Manila Standard - 2026 October 22 - Thursday by Manila Standard

manilastandard.net

@ManilaStandardPH

@mnlstandardph

@manilastandard

@ManilaStandardYT

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

OMBUDSMAN SUSPENDS DICT USEC. ALMIROL

FRENCH GOV’T PREPS FOR MORE PROTESTS

PALAY 2026 HARVEST SHORT BY 1M TONS—DA

NEWS / A3

WORLD / A6

BUSINESS / B1

PESO CLOSES AT NEW RECORD LOW OF P63.36 TO A DOLLAR By Thony Rose Lesaca and Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine peso closed at a new record low of 63.361 against the US dollar Wednesday, down 27.1 centavos from its previous finish of 63.09, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed. The local currency opened slightly stronger at 63.01 before sliding to a new intraday low of 63.373 per dollar. A trader attributed the decline to higher oil prices, which reached $110 per barrel amid lingering Middle East tensions, and ahead of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) policy meeting

VOL. XL • NO. 247 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

on Thursday. “Tomorrow, all eyes [will be] on [the] BSP decision, where hawkish stance may cause some pullback near the 63 handle, while lack of any hawkish statements from the Governor may encourage buyers to resume the dollar-peso climb to 63.50,” the trader said. Another trader said the peso weakened on market jitters after reports that the United States recently approved a set of diplomatic negotiators to resume talks with Iran, amid renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. “The peso might gain tomorrow on expectations of a policy response from

‘Cases may be filed Marcos won’t block calls to expel envoy; Sara insists not pro-China over budget hikes’ SC: Authors, implementors can be held liable; Palace ready to challenge ruling

By Charles Dantes, Katrina Manubay and Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not block lawmakers’ calls to declare Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata, Malacañang

said Wednesday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos would allow Congress to pursue the move while defending the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea. Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Next page

By Charles Dantes, Pot Chavez, Maricel Cruz, Katrina Manubay and Joel Zurbano

HE Supreme Court ruling declaring certain increases in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 budgets unconstitutional may pave the way for the filing of separate civil, criminal or administrative cases against those who authored, proposed, or implemented the challenged appropriations.

This as Malacañang challenged the High Court’s ruling involving unprogrammed appropriations (UA), directing the Office of the Solicitor General to file a motion for reconsideration and insisting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration followed existing laws.

Asked whether the President could also be held liable for signing the questioned General Appropriations Acts (GAAs), SC spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting said this would depend on the circumstances and evidence presented in a separate case. Next page

CIDG summons 40 respondents in Laos shabu smuggling attempt By Vince Lopez, Joel Zurbano, Charles Dantes and Maricel Cruz THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Wednesday, said it has issued 40 subpoenas and that seven out of 11 individuals tagged as persons of interest in the P3.5-billion Laos drug case responded to their summons. Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director general Undersecretary Isagani Nerez have been directed to appear before the House Committee

on Dangerous Drugs for a preliminary briefing today (Thursday) on the attempted smuggling of shabu from Laos to the Philippines. This comes as Malacañang brushed aside Vice President Sara Duterte’s allegations that the Marcos administration was altering issues against her as a national security concern to undermine her politically. Four others identified during the media briefing of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla including Bangsamoro parliament member Edriezah Rimbang, the alleged financier of the operation, did not show up.

IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR. Colorful parols light up a roadside stall in Commonwealth, Quezon City, signalling the start of the longest Christmas holiday season in the world. Edd Castro

‘VP Sara’s team asks for 8 days to present defense’ By Maricel V. Cruz VICE President Sara Duterte’s defense team has requested for eight trial days to present witnesses and evidence on the remaining unexplained wealth

Pinoys divided over VP Sara impeach trial NEWS / A3

charge, raising the possibility that the evidentiary phase of her impeachment trial could be completed before the end of November. House impeachment adviser and trial Next page

Gov’t ready for possible effects of super typhoon ‘Rosal’ By Charles Dantes MALACAÑANG said government agencies are preparing for super typhoon ‘Rosal’ expected to affect the Philippines, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is studying a proposal to allow workers to skip work when the heat index reaches 40 degrees Celsius.

GALING POOK AWARDS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. addresses local government

officials and program heads recognized among the Ten Outstanding Local Governance Programs during the 2026 Galing Pook Awards yesterday at Malacañan Palace. PCO

Palace calls for probe into ‘lapses’ in Atong Ang case By Charles Dantes MALACAÑANG yesterday called for an investigation into possible lapses by law enforcement authorities after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla reported that Charlie “Atong” Ang is in Cambodia even as the Department of Justice (DOJ) said its records show the fugitive gam-

bling tycoon is still in the country. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said authorities must establish whether negligence occurred before identifying officials who should be held accountable. “So we cannot immediately say there is a culprit or that someone was negligent. Let us first allow the investigation to determine who actually failed in

their duties,” she said. Castro said she could not disclose details of planned operations by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other law enforcement agencies. She also said she had not yet discussed Ang’s reported departure with Next page

SUPER TYPHOON ROSAL’S ROUTE. PAGASA graph shows the track and intensity forecast of Super Typhoon Rosal as of 5 pm yesterday. PAGASA

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Health are ready to respond to the effects of the approaching storm. Next page

NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Cases... From A1 Gov’t... From A1 “The DSWD, DPWH, DENR and all concerned agencies, including the DOH, are ready for these kinds of conditions and situations,” Castro said. The state weather bureau, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, said ‘Rosal’ (internationally named ‘Champi’), had maximum sustained winds of 205 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 250 kph as of Wednesday afternoon. PAGASA said ‘Rosal’ was moving west-northwestward over the sea east of northern Luzon, with Batanes among the areas expected to be affected. It was estimated 725 km east of Aparri, Cagayan based on its 5:00 p.m. weather advisory. The weather bureau also warned of strong winds and heavy rainfall associated with the storm. It said ‘Rosal’ could bring conditions comparable to super typhoon ‘Uwan,’ which struck the country in November 2025 Castro urged residents in areas expecting heavy rainfall to take advantage of the rain to replenish water supplies, particularly in communities experiencing drought due to the strong El Niño phenomenon. “This is a good opportunity, and let us just pray that it will not be too strong, only strong enough to help ease the effects of El Niño in areas hit by the storm,” she said.

Peso... From A1 the BSP meeting tomorrow. Exchange rates might move between 63.20 and 63.45 tomorrow,” the trader said. Meanwhile, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose for a fifth straight trading day as investors picked up battered stocks ahead of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) policy meeting on Thursday. The benchmark index gained 15.34 points, or 0.26 percent, to close at 5,821.51, while the broader all-shares index advanced 4.43 points, or 0.14 percent, to 3,238.61. Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said bargain-hunting supported the market, although investors remained cautious ahead of the BSP meeting. “Optimism remained capped amid cautious sentiment,” Limlingan said, adding that market participants stayed on the sidelines while awaiting further guidance on the central bank’s policy direction. Among the sectoral indices, services led the gainers, rising 1.53 percent. Property climbed 0.93 percent and mining and oil advanced 0.43 percent. Financials fell 0.61 percent, industrials dropped 0.57 percent and holding firms declined 0.39 percent. Market breadth was positive, with 92 advancers outnumbering 83 decliners, while 73 stocks were unchanged. Total market turnover reached P6.3 billion. Ayala Land Inc. was the top index gainer, up 3.09 percent to P16, while Century Pacific Food Inc. was the biggest decliner, down 3.3 percent to P29.30.

Marcos... From A1 Duterte’s spokesperson and lawyer Paolo Panelo rejected claims that her silence meant she was pro-China, saying patriotism did not require escalating a confrontation. Panelo urged politicians to leave dealings with China to diplomats under Marcos’ direction. Tensions escalated over the envoy’s remarks and the Chinese Embassy’s exchanges with Philippine officials. The Senate is preparing to discuss a resolution seeking Jing’s removal, while House lawmakers have filed House Resolution 1562 urging Marcos to declare him persona non grata or ask Beijing to recall him. The initiatives followed Jing’s Oct. 15 remark that China could “easily win” if it used force. The Department of Foreign Affairs summoned the envoy on Oct. 19 to convey the Philippines’ “serious concern and strong objection” to statements Manila viewed as a thinly veiled threat.

“We do not know that. It will depend on the case as filed and the evidence presented,” she said. “But so far, all the court just said was about whoever implemented it, whoever authored it.” Ting said the SC decision focused on the constitutionality of the questioned appropriations and not on the individual liability of those who authored or implemented them. “Accountability was not an issue in this case… because if they acted in good faith, then that would be an excuse,” she said. The court applied the operative fact doctrine to the 2024 and 2025 budgets. “For those irreversible programs where the beneficiaries acted in good faith, under the doctrine of operative fact, they would be considered valid. So, there will be no funds to be returned in that case,” Ting said. Ting acknowledged the government can still file a motion for reconsideration. “This case is not yet final and executory. It will always be subject to a motion for reconsideration and they are given 15 days to file their motion for reconsideration from notice of the decision,” she said. The Supreme Court earlier declared unconstitutional a P449.5 billion in-

‘VP... From A1 spokesman Ace Barbers disclosed that the defense’s requested period covers Article II, the sole remaining charge after prosecutors withdrew three other impeachment articles, while stressing that the actual duration will depend on the number of witnesses and documents Duterte’s lawyers intend to present. “So, starting Nov. 9, the defense panel has requested eight trial days for Article Two—that is, the charge regarding unexplained wealth. If we count from November 9 and add those eight trial days—assuming the trial takes place every day—it would likely span about two weeks,” Barbers said. The Senate impeachment court has scheduled hearings on Nov. 9 to 13, 19, 20 and 23, with several full-day sessions intended to accommodate the defense’s presentation while balancing the chamber’s legislative responsibilities and preparations for the ASEAN Summit. Barbers had earlier estimated that the defense might need five to 10 trial days because only one impeachment article

CIDG... From A1 CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II however did not disclose the identities of the majority of the respondents. “Out of the more than 35 people we subpoenaed, there were four we are still looking for. This includes Edrieza Nasser Rimbang, formerly of BARMM; Abdul Karim Macalatas, who is the consignee, and the ones who were offloaded, Abdul Rimbang Macarimbang and Samonte, their testimony is essential,” Morico said. Apart from Rimbang, the CIDG is still looking for Abdul Karim

Ejercito: Jing’s remarks ‘disrespectful’

Sen. JV Ejercito said senators were disappointed by Jing’s “disrespectful” and undiplomatic remarks. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian also criticized the Chinese Embassy’s social media exchanges with lawmakers, saying they had escalated tensions instead of promoting understanding. Ejercito said the Philippines must defend its sovereignty while proceeding cautiously given China’s military and economic power. “We have to play it intelligently and proceed with caution. Of course, we cannot match China. They are a superpower. We are not. But in our own little way, we just have to stand up,” he said. The Chinese Embassy continued to criticize lawmakers seeking Jing’s removal. It questioned Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s call for Marcos to send the envoy home and challenged the DFA over Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.’s remarks on the One-China principle. The embassy also hit Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s call for the DFA to recall the envoy, saying that it is not a “failure of diplomacy” but rather a “dignified act of preserving bilateral relations.”

crease in unprogrammed funds under the 2024 budget, which raised the allocation from the P281.9 billion proposed by the President to P731.4 billion in the enacted law. It also invalidated a P17.99 billion increase in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Special Road Fund under the 2025 budget, as well as a P12.75 billion increase in special accounts in the general fund involving certain government agencies. For the 2026 budget, the court struck down Special Provisions 1(a) and (b) under Chapter XLIII of the GAA, which allowed the release of unprogrammed funds based on excess collections from individual non-tax revenue sources or new revenue streams. The court ruled that Congress cannot increase the total appropriations recommended by the President, covering both programmed and unprogrammed spending. Castro said the administration disagreed with the court’s interpretation, arguing that Congress had allowed the release of unprogrammed funds since 2015 when collections from at least one identified non-tax revenue source exceeded its target, subject to other conditions prescribed by law. “We see no basis for holding the President accountable if he was merely complying with the law,” she said. “One thing is clear: Nothing in the Supreme Court decision states that the Pres-

ident has any liability,” Castro added. The Palace also has yet to decide whether to suspend the release of unprogrammed funds under the 2026 budget while the motion for reconsideration is pending, Castro said. Vice President Sara Duterte, for her part, said President Marcos and members of Congress must be held accountable for the unconstitutional budget provisions. “Now, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must be held accountable for the passage of a national budget that clearly deviates from the National Expenditure Program (NEP). He must explain why he signed a budget that does not align with his own administration’s proposal,” Duterte said. In an interview with Manila Standard, law lecturer and constitutionalist Michael Henry Yusingco said the officials who should be investigated include the Senate president, the Senate finance committee chairperson, the House appropriations committee chairperson, and the budget secretary during the periods of the three GAAs. “The Ombudsman should find evidence of criminal culpability, and if there is such evidence, then criminal charges must be filed,” said Yusingco, a Senior Research Fellow at the Ateneo Policy Center of the School of Government. Senator Panfilo Lacson, who was not part of the Upper House when the 2024 and 2025 GAAs were passed, praised

the timing of the High Court ruling. “It couldn’t have come at a better time when the House version of the 2027 General Appropriations Bill is undergoing scrutiny by the Senate,” Lacson said. Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno added: “The Supreme Court decision affirms what we have been calling for from the start: Priority projects should be clearly defined and funded, rather than placed under unprogrammed appropriations where public funds are vulnerable to abuse and corruption.” “Now that the Supreme Court has spoken, it is the duty of the Senate and the House of Representatives to ensure that the 2027 national budget is transparent and compliant with the Court’s ruling, from the remaining deliberations through the bicameral conference committee…We must also remain vigilant in rooting out all forms of pork barrel to ensure that the national budget serves the welfare and interests of the Filipino people,” Diokno said. “We also note the Court’s warning that the “doctrine of operative fact” will not shield from liability the authors, proponents, or implementors of schemes related to UA, if they acted in bad faith. Let it be clear: ‘operative fact’ is not a get-out-of-jail-free card,” House deputy minority leader Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal party-list added.

remains, but his latest disclosure identified the eight-day period specifically requested by Duterte’s legal team. “Well, in our view, it depends on the number of witnesses and the amount of evidence they will present,” he said. The Senate impeachment court approved the prosecution’s withdrawal of Article I on the alleged misuse of confidential funds, Article III on bribery and Article IV on grave threats on Oct. 13, leaving Article II concerning Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth and financial declarations. The prosecution is also prepared to accept stipulations on uncontested evidence, a procedure that allows both sides to agree on certain facts or the authenticity of documents without requiring additional testimony or lengthy arguments. “On our end—the prosecution’s side—in the interest of expediting the proceedings, our prosecution panel is open to stipulating certain pieces of evidence, so that there is no longer any need to dispute or debate them in court,” Barbers said. The prosecution’s willingness to stipulate evidence could help narrow the remaining disputes, particularly if the defense agrees

that certain documents or factual matters no longer require extensive questioning before the senator-judges. “We are open to that—in fact, that has been the prosecution panel’s approach from the very beginning. In instances where evidence is not in dispute—meaning there is no contested issue—we allow for a stipulation to be made, so as to avoid unnecessary length and further debate,” he said. The House prosecution concluded its presentation of evidence before the October recess, including testimony from bank officials, financial investigators and Forensic Accounting Expert Alexander Cabrera, whose findings concerning Duterte and her husband, Lawyer Manases Carpio, remain disputed by the defense. “Because, by and large, this will depend on the number of witnesses and the documentary evidence that the defense will present,” Barbers said. “And all we can say is that the prosecution panel has long been preparing for this scenario—where their witnesses might be cross-examined and the evidence they have laid out might be scrutinized,” he added.

Palace... From A1

Macalatas, the alleged consignee of the drug shipment in Manila, along with Abdul Rimbang Macarimbang and Aldren Nadal Samante who were allegedly part of the drug smuggling ring. Remulla earlier said that Rimbang might have fled the country through southern backdoor. Morico echoed the same observation, saying the addresses they checked were “fictitious.” Rimbang in particular declared addresses in Quiapo, Manila, Cavite, and Iligan City but he was not found in any of these residences. Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said the

panel would also seek the appearance of 10 other senior officials from concerned government agencies who may have relevant information about the reported shipment. “The briefing will focus on verified facts, the status of ongoing investigations by concerned agencies, the basis for establishing any Philippine connection to the shipment, and measures to prevent the entry of illegal drugs and combat related transnational criminal activities,” Santos said in a statement on Wednesday. Remulla also said that they are still calling out to Rimbang and the others to cooperate and exercise their right to due process.

“Holding Philippine high-ranking elected officials accountable for reckless, inflammatory remarks and constantly smearing and maligning a neighboring country and urging them to watch their words and handle matters diplomatically is about preserving bilateral relations. It is not a failure of diplomacy,” the Chinese post directed toward DFA said.

Rep. Percival Cendaña, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima; Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno, Akbayan party-list Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula, Albay Rep. Cielo Krisel Lagman, Pinoy Workers party-list Rep. Karl Fernandez Legazpi and Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos.

China targets House lawmakers too

The embassy also targeted Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, who urged Marcos to consider expelling lower-ranking Chinese diplomats over the embassy’s social media posts. It earlier warned House lawmakers they were “now on the list” and said Beijing would reciprocate if the Philippines declared Jing persona non grata. House Resolution 1562, filed by at least 10 lawmakers, cited Jing’s remarks and said the President should act against conduct that undermines national sovereignty and threatens security. The House resolution was authored by Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Adrian Michael Amatong, Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, Akbayan party-list

‘Diplomats understand complexities’

Panelo said VP Duterte believed diplomats understood the dispute’s complexities and warned that political statements could worsen tensions. “It would be irresponsible for politicians who may be short-sighted to say something we might regret later,” he said. The lawyer said the Vice President recognized the 2016 arbitral ruling that favored the Philippines in its maritime dispute with China, although she might differ on how it should be used. Duterte had said in 2025 that Manila should discuss the ruling with Beijing rather than engage in confrontations at sea.

Committed to One China Policy

The DFA reaffirmed in September the Philippines’ commitment to its One

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Remulla reportedly said Ang had left the Philippines through a backdoor exit in Mindanao, but details about when and how he allegedly departed have not been made public. Asked why authorities failed to stop Ang, Castro said the timing of his departure was essential to determining whether law enforcement agencies had committed any lapses. “There are circumstances when, if there is no arrest warrant, you cannot stop a person from traveling,” she said. She added that a person’s freedom of movement must be balanced against the responsibilities of government officials to enforce the law. Asked whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was angry or frustrated by Ang’s reported departure, Castro said she had not yet spoken with the president about the matter. When asked why authorities failed to stop Ang, Castro said the timing of his departure was essential to determining whether law enforcement agencies had committed any lapses. “We will rely on the immigration records we have, and based on those records, wala kaming (we have no) record that he (Ang) left the country,” Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told justice reporters in an ambush interview. “Of course, we do understand that there were several instances in the past na makakalabas (that someone can flee), that is really the challenge, very porous kasi ‘yung borders natin (our borders are porous),” Vida added. “As a statement of your secretary of justice, per records of the department, he is still in the country,” he added. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is an attached agency of the DOJ in charge of monitoring the entry and exit of Filipino citizens in compliance with Philippine laws and other legal procedures.

China Policy while stressing that this did not prevent economic, cultural and functional cooperation with Taiwan. In the wake of Taiwan’s plan to open a representative office in Cebu, Teodoro said Beijing should not interfere with Manila’s implementation of the policy. Castro said Marcos would not abandon the country’s territorial claims and that the government was strengthening its forces to protect Philippine territory and maritime rights. She urged restraint over calls to close the Chinese Embassy, citing the need to consider the welfare of Filipinos living in China. Castro clarified that a previously discussed meeting with Jing was supposed to be with Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, not Marcos. The spokesperson could not confirm whether the President would meet the envoy. She also said allegations that a foreign country had provided funding to Duterte warranted investigation because, if proven, they could pose a national security concern. Asked whether the dispute with China was being amplified to divert attention from those allegations, Castro said the public would have to judge for itself.

NEWS

A3 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace rejects VP Sara’s claim reframing her as security threat

Ombudsman suspends DICT Usec. Almirol

By Charles Dantes MALACAÑANG yesterday rejected Vice President Sara Duterte’s allegations that the Marcos administration was reframing issues against her as a national security concern to undermine her politically. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said she laughed while reading Duterte’s Oct. 20 statement, particularly its call for the government to “start working and stop politicking.” “While I was reading it earlier, I laughed a lot. What she said in her statement was ironic,” Castro said. Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration had been working since taking office to improve the economy and the lives of Filipinos despite multiple challenges, including the Middle East crisis, natural disasters and the threat of El Niño. “The President and this administration have been working since he took office, not only to improve the economy but also the lives of every Filipino,” she added. Castro said the administration was also pursuing accountability through the enforcement of the law, including against individuals allegedly involved in acts of betrayal against the country. “There is already a lot of evidence, and many have spoken during the impeachment trial, but we will not interfere in whatever is happening there,” she said. Castro said the allegations against Duterte had yet to be refuted and that the presentation of evidence was still ongoing. She urged the public to wait for the vice president’s response to the accusations through the appropriate legal proceedings.

WITH PERSONS DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY. First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos

joined persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City for ‘Kulay, Kalinga, Katarungan at Kalayaan’, a mission bringing together legal assistance, medical and dermatological care, painting lessons, and essential goods to support PDLs and their journey toward a better future.PCO

Pinoys divided over VP Sara’s impeach trial—OCTA By Katrina Manubay

ILIPINOS are increasingly divided over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with the share of adults who said they needed to see the evidence before deciding her fate dropping eight percentage points, to 47 percent in the third quarter from 55 percent at the start of the trial, according to a survey by the OCTA Research group. In the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) poll, results showed that in Q3, support

for acquittal rose from 21 percent to 25 percent, while support for conviction rose from 17 percent to 21 percent. Across major areas, the evidencefirst stance declined in all areas except the Visayas. It declined from 56 percent to 47 percent in the National Capital Region, from 58 percent to 50 percent in Balance Luzon, and from 48 percent to 37 percent in Mindanao, while holding at 53 percent in the Visayas. The survey also revealed that support for convicting the vice president was most pronounced in the NCR (34 percent), followed by Balance Luzon (25 percent) and the Visayas (18 percent), while Mindanao registered the lowest share, at 9 percent. In contrast, support for acquitting the vice president was strongest in Mindanao (52 percent), followed by the Visayas (26 percent), while the NCR and Balance Luzon registered the lowest shares (17 and

15 percent, respectively). OCTA found that at the start of the trial, half of Filipinos aged 18 to 24 (50 percent) were waiting for the evidence, and this age group already had the highest share favoring conviction (26 percent). In Q3, their evidence-first share fell to 29 percent, a 21-point drop and the largest decline of any demographic group, OCTA noted. Meanwhile, other age groups moved in different directions. Adults aged 35 to 44, the most patient group in July (64 percent evidence-first), shifted mainly toward acquittal (from 19 percent to 33 percent), while their evidence-first share fell to 50 percent. Those aged 25 to 34 changed little, while respondents aged 45 to 54 held steady at 55 percent evidence-first. Among the latter, the acquittal share fell from 28 percent to 22 percent. For those aged 65 to 74, support for conviction rose from 18 percent to 27 percent.

THE Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the preventive suspension of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for E-Government David L. Almirol Jr. for alleged conflict of interest involving government contracts worth approximately ₱1.55 billion. In a 7-page order, the Office found sufficient grounds to place Almirol under preventive suspension for six months without pay pending the resolution of administrative complaints of Grave Misconduct, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service and violation of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The complaints stemmed from a report by the DICT Internal Audit Unit in June 2025 that flagged a possible conflict of interest involving the hiring of former Multisys personnel and the award of contracts to other related companies. Almirol founded Multisys Technologies Corporation (Multisys) in 2010 and served as President and Chief Executive Officer for more than a decade, following his appointment as DICT Undersecretary for E-Government in August 2022. Almirol would later lead the development and rollout of the eGovPH Super App. Further investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman revealed that at least 8 DICT contracts were awarded to companies with financial relationships with Multisys. From November 2023 to May 2025, the DICT awarded eight eGovrelated contracts to several related companies, totaling about ₱1.55 billion. Rex Espiritu

NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

RARE SIGHTING. Barangay Sta. Filomena emerges as a crucial habitat

IN BRIEF

for threatened and endemic birds after a three-day survey records 427 individual birds representing 23 species, including the endangered Rufous Hornbill and the vulnerable Luzon Hornbill and Philippine Duck. The survey is led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) Calanasan and the local government.

Basilan clans reach amicable settlement TWO pairs of clans in Basilan have reached amicable settlements to resolve their conflicts and promote lasting peace, with support from the Philippine Army’s 1101st Infantry Brigade. The settlements between the Andy Hasadin and Hakim Salajim clans, and the Alsanee Jasadin and Habban Akkalun clans, took place on Oct. 19 at Raayat Hall in the Basilan Government Center in Lamitan City. The 1101st Infantry Brigade, represented by Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Philip Fagel, expressed support for the settlements, known as Pagsulut Duk Pagduwaa Pagbanta. The provincial government, led by Gov. Mujiv Hataman, initiated the activity to promote traditional and community-based approaches to resolving clan conflicts and rebuilding relationships among families and communities. Rex Espiritu

Forty students in Samar get educational assistance FORTY students who are dependents of former rebels and members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliaries have received ₱6,000 each in educational assistance under the government’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program in Samar, the Philippine Army said Wednesday. The assistance was distributed on Oct. 12 and 13 at Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City through the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Samar and the Sirak Kabataan organization, with support from the Army’s 8th Infantry Division. The program aims to help students cover school expenses and daily necessities amid their families’ financial difficulties. Rex Espiritu

Migrant Workers chief to visit victims of Saudi Arabia attack By Vito Barcelo

IGRANT Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac is set to travel to Saudi Arabia to personally check on three Filipino workers injured in an explosion at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Oct. 10. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said the three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are showing signs of recovery after sustaining severe injuries in the incident.

One patient has been transferred out of the intensive care unit (ICU), while a second is being considered for transfer to a regular ward. The third remains in intensive care but

has regained consciousness and is fully responsive. Cacdac’s visit aims to assess the workers’ medical conditions and determine what additional assistance they need. He is also expected to meet with Filipino community leaders in Saudi Arabia to discuss the welfare and concerns of Filipinos living and working in the kingdom. During the visit, Cacdac will convey President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s message to the Filipino

Dagupan City treasurer axed over ghost buy

Soldier in Marawi siege receives Metrobank award THE Philippine Army has recognized Staff Sgt. Joebelle Cerdinio, who demonstrated expertise in military communications during the 2017 Marawi siege, as one of the recipients of the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Soldiers award. Army chief Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran commended Cerdinio during an event at Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on Oct. 19. Cerdinio serves as the signal noncommissioned officer of the 102nd Infantry Brigade under the Army’s 1st Infantry Division in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Gumiran said the recognition honors forms of heroism beyond the extraordinary courage displayed during armed conflict, highlighting the contributions of soldiers who serve in other capacities. Rex Espiritu

PHILIPPINESAUSTRALIA EXERCISE

— Philippine and Australian Army officers salute during the opening of the nearly month-long Philippines-Australia Army-to-Army Exercise (PAAAE) “KASANGGA” 2026 on Oct. 19 at the 8th Division Training School in Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar.

By Rex Espiritu

DMW to probe recruitment of Filipinos to fight for Russia By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will investigate the possible illegal recruitment of Filipinos to fight for Russian forces amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Wednesday. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila

Bay forum, Cacdac said the DMW is coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of National Defense (DND), and the Department of Justice-Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT) to address the reported recruitment activities. Cacdac said illegal recruitment

linked to such activities continues to occur but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing operation. The investigation follows reports that a Filipino had died while fighting for Russian forces against Ukraine. The DFA earlier said it was seeking confirmation of the report. The DMW is working with relevant

agencies and international authorities to look into the circumstances surrounding the reported recruitment and identify those who may be involved. Authorities are also seeking to address recruitment schemes that could expose Filipinos to exploitation and put their lives at risk in conflict zones.

Tulfo alarmed over rise of fake PWD IDs By Joel E. Zurbano

DIVERSIFIED FARMING. A farmer tends to near-maturing heirloom rice and yams while bringing his child along during daily farm chores in Naguey, Atok, Benguet. Dave Leprozo

community. The DMW said the visit will be carried out under the government’s One-Country Team Approach, involving the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Philippine diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia. The initiative follows Marcos’ directive to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino workers in the kingdom.

SENATOR Raffy Tulfo raised concerns about the proliferation of counterfeit Persons with Disabilities (PWD) identification cards in the Philippines, saying the illegal sale of such IDs is thriving on online platforms. During Senate discussions on the 2027 budget for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Tulfo cited a report from the Department of Justice (DOJ) showing around eight million PWD IDs are in circulation, yet only two million are legitimate and registered with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). The proliferation of fraudulent PWD IDs has reportedly resulted in losses amounting to as much as ₱166 billion

for business establishments, particularly those in the restaurant industry. Tulfo said the practice has also contributed to growing public skepticism toward individuals who present PWD IDs to claim discounts, including legitimate beneficiaries who are entitled to such privileges. “The proliferation of fake PWD IDs—used to defraud others—is rampant. There are also cases where individuals hold a legitimate PWD ID despite having no medical condition, meaning they do not actually qualify for it,” he said. “Those who suffer the most are individuals with genuine disabilities— who should be the ones benefiting from the 20% discount—as well as small businesses that have to shoulder the additional costs,” he added.

THE Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of Dagupan City Treasurer Romelita Fonseca Alcantara for her involvement in the alleged ghost procurement of two wooden motorboats worth nearly P1 million. In its decision, the Ombudsman found Alcantara administratively liable for grave misconduct after she caused the release of P999,750 in public funds as full payment for two motorboats that were never delivered to the city government. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Bernard Cabison, sanitation inspector VI and head of the Waste Management Division, and Melchor Guiang, general services officer, who alleged that their signatures on the Property Acknowledgment Receipt and Inspection and Acceptance Report were forged. The complainants said the supplier received full payment despite failing to deliver the boats. Following an investigation, the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Bureau recommended the filing of charges over the falsified documents used to facilitate the release of public funds. Investigators found that Alcantara participated in preparing the disbursement voucher and check that facilitated the irregular release of P999,750 to the supplier. The Ombudsman ruled that the release of funds through falsified documents for undelivered motorboats constituted malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents. It said Alcantara, as city treasurer, was responsible for safeguarding government funds and ensuring that disbursements complied with applicable laws and regulations. “Respondent, in the performance of her official functions as City Treasurer, caused the irregular release of P999,750.00… resulting in the misappropriation of said amount since the motorboats for which the payment was made were not delivered,” the decision stated.

OPINION

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Balde, bigas, mais SOMEHOW pitied the president when his advice on “balde” was universally ridiculed. Maybe it’s his entitled breeding. “Spoiled, rich kid,” Duterte the father described. Did he ever use a “balde” to take a bath? Or used that ubiquitously Filipino contraption called “tabo” to get water from a pail instead of relying on a shower? What rainwater could you collect in a “balde” if the heavens refuse to cry with the Super El Nino? Could our palay farmers scoop water with their plastic “balde” from dried up streams to water their crop? Could our corn farmers do the same? But Auntie Kler tells us we should use our “baldeng utak” to understand the president’s admonition. So here. Palay is planted in continuously watered fields, and it takes up to 5,000 liters of water to grow a kilo of precious rice. If they are lucky enough to have irrigated farms, they do not need rain, neither “balde.” But if drought dries up the sources of NIA water, would a “balde” be a good substitute? Ask Auntie Kler a stupid question. It takes about 1,250 liters of water to produce a kilo of corn. Where there are not enough water sources and farmers rely on the heavens, corn or maize is a good substitute to earn subsistence income. Corn is a main component of hog and poultry feeds. It is an affordable source of carbohydrates and has low fiber which animals can easily digest. But when corn, which like palay is a specie of grass, wilts with the insufferable heat brought by a Super El Nino, the likes of which were last felt in 1877, what happens? Sin agua, sin cosecha. Awan ti apit, Apo BBM! So what happens to the availability and affordability of pork and poultry? Here comes the bad news. Pork liempo now costs 370 per kilo in NCR wet markets. The last time I bought from Mang Nelson in Quinta Market, he was worried about low sales. Restaurants which used to buy from him have switched to cheaper imported pork parts such as jowl, pig’s feet and head. Meanwhile, retail buyers buy less, stretching their peso to the max. I pay more for liempo because I ask him to remove the ribs because we don’t like these for our roast pork belly, not even for adobo and humba. But buyers like me who do not haggle are few and far between. Chicken is cheaper, but unless you use it for tinola, so many inedible parts form part of the weight you pay for. Despite the rising price of feeds, farm gate prices are a low 120 pesos per kilo, while production costs are up to 180, or so Bulakan and Rizal hog raisers claim.

In the first half of this year, former DA undersecretary Dr. Fermin Adriano cites Bureau of Animal Industry data that 455,381 metric tons have come in, 11 percent higher than 409,693 tons last year. How about frozen meat smuggled in? DA has expanded the minimum access volume for imports that receive lower tariffs. We import meat from all over the world --- beef from Australia, Pakistan and Brazil, pork from Europe and Brazil, not to mention the US of A whose trade negotiators have been asking for more market access for their meat and poultry.

—“—

What rainwater could you collect in a “balde” if the heavens refuse to cry with the Super El Nino? But there is much reason to worry about the results of the Super El Nino on feeds that hogs, and poultry need. Producers worry that we may face shortages next year. Of course we can import, but we need to compete with other countries in Southeast Asia, and with fuel prices going north, logistics will also be more expensive. Mahal na bigas. Mahal na baboy. Mahal na manok. Mahal pa rin kaya ng tao si BBM kapag hindi na abot kaya ang bigas, baboy at manok? And more --- vegetables as well, except maybe kamote, but then again, Tagalogs are not used to eating root crops as staple. Maayo pa ang karaang Bisaya, naanad mangaon og kamote, bugas nga mais, bisan cardaba. Ask former DepEd secretary Liling Briones of Negros Oriental. But wait! Someone, in fact, no less than his former National Security Adviser took him seriously. Dr. Clarita Carlos, who shares the same nickname as Auntie Kler went around shopping for drums to store precious water. But they don’t come cheap. Huge 200 liter drums cost anywhere from 1,500 to 2,200, said Prof. Claire, but they used to store chlorine or other chemicals. Mahal na, toxic pa. Kasi naman Claire, sabi ng mahal na pangulo, “balde,” hindi drum. In the Senate, Si Leila, si Lorna at si Bitrics (with apologies to whoever composed the OPM hit song) want the trial cut short before the El Nino becomes “super” hot. Baka daw lalong uminit ang ulo ng tao, at gayahin ang France.

Fear as Indians struggle to prove voting rights NEW DELHI – Laddli Khatun pulled one document after another from a yellow bag, desperately hoping one would be enough to keep her name on India’s electoral rolls. As the world’s largest democracy overhauls its voter lists, millions like Khatun are scrambling to re-establish their credentials, despite having voted before. Critics and opposition parties say the exercise risks mass disenfranchisement, and those removed fear wider citizenship repercussions. More than 133 million names -- including 28 million listed as dead -- have been cut from rolls, according to figures reported by Indian media and cited by opposition parties in court filings. Protests have rocked New Delhi, with demonstrators demanding the chief election commissioner’s resignation, alleging the overhaul is designed to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Election Commission of India (ECI), a constitutional body, denies wrongdoing and says the revision complies with the law. ‘Burden of proof’ The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) requires voters to link themselves -- directly or through their parents or grandparents -to electoral rolls from 2002-03, the last time such a rigorous review took place. Khatun, 39, was not of voting age at the time. So she must now prove that at least one of her parents or grandparents featured on those rolls. “My parents died when I was a baby,” Khatun, who lives in a Delhi slum, told AFP at a hearing reviewing voter credentials. “They were poor unlettered people who left no documents behind.” Many face Khatun’s predicament. “Women, minorities, people living at the margins and the poorest are the worst hit by this exercise, because they find it very difficult to produce documents which can prove their citizenship,” said transparency activist Anjali Bhardwaj. The Election Commission previously sought to enrol eligible voters through doorto-door visits, guided by its motto: “No voter to be left behind”.

Critics say the exercise shifts the “burden of proof” onto voters. “The methodology followed has been of physical door-to-door verification,” former election commissioner Ashok Lavasa told AFP. “It was never that you asked people wholesale to establish their eligibility all over again... after they have been admitted to the rolls through the prescribed due process.” ‘Untraceable’ Surajmukhi, made homeless when an eviction drive demolished the slum where she had lived for 30 years, was removed from Delhi’s draft rolls and marked “untraceable”.

—“—

Officials on the ground acknowledge the difficulties the exercise poses for poorer voters “I have no document to link myself to the 2002 voter rolls, because at the time I was not enrolled as a voter, and my parents are long dead,” she said, standing in the rubble of her home. “But I have voted multiple times since -the officials themselves came to our home and enrolled us as voters. What has suddenly changed?” Officials on the ground acknowledge the difficulties the exercise poses for poorer voters. “Mapping yourself to the 2002 voter lists is not easy for those who are not educated and technologically savvy,” said Mukesh Khanna, a booth-level officer in a Delhi suburb with a large population of working-class migrants. Special camps have been set up to help voters, but many still struggle to navigate the process. ‘Suspicious’ Millions have also been flagged for additional checks after the Election Commission used automated systems to identify what it calls

Survey reveals nation’s economic anxiety

HE results of Pulse Asia’s survey in September this year paint a vivid picture of Filipinos increasingly burdened by economic pressures and skeptical of government performance. Its most striking finding is that inflation has become the overwhelming national concern, with 71 percent of respondents identifying rising prices as the most urgent issue. This reflects a daily struggle for survival, as households grapple with the rising costs of food, electricity, transportation, and medicine. The survey shows mounting frustration that threatens to erode confidence in the administration. Economic growth figures alone are insufficient; Filipinos demand tangible relief in their purchasing power. Corruption, though second at 39 percent, has declined by 12 points compared to the previous year. This does not mean the public has grown tolerant of graft. Rather, economic anxieties may be crowding out other concerns, or respondents may doubt the government’s ability to address corruption effectively. The survey underscores that accountability remains a major demand, and any easing of anti-corruption efforts would be politically dangerous. Closely tied to inflation is the demand for higher wages, with 36 percent of respondents calling for better pay. This reflects the dual challenge of stagnant

ManilaStandard

ONLINE

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

If the administration fails to bridge this divide, frustration over prices and livelihoods may escalate into broader discontent The survey also notes a decline in concern about wages among wealthier respondents, but this should not be misread as satisfaction among workers. Interestingly, concern about poverty fell by five points, but this does not show that poverty incidence has diminished.

AT THE grocery counter, a family may have to put an item back to stay within budget. What they can bring home must still leave enough for fares, school expenses, and electricity. Before government raises taxes on consumer goods, it should consider how much more families can afford to give up. Government must confront these difficult choices as it pursues tax reform. Better public services require funding. But asking consumers to pay more taxes deserves scrutiny when so many are already struggling to cover daily expenses. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that inflation accelerated to 7.2 percent in September from 6.1 percent in August. Meanwhile, the September Social Weather Stations survey found that 55 percent of families considered themselves poor and 44 percent considered themselves food-poor. Involuntary hunger affected 22.6 percent of families, meaning they experienced being hungry with nothing to eat at least once in the preceding three months. These findings should weigh heavily on decisions about additional taxes. A household already cutting back has little room for another expense. Government must examine who will shoulder the burden, how much they could pay, and whether the benefits will reach them. The proposed Promoting Growth, Revenue, and Equity towards Socio-Economic Sustainability, or ProGRESS, bill presents precisely this challenge. According to the Department of Finance, it would raise the annual personal income tax exemption threshold from P250,000 to P350,000 and exempt micro and small enterprises from the minimum corporate income tax. These are welcome proposals for eligible workers and businesses. However, the package also includes revenue-raising measures. Among the government’s proposals are sweetened beverage excise taxes of P20 per liter and P40 per liter for beverages using high-fructose corn syrup. These are proposed tax rates, not es-

timates of the eventual increase in retail prices. Nevertheless, their potential impact on consumers requires a clear explanation. For someone whose taxable income already falls below the existing exemption threshold, raising that threshold provides no direct personal income saving. Yet that consumer could still face higher prices when purchasing affected products. Congress should require an assessment showing how the package would affect households across income groups. The assessment should be published before lawmakers approve any tax increase, giving affected communities a chance to respond. How much more will families have to spend each week, and what relief will they actually receive? The public-health rationale also deserves a serious discussion. Reducing excessive sugar consumption and funding health services are legitimate objectives.

Government should explain the expected health gains, how the proposed rates were determined, and how taxation would work alongside nutrition education, healthier product choices, and accessible preventive care. Consumers deserve to understand both the intended benefits and the costs. Accountability must form part of that explanation. Before seeking higher sugar tax collections for health programs, government should provide an accessible accounting of all SSB tax revenues and health programs it intended to support. How much was collected, allocated, released, and how were these spent?

What improvements can patients see in available medicines, consultations, and treatment? Any gap between collections and intended purpose requires an investigation. The same discipline must apply across government. Strengthening collection, pursuing tax evasion and smuggling, closing revenue leakages, and addressing anomalous procurements should receive sustained attention. Corruption must be investigated and punished. Consumers should not be asked to absorb additional burdens while government leaves avoidable losses unresolved. This is a demand for better stewardship of the people’s money. There are also practical ways to ease household costs. Improving agricultural productivity, storage, transport, and distribution can help reduce supply chain costs. Faster processes and better infrastructure can reduce unnecessary business expenses. Government must fund and deliver these measures urgently to bring household costs down. The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s removal of VAT on allowable electricity system-loss charges offers an example of direct relief. Government should temporarily suspend applicable VAT and excise taxes on fuels used for power generation with urgent legislation. The DOE and Energy Regulatory Commission must closely monitor bill reductions and ensure that savings are passed through to consumers. Such relief should complement investment in domestic energy and renewables to reduce exposure to imported fuel prices. Congress must put household relief first and reject tax increases that deepen the burden on struggling consumers. Demand a clear accounting of existing collections, investigate waste and corruption, and make government spending deliver better services. Families already stretching their budgets deserve to keep more for food, their children’s needs, and essential bills. Before asking the public for another peso, government must show that it is using the people’s money responsibly.

“logical discrepancies”, including mismatched names and inconsistent family details. Independent analyses suggest Muslims have been disproportionately affected. In Delhi, an analysis by The Hindu newspaper found Muslims accounted for around 20 percent of voters flagged, compared with 13.6 percent of the electorate. The disparity was even starker in West Bengal, according to the Kolkata-based policy think tank Sabar Institute. Street cleaner Shahida, 42, received a notice because her mother was only 15 years older than her -- an age gap the software flagged as “suspicious”. “What am I expected to do -- go back in time and ask my dead grandparents why they

got my dead mother married so young?” she said. “The reality is child marriages were common among the poor at the time.” National rugby player and actor Aslam, 24, who uses one name, said his voter registration was flagged as “suspicious” because six other people were linked to his deceased father, according to a notice seen by AFP. “It is clearly targeted against voters who don’t vote for the BJP,” said Aslam, a Muslim with six siblings. “It almost feels like the idea is to create a category of second-class citizens.” Modi’s Hindu-nationalist BJP, which strongly backs the revision, has long alleged that undocumented migrants from neigh-

bouring Bangladesh -- particularly Muslims -- have fraudulently entered electoral rolls. The Supreme Court has said exclusion from electoral rolls does not establish that someone is a foreign national. However, Indian media have reported cases in West Bengal in which people excluded from voter rolls were accused of being undocumented migrants from Bangladesh, detained and, in some instances, pushed across the border. For Khatun, the prospect of such an outcome hangs over an already gruelling ordeal. “I have provided document after document, everything that I have,” she said. “But what if they still ask us to leave the country?” AFP

—“—

How much more will families have to spend each week, and what relief will they actually receive?

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser

Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

—“—

Relief and accountability before more taxes

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

incomes and rising costs. Even wage increases can feel hollow if prices outpace earnings. The government must therefore go beyond short-term price interventions and address structural issues by supporting industries, enforcing labor standards, and ensuring access to decent-paying jobs.

Instead, inflation has become the more immediate lens through which hardship is experienced. Families struggling to afford food and transport may identify rising prices as their primary problem, even though poverty underlies their condition. Policymakers must examine broader statistics on poverty, hunger, and employment. Public assessment of government performance reveals a credibility gap. While 52 percent appreciate efforts to protect overseas Filipino workers and 40 percent approve of disaster response, disapproval dominates in critical areas: job creation (44 percent), wage increases (49 percent), hunger reduction (49 percent), and tax relief (50 percent). These figures highlight dissatisfaction with the government’s ability to deliver concrete improvements in livelihoods. Announcements and programs matter less than results felt at home. The survey’s message is clear: economic relief must be the government’s top priority, anti-corruption efforts must remain vigorous, and credibility hinges on visible improvements in jobs, wages, and hunger reduction. Congress must ensure that the national budget aligns with these urgent needs. What the survey reveals is a widening gap between public expectations and government performance. If the administration fails to bridge this divide, frustration over prices and livelihoods may escalate into broader discontent.

Mario R. Policarpio Jr. Head - Finance

Baldwin R. Felipe

Head - Ad Solutions

Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie

Opinion Editor

Feliciano T. Buscas Jr. Head - IT-MIS

Paula A. Reynoso

Head - Suppplements

Virgilio DC Galvez

Aytch dela Cruz

Online Editor

Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

News Editor

(On leave)

Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

WORLD

A6 Manila

Standard

TODAY

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

French gov’t prepares for more protests P

ARIS – France’s prime minister plans to meet unions to discuss security and has vowed a “massive” police deployment at protests, following riots in the past week that led to curfews and arrests.

ARRESTS, INVESTIGATIONS. Police vans stand guard at Place de la Republique during a partial curfew in Paris inManila the early hours of Wednesday, following weekend demonstrations over soaring prices degenerated into some of the Standard worst street violence in recent years. Paris police ordered a new curfew for parts of the city for Tuesday, after a curfew on TODAY the previous night that authorities said resulted in calm being restored following weekend riots and looting. AFP

World falling ‘dangerously short’ on climate action—UN chief Rubio says talks with Ukraine ‘positive’ as envoy flies to Russia

Career Opportunities in YUMEX PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Position Title: FACTORY MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION * * * * *

Develops strategic plan by studying technological and financial opportunities, presenting assumptions and recommending objectives Accomplishes subsidiary objectives by establishing plans, budgets, and results, measurements allocating resources, reviewing progress, making mid-course corrections. Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related as needed.

Qualification(Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certificate, Specialized Training): * With atleast 4 years experience in manufacturing environment as Factory Manager * College graduate from reputable University * Must be fluent in Nihongo/Japanese and English languages * Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain professional relationship Application may be sent to Email: i.nibay@yumex-gr.com.ph Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company/ Employer Manila

Company Name: tandard CORPORATION

TODAY

YUMEX

PHILIPPINES

Name: HIROAKI KIDA Address: Silang, Cavite Nationality: Japanese Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) years

Complete Address: Blk. 7 Lot 7 Ph. II PEZA Dr. FCIE Bo. Langkaan I, Dasmariñas City, Cavite Nature Of Business: Manufacturing of Wiring Harness, Insulation, Printed Circuit Board Assy. Machine Assy. and Assy. of Semiconductors

Yumex Philippines Corporation hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F First Intramuros, BF Condominium, Solana St., Corner Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila.

Production Manager (Recycling Department) DESIGNATION AREA: General Trias, Cavite JOB DESCRIPTION       

The eurozone’s second-largest econowill be massive,” Lecornu said. my was rocked on the weekend by some French authorities announced on Monof its worst rioting in recent years, just six day partial curfews in Paris and other citmonths before voters head to the polls to ies, and Lecornu said fresh ones would elect a successor to President Emmanuel be imposed on Tuesday where needed. Macron. The nighttime curfew in the capital, Sebastien Lecornu will meet with repfrom 2100 GMT Tuesday, applied to Reresentatives from five unions on Wednespublique square in the centre-east and day morning to discuss “ways and means Les Halles shopping district in the centre. to guarantee the essential freedom to A ban on public gatherings was also demonstrate” according to a letter sent ordered for the Champs-Elysees, near to the organisations, which noted some several public buildings, and at train stawere attempting to subvert the protests tions. with “unacceptable acts.” Paris police ordered a temporary ban More protests centred over rising livon people carrying cans or bottles of peting costs are planned on Saturday, organrol or gas, after mobs set fire to government buildings and shops last weekend. ised by the “Yellow Vest” movement and Security forces arrested a man behigh school students, with another called lieved to be connected to the ultra-left for November 5 by labour unions. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK over the burning down of a historic town School students have not been invited hall in Limoges, whose destruction has to the Wednesday meeting. become a symbol of the violence. Images of clashes, mobs looting stores Authorities have faced criticism from and public buildings set ablaze last weekparties across the political spectrum, end prompted several countries, includwith far-right presidential candidate Maing the United States, China and Gerrine Le Pen describing the unrest as a many, to issue travel advisories for their “wake-up call” that exposed a “profound citizens in France. crisis” of authority. Facing angry lawmakers in parliaRecent polling suggests Le Pen leading ment, Lecornu acknowledged that the first-round presidential voting intentions security response had fallen short and by a wide margin and far-left candidate promised a stronger approach ahead of Jean-Luc Melenchon emerging as the the new wave of protests. strongest contender for the runoff. AFP “The deployment for next Saturday

Create and execute daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules based on raw material (bale or flake) availability, equipment capacity, and customer demand. Manage plastic processing and separation machinery— such as extruders, shredders, granulators, wash lines, sorters. onitor output quality, reduce scrap rates, minimize contamination, and track polymer recovery and yield rates. Lead, schedule, and train plant supervisors, machine operators, and sorting crew members. Work with the maintenance department to schedule preventive servicing and minimize unplanned line downtime. Enforce EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) protocols, workplace housekeeping (such as 5S), and local environmental or statutory guidelines. Coordinate with Procurement, Stores, Quality Control, and Warehouse teams to manage inventory and raw material feedstocks.

QUALIFICATION  Typically 3 to 5+ years of hands-on management experience in manufacturing, heavy industry, or a plastic recycling/reprocessing plant.  Deep understanding of polymer types (PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, etc.), plastic waste segregation, extrusion, and material separation technologies.  Strong leadership, problem-solving, data reporting and familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies.

PARIS – Global commitments to cut planet-heating emissions are falling far short of the Paris climate goals and put the world on course for 2.6C warming this century, the UN warned Wednesday. The report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) lays bare the chasm between rhetoric and action when it comes to tackling global warming, and the challenge before political leaders at Manila November’s COP31 climate summit. Standard Even if countries deliver their latest climate pledges TODAY in full, global temperatures could still rise 2.6C above pre-industrial levels by 2100, said the annual Emissions Gap Report. That would blow past the historic goal agreed in Paris: keeping warming well below 2C while striving for a safer 1.5C. Any chance of keeping to 1.5C had been “lost” due to decades of insufficient climate action, the report said. “The world can no longer avoid overshooting the 1.5 degree limit, and the consequences are already devastating,” said UN chief Antonio Guterres in a statement to launch the closely-watched report. “Deadly floods, brutal heatwaves, raging wildfires, lost lives, crippled economies, deepening inequalities, and those least responsible are suffering first and worst.” AFP

CYAN of MAGENTA YELLOW MUMBAI, India – US Secretary State the decisionsBLACK that are made by Starlink Marco Rubio said Wednesday that talks and Starshield and by Mr. Musk,” Rubio between American envoy Steve Witkoff said. and Ukrainian President Volodymyr “That’s a private company; the presiZelensky in Oslo had been “positive,” dent doesn’t run that company and can’t as Witkoff headed to Russia for further direct that company to do anything... I’m discussions. telling you, there was no foreknowledge.” “It was positive, nothing unexpected, US President Donald Trump has denothing surprising, and he’ll now, armed nied ordering a reduction in speeds on with those ideas, be able to go to Saint Starshield after Musk -- whose company Petersburg and share them with the RusSpaceX developed it -- said the order sian side -- and let’s see if we can make could only have come from the White some progress,” Rubio said, speaking in House. India. But the Wall Street Journal reported But Rubio acknowledged the difficulon Tuesday that it was indeed Musk who ties in ending Russia’s four-year-old war ordered the slowdown in the militaryin Ukraine. grade version of Starlink. “These things are complex, and if this Rubio said Washington was “no longer was an easy war to solve, it would have going to be defensive about this topic”, he been solved a long time ago,” he said. told reporters in Mumbai. Rubio also insisted the White House “If it were not for the assistance of had no prior knowledge of a slowdown in the United States, including under the Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite communiTrump administration, there would be no cations used by Ukraine to support batUkraine right now,” he said. tlefield operations. “Ukraine as a sovereign state would “The president has nothing to do with not exist.” AFP

Career Opportunity in Holcim Philippines, Inc. Position title: Raw Materials Manager Vacancy (1)

PhilsJobnet Production Manager Experience in Plastic Recycling industry PESO Jobs Production Manager Experience in Plastic Recycling industry

Job Description: Lead, guide and direct the Crusher personnel and other activities of the crusher and raw material to safely produce the quantity and quality of raw materials at the lowest possible cost. Develops a plan for sourcing of limestone and execute the long term plan such that sufficient reserves are located verified in quality, planned for extraction and prepared sufficiently in advance to support uninterrupted quarrying activities.

Company Information MIRAE ECO PACKAGING PHILS. INC. 8002 Linares St. Gateway Business Park Brgy. Javalera General Trias, Cavite

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

How to apply to this Job Interested applicants my send their resume to miraeecopackaging@mirae2024.com or may contact Tel No. : 046 413-1780, look for Jonna Ignacio

Company / Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for position

Company:MIRAE ECO PACKAGING PHILS. INC. Address: 8002 Linares St. Gateway Business Park, Javalera, Ge. Trias Cavite Nature of Business: Manufacturing of Plastic Products

Name : Moongue Kim Address : Block6, Lot11, Phase2, Oregano Panungyanan, Gen. Trias, Cavite Intended period of Employment : Two (2) years

St.



Bachelor’s Degree preferably Mining Engineering with minimum of 5 years’ experience managing raw material handling systems.

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Brgy.

MIRAE ECO PACKAGING PHILS. INC. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing and qualified to perform the services and job description for the position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment-Bureau of Local Employment loacated at 6F First ntramuros, BF Condominium, Solana St. Corner Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila.

Applications may be sent to: Name of Company HR: Talent Acquisition Team Email address: recruitment-phl@holcim.com

Company/ Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name:

Name: Abdelhalim Hafid

Holcim Philippines, Inc.

Address: Davao City

Career Opportunity in YIN JI INC.

Complete address:

Nationality: Algerian

Position Title: Excavator Operations Manager (1 Vacancy)

Bo Ilang Bunawan Davao City, 8000 Davao Del Sur

Intended period of employment: one (1) years

JOB DESCRIPTION Oversees and manages excavator operations, including equipment utilization, project scheduling, site coordination, and operational safety. Supervises operators and maintenance personnel, monitors equipment performance, ensures compliance with safety regulations, and implements efficient operating procedures to meet project requirements and productivity targets. QUALIFICATION ● ● ● ●

College graduate in a related field. At least 5 years of relevant work experience. Good communication skills in Mandarin and English. Knowledgeable in excavator operations, equipment maintenance, and safety procedures. Applications may send to: Grace Maño liahonaconsanddocs@gmail.com Company/ Employer

YIN JI INC. Address: Zone 9, Bugna Casinglot, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental

Name: Jiang Wang Address: Zone 9, Bugna Casinglot, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental Nationality: Chinese Intended period of employment: Three (3) years

JOB DESCRIPTION Operates and monitors pumpcrete equipment to ensure the safe and efficient pumping of concrete at construction sites. Ensures proper equipment operation, performs routine maintenance, and follows safety procedures and project requirements. QUALIFICATION ● College graduate in a related field. ● At least 5 years of experience in operating concrete pump equipment. ● Good communication skills in Mandarin and English. ● Knowledgeable in pumpcrete operation, maintenance, and safety procedures. Applications may send to: Grace Maño liahonaconsanddocs@gmail.com

Address: Zone 9, Bugna Casinglot, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental

If there are any objections or inquiries, please contact the concerned DOLE Regional Office. Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office DOLE Building, Muralla Wing corner, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines after this publication Please inform Department of Labor and Employment Bureau of Local Employment, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC.

Career Opportunity in Holcim Philippines, Inc.

Position Title: Director, Service Delivery Job Description: • Primarily handles operations and may also be required to manage multisite operations. • Provides the overall leadership to the Service Delivery team and owns the cost management of the service and the delivery of the contract obligations documented in the SLAs • Makes business decisions based on client contract terms, ensures adherence to client contracts, and participates in the setting and meeting of project goals. • Sets and measures department goals and metrics in an effort to develop process that exceeds customer expectations. • The Director, Service Delivery provides a focal point within the project delivery structure for client-specific issues by ensuring client satisfaction through the delivery of the solution based on contractual requirements.

Position title: Preventive Maintenance Manager Vacancy (1) Job Description: Manage overall performance of preventive maintenance team and plant maintenance strategies to achieve continuous and reliable operations in a safe, efficient, timely and cost effective manner.

Position Title: Pumpcrete Operator (1 Vacancy)

YIN JI INC.

Holcim Philippines, Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office DOLE Building, Muralla Wing corner, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Nature of Business: Cutting, shaping and finishing of stone (Crushing Plant)

Company/ Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name: Shen Binghui Address: Zone 9, Bugna Casinglot, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental Nationality: Chinese Intended period of employment: Three (3) years

Nature of Business: Cutting, shaping and finishing of stone (Crushing Plant) YIN JI INC. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. The company intends to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), located at the DOLE Building, Muralla Wing, corner of General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. Any Filipino job seeker who is competent, qualified, and willing to perform the duties of the position may file an objection with the BLE at the same address. The public is also encouraged to report any information regarding criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Maintenance expert with total of seven (7) years’ experience in cement manufacturing operation or any related industry handling preventive maintenance and three (3) years of supervisory function.

Applications may be sent to: Name of Company HR: Talent Acquisition Team Email address: recruitment-phl@holcim.com Company/ Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name:

Name: Gopikrishna Guttula

Holcim Philippines, Inc.

Address: Davao City

Complete address:

Nationality: Indian

Bo Ilang Bunawan Davao City, 8000 Davao Del Sur

Intended period of employment: two (2) years

Nature of business: a corporation primarily engage in the business of manufacture, production and merchandising, whether domestically or for export of cement, cement products and by products, including its derivatives, and any and all kinds of minerals and building materials Holcim Philippines, Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description 599696911-v1\AP_DMS

for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office DOLE Building, Muralla Wing corner, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines If there are any objections or inquiries, please contact the concerned DOLE Regional Office. Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office DOLE Building, Muralla Wing corner, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines after this publication. Please inform Department of Labor and Employment Bureau of Local Employment, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

Company/ Employer

Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc. Complete Address: 14/F to 25/F Ayala North Exchange, Tower 2, 6798 Ayala Avenue cor. Amorsolo and Salcedo Streets, Brgy. San Lorenzo, Makati City Nature of Business: Business to Business IT

•

The Director, Service Delivery responsible for the overall project plan, budget, structure, schedule and staffing requirements for the Delivery organization

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

At least 10 years of experience in a BPO leadership role Must have extensive experience supporting banking or financial Services accounts Highly analytical With experience in a client-interfacing role

Applications may be sent to: PH_ProfessionalRecruiting@concentrix. com Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name: Ankit Prabhakar Address: Parañaque City Nationality: Indian Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) Years

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

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PBBM ensures stable gov’t services in Sulu By Charles Dantes

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday assured residents of Sulu that government services, particularly in education and health, would continue uninterrupted as the province transitions from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to Zamboanga Peninsula. The President said the administration was coordinating with government agencies to ensure the smooth transfer of administrative responsibilities, in-

cluding absorbing teachers into the new regional structure and creating additional plantilla positions. “We are ensuring that our teachers can

continue serving and be absorbed into the new administrative setup,” Marcos said during the inauguration and turnover of the Sulu Hall of Justice in Jolo. “We are also coordinating with the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) to create additional plantilla positions to ensure that everyone can make the transition and no one is left behind,” he added. The President also said the government aimed to ensure the continued operation of hospitals and delivery of medical services throughout the province. “I want to assure our fellow Filipinos in Sulu that this administration will not

abandon you,” President Marcos said. “We will continue working together to ensure a smooth transition, protect the welfare of our personnel and, above all, ensure that no service is disrupted and no citizen is left behind,” he said. Mr. Marcos’ remarks came as he led the inauguration of the Sulu Hall of Justice, a facility intended to improve access to judicial services in the province where limited facilities have long posed challenges to court operations and the timely resolution of cases. He said the new facility would provide residents with a place to seek redress, assert their rights, and resolve

disputes under the rule of law. “Peace means resolving conflicts through justice, treating every person with fairness, and respecting the rule of law,” President Marcos said. The President said the facility would also support the Judiciary’s efforts to improve efficiency and modernize its services. He cited other government initiatives to expand access to justice, including the Department of Justice’s Katarungan Office in Zamboanga City, which was launched in July, and the Katarungan Caravan, which had served more than 8,200 people nationwide as of August 2026.

IN BRIEF Mocking PWD is crime disallowed by law—NBI NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday warned that mocking a person with disability (PWD) is an “attack on his dignity” and considered a crime punishable by law. Matibag issued the warning as the NBI begins its formal inquiry on the case of Joshua Aquino, eldest son of former presidential daughter Kris Aquino, who was reportedly ridiculed by five podcast hosts in their show “Machong Chismisan.” The NBI summoned the first hosts for the NBI’s formal inquiry, but only two, Daniel Lawrence Vivar and Philip Josue De Leon who was represented by a counsel, complied. In the press briefing, Matibag stressed that mocking Aquino’s special son could not be treated as a joke but an attack on a person’s dignity punishable under Republic Act No. 9442 or Magna Carta for Persons with Disability. Gwyneth Nolasco

3-way tie-up offers free legal aid to the needy CLOSING ONE DOOR, OPENING ANOTHER. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority ends its six-year term this week to give way for the

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliament which is set to take over as the first regular elected government on Oct. 30. Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua presides over the BTA Cabinet’s 84th executive meeting on Monday as officials worked to complete the 2019–2025 Transition Report and review the administration’s accomplishments. Nash B. Maulana

Bangsamoro transition Cabinet ends tenure By Nash B. Maulana COTABATO City—The Bangsamoro Transition Authority Cabinet will end its six-year tenure this week, as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) prepares for its first regular elected government to assume office at noon on Oct. 30. Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua presided over the Cabinet’s 84th executive meeting on Monday as officials worked to complete the 2019–2025 Transition Report and review the administration’s accomplishments. Macacua said he viewed the meeting with mixed emotions, citing the region’s reported economic growth of 5 percent and a decline in poverty incidence to 12.8 percent.

DOJ hails Senate okay on ASEAN extradition treaty By Pot Chavez THE Department of Justice (DOJ) welcomes the Senate concurrence in the ratification of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Treaty on Extradition to strengthen regional cooperation against transnational crime. “This treaty warns fugitives that borders will no longer shield them. The DOJ will work for its early entry into force so that our region can ensure a more coordinated fight against transnational crime,” said Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida. The DOJ vows to continue working with relevant government agencies and ASEAN partners toward the prompt deposit of the Philippines’ instrument of ratification, advancing the shared goal of ensuring that fugitives cannot evade justice within the region. Under the treaty, ASEAN Member States are obliged to extradite to each other any person wanted for prosecution or service of sentence, provided the offense is punishable in both the requesting and requested states under the dual criminality rule. Through the Office of the Chief State Counsel, the DOJ took the lead for the Philippines in the negotiations from the formulation to the finalization of the ASEAN Extradition treaty, and hosted its signing in November 2025. The treaty will come into effect 30 days after the sixth instrument of ratification, acceptance, or approval is deposited, with Timor Leste and Vietnam having already deposited their respective instrument of ratification to the ASEAN Secretariat.

He also acknowledged the departure of officials who would not serve in the incoming administration. “We also discussed the proposed guidelines for the Bangsamoro Halal Accreditation and Certification Scheme to strengthen standards and support the development of the region’s halal industry,” Macacua said, citing the sector’s growing domestic and global markets. He said the incoming coalition government would continue advancing the administration’s Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro Agenda, with the goal of translating policies and programs into meaningful opportunities and a better quality of life for the Bangsamoro people. Macacua congratulated winning candidates from various parties in the recent parliamentary elections, in-

cluding the Bangsamoro Federal Party (BFP), the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the Serbisyong Inklusibo Alyansang Progresibo (SIAP) Party and the Raayat Party-list. “Congratulations to all of you: You earned the people’s vote; and be truthful as their representatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” he told 46 elected members of Parliament. Several elected lawmakers have signed up to form a coalition government. They include BFP members Tomanda Antok of Cotabato City District III, Naguib Sinarimbo of Cotabato City District II, Kitem Kadatuan Jr., Ibrahim Ibay, Jaafar Apollo Mikhael Matalam, Bimbo Pendatun, Alindatu Pagayao, Michael Midtimbang;

THE Supreme Court (SC), Globe and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Rizal-RSM Chapter, have joined forces to provide free legal consultations to the underserved sector through a collaboration forged Oct. 5at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. The initiative, dubbed “Konek Kay Attorney: Libreng Legal Help Desk mula sa Globe at IBP Rizal-RSM,” offered free one-on-one consultations and legal guidance to qualified beneficiaries, notably underserved persons and members of the Globe community. Volunteer lawyers assisted residents and partner communities in Taguig, Mandaluyong and Pasig, addressing various legal concerns, including online safety and the rights of individuals in digital spaces. Supreme Court Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, interim chairman of the Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS) Board, said the project seeks to bridge the gap between the country’s legal framework and available legal expertise, on one hand, and Filipinos who are unaware of or unable to access legal remedies, on the other. Gwyneth Nolasco

VMMC breaks ground for linear accelerator

CTA EXPANSION.

THE Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) has started construction of a new facility for a linear accelerator (LINAC), a technology used in radiation therapy, as part of efforts to modernize cancer treatment services for Filipino veterans and their dependents. The hospital broke ground on Oct. 20 for the projected LINAC bunker at its former Cobalt Area in Quezon City. The facility is intended to support VMMC’s transition from conventional cobalt therapy to LINAC technology, which allows radiation to be delivered more precisely to tumors while reducing spare surrounding healthy tissues. Once the facility is completed and equipped with the necessary technology, VMMC expects to expand its radiation therapy services to include intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy and stereotactic radiotherapy for brain and spine tumors, subject to equipment capabilities and clinical readiness. Rex Espiritu

Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo (second from right) leads the opening of a second Court of Tax Appeals building. In his remarks, Gesmundo urged court officials and personnel to sustain their dedication to duty and ensure that the new facility is properly maintained, reflecting the quality of justice they are expected to deliver. SC photo

CJ cites SC ‘majesty’ in judicial integrity CHIEF Justice Alexander Gesmundo said the majesty of the Supreme Court lies in its service to the people, stressing that judicial integrity and the timely delivery of justice define the judiciary’s dignity. Meanwhile, the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is set to conduct public interviews with five candidates for Chief Justice on Oct. 22 and 26, ahead of Gesmundo’s compulsory retirement on Nov. 6. Gesmundo made the remarks during the inauguration of Building III of the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) in Diliman, Quezon City, on Oct. 19, 2026. “The majesty of the Court lies in the integrity of our magistrates and the wisdom of their decisions, ever mindful of the impact these decisions

have not only on the parties involved but also on society and our country,” Gesmundo said. “The majesty of the Court shines clearest and brightest in our devotion to rendering justice swiftly, without fear or favor. These walls and these halls will not earn for us the dignity of our profession and the respect of our people if we fail to serve what they come here for,” he said. Gesmundo expressed hope that the new building would help refocus the judiciary on its mission of public service. He urged court officials and personnel to sustain their dedication and ensure the facility is properly maintained, reflecting the quality of justice they are expected to deliver. Pot Chavez

CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE. The SM Mall in Cauayan City formally opens its showcase of magical Christmas offerings that includes an huge Christmas Tree, giant donuts, cupcakes, candies, ice cream-inspired décor, gift boxes and holiday mascots like Santa Claus, Snowman and Red-nosed Reindeer. ‘This Christmas, we celebrate the magic that connects us all,’ says mall manager Philip Baysac. Rosenda Alluad-Visaya

SPORTS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

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

Uy, Lee, Avaricio share South Pacific spotlight DAVAO CITY—Daniella Uy rediscovered her scoring touch, Tiffany Lee kept her winning momentum rolling, and Chanelle Avaricio fought to contain a late-round unraveling. Three contrasting finishes, one crowded leaderboard and 18 holes left to settle the ICTSI South Pacific Classic. With the race for the championship wide open after an eventful second round under sweltering conditions, Uy, Lee and Avaricio shared the lead at 140, setting the stage for a potentially wild finish in the 54-hole championship. Two more players stood just a stroke behind, while another lurked two shots off the pace, leaving little room for error in what looms as a high-pressure shootout. But it was Uy who delivered the day’s most dramatic charge, uncorking five birdies over her last seven holes to fire a 67, erase a fivestroke deficit and vault from a tie for eighth into a share of the lead. Lee, meanwhile, leaned on the confidence of a breakthrough victory last week, producing a clutch finish of her own to card a 68 and strengthen her bid for back-to-back titles. Avaricio, who appeared poised to seize control early, had to scramble to salvage a 72 after a promising start gave way to a costly late stumble.

Rusedski: Dip in Eala’s performance not unusual By Jeremiah Sevilla ALEXANDRA “Alex” Eala’s recent dip in form is nothing out of the ordinary, according to British tennis legend Greg Rusedski, who believes the Filipina can bounce back stronger in the future. Rusedski said Eala’s early struggles during the Asian swing was understandable, given the demands on her time following her historic feats in the Wimbledon and US Open, as well as her breakthrough WTA Tour title in the Mubadala DC Open. “This is pretty normal for most people. After the US Open, there’s a little bit of a drop,” the 53-year-old former pro said in a recent episode of his Off Court with Greg Rusedski podcast. Rusedski noted that Eala had also been busy with commitments outside tennis, making it difficult for her to maintain her momentum on the court. “We’ve seen her at the fashion shows for many big brands. We’ve seen her on many big podcasts outside of sports, a lot of television shows. So, she’s trying to balance it out. It’s not surprising this dip has happened,” the former world No. 4 explained. Eala endured a series of disappointing results in the Asian swing, suffering first-round exits in the Singapore Open and Wuhan Open while losing in the semifinals of the 2026 Asian Games. The 21-year-old showed signs of recovery at the start of her campaign in the WTA 500 Ningbo Open, outclassing France’s Diane Parry for a convincing 6-3, 6-1 victory in the first round last Monday. Eala now faces a tough test against world No. 13 and sixth seed Diana Shnaider of Russia in the second round on Thursday, with the match tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m. A victory over Shnaider would send Eala to the quarterfinals and could lift her to a new career-high No. 17 in the WTA live rankings. Rusedski, meanwhile, urged Eala to take a break after the season before returning to training and addressing areas of her game that need improvement, specifically her serve.

Three players arrived at 140 by three different routes, and none could afford to ease up heading into the final round. Uy supplied the surge, Lee the sustained momentum and Avaricio the resilience. But with Yvon Bisera and Rev Alcantara bunched at 141 and Martina Miñoza at 142, the trio’s grip on the lead remains shaky. Bisera carded a 69 to join Alcantara, who slipped to a 72 after opening with a 69, while Miñoza matched her first-round 71 to stay within striking distance. With five players separated by just two strokes at the top and several others still within reach, the championship is shaping up as a test of nerve, precision and putting on the final day. Harmie Constantino and Gretchen Villacencio stood at 144 after 70 and 71, respectively, while Chihiro Ikeda and amateur Brittany Tamayo matched 72s for joint ninth at 146. Although they face a bigger deficit, a low round could still add another twist to an already unpredictable title chase. For now, however, the spotlight falls on the leading six, with Bisera particularly dangerous on a course she calls home and where her familiarity could prove decisive in the closing stretch.

Daniella Uy uncorks five birdies over her last seven holes to fire a 67 as she erased a five-stroke deficit and vaulted from a tie for eighth into a share of the lead. Manny Marcelo

PH’s medal hunt stalls as Nunez, Sante miss Para Games’ podium By Randy M. Caluag

AGOYA—Alyana Nunez and Wilson Sante Jr. narrowly missed the athletics podium as the Philippines endured a medal-less Wednesday at the 5th Asian Para Games here.

Taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin also saw his medal hopes end, leaving the Philippine delegation in 15th place with two gold medals, one silver and one bronze at press time. Nunez, a double gold medalist at the ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand last January, placed fourth in the women’s discus

Alyana Nunez

Rosalie Terrefiel

throw F11 with a heave of 28.77 meters at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. Compatriot Rosalie Torrefiel finished eighth with a throw of 21.58 meters.

Sante came close to adding to the Philippine medal haul but settled for a share of fourth place with Bangladesh’s Md Salem Reza in the men’s high jump. Both cleared 1.83 meters.

Top schools fight for division titles at SMART/MVP meet AFTER months of intense and exciting action, the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) will conclude its 2026 SMART/MVP Sports Foundation Philippine Taekwondo League (PTL) this weekend, with elite schools expectedly battling for bragging rights across various divisions. Established in 2011, the PTL – through the able leadership of Grandmaster Hong – has continued to serve as a platform for student-athletes to develop their skills, showcase their talent, and demonstrate the values of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship through competitive taekwondo. The event, which started last June 6, will stage its semis matches on Oct. 24 at the Ayala Malls, Manila Bay, while the finals and the awarding ceremony will take place on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the PTA Taekwondo Gymnasium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. The University of the Philippines,

National University, Far Eastern University, San Beda University, La Salle and University of Santo Tomas are the leading title contenders in both the Kyorugi and Poomsae disciplines. UP and NU are sporting perfect 5-0 win-loss records in the men’s division of Kyorugi, followed by FEU (4-2), San Beda (4-1), UST (3-1), La Salle-College of St. Benilde (3-3), La Salle (2-2), Emilio Aguinaldo College (2-1), and Polytechnic University

of the Philippines (1-5). NU and La Salle lead the women’s side with similar 4-0 cards in the event also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee and Milo. UST is third with a 2-1 card, followed by San Beda (2-2), FEU (2-1), UP (2-1), DLS-CSB (1-2), EAC (1-2), PUP (0-4), and EARIST (0-4). Meanwhile, the FEU jins are leading the way in the Poomsae compe-

tition with a 4-0 record, followed by NU (4-1), UST (3-0), UP (2-2), DLSU (1-3), and DLS-CSB (1-3). NU and San Beda are 1-2 in the junior men with 3-0 and 2-0 records, while EAC and La Salle Greenhills are tied for third. UST is fourth (02). UST is leading the junior women’s category with a 3-0 card, followed by EAC (2-1), SBU (1-2), FEU (1-1), NU (1-0), and Diliman Preparatory School (1-0).

Song bounces back from blunder, surges ahead with 65

Lee Song Manny Marcelo

DAVAO CITY—Lee Song turned an early eagle and a blistering birdie run into a bogey-free 65, storming to the outright lead in the ICTSI South Pacific Classic on Wednesday and edging Gab Manotoc by one stroke at the South Pacific Golf Club. Recovering emphatically from a costly late-round mistake in his opening card, Song turned in a 34-31 for a 12-under-par 132 total, moving ahead of Manotoc, who carded a 67 to stay firmly in contention at 133. Sean Ramos likewise kept himself in the title hunt with a 66 for 134. With 36 holes remaining in the P2.5-million championship, the leaderboard remained tightly bunched, promising a compelling battle over the final two rounds. Clyde Mondilla shot a 69 for 136, while Fidel Concepcion fought back with a 68 for 137. Angelo Que mounted a strong comeback with a 66 to join Guido van der Valk, Reymon Jaraula and Keanu Jahns, who matched 67s, amateur Jacob Rolida (71) and Russell Bautista (72) in a crowded group at 139, setting the stage for a wide-open fight for the crown. For Song, the surge marked a timely response to the double bogey on the par-5 18th that marred his open-

ing-round effort Tuesday. Despite making seven birdies, the costly miscue denied him the solo lead and allowed Manotoc and Kashihara Hirotaka to seize a share of the top spot with matching 66s. Song wasted little time making amends. Starting on the back nine, he eagled the par-5 12th before stringing together three consecutive birdies from No. 15 to ignite his secondround charge. He pulled level with Ramos at 10-under before adding clutch birdies on Nos. 2 and 7 to close out his round at 12-under and take command. “I don’t think about the lead. I just play my game,” said Song, a former Philippine Golf Tour Q-School topnotcher, in halting English. “I just hit it safely off the tee and hit my irons onto the greens. I took advantage of some birdie opportunities and made my pars, avoiding bogeys.” Asked about his plans for the final 36 holes as the pressure mounts, the 36-year-old veteran remained unfazed. “No pressure. I don’t think about that. I just focus on my game,” he added.

Ganapin, meanwhile, bowed to Iranian Paralympic silver medalist Mahdi Pourrahnamaahmad in the men’s K44 under-80-kilogram quarterfinals. He then lost to Uzbekistan’s Otabek Amatov in the repechage, closing his remaining route to a bronze medal. The setbacks extended to wheelchair fencing at the Nagoya City Inae Sports Center, where Wilfredo Bungayong II fell to Indonesia’s Didit Diantoro, 9-15, in the men’s epee Category A round of 32. Marlyn Garrucho also exited early after an 8-15 defeat to Uzbekistan’s Gulzorakhon Rakhmanova in the women’s epee Category A. In cycling, Nikko Peralta clocked 28 minutes and 51.38 seconds to finish 12th in the men’s C1-5 time trial in Izu. Patrick Lee placed 15th in 29:56.56 among 24 riders.

Dyslexia no barrier to Arjay’s dreams NAGOYA—Ariel Joseph “Arjay” Alegarbes, who has attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and asthma, tried athletics, boccia, and long jump before finding his lofy place in swimming. He took up the sport at 12. A decade later, he became an Asian Para Games champion. “I tried athletics, bocce, and long jump. But I chose swimming because I’m small and I have asthma,” he said. A person with dyslexia can find reading, writing, and spelling difficult, often involving challenges in connecting speech sounds with letters and letter combinations. In the pool, Alegarbes is an unstoppable force. On Tuesday night, the 22-year-old from Victorias City, Negros Occidental, captured the men’s 100-meter backstroke S14 title in his Games debut, delivering the Philippines’ second gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya. Alegarbes clocked one minute and 1.56 seconds at the Rainbow Pool of the Nagoya City General Gymnasium, edging South Korea’s Sungho Kang by just five hundredths of a second. Kang took silver in 1:01.61, while Thailand’s Natirat Meeprom claimed bronze in 1:02.08. His breakthrough followed Ernie Gawilan’s victory in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 on Monday, giving Philippine swimming both of the country’s gold medals so far.

AJ Alegarbes with PPC president Mike Barredo and coach Bryan Ong

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Palay production to miss 2026 goal by 1m tons—DA By Othel V. Campos

LEFT-SIDE DOORS. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez orders EDSA Busway operators to comply with its long-standing left-side door policy within six months. Some buses still have right-side doors, which forces passengers to go around to board or alight, complicates movement at Busway stations and creates safety concerns.

DOTr eyes bidding of NSCR operations in Q2 next year By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) aims to complete bidding for the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and the privatization of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) by the second quarter of 2027, Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Wednesday. “Based on the timeline, first quarter or second quarter next year,” Lopez told reporters. Lopez estimated that around seven parties may have joined the pre-bid process for the NSCR project.

For MRT-3, Lopez said the DOTr had submitted the proposed privatization to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, with the O&M procurement also targeted for next year. He estimated that bidding for the MRT-3 privatization could be completed by the second quarter of 2027. “Hopefully next year,” he said, referring to the O&M arrangements for the two railway projects. The DOTr earlier said at least 26 Japanese firms expressed interest in investment opportunities under the MRT-3 Capacity Expansion, Operations and Maintenance PPP during a

market sounding activity in Tokyo. Lopez said the government would consider bidding out the O&M contract for the Metro Manila Subway only after completing a market sounding activity. NSCR is a flagship project under the “Build Better More” program and one of the key projects meant to decongest Metro Manila roads. The 148-kilometer railway network has 37 stations and 464 train cars across 3 segments: PNR Clark Phase 1 (Tutuban-Malolos), PNR Clark Phase 2 (Malolos-Clark) and PNR Calamba (Solis-Calamba).

ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE.

PhilCare, a health maintenance organization (HMO), signs a strategic partnership with Mercury Drug Corp. to make primary healthcare and chronic disease management more accessible, convenient and affordable for PhilCare members across the Philippines. Under the partnership, eligible PhilCare members aged 18 and older can get flu vaccines at participating Mercury Drug branches. Signing the agreement are (from left) Mercury Drug assistant vice-president for chainstore operations north area, Jaime Espiritu; vice president for chainstore operations Metro Manila region, Martin Gumayan; PhilCare president and chief executive Jaeger Tanco; and PhilCare executive vice president and medical director Dr. Eilyn Evora-Ayuste.

DoubleDragon to build 750-room hotel in Egypt By Jenniffer B. Austria HOTEL101 Global Holdings Corp., a unit of DoubleDragon Corp., plans to build a 750-room hotel in Cairo, Egypt, its first expansion into Africa, with a total project value of $102.09 million. The company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that it signed definitive agreements with WNTR Property & Hospitality, an affiliate of Egyptian conglomerate IGI Holding, to develop Hotel101-Cairo West. The hotel will rise on a 15,984-square-meter property in Hay Al Ashgar along Ahmed Zewail Road in 6th of October City, Giza, about 10 minutes from the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. The company expects to complete the project by 2029 and said it will be among Cairo’s three largest hotels by room count. Hotel101-Cairo West will offer 4-star facilities at affordable prices, including a ballroom, meeting rooms and a conference center. It will also have restaurants, swimming pools, a gym and a business center. The company said the site connects to major roads serving Greater Cairo and lies within reach of Sphinx International Airport. WNTR Property & Hospitality is affiliated with IGI Holding, a diversified Egyptian group with interests in construction, hospitality and real estate. Its property arm, IGI Developments, has developed residential communities in Egypt since the mid-1990s.

VinFast to build $500-m EV plant in PH VIETNAM’S Vingroup, the parent company of VinFast, plans to invest $500 million to build an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in the Philippines with an initial annual capacity of 200,000 vehicles for the domestic and export markets, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Wednesday. Construction is targeted to start in the first quarter of 2027, and completion is seen within 12 to 18 months, the DTI said. “Vingroup’s $500-million investment underscores the Philippines’ rising status as Southeast Asia’s destination of choice for advanced manufacturing and green technology. The DTI is fully mobilized to provide end-to-end facilitation, ensuring a competitive ecosystem for global innovators scaling their manufacturing footprint in our country,” Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said. Roque said that under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, the DTI is duty-bound to translate investor confidence into immediate operational momentum. The plant will mark Vingroup’s entry into the Philippine market. The group plans to expand into other industries and introduce its fourwheel EVs and e-scooters to Filipino consumers. Othel V. Campos

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) expects palay (unmilled rice) production to reach 19.7 million metric tons (MT) in 2026, or 1 million MT short of its initial 20.7 million MT target, as high fertilizer and fuel costs discourage planting and reduce farm productivity, Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Wednesday.

Tiu Laurel said expensive fertilizer was the biggest factor behind the lower outlook, while rising fuel costs added to farmers’ expenses. Farmers are expected to use less fertilizer to cut costs, which would reduce crop yields, and some have abandoned planting plans because of high input costs, he told a press briefing. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) projects third-quarter palay production at 3.10 million MT, down 17.2 percent from 3.75 million MT a year ago. The PSA attributed the projected decline mainly to a smaller harvest area, which it estimated fell 17.8 percent to 753,680 hectares from 916,770 hectares. Average yield is expected to edge up 0.7 percent to 4.12 MT per hectare. Tiu Laurel said he expects 2027 palay production to be at least 1 million MT lower than actual 2026 output, citing the threat of a potentially unprecedented Super El Niño that could make forecasts unreliable. “They’re saying it’s a Super El Niño, never been experienced,” he said, adding that he did not think estimates would hold up under the uncertain conditions. The weather threat could further strain rice supply as the Philippines continues to rely on imports to supplement domestic production. Bureau of Plant Industry data showed rice imports reached 3.9 million MT as of

19.7 million tons Projected palay output in 2026

20.7 million tons

Initial target for palay output

-17.2%

Decline in Q3 palay harvests Sept. 17, exceeding the 3.4 million MT imported in 2025. The US Department of Agriculture has projected Philippine rice imports could reach 5.7 million MT in 2027 amid concerns over domestic supply and the possible impact of El Niño.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Manila

Standard

COURT OF TAX APPEALS

TODAY

REPUBLIC OFCITY THE PHILIPPINES QUEZON

COURT OF TAX APPEALS QUEZON CITY

Enforcement Group (Enforcement Group) to take actual custody and control of the specifically identified agricultural and/or fishery products under constructive custody and personal property in connection with the crime under Sections 7, 8, or 9 of RA 12022, and to bring, place, or turn over the seized products to the Council for appropriate action.

EN RESOLUTION NO. 4-2026 ENBANC BANC RESOLUTION NO. 4-2026

(Proposed Rulesofofthe the Court of Tax Appeals on Search and (Proposed Rules Court of Tax Appeals on Search WarrantsWarrants and Seizure Orders under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act)

Seizure Orders under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act)

Rule II. Application Procedure

SECTION 1. Who may Apply. — Any authorized officer/s of the Enforcement

Group, or person/s deputized by the Council, may, in relation to an Acting on the Reconstituted Ad Hoc Committee for Drafting of Rules on Case Docketing, Raffle and Conduct of Proceedings in Resolving intended prosecution, apply to the CTA for the issuance of a search warrant Acting on the Reconstituted Ad Hoc Committee for Drafting of Rules Applications for Search Warrants and Seizure Orders Pursuant to Republic or seizure order. on (RA) Case No. Docketing, and Committee’s) Conduct of Proceedings in No. Resolving Act 12022’sRaffle (Ad Hoc Resolution 2-2026, which Applications Search Warrants Seizure Pursuant (CTA) to Republic submitted forforapproval by theand Court of Orders Tax Appeals En BancSECTION the 2. Where Application is Filed. — Applications for search warrants therein attached Proposed Rules of the CTA on Search Warrants and Act (RA) No. 12022’s (Ad Hoc Committee’s) Resolution No. 2-2026, which or seizure orders under RA 12022 shall be filed with the CTA. In cases where Seizure Orders under RA 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic the properties subject of the application are outside Luzon, the application submitted for approval by the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) En Banc the Sabotage Act (“Proposed Rules”), together with its Annexes, the CTA forEn therein Proposed of the CTA on Search Warrants the and same. search warrant shall be filed before any Regional Trial Court (RTC). Banc has attached RESOLVED, as itRules hereby RESOLVES, to APPROVE

Seizure Orders under RA 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (“Proposed Rules”), togetherimmediately. with its Annexes, the CTA En This Act Resolution shall take effect Banc has RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES, to APPROVE the same.

SECTION 3. Contents of the Search Warrant Application. — The verified application for a search warrant shall contain the following:

July 13, 2026.

(a) Clear statement of the specific crime under RA 12022;

This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

(b) Particular description of:

July 13, 2026.

[SGD] MA. BELEN M. RINGPIS-LIBAN Presiding Justice

[SGD] JEAN MARIE[SGD] A. BACORRO-VILLENA Associate Justice

MA. BELEN M. RINGPIS-LIBAN Presiding Justice

[SGD] MARIA ROWENA MODESTO-SAN PEDRO Associate Justice

[SGD] JEAN MARIE A. BACORRO-VILLENA Associate[SGD] Justice

MARIAN IVY F. REYES-FAJARDO Associate Justice

[SGD] [SGD] MARIA ROWENA MODESTO-SAN PEDRO LANEE S. CUI-DAVID Associate JusticeJustice Associate [SGD] MARIAN IVY F. REYES-FAJARDO Associate Justice [SGD] CTA En Banc Resolution No. 4-2026 LANEE S. CUI-DAVID Page 2 of 2 Associate Justice [SGD] CORAZON G. FERRER-FLORES Associate Justice [SGD] HENRY S. ANGELES Associate Justice

RULES OF THE COURT OF TAX APPEALS ON SEARCH WARRANTS AND SEIZURE ORDERS UNDER THE ANTI-AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE ACT

Pursuant to its power to formulate rules and regulations for the conduct of its business under Section 8 of Republic Act (RA) No. 1125, as further amended by RA 9282 and RA 9503, and consistent with Section 23 of RA 12022, otherwise known as the “Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act”, which vests upon the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) exclusive jurisdiction over violations thereof, the CTA hereby adopts and promulgates the following Rules governing the issuance and implementation of search warrants and seizure orders in connection with violations of RA 12022. Rule I. General Provisions SECTION 1. Title. — These Rules shall be known as the “Rules of the Court of Tax Appeals on Search Warrants and Seizure Orders under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.” SECTION 2. Construction. — These Rules shall be liberally construed to assist the parties in obtaining a just, expeditious, and inexpensive determination of cases. SECTION 3. Coverage and Applicability. — These Rules shall cover the application, issuance, and execution of search warrants and seizure orders for violations of RA 12022 and incidents relating thereto brought before the CTA. In matters not expressly covered by these Rules, the provisions of the 2005 Revised Rules of the CTA, as amended, the Internal Rules of the CTA, the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, and other relevant rules of procedure shall apply suppletorily, insofar as they are not inconsistent herewith. SECTION 4. Search Warrant Defined. — A search warrant under these Rules is an order in writing issued by the CTA, in the name of the People of the Philippines, commanding a law enforcement officer to search the place particularly described therein and to seize particularly described agricultural and/or fishery products and personal property in connection with the crime, as described in the application and determined by the CTA, and to place them under the custody of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council (Council). SECTION 5. Seizure Order Defined. — A seizure order under these Rules is an order in writing issued by the CTA, in the name of the People of the Philippines, authorizing the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Page 1 of 17

(i) The place/s to be searched, with sufficient identifiers, and if the place/s to be searched is outside Luzon, state compelling reason/s for filing the application with the CTA; and (ii) The personal property to be seized or taken into custody, whether as: (a) the subject of the crime; (b) proceeds, fruits, or items derived from the crime; or (c) property used or intended to be used as the means of committing the crime, including any related documents, implements, or conveyances. If perishable goods are involved, include a description of the condition and expected shelf life of the goods; and (c) Material facts, based on the personal knowledge of the affiants, establishing probable cause that: (i) A crime under RA 12022 or any of its elements has been committed, is being committed, or is about to be committed; and; (ii) The described items, proceeds, or instruments of the crime are in the place/s to be searched. The application shall be accompanied Page 2 ofby 17 the affidavits of the applicant/s and/or witness/es attesting to facts personally known to them, with annexed documentary evidence. SECTION 4. Contents of the Seizure Order Application. — The application for a seizure order shall be verified by the applicant-officer/s of the Enforcement Group and shall allege the following: (a) Specific crime under Sections 7, 8, or 9 of RA 12022; (b) Letter of Authority (LOA) issued by the Council and duly served by the Enforcement Group to the owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the agricultural and/or fishery products; (c) Written due notice to provide proof of compliance was given to the owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the agricultural and/or fishery products; (d) The owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the agricultural and/or fishery products failed to produce the statutory “evidence of compliance or justification” applicable to the specific violation within the 24-hour period; (e) Present condition and location of the agricultural and/or fishery products; (f) Statement that the location of the properties under constructive custody is not principally used as a dwelling house; and (g) Any known third-party claimants or custodians. The application shall be accompanied by the following documents: (a) Proof of designation or deputation by the Council; (b) Affidavit/s of the applicant/s and/or witness/es attesting to facts personally known to them, including service of the LOA, due notice to the relevant person/s to provide proof of compliance, and noncompliance with the twenty-four (24)-hour period from notice; (c) LOA and any inspection or visitation reports issued under RA 12022; (d) Notice to comply issued to the relevant persons, if any; (e) Documents submitted by the owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the agricultural and/or fishery products in compliance with the twenty-four (24)-hour notice, if any; Page 3 of 17

(f) An inventory of agricultural and/or fishery products already in constructive custody and personal property in connection with the crime; and (g) Pictures and/or video recordings taken during the enforcement of the LOA and the subsequent inventory of agricultural and/or fishery products. SECTION 5. Period to File Application for Seizure Order. — Within forty-eight (48) hours from the lapse of the twenty-four (24)-hour compliance period under Sections 7, 8, and 9 of RA 12022, the Enforcement Group shall file the application for a seizure order. In cases involving perishable goods as defined in Section 4 of RA 12022, the Enforcement Group shall file such application within twenty-four (24) hours from the lapse of the compliance period. Upon motion and for justifiable and compelling reasons, the CTA Division may grant an extension of not more than forty-eight (48) hours from the lapse of the applicable period. SECTION 6. Docketing and Custody of Records. — Applications for search warrants or seizure orders in connection with violations of RA 12022 shall be filed directly with the Office of the Clerk of Court En Banc of the CTA. Upon filing, each application shall be assigned a docket number and duly recorded. The application docket, initially under the custody of the Clerk of Court En Banc, shall be transmitted to the Division Clerk of Court after the raffle of the application. Once raffled, subsequent motions or pleadings relating to the application shall be filed with the Division Clerk of Court. SECTION 7. Raffle. — Applications filed on or before 12:00 noon shall be scheduled for raffle to be conducted on the same day, not later than 3:00 p.m. Applications filed thereafter shall be raffled not later than 11:00 a.m. of the next working day. The applications shall be assigned by raffle.

Rule III. Conduct of Proceedings SECTION 1. Hearing of the Application. — In search warrant applications, the assigned CTA Division shall set the application for ex parte hearing not later than the next working day following the raffle to personally examine the applicant/s and witness/es through searching questions and answers. In seizure order applications, the assigned CTA Division shall, not later than the next working day following the raffle, cause the personal service upon the owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the agricultural and/or fishery products, as well as any known third-party claimants or custodians, of a notice directing them to appear at a summary hearing to be held within forty-eight (48) hours from receipt of such notice. In cases involving perishable goods as defined under Section 4 of RA 12022, the summary hearing shall be held within twenty-four (24) hours from receipt of the notice. The hearing may be conducted through videoconferencing to allow the remote appearance of the applicant/s and the witness/es, and, in seizure order proceedings, the owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the agricultural and/or fishery products, when warranted. The conduct of videoconferencing shall be governed by A.M. No. 24-11-02-SC (Amendments to the Guidelines on the Conduct of Videoconferencing) and such other issuances of the Supreme Court as may be applicable. SECTION 2. Examination of Applicant/s and Witness/es for the Issuance of a Search Warrant. — The Justices of the assigned CTA Division must, before issuing a search warrant, personally examine, under oath or affirmation, the applicant and the witnesses they may produce, in the form of searching questions and answers in writing on facts personally known to them. SECTION 3. Presence of Relevant Persons in a Seizure Order Application. — In seizure order applications, the owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the agricultural and/or fishery products, as well as any known third-party claimant/s or custodian/s, shall have the right to appear at the summary hearing and present: (a) any evidence of compliance or justification that was not produced within the twenty-four (24)-hour compliance period; or (b) evidence contesting the factual basis of the application. SECTION 4. Resolution of the Application. — The CTA Division shall resolve the application not later than twenty-four (24) hours from the conclusion of the hearing. Rule IV. Search Warrant SECTION 1. Requisites for Issuance.Page —A search warrant shall not issue except 5 of 17 upon probable cause in connection with one specific crime under RA 12022 to be determined personally by the Justices of the assigned CTA Division after examination under oath or affirmation of the applicant/s and the witness/es they may produce, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the things to be seized. SECTION 2. Form and Validity. — (a) Issuance and Form. — The warrant shall substantially conform to the form prescribed under this Rule, consistent with the requirements of Rule 126 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure. (b) Time of Making Search. — The warrant shall be served in the day time, unless the CTA Division, based on justifiable reasons stated in the application, expressly authorizes service at any time of the night, as reflected in the warrant. (c) Validity of Search Warrant. — The warrant shall be valid for ten (10) calendar days from its date. SECTION 3. Execution. — The implementing officer/s shall observe the following during the execution of a search warrant: (a) Inform the lawful occupant/s or person/s in control of the same of their presence and purpose, seeking permission to be allowed entry before entering the premises to be searched. If, after such notice and demand, they are refused entry to the place directed to be searched, they may break open any outer or inner door or window of the premises, or any part thereof, to execute the warrant or to liberate themselves or any person lawfully aiding them; (b) Conduct the search and/or seizure in the presence of the lawful occupant/s of the premises or, in their absence, two (2) witnesses of sufficient age and discretion residing in the same locality, and provide such person/s or witnesses with a detailed, dated, and signed receipt or inventory of the properties seized (see Annex “A”); (c) Turn over seized property to the Council-designated custodian within twenty-four (24) hours from seizure, with appropriate measures to preserve their integrity, prevent spoilage or pilferage, and ensure their preservation for evidentiary and valuation purposes. For highly perishable goods, ensure compliance with Section 3 of Rule VII of these Rules; and (d) Comply with A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC on the Rules on the Use of BodyPage 6 of 17 Worn Cameras in the Execution of Warrants. At least one (1) body-worn camera and one (1) alternative recording device, or at least two (2) alternative recording devices if a body-worn camera is unavailable, shall be used. The devices shall be activated upon arrival at the place of execution and shall remain activated until the operation is concluded and the team has left the premises, subject to the exceptions and justifications allowed under A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC. SECTION 4. Period to File a Return. — From the lapse of the ten (10)-day validity of the search warrant, the implementing officer/s shall have five (5) calendar days to file a verified return. A motion for extension of time to file a return may be filed within the said period, accompanied by a partial verified return, indicating the quantities and general description of the items seized. For justifiable and compelling reasons, the CTA Division may grant only one (1) extension not exceeding five (5) calendar days from the expiration of the period to file a return. No further extension shall be allowed. If the warrant is not executed, the implementing officer/s shall, within the period to file a return, file a verified return for non-execution (see Annex “B”), and the reason/s therefor. If no such return is filed, the Division Clerk of Court shall report the same. The implementing officer/s shall be directed to explain the failure and may, upon finding of inexcusable delay or noncompliance, be cited in contempt pursuant to Rule 71 of the Rules on Civil Procedure, as amended. SECTION 5. Contents of a Return. —The verified return (see Annex “C”) shall state: (a) the warrant, date, time and place of its execution of the warrant or the taking of custody; (b) a list of all items seized or taken into custody in accordance with Section 3 of this Rule; (c) any items not found or not seized; (d) all executing officers and witnesses present; (e) the reason/s for the use of force, if any; (f) the public custodian or facility designated by the Council;

Page 7 of 17

(g) items seized although not included in the warrant and the reason/s for such seizure; and

(a) detailed receipt or inventory of the items seized, with estimated value at the time of seizure;

(h) compliance with A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC, including the devices used, any unavoidable deviations, and the submission of required affidavit and media.

(b) photograph or video documentation;

The return shall be accompanied by the following documents, if applicable: (a) detailed receipt or inventory of the items seized, with estimated value at the time of seizure; (b) photograph or video documentation; (c) proof of designation by the Council of the public custodian/s or facility/ies; (d) the report rendered by the Enforcement Group to the Council within forty-eight (48) hours from the service of the search warrant pursuant to Section 18(e) of RA 12022; (e) the body-worn camera affidavit and the sealed storage media containing the recordings, together with a chain-of-custody certification, in accordance with A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC; and (f) such other relevant documents. For items subject to laboratory testing, grading, or sampling, a supplemental return (see Annex “D”) shall be filed within five (5) calendar days from receipt of the results. The CTA may, upon motion and for good cause shown, grant one (1) extension not exceeding five (5) calendar days. No further extension shall be allowed. Rule V. Seizure Order SECTION 1. Requisites for Issuance. — A seizure order may issue only upon the conduct of a summary hearing as provided under Rule III of these Rules and a judicial determination, after such hearing, that the applicant has complied with the requirements under these Rules and the owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the agricultural and/or fishery products has failed to produce the statutory evidence of compliance or justification applicable to the specific violation within the 24-hour period, as follows: (a) If based on Section 7 (Agricultural Smuggling) of RA 12022, import clearance/s from regulatory agencies, proof of payment of duties and taxes, shipping or transport documents Page 8 of 17 and/or other equivalent import documents; (b) If based on Section 8 (Agricultural Hoarding) of RA 12022, documentary proof that stocks are within normal inventory level, final contracts of sale covering excess stocks and/or other documents showing compliance with the ten (10)-day disposition requirement; and (c) If based on Section 9 (Agricultural Profiteering) of RA 12022, cost of acquisition, sales receipts and/or other documents showing the pricing basis. SECTION 2. Form and Validity. — (a) Issuance and Form. — The order shall substantially conform to the form prescribed under this Rule, which shall specifically identify the items to be covered by the Seizure Order, the person or entity from whom the items were taken, if known, the designated custodian thereof, if already identified, and the terms and conditions required by the law. (b) Validity of Seizure Order. — The order shall be valid for ten (10) calendar days from its date. The CTA Division may, upon motion and for justifiable and compelling reasons, grant an extension. SECTION 3. Execution. — The implementing officer/s shall observe the following during the execution of a seizure order: (a) Immediately conduct a physical inventory and valuation of all products and properties seized and shall take photographs and/or video recordings of the same in accordance with Section 19 of RA 12022; (b) Prepare a detailed, dated, and signed receipt or inventory of the properties seized (see Annex “E”) and provide the same to the owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the agricultural and/or fishery products and property at the time of seizure; (c) Post copies of the receipt or inventory at the place where the properties seized were taken, personally furnish the same to the barangay having territorial jurisdiction over the place of seizure or, if impracticable, to the nearest adjoining barangay, and attach the same to the verified return to be filed with the CTA; (d) Turn over the properties seized to the Council-designated custodian within twenty-four (24) hours from confiscation or seizure, with appropriate measures to preserve their integrity, prevent spoilage or pilferage, and ensure their preservation for evidentiary and valuation Page 9 of 17 purposes. For highly perishable goods, ensure compliance with Section 3 of Rule VII of these Rules. SECTION 4. Period to File a Return. — From the lapse of the ten (10)-day validity of the seizure order, the implementing officer/s shall have five (5) calendar days to file a verified return. A motion for extension of time to file a return may be filed within the said period, accompanied by a partial verified return, indicating the quantities and general description of the items seized. For justifiable and compelling reasons, the CTA Division may only grant one (1) extension not exceeding five (5) calendar days from the expiration of the period to file a return. No further extension shall be allowed. If the order is not executed, the implementing officer/s shall, within the period to file a return, file a verified return for non-execution (see Annex “F”) and the reason/s therefor. If no such return is filed, the Division Clerk of Court shall report the same. The implementing officer/s shall be directed to explain the failure and may, upon finding of inexcusable delay or noncompliance, be cited in contempt pursuant to Rule 71 of the Rules on Civil Procedure, as amended. SECTION 5. Contents of a Return. — The verified return (see Annex “G”) shall: (a) identify the order, and state the date, time, and place of its execution or the taking of custody; (b) provide a list all items seized or taken into custody; (c) explain any deviation from the initial inventory of the items under constructive custody; (d) identify all executing officers and relevant person/s present; (e) the reason/s for the use of force, if any; (f) state the public custodian or facility designated by the Council; and (g) state compliance with A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC, including the devices used, any unavoidable deviations, and the submission of required affidavit and media. The return shall be accompanied by the following documents, if applicable:

(c) proof of designation by the Council of the public custodian/s or facility/ies; (d) the report rendered by the Enforcement Group to the Council within forty-eight (48) hours from conduct of visitation pursuant to a LOA; and (e) the body-worn camera affidavit and the sealed storage media containing the recordings, together with a chain-of-custody certification, in accordance with A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC. For items subject to laboratory testing, grading, or sampling, a supplemental return (see Annex “H”) shall be filed within five (5) calendar days from receipt of the results. The CTA may, upon motion and for good cause shown, grant one (1) extension not exceeding five (5) calendar days. No further extension shall be allowed. Rule VI. Remedies SECTION 1. Coverage. — This Rule governs the following motions: (a) quash a search warrant, (b) quash a seizure order, (c) suppress evidence obtained by virtue thereof, issued or implemented in connection with violations of RA 12022; and (d) return seized items, or lift seizure order, or pay compensation due, if any, for failure to file criminal case within the prescribed period. SECTION 2. Time to Move; Where Filed. — The owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the seized items, or whose premises were subjected to search, or any person with a material interest therein, may move to quash the search warrant or seizure order and/or suppress evidence at any time after the issuance thereof. The motion shall be filed in, and resolved by, the CTA Division that issued the warrant or order. If an RTC issued the warrant pursuant to Section 18(f) of RA 12022, the motion shall be filed in that issuing court until the filing of the Information with the CTA. SECTION 3. Form and Contents. — The motion shall be in writing, verified, signed by the movant or counsel, and shall distinctly specify its factual and legal grounds. The CTA Division shall consider no ground other than those stated in the motion, except lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter or over the issuance of the process and constitutional objections appearing on the face of the record. SECTION 4. Summary Hearing; Burden Page 11 ofof17Proof. — Motions under this Rule shall be resolved in a summary hearing, after due notice to the applicant and the implementing officer/s. The burden of justifying the validity of the execution of the search warrant or seizure order rests upon the applicant of the warrant or order. The CTA Division may require the production of the application records, supporting affidavits, transcripts of searching questions and answers, returns, inventories, media recordings or affidavits required under A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC, and other pertinent documents. SECTION 5. Effects of Sustaining the Motion. — (a) Quashal of a Search Warrant or Seizure Order. — In the event of quashal, the CTA Division shall order the immediate nullification of the search warrant or seizure order. Any property seized solely by virtue thereof shall be returned to the owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the agricultural and/or fishery products, unless such item is prohibited or hazardous and subject to lawful disposition by the appropriate authorities. If the seized property has perished, spoiled, or otherwise deteriorated and can no longer be returned, the owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the agricultural and/or fishery products shall be entitled to compensation therefor. (b) Suppression of Evidence. — The CTA Division shall suppress and exclude from evidence any item obtained pursuant to an invalid process, including all derivative evidence, and shall prohibit its use in any proceeding before the CTA Division. (c) Compensation in Appropriate Cases. — When warranted under Section 16(o) of RA 12022, the CTA Division may order the payment of compensation, which shall include the actual value of the agricultural and/or fishery products and properties at the time of seizure, confiscation, destruction, or disposal, and the earnings lost by reason of wrongful or illegal seizure, confiscation, destruction, or disposal. This is without prejudice to the lawful disposition of prohibited or hazardous goods. SECTION 6. Failure to File Criminal Case. — If no Information is filed with the CTA within sixty (60) calendar days from the filing of the complete verified return, the owner, possessor, or person exercising control over the seized items, or whose premises were subjected to search, may file a verified motion for the return of the seized items or the lifting of the seizure order, as applicable, or, if the items have partially or totally perished or have already been disposed of, for the payment of compensation pursuant to Section 16(o) of RA 12022. The applicant for the search warrant or seizure order shall file, within five Page 12 of 17 (5) calendar days from notice, a verified comment explaining the failure to institute a criminal action within the prescribed period.

Manila

determining their condition, quantity, and evidentiaryStandard integrity,TODAY and of issuing orders necessary for their preservation or disposition. The ocular inspection may be conducted: (a) personally by the Division, including any member thereof authorized for the purpose; (b) through a duly designated representative, such as the Division Clerk of Court or a commissioned officer of the court; or (c) through videoconferencing or other remote means, in accordance with the Resolution dated 09 December 2020 in A.M. No. 20-12-01-SC (Re: Proposed Guidelines on the Conduct of Videoconferencing), as amended by the Resolution dated 04 November 2025 in A.M. No. 24-11-02-SC (Re: Proposed Amendments to the Guidelines on the Conduct of Videoconferencing), and such other guidelines as the Supreme Court may issue. The ocular inspection shall be conducted in the presence of the parties or their duly authorized representatives, the designated custodian, and such other persons as the CTA Division may direct. The implementing officer/s and the custodian shall make the items available for inspection at the designated storage facility at the time and date set by the CTA Division. The Division Clerk of Court shall prepare the report on the ocular inspection, which shall include: (a) the date, time, and place of the inspection; (b) the persons present; (c) a description of the items inspected, including their kind, variety, quantity or weight or volume, condition, and packaging; and (d) such other observations as the CTA Division may direct. Photographs and/or video recordings taken during the inspection shall form part of the record. SECTION 3. Destruction, Donation, Disposal or Auction. — In instances when there is destruction, donation, disposal, or auction of the agricultural and/or fishery products, the Enforcement Group shall submit to the CTA Division a sworn certification attesting to the same within twenty-four (24) hours from the occurrence thereof. For highly perishable products for which the law requires a video recording and/or photograph for evidentiary purposes, the video recording and/or photograph shall also be submitted to the CTA Division within the same twenty-four (24)-hour period. SECTION 4. Referral of Incidents Related to Search Warrants or Seizure Orders Upon the Filing of the Information Before the CTA; Transmittal of Records. — Upon the filing of the Information before the CTA involving the same crimes, places searched, or properties seized, all incidents relating to the search warrant or seizure order previously issued by a CTA Division or an RTC pursuant to Section 18(f) of RA 12022 shall be transmitted to the CTA Division where the criminal case is pending within thirty (30) calendar days 14 of 17 from the filing of the Information,Page unless the CTA directs a shorter period. Within ten (10) calendar days from the filing of the Information, the prosecutor, or his or her duly authorized representative, shall move before the issuing court for the immediate transmittal of the application records to the CTA Division where the criminal case is pending. The CTA Division that issued the search warrant or seizure order shall act on the motion within five (5) calendar days from receipt thereof and shall ensure the complete and secure transmittal of the entire records to the CTA Division where the criminal case is pending, which shall thereafter exercise full jurisdiction over all related matters. Rule VIII. Miscellaneous Provisions SECTION 1. Confidentiality. — All applications, transcripts, annexes, warrants and/or orders, and returns shall be strictly confidential until the service of the search warrant and/or seizure order and the filing of the corresponding return, except when disclosure is necessary for execution, custody, or coordination with the Council and the special team of prosecutors. Any unauthorized disclosure or breach of confidentiality shall constitute indirect contempt of court and/or ground for administrative liability. SECTION 2. Effectivity. — These Rules shall take effect upon their approval by the CTA En Banc and shall remain effective unless disapproved by the Supreme Court, and after publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. They shall apply to all applications for search warrants and/or seizure orders filed before the CTA after their effectivity. Annexes “A” to “H” may be accessed at the CTA website: https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph.

MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE Chairperson:

HON. JEAN MARIE A. BACORRO-VILLENA Associate Justice, Court of Tax Appeals

Co-Chairperson:

HON. MARIA ROWENA MODESTO SAN-PEDRO Associate Justice, Court of Tax Appeals

Vice Chairperson:

HON. MARIAN IVY F. REYES-FAJARDO Associate Justice, Court of Tax Appeals

Members:

ATTY. THERESA Page 15 of 17 G. CINCO-BACTAT Executive Clerk of Court III, En Banc

After a summary hearing, the CTA Division shall, if warranted, order the lifting of the seizure order, if any, and/or the return of the seized items, or, if the items have partially or totally perished or have already been disposed of, the payment of compensation pursuant to Section 16(o) of RA 12022, unless such items are prohibited or hazardous goods subject to lawful disposition.

ATTY. CLIFFORD P. TORRALBA Chief of Office Office of Legal and Technical Services ATTY. JOAN CATHERINE R. LIBAN Court Attorney IV Office of the Presiding Justice Ma. Belen M. Ringpis-Liban

If a criminal case is subsequently filed before the CTA Division while the verified motion is pending resolution, the incident shall be consolidated with the criminal proceedings.

ATTY. CHAR THERESE R. EDILLOR-VALLENTE Court Attorney V Office of Associate Justice Jean Marie A. Bacorro-Villena

Rule VII. Post Search and Seizure Proceedings After the Filing of Information

ATTY. RIELAND J. CUEVAS Court Attorney IV Office of Associate Justice Jean Marie A. Bacorro-Villena

SECTION 1. Preservation and Disposition of Property. — The CTA Division shall issue such orders as may be necessary to preserve the quality, condition, quantity, and evidentiary integrity of confiscated, seized, or surrendered agricultural and/or fishery products and properties used in the commission of the crime, including their immediate weighing, grading, photographing, video recording, inventory, valuation, and sampling. The implementing officer/s and the Council-designated custodian shall ensure that the confiscated, seized, or surrendered agricultural and/or fishery products and properties are properly stored in a Council-designated facility for the preservation of evidence and determination of value, and shall maintain the products and properties in a condition that will allow the CTA Division to determine, during ocular inspection, the nature, quantity, condition, and classification of the products and properties subject of the criminal case. The implementing officer/s and the designated custodian shall likewise preserve and make available to the CTA Division all inventories, photographs, video recordings, sampling records, valuation reports, and other related records required under RA 12022 and these Rules. SECTION 2. Ocular Inspection of Seized Agricultural and/or Fishery Products. — Within seventy-two (72) hours from the filing of the Information, the CTA Division where the criminal case is pending may, motu proprio or upon motion of any party, conduct an ocular inspection of the confiscated, seized, or surrendered agricultural and/or fishery products for purposes of

Page 10 of 17

Page 13 of 17

ATTY. JOEFEL ANDREA A. NAMBATAC Court Attorney V Office of Associate Justice Maria Rowena Modesto-San Pedro ATTY. ABBEYLYN ERICA T. PIMENTEL-ALARILLA Court Attorney IV Office of Associate Justice Maria Rowena Modesto-San Pedro ATTY. NIKKO C. MANIBO Executive Assistant VI Office of Associate Justice Marian Ivy F. Reyes-Fajardo Secretariat:

ATTY. ANGELICA T. ABON Court Attorney IV Office of Associate Justice Jean Marie A. Bacorro-Villena ATTY. NOEL G. LIOK Page 16 of Court Attorney IV17 Office of the Presiding Justice Ma. Belen M. Ringpis-Liban MS. RESURRECION M. PULUMBARIT Executive Assistant II Office of the Presiding Justice Ma. Belen M. Ringpis-Liban

CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK CYAN

BUSINESS

Manila

Manila Standard Standard TODAY

TODAY

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

DA starts safeguard probe on pork imports T By Othel V. Campos

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched a preliminary safeguard investigation into pork imports to determine whether rising foreign shipments are causing serious injury or threatening the domestic hog industry. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. initiated the probe on his own under Republic Act No. 8800, or the Safeguard Measures Act, citing initial evidence of possible injury to local producers. The investigation covers fresh, chilled and frozen pork, offals and fats, with a review period from 2021 to August 2026. The DA cited declining farmgate prices and producer income, shrinking market share and self-sufficiency, rising import penetration and growing inventories as indicators of possible injury. The Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA), however, asked the department to end its preliminary safeguard investigation into pork imports, saying the evidence does not show that rising shipments are causing serious injury to local hog producers. MITA said in an Oct. 16 submission that the investigation lacks sufficient grounds to justify additional duties on imported SCNFORM FORMNO. NO.11 SCN (R.A.NO. NO.9139) 9139) (R.A.

REPUBLICOF OFTHE THEPHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES REPUBLIC SPECIALCOMMITTEE COMMITTEEON ONNATURALIZATION NATURALIZATION SPECIAL THEMATTER MATTEROF OFTHE THEPETITION PETITIONOF OF ININTHE MARJORIEJANE JANETO TOSIO SIO MARJORIE benaturalized naturalizedas asFilipino Filipinocitizen citizen totobe pursuanttotoRepublic RepublicAct ActNo. No.9139. 9139. pursuant xx- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ------ ------ -- -- -- -- -- - xx PETITION PETITION

pork. The group warned that provisional duties could raise food prices, disrupt supplies for food manufacturers and undermine the tariff policy under Executive Order No. 62. Citing Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, MITA said domestic pork production fell to 1.66 million metric tons (MT) in 2025, below the 1.7 million MT recorded in 2021. It blamed the decline largely on African swine fever (ASF) and its lingering effects, not import competition. MITA said 2025 production was 661,481 MT below the 2018 peak of 2.32 million MT, while muscle meat imports of 463,184 MT were not enough to bridge the supply gap. Data from the DA showed the European Union accounted for about 47 percent of covered imports from 2021 to 2025. Other major suppliers include Brazil, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands and the United States. 13.ItItisismy mytrue trueand andhonest honestintention intentiontotobecome becomeaacitizen citizenofofthe the 13. Philippinesand andtotorenounce renounceabsolutely absolutelyand andforever foreverallallallegiance allegiance Philippines andfidelity fidelitytotoany anyforeign foreignprince, prince,potentate, potentate,state stateororsovereignty, sovereignty, and and,particularly, particularly,toto PRC PRC(CHINA)of (CHINA)ofwhich whichatatthis thistime timeI Iam amaa and, citizenororsubject. subject.I Iwill willreside residecontinuously continuouslyininthe thePhilippines Philippinesfrom from citizen thedate dateofofthe thefiling filingofofthis thispetition petitionup uptotothe thetime timeofofmy myadmission admission the Philippinecitizenship. citizenship. totoPhilippine 14.My Mycharacter characterwitnesses witnessesare areATTY. ATTY.CARLO CARLOMARCO MARCOM. M. 14. BAUTISTAand andMR. MR.ALEXANDER ALEXANDERGLEN GLENE.E.BAUTISTA BAUTISTAboth bothFilipino Filipino BAUTISTA citizens,ofoflegal legalage, age,and andresiding residingatat1515PASCUAL PASCUALST., ST.,F.E. F.E.MARCOS, MARCOS, citizens, SANJOSE JOSECITY CITYand and229 229MAHARLIKA MAHARLIKARD., RD.,ABAR ABARST., ST.,SAN SANJOSE JOSE SAN CITYrespectively, respectively,who whohave haveexecuted executedsworn swornstatements statementsattached attachedhereto hereto CITY supportofofmy myinstant instantpetition, petition,together togetherwith: with:(a) (a)brief briefbiographical biographicaldata data ininsupport aboutthemselves; themselves;(b) (b)detailed detailedstatements statementsononthe thedates datesthey theyfirst firstcame cametoto about knowme, me,the thecircumstances circumstancesofofour ourinitial initialacquaintance acquaintanceand andthe thereasons reasons know andextent extentofofour ourcontinuing continuingfamiliarity; familiarity;and and(c)(c)the thenumber numberofoftimes timesthey they and haveacted actedasascharacter characterwitnesses witnessesininother otherpetitions petitionsforfornaturalization. naturalization. have

15.Attached Attachedhereto heretoasasannexes annexesand andmade madepart partofofthis thispetition petition Pursuanttotothe theprovisions provisionsofofRepublic RepublicAct ActNo. No.9139, 9139,petitioner petitioner 15. Pursuant arethe theduplicate duplicateoriginals originalsororcertified certifiedphotocopies photocopiesofofthe the herebysubmits submitsaapetition petitionfor fornaturalization naturalizationtotobecome becomeaacitizen citizenofof are hereby followingdocuments documents(please (pleasecheck checkthe theappropriate appropriatebox): box): theRepublic Republicofofthe thePhilippines Philippinesand andrespectfully respectfullydeclares: declares: following the Myfull fullname nameisisMARJORIE MARJORIEJANE JANETO TOSIO, SIO,but butI have I havealso alsobeen been  a.a. Petitioner’s Petitioner’sbirth birthcertificate certificate 1.1.My Petitioner’salien aliencertificate certificateofofregistration registration(ACR) (ACR) knownsince sincechildhood childhoodasas MARJORIE MARJORIEJANE JANETO TOSIO SIO ororI Ihave have  b.b. Petitioner’s known Petitioner’snative-born native-borncertificate certificateofofresidence residence(NBCR) (NBCR) beenjudicially judiciallyauthorized authorizedtotouse usethe thealias aliasname(s) name(s) N/A N/A  c.c. Petitioner’s been .. Petitioner’smarriage marriagecertificate, certificate,ififmarried married XX d.d. Petitioner’s Deathcertificate certificateofhislher ofhislherspouse, spouse,ififwidowed widowed Mypresent presentplace placeofofresidence residenceisisKING KINGRICE RICEMILL, MILL,BRGY. BRGY.CALAOCAN CALAOCAN XX e.e. Death 2.2.My /MunicipalityofofSAN SANJOSE JOSEProvince ProvinceofofNUEVA NUEVAECIJA ECIJAand andallallmy myformer former /Municipality X Courtdecree decreeannulling annullinghis/her his/hermarriage marriageororgranting grantinglegal legal placesofofresidence residenceare are(please (pleaseindicate indicateperiods periodsofofresidence) residence) X f.f. Court places separation,ififsuch suchwas wasthe thefact fact separation, 2000- -PRESENT, PRESENT,KING KINGRICE RICEMILL, MILL,BRGY. BRGY.CALAOCAN, CALAOCAN,SAN SAN 2000 Birthcertificates certificatesofofpetitioner’s petitioner’sminor minorchildren children JOSECITY CITYNUEVA NUEVAECIJA ECIJA XXg.g. Birth JOSE X ACRsofofpetitioner’s petitioner’sminor minorchildren children X h.h. ACRs NBCRsofofpetitioner’s petitioner’sminor minorchildren children I wasborn bornonon0505JULY JULY2000 2000ininCABANATUAN CABANATUANCITY CITYPhilippines. Philippines. XX i.i. NBCRs 3.3.I was Affidavitsofoffinancial financialcapacity capacitybybythe thepetitioner, petitioner,duly duly havebeen beenaaresident residentofofthe thePhilippines Philippinessince sincebirth. birth.AtAtpresent, present,I Iam amaa XX j.j. Affidavits I Ihave supported by by bank bank certifications, certifications, passbooks, passbooks, stock stock citizenororsubject subjectofofPEOPLE’S PEOPLE’SREPUBLIC REPUBLICOF OFCHINA. CHINA. supported citizen certificates,ororproof proofofofowner ownership shipofofother otherproperties properties certificates, Affidavitsofofatatleast leasttwo two(2) (2)credible crediblewitnesses witnesseswho whomust must Myfather's father'sname nameisisPENG PENGSIO SIOand andhehewas wasborn bornonon1010OCTOBER OCTOBER  k.k. Affidavits 4.4.My beFilipino Filipinocitizens citizensofofgood goodreputation reputationininpetitioner’s petitioner’splace place 1960ininCHINA CHINA(PRC) (PRC)He Heisisaacitizen citizenororsubject subjectofofCHINA CHINA(PRC) (PRC) My My be 1960 residence mother'sname nameisisPAAH PAAHTO TOand andshe shewas wasborn bornonon1818MAY MAY1965, 1965, inin ofofresidence mother's Medicalcertificate certificatefrom fromaagovernment governmenthospital hospitalstating statingthat that CHINA(PRC) (PRC). .She Sheisisaacitizen citizenororsubject subjectofofPEOPLE’S PEOPLE’SREPUBLIC REPUBLIC  l.l. Medical CHINA petitionerisisnot notSuffering Sufferingfrom frommental mentalalienation alienationororaauser user OFCHINA CHINA. . petitioner OF prohibiteddrugs drugsororotherwise otherwiseaadrug drugdependent dependentand andthat that ofofprohibited Mytrade, trade,business, business,profession professionororlawful lawfuloccupation occupationisisN/A N/Aand and he/sheisisnot notafflicted afflictedwith withacquired acquiredimmune immunedeficiency deficiency he/she 5.5.My syndrome(AIDS), (AIDS),ororany anyincurable incurablecontagious contagiousdisease. disease. fromwhich whichI Iderive derivean anaverage averageannual annualincome incomeofof N/A N/A, ,inclusive inclusiveofof syndrome from m.School Schooldiploma diplomaand andtranscript transcriptofofrecords recordsofofthe thepetitioner petitioner bonuses,commissions commissionsand andallowances. allowances.My Mywife's/husband's wife's/husband'strade, trade,  m. bonuses, fromthe theschool/s school/she heororshe sheattended attendedininthe thePhilippines Philippines business,profession professionororlawful lawfuloccupation occupationisis N/A N/Aand andfrom fromwhich which from business, Certificationsstating statingthat thatpetitioner’s petitioner’sminor minorchildren childrenare are shederives derivesan anaverage averageannual annualincome incomeofofN/A. N/A. XX n.n. Certifications she enrolledininpublic publicschool/s school/sororprivate privateeducational educationalinstitutions institutions enrolled dulyrecognized recognizedbybythe theDECS, DECS,where wherePhilippine Philippinehistory, history, (Wherethe theabove abovedoes doesnot notapply): apply):I Iam amexempt exemptfrom fromthe the duly (Where governmentand andcivics civicsare aretaught taughtand andprescribed prescribedasaspart part requirementofoflucrative lucrativetrade tradeororoccupation occupationand andfrom fromsubmitting submitting government requirement theschool schoolcurriculum curriculumand andwhere whereenrollment enrollmentisisnot notlimited limited incometax taxreturns returnsfor forthe thepast pastthree three(3) (3)years yearsbecause becauseI am I amaacollege college ofofthe income anyrace raceorornationality nationality degreeholder holder[please [pleasestate state(1) (1)degree degreeobtained: obtained:N/A N/A(2) (2)name nameofof totoany degree Petitioner’sincome incometax taxreturns returnsfor forthe thepast pastthree threeyears years school:N/A N/Aand and(3) (3)years yearsgraduated: graduated:N/A N/Awho whocannot cannotpractice practicemy my XX o.o. Petitioner’s school: Petitioner’sreceipts receiptsofofpayment paymentofofincome incometax taxfor forthe thepast past profession(the (thepractice practiceofofwhich whichrequires requiresaagovernment governmentlicensure licensure XX p.p. Petitioner’s profession threeyears years examination)bybyreason reasonofofmy mycitizenship. citizenship. three examination) 16.Other Otherdocuments documentssubmitted submittedbybythe thepetitioner petitionerininsupport supportofof Mycivil civilstatus statusisisSINGLE, SINGLE,I Iwas wasmarried marriedon onN/A N/Ainin N/A. N/A. My My 16. 6.6. My his/herpetition: petition: wife's/husband'sname nameisis N/A N/Aand andshe/he she/hewas wasborn bornon onininN/A N/A inin his/her wife's/husband's N/AShe/he She/heisisaacitizen citizenororsubject subjectofofN/A N/Aand andpresently presentlyresides residesN/A. N/A. N/A NBICLEARANCE, CLEARANCE,BARANGAY BARANGAYCLEARANCE, CLEARANCE,MTC MTC&&RTC RTC NBI CLEARANCE.PROSECUTOR’S PROSECUTOR’SCLEARANCE CLEARANCE amlegally legallyseparated separatedfrom frommy myspouse; spouse;my mymarriage marriagewas was CLEARANCE. 7.7. I Iam annulled,per perdecree decreeofoflegal legalseparation/annulment separation/annulmentdated datedN/A N/A annulled, grantedbybyN/A. N/A.(please (pleaseindicate indicatethe theparticular particularcourt courtwhich whichgranted granted granted PRAYER thesame). same).I am I amaawidower/widow widower/widowand andmy myspouse spousedied diedon onN/A N/AininN/A. N/A. PRAYER the WHEREFORE,ititisisrespectfully respectfullyprayed prayedthat thatpetitioner petitionerbe be have N/A N/A child/children, child/children,whose whosenames, names,dates datesand andplaces places WHEREFORE, 8.8.I Ihave conferredPhilippine Philippinecitizenship citizenshippursuant pursuanttotothe theprovisions provisionsofof birthand andresidences residencesare areasasfollows: follows: conferred ofofbirth RepublicAct ActNo, No,9139. 9139. Name Date of Birth Place of Birth Residence Republic Name N/A N/A

Date of Birth N/A N/A

Place of Birth N/A N/A

Residence N/A N/A

DatedatatPasig PasigCity, City,Metro MetroManila, Manila,this this 18 18 day dayofof JUNE, JUNE, Dated 2019 . receivedmy myprimary primaryand andsecondary secondaryeducation educationfrom fromthe the 2019 . 9.9.I Ireceived followingpublic publicschools schoolsororprivate privateeducational educationalinstitutions institutionsduly duly following recognizedbybythe theDepartment DepartmentofofEducation, Education,Culture Cultureand andSports Sports recognized (DECS),where wherePhilippine Philippinehistory, history,government governmentand andcivics civicsare aretaught taught (DECS), andprescribed prescribedasaspart partofofthe theschool schoolcurriculum curriculumand andwhere whereenrollment enrollment and notlimited limitedtotoany anyrace raceorornationality: nationality: isisnot MARJORIEJANE JANETO TOSIO SIO MARJORIE Name of School Place of School DatesofofStudy Study Highest HighestGrade GradeCompleted Completed Nameand andSignature SignatureofofPetitioner Petitioner Name of School Place of School Dates Name BETTBIENMONTESORRI MONTESORRI SANJOSE JOSECITY CITY 2008-2014 GRADUATED AddressKING KINGRICE RICEMILL, MILL,BRGY. BRGY.CALAOCAN, CALAOCAN, BETTBIEN SAN 2008-2014 GRADUATED Address SANJOSE JOSECITY, CITY,NUEVA NUEVAECIJA ECIJA BETTBIENMONTESORRI MONTESORRI SANJOSE JOSECITY CITY 2014-2018 GRADUATED SAN BETTBIEN SAN 2014-2018 GRADUATED TelephoneNumber: Number:0995 09957953676 7953676 UNIVERSITYOFOFTHE THEEAST EAST MANILA 2018-PRESENT SENIOR SENIORHIGH HIGHSCHOOL SCHOOL Telephone UNIVERSITY MANILA 2018-PRESENT MANILA MANILA

10.I Iam amable abletotoread, read,write writeand andspeak speakFilipino Filipinoand/or and/orany anyofofthe the 10. followingdialects dialectsofofthe thePhilippines: Philippines:ENGLISH ENGLISHAND ANDTAGALOG. TAGALOG. following 11.I have I haveenrolled enrolledmy myminor minorchildren childrenofofschool schoolage ageininthe thefollowing following 11. publicschools schoolsororprivate privateeducational educationalinstitutions institutionsduly dulyrecognized recognizedbyby public theDepartment DepartmentofofEducation, Education,Culture Cultureand andSports Sports(DECS), (DECS),where where the PhilipineHistory, History,government governmentand andcivics civicsare aretaught taughtand andprescribed prescribed Philipine partofofthe theschool schoolcurriculum curriculumand andwhere whereenrollment enrollmentisisnot notlimited limited asaspart anyrace raceorornationality: nationality: totoany NameofofChild Child Name N/A N/A

Nameand andPlace PlaceofofSchool School Name N/A N/A

DateofofEnrollment Enrollment Date N/A N/A

REPUBLICOF OFTHE THEPHILIPPINES) PHILIPPINES) REPUBLIC CITYS.S. S.S. CITY/MUNICIPALITYOF OFPASIG PASIGCITY CITY/MUNICIPALITY MARJORIEJANE JANETO TOSIO SIO ofoflegal legalage ageand andaaresident residentofof I,I,MARJORIE KINGRICE RICEMILL, MILL,BRGY. BRGY.CALAOCAN, CALAOCAN,SAN SANJOSE JOSECITY, CITY,NUEVA NUEVA KING ECIJAafter afterbeing beingduly dulysworn, sworn,depose deposeand andsay saythat thatI Iam amthe the ECIJA petitionerherein, herein,that thatI Ihave haveread readthe theforegoing foregoingpetition petitionand andknow know petitioner theforegoing foregoingpetition petitionand andknown knownthe thecontents contentsthereof, thereof,and andthat that the thesame sameisistrue trueofofmy myown ownknowledge. knowledge. the

12.I shall I shallnever neverbe beaapublic publiccharge. charge.I am I amofofgood goodmoral moralcharacter. character.I I 12. believeininthe theprinciples principlesunderlying underlyingthe thePhilippine PhilippineConstitution. Constitution.I have I have believe MARJORIEJANE JANETO TOSIO SIO conductedmyself myselfininaaproper properand andirreproachable irreproachablemanner mannerduring during MARJORIE conducted Nameand andSignature SignatureofofPetitioner Petitioner theentire entireperiod periodofofmy myresidence residenceininthe thePhilippines Philippinesininmy myrelations relations Name the ACRNO. NO.F0000287099 F0000287099 withthe theconstituted constitutedgovernment governmentasaswell wellasaswith withthe thecommunity communityinin ACR with whichI Iam amliving. living.I Imingled mingledsocially sociallywith withFilipinos Filipinosand andhave haveevinced evinced which sinceredesire desiretotolearn learnand andembrace embracethe thecustoms, customs,traditions traditionsand and aasincere SUBSCRIBEDAND ANDSWORN SWORNtotobefore beforeme meatatPASIG PASIGCITY CITYthis this idealsofofthe theFilipino Filipinopeople. people.I Ihave haveallallthe thequalifications qualificationsand andnone none SUBSCRIBED ideals 18day dayofofJUN JUN2019. 2019. thedisqualifications disqualificationsunder underRepublic RepublicAct ActNo. No.9139. 9139. 18 ofofthe amnot notopposed opposedtotoorganized organizedgovernment governmentororaffiliated affiliatedwith withany any I Iam associationororgroup groupofofpersons personswho whouphold upholdand andteach teachdoctrines doctrines association opposingallallorganized organizedgovernments. governments.I Iam amnot notdefending defendingoror opposing teachingthe thenecessity necessityororpropriety proprietyofofviolence, violence,personal personalassault assault teaching assassinationfor forthe thesuccess successand andpredominance predominanceofofone's one'sideas. ideas. ororassassination amnot notaapolygamist polygamistnor noraabeliever believerininthe thepractice practiceofofpolygamy. polygamy. I Iam havenot notbeen beenconvicted convictedofofany anycrime crimeinvolving involvingmoral moralturpitude. turpitude. I Ihave amnot notsuffering sufferingfrom frommental mentalalienation alienationororfrom fromany anyincurable incurable I Iam contagiousdisease. disease.The Thecountry countryofofwhich whichI Iam amaacitizen citizenororsubject subject contagious notatatwar warwith withthe thePhilippines Philippinesand andgrants grantstotoFilipinos Filipinosthe theright right isisnot benaturalized naturalizedcitizens citizensororsubjects subjectsthereof. thereof. totobe

BEST COMPANY. Representatives from Maya People Group celebrate after the company was named one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia for the second consecutive year at the 2026 HR Asia Awards. Maya also earned the People Transformation and Tech Empowerment awards, securing three distinctions at this year’s ceremony.

IN BRIEF

Consortium to invest up to $100m to drill oil wells

THE service contract 91 consortium led by operator Nido Petroleum Philippines Pty. Ltd. is spending up to $100 million to drill up to four wells in phases off Northwest Palawan, aiming to revive commercial production at the Cadlao field. The Department of Energy awarded SC 91 on April 13, 2026, to Nido Petroleum and its joint venture partners: The Philodrill Corp., Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corp., Forum Energy Philippines Corp., Alcorn Petroleum and Minerals Corp., and PNOC Exploration Corp. The contract area covers a portion of the former Service Contract 6B. In regulatory submissions to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Nido Petroleum noted that the Northwest Palawan basin is a proven hydrocarbon fairway that has hosted 11 commercial oil and gas fields since the 1970s, including the giant Malampaya gas field. Discovered in 1977, the Cadlao field produced 11.1 million barrels of oil from two wells between 1981 and 1991. Production ceased while the Cadlao-1A well was still producing 5,900 barrels of oil per day under natural flow. Recent reprocessing of 3D seismic data revealed an unswept attic oil volume in the Cadlao structure. Nido Petroleum stated that historical output and shallow water depths will enable a low-capital-expenditure development approach. Work commitments under SC 91 involve appraisal activities starting with the Cadlao-4 well, followed by development drilling of one to three additional wells, subject to a declaration of commerciality. Alena Mae S. Flores

Investors eye Mynt’s Q3 results after flat debut

INVESTORS in Mynt Inc., the operator of fintech platform GCash, are turning their focus to the company’s third-quarter financial results next month to gauge performance following its record-setting initial public offering. Mynt shares dipped to P6.59 on their second day of trading Tuesday, down slightly from a flat debut at P6.60. Brokerage firm Abacus Securities Corp. noted that the stock’s flat opening performance pointed to active price stabilization efforts by IPO underwriters. However, it added that overall selling pressure appeared contained, with offer volumes staying below half of total bid volume throughout most of the session. “Local buyers seemed willing to absorb whatever foreigners were selling,” Abacus Securities said in a research note. The brokerage cautioned, however, that elevated market expectations could prove difficult to meet when Mynt reports its third-quarter performance through parent firm Globe Telecom Inc. next month. “The risk of a disappointment is higher because of the hype, but also due to the precedent set in the second quarter, which fell quarter on quarter,” Abacus Securities said. The firm advised investors looking to build positions in Mynt to await Globe’s third-quarter earnings release and analyst briefing scheduled for the second week of November. Jenniffer B. Austria NOTICEOFOFSELF-ADJUDICATION SELF-ADJUDICATION NOTICE INSURANCEPROCEEDS PROCEEDS OFOFINSURANCE

Noticeisishereby herebygiven giventhat thatJESICA JESICA Notice FRANSCISCODE DEJONG, JONG,asasthe the FRANSCISCO designated beneficiary under Allianz designated beneficiary under Allianz PolicyNo. No.130191323 130191323covering coveringthe the Policy lifeofofWOUTER WOUTERDE DEJONG JONGwho whodied died life January2026, 2026,has hasexecuted executed onon2424January an Affidavit of Self-Adjudication an Affidavit of Self-Adjudication Insurance Proceeds Proceeds covering covering ofof Insurance theInsurance Insuranceproceeds proceedsand andother other the benefits lawfully lawfully payable payable toto her her benefits under said policy. under said policy.

BCDA, Pag-IBIG target 14-ha. site in New Clark City

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Pag-IBIG Fund have identified a 14-hectare site in New Clark City for their initial joint housing project following the signing of a memorandum of agreement on Oct. 8. Under the agreement, both government agencies will jointly identify, plan, finance, and develop housing and institutional projects across BCDA properties, including The Affidavit Affidavit was was subscribed subscribed The Camp John Hay, Morong Discovery Park, and the Poro and sworn sworn toto before before Notary Notary and Public ATTY. ATTY. JOSEPH JOSEPH NICO NICO P.P. Point Freeport Zone. Public RAMARAMAininMandaluyong MandaluyongCity City RAMARAMA The partnership aims to address growing housing deOctober19, 19,2026. 2026.and andentered entered ononOctober Doc No.440; No.440; Page Page No. No. 88; 88; mand in BCDA development zones as workforce numasas Doc Book No. 16; Series of 2026 Book No. 16; Series of 2026 bers, commercial activity, and corporate investments This notice notice isis published published inin This expand. compliance with the insurer’s compliance with the insurer’s “We see this as a long-term institutional partnership. documentaryrequirements requirements documentary As our project areas continue to grow, we want to make (MS-OCT. 22/29/NOV. 5, 2026) (MS-OCT. 22/29/NOV. 5, 2026) sure that our properties are put to productive use and that development keeps pace NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION with the needs of the peoNOTICEISISHEREBY HEREBYGIVEN GIVENthat thatthe theBoard BoardofofDirectors Directorsand and ple,” said BCDA president NOTICE Stockholders of TALA INTERNATIONAL TRADING CORP., with Stockholders of TALA INTERNATIONAL TRADING CORP., with and chief executive Joshua principaloffice officeaddress addressatatWH31 WH31Phil PhilAsia AsiaPacific PacificCompound, Compound, principal SantaRosa Rosa1,1,Marilao, Marilao,Bulacan, Bulacan,has hasapproved approvedthe thedissolution dissolution Bingcang. Santa thecorporation corporationand andshorten shortenits itscorporate corporateterm termeffective effectiveJULY JULY ofofthe The Clark Freeport Zone 08,2026. 2026. 08, currently employs about All creditors, claimants, and parties having any claim or demand All creditors, claimants, and parties having any claim or demand 145,000 workers across against TALA TALA INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL TRADING TRADING CORP. CORP. hereby hereby against requiredtotopresent presenttheir theirclaims claimswith withproper propersupporting supportingdocuments documents more than 1,200 locators. required writingtotothe theundersigned undersignedatatthe theabove-stated above-statedaddress addressnot notlater later ininwriting Planned developments in thanthirty(30) thirty(30)days daysfrom fromthe thedate dateofofthis thispublication. publication. than New Clark City, including All claims not presented on or before the said deadline shall be All claims not presented on or before the said deadline shall be a proposed advanced manforeverbarred, barred,subject subjecttotoapplicable applicablelaws. laws. forever ufacturing park under the TALAINTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONALTRADING TRADINGCORP. CORP. TALA Pax Silica initiative, are exBy:JUDY JUDYANN ANNP.P.OCLARIT OCLARIT pected to create additional By: Corporate Secretary Corporate Secretary demand for residential and community infrastructure. The two entities will identify future projects and formulate development blueprints NO O TT II CC EE through a Joint Steering ComN mittee, which will establish Noticeisishereby herebygiven giventhat thatASIATIC ASIATICLAND, LAND,INC. INC. Notice frameworks for financing, with office office address address atat 6th 6th and and 7th 7th Floor, Floor, Westar Westar with Building,611 611Shaw ShawBoulevard, Boulevard,Brgy. Brgy.Kapitolyo, Kapitolyo,Pasig Pasig construction timelines, and Building, City, isis applying applying for for registration registration with with the the Board Board ofof estate management. City, Investments(BOI) (BOI)as asaaNew NewDeveloper DeveloperofofLow-Cost Low-Cost Investments “Making homeownHousing Project Project (RICHDALE (RICHDALE WEST WEST RESIDENCES RESIDENCES Housing ership more accessible PHASE2)2)with withaacapacity capacityofof377 377House House&&Lot LotUnits, Units, PHASE underTier Tier11(Modern (ModernBasic BasicNeeds-Infrastructure Needs-Infrastructureand and means bringing together under Logistics-Housing)ofofthe the2026 2026Strategic StrategicInInvestment InInvestment affordable financing and Logistics-Housing) Priority Plan Plan (SIPP) (SIPP) pursuant pursuant toto R.A. R.A. No. No. 11534 11534 Priority quality homes in locations (CREATEAct) Act) as as amended amended by by RA RANo. No. 12066, 12066, with with (CREATE that meet Filipino workers’ project site site located located atat Brgy. Brgy. Panungyanan, Panungyanan, General General project TriasCity, City,Cavite. Cavite. needs,” Pag-IBIG Fund Trias chief executive Marilene Any person person with with valid valid objection/s objection/s on on the the aboveaboveAny Acosta said. “Through this mentionedproject projectmay mayfile filehis/her his/herobjection objectionininwriting, writing, mentioned partnership, BCDA can underoath, oath,with withthe theBOI BOIwithin withinthree three(3) (3)days daysfrom from under thedate dateofofthis thispublication. publication. provide access to governthe ment land, while Pag-IBIG Fund can contribute financ(SGD.)MARY MARYANN ANNE. E.RAGANIT RAGANIT (SGD.) Director ing and housing expertise.” Director Infrastructureand andServices ServicesIndustries IndustriesService Service Infrastructure Othel V. Campos

DOE assures open bidding for coal blocks despite SMPC concerns By Alena Mae S. Flores ENERGY Secretary Sharon Garin assured Wednesday that the Department of Energy is not excluding any qualified bidder from the upcoming Semirara coal block auction, despite concerns raised by incumbent operator Semirara Mining and Power Corp. “The rules apply equally to everyone,” Garin said on the sidelines of the World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference 2026. “If a company qualifies based on our guidelines, it is because the rules are standard across the board, not tailored for or against any single entity.” Garin urged SMPC to wait for the publication of the terms of reference, confirming that the auction will proceed this year. SMPC’s current coal operating contract expires in July 2027 and cannot be extended under constitutional limits capping natural resource concessions at 50 years. As a result, the government plans to bid out 10 coal blocks on Semirara Island in Antique province. “They should wait for the TOR. Prospective bidders will have at least one month to prepare their documentation before evaluations begin around November,” Garin said. “We are giving everyone a fair opportunity, though regulatory rules have evolved.” Garin clarified that while guidelines for greenfield sites remain unchanged, the government updated rules for brownfield coal mining assets to prioritize domestic energy security over exports. “For brownfield projects with proven viable reserves, we updated requirements to maximize domestic benefit,” Garin said. “Specifically, at least 80% of coal produced from brownfield assets must be sold locally.” Garin noted that under current operations, roughly 80 percent of output is exported. She emphasized that geopolitical tensions, including recent energy supply threats in the Middle East, reinforce the need to secure indigenous fuel sources for domestic power generation. The DOE plans to release the TOR shortly, with competitive bidding scheduled for November or December. The move follows the cancellation of the 2026 Coal Bid Round in September—which included the Semirara blocks under the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program—due to concerns raised by prospective bidders. Meanwhile, consumer advocacy group National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms (NASECORE) noted that while SMPC’s concession runs through July 2027, the company maintains ongoing obligations to the government, host communities, and electricity consumers.

CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK CYAN

BINONDO

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Kamuning Bakery donates 100,000 pieces of bread Kamuning Bakery Cafe donates 100,000 pieces of bread on the 11th World Pandesal Day, as owner Wilson Lee Flores raises alarm over rising hunger.

By Michael Wong Ho

AMUNING Bakery Cafe marked the 11th World Pandesal Day on Oct. 16, 2026 by donating 100,000 pieces of bread and other food items to community residents in need. Kamuning Bakery Cafe owner Wilson Lee Flores, a Filipino-Chinese entrepreneur, led the event at the 87-yearold bakery. The annual charity and cultural event coincides with World Food Day and World Bread Day. First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong sent messages of support. Marcos highlighted the place of pandesal in Filipino households and described the staple bread as a simple yet meaningful part of everyday family life and gatherings. Magalong lauded Kamuning Bakery Cafe for showing how a successful business can partner in building a caring and inclusive community.

Actress and Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) chairperson Boots Anson Roa Rodrigo and Rep. Antonio Tinio also took part. Portions of the donations went to orphanages and to public and private schools in Quezon City and Taguig City. Lee Flores voiced concern over worsening hunger in the country, citing a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted Sept. 21 to 27. He said 22.3 percent of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger in the previous three months, up from 20.3 percent in June and above the 21.1 percent recorded in 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey also showed the share of families who consider themselves poor rose to 55 percent in September from 49 percent in June. Lee Flores called on the public to show greater compassion and support for marginalized communities. He also urged broader social and economic reforms to address the root causes of poverty and hunger. The annual World Pandesal Day highlights the cultural significance of pandesal and uses the country’s beloved breakfast staple to help families facing economic hardship.

Business chamber donates laptops, proposes PH-China teacher exchange

FFCCCII president Victor Lim (second from left) with Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime FlorCruz (center) and FFCCCII vice president Antony Chan (fourth from left).

Group promotes PH at China-ASEAN Expo THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), led by its president Victor Lim, promoted Philippine exports, tourism and investment opportunities at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026 on Sept. 17 to 21 in Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The Philippines is the expo’s “Country of Honor” for the second time, after its first designation in 2013. It has sent its largest-ever delegation, with 313 members including 73 export enterprises showcasing agrifood, fashion, lifestyle, home products, personal care and other services. Cebu is the “Province of Charm” at CAEXPO 2026 and is highlighting its tourism, manufacturing, creative industries, investment opportunities and strategic connectivity. The province is promoting its air and maritime infrastructure, including Mactan-Cebu International Airport and deepwater ports, and its role as an economic gateway to the ASEAN region.

The expo coincided with the Sept. 16 opening of the 134.2-kilometer Pinglu Canal, a river-to-sea waterway linking the Xijiang River system with the Beibu Gulf. The canal accommodates vessels of up to 5,000 tonnes and is a major component of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, improving connectivity between ASEAN, southwestern China and other international markets. The canal is expected to shorten inland shipping routes for goods from southwestern China by more than 560 kilometers compared with the previous route through Guangzhou. It could save about 5.2 billion yuan annually in logistics costs. Its links to the Beibu Gulf port network and China’s southwestern railway system could further facilitate trade between ASEAN and China’s inland markets. CAEXPO gave the Philippines a platform to promote its products, tourism destinations and investment opportunities and to expand its role in ASEAN-China economic cooperation. Michael Wong Ho

The Manila City Council passes a resolution of appreciation for the FFCCCII’s social welfare projects and community assistance programs.

Manila lauds FFCCCII for social welfare work FFCCCII donates 25 laptops and charging cabinets to DepEd for a Pampanga high school and proposed a Philippines-China teacher exchange program.

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) turned over 25 laptops and charging cabinets to the Department of Education (DepEd) for San Roque Arbol High School in Pampanga and proposed a Philippines-China teacher exchange program. FFCCCII president Victor Lim handed the equipment to Education Secretary Sonny Angara during a visit to DepEd. Lim proposed that the Philippines send teachers to China to teach English, while China sends teachers to the Philippines to teach Chinese. The initiative aims to promote language education and strengthen educational exchanges between the two countries. Angara said DepEd would study the proposal carefully. He committed to assigning a DepEd official to discuss the initiative further with FFCCCII. Lim said FFCCCII places great importance on addressing the shortage of Chinese language teachers in the Philippines. The organization has invested hundreds of millions of pesos in training local Chinese language teachers. The donation is part of the FFCCCII Rural School Rooms Donation Project, which supports

the modernization and digitalization of public education, particularly in remote, poor and vulnerable communities. Michael Wong Ho

THE Manila City Council has recognized the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) for its contributions to the city’s social welfare projects and community assistance programs. Vice Mayor Angela Atienza presided over the council’s 111th

regular session on the afternoon of Oct. 7, when it passed a resolution of appreciation thanking the federation, led by President Victor Lim, for its continued support of initiatives benefiting Manila residents. The council also cited the FFCCCII’s recently completed free medical assistance activity, conducted with the Raha Sulayman

Rotary Club, and its longstanding collaboration with Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital. FFCCCII vice presidents George Hock Huy Chiu, Co Kin Hung and Antony Chan, along with other federation staff, received the certificate of appreciation on the organization’s behalf. Julie Ann Lope

Philippines-Hubei trade center opens in Malabon City By Julie Ann Lope THE Philippines-Hubei Supply and Marketing Commodity Exhibition and Sales Center held its grand opening in Malabon City on Oct. 16, 2026, marking a new step toward closer economic and trade ties between the Philippines and China’s Hubei Province. Board chairman Lin Fuxing, who represents the Philippine side, and director Chen Fei, who represents Hubei, said the center will introduce Hubei products to the Philippine market, including canned food, premium tea and nourishing yellow rice wine. Chen said the center supports the Belt and Road Initiative and promotes trade exchanges between

the Philippines and Hubei. He said Hubei sits in central China along the Yangtze River and connects with 6 provinces. Known as the “Province of a Thousand Lakes” and the “Land of Fish and Rice,” the province has strong advantages in industry, transportation, science and education. Hubei is known for Wuhan hotdry noodles, Suizhou shiitake mushrooms, Qianjiang crayfish and other meat products. Its key industries include optoelectronic information, automobile manufacturing and services, modern chemicals, health-related industries and modern agricultural product processing. Chen added that Hubei’s natural and cultural attractions offer room

The Philippines-Hubei Supply and Marketing Commodity Exhibition and Sales Center opened in Malabon City, bringing Hubei goods to the Philippine market.

for cooperation in tourism and cultural exchanges. Lin said he hopes the center will serve as a bridge between the two sides, providing a platform for cooperation in trade, culture

and tourism. He invited Philippine companies to showcase their products through the center and explore export opportunities in the Chinese market, saying both sides stand to benefit.

SHOWBIZ

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

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

Chinoy culture and talent in full display Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global Philippines crowns new ambassadors of Filipino-Chinese pride Very Wang

Nickie Wang

The winners of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global Philippines 2026 led by Mr. Chinatown Global Philippines Benedict Siao and Ms. Chinatown Global Philippines Maria Yna Angela Uy (center)

ODEL Benedict Siao of Manila and aspiring actress and model Maria Yna Angela Uy of Quezon City emerged victorious at the inaugural Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global Philippines 2026 on Oct. 20 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Siao and Uy earned the right to represent the country in the international competition scheduled for February 2027. They will compete in the Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global pageant, where they will showcase Filipino-Chinese talent and identity before an international audience. Jyron Ngo and Izobel Uy finished as first runners-up, while Jay Chan II and Jamaica Co were named second runners-up.

This year’s competition drew 26 finalists, 11 men and 15 women, from aspirants who auditioned in Manila, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao. The candidates faced three segments, with traditional costume and formal wear determining the Top 14, comprising seven men and seven women. But the final question-andanswer round ultimately decided who would take home the titles.. Siao impressed the judges when

asked what his generation should add to the Chinoy legacy that previous generations could not. “I think being rooted in both generations, having my mom as a full Filipino and my dad as full Chinese, there are a lot of differences between cultures that should be added to each other,” he said. Describing himself as an embodiment of the Filipino-Chinese mix, Siao said he believed he could bring together the positive aspects of both cultures while leaving behind what he considered negative. “That’s why I believe I deserve an international platform,” he added. Uy, meanwhile, faced a question about how to encourage people to keep believing in their dreams when hard work does not always guarantee success without giving them false hope. “Growing up, I’ve always seen myself not just achieving one particular goal, but dreams and ambitions that are truly embedded in me. That’s why, at a very young age, at the age of 13, I took that bold step, and that is to immerse myself with those people who are twice my age, more so, good at what they’re doing,” Uy said eloquently. She added that her determination had helped her persevere through challenges, likening her journey to that of a lotus flower rising above muddy waters. “Despite all the mucky and muddy waters, I get to rise above them,” Uy said. Among the judges were Star Magic director Lauren Dyogi, socialite and content creator Small Laude, and event host Tim Yap. Benedict Siao of Manila (left) and Maria Yna Angela Uy The pageant was hosted by Janeena Chan, of Quezon City emerge as the inaugural Mr. and Ms. Chinatown who also serves as its creative director, alongside Global Philippines 2026 winners actor Robbie Jaworski and Tim Laude.

How Bollywood’s hidden intimacy experts protect actors behind the scenes

Yugel’s ‘Expiry Mental’ is his first collaborative recording with Forgiven Music Studio The author finds songwriting to be a fulfilling solo endeavor despite the absence of a band

Keeping the fire burning BEING in a band, or two (make that three), was, for many years, a routine that kept my songwriting active. Constant collaboration and the thrill of group work helped my compositions develop from raw demos to polished recordings. But that hasn’t been a luxury I’ve had in the few years since I relocated here in the US. Letting inspiration propel me to keep writing made me realize that such a craft is fundamentally an individual force. Perhaps out of necessity or an urge to prove I can still do my thing in the current setup, my songwriting has never been in a better state. It took a few months after I landed in America to get my bearings back as a songwriter. For some reason, I didn’t have access to a guitar, or should I say I wasn’t forcing it since I didn’t have my bandmates nearby anyway. Instinctively, my younger sister bought me a keyboard so I would have an instrument to play with. When winter evolved into spring in 2023, I sat down and attempted to write a song. Rejuvenated and feeling like I was in a new land gave me some new hope, I came up with a tune I set to lyrics that describe my feelings for a kind of woman: someone who brings the news and appears on TV, presentably intelligent. I called it “Anchorwoman.” It certainly helped that I spent a year working as a copy editor for CNN Philippines and that I had been exposed to lady journalists for several years as a print media writer in the Philippines. The composition is yet to be released. But on a personal note, it is something I am truly proud of as a musician. I’ve always been attracted to female news anchors because of their mix of

professionalism, scholarly charm, and understated sensuality. Then, one time, when I was attending a fashion show in San Diego, California, I found this particular woman magnetic as she walked. She radiated the strongest appeal, and I later discovered she was a newscaster for a San Diego-based news channel. Believing in yourself is the key. But having someone believe in your talent is a big plus, especially if that person can move mountains. I am thankful to RJA Productions, in particular its founder, Rosabella Jao-Arribas, for giving me the break and the red carpet to walk through as an artist. I have released a few of my compositions under my mononym Yugel. I thought about reforming my old band Syato. But ultimately, I decided to begin a new journey and challenge myself solo. NSFU, a distribution label operated by Ted Reyes, a Fil-Am act and friend who relocated from New York to Los Angeles, put out my first three singles: “Hosanna Kapiling Ka,” “Stranded Man,” and “Sa Mga Lumalaban Nang Patas.” Thanks as well to Forgiven Music Studio in the Philippines, owned by my good friend Mark Zoleta, for helping me record my new songs. I did vocal recording at an L.A.-based studio and went home recording with Paga Manikan, the original guitarist for Mayonnaise. Inspiration as a catalyst for my songwriting became more apparent in the absence of a circle that would regularly push me to come up with songs. Two romantic, English-worded melodies came into being. “Your Rebound Guy,” now on digital

Touchbass

Yugel Losorata stores, was based on a married woman whom I imagined having a fallout with her husband, with my protagonist offering to be readily available as a rebound guy if and when she needs one. The other song is about a lady who “took my heart though I’m invisible to you.” The magic of songwriting makes me write with abandon, like someone nursing that feeling you have for a crush. Then one Sunday, with a glass full of wine on the table and my black guitar on my lap, which I bought at Guitar Center at the beginning of this year, I wrote a song called “Fire Within Our Hearts.” A healthcare company heard it and embraced it as its theme song as it celebrated its silver anniversary of serving patients, empowering employees, and cultivating a community of racially diverse professionals. I have witnessed some of their employees singing the song’s chorus and applauding themselves at the end of it, maybe realizing how easy it is to sing. It’s morale-boosting to know the song has that kind of recall. Songwriting in America is a fulfillment on a different level from when I heard a few of my compositions on FM radio in the Philippines or when a bunch of bohemians in a Manila bar reacted excitedly to a song I wrote as my band played it live. It feels good to have rediscovered that fire within me amid some ill advice to drop songwriting altogether as I begin a new life. No band. No problem. Songwriting saves the day.

INDIA’S film industry is gradually welcoming intimacy coordinators to choreograph scenes involving nudity or sex, protect actors, and ensure consent. Once unheard of in Bollywood, these professionals are becoming more common following the global #MeToo movement and the rise of streaming platforms, which have encouraged more realistic portrayals of sexuality. “Just like a stunt director handles a fight scene... for scenes of intimacy, we map out exactly where the hand goes and where the hair goes so nothing is left to awkward improvisation,” said Aastha Khanna, one of Bollywood’s growing number of intimacy coordinators. Their kits include crotch guards, nipple pasties, and doughnut cushions to minimize physical contact during simulated intimate scenes. Khanna said coordinators are usually hired before casting so actors can decide whether they are comfortable with such scenes before signing on. Bollywood avoided physical intimacy on screen for decades under strict government guidelines and censorship, often using symbolic images such as flowers, crashing waves, or a crackling fire to suggest desire.

One of the first mainstream Hindi productions to formalize intimacy direction was Gehraiyaan, backed by filmmaker Karan Johar and released on Amazon Prime Video in 2022. Khanna choreographed scenes and established boundaries, while intimacy coach Neha Vyaso led workshops on physical dynamics and consent. Streaming productions have helped expand the practice. “There’s much less censorship and more openness to stories that explore taboo subjects,” Vyaso said. Crime drama Mirzapur, known for its graphic content, initially had no intimacy coordinators. Lead actor Rasika Dugal said performers had to navigate boundaries individually. “It is very important to have intimacy coordinators so nobody is violated in any way and everyone’s concerns are properly taken care of,” she said. Despite growing awareness, intimacy coordinators remain scarce, numbering just over a dozen across India’s film and television industries. With no formal guidelines requiring their employment, some professionals hope film associations will establish industry-wide standards. Khanna said their work extends beyond simulated sex to scenes involving violence, dominance, harassment, and nudity. “There have been instances where the actor ended up kissing his co-star without her consent. We ensure that none of this happens in the flow,” she said. “A scene of intimacy is not necessarily just a spicy or a romance scene, it is a much larger umbrella,” Khanna said, adding that the work can help prevent emotional harm that may take years to heal. AFP Intimacy coordinators are becoming more common in India’s film and television industry, choreographing scenes involving physical intimacy and establishing boundaries to protect performers and ensure consent (AI-generated image)

LIFE

C3 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

PE OPLE

After more than a year of development, Lierge Perey takes a hands-on role in shaping shades, textures, packaging, and product concepts for her latest beauty collection

Drawing from years of reviewing makeup, Lierge Perey develops palettes and lip products designed for different skin tones, preferences, and makeup styles

By Angelica Villanueva

EARS of reviewing makeup have taught content creator Lierge Perey what makes a product worth recommending. For her latest collaboration with Vice Cosmetics, she put those standards to work, helping develop a collection with unconventional shades, practical designs, and options for different makeup styles. Developed over more than a year, VxLierge marks a bigger creative role for Lierge, who helped shape everything from the concept and color selection to the product designs and packaging. Unlike their previous collaboration, which began as an endorsement, VxLierge allowed Perey to develop a collection from scratch. Drawing on years of reviewing makeup releases and listening to her followers, she wanted to offer more choices for consumers rather than simply follow existing trends. “I am a perfectionist, and I really wanted my ideas to come to life. I am very grateful to Vice Cosmetics for helping me make this dream come true,” Lierge said. The collection includes six blush palettes, three brontour palettes, three eyeshadow palettes, eight lip liners, and six lipsticks. Its stackable magnetic palettes offer a portable option for users, while the lip liners feature built-in sharpeners and brushes with protective caps. Lierge pushed for shades suited to different preferences, including darker colors for alternative makeup styles. The three eyeshadow palettes cater to distinct looks, from smoky eyes to golden tones for everyday wear and pink shades for softer finishes.

Lierge Perey

puts her makeup expertise to the test in new collab

The collection offers blush, brontour and eyeshadow palettes alongside lip liners and lipsticks, with stackable packaging and shades made for a wider range of makeup styles

“My idea for the collection is to cater to all makeup styles,” Lierge said during the launch event. Functionality was another consideration, particularly for Filipino consumers who are frequently on the go. But getting the products right required more than choosing attractive colors and convenient packaging. Vice Cosmetics co-CEO Cathy Lao recalled how the team traveled to China for an additional week to check the shades before production.

Lierge also spent long hours at the company’s office testing swatches across different skin tones and requesting adjustments when the colors did not meet her standards. “She was really very hands-on with VxLierge. She pushed us in terms of colors, textures, and even the cases. She is very meticulous, and I admire that in her,” Vice Cosmetics co-CEO Ana Samaco said. For Vice Cosmetics, the partnership also reflects its effort to encourage Filipino consumers to explore makeup beyond familiar choices while maintaining the brand’s emphasis on performance and accessible pricing. “We don’t want to only be considered like dupes. We want to be able to create our own style of makeup [and] create our own products that are not dupes of others,” Lao said. Meanwhile, Lierge sees her audience as an important part of her creative process, with their requests and feedback helping inform the products she develops. “If they think that I’m such a huge influence to them, they’re also a huge influence to me,” she said. VxLierge is scheduled for its grand launch through Perey’s TikTok livestream tomorrow. Oct. 23, at 7:00 p.m.

Hand in hand for good

Watsons and Operation Smile Philippines continue bringing more smiles to children in Cebu

The medical mission at Cebu City Medical Center provides children with surgery and continuing care that can include speech therapy, nutrition, dental services, and psychosocial support

WATSONS employees support the Operation Smile medical mission at Cebu City Medical Center, bringing cleft care closer to Filipino children and families. Every child deserves a childhood filled with smiles. But for children born with cleft lip and palate, getting the care they need takes a community. Beyond physical challenges, some experience teasing and bullying that affect their confidence and social interactions. For 13 years, Watsons Philippines has partnered with Operation Smile Philippines to help children access cleft care. From Oct. 5 to 9, the partnership held its 36th surgical mission in Cebu, providing free cleft surgery and comprehensive care to children from Cebu and nearby provinces. A child receives surgical care during the Watsons Philippines and Operation Smile Philippines medical mission in Cebu. Bringing care closer to Filipino families Held at Cebu City Medical Center, the mission gathered more than 100 volunteers, including Watsons employees from Manila and Cebu, AS Watson Hong Kong volunteers, and Operation Smile Philippines medical teams. “At Watsons, our purpose is to help people look good, do good, and feel great. Through our partnership with Operation Smile, we help more children receive the care they need and smile with greater confidence. Every child deserves the chance to enjoy childhood, make friends, and feel comfortable being themselves,” said Alisandrea Coloma, senior manager for sustainability and corporate PR, Watsons Philippines. Families from Cebu and nearby provinces were assessed for free cleft surgery, helping address financial, geographic, and logistical barriers to specialized care. Patients also receive postoperative care and follow-up services, including

Did you know nearly 6 in 10 Filipino families rely on water refilling stations?

speech therapy, nutrition, dental and oral health, and psychosocial support, depending on their needs. Families undergo screening during the medical mission at Cebu City Medical Center to determine each child’s needs. People at the heart of the mission For Watsons, employee volunteerism helps its people better understand the communities they serve. “Experiences like this remind us that caring for our communities goes beyond the products and services we offer in our stores. Through volunteerism, our employees gain a deeper understanding of families’ needs. It also reinforces the importance of health education, including helping expectant mothers understand proper nutrition and seek guidance from healthcare providers,” said Maria Adelfa De Ramos, director for national sales operations, Watsons Philippines. Watsons volunteers assisted with patient assessments, registration, family briefings, post-surgery guidance, and reminders on proper wound care and hygiene. They also distributed hygiene kits to support children’s recovery. “Coming to Cebu and being part of this mission gave us the chance to contribute alongside our colleagues in the Philippines and the Operation Smile team. Seeing everyone come together reminded us that we can all make a positive impact,” said Mike Wong, assistant group supply chain manager, AS Watson. “It is meaningful to know that the time and skills we contribute, even in small ways, can help make someone’s journey easier.” Watsons volunteers assist with patient and family coordination during the Cebu medical mission. 13 years of giving more children a reason to smile Watsons Philippines and Operation Smile Philippines began their partnership in 2013. Since then, it has expanded from medical mission support to engaging employees and customers through initiatives such as Give A Smile. To date, the partnership has supported 2,689 cleft surgeries for Filipino children. In 2026, Watsons is supporting 185 surgeries, aligned with the 185th anniversary of its parent company, AS Watson. “Our partnership with Watsons has helped us reach more children and families who need access

to cleft care. We share a commitment to health and well-being and believe every child deserves the opportunity to smile, grow with confidence, and reach their full potential,” said Miriam Delos Santos, executive director of operation, Smile Philippines. The partnership demonstrates how Watsons extends its community support beyond its stores, bringing together employees, partners, and customers to help more families. Customers can support Operation Smile Philippines through donation cans at participating Watsons stores, proceeds from Watsons’ P1 paper bags, and donations of

Watsons and Operation Smile Philippines bring free cleft surgery and follow-up care closer to children and families in Cebu and nearby provinces

Inspired by the widespread use of water purifiers in South Korea, Vince Ngo promotes direct-flow filtration as another option for Filipino homes and businesses

FOR millions of Filipino families, drinking water means ordering refills, waiting for deliveries and finding space for bulky containers. But as households look for more convenient ways to manage daily needs, water filtration systems are emerging as another option. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Annual Poverty Indicators Survey, 57.9 percent of Filipino families obtain their drinking water from refilling stations. The figure reflects how common the practice is, though it does not determine whether a particular water source is safe or unsafe. Vince Ngo, president and managing director of Visionary Grand Corp., the company behind PUREAL Philippines, sees an opportunity to make accessing drinking water more convenient for Filipino households. His interest in water purification began during trips to South Korea, where water purifiers were a familiar fixture in hotels, cafés, and other everyday spaces. He and his sister, Venice Ngo, later explored how the same convenience could work in Filipino homes and businesses. “Whenever Venice and I traveled to Korea, we noticed how naturally water purifiers were integrated into everyday spaces. It was such a simple convenience, yet it made us wonder why more Filipinos couldn’t enjoy the same thing in their own homes and workplaces,” Ngo said. Through Visionary Grand Corp., the siblings introduced PUREAL to the Philippine market, offering filtration systems designed for homes, condominiums, cafés, restaurants, and workplaces. Its Direct, Mini Changer, and Line Changer collections use tankless, direct-flow technology that connects to a suitable incoming water supply. The models dispense filtered water at ambient temperature without electricity and feature userreplaceable filters. Unlike conventional refill arrangements, directly connected systems can reduce the need to store and handle water containers. However, buyers must consider installation requirements, water pressure, filter replacement, and long-term maintenance costs before choosing a system. The models can also dispense filtered water during power interruptions, provided the water supply remains available. Households still need emergency drinking water in case of a supply disruption. Beyond residential use, PUREAL has introduced its purification systems to commercial establishments, including 717 Deli, Three Dots, Hackensack, and Jabroni’s, through its PUREAL Partners program. Ngo said the goal is to give consumers more practical options while helping them understand their drinking-water needs. “When we talk about water security, it’s not just about having water available. It’s also about knowing whether that water is suitable for drinking and whether families can access it consistently and conveniently,” he said. Watsons Club Rewards points. Every contribution can help more children access cleft care, giving them greater confidence to speak, play, learn, and connect.

More than 100 volunteers support the Cebu medical mission as Watsons and Operation Smile Philippines continue a partnership that has helped fund thousands of cleft surgeries since 2013

LIFE

C4 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer The event features wellness

activities and product discovery sessions as the brand entered the Philippine market

Making preventive care easier for Filipino families

The event incorporates relaxation and recovery activities to introduce guests to the brand’s hydration products

By Angelica Villanueva WHEN money gets tight, a doctor’s appointment is often one of the first things Filipino families put off, hoping a nagging cough, recurring pain, or other health concern will go away on its own. As families struggle to stretch their budgets amid rising living costs, PLDT Home and mWell are offering a digital health and wellness plan designed to make medical advice and health monitoring more accessible at home. The companies introduced mWell Family Plan 399, a subscription available to PLDT Home Fiber customers, during a launch event that also featured a pickleball activity promoting physical fitness and family wellbeing. For P399 a month, the plan covers up to four family members and includes on-demand teleconsultations with licensed general practitioners and certified mental health coaches. Subscribers also gain access to a family health dashboard, wellness tracking tools, a smartwatch, and personal accident insurance. The launch comes as families contend with rising living costs and medical expenses. According to figures from the Department of Health and industry reports cited in the company’s announcement, 44.7 percent of healthcare expenses in the Philippines are paid directly out of pocket. Evert Chris Miranda, PLDT Home vice president and head of home digital services, emphasized the importance of making health a regular part of household priorities. “In today’s challenging economic environment, embracing one’s physical and mental well-being is essential for every household. In times like these, we cannot afford to wait for illness to strike before paying attention to our health and possibly make things worse. That’s why good health has to start at home,” she said.

NOW & NEXT

The science of hydration

Guests and fitness enthusiasts join the Philippine launch of British hydration brand Vidrate at the Pool House of Grand Hyatt Manila

By Nickie Wang mWell president and CEO Chaye Cabal-Revilla notes that the new wellness subscription aims to alleviate financial pressure on Filipino families by

From left: mWell chief revenue and marketing officer Gary Dujali, president and CEO Chaye Cabal-Revilla, and PLDT Home vice president and head of home digital services Evert Chris Miranda lead the launching of mWell Family Plan 399

“With mWell Family Plan 399, PLDT Home Life continues to round out Filipinos’ lifestyles, bringing proactive wellness straight into the Filipino living room and empowering families with tools that provide total peace of mind without stretching their budgets,” Miranda added. The mWell Fam Dashboard allows parents and caregivers to monitor and manage health metrics for up to four family members. The package also includes mWellness Score, which tracks steps, physical activity, and sleep quality, and Mind Health Score, which provides emotional wellness tracking and mental wellness exercises. Subscribers also receive an mWell Prestige Watch to monitor health metrics, heart rate, steps, and sleep. The primary subscriber is covered by annual, replenishable personal accident insurance worth P20,000. For mWell president and CEO Chaye Cabal-Revilla, the service addresses the financial pressure families face when medical needs arise. “For many Filipino families, one medical emergency can put years of hard-earned savings at risk. Ang kalusugan ang pinakamahalagang puhunan ng bawat pamilya, because our ability to earn a living, care for our loved ones, and build a better future depends on it,” she shared. “Through mWell Family Plan 399 with PLDT Home Life, we are making it easier for families to take care of their health before a crisis happens. By bringing doctor consultations, mind health support, and the mWell Fam Dashboard together in the mWell app, we help families understand how their loved ones are doing, spot changes in their wellness, and seek timely medical advice. Caring for the family’s health should be part of everyday life,” Cabal-Revilla continued. mWell chief revenue and marketing officer Gary Dujali also underscored the role of affordability in expanding access to healthcare. “Healthcare should be a fundamental right, not an overwhelming financial burden. Through this partnership with PLDT Home Life, we are happy to further democratize access to top-tier medical doctors, mental health professionals, and health monitoring tools. For less than the cost of a single face-to-face consultation, an entire family now has access and can now stay protected all year round,” he stressed. Digital consultations do not replace emergency hospital care, but the service aims to make medical advice and health monitoring more accessible before concerns become more serious. The plan is available to PLDT Home Fiber subscribers through the mWell app on supported devices. More information is available at pldthome.com/ mwell.

YDRATION plays an essential role in keeping the body functioning properly. It helps regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, support digestion, and maintain normal circulation. When the body loses more fluids than it takes in, dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. For people who exercise or spend long hours outdoors, replacing lost fluids is particularly important, while electrolytes such as sodium and potassium help maintain fluid balance and support muscle and nerve function. These health considerations provided the backdrop for Get Vidrated, the Philippine launch of British hydration brand Vidrate, held at the Pool House of Grand Hyatt Manila. The event featured yoga sessions, sound healing, recovery stations, and interactive product discovery, introducing guests to the brand through activities associated with wellness and physical recovery. HM Sarah Hulton OBE, British Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau, attended the launch alongside representatives of Vidrate and CTC Group Philippines, which is handling the brand’s entry into the local market. In her remarks, Hulton discussed the United Kingdom’s strengths in health, science, and consumer-product innovation. She noted that British businesses

and entrepreneurs were developing products intended to support healthier, more active lifestyles. She also cited Vidrate’s Philippine launch as an example of British innovation meeting Philippine entrepreneurship and market expertise and encouraged local retailers, distributors, wellness advocates, and fitness businesses to explore potential partnerships with the brand. Founded by Nick Hird and Rob Bennett, Vidrate offers powdered hydration products in convenient sachets containing flavor, electrolytes, fiber, and added vitamins. Its Everyday Hydration range uses natural ingredients, contains zero sugar, and includes vitamins C and B12. The company was ranked 28th nationally in The Sunday Times 100 2026, which lists the United Kingdom’s fastest-growing private companies. The Philippines marks its first entry into Asia as it expands into international markets. CTC Group Philippines is responsible for helping introduce

Vidrate to local consumers. The company supports international businesses entering the Philippine market through market expertise, regulatory guidance, and local distribution partnerships. With offices in 12 countries and a focus on Life Sciences, CTC Group operates under the global vision of “Becoming Your Local Science Partner,” led by CEO Jeroen L. Surie. CTC Group said its process for introducing consumer products includes assessing scientific support for product claims and ensuring compliance with Philippine Food and Drug Administration requirements and other applicable regulatory standards. For local distribution, CTC Group selected Brenen Global Marketing (Brenen) as Vidrate’s exclusive Philippine distributor after receiving interest from multiple prospective partners. Brenen will handle distribution in the country, while CTC Group will support the brand’s market development.

HM Sarah Hulton OBE (2nd from right), British Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau, with brand executives at the official brand launch held at Grand Hyatt Manila