will issue four labor guidelines to protect workers from extreme heat during El Niño and ensure workplace health and safety. Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said the guidelines will outline measures to reduce workers’ exposure to high temperatures, particularly those engaged in outdoor work, including construction. Tolentino emphasized that employers must fulfill their responsibilities under the guidelines, while employ-
ees are also expected to follow safety measures. He assured workers that implementing heat-related workplace measures should not result in salary deductions. The planned labor advisories will also provide a basis for work-related heat injuries, including heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion, to qualify for compensation through the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), subject to applicable rules. DOLE will also issue guidelines covering delivery riders who work under extreme heat conditions. The
department intends to engage delivery platforms to ensure riders receive adequate consideration when weather conditions affect their work. Under the proposed guidelines, delivery riders may take rest breaks at designated cooling stations without being penalized for delayed deliveries caused by extreme heat. DOLE reiterated its commitment to safeguarding workers’ welfare through updated policies and workplace safety measures as it prepares to issue guidelines addressing the risks posed by extreme temperatures.
By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy announced a mixed oil price movement effective 6 a.m. Tuesday, with diesel prices increasing by P2.60 per liter. Gasoline and kerosene prices, on the other hand, will be rolled back by P4.30 and P1 per liter, respectively, to reflect movements in the world oil market. “These changes are based on movements in the global oil market, amid ongoing events in the Middle East that affect global supply and prices,” the DOE said. The DOE said it continues to take action to strengthen oil supply and protect the public’s welfare, with 107,856 beneficiaries receiving a total of P1.025 billion under the fuel subsidy program, involving 3,896 retail stations. Meanwhile, the country’s total oil inventory stood at 54.43 days, with gasoline at 55.83 days, diesel at 59.04 days, kerosene at 190.62 days, jet fuel at 60.12 days, fuel oil at 36.32 days, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at 35.89 days.
IN BRIEF DFA, DMW give aid for Pinoy in Saudi attacks THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said it is coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Saudi authorities to provide medical care and assistance to seven Filipino workers wounded in attacks in several areas of Saudi Arabia. Three are in critical condition. In a statement, the DFA expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The department also reaffirmed the Philippines’ solidarity with Saudi Arabia in protecting its nationals and residents, including nearly one million Filipinos in the Kingdom. The DFA urged all parties to end hostilities and pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, calling the attacks a grave threat to regional peace and stability. It also advised Filipinos in Saudi Arabia to follow local authorities’ guidance and remain in contact with the Philippine Embassy and Consulate General. Katrina Manubay
Science HS suspend classes amid flu season
TRIBUTE. The House of Representatives holds a necrological service on Monday, Oct. 19, for former congressman Raul Daza. House of Representatives
AMLC: Forfeiture of terrorism funds secured By Thony Rose Lesaca
MANILA EV STATION. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso
leads the opening of the city’s first public electric vehicle charging station at Manila City Hall, in partnership with ACMobility.
THE Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has secured the forfeiture of P217,165.06 previously held in a bank account under the name of Abdulpatta Escalon Abubakar, following a ruling by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18. In a statement released Monday, the AMLC said Abubakar came under scrutiny by Philippine authorities following intelligence reports linking him to terrorism financing activities. The council said law enforcement authorities reported that Abubakar facilitated the transfer of funds from Saudi Arabia to the Philippines through the wives and relatives of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members, prompting a financial investigation into his bank accounts for possible violations of the
Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. “Abubakar was also designated as a terrorist under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267 for acting as a facilitator for Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. International authorities identified him as a key facilitator who transferred $50,000 to Isnilon Hapilon, the former ASG leader who became the recognized leader of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia,” the AMLC added. The funds were believed to have been used to acquire weapons and ammunition. Abubakar was also linked to efforts to procure materials for improvised explosive devices. The AMLC said the successful forfeiture demonstrates the indispensable role of financial intelligence and asset recovery measures in disrupting terrorism financing.
THE Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Main Campus and San Juan City Science High School (JUANSCI) suspended face-to-face classes on Oct. 19 amid rising reports of influenzalike illnesses (ILI). In a statement, PSHS Main in Quezon City said alternative learning methods would replace in-person classes, while faculty members were directed to work from home. The suspension will remain in effect until Tuesday, Oct. 20. The school advised students and staff to report flu-like symptoms immediately to its Health Services Unit. Meanwhile, JUANSCI suspended in-person classes to allow the disinfection and sanitation of its campus, with classes set to resume on Oct. 20 for students without flulike symptoms. Gabriel Oliva
Ministry seeks donations for inmates THE Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation Inc. (PJPS) is seeking donations of soap and pain-relief ointment for more than 26,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at two correctional facilities in the country, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The Catholic prison ministry launched its S.O.A.P. (Simple Offering of Affection for PDLs) Project 2026 ahead of Prison Awareness Week, observed from Oct. 19 to 25. The campaign aims to provide each beneficiary with a 175-gram bar of bath soap and a 10-gram tube of pain-relief ointment at the New Bilibid Prison and the Correctional Institution for Women. Vito Barcelo
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Tulfo, Padilla, Cayetano, Vico Sotto top fictional senatorial race—OCTA
IN BRIEF Hunger, exhaustion drives Red to give up CITING hunger, exhaustion, and constant fear for his life, a communist insurgent in Western Visayas came down from the hills and laid down arms. The New People’s Army rebel, identified only as Atod, surrendered to the local government of San Jose de Buan and the Army’s 46th Infantry Battalion on Oct. 14. Atod was tagged as a vice squad leader of the Sub-Regional Committee Browser of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. He turned over one M16 rifle and one caliber .45 pistol. The Army said Atod also cited infighting among the group’s leaders as one of the reasons behind his decision to quit their armed struggle. Rex Espiritu
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Police arrest alleged rapist of paralytic, 62 POLICE have arrested a 43-year-old man who allegedly raped a 62-year-old paralytic and victim of cardiac stroke. The suspect, identified as Romilo Lasap, alias Toto, a resident of Pandacan, Manila, allegedly took the victim’s wallet after the assault. The attack reportedly took place about midnight, while the victim was resting inside her room. According to the victim, the suspect barged into her room and told her he wanted her to be his wife, then carried her out of the bed, put her on the floor, then raped her. Itchie Cabayan
LTFRB toughens drive across delivery sector
ENATORS Raffy Tulfo, Robin Padilla, Alan Peter Cayetano, along with Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto emerged in a statistical tie at the top of a hypothetical 2028 senatorial derby as shown by a survey of the OCTA Research group. The latest Tugon ng Masa poll showed Tulfo garnering the highest voting preference at 47 percent, followed by Padilla with 45 percent, Cayetano with 44 percent, and Sotto with 42 percent. OCTA clarified however, that such hypothetical rankings could not be treated as “statistically fixed.” The survey also indicated that former senator Grace Poe and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte were in close contention with identical 36 percent, while Senator Loren Legarda logged 31 percent. Former Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay garnered 29 percent, followed by Mark Lapid at 28 percent and Senator Francis Escudero at 27 percent. Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Manny Pacquiao were also on the leader board with identical 25 percent, while Ben Tulfo had 23 percent and Jinggoy Estrada, 22 percent. OCTA said overlapping rankings could mean that several prospective candidates remain competitive for positions within the preliminary top 12. Meanwhile, former senator Aquilino Pimentel III and erstwhile presidential legal adviser Salvador Panelo both got 20 percent; Mark Villar, 19 percent; and former senators Gringo Honasan and Francis Tolentino,18 percent. OCTA also said the findings were not “definitive placements,” since sampling error and future changes in the prospective candidates field may alter the rankings. In the second-quarter 2026 survey, Padilla emerged as the leading choice in a hypothetical 2028 senatorial preference survey, with 53.9 percent, while Raffy Tulfo and Alan Peter Cayetano, Grace Poe, and Sotto were also mentioned. The face-to-face survey was conducted from September 8 to October 4, with 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above. The survey has a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level. Subnational estimates for geographic areas covered in the survey have the following margins of error at a 95% confidence level: ±6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, and Visayas.
EARLY POLL ON SENATE RACE. The OCTA Research bares the result of its survey on a possible senatorial derby in 2028, showing Senators Raffy Tulfo, Robin Padilla, Alan Peter Cayetano, and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto in a hypothetical tie as headliners. The Tugon ng Masa poll also indicated that former senator Grace Poe and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte are in close contention, along with Senator Loren Legarda. Katrina Manubay
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has strengthened its legal foundation in the crackdown against colorum delivery services in a bid to ensure court conviction. Acting LTFRB chairman Greg Pua Jr. said the crackdown order to the Law Enforcement Unit will have special focus on those engaged in providing delivery services to online shopping platforms without the government-mandated permits from the agency. “We have already consolidated all the legal foundations of our campaign against colorum delivery services in order to ensure that all the cases that we would file are airtight and high assurance of conviction,” Pua said. The LTFRB has an existing memorandum circular that governs the conduct of operations against colorum vehicles in public transportation and delivery services, he raised. Rio N. Araja
FIRST FEMALE PMA CHIEF. The Philippine Military Academy gets its first ever female commandant, Army Col. Leah Santiago, who graduated on top of the elite military schools KALASAGLAHI Class of 1997. PMA photo
Sandigan allows former Pampanga solon to post P90k bail ₱90,000 cash bail on a graft charge over his alleged financial interest in a construction company that pocketFORMER Pampanga 3rd district ed over P611-million in government Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. has posted flood control contracts during his incumbency. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES In an order dated Oct. 16, COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS Twentieth Congress the Sandiganbayan Second Second Regular Session Division approved Gonzales’ ANNOUNCEMENT bail. The court also recalled President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has submitted to the Commission the warrant of arrest issued on Appointments (CA), for confirmation, the ad interim appointments of the following: against the former legislator Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on the same day, and ordered 1. Mr. LINO EDGARDO SCHRAMM CAYETANO Secretary, Presidential Communications Office his release.
By Maricel V. Cruz
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) 2.
Mr. ROBERT JOSEPH MONTES DE CLARO Secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
3. GERMINIA V. AGUILAR-USUDAN 4. DEENA JOY DY AMATONG 5. PATRICK ANG CHUASOTO 6. ANGELICA CARAOS ESCALONA 7. JASON JOVENCIO ALJIBE ANASARIAS 8. RAUL HORA DADO 9. MELANIE RITA BALISI DIANO 10. MARY JENNIFER DOMINGO DINGAL 11. GREG MARIE CONCHA MARIÑO 12. SUSANA MARIA LOPEZ MENDIOLA 13. REICHEL PAJARILLAGA QUIÑONES 14. HANS MOHAIMIN LIM SIRIBAN 15. MELVIN CORDENILLO ALMONGUERA 16. JOHANN VERONICA MADULID ANDAL 17. FERNANDO VIDAL BEUP JR. 18. IRISH KAY L. KALAW-ADO 19. RACHEL ANNE LINDAIN ORONCE 20. MAURICE ARCAMO TIEMPO 21. KHRYSTINA CORPUZ POPOV
Chief of Mission, Class I Chief of Mission, Class I Chief of Mission, Class I Chief of Mission, Class I Chief of Mission, Class II Chief of Mission, Class II Chief of Mission, Class II Chief of Mission, Class II Chief of Mission, Class II Chief of Mission, Class II Chief of Mission, Class II Chief of Mission, Class II Career Minister Career Minister Career Minister Career Minister Career Minister Career Minister Foreign Service Officer, Class I
The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/ notarized complaints or oppositions to the above ad interim appointments in seven (7) copies to the CA Secretariat, 11th Floor, Uptown Eastgate Tower I, corner 11th and 36th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone number 8832-2827 local 2142 to 2144, and local 2512 to 2514. 14 October 2026.
(MS-OCT. 20, 2026)
MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICA Secretary
The charges stemmed from two separate complaints filed in July and August 2026 concerning three contracts awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office III to A.D. Gonzales Jr. Construction and Trading Company Inc. (ADG Construction). The projects involved flood mitigation facilities in San Fernando and Bacolor, Pampanga, worth more than P252 million; flood control structures, diking, and slope protection
works in Mexico, Pampanga, worth more than P94 million; and another flood management project in Mexico worth nearly P265 million. The first complaint was filed by the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Office, which investigated Gonzales’ alleged financial interest in ADG Construction. The second was filed by barangay chairman Terence Sampang Napao in Sto. Cristo, Mexico, Pampanga, who reported extensive structural defects in the flood control projects.
Lapses in custody of ballot boxes cost town treasurer suspension By Rex Espiritu THE Office of the Ombudsman has ruled that the treasurer of Santa Maria, Laguna was administratively liable for simple neglect of duty over lapses in securing ballot boxes during the 2022 elections, imposing a one-month-and-one-day suspension without pay. In a 17-page decision, the Ombudsman found that municipal treasurer Ma. Theresa Lagonoy Lontok failed to exercise due diligence in preserving the integrity and security of unopened ballot boxes under her custody, as required by Section 219(b) of the Omnibus Election Code.
The administrative complaint was filed on March 4, 2025 by Laguna 4th District Rep. Maria Jamina Katherine Baltazar Agarao, who accused Lontok and Santa Maria Mayor Ma. Rocelle Valdecantos Carolino of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and serious dishonesty. Agarao alleged that the two officials conspired to tamper with ballots following the 2022 elections, in connection with an election protest filed before the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) by Carolino’s husband, then-congressional candidate Antonio Carolino. HRET inspection records showed that several ballot boxes retrieved from Santa Maria lacked proper plas-
tic and metal security seals or were secured only with packaging tape. Although decrypted ballot images subsequently confirmed Agarao’s election victory, the physical ballots from 16 clustered precincts were deemed to have doubtful integrity due to compromised seals and physical anomalies. The Ombudsman, however, found no evidence that Lontok intentionally tampered with the ballots or acted with bad faith. Nonetheless, her admissions established that unauthorized individuals had a reasonable opportunity to access the storage area, indicating her failure to adequately discharge her statutory duty to safeguard the ballot boxes.
AI bill imposes accountability in trade deals By Maricel V. Cruz AS ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) moves from answering basic questions to signing deals and making financial transactions on people’s behalf, lawmakers want to make sure someone is still holding the steering wheel. House Committee on Information, Communications and Technology chairman and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Miguel Villafuerte and Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Luigi Villafuerte introduced House Bill 11014, or the “AI Agent Transactions and Accountability Act” aimed at giving AI agents the legal green light to do business while ensuring the humans and companies behind them stay accountable when things go wrong. Jointly authored with fellow Camarines Sur Rep. Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, the bill states that an AI agent “is not a person and does not get legal rights.” “Thus, if an AI bot closes a deal, executes a contract, or communicates via automated platforms under a person’s authority, that person—the principal—is legally responsible for the outcome.” it stressed. “As AI agents become more capable of acting on behalf of people and businesses, our laws must keep pace,” Villafuerte said. “We need clear rules that establish accountability without unnecessarily holding back innovation.” To keep things seamless and secure, HB 11014 tasks the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) with creating a voluntary Digital Authority Credential system. This allows businesses and everyday users to verify what an AI bot is authorized to do—without handing over private passwords, seed phrases, or sensitive key data.
OPINION
A5
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
EDITORIAL Honor Blanco Cabie
Hunt the digital rat pack to kingdom come THE modern world, Guillermo, Esperanza and Vicky, has bred a new species of absolute filth: the digital impersonation scammer or the virtual doppelganger. These parasitic, text-spoofing cowards spend their days hiding behind stolen devices and encrypted burner phones like rats in a sewer. They don’t have the spine to look their victims in the eye because they know they are nothing but hollow, pathetic thieves. Instead, they weaponize psychological terror from the safety of anonymousdark-web forums and remote, untraceable coordinates. They mimic frantic children, impersonate trusted banks, and fabricate legal emergencies to deliberately bleed honest citizens completely dry. It is sickening to watch these spineless lowlifes target vulnerable elderly grandparents who spent lifetimes building their modest savings. With a few heartless keystrokes, a lifetime of hard work vanishes into the bottomless void of a fraudster’s crypto wallet. How do these absolute bastards sleep at night, knowing they destroy innocent families just to fund their own trashy, criminal lifestyles? They think they are untouchable geniuses, but they are actually just bottomfeeding parasites who lack a shred of basic human dignity. They thrive exclusively because they operate in the pitch-black shadows of a borderless, poorly regulated internet landscape. They rely heavily on the assumption that their digital smoke and mirrors will always keep them safe from real-world consequences. But the absolute free ride for these disgusting screen-hiding predators must come to an abrupt and violent end right now. The time for issuing toothless public
safety warnings and gentle digital literacy reminders is long over. We do not need more pamphlets, we need a relentless, state-sponsored hammer to drop on them. The government must stop treating cyber-fraud as a series of isolated, low priority cimes. Our leaders must mobilize specialized, aggressive task forces to track these pricks to the ends of the earth. We need offensive cyber operations that infiltrate their networks, expose their identities, and shatter their infrastructure.
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Pull the bloody bastards out of their dark rooms, drag them into the sunlight, and chase them to kingdom come If they operate across international borders, our authorities must squeeze those harbor nations with strong diplomatic pressure. Pull the bloody bastards out of their dark rooms, drag them into the sunlight, and chase them to kingdom come. Let them discover that the screens they hide behind cannot protect them from the cold iron of a jail cell. Their pathetic attempt to scam friends of owners of mobile and Facebook accounts they hacked must end right now. They should realize posthaste that their fraudulent cash requests are being actively logged and reported to cybercrime authorities. They may enjoy their momentary control over the account, but the digital trail they are leaving will ensure they face the full, unforgiving legal consequences.
The painstaking task of cataloguing the world’s species PARIS – A bumblebee-like insect that was last seen in France 150 years ago was spotted again in the Paris region in 2025. Had the creature, known by its scientific name Pocota personata, disappeared and returned after all those years? Or did it simply fly around unnoticed this whole time? The mystery illustrates the challenge facing scientists seeking to catalogue the world’s biodiversity, as so much of nature remains poorly understood. The gap in scientific data on the state of species could feature prominently at the UN’s COP17 biodiversity summit opening Monday in Armenia, where countries will take stock of progress in commitments to protect nature. In order to close that gap in France, the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) and the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) launched a project in June to build a database of the country’s plants and invertebrates. “We know biodiversity is declining, but we are sometimes quite helpless when it comes to quantifying it due to a critical lack of data on the current and past monitoring of species,” Rodolphe Rougerie, head of the Dynabiod project, told AFP. Staggering unknown The scale of the unknown is huge. A 2011 study estimated that 86 percent of terrestrial species and 91 percent of marine creatures had yet to be formally described. Even among identified species, their status is often poorly understood. In 2025, scientists had assessed the extinction risk of only about eight percent of known species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The tools used to identify species include field observations. While spotting large mammals or certain birds can be relatively simple, the exercise gets trickier when it comes to smaller species, such as insects, fungi or microscopic organisms. The job can be painstaking. Every week, MNHN researcher Fanny Kratz checks large white tents that serve as insect traps at the Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden in the heart of Paris, and 16 other sites. She then uses their DNA to fill gaps in the data. The task is “very, very long” and
“very, very complicated”, she said. A single trap can contain as many as 261 types of DNA, but those genetic traces do not necessarily correspond to 261 different species. And there are always a few “unknowns” -- DNA that does not match with anything in existing databases. ‘We are stuck’ “The difficulty with biodiversity is having reference databases that are rich enough ... so that field work or genetic identification can actually be effective,” Kratz said. The smallest details can make all the difference when trying to identify a specimen, from the size of a leg to the shape of the wing.
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The gap in scientific data on the state of species could feature prominently at the UN’s COP17 biodiversity summit opening Monday in Armenia And there are relatively few experts in this field. Researchers often turn to citizen science, enlisting amateur naturalists and the public to put more eyes on the ground. But that cannot replace scientific expertise and can introduce biases. Observations tend to be concentrated in easily accessible locations while others remain unexplored. That is particularly true in tropical regions, where areas can be hard to reach and data is scarce despite their extraordinary biodiversity, Kratz said. While artificial intelligence can analyse enormous quantities of data, it is only as good as the information it has been trained on. “If we don’t have the reference database, we’re stuck,” Kratz said. Muddled message It’s not just the amount of data that matters. Scientists also need to be able to compare data collected in different places and at different times.
I
A harmonized stance under law and order
N THE knotty arena of international diplomacy, the language of cross-border discourse serves as the basic bedrock for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among sovereign nations.
Recent geopolitical developments have severely tested these basic principles, particularly as recent public statements from external representatives have uncharacteristically veered into highly adversarial and confrontational rhetoric. Such remarks, widely seen as a departure from traditional diplomatic decorum, have naturally caused deep concern across various sectors of Philippine society and demand a measured, institutional response. In direct answer to these friction points, the Senate is currently exercising its constitutional mandate to deliberate on a formal resolution designed to address the matter with appropriate gravity. This impending legislative move represents far more than a routine administrative reaction; it stands as a collective, institutional expression of our national honor, sovereignty, and democratic resilience. As the country’s primary deliberative body on foreign policy, the Senate provides a structured, legal, and highly dignified forum to address grievances
ManilaStandard
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While the Philippines remains a welcoming, peaceful, and cooperative global partner, its essential dignity is absolutely non-negotiable By standing firmly behind whatever consensus the Senate ultimately approves, the Filipino people demonstrate a mature, integrated front that commands respect within the international
THERE is a particular kind of silence that follows a survey like the one Pulse Asia dropped last week. It is not the silence of shock. It is the silence of a political class doing frantic arithmetic, trying to figure out whether 81 percent disapproval on inflation is survivable, or whether it is the number that finally breaks the spell. Pulse Asia interviewed 2,400 adults between Sept. 17 and 24 and found that 81 percent disapprove of how this administration handles inflation. Only 10 percent approve. Ten. That is not a governing coalition. That is a rounding error. But the story is more damning than the headline. The survey does not merely show dissatisfaction with prices. It shows a government that has lost the argument on virtually every front that matters. Seventy-one percent disapprove on illegal drugs. Seventy percent on corruption. Sixtyseven percent on poverty. Fifty-seven percent on criminality. The only issue where the administration manages majority approval is the welfare of overseas Filipino workers—at 52 percent—an issue cited as an urgent national concern by exactly 1 percent of respondents. In other words, the government’s bestperforming policy area is one that almost nobody is thinking about. This is what a credibility collapse looks like. Not a single scandal or failure, but the slow, grinding realization among a majority that the people in charge do not know what they are doing, or do not care, or both. The Palace will tell you inflation is a global problem. That supply chains are disrupted. That the Bangko Sentral has its own mandate. That the President cannot personally set the price of rice. These are not lies. They are simply irrelevant to whether the government has used the tools it actually has. And here the numbers become genuinely damning. The Philippine Statistics Authority reports headline inflation hit 7.2 percent in Sept. 2026, up from 1.7 percent a year earlier. Food inflation ran at 6.8 percent. For the bottom 30 percent of households—the ones who spend most of their income on food and fuel—inflation was higher still. The government’s own data confirms the pain the survey measures. Yet the administration’s response has been a masterclass in saying things that
sound like action without being action. The President, who appointed himself Agriculture Secretary in a fit of symbolic governance, has presided over a rice crisis in which farmgate prices collapsed while retail prices soared. The Department of Agriculture has distributed rice. Kadiwa outlets have opened. The President has announced investigations into flood control corruption—corruption that reaches into his own family’s political network.
This is the crux. The survey’s 70 percent disapproval on fighting graft is not an abstraction. It is a verdict on a government that promised to clean up the mess and instead found itself entangled in it. The flood control scandal—ghost projects, billions diverted, a presidential cousin implicated—has done what years of opposition rhetoric could not: it has made the word “corruption” stick to this administration in a way that cannot be scrubbed off with press releases. And yet the most revealing number may be the one not about the economy at all. Dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of territorial defense rose from 24 percent to 34 percent. This is still a minority. But the trend matters. The Filipino public, famously patient and forgiving, is beginning to notice that the South China Sea is not getting any less Chinese. The administration’s defenders will point to the poverty statistics. And they have a statistic. The PSA reported poverty incidence fell to 9.7 percent in 2025, the lowest ever recorded. This is genuinely significant. But the survey was conducted in September 2026. The poverty data is from 2025. In between, inflation doubled, growth slowed, and the
cost of living became the dominant fact of daily life for millions of families. A government that campaigns on its past statistics while its present collapses around it is a government that has run out of arguments. The political context makes this worse. Vice President Sara Duterte’s approval rating sits at 54 percent, while the President’s is at 30 percent. The impeachment trial continues, with the prosecution narrowing its case to unexplained wealth—a strategic retreat that suggests even the opposition knows it needs a conviction, not a circus. The President’s allies are quietly positioning themselves for 2028. The President’s critics are louder, but not necessarily stronger. What the survey reveals is not merely that the government is unpopular. It reveals that the government has lost the ability to persuade. When 81 percent of people disapprove of your handling of the single most important issue in their lives, you do not have a communications problem. You have a legitimacy problem. The Palace’s response, predictably, has been to note the survey and move on. “It is noted,” a spokesman reportedly said. This is the language of a government that has stopped trying to convince and started trying to survive. And perhaps that is the most honest thing they have said in months. The question now is not whether this administration will recover. The arithmetic of Philippine politics suggests it will limp to 2028, diminished and defensive, while the opposition circles and the public seethes. The question is whether the institutions supposed to hold the government accountable—Congress, the courts, the media, the public itself—will treat this survey as a warning or as a verdict. Because 81 percent is not a protest vote. It is not a partisan snapshot. It is not the product of a biased sample or a leading question. It is the sound of a country telling its government, in the clearest possible terms, that it is not working. The government can ignore that sound. It has ignored worse. But the sound does not go away. It grows. Eventually, it becomes something else entirely.
Different monitoring methods can make that difficult. Rougerie said the result can be a muddled scientific picture. When data are sparse, scattered or collected using different methods, sepa-
rate studies can sometimes reach conflicting conclusions about what is happening to the same species. That can, in turn, fuel claims that the biodiversity crisis is being exaggerated or is difficult to prove.
Without reliable reference databases, Kratz said, “we cannot know what is happening ... what we are capturing or what is disappearing or not ... and therefore how to combat a possible decline or protect this or that species.” AFP
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When 81 percent of people disapprove of your handling of the single most important issue in their lives, you have a legitimacy problem
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 81 percent: A gov’t drowning in its own numbers
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
between states without resorting to hostile escalation. It is absolutely crucial that during these moments of external diplomatic tension, the Filipino nation speaks not with fractured or polarized opinions, but with a singular, resolute, and unwavering voice.
community. Supporting our legislative leadership at this juncture does not signal a desire for conflict, but rather strengthens our shared, non-negotiable commitment to protecting the country’s institutional integrity. A nation’s independence is most effectively maintained not by matching hostility with hostility, but through an uncompromising adherence to international law and established global norms. Every citizen, whether residing within our borders or contributing to diverse communities abroad, shares a profound, personal stake in how the homeland defends its global standing and sovereignty. Aligning ourselves with the consensus of our elected lawmakers ensures that our cumulative response remains firmly rooted in the universal principles of justice, treaty compliance, and democratic agreement. Let this moment serve as a clear, definitive reminder to the world that while the Philippines remains a welcoming, peaceful, and cooperative global partner, its essential dignity is absolutely non-negotiable. Collaborative, if concerted, behind the wisdom and constitutional authority of our democratic institutions, we firmly affirm that our national sovereignty will always be safeguarded through calm, dignified, and collective resolve.
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WORLD
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026
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Israel nabs 10 after West Bank settler attacks JERUSALEM – Israeli police said Monday they had arrested 10 people in the West Bank after settler attacks on an American photographer and a French mayor that drew international condemnation but mixed messages from the government. Police said they raided several locations across the occupied territory and seized cars and potential evidence related to the attacks. The arrests come as violence increases in the West Bank, with Israeli settlers disrupting the annual olive harvest of Palestinians. “Following the severe incidents of violence over the past weekend, including the assault of a media worker and the suspected attacks on foreign civilians, an arrest operation was conducted before dawn,” said Major General Moshe Finchi, the Israeli police’s West Bank commander. “Suspects were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the violent incidents, violating a military commander’s order concerning a closed military zone, and illegal construction,” he said. Rising numbers of attacks by settlers against Palestinians have drawn international outrage, with Britain describing it as “ethnic cleansing” and imposing sanctions on products from Israeli settlements. AFP
VIOLENT PROTESTS. People try to destroy the window of a Snipes store near Chatelet - Les Halles as clashes erupted at Place de la Republique following an unauthorized demonstration in central Paris, on Oct. 18, 2026 a day after nationwide protests against the ‘high cost of living.’ Nearly 2,400 people were arrested during the weekend of protests against the high cost of living, which was marred by violence, and nearly a thousand police officers and gendarmes were injured, seven of them seriously, according to a report from the Interior Ministry. AFP
Police ‘lost control’ during IN BRIEF French nationwide protests 12 migrants die in Aegean sea
ATHENS – Twelve migrants died Monday attempting to cross the Aegean Sea, including six people on a boat which collided with a police vessel, authorities said. A baby and four women were among six people who died off the island of Lesbos on Monday following the collision, a coast guard official told AFP. The other six dead -- five men and a woman -- were on a small boat that capsized off the island of Samos, the coast guard added. Fourteen people on the boat, one of them a presumed Iranian organiser, were rescued. The coast guard official said that in the incident off Lesbos, “a speed boat carrying migrants collided with the port side of a police patrol vessel”. The official said eight people were rescued. There was no indication of the nationalities of either the victims or people rescued. The Aegean is a much-used route for migrants setting out from Turkey hoping to reach Europe. There have been many deaths. At least 15 migrants died in February off the Greek island of Chios when their boat collided with a coastguard patrol vessel. AFP
P
ARIS – French police “lost control” during nationwide protests marred by violence over the weekend, the interior minister admitted Monday, with President Emmanuel Macron calling for a security review.
Macron also refused Interior Minister Laurent Nunez’s resignation even as he acknowledged security and intelligence failures in the government response. Saturday’s demonstrations saw some half a million people turn out across France to protest the cost of living, but morphed into some of the worst violence to rock the country in years, with town halls and shops looted and set ablaze. More than 2,500 people were arrested,
while almost 1,000 members of the security forces were injured. Injuries were also reported among protesters, with one demonstrator’s hand blown off by a police crowd-control grenade. “On Saturday, in some major cities, you couldn’t look shopkeepers in the eye after hundreds of shops had been looted and tell them we hadn’t lost control,” Nunez said. Nunez acknowledged a “lack of an-
ticipation” in the deployment of security forces on Saturday, whose numbers were insufficient to deal with the large crowds of rioters and looters on the fringes of the demonstrations. He estimated that some 60,000 law enforcement personnel had been deployed across the country that day. “Given the damage that has been caused, it was only right that I should hand in my resignation,” Nunez said. The presidency said in a statement that Macron had rejected the resignation, however, citing “the necessity for continued leadership of law enforcement”. Instead, Macron ordered Nunez to “take all necessary steps to ensure transparency over the failures in planning and intelligence that led to the violence”.
Zelenskyy speaks to US envoys to ease tensions
Spain braces for more floods
MADRID – Spain braced for the worst of a powerful Mediterranean storm predicted to intensify on Monday after it submerged streets, disrupted transport and claimed the life of a woman outside Barcelona. Weather agency AEMET issued the highest red alert in the eastern region of Valencia and the holiday island of Mallorca for “extraordinary danger” of torrential rain in the early hours of Monday. The Balearic Islands regional government suspended classes in Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera, while in Valencia, scarred by Spain’s deadliest floods in a generation in 2024, some commuter trains were suspended until further notice. Emergency services in the regions of Valencia, Catalonia, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands had already reported hundreds of incidents linked to flooded homes, roads, fallen trees and material damage on Sunday. AFP
Venezuela alliance reaffirms Machado as leader CARACAS, Venezuela – An alliance of Venezuelan opposition parties on Sunday (Monday Manila time) reaffirmed exiled Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado as its leader, increasing pressure on interim authorities to allow her return. The coalition’s announcement -- part of a new “Grand National Agreement” -comes amid a third round of political transition talks between an opposition faction and the interim government, following the US ouster of longtime leader Nicolas Maduro in January. Machado, who is currently living in Panama and not leading those talks, has said she will not interfere in the process, which has the backing of Washington. Members of the opposition’s Unitary Democratic Platform “recognize and support the leadership of Maria Corina Machado,” according to the text of their agreement, presented after meetings in Caracas. AFP
To end the “barricades and looting, he also requested that the interior minister promptly implement new operational methods for security forces to use on the ground in combating rioters,” the statement added. Looting continued on Sunday, with Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire saying Monday that around 30 shops had been targeted in the capital the previous day, describing the scenes as “unbearable”. Nunez said some 350 people had been arrested in Paris on Sunday and overnight. Nationwide, more than 2,330 people were taken into police custody over the weekend, 70 percent of whom were adults, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said Monday. AFP
PRISONER EXCHANGE. Relatives and friends of prisoners of war attend a rally at the Independence Square in Kyiv during the weekend, calling for their exchange with Russian prisoners to be accelerated, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP
KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken with top US envoys to try to ease tensions, as Donald Trump accused his counterpart of not wanting to end the war with Russia. Zelenskyy spoke to US officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as both Russia and Ukraine hit each other’s energy sites, with Moscow leaving thousands without power and Kyiv carrying out the largest drone attack on Saint Petersburg since the start of the war in 2022. Trump and Zelenskyy have clashed as the US president blocked new sanctions on Russia and struck a diesel deal with Moscow, fueling fears in Kyiv and Europe that the White House was steering towards Moscow. A Wall Street Journal report that Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a meeting on Ukraine with Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping -- but not Zelenskyy -- has set off more alarm bells. On Sunday, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he was in the process of negotiating peace between Russia and Ukraine and making “great progress,” but claimed: “Zelenskyy doesn’t care, and frankly, with all of the money that Europe is famously giving him... he doesn’t want to end this war, and probably never did.” “Zelenskyy is using Diesel Refineries in Russia as a target, knowing that these attacks are seriously hurting the world diesel markets, including those in the United States,” Trump said. AFP
Japan deploys long-range missiles for joint exercise with US military TOKYO – Japan kicked off a joint military exercise with the United States on Monday that will see a type of long-range missiles deployed outside their base for the first time, as Tokyo’s ties with China languish at rock bottom. The Keen Sword drill, which runs through October 29 in various parts of Japan, will be one of the largest exercises ever between the two allies, involving around 45,000 Japanese Self-Defense Forces personnel and 12,000 US troops. Japan’s Joint Staff previously said that long-range Type 25 surface-to-ship guided missiles would be deployed at a training ground in the southern region of Kyushu during the exercise. It will be the first time they have been deployed outside of their garrison in Kumamoto prefecture, Kyushu, since their arrival there earlier this year. The missile, which has a range of 1,000 kilometers, can reach waters close
to Taiwan, according to the Nikkei business daily and other local media. Japan plans to verify launch procedures for attacking naval vessels at sea, but there “will be no live-fire exercises”, a Self-Defense Forces’ Joint Staff spokesman told AFP on Monday. The US Marine Corps will reportedly deploy an unmanned surface-to-ship missile system known as NMESIS and the MADIS integrated air defense system in the southern prefecture of Okinawa. “Taking into account the various geographical and operational characteristics of the southwestern region, we believe it is essential to be able to deploy forces swiftly and flexibly,” Hiroaki Uchikura, head of the Joint Staff, told reporters this month. Uchikura explained that the scale of the Keen Sword drill was determined considering these factors, and it “has become one of the largest exercises to date.” AFP
PEACETIME TRAGEDY. Flags fly at half mast outside Wainwright Health Center in Wainwright, Alberta, Canada, the local hospital to Canadian Forces Base Wainwright which was the scene of a ‘serious incident’ during the weekend. Four soldiers were zens injured in a fire at the military base, one of the worst peacetime tragedies to hit Canada’s armed forces on home soil, Prime Minister Mark Carney said. AFP
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026
LeBron chases 1 more NBA crown at age 41 PHILADELPHIA—LeBron James, yearning to capture a fifth career NBA title, tips off his record 24th campaign on Tuesday at age 41 with his new Philadelphia 76ers teammates chasing a long-sought crown. The league’s 81st season launches with the Sixers at New York, watching the Knicks hoist their first championship banner since 1973. James made it clear in July when he announced he was joining the 76ers that his move was all about making one more title run himself. “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James posted on X on July 24. “I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.” James, the NBA’s LeBron James AFP all-time leading scorer, said in June he was leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. On July 24, James revealed he was going to Philadelphia and two days later, the team revealed James had signed a two-year deal worth $8 million. James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, won two NBA titles with Miami, another with hometown club Cleveland and a fourth with the Lakers and hopes to bring the 76ers their first NBA title since 1983. He could become the first player to win NBA titles with four or more clubs. It’s a goal that James, who turns 42 in December, shares with former Boston star Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe -- all seeking a first NBA title. “Everybody is kind of on the same page,” James said. “We want to put the work in. That’s most important. “Everyone is highly motivated to get 1% better every single day... Everyone is excited to be here and that’s exciting to be a part of. “If we’re trying to do something special, which I believe we are, it’s a positive. If you have this championship approach every day, it’ll definitely work in our favor.” James has career averages of 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.5 steals over 1,622 games. AFP
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis during a 2026 NBA Preseason game at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. AFP
Wembanyama eyes title as NBA season tips off L
OS ANGELES—French phenomenon Victor Wembanyama, knocking on the door almost since his arrival in the NBA three years ago, is poised for the ultimate breakout season with the San Antonio Spurs.
Finals a year after they were agonizingly denied by the New York Knicks. “We’re very hopeful, very ambitious and ready,” Wembanyama said as training camp began. Rejoining Wembanyama for another title tilt are 21-year-old Stephon Castle and 20-year-old Dylan Harper. In the offseason they added another piece to the puzzle in 34-year-old veteran Tobias Harris, who along with experience adds size and strength in the paint. Harris was tabbed as the most underrated signing of the offseason in a survey of the league’s general managers. But the Spurs fortunes will ultimately rest with Wemby. “I think he has a ton of room to improve in all aspects,” says Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, who took the helm in May 2025 as the Spurs said goodbye to the iconic Gregg Popovich, who led the team to five titles. “One thing for him will just be continue to manipulate the game and dictate the game, not just by scoring but by making plays for his teammates
forcing the defense to make a decision, and taking advantage of opportunities in front of him,” said Johnson, who wants to see his star “almost puppeteering the game as we see the best players in our game do and we’ve seen him do. “I think that’s an area for him to continue growing.” Steve Nash, the former two-time Most Valuable Player, says Wembanyama has the tools to earn MVP honors. “In my eyes, Wemby had a case for MVP last year because of the totality of how he affects the game,” Nash said as he discussed Wembanyama’s MVP prospects with James on the “Mind the Game” podcast. MVP? 1000% “I think the difference is that traditionally you look at who closed the game for your team and Wemby can close games, but he doesn’t, he’s not necessarily a closer,” Nash said. “Some nights, it’s not his thing.” Nevertheless, Warriors veteran Draymond Green didn’t hesitate to tip Wembanyama for MVP -- and Defensive Player of the Year again. AFP
Rays a win from World Series return after downing Guardians
Solar Spikers ride Belen’s brilliance into showdown with Thunderbelles
LOS ANGELES—The Tampa Bay Rays moved to within one win of a return to the World Series on Sunday after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 to edge into a crucial 3-2 lead in their MLB playoff series. A dazzling pitching performance from starter Drew Rasmussen laid the foundation for another deserved victory for the Rays, who had leveled the best-of-seven American League Championhip Series on Saturday. Rasmussen restricted the Guardians to one run and four hits through seven innings with six strikeouts. Rays catcher Liam Hicks paid tribute to Rasmussen’s gem after the win. “He’s an ace, it’s as simple as that,” Hicks said. “He rises to the occasion and no moment is ever too big for him. I don’t think there’s anyone we’d rather have on the mound.
“He just changes everything,” superstar LeBron James said of the towering 22-year-old, who will be aiming to further break the mold with his ferocious defense and an extraordinarily versatile playing style for a player who stands 7-foot-4 (2.24m). Wembanyama was unanimously voted Defensive Player of the Year last season. With spectacular averages of 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks he finished third in Most Valuable Player voting. With another year under his belt Wembanyama is widely tipped to contend for both awards -- and lead the young, ultra-talented Spurs back to the
“He’s such a hard worker. He has a plan and then he just executes.” The Rays meanwhile pounced on a string of early opportunities to edge into a lead that proved decisive. Tampa Bay’s bats caused problems for Guardians starter Parker Messick in the first inning, with Yandy Diaz getting the ball rolling with a leadoff double. Messick soon found himself in a bases loaded jam and walked Jonny DeLuca to surrender a run that gave Tampa Bay an early 1-0 lead. The Rays doubled their advantage in the second inning when Jonathan Aranda drove in a run for Ben Williamson. Messick was promptly pulled from the mound after 57 pitches to leave Cleveland improvising a bullpen game. Tampa Bay continued to make the most of the scoring chances that came their way, with Hicks singling off Guardians reliever Tim Herrin in
the top of the third to make it 3-0. With Rasmussen in complete control, the Guardians had to wait until the sixth inning to get on the board, outfielder Steven Kwan coming home on Chase DeLauter’s ground out to first base. The Guardians raised hopes of a rally in the ninth, when Rays closer Bryan Baker gave up a leadoff walk to start the inning. But Baker coolly held firm to claim his 35th consecutive save and a Rays win. Tampa Bay -- one of only five Major League Baseball teams never to win a World Series title -- now need only one more win to book their third appearance at the Fall Classic after losing in 2008 and 2020. Game six of the series takes place at Tampa Bay’s Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on Monday. “There’s no place we’d rather be playing in a must-win game than at home,” Hicks said. “So it’s huge.”AFP
Games Tuesday (MOA Arena) 1 p.m. – Capital1 vs ZUS Coffee 3:30 p.m. – National U vs VNS (Spikers’ Turf) 6 p.m. – PLDT vs Akari
Drew Rasmussen of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts to a double play during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. AFP
Zaragosa rides momentum, Lumbo seeks redemption as ICTSI South Pacific unfolds DAVAO CITY—Fresh from ending a year-long title drought, Rupert Zaragosa hopes to ride his newfound momentum to another victory, while Jeffren Lumbo seeks redemption from a string of agonizing near-misses as a talent-laden field braces for battle in the P2.5-million ICTSI South Pacific Classic, which unwraps Tuesday (Oct. 20) at the South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates here. The two headline a formidable cast bolstered by the return of several aces, including Asian Development Tour winners Sean Ramos, Aidric Chan and Carl Corpus, who resume their Philippine Golf Tour campaign with contrasting results in last Sunday’s Macau Open of the Asian Tour but share one goal: to contend for the crown in the 72-hole championship. With the season winding down, the penultimate leg of the 10-stage circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. takes on added significance, as players scramble
Jeffren Lumbo
for a strong finish in the final two stops, both in Davao, and a chance to boost their earnings before the holidays. But few will be more driven than Lumbo, who has endured a frustrating run of near-misses. The Sarangani native suffered back-toback one-stroke defeats in Negros Occidental and Iloilo, then remained in contention for three days at last week’s Pueblo de Oro Championship before faltering in the final round to finish tied for sixth. South Pacific, however, looms as a prime venue for redemption. “My game plan for South Pacific is simply to play the way I do during practice. I just want to execute everything I’ve worked on, stay focused, and enjoy the game,” said Lumbo in Filipino. “Coming here, I’m not thinking about defending a title. I’ll just give it my absolute best and surrender the rest to God,” he added. Lumbo’s late stumble at Pueblo
kept him out of a chaotic finish where Zaragosa emerged as an unlikely champion – finally converting his steady progress and relentless work ethic into a another victory. “My biggest motivation was my strong desire to win, and I’m so happy that all the everyday practice and sacrifices finally paid off,” said Zaragosa, whose Pueblo triumph snapped a year-long title drought. Averaging just 270 yards off the tee, Zaragosa gives up considerable distance to the Tour’s power hitters. But he makes up for it with reliable wood and iron play and a steady putting touch – qualities that could again prove decisive at South Pacific. The course presents a different test on nearly every hole, with shifting winds adding another layer of difficulty and potentially neutralizing the advantage of the long hitters. Zaragosa will need to bring the same all-around game that carried him to the Pueblo crown if he hopes to sustain his surge.
CAPITAL1 hopes to turn the momentum of a hard-earned victory into a winning streak, but the Solar Spikers know they will need more than confidence and firepower to get past ZUS Coffee when the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series resumes Tuesday (Oct. 20) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Buoyed by their grueling five-set triumph over the Akari Chargers in Antipolo last Thursday, the Solar Spikers are eager to sustain their resurgence in the 1 p.m. opener of another explosive tripleheader. Yet coach Jorge Souza de Brito is taking nothing for granted against a ZUS Coffee side he expects to come out sharper and more determined following a disappointing straight-set loss to Choco Mucho in its conference debut. “Our morale is high. But the important part is we need to adjust how we play because what I know about the Thunderbelles is they’re playing really good, really fast, and coach Jerry (Yee) is always very good, so we’re gonna be ready for them,” said de Brito. The Solar Spikers have ample firepower to make another statement, with Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos leading a formidable rotation that can challenge even the league’s established contenders. But as their recent outings have shown, talent alone will not be enough; consistency and composure under pressure could prove just as decisive. Capital1 learned that lesson the hard way in Cebu last Oct. 10, when it squandered a two-set advantage and absorbed a five-set defeat to Choco Mucho. The team responded with a victory over Akari, although not without another arduous battle that tested its resolve before Belen delivered the decisive blows.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
PH to compete in inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup
Ernie Gawilan extended his reign in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7, winning his third straight Asian Para Games gold in the event. PPC-PSC Media
Gawilan delivers 1st PH gold in Asian Para Games By Randy M. Caluag
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AGOYA—Ernie Gawilan delivered a golden lift to the Philippine campaign on Monday, capturing his third straight men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 title and the country’s first gold medal at the AichiNagoya 2026 Asian Para Games. The 35-year-old Davao City native clocked 4:56.72 at the Rainbow Pool of the Nagoya City General Gymnasium, turning back China’s Zhang Yilong and longtime rival Toh Wei Soong of Singapore. Zhang claimed silver in 5:01.36, 4.64 seconds behind the Filipino champion, while Toh took bronze in 5:24.23. Gawilan’s victory provided a welcome breakthrough for a Philippine delegation that had endured setbacks on several other fronts early in the eight-day competition. It also extended his reign in the event across three editions of the continental meet, following victories in Jakarta in 2018 and Hangzhou in 2023. The triumph raised Gawilan’s Asian Para Games gold medal collection to
five. He won three golds in Jakarta before adding one in Hangzhou three years ago. National para swimming coach Tony Ong said Gawilan’s winning time was enough to qualify him for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. “He’s already qualified in the 2028 LA Olympics because of his time,” said national para swimming coach Tony Ong. In para powerlifting, Marydol Pamati-an salvaged a personal milestone, clearing 82 kilograms on her third and final attempt to finish fifth among seven competitors in the women’s 41kg division at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Center. Pamati-an recovered from two unsuccessful attempts at 81kg,
Ernie Gawilan sings the national anthem.
surpassing the 77kg effort that earned her silver at the ASEAN Para Games in Korat, Thailand, earlier this year. China’s Zhe Cui captured gold with 120kg, ahead of Kazakhstan’s Kabyl Tursynay with 104kg and Indonesia’s Widiasi Ni Nenga with 97kg. At Sky Hall Toyota, Philippine para table tennis players suffered a
string of singles defeats. Opening ceremony flag-bearer Lhey Manginsay bowed to South Korea’s Kun-Hea Kim, 3-11, 3-11, 2-11, in women’s Class 9 group play, missing a semifinal berth that would have assured her of bronze. The 23-year-old Manginsay will turn her attention to women’s doubles with Jhona Peña and mixed doubles with Wilfred Redulla.
Pamati-an sets personal best, finishes 5th
Marydol Pamati-an PSC-PPC
NAGOYA—Marydol Pamati-an saved her best for last, clearing a personalbest 82 kilograms on her third attempt to finish fifth among seven competitors in the women’s 41kg para powerlifting competition at the Asian Para Games on Monday. The Filipina bounced back from two unsuccessful attempts at 81kg to register a valid lift at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Center, surpassing the 77kg effort that earned her silver at the ASEAN Para Games in Korat, Thailand, earlier this year. Although she missed the podium against a formidable continental field, Pamati-an capped her campaign with a personal milestone. China’s Zhe Cui captured the gold
medal with a third and best lift of 120kg. Kazakhstan’s Kabyl Tursynay secured silver with 104kg, while Indonesia’s Widiasi Ni Nenga took bronze with 97kg. Pamati-an faced mounting pressure after her first two attempts were declared no lifts, leaving her with one final chance to post a result. She delivered with 82kg, turning a difficult start into a five-kilogram improvement over her silver medalwinning lift in Thailand. Pamati-an won gold in the same weight category at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia. Her international experience includes appearances dating back to the 2017 ASEAN Para Games in Kuala Lumpur. Randy M. Caluag
Lee, Bisera, Avaricio brace for South Pacific shootout DAVAO CITY—A deep 27-player field, easily one of the biggest casts in recent years on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, gears up for a fierce battle for supremacy as the ICTSI South Pacific Championship gets going today (Tuesday, Oct. 20), with momentum, home-course familiarity and a hunger for redemption fueling a compelling mix of contenders. Tiffany Lee rides the confidence of a longawaited victory, local ace Yvon Bisera banks on her familiarity with the South Pacific layout, while Chanelle Avaricio seeks to reclaim the spotlight and strengthen her bid for the season’s honors in the P1.25-million championship. Lee’s victory, which ended a two-year title drought, meant far more than another trophy. It was a reward for the quiet persistence that carried her through a difficult stretch and restored her belief in her game. “That win means a lot. It’s a great reward for all the days that I’ve silently and continuously fought for,” said Lee, who secured a hardfought two-shot victory over Bisera at Pueblo de Oro last week. Beyond the personal breakthrough, Lee
also credited the camaraderie among LPGT players for helping her navigate the demands of professional golf. Though they compete fiercely for the same titles, she said the tour’s welcoming atmosphere has made the journey more rewarding. “The LPGT members made me feel like family and accepted me as I am on this tour. They helped me a lot, and they make it feel like home. So, even though we’re enemies on the course, outside they’re very friendly and they make the course feel like a happy place,” she said. The friendly atmosphere, however, will give way to fierce competition once the championship gets underway. Bisera will be eager to capitalize on her home-course advantage and avenge her narrow loss at Pueblo de Oro. Avaricio, coming off a stint on the China Tour, is out to break away from Bisera in the season’s win race by adding a third victory to her tally, while Sarah Ababa, Princess Superal, Mafy Singson and the rest of the title-hungry field are determined to press their bids from the opening tee shot.
THE Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is gearing up to participate in the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan, a groundbreaking tournament running from October 24 to 30, 2026. This marks the first time a FIFA youth competition has been opened to all 211 member associations without any qualifying rounds required. The Philippines has been drawn into Group F alongside African sides Morocco and Liberia and North American teams Costa Rica, Curaçao, and Belize. PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez called the tournament a landmark opportunity for the country’s grassroots football development. “For our young players, stepping onto a FIFA stage is a very rare opportunity and we intend to make the most of it,” Gutierrez said. “This is a chance to show the world what our Regional Football Associations (RFAs), our youth national team programs, and PFF’s Talent Identification Program from here and abroad have been building together.” Open to boys born in 2011 and 2012, the tournament will be played in an 8v8 format across 20-minute halves at the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku, with the opening match and tier finals set for the iconic Crystal Hall. Nearly 1,000 matches will be contested throughout the event, involving more than 3,000 players, coaches, and officials from around the world. Following a group stage, teams will be placed into one of six performance tiers for a second phase, ensuring every squad continues competing through the tournament’s final matchday. The Philippine delegation will be assembled by combining standout players identified through the country’s leading RFAs with top performers from the current youth national team setup and from talent identification camps abroad, giving grassroots athletes a chance to compete on the same stage as the sport’s most promising young talents worldwide. Each delegation is allowed up to 20 members, comprising 14 players and six staff covering technical, medical, safeguarding, education, and content production roles.
Tiffany Lee
Sam Villaruel of Perpetual Help maneuvers through traffic. Dennis Abrina
Light Bombers, Jr Altas clash for supremacy By Dennis Abrina THE battle for supremacy between the two group leaders takes center stage when the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers and the Perpetual Junior Altas collide in the final crossover match of the NCAA Season 102 Juniors Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, October 20, at the FilOil Arena in San Juan. Tip-off is set for 12 noon, with unbeaten JRU carrying an 8-0 record against Perpetual’s 7-1 slate in a showdown that will test the mettle of the two leading contenders. Coach Joph Cleopas, who guided the Junior Altas to the Season 100 championship, will lean on top scorers Louie Rosales and Sizco Roquid, who are averaging 17 points per game each, along with Brina Orca Jr., Sam Villaruel and Lord Dulanas. Point guards Kakai Zamoras and Kurt Patalinghug are also expected to play key roles, backed by Francis Rosales, Vandolf Urdaneta, Raymark Maday, Arkin Cristobal, Josh Saga and John Restificar. The Kalentong-based Light Bombers, coached by Juan Miguel Martin, will bank on their defensive intensity and balanced attack led by Lorenz Cinco, Paul Navera, Johnlord Cruz, James Manlapaz and Luis Lugtu. JRU heads into the showdown on the heels of a narrow 62-61 victory over defending champion Letran on Friday, while Perpetual notched its seventh straight win with a 62-60 triumph over Mapua on October 16. Despite their impressive run, Cleopas stressed that the Junior Altas have yet to accomplish anything significant, with the tournament still far from over.
BUSINESS $3.14 billion BOP deficit in September 2026
$9.1 billion BOP deficit in 9 months
$99.49 billion
GIR as of endSeptember
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026
BOP deficit widened to $9.1b in 9 months By Thony Rose Lesaca
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HE Philippines’ balance of payments (BOP) swung to a $3.14-billion deficit in September from an $82-million surplus a year earlier on a wider trade gap and higher import payments, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Monday.
The September shortfall was wider than the $596-million deficit in August and brought the cumulative deficit for January to September to $9.09 billion. The nine-month shortfall was also wider than the $5.3-billion deficit logged in the same period last year. The BSP said the year-to-date position reflected the continued trade-ingoods deficit and net outflows from foreign portfolio investments, partly offset by sustained personal remittance inflows, government external
borrowings, trade in services and foreign direct investments. Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion said a wider trade gap, higher import and debt service payments and softer capital flows amid persistent global uncertainty likely drove the shortfall. Asuncion said the chance of a fullyear surplus is now extremely low because the year-to-date deficit has already reached $9.09 billion. He said the focus has shifted to whether the final
WHAT’S INSIDE?
TURNOVER CEREMONY.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) begins a new chapter as Secretary Robert Joseph M. de Claro officially assumes leadership following the turnover ceremony with outgoing Secretary Henry Aguda on Oct. 19, 2026 at the DICT headquarters in Quezon City. De Claro laid out his vision of making the DICT a ‘lighthouse’ for technology-related services, guiding government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations in using technology to make public services more accessible and responsive to the needs of Filipinos.
Peso falls to new low as stocks edge higher
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PH imports 1,419 pregnant cattle
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Semirara: DOE tries to kill ‘golden goose’
B4 HOUSING EXPO.
Officials of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and Pag-IBIG Fund open the 2nd National Housing Expo 2026 on Monday, bringing more than 80 private developers and 50,000 housing units under one roof for prospective homebuyers. The two-day event is part of the 2026 National Shelter Month celebration and is the biggest edition of the government-led housing expo to date. It runs through Oct. 20 at Halls 2 to 4, Ground Floor, SMX Convention Center Manila, MOA Complex, Pasay City.
deficit could exceed official projections. “That said, we do not view the latest outturn as a sign of fundamental external-sector weakness, as structural foreign exchange inflows from remittances, [business process outsourcing (BPO)] revenues, and tourism continue to provide support to the country’s external position,” said Asuncion. Meanwhile, the gross international reserves (GIR) fell 8.77 percent to $99.49 billion in September from $109.06 billion a year ago. They were also lower than the $104.85 billion recorded in August. The BSP said its net foreign exchange operations, downward valuation adjustments on its gold holdings and foreign currency-denominated reserve assets due to price changes, and the government’s drawdowns on its foreign currency deposits and net foreign currency withdrawals likely drove the decline in reserves.
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
BIR closes 78 stations over illicit petroleum THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it has tested 189 fuel stations in 10 revenue regions as of Oct. 13, 2026, as it steps up enforcement against illicit fuel trade and moves to protect the government’s revenue base. It said of the stations tested, 111 passed the field tests and 78 failed, a failure rate of 41.3 percent. The BIR said it sealed the affected pumps at the 78 establishments. A total of 900,250.69 liters of fuel inventory is linked to the failed tests. The operations covered Revenue Region (RR) No. 5 (CAMANAVA and Bulacan); RR No. 6 (City of Manila and Palawan); RR No. 7A (Quezon City); RR No. 7B (East NCR); RR No. 8A (Makati City); RR No. 8B (South NCR); RR No. 11 (Western Visayas); RR No. 12 (Negros Island); RR No. 13 (Central Visayas) and RR No. 14 (Eastern Visayas). BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the bureau will keep tracing the fuel sources tied to failed station-level tests and will conduct further verification, including testing at fuel depots. He said that identifying a fuel source linked to a failed station test does not, by itself, establish that the supplier failed to comply. “We will pursue these findings thoroughly, but we must also be fair in our enforcement. Any finding of non-compliance must be supported by proper verification,” Mendoza said. The operations is part of the BIR’s DARES reform agenda under Revenue Collection and Base Protection. The agenda calls for stronger enforcement against illicit trade and other activities that erode the revenue base and put compliant businesses at a disadvantage. Thony Rose Lesaca
PH in talks with India, other countries for Mindanao Railway funding By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Philippine government is seeking India and other international partners to finance the Mindanao Railway Project as funding arrangements remain uncertain. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the government discussed the possibility of Indian investment in the Mindanao Railway Project and the Bicol South Long Haul Project during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to India in the first week of September.
“We’re trying to pitch the projects,” Lopez told reporters on the sidelines of the EJAP Infrastructure Forum 2026. Lopez said government-to-government (G2G) financing is the preferred option for the project. Besides India, Lopez named multilateral financial institutions and other international partners as potential funding sources, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and various
export-import banks. He also cited France as a possible partner. The government is looking for alternative funding after China withdrew its financial support for the project. The P81.6-billion Phase 1 of the Mindanao Railway Project spans 100.2 kilometers and has eight stations. Once operational, the line is expected to serve 122,000 passengers daily and cut travel time from Tagum City to Digos City to one hour from three hours.
The full 1,544-km. rail system will connect key provinces and cities, including Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao and Malaybalay. The project, the first railway system outside Luzon, is one of the big-ticket infrastructure projects of the Duterte administration under the Build, Build, Build program. It is designed to improve inter-island connectivity and boost economic development in Mindanao.
DOTr warns vessels vs. overloading ahead of travelers influx for Undas By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) will tighten enforcement against passenger and cargo overloading as it expects travel demand to rise by at least 10 percent during the Undas holiday period, particularly in air and sea transport, Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Monday. Speaking on the sidelines of the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) Infrastructure Forum 2026 in Makati City, Lopez said the department is preparing for more travelers this year, with the longer holiday weekend expected to push passenger volumes above last year’s. “We always prepare for it to go up more than last year. Better that way
so all agencies involved will be ready for anything,” Lopez said, estimating that travel traffic could easily increase by 10 percent. The expected surge covers air, sea and road travel. Lopez said the government and private transport operators, including tollway companies, are preparing for higher volumes rather than assuming a decline. For sea travel, Lopez said stricter enforcement will prevent vessels from carrying passengers or cargo beyond allowable limits. The Philippine Coast Guard will lead efforts to ensure vessels comply with safety and capacity requirements. “We have to strictly enforce the rules to avoid a repeat of previous unfortunate incidents,” Lopez said. He said enforcement will cover both passenger and cargo loading, citing previous maritime incidents involving overloading as a wake-up call for operators and regulators. “The Coast Guard really needs to focus on not only the overloading of the passenger but also the cargo,” he added. Sea passengers totaled 1.72 million in 2025, while air passengers were estimated at no less than 5.8 million. Lopez said the government will ensure that the expected increase in sea travelers does not lead to overcapacity, particularly during the Undas rush, when demand for interisland travel typically rises.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to award a critical contract package of the $3.91-billion Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) project in November 2026, pending concurrence from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), according to Secretary Vince Dizon on the sidelines of the EJAP Infrastructure Forum in Makati City. Package 6 is a critical part of the project of the 32.15-kilometer bridge system across Manila Bay.
DPWH set to award new contract for Bataan-Cavite bridge next month THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will award a critical contract package of the $3.91-billion Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) project in November 2026, pending concurrence from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Secretary Vince Dizon said Monday. “We will award P6 [Package 6], which is a critical part of the project, within November. It’s already pending with the ADB [Asian Development Bank] for concurrence,” Dizon told reporters on the sidelines of the EJAP Infrastructure Forum 2026. The ADB, which is co-financing the
project, approved a $2.11-billion loan in 2023. The Philippine government’s counterpart funding totals $664.23 million. The bridge’s civil works are divided into six contract packages. A consortium of China Wu Yi Co. Ltd. and Fujian Road & Bridge Construction Group Co. Ltd. won Package 1, which covers construction of the Bataan land approach in Mariveles, Bataan. The DPWH awarded Package 2 in November 2025 to a consortium of China Wu Yi, Jinan Urban Construction Group Co. Ltd. and CM Pancho Construction Inc. Darwin G. Amojelar
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Mynt, Aznar Shipping, VitroREIT IPOs offer market diversification THE planned initial public offerings of Mynt Inc., Aznar Shipping Corp. and VitroREIT Inc. could help renew attention on the local equities market and broaden opportunities for retail investors, according to stockbrokerage firm Unicapital Securities Inc. The pipeline includes Mynt, the parent company of GCash, which is raising as much as P60.9 billion, and Cebu-based Aznar Shipping, which has filed for a proposed P737 million offering. Wendy Estacio-Cruz, head of research at Unicapital Securities, said new listings could attract more investors and bring companies from a wider range of industries to the local market. However, she cautioned that more
IPOs would not necessarily translate to a sustained market recovery. “Investor appetite, valuations, and broader market conditions will ultimately determine whether these offerings can generate lasting momentum,” Estacio-Cruz said. Mynt’s listing could encourage other companies in emerging industries to consider raising funds through the stock market. However, Unicapital said sustained trading activity and earnings growth after listing would be stronger signs of investor interest in the company. Aside from a company’s growth story, Unicapital said investors should also examine its profitability, cash flow, capital requirements, and how its valuation compares with relevant peers. Jenniffer B. Austria
EMPOWERING INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES. More than 30 members of the Tagbanua Tandulanen Indigenous Cultural Community from 11 barangays in El Nido, Palawan, participate in a disaster preparedness training session organized by telecommunications provider PLDT. The initiative aims to build community resilience alongside network connectivity as part of PLDT’s #KonektedforInclusion program, which uses technology to expand access to learning, livelihood and digital tools for underrepresented sectors.
Peso falls to new low as stocks edge higher By Thony Rose Lesaca and Jenniffer B. Austria
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HE Philippine peso slid to a fresh record low of 63.09 against the U.S. dollar on Monday, weakening by 10.5 centavos from Friday’s close of 62.985 per dollar, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.
This surpassed the previous all-time low of 63.06 logged Oct. 15. The peso opened at 62.98 against the greenback
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on the first trading day of the week before reaching an intraday low of 63.17 per dollar. Philippine Institute for Development Studies senior research fellow John Paolo Rivera said the movement reflected persistent dollar strength, elevated oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty and increased demand for foreign currency. He noted that the widening balance of payments deficit and cautious investor sentiment could have also added pressure. “Depreciation could continue while these conditions persist, although some stabilization is possible if oil prices ease and global financial conditions improve,” Rivera said. “The greater concern is not another record low itself but prolonged depreciation that translates into higher inflation and weaker household purchasing power.” Meanwhile, Philippine shares rose Monday, bringing the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index closer to the 5,800 level as investors positioned themselves ahead of an anticipated Mynt initial public offering. The PSEi gained 15.20 points, or 0.26 percent, to close at 5,797.90, while the broader all shares index advanced 14.67 points, or 0.46 percent, to 3,233.48. “Market sentiment was further supported by a correction in crude oil prices, easing some concerns over inflationary pressures,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said. “However, investors remained cautious ahead of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ interest rate decision on Thursday, with the outcome expected to provide further guidance on the monetary policy outlook,” Limlingan added. Four of the six sectoral indices ended higher. Holding firms led gainers, rising 1.08 percent, followed by financials, which added 0.77 percent. Industrial stocks climbed 0.57 percent, while mining and oil gained 0.21 percent. Services fell 0.42 percent, while property slipped 0.01 percent. The Philippine market ended with 99 gainers, 67 decliners and 81 unchanged, with total turnover at P4.63 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers, with net outflows reaching P70.6 million. Shares of PLDT Inc. jumped 4 percent to P1,300, while RL Commercial REIT Inc. dropped 5.93 percent to P6.35.
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Exchange rate decline in Philippine setting THE gradual but continued depreciation of the Philippine peso in the world currency market during most of 2026 – to 63 to the U.S. dollar last week – has been received variously by different sectors of Philippine society. It has generally been received with alarm and apprehension by the business sector, which believes that a loss of exchange value by the peso is a negative development for the Philippine economy. On the part of the government, the reaction has been an admixture of worry and hope, depending on which side of the governance structure is reacting.
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In the Philippine economic setting, the continuing erosion of the exchange value of the peso is, on balance, a minus factor for the economy. There are essentially two ways by which the exchange value of a currency can change. One way is by deliberation, i.e., as an instrument of a government’s foreign trade policy. Governments can, and do, manipulate their national currencies in an effort to enhance or strengthen their countries’ external payments balances. Prevention of currency manipulation is precisely one of the principal reasons for which the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its predecessor, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) were established. A currency exchange rate also can change as a reflection of the country’s overall economic performance, particularly its performance in world markets for goods and services. This second explanation for the movements of a currency in
the world currency market is the more usual explanation for currency -value behavior such as the ongoing behavior of the Philippine peso. This country’s government does not engage, and has never engaged, in outright manipulation of the peso’s exchange rate as an instrument of national external payments policy. Thus, the nature and seriousness of a currency’s performance in the world currency market must be evaluated in the context of the configuration of the national economy of which the currency forms part. Whether a government should react forcefully to a persistent loss of currency value and the kinds of remedial action it should take – such as intervention by the central bank – will depend on the balance of costs and benefits to the national economy that results from a currency depreciation. In the Philippine economic setting, the continuing erosion of the exchange value of the peso is, on balance, a minus factor for the economy. In recent decades, the Philippines has progressively degenerated into a heavy import-dependent, lessexport-oriented country, giving rise to recurrent massive merchandise trade deficits. On the one hand, this country now imports all categories of merchandise, including basic food items; its roster of merchandise exports has become stultified, with very few new products entering the list of exports. And then there is the service of this CYAN CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOW country’s foreign-currency-denominated external debt. Every peso loss of exchange value means a very substantial additional burden for the General Appropriations Act, resulting in cuts in budgetary appropriations for such other government priority expenditures as education and health care. In sum, this country’s present economic setting precludes the government’s maintaining a complacent posture toward the continuing erosion of the peso’s exchange value. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com)
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AI TRAINING. Filipino students interested in artificial intelligence can join the free
IOAI Philippines 2027 national selection for a chance to train and represent the country in international AI competitions. Hosted by Ateneo BUILD, the search is open to Filipino K–12 students studying here or abroad who were born on or after July 1, 2007. No programming experience is needed for the first round, which can be completed online using a mobile phone from Nov. 16 to 22, 2026. Source: IOAI
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PH imports 1,419 pregnant cattle By Othel V. Campos
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HE National Dairy Authority (NDA) said Monday it imported 1,419 pregnant dairy cattle from Australia, the first such shipment in nearly three years, with the animals and their offspring projected to produce 5.9 million liters of milk in 2027.
The importation is expected to expand the country’s dairy herd by about 2,527 heads, including offspring, accounting for around 20 percent of the government’s target cattle milk production next year. The cattle comprise Holstein-Jersey, purebred Holstein and HolsteinJersey cross breeds. Of the total,
150 heads will be quarantined at the NDA stock farm in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija, 150 at its stock farm in Ubay, Bohol, and the remaining 1,119 at the Del Monte Feed Lot in Bukidnon for quarantine and acclimatization. NDA administrator Marcus Antonius Andaya said the importation would
provide quality dairy cattle for distribution to qualified farmers and cooperatives through a grant program, helping them expand their herds and raise milk production. “After almost three years, the NDA has resumed the importation of dairy cattle and we now have a source of good quality animals to be dispersed to farmers by way of a grant to help expand the country’s dairy herd and increase local milk production,” he said. The NDA stock farms will serve as facilities for herd development, breeding and cattle management before the animals’ offspring are distributed to qualified beneficiaries. “Our stock farms serve a clear
purpose in developing the local dairy industry - to build up the herd and help make dairy cattle available to farmers and cooperatives. Through these facilities and our dispersal program, we aim to help more local producers expand their operations and increase their milk production,” Andaya said. The initiative will also benefit 176 individual coconut farmers, cooperatives and associations under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), giving them opportunities to diversify their livelihoods through dairy farming. The program is being implemented in coordination with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
BCDA renews storage leases of oil majors at La Union Port
THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority renewed leases with Chevron Philippines, Shell Pilipinas Corp. and Petron Corp. to keep their fuel facilities operating at the San Fernando International Seaport in La Union, strengthening fuel supply security in Northern Luzon. The agreements, signed Sept. 28, secure the continued operations of the three major oil companies at Poro Point, a key logistics gateway for fuel and other essential commodities in the region. BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang said maintaining an efficient and well-managed PATIENT CARE. port is critical to sustaining economic Representatives from activity and attracting investments to Novo Philippines La Union. join healthcare “By reinforcing a transparent and leaders, professionals, well-managed port environment topolicymakers and day, we preserve the vital operational patient advocates conditions required to drive long-term at the 5th Patient growth and attract future investments Safety Congress to La Union,” he said. in Manila to mark World Patient Safety PPMC president and chief exDay 2026. Hosted ecutive Servillano Flores Jr. said the by the University lease renewals would support reliable of the Philippines port operations and strengthen partManila’s colleges of nerships with major industry players. medicine, pharmacy Chevron manager for DM&C Field and nursing, the twoOperations, Lubricants and Internaday event focused on tional Terminals Mario Serranillo said advancing safer, more the company remains committed to coordinated care for safe, reliable and sustainable operapeople living with noncommunicable tions at Poro Point. diseases. Petron vice president for procurement Jacqueline Ang said the company’s presence at the port dates to the 1960s and that the renewed lease would allow it to continue supplying industries in the region. “With the BCDA Group taking over the administration of the property, we are very much excited to advance this leasehold partnership, serve the industries in the region, and provide rail fare discounts for senior citizens, world-class fuel products to the pubpersons with disabilities and students lic,” Ang said. from 20 percent to 50 percent on Shell contracts and maintenance LRT-1, LRT-2 and MRT-3. manager Paulo Ocampo said the As of August 2026, the policy had NOTICE would help ensure stable CYAN covered 18.3 million senior citizens,Noticeagreement is hereby given that Stock Certificate CYAN supplies La Union and other 12.3 million persons with disabilitiesNos. 1,fuel 12, and 13 of in Manila Water Infratech Northern Luzon markets. and 52.7 million students, with dedi-Solutions, Inc. (formerly Manila Water The BCDA saidregistered the continued opcated express lanes provided to eli-Total Solutions, Inc.), in the ofWater the three companies gible passengers. name erations of Manila Company, Inc.would and 440,000,000, and support 199,995, local employment, regional The DOTr is also promoting therepresenting common shares, industrial activity and respectively, supply-chain Pamilya Pass, an initiative launched112,000,000 reportedwhile lost. Unless contested connectivity strengthening the under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.have been one (1) year from the last publication Fernando International Seaport that offers a buy-one-get-three-freewithin San of thisasNotice, said maritime certificates shall be a strategic gateway for deal on LRT and MRT rides. cancelled in the Corporation’s books and Northern Luzon. Othel V. Campos Othel V. Camposreplaced.
DOTr seeks to revive ‘12 Days of Christmas’ free train ride program THE Department of Transportation is looking to revive its “12 Days of Christmas — Libreng Sakay” program after the initiative served nearly 2.85 million passengers on Metro Manila’s three major rail lines during its first run in December 2025. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez cited the government’s commuter assistance programs during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines Infrastructure Forum 2026 on Monday, highlighting efforts to reduce transport costs for Filipino families. The Christmas initiative provided
free rides on LRT-1, LRT-2 and MRT3 from Dec. 14 to Dec. 25, 2025, with each day dedicated to a particular passenger group. All commuters were allowed to ride for free on Christmas Day. The DOTr reported 2,841,788 pasManila Manila sengers during the 12-day program, Standard TODAY TODAY including 1.18 million on MRT-3, 1.09 million on LRT-1 and 565,887 on LRT-2. The highest daily ridership was recorded on Christmas Day, when 835,777 passengers rode the three rail lines for free. Lopez said the broader Libreng Sakay initiative had served nearly 13
million passengers, underscoring the demand for government support to ease commuting expenses. The department also reported that as of March 2026, nearly 500,000 Beep cards had been issued, including through seven campus caravans across Metro Manila. Lopez underscored government efforts for the white Beep card to make concessionary fares more accessible to eligible passengers on LRT-1 and MRT-3. The system reduced processing time for discounted fares from one week to less than five minutes. The government also increased
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DTI pushes to accelerate P180-m Batangas micro-molding facility THE Department of Trade and Industry intends to accelerate Singapore-based MNEX Corp.’s P180 million plant in Batangas, which will manufacture precision-molded plastic parts for electronics, medical devices and industrial applications ahead of its planned early 2027 start. DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque met with MNEX chief executive Cindy Goh-Cabral on Oct. 10 during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Singapore to discuss construction progress and ways to streamline the company’s entry into Philippine manufacturing. Registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority in December 2025, the facility is located at the Light Industry and Science Park III Special Economic Zone in Santo Tomas, Batangas. The plant will introduce micro-molding technology to the Philippines and strengthen domestic supply chains serving global manufacturers. Roque said the government could address the company’s concerns over power costs and land ownership through enhanced electricity expense deductions for PEZA-registered enterprises, industrial land leases of up to 99 years and full foreign ownership of renewable energy projects, including rooftop solar. MNEX also expressed interest in establishing a digital team in the Philippines to support its manufacturing systems. A unit of Singapore’s Meiban Group, MNEX is a family-owned precision plastics and electronics manufacturer established in 1986. Its operations include precision tooling, plastic injection molding, metal machining, automated assembly and product development. The meeting followed a PEZA investment mission to Singapore in August, where director general Tereso Panga and Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Singapore commercial counsellor Carla Grepo discussed MNEX’s long-term expansion plans. Othel V. Campos
BENGUET CORPORATION 7th Floor, Universal–Re Building 106 Paseo de Roxas, 1226 Makati City
NOTICE OF OF THE THE ANNUAL ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING MEETING NOTICE Dear Stockholder: Stockholder: Dear Notice is is hereby hereby given given that that the the Annual Annual Stockholders’ Stockholders’ Meeting Meeting Notice of ALTERNERGY ALTERNERGY HOLDINGS HOLDINGS CORPORATION CORPORATION will will be be held held on on 10 10 of November 2026, 2026, Tuesday, Tuesday, at at 11:00 11:00 a.m. a.m. at at the the Ballroom, Ballroom, Mezzanine, Mezzanine, New New November World Makati Makati Hotel, Hotel, Esperanza Esperanza St. St. comer comer Makati Makati Avenue, Avenue, Ayala Ayala Center, Center, World Makati City. City. Makati The Agenda Agenda for for the the Meeting Meeting is is as as follows: follows: The 1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 3. 4. 4. 5. 5.
Call to to Order; Order; Call Secretary’s Proof Proof of of the the Required Required Notice; Notice; Secretary’s Proof of of the the Presence Presence of of aa Quorum; Quorum; Proof Approval of of the the Minutes Minutes of of Previous Previous Stockholders’ Stockholders’ Meetings; Meetings; Approval Report of of Management Management and and the the Board Board of of Directors Directors and and Approval Approval Report of the the Audited Audited Financial Financial Statements Statements as as of of the the period period ending ending 30 30 of June 2026; 2026; June 6. Ratification Ratification of of All All Acts, Acts, Transactions Transactions and and Resolutions Resolutions by by the the 6. Board of of Directors Directors and and Management Management since since the the 2025 2025 Annual Annual Board Stockholders’ Meeting; Meeting; Stockholders’ 7. Election Election of of Directors; Directors; 7. 8. Appointment Appointment of of External External Auditor; Auditor; 8. 9. Other Other Matters; Matters; 9. 10. Adjournment. Adjournment. 10. A brief brief explanation explanation and and rationale rationale for for each each item item of of the the Agenda Agenda is is A attached as as Annex Annex “A” “A” of of the the Information Information Statement. Statement. attached Only stockholders stockholders of of record record and and in in good good standing standing as as of of 19 19 October October Only 2026 will will be be entitled entitled to to notice notice of, of, and and to to vote vote at, at, the the meeting. meeting. 2026 For your your convenience, convenience, the the Corporation Corporation will will be be using using the the alternative alternative For mode for for distributing distributing and and providing providing copies copies of of this this Notice, Notice, Information Information mode Statement and and other other materials materials for for the the Annual Annual Stockholders’ Stockholders’ Meeting. Meeting. In In Statement accordance with with the the Notice Notice of of the the Securities Securities and and Exchange Exchange Commission Commission accordance dated 11 11 March March 2026 2026 regarding regarding the the Alternative Alternative Mode Mode for for Distributing Distributing and and dated Providing Copies Copies of of the the Notice Notice of of Meeting, Meeting, Information Information Statement, Statement, and and Providing Other Documents Documents in in connection connection with with the the Holding Holding of of Annual Annual Stockholders’ Stockholders’ Other Meeting and and Special Special Stockholders’ Stockholders’ Meeting, Meeting, aa copy copy of of the the Definitive Definitive Meeting Information Statement, Statement, Management Management Report, Report, SEC SEC Form Form 17A, 17A, Audited Audited Information Financial Statements Statements and and other other pertinent pertinent documents documents will will be be available available Financial for viewing viewing and and downloading downloading at at the the Corporation’s Corporation’s website website https://www. https://www. for alternergy.com/investors/disclosures and and PSE PSE Edge Edge at at https://edge. https://edge. alternergy.com/investors/disclosures pse.com.ph/companyDisclosures/form.do?cmpy_id=701. pse.com.ph/companyDisclosures/form.do?cmpy_id=701. All stockholders stockholders are are cordially cordially invited invited to to attend attend the the Meeting. Meeting. Should Should All you, however, however, be be unable unable to to attend, attend, you you may may designate designate an an authorized authorized you, representative by by submitting submitting aa scanned scanned copy copy of of your your proxy proxy form form to to ahc. ahc. representative shareholderregistration@alternergy.comno no later later than than the the close close of of shareholderregistration@alternerg.com business hours hours on on 33 November November 2026. 2026. All All proxies proxies will will be be validated validated on on 55 business November 2026. 2026. November
ANNOUNCEMENT Notice is hereby given that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (ASM) of Benguet Corporation (the “Company”) will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and will be held virtually or via online/remote communication. The Company will not hold a physical meeting. The agenda of the meeting provides, among others: 1. Approval of Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on November 18, 2025; 2. Approval of Management Report and Audited Financial Statements for 2025; 3. Approval of re-appointment of Sycip Gorres Velayo and Company (SGV) as the Company’s Independent External Auditor; 4. Ratification of all acts, contracts, investments, resolutions and proceedings made and entered into by Management and/or the Board of Directors during the period from November 18, 2025 until the date of the 2026 Annual Stockholders’ meeting; 5. Election of eleven (11) shareholders to serve as members of the Board of Directors (including Independent Directors) for the ensuing year; and 6. Such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Stockholders intending to participate in the meeting via remote communication and exercise their right to vote in absentia should first register and be authorized on or before November 4, 2026 thru Company’s website https://benguetcorp.com/investor-relations/ annual-stockholders-meeting/. Stockholders should submit a scanned copy of a valid government-issued identification card (ID) for registration and verification purposes. Indirect stockholders should submit their broker’s certification of shareholding. Stockholders whose registration is validated will receive an email containing the meeting ID and password. Stockholders who cannot attend by remote communication can still be represented and vote at the meeting by submitting a proxy. A copy of the proxy form containing instruction on each item on the Agenda that requires stockholders vote is downloadable in the Company’s website: https://benguetcorp. com/investor-relations/annual-stockholders-meeting/. The Information Statement (SEC Form 20-IS) with the Management Report and other pertinent documents, the Annual Report 2025 (SEC Form 17-A) with 2025 Sustainability Report and the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, and the 2026 First and Second Quarter Reports (SEC Form 17Q) as filed with the SEC and PSE are available for downloading at the Company’s website www.benguetcorp.com and in the online system of PSE Edge Portal https://edge.pse.com.ph. By authority of the Board of Directors (Sgd.) HERMOGENE H. REAL Corporate Secretary
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Semirara: DOE tries to kill the ‘golden goose’
Salmon Group, a technology-driven banking and lending platform in the Philippines, secures an additional $140 million, or about P8.8 billion, in financing to support its growth in the country. Shown are Salmon co-founders (from left) George Chesakov, Pavel Fedorov and Raffy Montemayor in front of Nasdaq’s headquarters in Times Square, New York.
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Salmon raises P8.8b to scale PH lending operations By Darwin G. Amojelar and Thony Rose Lesaca SALMON Group, a technologydriven banking and lending platform in the Philippines, said Monday it secured an additional $140 million, or about P8.8 billion, in financing to support its growth in the country. Proceeds will fund the scaling of profitable lending, including Salmon Credit Line and in-store lending, and the nationwide rollout of new products such as motorcycle and micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) lending. “Everyday financial services come with unnecessary friction for many
Filipinos. We’re removing these barriers and building innovative products with the reliability and security customers expect in today’s world,” Salmon co-founder Pavel Fedorov said. “We are doubling down on the opportunity in the Philippines as we believe deeply in its scale and in the importance of focus to deliver a differentiated execution. This financing lets us do more: extend banking and credit access to more Filipinos, roll out new products, and keep raising the bar for the financial services industry in the country. We are grateful to our existing investors for backing the next stage of our mission,” he
IN BRIEF SMC vows to complete Caticlan airport terminal
SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) has committed to completing the passenger terminal building at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan by the second quarter of 2027, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said. “Last year, we started the construction, and SMC committed to finish it by the second quarter of next year,” Lopez said. The new terminal will cover about 36,000 square meters and feature modern amenities to improve passenger comfort and convenience. It is designed to accommodate up to 7 million passengers a year. SMC, through Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp. (TADHC), is expanding Boracay Airport under a 25year build-rehabilitate-operate-transfer concession granted by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Under a concession agreement with the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), TADHC holds the exclusive rights and obligations to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the airport. Darwin G. Amojelar
Cebu companies urged to shore up energy system
BUSINESSES in Cebu need to strengthen energy systems within their own operations because supply volatility in the Visayas grid is expected to persist through 2028, a COREPLUS executive said. COREPLUS senior business development manager PJ Vinoya said the region’s power challenges are structural rather than seasonal. He cited repeated grid alerts, generation outages, rising demand and volatile electricity prices. “Businesses need to look beyond the direct cost of electricity. Voltage dips and outages, equipment wear, downtime, inefficient loads and planned expansion all affect operations, and these are factors businesses can act on,” Vinoya said. Vinoya spoke at “SIDLAK CEBU:
THE Philippines ranked sixth among six Southeast Asian markets in startup equity funding value in the first half of 2026, according to a regional report. The H1 2026 Southeast Asia Startup Funding Report, presented by Kickstart Ventures in collaboration with DealStreet Asia under the theme “Proof, Precision and Patience,” showed investors put $7.25 billion into 217 equity deals across the region. The Philippines captured 1.1 percent of regional capital, or P5 billion ($81 million), through seven transactions, equal to 3.2 percent of deal volume. Funding value rebounded sharply from P2.81 billion ($33 million) in the second half of 2025, even as local deal volume continued to decline. Consumer platform Salmon’s P3 billion ($60 million) Series B round
“Why kill the golden goose for zero gain?” the company said in a statement. SMPC said it has paid P70.5 billion over the past 29 years and contributes about P600 million a year to Caluya, where it operates, for education, healthcare and livelihood programs. The company said it also helps provide affordable baseload electricity. Coal-fired plants in the Luzon-Visayas grid recorded an average price of P4.05 per kilowatt-hour in September, compared with P14 per kWh for liquefied natural gas plants, it said. SMPC said it supported more than 4,000 jobs before DOE bidding rules, which it called disadvantageous, put its operations under threat. It said the rules require it to surrender assets such as trucks and heavy equipment to the government as a condition for
Building Business Resilience During Energy Volatility,” a half-day event that drew around 50 business owners and industry professionals recently at JEG Tower in Cebu City. COREPLUS organized it with partners FV Mapile, Huawei and Jinko Solar. COREPLUS provides energy engineering and technical services for commercial and industrial facilities. Its services include electrical audits, system maintenance, energy efficiency retrofits, Energy Management System integration, and solar and battery energy storage projects. It is a subsidiary of Vivant Energy, the power arm of Vivant Corp. Alena Mae S. Flores
ABOITIZ Power Corp. (AboitizPower) encouraged businesses to use the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) program and rooftop solar to lower their electricity bills as tight supply and the war in Iran add pressure to utility costs. AboitizPower chief corporate services officer Carlos Aboitiz made the call during a panel discussion at the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo, hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “There are a couple of things that businesses can think to do today to try to seek relief on the power rates side and lower their cost structures. The Energy Regulatory Commission is increasingly lowering the threshold for when businesses can source their power directly from retail electricity suppliers,” he said. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) lowered the RCOA eligibility threshold from 500 kilowatts to 100 kilowatts beginning June 26, 2026. “So that means those who have smaller businesses, who have in the past been limited to distribution utilities, now increasingly have the option to source directly from power companies who could provide lower cost of power,” Aboitiz said. AboitizPower operates in retail electricity supply through its wholly owned subsidiary AdventEnergy. Alena Mae S. Flores
anchored the increase. Salmon ranked 10th overall and was the only Philippine startup among the region’s top 20 equity rounds. DealStreet Asia head of research Andi Haswidi said in an interview that Singapore has traditionally been the region’s key market. “But this year, for the first time, we’re seeing how Malaysia is becoming the second largest market, replacing Indonesia. The Philippines was up there for a moment, but it has come down,” Haswidi said. Capital concentrated further in a few markets. Singapore kept 90 percent of total funding, while Indonesia suffered a deal drought that reshuffled the regional ranking. Malaysia overtook Indonesia for second place on aggressive sovereign wealth deployment, including a $100 million investment from Khazanah through Jelawang and KWAP.
submitting a bid. The company alleged the other interested bidder faces no such restriction and must meet only the “sole ranking factor” of offering the highest bid to take over the mine by July 2027. SMPC warned that a highest bidder with no mining experience would most likely produce zero coal. That would mean zero royalty payments to the government and defeat the DOE’s goal of raising the most revenue, it said. The company said technical mining competence was the key factor for the auction early this year. It said questionable rules emerged midyear without pre-qualification, routine bulletins or replies to inquiries, and that the rules set no penalties if the winning bidder produces no coal.
WORKPLACE CULTURE.
EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Philippines earns four distinctions from HR Asia and the Asia CEO Awards, underscoring an approach to growth that pairs employee experience and inclusion with investments in technology and futureready capabilities. EY GDS Philippines is named one of the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2026 – The Philippines Chapter. EY GDS Philippines also receives the HR Asia Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award and the HR Asia Tech Empowerment Award.
AboitizPower asks firms to tap RCOA, rooftop solar
PH at bottom of ASEAN startup funding By Gene Paul Agapito
said. Salmon Group is a financial services holding company building a banking and lending platform across Southeast Asia, starting with the Philippines. It operates Salmon Bank (Rural Bank) Inc., licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and Salmon Finance Inc., licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, along with a growing suite of financial products delivered through the Salmon app. The app has 9 million downloads, a 4.8 rating on both the App Store and Google Play, 99.9 percent uptime and 24/7 customer support. The company said this makes it one of the highestrated financial services apps in the Philippines.
EMIRARA Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) on Monday questioned the Department of Energy’s rules for auctioning the Semirara coal mine in Antique province, asking why a productive industrial success is being targeted at no gain to the government, the public or the municipality it helped become one of the country’s wealthiest.
BNP Paribas set to launch hub in Uptown Bonifacio By Jenniffer B. Austria BNP Paribas, one of the world’s largest banks, will set up Philippine operations at Megaworld Corp.’s Uptown Bonifacio township in Taguig City, the property developer said Monday. BNP Paribas Solutions Philippines will lease office space at Uptown Eastgate, a 31-story office tower with about 100,000 square meters of gross leasable area in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Megaworld said in a statement. The facility will serve as a strategic delivery center for the French banking group’s global shared services for its Corporate and Institutional Banking business. “BNP Paribas’ arrival in Uptown Bonifacio reflects the confidence of global companies in the township as a strategic location for their operations,” said Megaworld Global Offices head Francis Roxas. “Master-planned business districts within Megaworld townships provide access to talent, connectivity, mobility and amenities that support productivity and employee experience. This gives companies the advantage of operating in a complete environment designed around both business and people,” he said. BNP Paribas ranked 58th on the 2026 Fortune Global 500 list and has more than 180,000 employees across 64 countries and territories. The bank has more than $3.2 trillion in managed assets, according to Megaworld.
11 firms eye 900-MW Meralco supply deal MANILA Electric Co. said Monday it received expressions of interest from 11 power generation companies for the competitive selection process (CSP) covering 900 megawatts (MW) of baseload supply starting 2031. Meralco vice-president Lawrence Fernandez did not identify the companies or the total capacity offered. He said he expects them to join the upcoming pre-bid conference and submit bids. Meralco PowerGen Corp., the company’s power generation arm, also expressed interest in the bidding. The Department of Energy (DOE) earlier issued a certificate of conformity on the terms of reference for the power supply agreements (PSAs) covering
REPORT CARD. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. (center) receives an ‘A-‘ rating in Global Finance magazine’s Central Banker Report Cards 2026, the third straight year he has earned the distinction. Remolona is among 25 central bank governors worldwide to receive a rating in the “A” range this year. Global Finance presented the recognition on Oct. 17, 2026 at a ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside the IMF/ World Bank Annual Meetings.
Meralco’s 2031 baseload requirement. Meralco’s bids and awards committee for PSAs asked power generation companies to submit expressions of interest by Oct. 15. The pre-bid conference is set for Nov. 6, and bids are due Dec. 9. The 15-year PSA from this CSP will cover 600 MW of supply starting Feb. 26, 2031, and an additional 300 MW starting Feb. 26, 2032, subject to Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approval. Through the CSP, Meralco aims to keep securing sufficient and reliable power supply for its customers’ growing electricity needs. Alena Mae S. Flores
ENVIRONMENT
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RAY S. EÑANO, Editor
& S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
Resilience, preparations temper risks
A cornfield in Barangay Bagtason, Bugasong in this photo taken on Sept. 3, 2026. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist advised farmers to plant droughtresistant crops, such as corn, in anticipation of the impact of Super El Niño. Photo courtesy of DA-Western Visayas
D
EPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna called on the Filipino youth to be active community leaders in disaster risk reduction and environmental protection.
Agriculturist recommends corn, other crops requiring less water SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique—The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) here has recommended the planting of corn and other crops requiring less water amid the threat of Super El Niño. OPA Information Officer Christian Dubria said in an interview on Thursday that the Department of Science and Technology, during the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting on Oct. 5, showed the dry spell forecast from November until
December, and predictions of the drought lasting early next year. Dubria said corn has a promising return, citing the success of a farmer in Patnongon municipality, who was named Outstanding Corn-Based Farmer in the 2026 Regional Gawad Saka Award of the Department of Agriculture. Rex Baldestamon, a retired ship captain turned corn farmer, adopted High-Density Planting (HDP), which resulted in high corn production in his nine-hectare lowland.
The HDP, Baldestamon said in a separate interview, is a modern agricultural approach that optimizes the use of the cornfield by planting more seeds. Through HDP, the space where weeds could grow is eliminated, thus reducing the need for pesticides and labor. Quarterly, he could harvest 140 sacks, or 8 tons per hectare, which he sells for P25 to P26 per kg. “I could earn as much as P165,000 per hectare per cropping from the corn production,” he said. PNA Annabel J. Petinglay
Cuna made the pitch during the Kabataan Summit on Disaster Risk Reduction held at SM City Puerto Princesa, Palawan in observance of the International Day of Disaster Resilience on October 13. Addressing youth leaders, local officials, environmental advocates and development partners, Cuna stressed the urgent need for communities to strengthen preparedness and resilience amid the increasing risks posed by natural hazards and climate-related events, particularly the impending Super El Niño. “We may not be able to prevent every disaster from happening. But we can prepare for them. We can understand the risks, plan ahead, and make sure that when disaster strikes, our families and communities are ready,” he said. The environment chief noted that the Philippines continues to face numerous threats each year, including typhoons, floods, droughts, earthquakes and other disasters, underscoring that preparedness is a shared responsibility across all sectors of society.
Highlighting this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction theme, “Resilience Starts at Home,” Cuna cited the importance of building a culture of preparedness that begins in households and communities. “While disasters cannot always be prevented, their impacts can be reduced through risk awareness, proper planning and timely action,” he said. “Families are often the first line of defense during emergencies and should be equipped to protect themselves and support one another when hazards occur.” The environment chief also highlighted the growing challenges posed by slow-onset hazards such as El Niño, which can lead to prolonged droughts, extreme heat and water shortages. He cited the need to shift from reactive responses to proactive risk management, encouraging communities to take preventive measures before hazards escalate into crises. “We are not just waiting for someone to save us. We are our own first responders. We are our own partners in building resilience,” he said.DENR News
Sustainability is good governance in action By Peter Paul Duran SUSTAINABILITY is increasingly becoming a business decision, not simply an environmental commitment. For companies, it affects how resources are used, how risks are managed and how investments are evaluated. As operating costs rise and market conditions change, decisions made today can shape a business’s ability to remain competitive and resilient over time. Behind these decisions is good governance. Good governance establishes accountability, provides discipline in managing risks and helps ensure that business decisions consider both immediate needs and longterm consequences. Sustainability puts those principles into practice by helping companies identify where responsible investments can support operations, manage risks and prepare for change. For SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, this means recognizing that sustainability takes different forms across its businesses, from retail and property to banking, logistics and renewable energy. “Good governance is about making sound and better decisions. Sustainability is the guidepost by which those decisions are put into practice,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments president and chief executive officer. Putting principles into practice Across the SM Group, sustainability initiatives respond to different business needs. The common thread is the effort to make decisions that consider operational requirements alongside longer-term environmental and business considerations. Energy is one example. More than 200,000 solar panels have been installed across the Group’s properties, supporting the use of renewable power in its operations. SM also remains on track toward its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2040.
At SM, sustainability efforts reflect both its commitment to business excellence and environmental stewardship. SM Investments acquired full ownership of Philippine Geothermal Production Company in 2022 and it continues to contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals.
These efforts form part of a broader approach to managing energy requirements and preparing businesses for longer-term environmental and operational challenges. Philippine Geothermal Production Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of SM Investments, continues to expand its investments in renewable energy, contributing through its business of energy production. In banking, BDO has deployed approximately ₱1.2 trillion in sustainable financing, including support for 71 renewable energy projects. Through financing, the bank helps businesses pursue sustainability objectives while directing capital toward projects with long-term potential. The examples illustrate the breadth of the SM Group’s contribution. One business can address its energy needs through renewable power, an-
other can invest in energy production, while a bank can help finance projects that support the transition to cleaner energy. Each responds to a different business requirement, but together they show how capabilities across the Group can contribute to a broader sustainability effort. The initiatives differ because the businesses face different needs. Yet each demonstrates how sustainability can be incorporated into decisions about energy, investment and the use of resources. A common foundation, different approaches For a group with businesses operating across different sectors, sustainability cannot follow a single formula. A retailer managing electricity consumption faces different considerations from a bank that contributes through the projects and businesses it finances.
“There is no single sustainability playbook. Every business responds uniquely to different opportunities and different challenges,” DyBuncio said. Governance provides a common foundation for these different approaches. It helps businesses assess their circumstances, weigh the costs and benefits of investments and determine whether initiatives are viable over time. For SM Investments, the challenge is to ensure that sustainability is considered within the context of each business, while maintaining a common commitment to responsible, resilient and sustainable growth across the Group. This discipline matters because responsible business decisions do not always produce immediate savings. Some investments require substantial resources before their benefits be-
come apparent. Others help address risks that could become more costly in the future. The challenge is to balance present operating requirements with the need to prepare for the future. For investors, customers, employees and communities, commitments become more meaningful when supported by accountability, consistent implementation and measurable action. At SM Investments, the examples across its businesses show how sustainability can become part of the way companies operate, invest and prepare for change. The approaches may differ, but the underlying principle remains the same: responsible growth requires sound decisions, clear accountability and a long-term view. “Good governance sets the direction. Sustainability puts that direction to work,” DyBuncio said.
SHOWBIZ
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Indie pop band BNV2K urges budding musicians to take the leap By Angelica Villanueva STARTING a band and releasing original music are not easy, especially for artists working without the backing of a record label. For independent Filipino pop band BNV2K, the best way to learn is to take the risk and keep making music. “Nothing is better than trying it on your own. Your best teacher is going to be the experience,” band leader, composer, and lyricist Joven “Ven” Cruz told Manila Standard Entertainment in an interview. Cruz acknowledged the challenges of being independent, including the cost of recording, buying equipment, and promoting songs without a dedicated management team. Reaching a wider audience and getting noticed by record labels also take time.
Still, he encouraged aspiring musicians to try rather than wonder what might have happened if they had pursued their passion. “If you fail, at least mayroong lessons na matutunan. If you succeed, good job,” Cruz said. BNV2K’s own experience reflects the value of taking chances. The band brings together members with different musical backgrounds, from pop, rock, and reggae to R&B, rap, metal, and Christian music. Its main sound is pop rock, but the members draw on their varied influences when creating songs. Cruz said aspiring artists should not limit themselves to one genre. Exploring different sounds, he added, helps musicians discover new ways to express themselves. “‘Wag din po tayo matakot na
kumuha ng iba’t ibang influences. Gawa lang po tayo nang gawa,” he said. BNV2K also emphasized the importance of having a clear purpose. While the band remains open to working with a record label, its immediate goal is to reach listeners and create music that inspires them. The members said they want their songs to speak to different experiences, including love, heartbreak, and concerns affecting communities. They also aim to make their music relatable to younger listeners. The group sees its independence as an opportunity to decide what music to release, when to release it, and how to develop its sound. At the same time, it recognizes the need for better resources for recording, production,
Analyn Barro
chooses ambition over a chance at love
Drawing from a similar personal experience, Analyn Barro connects with Kit, an aspiring actress torn between her career and relationship in ‘He’s Dating a Boldstar’
leading role on the big screen. She credited her experience on GMA’s long-running comedy program Bubble Gang with preparing her for the project. “Bubble Gang became my training ground. I’ve been doing it for almost a decade,” she shared. “There were times when we would do 12 to 15 sketches in a day, with different personalities and different roles.” She described comedy as a welcome break from more demanding dramatic performances. “Comedy is like a breather for me. When I do drama, I really have to immerse myself in the role. Comedy helps me breathe,” she explained. Her comedy background also helped her adjust to Malupiton, whose popularity comes from spontaneous videos on social media. Analyn admitted to accepting the movie even before reading the screenplay after learning who would play her leading man. “When I found out that Malupiton was my partner, I said, ‘Okay, go.’ I hadn’t even read the script yet,” she recalled. “I already knew he was good at comedy.” She also praised Malupiton’s ability to perform naturally despite his limited experience with scripted acting. “His acting is natural. It doesn’t look forced or scripted,” Analyn said. “Even without a script, he can immediately come up with something funny.” Malupiton, however, admitted that working on the film required considerable adjustment, particularly when following written dialogue and performing emotional scenes.
By Jasper Valdez
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CTRESS Analyn Barro has no regrets about choosing her career over a romantic relationship, a decision she said helped her understand the character she plays in the upcoming romantic comedy He’s Dating a Boldstar. During the film’s recent media conference, Analyn revealed that she once faced a situation similar to that of Kit Santa Ana, an aspiring actress caught between pursuing her ambitions and maintaining a relationship. “There was a time when I had to choose between my career and my love life,” Analyn said. “I don’t regret choosing my career first.” The actress believes financial independence should take priority when deciding whether to pursue a relationship. “You have to love yourself first before focusing on your love life,” she said. “You have to earn a living first because that’s the reality of the world.” In the film, Kit struggles to establish herself in the entertainment industry and eventually enters the world of bold films. Her ambitions complicate her relationship with Jeboy, a hotel employee and aspiring musician played by content creator Malupiton, whose real name is Joel Ravanera. Analyn said her character’s situation reminded her of the difficult choices she had faced in her own life. “It’s really difficult to choose between your career and love,” she said, adding that she remains convinced she made the right decision. He’s Dating a Boldstar also marks Analyn’s first
Analyn Barro (left) and Malupiton offer contracting approaches in ‘He’s Dating a Boldstar,’ combining her years in comedy with his improvisational style
“In our content, we don’t have scripts. We just improvise. But in a movie, there’s a script you have to follow,” he explained. He also found crying scenes challenging because his usual comedy videos rarely required dramatic performances. Director Niokz Arcega said the story goes beyond the romance between Jeboy and Kit, exploring the ambitions of ordinary Filipinos. “The story is about dreams. It’s about the aspirations of every Filipino,” he said, explaining that he drew from his own experiences when developing Jeboy’s character. Produced by NKO Films, He’s Dating a Boldstar opens in Philippine cinemas on Oct. 28.
BNV2K explores pop, rock, reggae, R&B, rap, metal, and Christian music as the independent group develops its sound
and promotion. Ven also offered a different perspective on the fear that often comes with starting something new. Rather than letting it stop them, he
encouraged aspiring musicians to keep writing and recording, learn from their mistakes, and discover what they can achieve through experience.
Shticks
Joseph Peter Gonzales
The story of ‘Remember’ revolves around an estranged couple—played by real-life Filipino superstars Dingdong Dantes (rightmost) and Marian Rivera (leftmost)—who are brought back together for the sake of their daughter, Zia Grace (center), whose memory is fading
Marian Rivera faces pressure of following ‘Rewind’ with ‘Remember’ MARIAN Rivera is celebrating another career milestone after being named one of the Best Actresses in local cinema over the past decade at the Multi Media Press Society’s 2026 Dekada Awards for her performance in the 2024 film Balota, which earned her acting honors at the 73rd FAMAS and 8th Eddys. “Definitely, it’s a huge honor,” she said. “I want to share my trophy with all those who believed in and trusted me with the project and my fellow actors in the movie. I really hope that we’ll continue to make stories that have heart, relevance, and courage.” Marian shared the honor with actresses Charo Santos, Maricel Soriano, and Judy Ann Santos. “It’s simply a humbling experience to share the stage with them. This award is a reminder that I should not stop honing my craft because there is still a lot that I can do and accomplish in the industry.” Marian is also excited about her upcoming film Remember, which reunites her with husband Dingdong Dantes. The couple previously starred in Rewind, an official entry to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) that remains one of the highest-grossing Filipino movies. “I’m thrilled to show what we’ve done in the movie. I can honestly say that if the audience liked Rewind, they will feel a different level with Remember.” Marian said her role in Remember is heavier than her character in Rewind. Asked whether the previous film’s success puts pressure on them, she said, “Well, we don’t want to say that there’s none because Rewind was a good project and many really supported it. We just hope that the movie-going public will also support Remember the same way.” She also expressed her fondness for working with Dingdong. “I just love working with my husband. He’s so caring. In fact, I miss our shooting days and how he took care of me the whole time. I’m looking forward to working with him again.” When choosing projects, Marian said she looks for something different. “It has to be something different, something that I’ve never done in the past. The plot also
matters.” *** AIKO Melendez and Onemig Bondoc are engaged, the actresspolitician recently revealed on social media. “Imagine waiting 29 years for a love story to finally find its way back home. Today, I am engaged to the man who has somehow been part of my story for almost three decades,” she wrote. Aiko said Onemig returned to her life when neither of them needed to be saved. “He came back when both our worlds were finally calm, peaceful, and aligned. This time, there were no circumstances forcing us to make a choice. No pressure. No need to prove anything to anyone.” Explaining why she chose to marry the former matinee idol, she wrote, “Not because I have to. Not because circumstances tell me to. But because I genuinely, wholeheartedly choose him. Some love stories begin with once upon a time. Ours began 29 years ago, took a very long detour, and somehow found its way back. And now, after all these years, I get to marry the one I waited for.”
Reuniting on the big screen, Marian Rivera (right) and Dingdong Dantes take on a more emotionally demanding family story in ‘Remember’
LIFE
C3 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
PEOPLE By Nickie Wang
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HE world’s fashion capitals have become familiar territory for Heart Evangelista, whose global following and unmistakable style continue to command attention from New York to Milan and Paris. At the latest Milan Fashion Week (MFW), the style icon once again earned recognition as one of the event’s top Celebrity Voices. The Spring/ Summer 2027 edition of MFW, held in Italy from Sept. 22 to 28, generated $528.3 million in Media Impact Value (MIV), with Heart contributing $9.8 million to the total, according to Launchmetrics. Launchmetrics, a Brand Performance Cloud platform that measures brand performance across the fashion industry, tracks five categories of industry voices: Celebrities, Traditional Media, Influencers, Partners, and Owned Media. Its reports analyze how these groups influence Across New York, Milan, major fashion events in New York and Milan, and Paris, Heart Evangelista alongside rankings of leading brands. keeps Filipino style visible in the global fashion conversation Heart Evangelista continues to rank among the industry’s strongest celebrity voices, with her Milan appearances generating $9.8 million in media impact value
Following her Milan run, Heart Evangelista heads to Paris for another round of shows, shoots, and major industry events
Heart Evangelista’s playground
The latest achievement followed her No. 1 ranking as Celebrity Voice at the most recent New York Fashion Week, which reinforced her position as a familiar and influential presence in the global fashion community. The actress, artist, and entrepreneur has cultivated a strong international following through her fashion appearances, brand partnerships, and support for designers from different parts of the world. Her continued success comes as Asian personalities gain greater visibility in an industry historically dominated by European and American names. Heart has helped pave the way for more Asian fashion influencers to
At the local Hoodie Day celebration, Denzel Chang shares how clothing can carry personal stories through art and customization
Filipino artist Denzel Chang adds a creative touch to iconic hoodie
Denzel Chang translates his Dilly and Dally characters into limitededition patches inspired by memory, relationships, loss, and hope
By Angelica Villanueva FILIPINO artist Denzel Chang joins Gap’s 2026 Hoodie Day celebration with a collection of limited-edition patches designed to give the brand’s iconic Logo Hoodie a personal touch. Part of the Philippine activation “Canvas for Culture,” the collaboration is tied to Gap’s global campaign, “Our Hoodie. Your Canvas.,” which celebrates the different ways people express themselves through a familiar wardrobe staple. Chang created limited-edition patches for “Canvas for Culture,” the brand’s Philippine activation for its global campaign, “Our Hoodie. Your Canvas.” The collaboration lets participants customize Gap’s Logo Hoodie, adding an artistic detail to a piece that has been worn by generations. Working mainly on canvas, Chang uses acrylic paint and mixed media, including sand and gesso. For the collaboration, he translated Dilly and Dally into a different medium, giving the characters a place on the brand’s iconic Logo Hoodie. His characters are two spinosaurs inspired by his love for dinosaurs. “The whole story of Dilly and Dally is about meeting people and then losing them and then getting back up. It’s like finding hope,” Chang explained. He described the characters’ story as a reflection of the people encountered throughout life. The patches also draw from experiences and relationships, with some designs carrying their own narratives. “I think there are so many stories
Participants personalize their hoodies through embroidery, distressing, and patchwork as the Philippine celebration turns a familiar wardrobe piece into a form of selfexpression
a hoodie could tell. There’s so much narrative it could bring,” he said. Among Chang’s favorite designs is a patch inspired by a hoodie that has been present through different stages of a person’s life. Gap Hoodie Day celebrates the Logo Hoodie, which has been part of the brand’s collections for more than 30 years. This year’s campaign focuses on how people make the familiar design their own, whether through the way they wear it or the details they add. Chang’s limited-edition patches add a local artistic element to the Philippine celebration. Instead of wearing the hoodie as-is, participants can personalize it and put their own stamp on the design. The celebration also introduces
Heart welcomed the news and expressed her delight at seeing Asian talent gain recognition on the international fashion scene. She has also consistently championed Asian designers, wearing their creations and sharing the stories and creative identities behind their work at fashion weeks around the world. After Milan, Heart headed straight to Paris Fashion Week, where she took part in a photo shoot at The Peninsula Paris for an international magazine cover. According to the figures cited in the original report, she also walked for 19 brands during the event.
a limited-edition Reversible Logo Hoodie, created exclusively for the occasion. Made from Gap’s heavyweight structured fleece, the piece offers two wearable looks in one. Gap has worked with artists and content creators through collaborations and community events around the world. For its Philippine celebration, the partnership with Chang extends that approach to a local audience, combining an established clothing design with the work of a Filipino artist. More than 30 years after its debut, the Logo Hoodie remains a familiar piece in Gap’s collections. Through “Canvas for Culture,” the brand gives Filipino participants a chance to make the design their own, one patch at a time.
gain recognition on the international stage, expanding the representation of Asian talent in the global style conversation. At the latest Milan Fashion Week, Thai actress Faye Peraya topped the Celebrity Voice rankings after generating $30 million in MIV, according to Launchmetrics.
Another highlight of her Paris visit was her participation in an event organized by The Business of Fashion (BoF), a global media and intelligence company covering the fashion, beauty, and luxury industries. Then she went to Japan for a brand she endorses, which she has helped introduce to a wider market, including Europe.
Fans, celebrities queue for iPhone 18 Pro at midnight launch events By Angelica Villanueva FILIPINO Apple fans welcomed the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with midnight countdowns, live music, and celebrity appearances as authorized retailers held launch events across Metro Manila and Cebu on Oct. 15 and 16. Beyond the Box and Digital Walker staged celebrations at Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City, Robinsons Ermita, and Glorietta Activity Center, drawing more than 300 customers across the three venues. Meanwhile, Digimap held simultaneous events at One Ayala, Ayala Malls Vermosa, and Ayala Center Cebu. At the Beyond the Box event in Uptown Mall, one customer began queuing at 9:00 p.m. on Oct. 14, more than a day before the official release. Social media personality Niana Guerrero later accompanied the early buyer to the store to claim her new phone. Niana was among the celebrities and content creators who attended the Beyond the Box and Digital Walker celebrations, alongside Olivia Banzon, Mikee Reyes, CK De Leon, Vince Velasco, and Rojean Veal. Bands Lola Amour and Over October performed during the countdown. The two retailers also announced a combined P12 million worth of giveaways, queuing incentives, and raffle prizes for customers. Burgundy, a new color in the lineup, emerged as the most popular choice during their launch events. Digimap held its main celebration at One Ayala, with DJ Janny Medina providing music and special guests Richard Gutierrez, Barbie Imperial, Gretchen Ho, Kelly Misa, and Kimpoy Feliciano joining the festivities. Princess Legaspi hosted the event. The retailer offered launch gifts worth up to P100,000 to the first and
At One Ayala, Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial join the midnight release as customers get first access to the newest flagship phones
second customers in line. “The launch of the iPhone 18 Pro is an exciting moment for the Apple community, and we wanted to make this milestone truly memorable for our customers across the country,” said Laine Vallar, Digimap Philippines’ country marketing head. Vallar added that the retailer aimed to make the latest Apple products more accessible through launch offers and personalized retail services. Digimap also promoted its DigiTrade program, which offers trade-in savings of up to P82,900, additional trade-in top-ups of up to P11,000, and installment plans of up to 36 months for qualified customers, subject to terms and conditions. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max became available through the three retailers’ sales channels nationwide on Oct. 16.
An early buyer receives launch-day recognition at the Glorietta Activity Center as customers and guests mark the overnight release with giveaways and festivities
C4 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026
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Sustainable Preparedness: Building Stronger Communities for Super El Niño
Poe promotes ocean sustainability through protection of Filipino fishers’ livelihoods TOKYO, Japan — The Philippines is pursuing fisheries enforcement and marine conservation measures to protect coastal livelihoods, safeguard maritime sovereignty and promote sustainable ocean resource use, a lawmaker said at the G1 Global Conference in Tokyo on October 12, 2026. Held under the theme “KYOSEI: Symbiotic Societies,” the conference featured Jack McCain and FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List Rep. Brian Poe, who discussed links between illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, maritime security and marine sustainability. McCain said IUU fishing should not be viewed solely as an environmental or fisheries management concern, citing implications for food security, coastal livelihoods and a country’s ability to exercise sovereignty over its maritime territory. “Fishing is intrinsically linked not just with food security, not just with the livelihood of fishermen, not just with the preservation and protection
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List Representative Brian Poe Speaks on Panel topic: ‘Towards and evolved free and open Indo-Pacific’
of our oceans, but also with maritime security,” McCain said. Poe highlighted difficulties faced by Filipino fishing communities in areas where tensions at sea have
made some fishers reluctant to venture out without Coast Guard protection. He said fishermen had reported being threatened with water cannons, intimidated by
From left are: Minako Lue, Dr. Minako Lue chair and chief executive officer of Sailors for the Sea Japan, Atushi Sunami president of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Congressman Brian Poe of FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist, Jack McCain board member of the McCain Institute and chief executive officer of McCain Advisory, and Keishi Abe Member of the Japanese House of Representatives.
Congressman Brian Poe shakes hands with Jack McCain during the G1 Global Conference in Tokyo.
larger vessels and pushed away from traditional fishing grounds. For many small-scale fishing households, daily catches determine income and food supply. Poe said rising fuel costs and the risks of going to sea have made fishing increasingly difficult for communities operating on tight margins. This underscored the need for reliable protection at sea. “When there’s overfishing within Philippine waters, that results in lower catches for families who have depended on this for generations and now no longer can,” Poe said. He added that protecting fishing communities requires addressing marine resource depletion and threats that prevent fishers from safely accessing fishing grounds. Poe said the Philippines was exploring House Resolution No. 1133, concerning the Mombasa Declaration, as part of its efforts to address IUU fishing. He said he was the measure’s principal author and that it examines the feasibility of implementing the commitment in the country. Poe also pointed to the global 30x30 conservation target, which calls for conserving and managing at least 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global
Biodiversity Framework. He said the House resolution called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to map and protect conservation zones in the Philippines. Achieving the target requires effective enforcement and management of protected areas to safeguard marine habitats, preserve biodiversity and replenish fish stocks. These efforts must also consider coastal communities’ livelihoods and ensure engagement with people who depend on marine resources. Stronger enforcement against IUU fishing and marine conservation zones can connect environmental protection with maritime governance, helping sustain fisheries, protect ecosystems and support coastal economies. Their effectiveness will depend on implementation, enforcement resources and coordination among government agencies and coastal communities. Fo r b o t h s p e a k e r s, m a r i n e resource sustainability is inseparable from the security of those who depend on it. Protecting fisheries, upholding maritime rights and conserving critical ecosystems are complementary priorities for keeping marine resources productive and sustaining coastal livelihoods for generations to come.
A smarter, sustainable way to prepare for El Niño
By Patricia Taculao-Deligero DURING extremely warm days, with the heat lingering through the night and water conservation becoming part of everyday conversation, preparedness can no longer mean simply waiting for the next advisory. The prospect of a very strong El Niño in the Philippines brings a familiar yet serious concern: reduced rainfall in many areas, rising temperatures, pressure on water supplies, and greater risks to farms, livelihoods, health, and food prices. DOST-PAGASA has warned that a strong to very strong El Niño is active in the Tropical Pacific and may persist into the first half of 2027. While “Super El Niño” is commonly used to describe an especially intense event, the more important question for Filipino households and communities is how they can prepare in ways that will still be useful long after the dry months have passed.
El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a natural climate pattern involving changes in the Pacific Ocean and atmosphere. In the Philippines, it generally raises the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, dry spells, and drought in vulnerable areas. Yet its effects are varied across the country. PAGASA has noted that even during El Niño, parts of the western Philippines may still experience above-normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon season. Now, preparedness is essential for Filipinos. However, local forecasts should guide preparation efforts for them to be effective. Starting at home At home, sustainable preparation starts with seeing water as a shared resource rather than an unlimited convenience. Repairing leaking faucets, using a pail instead of a hose for cleaning, saving rinse water for toilets or outdoor cleaning, and running laundry only with full loads
may seem like small habits. Across an entire neighborhood, these choices can significantly reduce demand on a stressed supply. Collecting rainwater is another practical solution when safely managed and permitted, especially for gardening and cleaning. Stored rainwater must be properly sealed to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and rainwater should never be used for drinking without proper treatment. This form of preparation is distinct from panic buying water containers or leaving taps running simply because water is available. Sustainable readiness is about reducing waste before shortages become severe. It also means households should keep enough safe drinking water and basic supplies for short service interruptions, while continuing to monitor announcements from their local government and water provider. Families can discuss how they would prioritize water for drinking, cooking,
sanitation, medicines, babies, older people, and household members with health conditions. Such conversations may be ordinary, but they prevent confusion when supply becomes limited. Managing the food supply Food is another par t of the equation. Dry conditions can affect crops, livestock, fisheries, and the people who depend on them for income. The World Bank has noted that the Philippines is exposed to El Niño-caused droughts and that climate risks continue to pressure on preparedness and resilience. Earlier research on Philippine agriculture has also shown how ENSO events can affect rainfall patterns, agricultural p ro d u c t i o n , l i ve l i h o o d s, a n d household welfare. For consumers, a practical response is not hoarding food. Instead, they can reduce household waste, plan meals, and choose locally available produce. A more thoughtful kitchen
makes every peso and resource go further, especially when food costs increase. As for farmers and food-producing communities, preparedness must go beyond a single planting season. Water- efficient irrigation, soil mulching, composting, diversified crops, and planting decisions informed by weather and climate advisories can help lessen exposure to prolonged dry conditions. These approaches do not eliminate risk, but they can equip farms to hold more moisture, use water carefully, and avoid total dependence on one crop. Local governments, agricultural offices, cooperatives, and water districts have an important role in making timely information, droughttolerant inputs, irrigation support, and market access available before damage becomes irreversible. The most effective response is early action, not assistance that arrives only after livelihoods have already been lost. Preparing for the intense heat Heat preparedness deserves equal attention. Extreme heat can quickly become a health issue, particularly for children, older adults, outdoor workers, pregnant people, and those with heart, respiratory, or chronic medical conditions. Schools, workplaces, and barangays can help by encouraging regular hydration, access to shaded or cooler spaces, flexible outdoor schedules during extreme heat, and clear recognition of warning signs such as dizziness, confusion, fainting, and unusual weakness. Cooling should also be approached thoughtfully. Energy- efficient appliances, shaded windows, proper ventilation, and planting trees where appropriate can reduce indoor heat without unnecessarily straining household electricity bills.
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