BusinessMirror October 20, 2025

‘FLOOD CONTROL CRISIS MAY FORTIFY ECONOMY’

By Andrea E. San

public infrastructure projects are temporary and will not derail the Philippines’s bid to achieve higher growth, according to the country’s socioeconomic planning chief.

Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev)

Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said implementing reforms that will prevent future abuses will even bolster the country’s economy. “We believe that the setbacks are very temporary. I like that this happened because then we can do something about these issues so that the medium-term and longterm prospects of the economy will be even stronger,” Balisacan told reporters on the sidelines of the EU-Philippines Business Dialogue last Thursday in Makati

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

Special to the BusinessMirror

INTERNATIONAL travelers to the Philippines continued to slip in the nine months to September this year, although balikbayans (homecoming Filipinos) helped cushion the arrivals from a bigger fall.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed 4.3 million foreign nationals arrived from January to September 2025, some 2.4 percent less than the same period last year. Of total arrivals, there were only 3.9 million foreign nationals,

As corruption is now being

3.5 percent less than last year’s 4.08 million, while overseas Filipinos reached 392,317, up 10.3 percent from the same period last year. Overseas Filipinos are defined as Philippine passport holders permanently residing abroad. This developed as the DOT welcomed the rollout of the electronic visa (e-visa) scheme for Chinese nationals starting in November.

In a news statement, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said, “This development is… both necessary and overdue. The

TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

destroyed were high-value crops (72,699 MT), corn (44,725 MT), and cassava (372 MT).

HE agricultural damage caused by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon soared to over P7 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

In its final report on the damage inflicted by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and typhoons Mirasol, Nando, and Opong, the DA noted that the losses incurred by 268,077 farmers and fisherfolk have reached P7.71 billion.

The agency noted that the volume of production damage across 13 regions reached 472,701 metric tons (MT).

Rice sustained the majority of the damage at 354,831 MT. Also

The report indicated the value of production losses amounted to P4.87 billion for rice; P1.96 billion, high-value crops; P655.45 million, corn; P76.98 million, livestock and poultry; P47.73 million, fisheries and aquatic resources; and P13.81 million, cassava.

Damages to irrigation facilities, agriculture infrastructure and farm equipment were valued at P45.15 million, P30.58 million, and P1.76 million, respectively.

The DA said 205,016 hectares of agricultural lands were affected by the storms and habagat. Of these, 173,299 hectares have a chance to recover.

The agency said it has allocated P1 billion in agricultural inputs, including rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, to help those affected by typhoons. Drugs and biologics for livestock and fish stocks from its regional field offices were also included.

The DA noted that it offers loans of up to P25,000 through the Survival and Recovery loan program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). These loans come with a three-year repayment term, interest-free.

It also said that an amount of P786.9 million for the indemnification for 86,959 insured affected farmers and fisherfolk would also be released through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC).

Earlier, the DA scaled back its palay output forecast this year to 20.3 million metric tons (MMT) on the back of torrential downpours. This is lower than its initial projection of 20.45 MMT. The agency also noted that erratic weather patterns could further push down expected paddy rice output in 2025 to as low as 20.09 MMT. If realized, however, the projected range would still be higher than the record 20.06 MMT in 2023. Despite such adjustment, the DA said it remains hopeful following the all-time high output of 9.08 MMT in the first semester. Historically, the second half of the year accounts for over 55 percent of total rice production.

Ensure return of stolen flood control funds, Marcos urged

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

BUSINESS groups called on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to address without delay the massive corruption scandal crippling flood control and infrastructure projects, which has eroded public trust and is threatening the country’s national security.

The 34 business groups that issued a joint statement on Sunday included the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Makati Business Club, Philippine Exporters Confederation, and the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines.

“We have contributed to national funds thru taxes locally and nationally and have paid additional assessment of taxes. We provided many fees to enable us to do business. Yet, trillions of pesos supplied and intended to protect our communities from disasters have been squandered through ghost projects, substandard work, and inflated contracts,” they said.

The business groups pointed out that the flood control issue is more than financial loss; it is a “fatal breach” of public trust that leaves the people “vulnerable and outraged.”

They asked the president to “immediately and transparently” adopt four measures.

The groups said there must be “regular public updates” on the progress of investigations and reforms and to publicly disclose all audit findings to demonstrate “genuine commitment and credibility.”

They urged the country’s chief executive to “empower” the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) with full legal authority and in-

dependence to conduct a “swift, comprehensive investigation, free from political influence.”

The concerned groups also prodded Marcos to prosecute all those responsible, impartially and without regard of rank, position, political affiliation or personal relations.

Moreover, they told Marcos to implement “institutional reforms, ensure restitution of ill gotten wealth and embezzled funds of the government, and strengthen procurement and oversight systems, preventing future abuse.”

“Mr. President, we strongly urge you to act decisively to signal your administration’s genuine commitment to justice, integrity, and accountable governance,” the 34 business groups said.

“We, the major business organizations representing members across all sectors—large, medium, small, and micro-enterprises are co-signing this resolution, urgently calling on your administration to address, without delay, the historic, massive, and unprecedented corruption scandal crippling our flood control and infrastructure projects—a crisis that has eroded public trust and now threatens our national security,” they added.

The other signatories to the joint statement are the Association of

Abaca Pulp Manufacturers of the Philippines, Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry, Association of International Shipping Lines Inc., Association of Petrochemical Manufacturers of the Philippines, Capital Markets Development Foundation Inc., Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Federation of Philippine Industries, Financial Institute Executives of the Philippines, and FinTech Alliance.Ph. Fintech Philippines Association, Good Governance Advocates of the Philippines, Institute of Corporate Directors, International Chamber of Commerce-Philippines, Justice Reform Initiative, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors, Philippine Food Exporters Confederation, Philippine Franchise Association, Philippine Hotel Owners Association Inc., Philippine Plastics Industry Association, Philippine Retailers Association, Philippine Steelmakers Association, Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association, Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika, Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines, Tax Management Association of the Philippines, Women’s Business Council Philippines, Filipina CEO Circle, and Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines also signed the statement.

“openly discussed,” Balisacan said, “We can put our house into better order. We can put reforms. We can get these institutional processes to address these issues so we establish a better foundation for long-term growth.”

Balisacan, however, acknowledged that the corruption scandal could affect investment and consumer sentiment.

“[Also], the external environment for investment has continued to be muted. That’s experienced by many countries. All this uncertainty in the external environment is still there. It’s not as bad as we thought it would be six months ago. The world did not sink as we thought it would with all these Trump tariffs and uncertainty in the global markets,” he said.

“As I said, there are positive forces and negative forces. Hopefully, the positive forces will dominate,” he added. The corruption issues, he said, could also lead to a slowdown in luxury spending of local consumers.

“I like that there is a slowdown in those areas [luxury goods] because these are very import dependent anyway. The value added is low,” he said.

Patronizing local goods, Balisacan said, will be good for the economy. “It creates more economic activity. Luxury imports do not really generate economic activity.”

Rice tariff review

MEANWHILE , Balisacan said the Cabinet-level Committee on Tariff and Related Matters is currently reviewing the petition of farmers to revert the tariff on imported rice to 35 percent.

“We discussed the results of consultations and review of the Tariff Commission with respect to the petition of our rice farmers for a revert on the tariff from 15

stakeholders who depend on timely and enabling government action,” said the DOT chief.

relaunch of the e-visa system [in China] directly responds to persistent market demand and industry feedback, and addresses a gap that has constrained our regional competitiveness for nearly three years. We extend our appreciation to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing for acting on our long-standing call to ease the entry requirements of tourists to the Philippines.”

Prior to the pandemic, China was the second top source of tourists for the Philippines, reaching some 1.74 million arrivals, accounting for 21.1 percent of total visitors in 2019. Last year, there were just 312,222 arrivals from China.

‘Continuing challenge’ “ WHILE we do not expect immediate surges in arrivals given the timing of implementation and broader external factors, this policy milestone provides a strong signal to the market that the Philippines is taking steps to improve accessibility. It restores confidence, not only among travelers but also among our tourism

Frasco appeared to refer to the ongoing diplomatic tension between Manila and Beijing over the West Philippine Sea as a factor that may remain a challenge in attracting more tourists from China.

Earlier, leaders of tourism stakeholders groups welcomed the development and expressed optimism that this will boost arrivals from China. But one also pointed out that this e-visa policy should be supported by timely marketing strategies.

(See, “PHL bets on e-visas to woo Chinese tourists,” in the BusinessMirror, Oct. 18, 2025).

DOT Undersecretary Verna Esmeralda C. Buensuceso also told the BusinessMirror that the agency has never stopped accrediting Chinese tour operators, to help facilitate the arrivals of tour groups from China. “Accreditation of tour operators is done jointly with the DFA. This is for those applying for tour visas. This is not covered by the e-visa system, so the application for tour visas continue through the Philippine foreign posts in China,” she said.

Lifts from Japan, Australia AGENCY officials have yet to say if the e-visa policy will encourage the agency to recalibrate anew its

percent to 35 percent. And we had a lot of discussions on pros and cons, what are the considerations that we have to look at,” he said. In assessing the petition, Balisacan said the committee will have to consider the farmgate price of rice as well as the accessibility of the staple to local consumers.

“We are also concerned about the impact of high prices of rice on inflation, which can impact on our macroeconomic fundamentals,” he said. He cited an instance last year and the year prior when prices of rice “skyrocketed” and inflation accelerated, which prompted the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to “jack up the policy rates.”

“So, it really has an effect,” Balisacan said. At the same time, the DepDev chief said the government is also tuning into the recent developments such as world prices which “have come down sharply since then for rice by over 30 percent.”

“Our farmers bore the burden of that. Farmgate prices have also come down so much,” he added. As such, Balisacan said the government needs to address “how we can provide and ensure that our farmers remain profitable in their enterprises.”

“Rice farming in particular remains remunerative. So that’s a kind of discussion that’s happening, how we achieve all these three goals at the same time,” he said. “Obviously, you need not just tariff as an instrument to achieve those goals, but you need other tools.

“For example, directly subsidizing the price received by our farmers would be one such policy goal or instrument to ensure that the benefits of world prices and the tariff reduction are shared by everyone…and those benefits don’t arise at the expense of our farmers,” he added.

targets under the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028. At a budget presentation prior to the e-visa for China announcement, Frasco told senators that the arrivals target for 2026 is 6.7 million, but failed to reveal this year’s target. Meanwhile, of total arrivals, South Korea was still the top source market at 955,699 tourists, although this was 20.16 percent less than the same period in 2024. The United States followed at 743,998, which rose by 7.18 percent; Japan at 344,513 (+17.32 percent); Australia at 217,209 (+15.94 percent); China at 202,738 (-22.06 percent); and Canada 187,189 (+17.26 percent). The other top source markets were: Taiwan at 149,959 (-11.53 percent); the United Kingdom at 126,301 (+7.61 percent); Singapore at 115,374 (-0.26 percent); Malaysia at 71,191 (-2.54 percent); India at 66,269 (+8.22 percent); and Germany at 59,240 (2.92 percent).

The DOT is also pinning its hopes on the Indian market, which was recently given visa-free status by Manila. Air India has started flying direct from New Delhi to India, although local carriers have yet to be roped into offering the new route. Last year, 70,286 tourists arrived from India, some 48 percent less than the 134,963 who arrived in prepandemic 2019.

He said these long-standing problems require “real solutions, not short-term blame games,” and stressed that the rescue package should be jointly designed by employers and workers through genuine social dialogue.

The Philippine Independent Garment and Leather Association (PIGLAS) likewise called on the government to act swiftly, saying any rescue plan

should be designed jointly by employers and workers to ensure it addresses both business viability and job security.

The group also urged reforms in the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to lower power costs and proposed profit-sharing and fair incentives so that recovery benefits reach workers as well.

“Factories are shutting down, thousands of jobs are at risk, and yet government action is anemic…

A rescue plan without workers’ voices is bound to fail,” PIGLAS said.

The group added that the government must take a broader approach that strengthens both the competitiveness of local producers and the welfare of the workers who sustain them.

“The future of the garment industry depends not just on exports or tariffs—but on fairness, partnership, and justice at work.”

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Signal 2 up in Metro Manila, other Luzon areas as Typhoon Ramil maintains strength

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

TROPICAL Storm Ramil maintained its strength and continued to batter Metro Manila and parts of Northern and Southern Luzon with strong winds and heavy rains on Sunday afternoon.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said two persons were reported killed.

As of Sunday afternoon, a total of 24,412 persons from Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), and the Bicol Region

were pre-emptively evacuated. In its 2:00 p.m. Sunday Tropical Cyclone Bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Ramil will be exiting the Luzon mass on on the same day.

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has restored a transmission line affected by Tropical Storm Ramil.

The Pitogo-Mulanay 69 kiloVolt (kV) line went back on line on Sunday morning while the GumacaAtimonan 69kV line remains unavailable as of press time.

NGCP said it has mobilized its line crews and is currently conducting patrols to inspect and assess the impact of the tropical storm to its operations and facilities. “Loss of power may be caused by affected transmission facilities of NGCP or distribution facilities of local distribution utilities or electric cooperatives. Specific cities and municipalities affected by the power interruptions are determined by concerned distribution utilities, unless the outage affects the entire

Teodoro: Intensify quake preparedness

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

& Bless Aubrey Ogerio

FOLLOWING earthquakes that hit Bogo City, Cebu; Manay, Davao Oriental; and other areas, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro directed government agencies and local governments (LGUs) to intensify earthquake preparedness

measures through regular drills, infrastructure audits, and retrofitting of critical facilities.

franchise area,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) assured its customers that its crews are fully prepared to respond to any possible electricity service concern as the tropical storm continues to affect parts of Luzon.

“Our crews and personnel are strategically positioned and remain on standby 24/7 to address any power-related issues. We urge our customers to prioritize safety and stay alert, especially in areas prone to flooding,” said Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications.

As of Sunday afternoon, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 2 is up in the whole of Metro Metro Manila, the central and southern portions of Benguet (Itogon, Bokod, Atok, Kapangan, Tublay, La Trinidad,

Baguio City, Tuba, Sablan), the central and southern portions of La Union (Rosario, Pugo, Tubao, Santo Tomas, Agoo, Aringay, Caba, Naguilian, Burgos, Bagulin, Bauang, City of San Fernando, San Juan, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, Santol, Balaoan, Luna), Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, the northern portion of Bataan (Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Morong, Pilar, City of Balanga), the northern and central portions of ), and the northern and western portions of Rizal (Rodriguez, Teresa, City of Antipolo, San Mateo, Taytay, Cainta, Angono).

TCWS 1 is hoisted in Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the rest of Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, the

rest of La Union, Aurora, the rest of Bataan, the rest of Metro Manila, Quezon including Polillo Islands, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, the rest of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte, the western portion of Camarines Sur (Del Gallego, Ragay, Lupi, Sipocot, Libmanan, Cabusao, Pasacao, Pamplona), and Burias Island.

“The wind signals warn the public of the general wind threat over an area due to the tropical cyclone. Local winds may be slightly stronger/enhanced in coastal and upland-mountainous areas exposed to winds. Winds are less strong in areas sheltered from the prevailing wind direction,” Pagasa said.

Defense, military mourn Ermita’s passing

TTeodoro sits as chairman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Regional DRRMCs, chaired by OCD Regional Directors, were tasked to coordinate these

In Memorandum 279 dated October 15, Teodoro ordered the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and all Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) to “immediately intensify earthquake risk reduction measures while ensuring public service continuity.”

See “Quake,” A4

HE defense and military establishment joined the nation in mourning the death of retired Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ermita who passed away at age 90 on Saturday morning.

“The Department of National Defense [DND] joins the nation in mourning the passing and celebrating the legacy of Gen. Eduardo R. Ermita [Ret.], a former Secretary of National Defense

and military officer, who also servied as Executive Secretary and congressman. General Ermita was a true public servant worthy of emulation,” the DND said in a statement.

Ermita served as secretary of national defense from October 3, 2003 to August 23, 2004 and as Executive Secretary from August 23, 2004 to February 23, 2010 during the incumbency of then

Gloria

The

also said that they honor Ermita’s exemplary military and civilian service, particularly his contributions to the agency, where his life and leadership continue to inspire dedication, patriotism, and integrity.

“His instrumental role in advancing the peace process and

Monday, October 20, 2025

Court orders arrest of anti-mining activists in NV

TBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Nueva Vizcaya has ordered the arrest against individuals who are blocking the exploration activities of mining firm Woggle Corporation in Dupax del Norte.

last August covering 3,101.11 hectares in five barangays in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya. Woggle Corp., represented by Fredo Mina, employees of drilling contractor Indodrill, and a representative from the DENR were prevented from entering the exploration area on several occasions between October 6 and 7, 2025. This prompted the company to seek refuge from the court by filing a complaint with application for a TRO or a writ of preliminary injunction or both against the protesters namely Florentino Daynos, Jun Roduta and 18 others.

Owing to the non-implementation of the said order due to the hostile acts and resistance of the protesters who put up a barricade at the road going to the exploration site, the trial court issued another order last October 13 extending the TRO for a period of 20 days.

When the implementing sheriff again attempted to enforce the restraining order, the same group of individuals refused to lift the barricade and allegedly threatened to resort to violence against the court representatives.

only constitutes contempt of court but also an act obstructing the administration of justice, for which those responsible may be arrested and prosecuted,” it added.

The TRO stops the defendants from installing or maintaining a barricade along Keon Barangay Road, sitio Keon in barangay Bitnong, specifically near the area adjoining Keon Road and the National Highway Aritao-Quirino Road.

tion to its exploration, resulting in substantial losses.

“The court finds that the plaintiff has shown a clear and unmistakable right that is being threatened or violated where they will suffer grave injustice and irreparable injury if the TRO is not issued immediately,” the court said.

In a two-page order, Judge Paul Attobal Jr. of Branch 30 of the RTC in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya also issued a 20-day temporary restraining order (TRO) against anti-mining protesters and directed the National Police (PNP) to arrest individuals “who willfully disobey, obstruct, or resist” the implementation of the TRO.

The Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesMines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) granted exploration permit to Woggle Corp., an affiliate of FCF Minerals Corporation,

DFA has no authority to revoke passports unilaterally–solon

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

AMEMBER of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs asserted that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has no authority to cancel anyone’s passport— whether it belongs to former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque or former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co— without a valid court order.

Party-list Rep. James Marc Terry Ridon of Bicol Saro emphasized that such power is not granted by either the Constitution or the Philippine Passport Act.

“No matter who it is—whether Zaldy Co or Harry Roque— the DFA cannot cancel a passport without a court order,” said Ridon, who chairs the House Committee on Public Accounts, serves as overall chairperson of the House Infrastructure Committee, and is a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“It’s not in the Constitution, and it’s not in the Passport Act,” he said.

The lawmaker stressed that the DFA must adhere to the legal process outlined in the Passport Act if it intends to revoke any passport.

“To process the cancellation of their passports, the DFA must simply follow what the Passport Act provides—file a case against Zaldy Co and

Continued from A3

enforce the arrest warrant against Harry Roque,” Ridon, a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Law, added.

Last Saturday, Navotas City Rep. Tobias Reynald Tiangco urged the DFA to cancel the passport of Co, saying the agency has both the authority and obligation to act in the interest of national security.

Citing Article III, Section 6 of the Constitution, Tiangco pointed out that the right to travel is not absolute, and may be curtailed in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health—without the need for a court order.

He added that under the Administrative Code, the DFA Secretary is empowered to cancel passports based on those grounds.

“It’s clear—there is a law, there is authority, and there is a way,” Tiangco, a business management graduate of Ateneo de Manila, said.

The lawmaker argued that if the DFA truly supports the pursuit of justice, it should act immediately to revoke Co’s passport.

“This is not a whim or a fancy decision,” he said. “This is an action for national security. The public will not tolerate a situation where DPWH officials and contractors are the only ones sent to jail while lawmakers remain free and enjoying themselves abroad.”

strengthening the professionalism of our soldiers remain deeply remembered. We extend our con -

The trial court initially issued a 72-hour TRO in favor of Woggle Corp. on October 10, 2025 enjoining the protesters from obstructing the mining firm from conducting its lawful exploration activities within the area.

“Such defiance constitutes a direct affront to the authority and dignity of this Court,” the trial court said.

It maintained that the TRO is a lawful order and binding that must be respected by all persons, whether parties to the case or not.

“Willful defiance thereof not

The defendants were also ordered to stop preventing vehicles, personnel, employees, contractors, representatives and agents of Woggle Corp. from passing or entering Keon to access the exploration area.

In granting the TRO, the court agreed with Woggle Corp. that it would suffer irreparable damage if the protesters were not restrained as the barricade would cause significant disrup -

No AFP pension removal

By Rex Anthony Naval

THE Armed Forces(AFP) over the weekend strongly denied claims floating around in the various social media alleging that President Marcos threatened to “remove the AFP pension” of retirees who criticize the government.

“This claim is baseless, malicious, and intended to mislead. The AFP categorically states that there is no such directive, statement, or policy from the President or any government agency,” the AFP statement added.

The AFP also stressed that the Marcos administration has

consistently expressed its fullest support for Filipino men and women in uniform, including the protection and sustainability of their pension and benefits.

“Please note that the pension of retired military personnel is protected under existing laws. It is considered an earned benefit resulting from at least 20 years of faithful, honorable, and dedicated service to the nation,” it added.

Under the law, a retired soldier’s pension may only be forfeited if he or she is convicted of a crime, following due process and a final judgment of a competent court.

“No official can arbitrarily remove or withhold such pension,” the AFP stressed. It also urged all public officials—especially those elected to positions of leadership—to act with prudence, accuracy, and integrity when sharing information.

Disseminating false claims that sow division and erode public trust is unbecoming of a government official.

“The AFP remains steadfast in its sworn mandate to protect the Constitution, safeguard our democracy, and serve the Filipino people with honor, integrity, and patriotism,” the AFP also said.

No one is above the law: Go on probe of anomalous infrastructure projects

WHILE Senator Christopher Go maintains delicadeza in public service by not interfering with transactions involving relatives or those seen with potential conflict of interest, he emphasized that he would not hesitate to file cases himself against anyone if warranted by any wrongdoing. He also stressed that he supports efforts to anomalous anomalous infrastructure projects as long as the truth prevails and no one must be above the law.

Speaking to reporters at the Senate on Thursday, October 16, Go addressed allegations linking his family to supposed irregularities in public works projects. He clarified that his father, who was once engaged in private construction, had already left the

dolences to his family and pray for his eternal peace,” it noted.

Relatedly, the Armed Forces (AFP) joined the rest of the nation in mourning Ermita’s passing calling him “a distinguished soldier, peacemaker, statesman, and leader who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.”

“General Ermita’s long and illustrious career in the military was marked by unwavering professionalism and excellence in command.

As a former Vice Chief of Staff of the AFP, Secretary of National Defense, and Executive Secretary, he embodied the highest ideals of honor, service and patriotism, guiding generations of soldiers with wisdom and integrity,” it added.

The AFP said that it extends its deepest sympathies to the Ermita family during this time of grief.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory be a blessing and an enduring source of pride to his loved ones and the entire Armed Forces,” it added.

Rex Anthony Naval

industry years ago.

“Retired na po siya noon pang 2019,” Go said, referring to his father. “Tinapos lang nila ang mga proyekto noon, pero hindi na ginagamit ang lisensya. Officially, around 2022 talagang sinara na.” Go underscored that he has never intervened in any government project or benefited from any transactions involving his relatives.

“Hindi po ako negosyante. Hindi ako contractor. Nag-trabaho lang po ako bilang senador,” he explained.

“Hindi ko ginamit ang posisyon ko para bigyan ng pabor ang kamag-anak ko.Wala akong kinalaman sa negosyo nila, at hindi rin ako nakinabang.”

He reiterated his readiness to cooperate

activities and “assess the performance of LGU Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management [LDRRM] Offices, in coordination with the OCD and the Department of the Interior and Local Government [DILG], and provide performance evaluations to both agencies.”

Teodoro also ordered RDRRMCs to consult with the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) for technical support.

Earlier this month, during a National Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (Niacc) meeting, Teodoro directed the review of local contingency plans “to ensure all established disaster protocols of LGUs within their Area of Responsibility (AOR) are validated, and up-to-date.”

The OCD said it “continues to collaborate with various agencies

with any investigation and even serve as a complainant if evidence warrants it.

“Kung may kasalanan sila, ako mismo ang magpa-file ng kaso. Ako mismo ang complainant. Kung may pagkukulang o anomalya, panagutin,” Go said. The senator also remarked that no one can choose their family members, but accountability should always prevail. “Kung pwede langpumilingkamag-anak,papalitankona sana,” he said. “Perokahitsinopasila,kung may kasalanan, kasuhan.”

Go concluded by urging authorities to remain focused on facts and the truth.

“Ang importante, tumbukin natin ang katotohanan.Huwagilihisangisyu,huwag lokohin ang Pilipino,” he appealed.

and LGUs to enhance the country’s disaster preparedness amid the ongoing threats of hazards and disasters.”

Continued from A3 See “Quake,” A5

Locatd in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is frequented by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The series of earthquakes and aftershocks in Bogo City and the doublet earthquakes near Manay town in Davao Oriental claimed the lives of 79 and eight people, respectively.

A total of 217,012 families or 743,379 persons in 260 barangays of the province’s 18 cities and municipalities were affected due to the 6.9 Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake. On the other hand, the 7.4 and 6.8 doublet earthquakes near Manay town, on the other hand, affected a total of 345,057 families or 1,467,803 persons in 675 barangays in 60 cities and towns.

In both events, thousands of houses were destroyed or damaged, leaving many of the victims homeless.

The TRO will enable Woggle and FCF Corp. to determine the full potential of mineral resources that can be developed as a major economic driver that will benefit the province of Nueva Vizcaya. FCF Minerals, incorporated in 2001, operates the Runruno Gold Project in Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya, which has been producing gold since 2016.

It has generated over P5.71 billion in taxes, fees, and duties since commercial operations began in 2017.

Comelec opens voter registration

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

HE Commission on Elections

T(Comelec) will reopen voter registration from October 20 to May 18 next year, giving Filipinos seven months to register ahead of the November 2026 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the registration period will be open to all Filipinos nationwide, except those residing in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“This registration is applicable nationwide for all types—reactivation, transfer, new registration, and updating of records,” Garcia told reporters in an interview.

Garcia explained that registration in BARMM will resume only after the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, noting that only those registered for the 2025 midterm polls will be eligible to vote.

“We want to avoid confusion among those who might think that registering now will allow them to vote in the BPE,” he added.

Registration will be held on Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at all local Comelec offices nationwide.

Under the guidelines, any Filipino who is not yet a registered voter may apply, provided that he or she is at least 18 years old on election day, have lived in the Philippines for at least one year, have resided in his or her voting area for at least six months before the elections, and is not disqualified by law.

Applicants must present a valid identification card, such as a PhilSys National ID, Postal ID, Persons with Disability ID, student ID signed by a school authority, or senior citizen ID. Other acceptable IDs include driver’s license, National Bureau of Investigation clearance, passport, Social Security System or Government Service Inusrance System ID, Unified Multi-Purpose ID card, Professional Regulation Commission license, Intergrated Bar of the Philippines ID, or a Certificate of Confirmation issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples for members of tribal communities. Beyond local offices, Comelec will also launch its Register Anywhere Program (RAP) from October 20 to 21, running from 8:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. at Mabini Hall in Luneta Park, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila’s University Activity Center, and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

The commission

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Solon to Marcos: Hold your horses, review e-visa plan

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

ASENIOR lawmaker has urged

President Marcos to scrap the plan of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing to implement an electronic visa (e-visa) system for Chinese visiting the country, warning that it poses a serious threat to national security.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez claimed that the increasing presence of Chinese in the Philippines has endangered local communities,

citing the alleged involvement of some in espionage, kidnapping-for-ransom, illegal gambling, and other criminal activities.

“I am strongly opposed to this plan of our ambassador, Jaime FlorCruz. The President should tell Mr. FlorCruz to scrap it,” he said.

“The presence of Chinese nationals in our country endangers our communities and our national security. Many of them are spies and criminals engaged in kidnapping for ransom, illegal gambling, and other illicit activities. Proof of this is the recent

arrest of Chinese spies and lawbreakers,” Rodriguez added.

He said arrested spies were caught redhanded surveilling critical establishments and agencies, including military camps and even the Commission on Elections.

In announcing the plan, FlorCruz said it would make the visa application process “more convenient” for Chinese nationals visiting the Philippines.

Rodriguez, however, insisted that what the country needs is a stricter, not easier, process for screening visa applicants. “We should require personal appearance and

thorough vetting of records and documents to prevent the entry of Chinese spies and criminals,” he said.

He warned that FlorCruz’s proposal runs counter to the Marcos administration’s firm stance against Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

“The President is fighting tooth and nail for national sovereignty, denouncing in the strongest terms every act of aggression by China. Mr. FlorCruz’s plan undermines such a stance and can be seen as a weakness on the part of the president and our country,” he said.

Lawmakers back Phivolcs, Jica plan to update ‘Big One’ impact study

WHILE Congress is still working on a measure to overhaul the Philippine Building Code (PBC), two lawmakers have voiced support for the plan of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) to update their two-decade-old study on the possible impact of “The Big One”—a major earthquake projected to strike Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

While extending their sympathies to the victims of the recent earthquakes that rocked Cebu, La Union, Davao Oriental, Zambales, Surigao del Sur, Southern Leyte, Iloilo, and Ilocos Norte, Camarines Sur Reps. Migz Villafuerte and Luigi Villafuerte threw their support behind the Phivolcs-Jica plan to update the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS), conducted in 2004 in collaboration with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol recently confirmed that the review of the Jica study on “The Big One” will begin next year, noting that the West Valley Fault (WVF), which stretches about 100 kilometers across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna, could trigger a catastrophic

tremor similar to the 1976 Cotabato Trench earthquake that killed around 8,000 people.

Bacolcol also earlier warned that a potential movement in the Marikina Valley fault system could kill 50,000 people, injure 100,000 more, and damage over 10 percent of residential buildings in the capital region.

The Villafuertes in a statement said that the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in northern Cebu on September 30, which killed 76 people and injured more than 1,200 others, further underscores the urgency of revisiting the JICA study and passing a new building code. The tremor was traced to a newly discovered Bogo Bay Fault Line—the first major quake recorded in Cebu in 400 years.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the quake affected 128,294 families, or 457,554 individuals, and damaged over 18,000 houses in Central Visayas.

Following that incident, several other earthquakes struck Luzon and Mindanao, including La Union, Davao Oriental, Zambales, Surigao del Sur, Southern Leyte, Iloilo, and Ilocos Norte, further reinforcing the need for long-term measures to strengthen public

safety and disaster resilience.

New building code

THESE incidents, according to the lawmakers, should serve as a catalyst for Congress to finally enact a new, climate-proof Philippine Building Code.

“As we express our deepest sympathies for the victims of the recent earthquakes in various provinces from Cebu to Ilocos Norte, we hope this spate of tremors will give impetus to the Congress to act timely on a consolidated version of the House-approved bill in the 19th Congress meant to overhaul our Philippine Building Code [PBC], which was issued in 1997,” the two lawmakers said in a joint statement.

“Given the fast-evolving developments, including the emergence of the Philippines as one of the countries most vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters touched off by climate change, we need a new building code aligned with the most modern engineering standards and attuned to the worsening climate-induced environmental calamities,” they added.

The PBC was established through President Decree (PD) No. 1096 that was issued in 1977 to set standards for the design,

construction, and maintenance of structures in the country.

In the 20th Congress, Migz Villafuerte, along with Luigi Villafuerte and Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon and Camarines Sur Rep. Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata, introduced HB 2396, which proposes the New Philippine Building Act.

The proposed law aims to strengthen the country’s resilience against earthquakes, fires, floods, landslides, storms, and volcanic eruptions. It also recognizes the Philippines’ vulnerability, citing a global risk assessment that ranked the country first worldwide as the most disaster-prone nation with a Risk Index of 46.91 percent, significantly higher than its 2018 score of 26.70 percent.

The lawmakers also cited a joint review by the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, which found that the Philippines must modernize its outdated building code to include design provisions for strong wind events, flooding, seismic isolation systems, and vernacular timber buildings.

HB 2396 also seeks to prepare the country for “The Big One.” A counterpart measure is currently pending in the Senate.

Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

Davao del Norte college to local innovators: Look at oceans for solutions

DAVAO CITY—A state college in Davao del Norte has appealed to conference participants, many of them young scientists and innovators, to look into the seas and oceans for solutions to many of the country’s challenges and build startup applications.

In a conference, the Davao del Norte State College called on technology innovators and researchers “to ideate and build startups that address challenges in the sea and ocean.”

“Oftentimes, when innovators ideate about what their next project or research will be, the ocean and the Blue Economy is not always on top of their mind. And while it has been promoted ever since, the significance of the Blue Economy is gaining more attention now locally and

THE joint venture between Hong Kong construction giant Leighton Asia and the Lopez Group’s engineering arm First Balfour has started erecting the diaphragm-wall for a crucial underground train station of the North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, the Philippines’ largest railway venture designed to cut travel time and carry more commuters.

The reinforced concrete diaphragm-wall, which the Leighton-First Balfour Joint Venture (LFBJV) is constructing, will play a critical role in providing support and foundational stability for the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) train station underneath Bicutan in Taguig City. To mark the milestone, representatives from the Department of Transportation–Project Management Office (DOTr-PMO),

internationally, so we do not want to miss that opportunity to contribute to its development,” said Jesebel R. Besas, project leader of the school’s Blue Economy Underpinning Global Sustainability through Adaptive Innovations, a technology business incubator assisted by the Department of Science and Technology.

“Our challenge with them is that with the knowledge, skills, networks, and passion that we have and we gained here, what tech innovations or startups can we build for to sustain the ocean, address its challenges, and uplift the communities around it?,” Besas said.

DNSC President Joy M. Sorrosa said the ocean “is not just a resource; it is our lifeline.”

“Yet, for too long, its challenges

the Greater Capital Railway Consortium–Project Management Office (GCR-PMO) and the LFBJV project management team held a simple ceremony recently. The DOTR-PMO oversees the NSCR project by directing policy, allocating resources, and ensuring the project’s efficient implementation. The GCR-PMO, on the other hand, monitors construction progress, ensures technical compliance, and coordinates with the contractors involved in the segment.

The 147-kilometer (km) NSCR is an urban rail system that will run from Clark Field, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna, once completed. The trains in the NSCR will have the capacity to carry 800,000 daily commuters and run at speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour.

have outpaced our solutions. But, here, we change that narrative. We unite the academics, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to create more than dialogue but spark actionable innovation. We create a dynamic platform for collaboration, one that challenges conventional approaches and inspires transformative solutions to the pressing issues facing our oceans and coastal communities,” she added.

The DNSC gathered together about 150 Blue Economy stakeholders at the conference titled RIPPLE: Ocean Tech Innovation Conference at the Molave Hotel, Tagum City. The ocean technology conference wanted to connect innovators and interested stakeholders to learn about Blue Economy and its domains.

Constructing the FTI station is part of the contract under the NSCR project segment, labelled NSCR 03-B, which the DOTR awarded to the LFBJV in 2023. The multi-billion-peso project segment for LFBJV covers civil engineering, tunnel construction, and building works for a 6.1-km railway segment that consist of 4.7 kms of twin tube tunnels with cross passages and 1.4 kms of cut & cover and ground-level structures.

The underground FTI station will serve as an intermodal transfer hub connecting the ground-level and elevated sections of the NSCR with the underground Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP). Now also undergoing construction, the 33-km MMSP is another railway project designed likewise

In a Senate budget hearing last week, Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said easing the housing backlog and strengthening post-disaster support remain among the agency’s top priorities. “We streamlined the process for developers to get permits and clearances,” Aliling said in Filipino. “The price ceiling for socialized housing is also due for adjustment this October, which we expect will encourage the private sector to produce more inventory.”

Rodriguez urged the ambassador to “promote and speak more forcefully for our national interest instead of devising plans for convenience for the Chinese.”

“He is often silent on instances of Chinese bullying of our fishermen in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

The Mindanao lawmaker also urged the government to look for thousands of Chinese Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo) stragglers and criminals still roaming urban areas and even the countryside.

He noted that only last week, the

MINIMUM wage earners in the private sector across in Region 12 or Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) receive a P30 to P33 daily pay increase starting November 2.

In its latest order, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) XII said the adjustment followed consultations and a review of the region’s prevailing socio-economic conditions.

“Whereas, as a result of the review made on the prevailing socio-economic conditions of the Region, as well as the results of the consultations and public hearing and deliberations conducted, the Board has determined the need to increase the prevailing minimum wage rates for workers in private establishments without impairing the viability of business and industry,” the order stated.

Under Wage Order RB XII-25, the daily minimum wage for non-agriculture, retail, and service workers will rise from P430 to P460, while agricultural workers will see

The conference featured talks about the Blue Economy, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Shipping, Maritime Trade, and Ocean-based Logistics, Climate and Disaster Resilience, Marine Protection, Conservation, and Preservation, and Renewable Ocean Energy. A trade fair for marine-based products, ocean technology and research, and a pitching of blue innovations from DNSC were also held at the sideline of the conference.

The RIPPLE: Ocean Tech Innovation Conference was supported by the DOSTPhilippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and the Singapore-based accelerator BluC53. Manuel T. Cayon

to decongest and ease commuting between Valenzuela City in Metro Manila’s northern end and Bicutan to the south.

First Balfour, a subsidiary of Lopez-led First Philippine Holdings Corporation, has participated in constructing some of the country’s biggest infrastructure projects. These included the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, the North Luzon Expressway, and the Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension, to name a few.

Leighton Asia, a leading international construction company, has participated in a wide range of infrastructure projects, including complex tunnels, rail networks, roads, and buildings. It operates in the Philippines and other countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India.

authorities arrested 12 Chinese in Tacloban City for working without permits and visas. He also cited the statement of Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (Paoctf) chief, before he was replaced, that up to 10,000 Chinese Pogo workers remained in the country.

“The concerned agencies should continue to look for them. They may be continuing to pursue their illegal activities, like spying and illicit gambling. They should be immediately deported once arrested,” Rodriguez said.

workers

their pay increase from P410 to P443. The increase will be implemented in two tranches: the first on November 2 and the second on December 15. According to RTWPB XII, the new wage rates will benefit at least 5 percent of the region’s total employed workers in the private sector.

The wage board also approved a P1,000 to P1,500 increase in the monthly minimum wage for domestic workers (kasambahays), standardizing their pay at P6,000 across all municipalities in the region regardless of classification starting November 2.

The new rate applies to all household workers, whether living in or outside their employers’ homes, including househelp, nannies, cooks, gardeners, and laundry workers.

Both wage orders cover workers in the cities of General Santos, Kidapawan, Koronadal, and Tacurong, as well as in the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato, excluding the 63 barangays now under the Bangsamoro region. Justine Xyrah Garcia

Naia meets Icao emergency response standards

NEW Naia Infra Corp. said on Sunday the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) has met International Civil Aviation Organization (Icao) standards for emergency response after its teams reached a simulated crash site in under three minutes during a major drill over the weekend.

According to the San Miguel Corp.led company, the response time meets Icao’s requirements for aircraft rescue and firefighting services, which mandate that airport emergency teams reach the midpoint of the farthest runway within three minutes under optimal conditions.

NNIC conducted the Crash Rescue Exercise (CREX) 2025 on October 17 to test coordination and emergency response capabilities across airport units and partner agencies.

More than 600 participants took part in the 51-minute drill.

The exercise simulated an aircraft carrying 120 passengers and six crew members that ingested foreign object debris on the runway, causing engine

The weather bureau said that minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are possible within any of the localities where Wind Signal 2 is hoisted.

Pagasa said heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone.

As of 2 p.m. the center of Tropical Storm

Under the Marcos administration, total housing provision, both direct and indirect, has reached 399,671 units as of October. The agency projects that figure to climb to 734,005 by 2028, with 300,106 units coming from direct programs and 433,899 from indirect financing. The NHA accounted for 50,757 completed units, the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) for 30,840, and DHSUD’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program for 18,826 under direct housing provision. Mean while, the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) produced 295,923 units and the National

damage, a fuel leak, and fire. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) and the Airline Operators Council (AOC) supervised and evaluated the simulation, assessing how responders communicated, coordinated, and established command structures under pressure in accordance with global aviation safety protocols.

NNIC’s Rescue and Firefighting Service led the operation, supported by the airport’s Medical Services, Operations, Security Group, and Aerodrome Safety and Wildlife Hazard Management Office. The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa), the Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection units from nearby cities also participated. Medical and disaster response teams from the Philippine Red Cross, Metro Manila Development Authority, and several hospitals joined the drill, while Philippine Airlines activated its CARE team and Survivor Reception Area to assist in passenger management.

Lorenz S. Marasigan

Ramil was spotted within the vicinity of Olongapo City, Zambales. It is moving west-northwest at 15 kilometers per hour, and packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kmh near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kmh.

Ramil will continue moving westnorthwestward or west-northwestward as it traverses the Central Luzon landmass before emerging over the coastal waters of Zambales this afternoon. It is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday morning. With Lenie Lectura

Israel identifies body of deceased hostage; Rafah crossing closure threatens ceasefire

By Melanie Lidman & Samy Magdy The Associated Press

TEL AVIV, Israel—Israel identified the body of a deceased hostage Sunday morning, after Hamas handed over two bodies of what the militant group said are deceased hostages to the Red Cross late Saturday night.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the body was identified as Ronen Engel. The second body is still undergoing identification at Israel’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine. Engel, 54, was killed during the Oct. 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz on the Gaza border. His wife, Karina, and two of his three children were kidnapped and released in a ceasefire in November 2023.

The move comes as Israel threatened to keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed “until further notice.” The statement by Netanyahu’s office said reopening Rafah would depend on how Hamas fulfills its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages. Hamas has handed over the remains of 11 identified hostages. Israel has returned the bodies of 135 Palestinians to Gaza.

The handover of remains is among key points—along with aid deliveries into Gaza and the devastated territory’s future—in the ceasefire pro -

cess meant to end two years of war.

Opening of Rafah crossing a key issue

THE Rafah crossing is the only one that was not controlled by Israel before the war. It has been closed since May 2024, when Israel took control of the Gaza side. A fully reopened crossing would make it easier for Palestinians to seek medical treatment, travel or visit family in Egypt, home to tens of thousands of Palestinians.

On Sunday, the Palestinian Authority’s Interior Ministry in Ramallah announced procedures for Palestinians wishing to leave or enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing. For Palestinians who want to leave Gaza, Palestinian Embassy staff from Cairo will be at the crossing to issue temporary travel documents that allow entry into Egypt. Palestinians who wish to enter the Gaza Strip will need to apply at the embassy in Cairo for relevant entry documents.

Israel’s war in Gaza has killed more

than 68,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government in the territory. Its figures are seen as a reliable estimate of wartime deaths by UN agencies and many independent experts. Israel has disputed them without providing its own toll.

Thousands more people are missing, according to the Red Cross.

Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in the attack on southern Israel that sparked the war

on Oct. 7, 2023.

Hamas says discussions begin about 2nd phase of ceasefire negotiations

HAMAS said discussions are underway with mediators on arrangements for launching negotiations on the second phase of the Trump plan to end the war in Gaza.

Hazem Kassem, a spokesman for Hamas, said in a statement late Saturday that the second phase negotiations “require national consensus.”

A father returns from Israeli detention to find Gaza and his family shattered

By Wafaa Shurafa & Lee Keath

Associated Press

The

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip—Amid the joy of being released after 20 months of suffering in Israeli prisons, Mohammed Abu Moussa could tell something was wrong.

Descending from the bus that brought him and other released Palestinian detainees to Gaza last week, the 45-year-old medical technician was reunited with his wife and two young children. But when he asked about his mother, his brother wouldn’t look him the eye.

Finally, they sat him down and told him: His mother, his younger sister Aya, Aya’s children and his aunt and uncle had all been killed by an Israeli airstrike that hit their shelter in central Gaza in July.

More than 1,800 Palestinians seized from Gaza by Israeli troops during the two-year war were freed this week under the ceasefire deal that brought Hamas’ release of the last living hostages. Israel also freed around 250 Palestinian prisoners convicted over the past decades, who mainly returned to the occupied West Bank or were exiled abroad, though a few were sent to Gaza. Those released back to Gaza were met by the shock of how their homeland had been destroyed and families shattered by Israeli bombardment and offensives while they were locked away, with little news of the war.

Recounting his return, Abou Moussa said the grief hit even before the freed detainees got off the bus on Monday. Some shouted out the bus windows to people they knew in the cheering crowd welcoming them and asked about brothers, mothers and fathers. Often, he said, their reply was terse: “God rest their souls.”

Taken as his family fled ABU MOUSSA suffered his first loss soon after Israel launched its campaign aiming to destroy Hamas after the militants’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Eight days later, an airstrike hit his family’s home in the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, while he was on duty in Nasser Hospital, where he worked as a radiology technician. Video circulating online at the time showed him and his wife, Rawan Salha, rushing around the hospital in search of their son, Youssef, among the casualties. “He’s 7 years old, curly hair, fair-skinned and beautiful,” Salha cried. The boy had been brought in dead. Also killed in the strike were the wife of one of Abu Moussa’s brothers and their two children.

In the next months, Abu Moussa worked constantly as wounded flowed into the hospital, where Salha and his two surviving children were also sheltering along with hundreds of others driven from their homes. In February 2024, Israeli forces surrounded the hospital, preparing to storm the facility to search for suspected militants. They demanded everybody leave but staff and patients too critical to move.

But Salha refused to leave without Abu Moussa, he said. So, they set out walking with their children. At a nearby Israeli military checkpoint, Abu Moussa was called aside with others for interrogation in a nearby stadium.

It was the start of his long separation from his family.

Abuse in prisons

ABU MOUSSA says his months in Israeli prisons were filled with abuse. Like the other detainees released back to Gaza on Monday, he was never charged.

It began in the stadium, where he said he was beaten with sticks and fists during interrogation. All those taken from the checkpoint were kept with their hands bound in zip ties for three days, given no water and not allowed to use a bathroom.

“Almost all of us soiled ourselves,” Abu Moussa said.

He was taken to Sde Teiman, a military prison camp inside Israel, where he would be held two months. Every day, he said, detainees were forced to kneel for hours without moving—“it’s exhausting, you feel your back is broken,” he said. Guards would pull some aside for beatings, said Abu Moussa, adding that his rib was broken in one beating.

He was moved to Negev Prison, run by civilian authorities. There, he said, beatings were less frequent, taking place mainly when guards conducted weekly searches of the cells, he said.

But conditions were harsh, he said. Nearly all the detainees had scabies, an infestation by mites that dig into the skin.

“People were rubbing themselves up against the walls trying to get rid of the itching,” he said. Despite requests, prison officials did not give detainees creams to treat it until a few weeks before his release, he said.

Bedding was filthy, and detainees were allowed no change of clothes. Cuts often became infected, he said. When they washed their one set of clothing, they had to strip naked and wrap themselves in a blanket –but if guards saw, “they took away the blanket and made you sleep without it,” he said.

Sick detainees or those with chronic conditions asked for medicines but were refused, he said. One man, Mohammed al-Astal, suffered a colon blockage that worsened and he eventually died, Abu Moussa said.

“They treated us like animals,” he said.

Asked about Abou Moussa’s account,

the Israeli Prison Service, which operates Negev Prison, said it was not aware of it. It said it operates in accordance with the law and that prisoners’ rights to medical care and proper living conditions are upheld.

Also in response, the military denied systematic abuse takes place in its facilities and said it acts in accordance with Israeli and international law. It said it investigates any concrete complaints.

Abu Moussa’s account mirrors those of many previously released Palestinians. At least 75 Palestinians have died in Israeli prisons and detention facilities during the war, the U.N. said in a report last month, saying conditions in the facilities amounted to torture that contributed to deaths.

One 17-year-old Palestinian who died in prison in March was found to have wasted away from starvation and had colon inflammation and scabies, according to an Israeli doctor who observed the autopsy.

Returning to devastation

CROSSING the border from Israel into Gaza after the release, “the first shock was the destruction,” Abu Moussa said.

His home city of Khan Younis was unrecognizable. Entire neighborhoods were razed. He and his fellow passengers searched for landmarks among the shattered buildings.

The buses pulled into Nasser Hospital, where the crowd awaited them. Panicked at not seeing them in the crowd, Abu Moussa asked a hospital co-worker where his wife and children were. He assured him they were inside, waiting.

He asked one of his brothers about his mother. The brother couldn’t look Abu Moussa in the eye, saying only, “She’s coming.”

“He wasn’t being straight with me,” Abu Moussa said. After being reunited with his wife and children, he asked again about his mother and his sister, Aya. Finally, they told him.

Keath reported from Cairo. AP correspondent Sarah El Deeb in Cairo contributed to this report.

He said Hamas has begun discussions to solidify their positions on the issues but didn’t provide further details.

According to Trump’s plan, the second phase of negotiations include disarming Hamas and the establishment of an international-backed authority to run the embattled Gaza Strip.

Kassem reiterated that the group won’t be part of the ruling authority in a post-war Gaza. Hamas-run government bodies in the Gaza Strip are running day-to-day affairs to avoid a

power vacuum, he said.

“Government agencies in Gaza continue to perform their duties, as the vacuum is very dangerous, and this will continue until an administrative committee is formed and agreed upon by all Palestinian factions,” he said.

Kassem called for a prompt establishment of the Community Support Committee, a body of Palestinian technocrats, to run the day-to-day affairs.

US accuses Hamas of planning attack against Palestinians in Gaza

THE US State Department on Saturday said it had credible reports of an imminent planned attack by Hamas against residents of Gaza.

“This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts,” it said in a statement.

There was no immediate Hamas comment on the State Department statement. However, the Interior Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government, has said its forces were working to restore law and order across areas Israel’s military withdrew from following the ceasefire.

Hamas-led fighters clashed with at least two armed groups in eastern Gaza City that Hamas alleges are involved in looting aid and collaborating with Israel. They executed a handful of suspects in public, in widely condemned street killings.

Magdy reported from Cairo.

Afghanistan, Pakistan pledge to respect ceasefire after a week of deadly fighting

ISLAMABAD—Afghanistan and Pakistan, embroiled in fighting that has killed dozens of people and injured hundreds, pledged on Sunday to respect a ceasefire.

The truce, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, came into effect immediately and is intended to pause hostilities.

Violence has escalated between the neighbors since earlier this month, with each country saying they were responding to aggression from the other. Afghanistan denies harboring militants who carry out attacks in border areas.

Pakistan is grappling with militancy that has surged since 2021, when the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan and returned to power.

The Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, gave a positive response to the outcome of the talks that took place in the Qatari capital, Doha, a day earlier.

He said both countries had signed a bilateral agreement.

“It has been decided that neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor will

they support groups carrying out attacks against Pakistan. Both sides will refrain from targeting each other’s security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure.”

A mechanism would be established in the future, “under the mediation of intermediary countries,” to review bilateral claims and ensure the effective implementation of this agreement. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif posted confirmation of the deal on X.

“Cross-border terrorism from Afghan territory will cease immediately,” Asif wrote. “Both countries will respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. A follow-up meeting between the delegations is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on October 25 to discuss the matters in detail.” Mujahid and Asif both thanked Qatar and Turkey for their role in facilitating the talks that led to the ceasefire.

Press writers

‘No Kings’ protests against Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwide

By Mike Pesoli, Matt Brown & Gary Fields The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—Large crowds of protesters marched and rallied in cities across the US Saturday for “No Kings” demonstrations decrying what participants see as the government’s swift drift into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.

People carrying signs with slogans such as “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting” or “Resist Fascism” packed into New York City’s Times Square and rallied by the thousands in parks in Boston, Atlanta and Chicago. Demonstrators marched through Washington and downtown Los Angeles and picketed outside capitols in several Republican-led states, a courthouse in Billings, Montana, and at hundreds of smaller public spaces.

Trump’s Republican Party disparaged the demonstrations as “Hate America” rallies, but in many places the events looked more like a street party. There were marching bands, huge banners with the US Constitution’s “We The People” preamble that people could sign, and demonstrators wearing inflatable costumes, particularly frogs, which have emerged as a sign of resistance in Portland, Oregon.

It was the third mass mobilization since Trump’s return to the White House and came against the backdrop of a government shutdown that not only has closed federal programs and services but is testing the core balance of power, as an aggressive executive confronts Congress and the courts in ways that protest organizers warn are a slide toward authoritarianism.

In Washington, Iraq War Marine veteran Shawn Howard said he had never participated in a protest before but was motivated to show up because of what he sees as the Trump administration’s “disregard for the law.” He said immigration detentions without due process and deployments of troops in US cities are “un-American” and alarming signs of eroding democracy.

“I fought for freedom and against this kind of extremism abroad,” said Howard, who added that he also worked at the CIA for 20 years on counter-extremism operations. “And now I see a moment in America where we have extremists everywhere who are, in my opinion, pushing us to some kind of civil conflict.”

Trump, meanwhile, was spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.

“They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king,” the president said in a Fox News interview that aired early Friday, before he departed for a $1 million-per-plate MAGA Inc. fundraiser at his club.

A Trump campaign social media account mocked the protests by posting a computer-generated video of the president clothed like a monarch, wearing a crown and waving from a balcony.

Nationwide demonstrations IN San Francisco hundreds of people spelled out “No King!” and other phrases with their bodies on Ocean Beach.

Hayley Wingard, who was dressed as the Statue of Liberty, said she too had never been to a protest before. Only recently she began to view Trump as a “dictator.”

“I was actually OK with everything until I found that the military invasion in Los Angeles and Chicago and Portland — Portland bothered me the most, because I’m from Portland, and I don’t want the military in my cities. That’s scary,” Wingard said.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Portland for a peaceful demonstration downtown. Later in the day, tensions grew as a few hundred protesters and counter protesters showed up at a US Immigration and Customs enforcement building,

with federal agents at times firing tear gas to disperse the crowd and city police threatening to make arrests if demonstrators blocked streets.

The building has been the site of mostly small nightly protests since June—the reason the Trump administration has cited for trying to deploy National Guard troops in Portland, which a federal judge has at least temporarily blocked.

About 3,500 people gathered in Salt Lake City outside the Utah State Capitol to share messages of hope and healing after a protester was fatally shot during the city’s first “No Kings” march in June.

And more than 1,500 people gathered in Birmingham, Alabama, evoking and the city’s history of protests and the critical role it played in the Civil Rights Movement two genera -

tions ago. “It just feels like we’re living in an America that I don’t recognize,” said Jessica Yother, a mother of four. She and other protesters said they felt camaraderie by gathering in a state where Trump won nearly 65% of the vote last November.

“It was so encouraging,” Yother said. “I walked in and thought, ‘Here are my people.’”

Organizers hope to build opposition movement BIG rallies like this give confidence to people who have been sitting on the sidelines but are ready to speak up,” Democratic US Sen. Chris Murphy said in an interview with The Associated Press.

While protests earlier this year— against Elon Musk’s cuts and Trump’s military parade—drew crowds, orga -

nizers say this one is uniting the opposition. Top Democrats such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders are joining what organizers view as an antidote to Trump’s actions, from the administration’s clampdown on free speech to its military-style immigration raids.

More than 2,600 rallies were planned Saturday, organizers said. The national march against Trump and Musk this spring had 1,300 registered locations, while the first “No Kings” day in June registered 2,100.

“We’re here because we love America,” Sanders said, addressing the crowd from a stage in Washington. He said the American experiment is “in danger” under Trump but insisted, “We the people will rule.”

Republican critics denounce the demonstrations REPUBLICANS sought to portray protesters as far outside the mainstream and a prime reason for the government shutdown, now in its 18th day. From the White House to Capitol Hill, GOP leaders called them “communists” and “Marxists.” They said Democratic leaders including Schumer are beholden to the far-left flank and willing to keep the government shut to appease those liberal forces.

“I encourage you to watch—we call it the Hate America rally—that will happen Saturday,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana.

Associated Press journalists Lisa Mascaro and Kevin Freking in Washington, Jill Colvin and Joseph Frederick in New York, Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina, Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City, Terry Chea in San Francisco, Chris Megerian in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Bill Barrow in Birmingham, Alabama, contributed.

UK sees lessons from Northern Ireland that could aid the fragile Gaza ceasefire process

By Sylvia Hui & Jill Lawless The Associated Press

LONDON—As Israelis and Palestinians wait anxiously to see what comes after a ceasefire in the two-year war in Gaza, the experience of the Northern Ireland peace process in the 1990s may offer lessons in the thorny process of moving from seemingly intractable conflict to enduring peace.

Two key figures who helped steer the Northern Ireland peace process— former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his former chief of staff, Jonathan Powell—have returned to the international spotlight due to their involvement in talks with the US and other countries about the future of Gaza.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this week that “drawing on our experience in Northern Ireland, we stand ready to play a key role in the decommissioning of Hamas’ weapons and capability.”

Around 3,600 people were killed and 50,000 wounded during “the Troubles,” three decades of violence involving Irish republican militants determined to wrest Northern Ireland out of the United Kingdom. After years of false starts and setbacks, a peace accord was struck in 1998 that largely ended the conflict and led to the disarming of the Irish Republican Army and other militant groups.

The Trump-backed plan for Gaza is far narrower and does not address the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which began decades before the latest war. It also provides no clear path to Palestinian statehood, something Israel rejects but that is seen internationally as the only way to resolve

the conflict.

The plan calls for Hamas to disarm, something the militant group insists it will not do—although it has expressed a willingness to hand over some weapons to a Palestinian or Arab body. In Northern Ireland, the IRA’s reluctance to give up its weapons was a main sticking point that threatened to derail the peace process.

Experts say there are parallels— but also major differences—between the Northern Ireland conflict and the devastating war in Gaza, which was sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has reduced much of Gaza to rubble, led to famine in some areas and killed nearly 68,000 Palestinians, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government and maintains detailed casualty re -

cords that are seen as generally reliable by UN agencies and independent experts.

“The level of challenge in the Middle East now is monumental,” said Kristian Brown, a politics lecturer at Ulster University in Belfast. “The level of bitterness, the sense of immediate threat and the levels of destruction (in Northern Ireland) were not as cataclysmic as Gaza.”

‘Counsel patience and pragmatism’

THE Irish Republican Army eventually agreed to put its arsenal “beyond use” by way of a secret process supervised by an international commission. Disarmament ran in parallel to efforts to resolve political disputes at the heart of the conflict, something that more than three decades of US-led peace efforts in the Middle East have failed to accomplish.

It was slow going: The first batch of IRA weapons was decommissioned in 2001 and the last in 2005, seven years after the Good Friday Agreement. Several other British loyalist and Irish republican militant groups also disarmed as part of the process.

“The British might be able to counsel patience and pragmatism,” said Niall Ó Dochartaigh, a professor of political science at the University of Galway. “The IRA leadership had to be helped in various ways to make that argument (for disarmament) within the organization.

“Ultimately, decommissioning only happened in the Irish case once the IRA was satisfied that there was a political settlement bedded down,” he added. And while “the contours of a compromise settlement emerged quite early in Northern Ireland,” a similar consensus in the Middle East appears far off.

Shaky power-sharing political system

THE 20-point plan for Gaza sets out a sweeping vision, from ceasefire to peacemaking—but leaves big gaps about how it will all be achieved. And it says nothing about the thorniest issues that divide Israelis and Palestinians, including the status of Jerusalem, the return of Palestinian refugees, security arrangements, future borders and the scores of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The Good Friday Agreement was more detailed about the structures that would be established in Northern Ireland to underpin peace, including a legislature and government. It was the product of two years of US-backed negotiations that helped build trust between sworn enemies. But peacemaking was still slow and fragile.

Four months after the Good Friday agreement, IRA dissidents set off a car bomb in the town of Omagh, killing 29 people in the deadliest single attack of the conflict.

Today, dissidents still attempt occ asional small-scale attacks. The power-sharing political system set up under the peace agreement has collapsed several times. Amnesties mean killers have gone free and some victims have not received justice.

Yet peace has largely held. Political parties once linked to violent groups, including the IRA-allied Sinn Fein, play a major role, with former gunmen and bombers among those who now sit as lawmakers.

“Engaging those involved with violence and bringing them down democratic paths” was key to the success of Northern Ireland’s peace process, according to Peter McLoughlin, a senior lecturer in politics and history at

Queen’s University Belfast.

He said excluding Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, in the future of the strip, could be a problem.

“If there was a broad lesson from the success of Northern Ireland, it’s that an inclusive process worked – and I mean inclusive in the full sense, all different parties, even including militants,” McLoughlin said.

“Hamas is being excluded from the political process and is expected to give up its weapons,” he added. “I don’t know how feasible that is.”

Key players return STARMER’S reference to the UK’s experience in monitoring ceasefires no doubt refers to the achievements of Blair and Powell.

President Donald Trump has said Blair, who was UK prime minister between 1997 and 2007, is a potential member of a “Board of Peace” to oversee administration and reconstruction in Gaza.

Blair has long experience in the Middle East, having served as an envoy to Israel and the Palestinians for the “Quartet”—the US, European Union, Russia and the United Nations—for eight years until 2015. He also played a pivotal role—along with then US President Bill Clinton— in putting together an international coalition that conducted airstrikes in 1999 to end Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic’s crackdown on independence-seeking ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.

But Blair is also a highly controversial figure because of his decision to take Britain into the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Trump has acknowledged that Blair might not be “an acceptable choice to everybody” in the region.

China’s ruling Communist Party meets to map out plans for the next 5 years

By Chan Ho-Him AP Business Writer

HONG KONG—One of China’s most important meetings begins Monday, as leader Xi Jinping and other ruling Communist Party elites gather in Beijing to map out the goals for the next five years.

The closed-door gathering— known as the fourth plenum—is expected to last four days and will discuss and put the final touches on China’s next five-year plan, a blueprint for 2026-2030.

The leaders are meeting at a time of heightened trade tensions between Washington and Beijing and just ahead of a possible meeting between Xi and US President Donald Trump during a regional summit later this month. Here is what to know about the meeting:

What the fourth plenum is and why it matters

THE fourth plenum refers to the fourth plenary session, out of typically a total of seven sessions during the five-year term of the Chinese Communist Party’s central committee. Xi and about 370 members of the central committee are expected to attend.

The gathering also may coincide with personnel changes. Since it’s held behind closed doors, details may come days or weeks later.

Such gatherings are meant to help unite officials and the public behind the party’s agenda.

The full five-year plan for 20262030 and specifics will likely not be released until the annual session of the National People’s Congress is held in March.

But there is little reason to expect a radical shift away from the format and messaging style of previous fiveyear plans, Lynn Song, chief economist for Greater China at ING Bank, said in an interview.

What to expect in China’s next ‘five-year plan’ THE world’s second-largest economy is forecast to expand by 4.8 percent this year, according to the World Bank, a

figure close to China’s official target of about 5 percent growth. China faces challenges from the trade war that has intensified since Trump took office, but also from chronic domestic problems that are dragging on growth.

Longstanding efforts to boost consumer spending and investment by businesses and to curb excess capacity in many industries top the list of economic priorities. But Xi also will likely highlight China’s push to become the global leader in many technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

China’s pursuit of technological “self-sufficiency,” weaning its industries of their reliance on advanced

computer chips from the US, has sped up as Trump tightens American export control measures and raises tariffs. That could result in more spending on advanced technology, said Ning Zhang, a senior China economist at UBS.

One key question is whether there will be any meaningful shift in the leadership’s approach to boosting consumption, said Leah Fahy, a China economist at Capital Economics. The government has adopted incremental policy moves—such as increased government subsidies for childcare, consumer loans, and trade-in programs for appliances and electric vehicles. Boosting consumption, which

Immigration restrictions under Trump threaten economic growth, job market

By Paul Wiseman & Gisela Salomon

The Associated Press

MARIA worked cleaning schools in Florida for $13 an hour. Every two weeks, she’d get a $900 paycheck from her employer, a contractor. Not much— but enough to cover rent in the house that she and her 11-year-old son share with five families, plus electricity, a cellphone and groceries.

In August, it all ended.

When she showed up at the job one morning, her boss told her that she couldn’t work there anymore. The Trump administration had terminated President Joe Biden’s humanitarian parole program, which provided legal work permits for Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans as well as Nicaraguans like Maria.

“I feel desperate,’’ said Maria, 48, who requested anonymity to talk about her ordeal because she fears being detained and deported. “I don’t have any money to buy anything. I have $5 in my account. I’m left with nothing.’’

President Donald Trump’s sweeping crackdown on immigration is throwing foreigners like Maria out of work and shaking the American economy and job market. And it’s happening at a time when hiring is already deteriorating amid uncertainty over Trump’s erratic trade policies.

Immigrants do jobs—cleaning houses, picking tomatoes, painting fences—that most native-born Americans won’t, and for less money. But they also bring the technical skills and entrepreneurial energy that have helped make the United States the world’s economic superpower.

Trump is attacking immigration at both ends of spectrum, deporting low-wage laborers and discouraging skilled foreigners from bringing their talents to the United States.

And he is targeting an influx of foreign workers that eased labor shortages and upward pressure on wages and

prices at a time when most economists thought that taming inflation would require sky-high interest rates and a recession—a fate the United States escaped in 2023 and 2024.

“Immigrants are good for the economy,’’ said Lee Branstetter, an economist at Carnegie-Mellon University.

“Because we had a lot of immigration over the past five years, an inflationary surge was not as bad as many people expected.’’

More workers filling more jobs and spending more money has also helped drive economic growth and create still-more job openings. Economists fear that Trump’s deportations and limits on even legal immigration will do the reverse.

In a July report, researchers Wendy Edelberg and Tara Watson of the centrist Brookings Institution and Stan Veuger of the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute calculated that the loss of foreign workers will mean that monthly US job growth “could be near zero or negative in the next few years.’’

Hiring has already slowed significantly, averaging a meager 29,000 a month from June through August.

(The September jobs report has been delayed by the ongoing shutdown of the federal government.) During the post-pandemic hiring boom of 20212023, by contrast, employers added a stunning 400,000 jobs a month.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, citing fallout Trump’s immigration and trade policies, downgraded its forecast for US economic growth this year to 1.4 percent from the 1.9 percent it had previously expected and from 2.5 percent in 2024.

‘We need these people’ GOODWIN Living, an Alexandria, Virginia nonprofit that provides senior housing, health care and hospice services, had to lay off four employees from Haiti after the Trump administration terminated their work permits. The Haitians had been allowed

to work under a humanitarian parole program and had earned promotions at Goodwin.

“That was a very, very difficult day for us,” CEO Rob Liebreich said. “It was really unfortunate to have to say goodbye to them, and we’re still struggling to fill those roles.’’

Liebreich is worried that another 60 immigrant workers could lose their temporary legal right to live and work in the United States. “We need all those hands,’’ he said. “We need all these people.”

Goodwin Living has 1,500 employees, 60 percent of them from foreign countries. It has struggled to find enough nurses, therapists and maintenance staff. Trump’s immigration crackdown, Liebreich said, is “making it harder.’’

The ICE crackdown TRUMP’S immigration ambitions, intended to turn back what he calls an “invasion’’ at America’s southern border and secure jobs for US-born workers, were once viewed with skepticism because of the money and economic disruption required to reach his goal of deporting 1 million people a year. But legislation that Trump signed into law July 4—and which Republicans call the One Big Beautiful Bill Act— suddenly made his plans plausible.

The law pours $150 billion into immigration enforcement, setting aside $46.5 billion to hire 10,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and $45 billion to increase the capacity of immigrant detention centers.

And his empowered ICE agents have shown a willingness to move fast and break things—even when their aggression conflicts with other administration goals.

Last month, immigration authorities raided a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia, detained 300 South Korean workers and showed video of some of them shackled in chains. They’d been working to get the plant up and

running, bringing expertise in battery technology and Hyundai procedures that local American workers didn’t have.

The incident enraged the South Koreans and ran counter to Trump’s push to lure foreign manufacturers to invest in America. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned that the country’s other companies might be reluctant about betting on America if their workers couldn’t get visas promptly and risked getting detained.

Sending Medicaid recipients to the fields AMERICA’S farmers are among the president’s most dependable supporters.

But John Boyd Jr., who farms 1,300 acres of soybeans, wheat and corn in southern Virginia, said that the immigration raids—and the threat of them—are hurting farmers already contending with low crop prices, high costs and fallout from Trump’s trade war with China, which has stopped buying US soybeans and sorghum.

“You got ICE out here, herding these people up,’’ said Boyd, founder of the National Black Farmers Association. “(Trump) says they’re murderers and thieves and drug dealers, all this stuff. But these are people who are in this country doing hard work that many Americans don’t want to do.’’

Boyd scoffed at US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ suggestion in July that US-born Medicaid recipients could head to the fields to meet work requirements imposed this summer by the Republican Congress. “People in the city aren’t coming back to the farm to do this kind of work,’’ he said. “It takes a certain type of person to bend over in 100-degree heat.’’

Wiseman reported from Washington and Salomon from Miami. AP Writers Fu Ting and Christopher Rugaber in Washington contributed to this report.

would drive borrowing and demand, is “much more important than before” but consumer confidence has been undermined by the bursting of China’s property bubble several years ago, Zhang explained.

Economists say bolder moves are needed to make a significant difference.

Price wars in the auto industry are an example of the risks of the ferocious competition that results from overcapacity that afflicts many Chinese industries. China’s exports—including to Southeast Asia and Africa—have surged as companies seek markets beyond its borders, adding to friction with the United States and other trading partners.

China’s chief challenges in the next five years SINCE the massive disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic, China has struggled to reignite faster economic growth. Its property sector downturn has complicated that effort, causing massive layoffs and leading families to cut back on spending as house prices have fallen.

Wendy Leutert, a professor of economics and trade at Indiana University, noted in a recent report that China is still stinting on spending on areas that might help to balance the economy and encourage more consumer spending, such as health care, education and

child and elder care.

“Overall, China’s leaders still appear willing to accept economic costs, including resource misallocation and failures, in order to pursue self-sufficiency and technological leadership in strategically important industries and strengthen overall national power,” she wrote.

While it faces increasing friction with the US and other trading partners, China is also running up against demographic pressures, as its population of 1.4 billion begins to shrink and age more rapidly. The unemployment rate for young workers aged 16-24 is nearly 19 percent, according to official data, impinging on their potential contributions to the economy.

The Chinese leadership has set a goal of doubling the size of China’s economy in 2020 by 2035, and like any other government, “still cares (about) growth and is still trying to get richer,” said Zhang of UBS.

He estimates that keeping the economy growing at a robust 4 percent to 5 percent pace in the next decade will likely be “challenging.” But it’s imperative to show it is striving for such ambitious goals, to demonstrate the ruling party’s capacity to keep delivering a better quality of life—its chief claim to its legitimacy.

“For China’s leadership, what do they care about? Stability, legitimacy, and also ongoing support,” he said.

China-leaning politician wins vote to lead Taiwan opposition KMT

By Yian Lee & Cindy Wang

AFORMER Taiwan lawmaker who has advocated closer ties to China won the contest to become the leader of the island’s biggest opposition party.

Cheng Li-wun won 50.2 percent of votes, according to a statement by the Kuomintang party, beating five other candidates. She is the third woman to lead the party. Current chairman Eric Chu didn’t join the contest.

“The ending of elections is the beginning of unity,” Cheng said in her victory speech. “We will not just unite KMT, but also all of Taiwan.”

The KMT ruled Taiwan for decades as a one-party state, until the island became a democracy. It is Beijing’s preferred negotiating partner because the party favors eventual unification with China.

Cheng said while campaigning that she wants “all Taiwanese people to be able to proudly and confidently say, ‘I am Chinese.’” She has also explicitly and repeatedly backed the so-called 1992 Consensus, a KMTapproved view that Beijing interprets as meaning that both sides of the strait are part of one China.

President Lai Ching-te’s government rejects the stance, saying Taiwan is a de facto independent nation deserving greater recognition on the world stage. Cheng’s win could also further hinder his efforts to increase defense spending. The US is Taiwan’s main military backer and has been encouraging Lai to spend more on its defenses against China.

“On external relationships, we will uphold the principles of equality, respect and reciprocity,” Cheng said on Saturday. “We will never allow Taiwan to become a troublemaker or a victim of geopolitics.

The KMT will shoulder its responsibilities and actively serve as a peacemaker for regional peace.”

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory—a view Taipei rejects— and has pledged to bring the demo -

cratic archipelago of 23 million people under its control someday, by force if required. In August, Lai’s administration proposed spending nearly 23 percent more on the military than in 2024. The government also plans to propose a special budget for weapons procurement soon. Both proposals are subject to legislative review and approval.

Cheng “could lead the Kuomintang caucus to adopt a tougher position against Lai’s agenda,” Liu Chao-lung, an associate professor at National Changhua University of Education who monitors domestic politics, said before the KMT vote.  That style could make it even harder than it already has been for Lai’s government to get military budget proposals passed in the legislature, where the KMT and another party hold a majority, Liu added.

When asked about Lai’s pledge to increase military budget to 5 percent of GDP at a briefing with foreign reporters last month, Cheng said that she won’t support the initiative, and that it’s not a reasonable defense budget ratio. “In the competition of defense spending, Taiwan will always be the loser,” Cheng said.

Since taking control of the legislature in 2024, the opposition bloc has passed a series of controversial bills that supporters of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party say is weakening the administration’s authority and democratic governance.

“I’ll aim for the KMT to become the biggest party in Taiwan during my term, and take full power in 2028,” Cheng said.

After Cheng’s win, a DPP spokesperson said the party hopes the new KMT chair can uphold sovereignty and prioritize Taiwan’s security over its own political interests. It warned Cheng and her party to cautiously guard against Chinese influence and infiltration, and said all political parties should jointly strengthen national security, according to a statement. Bloomberg

PHL onion SSR hits 10-yr high in 2024—PSA

TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

HE country’s self-sufficiency in onions rose to its highest level in a decade owing to technological advancements and enhanced farm productivity.

The country’s onion self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) jumped to 92.4 percent in 2024, the highest in 10 years, based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data.

PSA data showed that this is the highest onion SSR since 2014, when it settled at 96.1 percent.

ments in cold storage facilities that prolonged the shelf life of the crop.

“Onion farmers are making money, encouraging them to expand their planting area and to plant more,” Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) President Danilo Fausto told the BusinessMirror.

“Cold storage facilities are being made available, lowering the possibility of spoilage.”

“SSR shows the magnitude of production in relation to domestic utilization. It indicates the extent to which a country relies on its own production resources,” the PSA said. Industry groups and agriculture officials attributed this hike to government interventions that bolstered productivity and invest -

On an annual basis, the onion SSR of 92.4 percent last year was 8.4 percentage points higher than the 84 percent recorded level in 2023, PSA data showed.

Cooking show trains spotlight on healthy eating, cutting food waste

PLAYERS from Italy’s national rugby team, activists and influencers recently joined Italian celebrity chef Alessandro Borghese and global actress Monique Coleman for a celebration of food and creativity on Junior World Food Day, which this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The room buzzed with the energy of around 1,000 young students aged 9 to 13, their enthusiasm lighting up the space along with 80 high school students from the World Food Forum School Assembly. Players from Italy’s national rugby team and members of the Federazione Italiana Rugby burst through the doors passing rugby balls before being challenged by Celebrity chef Borghese to cook on stage with kids.

As FAO celebrates its 80th birthday, the organization said it is looking ahead to the future.

“This means giving today’s youths a voice. There’s a need to work as a team - across generations and across borders--to make sure that everyone, everywhere, has enough food to eat,” FAO Director General Qu Dongyu said.

Speakers and “Food Heroes” including Indigenous Leader Judy Kipkenda, Professor and chef Ricardo Frugoli and celebrity chefs Victoire Gouloubi and Xin Ge Liu told inspirational stories, while offering tips on nutrition and healthy diets, food diversity and reducing food waste.

Young curiosity and passion filled FAO’s Plenary Hall — a space usually reserved for Members making key decisions on global food security and agriculture. Their energy was a powerful reminder of what’s needed to build a better food future: one where every idea, big or small, can help shape a more sustainable tomorrow.

The event included a lively break dance performance by Studio 7 and a performance of FAO’s 80th anniversary youth song “Hand in hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” by the Piccola Orchestra di Tor Pignattara and friends. Young participants also learned about the newly opened Food and Agriculture Museum and Network (FAOMuNe), youth activities like the global Poster Contest and FAO’s work around the world.

Food forum

JUNIOR World Food Day is part of FAO’s annual World Food Forum, a week-long series of events that featured the participation of heads of state and government, government ministers, as well as numerous representatives from the private sector, civil society, international organizations, research institutions, youth, Indigenous Peoples and other stakeholders in agrifood systems.

Notable participants this year included Pope Leo XIV, who delivered a keynote speech on World Food Day, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The World Food Forum also featured the Global Youth Forum, which brought together thousands of young changemakers, government representatives, scientists and partners, further underscoring FAO’s investment in future generations.

For Agriculture Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, the decade-long increase in onion SSR was due to “strong partnership” between farmers and the Department of Agriculture (DA), along with the support from its high-value crops program.

“(Also,) operationalization of cold storage funded by DA, including those from PRDP [Philippine Rural Development Project],” Caballero

told this newspaper.

Last year, all of the country’s red onion stocks were locally produced owing to a bumper harvest, which prompted the agency to withhold any importation order for the crop.

In August, the Bureau of Plant

Industry (BPI) said the government may authorize the importation of some 50,000 metric tons (MT) of red onions and 35,000 MT of yellow onions to plug the projected supply shortfall of the crop.

The DA had authorized the importation of 4,000 MT of red and

yellow onions in February as stocks thinned out.

Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said he “silently” allowed around 3,000 MT of red onion imports during the end of September following the spike in retail prices of the crop to P140 to P160 per kilo.

Despite this, he assured stakeholders that the government would halt shipments of the onion varieties a month before harvest, which would be in February next year.

Government price monitoring data shows that the retail price of local red onions in Metro Manila markets ranges from P120 to P190 per kilo, while imported red onions stand between P100 and P140 per kilo.

The price of imported white onions ranged from P80 to P170 per kilo, based on the latest government price monitoring data.

‘Batanes farms still untouched by synthetic chemicals’

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) declared Batanes as an organic farming practitioner province, which positions it as a leading agro-tourism destination that would boost local livelihoods.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed an order that formalized the recognition of Batanes as “organic by default.”

The DA said that due to the province’s geographic isolation and long-standing farming traditions, its 13,208.90 hectares of agricultural land that spans across crops and livestock have remained untouched by synthetic chemicals.

It added that the province’s

4,126 farmers and 35 cooperatives exclusively engage in organic agriculture, supported by local ordinances and provincial legislation aligned with Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.

“This designation affirms Batanes’ commitment to sustainable farming that ensures food security, protects the environment, and empowers communities,” the DA chief said.

He added that the recognition paves the way for increased technical, financial, and market support for the province.

The DA said all six municipalities, such as Basco, Uyugan, Sabtang, Ivana, Itbayat, and Ma -

hatao, have passed ordinances institutionalizing organic farming.

It added that various programs and demonstration farms like the Naidi Multi-Commodity Project and the Tukon Agro-Tourism Site further promote natural farming methods and community-based food production.

According to the DA, Batanes’ organic crops, such as garlic, sweet potatoes, onions, and beef cattle are key to local food sufficiency that would allow it to gain market value outside the province.

Premium prices and increasing demand are encouraging wider participation among farmers, it added.

With organic produce as a driving force, the DA said Batanes is integrating agriculture with tourism. Projects like the Batanes Resort Agro-Tourism Site are drawing visitors interested in eco-friendly farming practices and Ivatan culture.

“Through this declaration, the DA reinforces its support for provinces like Batanes that exemplify the goals of sustainable agriculture, ensuring long-term food safety, ecological balance, and rural development.”

Earlier, the DA deployed mobile soil testing laboratories nationwide as part of efforts to improve crop yields. Ada Pelonia

DAR celebrates stories of the land via film festival

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

ARTEMYO and Fedelina, a modest farming couple living in the rural countryside, cling to hope and dignity as they face daily struggles, threatened by the risk of uncertainty, in a world where personal resilience grows in the cracks.

Facing the harsh reality of farming. As external pressures mount— such as threats of displacement, land insecurity, and the creeping influence of powerful interests—their private struggles become inextricably tied to larger systemic issues, highlighting the fragile position of many farmers who depend on the land for their survival and dignity.

Such is the story of Binhi, a film directed by Ayaa R. Ahmed from Holy Cross of Davao College that bagged the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) Category Film.

Such were the compelling stories of hope and highlights of the

PelikulAgraryo 2025.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently held the PelikulAgraryo 2025 Central Film Festival Awards at Novotel Manila Araneta City to celebrate the inspiring stories and triumphs of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations (ARBOs).

A total of 68 schools and universities across the country joined the first PelikulAgraryo, producing 101 film entries. From the regional rounds, 27 short films were selected as finalists—12 under the ARBO category and 15 under the ARB category.

“Thank you for participating and supporting DAR’s programs. You are the new heroes—our modern-day youth heroes,” DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III said in a statement as he praised the students’ talent and compassion.

“Today’s youth are exceptional—more informed, more capable, and full of fresh ideas. We should

listen to them.”

According to DAR, PelikulAgraryo 2025 was not just a film festival—it was a movement.

“It reminded everyone that the stories of the land and its people must be told, celebrated, and preserved. The films used the youth’s creativity to uplift the most vital yet often overlooked sector—agriculture. As the festival concludes, a new chapter begins—for DAR, for the storytellers, and for every farmer whose story continues to unfold.”

Currently, the 27 winning short films are already available for public viewing on the DAR official website, allowing audiences to experience the real and inspiring journeys of farmers and communities empowered by agrarian reform.

Moving forward, the agency aims to further amplify these stories by sharing all short films gathered from 68 schools nationwide across various digital and

broadcast platforms.

“These remarkable entries reflect the creativity and empathy of student filmmakers who brought to life the stories of our Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs),” it said.

“This initiative seeks not only to promote the mission and vision of the Department but also to highlight the hope, perseverance, and success that define agrarian life. Through these films, DAR envisions a broader appreciation of the transformative power of land reform and the enduring spirit of the Filipino farmer.”

There are various award categories that include Best Teaser, Best Poster, Best Production Design, Best Music, and Best Sound. It also gave awards to actors who portrayed the characters. The winners took home cash prizes of P20,000 to P60,000.

Ivory Coast exporters reject cocoa beans over poor quality

EXPORTERS are rejecting the bulk of cocoa beans arriving at Ivory Coast ports because of mold and a high volume of waste material, muddying the supply picture when the market is expecting a surplus.

As many as 65 percent of trucks, each carrying between 30 to 60 tons of beans, are being turned away in the world’s top cocoa producer, according to people familiar with export trends, who asked not to be identified discussing private data.

Cocoa’s historic rally has cooled — New York futures prices have halved from December’s highs — as better

harvests and weakening demand mean the market is set for a second season of surplus. Still, West Africa, where about half the cocoa crop originates, will be closely watched as structural problems, such as aging trees and crop diseases, as well as weather swings, may continue to limit output. Ivory Coast was already struggling with quality issues in the 2024-25 season that ended in September, forcing Cargill Inc. to briefly halt grinding as unusually high levels of waste material curbed yields and risked damaging machinery, Bloomberg reported previously.

A spokesperson for the regulator CCC didn’t respond to requests seeking comments. Now, more than two weeks into the 20252026 main crop, the problems are persisting. On average, there are about 110 beans per 100 grams in the incoming shipments, according to the people. This compares to the official norm of about 90-100 per 100 grams according to rules laid out by Ivory Coast’s cocoa regulator, Le Conseil du Cafe-Cacao.

Bean size is a key indicator of cocoa quality. Smaller beans require more processing, making them less attractive. The additional

impurities in the supplies—like small stems, stones and remnants of the tissue that attaches the beans to the cocoa pod—ave compounded the problem.

The situation could get worse, according to the people, as Ivory Coast has hiked farmgate prices to boost bean arrivals to warehouses.

This could encourage farmers and middlemen, holding onto poor quality mid-crop stocks awaiting better prices, to start mixing that stock into the new main crop supply. Soybean prices SOYBEAN futures rose as US President Donald

Trump said high threatened tariffs with China were not viable, sparking optimism that the world’s largest economies will move toward a trade deal. Soybean futures have been treading water in recent weeks as China has yet to purchase a single shipment of US crops from the harvest currently wrapping up. Trump is expected to meet with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later this month on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. “Grain and oilseed markets are mostly steady to firm after President Trump’s comment this morning,” StoneX Chief

Commodities Economist Arlan Suderman said in a note. “Trump indicated that things will be alright with China once he and President Xi are able to meet on the sideline of the APEC conference in South Korea in a couple of weeks.” Soy prices also rose after US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on Thursday that the US is in talks with some South American nations over the possibility of doing “some crushing there for our

Transparency must go beyond SALNs: The FOI bill is the next crucial step

THE recent decision by the Office of the Ombudsman to reopen public access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of government officials marks a significant victory for transparency and accountability in our government. This move, reversing the restrictive policy under former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, rightly acknowledges that the Filipino people have an undeniable right to know how their public servants acquire and manage wealth. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Ombudsman officially gives public access to SALNs of govt officials,” October 14, 2025).

In an era where trust in institutions is at a historic low—exacerbated by the ongoing investigations into multi-billion-peso ghost projects implicating lawmakers and officials—openness is not just desirable; it is essential. The Ombudsman’s new memorandum circular, which allows public inspection and reproduction of SALNs after due processing, signals a renewed commitment to transparency. It is a concrete step towards rebuilding public trust through information accessibility, a principle that must be consistently applied across all branches and agencies of government.

However, restoring access to SALNs, while commendable, should not be mistaken as the endpoint of transparency reforms. As highlighted by House Assistant Majority Leader Mark Anthony Santos, transparency should be a comprehensive, institutionalized practice—not a patchwork of isolated disclosures. The longoverdue Freedom of Information (FOI) bill remains the linchpin in this effort. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “SALN disclosure not enough, pass FOI bill now,” October 14, 2025).

The FOI bill, pending in Congress for nearly 30 years, is the legal backbone that would empower citizens to scrutinize government operations beyond personal wealth declarations. It would mandate government agencies to release records, contracts, and transactions that reveal how public funds are spent and programs are executed. This is precisely the kind of openness needed to deter corruption, prevent abuses like the ghost projects scandal, and ensure that public servants are held accountable at every level.

The history of the FOI bill is a saga of delay and missed opportunities, despite its clear constitutional mandate under Article III, Section 7. The persistent lobbying by champions such as the late Rep. Ernesto Ruffa, Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, and others shows the enduring demand for transparency among lawmakers themselves. The current iteration, supported by a broad coalition in both the House and Senate—including Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Senate President Vicente Sotto III—provides a real chance for passage.

The timing could not be more crucial. The Ombudsman’s transparency move, coupled with growing public outrage over corruption scandals, sets the perfect political climate for Congress to act decisively. Passing the FOI bill would institutionalize transparency as the norm rather than the exception and would complement the SALN disclosure policy by opening the floodgates to information on how government operates.

Moreover, transparency must be paired with accountability mechanisms. Calls for a strict “one-strike policy” against corrupt officials in agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways are necessary corollaries. Transparency without enforcement risks becoming an empty gesture.

Reopening SALNs to public scrutiny is a welcome milestone but not the finish line. The real test of our government’s commitment to transparency and good governance lies in passing the FOI bill. It is time for Congress to fulfill its constitutional duty and the people’s right to know. Only then can we hope to restore genuine public trust and build a government that serves with integrity and openness. Transparency is not a privilege but a right. The people deserve nothing less than full access to information that affects their lives and their future.

From luxury to inclusive wellness

SRISING SUN

OMEWHERE between a spa’s calming music and a wellness retreat’s morning qigong session, the world has found a new kind of economy—the economy of self-healing. What was once a niche for affluent wellness seekers has grown into a trillion-dollar movement fueled by pandemic burnout, digital fatigue, and chronic anxiety. The global wellness tourism industry, now worth almost $995 billion, thrives on our yearning to slow down and feel whole again.

For entrepreneurs and professionals, the surge in wellness spending reflects our era’s priorities: people are now investing in peace of mind. Travel is no longer just about sights or relaxation; it’s about restoring mental clarity and detoxing from the invisible weight of daily stress. In the Philippines, this realization has given rise to a $3.61 billion wellness tourism sector, placing the country among Asia’s top destinations.

Our natural landscape contributes greatly to this movement. From the highlands of Tagaytay to the

quiet beaches of Siquijor, Philippine scenery offers a sense of serenity for those seeking healing. Add to that our heritage of hilot massage, herbal medicine, and other local healing modalities—self-care traditions that transform wellness travel into a unique cultural experience. The Department of Tourism now promotes these assets not just for indulgence, but to diversify the economy and create jobs for therapists, farmers, and artisans.

However, a major challenge remains: wellness weekends still cost

more than a month’s salary for many Filipinos. The industry’s growth risks deepening divisions, as access to selfcare remains limited to those with resources. This leads us to a crucial question for business leaders and policymakers: can wellness travel be truly inclusive without losing its meaning and quality?

Local innovation offers hope. Imagine provinces creating community-based wellness circuits— pairing independent therapists with eco-resorts, using local produce, and involving farmers. A weekend of tai chi and nutritious meals need not rely on imported supplements or high-profile coaches; intention, safety, and a sense of place matter most. Accessible retreats can flourish if we rethink what “wellness” means, transforming open fields into meditation sites or coastal barangays into sunrise qigong spaces alongside small homestays. Entrepreneurs have room to experiment with hybrid models: daypass healing hubs, subscriptionbased self-care getaways, and corporate partnerships for employee retreats. Hotels and developers can blend business with social inclusion, strengthening their brands

for a mindful market. Travelers increasingly choose destinations for their authenticity and the values they represent—not only their comfort.

Most importantly, local governments can invest in “wellness zones” in public parks—turning unused spaces into walking, meditation, and exercise areas. These micro-retreats democratize wellness beyond resort walls. As regenerative tourism trends grow, the Philippines can lead by showing that the traveler’s healing need not come at the community’s expense.

Ultimately, wellness tourism reflects our collective wish to breathe easier after years of uncertainty. But its future shouldn’t be only about spa menus or luxurious detoxes. Farmers selling turmeric tea, village healers sharing wisdom, and families enjoying restful weekends close to home all belong in this movement.

At its heart, the business of selfhealing must return to its purpose: helping people feel human again. If we can do that while making wellness accessible, this country’s quietest industry may become its most transformative.

An inconvenient truth of injustice: Climate change and PHL’s disproportionate suffering

T. Anthony C. Cabangon

Lourdes M. Fernandez

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug

Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos

Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso, Dionisio L. Pelayo

Ruben M. Cruz Jr.

Eduardo A. Davad

Nonilon G. Reyes

D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos

Aldwin Maralit Tolosa

Rolando M. Manangan

BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd

893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.businessmirror.com.ph

ILITO GAGNI

N the scheme of things in a global scale, there are inconvenient truths that small nations like us have to go through—a labyrinth of challenges, especially on the buzzwords today on climate change and RE or renewable energy and the need to raise the consciousness of citizens to the huge impact of carbon dioxide emissions.

And somehow, along the way, as the country tries to play the role of “good citizen” on the matter of the need to curb our CO2 emissions, there is an apparent disconnect on what we are being asked to accomplish vis-a-vis other polluters of the planet, those countries that emit a sizeable chunk of CO2. It is a troubling paradox.

According to the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR), the Philippines contributes less than 0.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet the inconvenient truth is this: despite such a negligible share, we rank among the most vulnerable to the brutal manifestations of climate change.

By global standards, our footprint is small. But the irony is that many small

footprints combined leave a heavy mark on the planet. Every nation’s effort counts—though strategies must also reckon with the disproportionately larger role of major emitters.

Here lies another inconvenient truth: smaller nations face the same global targets and timelines, even when their share of emissions is a mere fraction of the problem. For countries like ours, lowering or neutralizing this tiny contribution barely nudges the global scale. The arithmetic of justice, it seems, is skewed. The World Inequality Database reveals that the wealthiest 10 percent of the global population is responsible for nearly half of all CO₂ emissions, averaging 31 tons per person yearly. In contrast, the bottom 50 percent produces only 12 percent—

Here lies another inconvenient truth: smaller nations face the same global targets and timelines, even when their share of emissions is a mere fraction of the problem. For countries like ours, lowering or neutralizing this tiny contribution barely nudges the global scale. The arithmetic of justice, it seems, is skewed.

about 1.6 tons per person. Meanwhile, data from the Global Carbon Project shows that China and the United States alone account for roughly 45 percent of global emissions, with India, Russia, and Japan following close behind. This imbalance has fueled global pressure to cut emissions and accelerate the shift to renewables. The 2015 Paris Agreement set the course: phase down coal, scale up renewables, achieve net zero. But here’s another sobering fact: even if the world reaches net-zero CO2 by 2050, the reduction in warming is estimated at only 0.07–0.28 °C. Of course, net-zero still delivers cleaner air, better health, energy security, and jobs—but its impact on global temperature depends on the scale of the reduction, not just the symbolism.

As the world races toward net-

zero, one fact remains immutable: carbon footprints are not distributed equally. Individual actions are laudable, but the largest impact comes from the largest emitters. The Philippine government has long maintained that any net-zero commitment must be anchored on national priorities and backed by international support—financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building. Ultimately, progress depends on resources, not rhetoric. For the Philippines, the journey to net zero will hinge on how fast and how affordably we can transition our energy systems. Could it be that some of the champions of renewable energy—without malice but with market motives—are muting the fact of our near-zero contribution to global emissions? Could it be that acknowledging this truth might weaken their narrative —and, by extension, their sales pitch for solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and other RE technologies? Another inconvenient truth: renewable energy remains costly— to build, to operate, and to maintain. Take offshore wind turbines: clean in concept, but at present, staggeringly expensive and, in several global cases, environmentally and economically problematic. Yet despite the mounting evidence of financial distress among offshore

See “Gagni,”

One recipe, one kitchen: Coordinating flood control probes

IInformation warfare: Black or White

Joel L. Tan-Torres

DEBIT CREDIT

Part five

N the ongoing flood control investigations, the search for truth and justice no longer hinges solely on confessions or whistleblower testimonies to investigating government agencies. The key to unraveling the complex web of corruption lies in lifestyle checks relying on accessing evidence, both physical and digital footprints. This involves the process of gathering and assessing data that is abundant, precise, and verifiable.

The lifestyle check should be directed against the various perpetrators, including their families, infamously now known as “neo babies.” These perpetrators cover a broad range of individuals, including private contractors, Department of Public Works and Highways officials, members of Congress, both senators and congressmen, and conniving people from other government agencies.

The lifestyle check is a process of comparing a person’s declared lawful income against his apparent wealth. Data from declared income can be accessed from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). I speculate that several of the perpetrators may not even be registered as taxpayers with the BIR, or have minimal declarations in their tax returns. That should be a factor that the BIR can pursue to their advantage when the examiners start conducting lifestyle checks as part of their tax investigation of the flood control criminals.

Another reference source for lifestyle checks against erring government officials is their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). The Civil Service Commission and Ombudsman are among several government officers tasked to collect the SALNs of all government officials and employees. I have observed that a large number of government officials have been reckless in preparing their SALNs, with them not reconciling their increase in net worth to the amount of income declared in their tax returns. This unexplained increase in net worth can result in various outcomes, including BIR tax assessments and forfeiture of assets under Republic Act No. 1379, or the Forfeiture Law. Under this law, the government can petition the courts to seize properties unlawfully acquired by public officials whose assets are grossly disproportionate to their lawful income.

The indicators of their wealth and lifestyle can be accessed from or provided by various government agencies. To derive the true and full wealth of lifestyle check targets, the search for these asset-holdings should include those properties registered in the names of the targets as well as those listed in the names of persons they have designated to hide under their names the ownership of properties that the targets own. These include immediate relatives, conduits, dummies, fronts, and

Gagni. . . Continued from A10 wind projects abroad, the technology is still being proposed for our own energy mix. Can we afford this gamble? Or would prudence dictate we wait— until the technology becomes truly viable for an economy like ours?

Let’s be honest: our energy transition must match our means. Because the “business” of saving the planet does not always align with the rhetoric of fairness.

beneficial owners of corporations of the targets.

I now discuss the various Lifestyle Check Data Sources. If the recipe for conducting the lifestyle investigation is coordinated among these various government data sources, then the investigations can proceed swiftly and decisively, eliminating overlaps and delays among agencies and transforming fragmented data into actionable intelligence for prosecution and recovery.

The Land Transportation Office provides records of vehicles, often the first indicator of unexplained wealth—fleets of Sports Utility Vehicles and luxury cars registered under names of contractors, government officials, or their family members. The public works contractors Discayas alone have around 30 luxury vehicles that the Bureau of Customs has seized.

The Land Registration Authority (LRA) provides the registry of real property ownership—houses, lots, and condominiums that paint a clearer picture of a public servant’s or contractor’s true wealth. The LRA has long computerized the real property records and can be relied upon for digitally retrieving ownership information of the flood control offenders and their cohorts.

The Securities and Exchange Commission offers another window into the flood control corruption through its beneficial ownership registry. Many contractors implicated in the flood control irregularities are not listed shareholders but hidden beneficial owners of multiple interrelated companies. Cross-referencing corporate filings and financial statements can uncover these connections, showing how public officials or their relatives may secretly control or profit from entities awarded government contracts. The list continues with my discussion next week.

To be continued

Joel L. Tan-Torres was a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He has also held various positions, including Dean of the University of the Philippines School of Business, Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, Tax partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co., and SyCipGorres and Velayo & Co., and director of various corporate boards. He is a Certified Public Accountant who ranked No. 1 in the CPA Board Examination of May 1979. He has his own tax and consultancy practice in JL2T Consulting and can be contacted at joeltantorres@yahoo.com.

KSiegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.

THE

PATRIOT

First of two parts

UDOS to the producers, cast, and crew of the movie “Quezon.” There was hardly a dull moment as the movie depicted the political maneuverings of our leaders prior to the Commonwealth era. I admire how the power of media was portrayed and how fake news and propaganda can truly affect the credibility of politicians.

Whether disseminated in a short feature film or published in a newspaper or even told and retold by way of gossiping, the propagandists during the time of Quezon outmaneuvered each other for the sake of independence from the United States.

The propagandists of today, whether bloggers or opinion writers, echo the same technique—be bold and influence the minds of readers, viewers, and listeners.

Every communicator is practically a propagandist, including TBA productions (Tuko Film Productions, Buchi Boy Entertainment, and Artikulo Uno Productions) the force behind the movies, “Heneral Luna,” “Goyo,” and “Quezon”. Propaganda is all over the storyline in movies we watch in theaters, in the advertisements we see or hear over the TV and radio, and in the news stories we follow all over social media.

I recall how my late father, Salvador Mison, distinguished white versus black propaganda as I entered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in 1987. White propaganda never hides its origin or nature, whereas black propaganda disguises its origin to discredit another while falsely attributing it to a different entity. White propaganda is acceptable in the advertising and public relations industry, whereas black propaganda, which inevitably involves lying and dishonesty, is not, although it has become widespread these days.

I have a few friends who are lifelong PR guys who I can consider as experts on white propaganda but never on black propaganda. They have earned my respect.

Politicians are wired to be natural

propagandists due to their quest of votes. Sadly, there have been more black propagandists, scheming and devious, than the more respectable white propagandists in government in this day and age.

One legislator, known to be a Church follower, offered a “clean slate” proposition (mass resignations of all top government officials) as the number of government officials being implicated in corruption activities are increasing and getting closer to the top. Not only it is not provided under the Constitution that he swore to defend, but the solution is “even more laughable,” in the words of Atty. Howard Calleja, to which I agree. Even if everyone resigns as part of having a clean slate, the relatives of the incumbents, enjoying the name recall of their last names, would just step in the same way as political dynasties have pervaded in the Philippines. For this proposal to work, although unconstitutional, and prevent the same corrupt families to rebrand themselves, a law must first be passed to ban relatives within the fourth civil degree to run for office.

Snap elections seemingly worked in 1986; it did not, as 38 years after, the country has this lingering problem of corruption. Before, it was just one family and its cronies; today, corruption has spread through many families and, worse, even legislated in the budget by sitting lawmakers in the guise of unprogrammed funds.

Tracing the root of this problem, we just have to look at how some Constitutional Commissioners included an inconspicuous phrase “as may be provided by law” in the provision on political dynasties. After 38 years, there is no enabling law that

defined the term political dynasties, although the intent was clear after the People Power revolution in 1986. Call it propaganda or otherwise, but when the church, through Radio Veritas among other networks, and the military, through its own network of secret channels of communication, managed to spread the call to action in 1986, snap elections and a new Constitution came out as a result. Yet, corruption still lingers.

Fast forward to 2025, amid all the corruption allegations, propaganda has also permeated in the ranks of the uniformed service. There are quite a few propagandists in the retired sector, black most definitely, who have been sowing seeds of dissent by spreading false information about the possible cancellation of military pension benefits of those who have participated or will participate in anti-government rallies or protests. In posting their opinions about this pension cancellation, these propagandists are reinforcing what the AFP has not categorically stated. The play on words can really lead to strife in the ranks, unnecessarily and unfortunately.

I call on the Chief of Staff, AFP to quell these acts of disinformation coming from a handful of retired black propagandists, some of whom are supposedly respected generals to boot!

Propaganda has evolved into a negative term, especially during the Hitler days of World War II. But in reality, propaganda simply means deliberate dissemination of information. In biblical history, there were a few people who spread the Good News. Non-believers will call these few people as propagandists but for believers like me, I consider them as influencers who served as witnesses to how Jesus lived and loved while here on earth.

Some historians would posit the belief that Jesus and His disciples were a sophisticated government exercise to pacify the subjects of the Roman Empire. Scholar and author Joseph Atwill theorized that Christianity was “actually developed and used as a system of mind control to produce slaves that believed God decreed their slavery.” I suppose Atwill and others like him are the early black propagandists who sought to spread disinformation despite the overwhelming evidence of the Bible.

Believers like me will definitely

Traders ‘spooked’ as bank lending risk puts stock market on edge

By Geoffrey Morgan & Georgie McKay

THE start of earnings season is exposing a potential crack in the stock market’s frothy foundation: risky lending by some regional banks.

Shares of Zions Bancorp and Western Alliance Bancorp plunged Thursday after the companies said they were victims of fraud on loans to funds that invest in distressed commercial mortgages. The disclosures sent the KBW Bank Index to its worst day since April’s tariff tantrum.

Bank of America Corp., Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. But next week will offer a different view, as regional lenders such as Zions, Western Alliance and East West Bancorp Inc. are scheduled to report.

regionals,” Hill said.

The risk, of course, is that problems at a few regional lenders can spread to big banks and, from there, into the broader economy. Even “mild” credit concerns are “not good for an expensive stock market,” said Matt Maley, chief market strategist at Miller Tabak + Co. The tech sector is worth watching “very closely,” he added.

prefer to believe Scripture since it is “God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). For servants of God, we are all tasked to spread the truth, white propagandists at most, as found in the Bible. Jesus told his followers— “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20). In whatever sphere of influence we operate in, believers are given the opportunity to make followers of Jesus, for them to read the Bible, for them to love God and love others as a standard way of life. “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8). Whenever we need to distinguish what is black or white propaganda, whether an information is fake or true, we just need to arm ourselves with what the biblical truth tells us. Yes, propaganda is everywhere—in government and outside of government. The movie Quezon showed that disinformation schemes have been in the country at least more than a century already. We should remain mindful of the difference between white and black propaganda; the former builds an inspires, while the latter deceives and destroys. I hope and pray that many Filipinos will be gifted with discernment to know the difference between black and white. Words matter.

Siegfred has a diversified set of education and experiences which has made him a game changer and a servant leader in organizations such as the Philippine Army, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, a US based software development company called Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Airlines and SM Prime Holdings. His professional degrees came from the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA. He has delivered leadership and management talks in government agencies. Siegfred is a former soldier and a lawyer by profession, a teacher by passion, and a writer with a mission.

In general, Wall Street is bullish on third-quarter bank earnings, as the larger lenders are “hitting the ball out of the park,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research. Analysts now expect financials to post 13.4 percent earnings growth in the third quarter versus the previous forecast of 8.9 percent, he wrote in a note to clients on October 15.

And until that contradiction is resolved, nations like the Philippines will continue to bear a burden far heavier than their share of the blame—an inconvenient truth of injustice. We are among those who contribute the least to climate change —yet we suffer among the most. We are told to comply with immediate net-zero demands, even if our compliance would barely move the global needle. Worse, these demands come at a time when renewable alternatives remain financially out of reach for millions of Filipino families.

They followed a warning from JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon about “cockroaches” in the credit market during the bank’s earnings conference call on Tuesday. He was referring to the implosions of auto lender Tricolor Holdings and car-parts supplier First Brands Group.

With Wall Street already on edge, the chatter about troubled borrowers hitting banks is tapping into fears that a credit crisis could be the pin that pops the three-year bull market in stocks.

“The market kind of freaked out,” said Sadiq Adatia, chief investment officer at BMO Global Asset Management, which has $221 billion in assets under management.

In plain terms, we’re being asked to act like the world’s biggest polluters—when in truth, we are among its smallest contributors.

From one angle things look great in the financial industry after the first full week of the third-quarter earnings season featured a string of beats from financial giants like

“People are just a little bit spooked and kind of selling first and asking questions later,” said Zachary Hill, head of portfolio management at Horizon Investments.

In many ways, the finance world is being divided in two. Big banks and Wall Street giants are racing ahead with strong trading and investment banking operations, and their size insulates them from a few bad loans. Smaller firms, however, don’t have that cushion, so the risks are more acute.

Investors are already seeing the difference. The KBW Regional Banking Index plunged the most since April on Thursday, wiping out its gain for the year, while the KBW Bank Index, which includes major national lenders and Wall Street titans, is up 14 percent in 2025.

“If we’re going to get some continued uncertainty in the banking sector and questions around credit quality, then the large banks are definitely a safer refuge than the

During the first half of the year, there was a “huge move” in lower quality companies and everything related to artificial intelligence, said Adam Parker, founder of Trivariate Research. But now investors are trying to find some “ballast” in their portfolios with stocks that aren’t exposed to these risks, “whether it’s higher quality financials, whether it’s health care, whether it’s metals,” he said. Still, sentiment remains strong for the big financial names and the sector as a whole.

“As long as the vast majority of banks, particularly the systematically important ones, are doing OK, the sector will shrug off problems at certain institutions if they appear to be idiosyncratic rather than systemic,” said Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers.

Friday’s batch of earnings reports helped allay some concerns, as Truist Financial Corp., Regions Financial Corp. and Fifth Third Bancorp all reported lower provisions for credit losses than analysts expected.

More broadly, banks have also provided “a welcome optimistic look at the macroeconomy,” Peter Williams, economist at 22V Research, wrote in a note to clients on Oct. 15. At a time when data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other US agencies isn’t available due to the government shutdown, Williams noted that the bank earnings show “consumer spending trends continued to look solid.” Wall Street will get a closer view of consumer health later this month when Visa Inc. and Mastercard Inc. report. Given the rising concerns about credit, those will be closely watched and have the ability to “spook the rally,” Trivariate’s Parker said. That being said, bullish investors are likely to view any drop as temporary and a chance to buy into the growth in financials at a lower price. “If we have further pullbacks from here, that’ll create a buying

Monday, October 20, 2025

2nd Front

BusinessMirror

RATE RESET RULES FOR LOCAL POWER DISTRIBUTORS GET NOD

By Lenie Lectura

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is adopt-

ing the Rationalized Rules for Setting Distribution Wheeling Rates (RRDWR) to determine the revenue requirements, capital and operating expenditures, performance incentive mechanisms, and annual rate adjustments of privately owned electric distribution utilities (PDUs).

“After more than a decade of delays, the rate reset process for all private distribution utilities will soon happen after the Energy Regulatory Commission approved on Thursday the Rationalized Rules for Setting Distribution Wheeling Rates [RRDWR] for privately owned electric distribution utilities [PDUs] operating under the Performance-Based Regulation [PBR] framework,” the agency said over the weekend.

The ERC’s approval of the RRDWR also marks a departure from the previous Regulatory Periods established for the PDUs, which were not adhered to due to the suspension or delays in the rate reset process.

The RRDWR embodies the methodology and process for setting the maximum allowable distribution, supply, and metering (DSM) rates of private DUs. It supersedes previous regulatory issuances governing the rate-setting process and incorporates internationally recognized practices to balance consumer pro-

tection with fair returns for utilities.

Under the RRDWR, the ERC uses a price-cap regulation methodology that sets a maximum allowable rate based on efficient costs, service quality targets, and measurable performance indicators. This approach encourages distribution utilities to improve efficiency and reliability while maintaining affordability for consumers.

“The RRDWR also addresses the more than 10 years of delays in the reset of the PDUs’ distribution rates and serves as the framework for the upcoming Regulatory Reset for the First Regulatory Period [1st RP] of the First Entry Group, which includes the Manila Electric Co. [Meralco], Dagupan Electric Corporation [DECORP], Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company [CEPALCO], and Cotabato Light and Power Company [CLPC],” it said.

The 1st RP of the First Entry Group covers the period from 1 July 2026 to June 30, 2030.

ERC said taking this decisive step “demonstrates its resolve” to fulfill its legal mandate as the rate regulator for the power industry. It also underscores its commitment to a fair, transparent, and accountable regulatory process that ensures reasonable electricity rates, promotes operational efficiency, and supports the ongoing modernization of the country’s power distribution sector.

Investments, loans lift PHL bank assets in Aug—report

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

ASSETS

of Philippine banks

expanded by 6.69 percent in August 2025, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed bank assets reached P27.73 trillion as of end-August. This was higher than last year’s P25.99 trillion but was a .04-percent contraction from the P27.74 trillion posted in the period ending July 2025.

The growth of bank assets was driven by net total investments, which grew 10.26 percent to P8.17 trillion as of August this year from

P7.41 trillion in the same period last year.

Another driver was net total loan portfolio (TLP), which rose by 9.91 percent to P15.19 trillion as of August 2025 from the P13.82 trillion posted in the period ending August 2024. Meanwhile, data also showed that net real and other properties acquired (ROPA) posted a doubledigit growth of 17.93 percent to

Groups: Govt must also protect garment workers

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

LABOR groups are urging the government to ensure that any rescue plan for the struggling garment sector will protect workers as much as it supports companies, following reports of an impending factory closure in Central Luzon. Nagkaisa Labor Coalition Chairperson Sonny Matula said on Sunday that workers should be part of crafting the government’s response to the industry’s crisis.

“Rescuing the industry must also benefit workers—through fair wages, job security, and

profit-sharing mechanisms that ensure recovery is shared by all. Saving an industry that leaves its workers behind is no rescue at all,” Matula said. Senator Imee Marcos revealed during the Department of Trade and Industry’s budget hearing last week that about 3,000 workers in a Central Luzon garment factory may lose their jobs as the firm considers closure due to higher production costs and tariff pressures.

The Confederation of Wearables Exporters of the Philippines (Conwep) also earlier warned that the garments sector has already lost

around 50,000 jobs from 2022 to 2024 and faces deeper contraction due to successive wage hikes and new US tariff measures. (Related: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2025/09/05/garmentssector-pay-hike-tariffs-spellperfect-storm/).

Conwep Executive Director Maritess Jocson-Agoncillo said the industry is caught in a “perfect storm” of local and global pressures that have weakened its export competitiveness.

She noted that recent wage adjustments alone have reduced the sector’s 2024 export performance by about $260 million, or rough-

ly 25 percent, with some major brands pulling out of the country.

The situation is further compounded by a 19-percent reciprocal tariff imposed by the United States, which Agoncillo said has pushed the industry’s outlook from a projected 6-percent growth before the tariff to a possible double-digit contraction of up to 25 percent by 2026.

For Matula, the high cost of production in the country remains a major problem for both employers and workers, compounding the challenges already faced by the industry.

P130.94 billion as of August 2025 from P111.03 billion in August 2024.

BSP data showed that there was a steep decline of 73.43 percent in derivatives with negative fair value for hedging to P6.67 billion from the P25.10 billion in August 2024.

Liabilities grew 6.34 percent to P24.17 billion in August 2025 from the P22.73 billion in August 2024.

Banks’ total capital accounts,

meanwhile, slightly grew by 9.20 percent to P3.56 trillion from the P3.26 trillion in August 2024. Meanwhile, BSP data showed that unsecured subordinated debt declined by 77.12 percent to P1.86 billion August 2025 from the P8.13 billion in the same period last year. Economists had said the growth of bank assets could moderate in the coming months as the BSP continues its easing cycle.

‘Infra gaps slow shift to electric cars in PHL’

By VG Cabuag

SALES and registration of electric and hybrid vehicles may be rising, but infrastructure gaps, such as the availability of charging stations for EVs, remain a key challenge.

Leoncio A. Palanca Jr., country manager of ING Philippines, said the problem is creating demand for new financing solutions to accelerate the transition to EV and unlock broader market potential.

“Globally, ING actively addresses this through its Amsterdam-based Transition Accelerator team—designed to incubate promising innovations, scale early-stage technologies and forge cross-value chain connections for systemwide change,” Palanca said.

The team has engaged over 300 prospects across four focus areas. These are clean mobility services, which include EV charging infrastructure, sustainable materials, industrial innovation and naturebased infrastructure, he said.

This positions the country as a key player in Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition, Palanca said. Transport contributes about 23 percent of the Philippines carbon emissions. To combat this, the government drives the adoption of electric vehicles through incentives and the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act.

The Philippines has committed to a 75-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 under its nationally determined contribution. The country’s power development plan also targets a power generation mix of 35 percent comprising of renewable energy by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

“These ambitions are supported by a strengthening green finance ecosystem, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Sustainable Finance Framework and Taxonomy Guidelines,” Palanca said.

“In the Philippines, there’s huge potential across multiple sectors— particularly in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and emerging areas like electric transport,” he said.

In the first half of 2025, ING closed four major EV charging transactions, including a €433-million green financing deal with Electra to deploy 15,000 charging points across nine European countries by 2030, and financing for EVgo to roll out about 2,100 fastcharging stalls across major US metropolitan areas. Palanca said the bank is continuing support for clean energy projects in the Philippines, as well as sustainable infrastructure development and innovative financing solutions for businesses and communities.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

B1 Monday, October 20, 2025

MPIC still keen on hospital buys Meralco

By VG Cabuag @villygc

CONGLOMERATE Metro Pacific Investment Corp. (MPIC) is still interested in acquiring additional stake in Metro Pacific Health Corp., the country’s largest hospital group.

MPIC Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla said the company already made an offer to acquire an additional 30 percent of the hospital group from KKR and Co. and Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC, which holds an 80 per -

Traders

Tcent stake in Metro Pacific Health.

MPIC owns the remaining 20 percent.

“We all know that when a PE (private equity) investor comes in, it will not be forever. But MPIC has always been there, especially MVP (Manuel V. Pangilinan), that’s his baby MPH.

We’ve started with Makati Med,” Revilla said, referring to Makati Medical Center.

“We’ve actually renewed our contract with Cardinal Santos (Medical Center). So, they’re looking at MPH and MVP as the anchor of their (operations),” she said.

MPH has 27 hospitals.

Pangilinan said he wanted to almost double the size of the hospitals group to 50.

“So I hope we could do that by in 5 years or so,” he said.

Revilla said the funds that the company got from the investors allowed them to expand its business.

“So, here, we have bigger plans,” she said.

Revilla said the company has plans to integrate its whollyowned unit Metro Pacific Health

Tech Corp., or mWell, into MPH.

“So, we’re even doing the digitalization of MPH in the hospitals. Because, when we’re able to do the process that we’ve done here in the mWell clinic into the hospitals, when you go into a hospital, you don’t have to fill up 10-pager forms,” she said.

Kohlberg, Kravis Robert (KKR) andGovernment Investment Corp. (GIC) completed its investments in MPH in December 2019. A total of P35.3 billion in investments were placed in the hospital group.

The group has a nationwide network of 27 hospitals, 33 outpatient care centers, 2 allied health colleges, and a centralized laboratory across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

It was incorporated in 2007 and acquired Makati Medical Center as its first investment.

‘spooked’ on bank lending risks

HE start of earnings season is exposing a potential crack in the stock market’s frothy foundation: risky lending by some regional banks.

Shares of Zions Bancorp and Western Alliance Bancorp plunged Thursday after the companies said they were victims of fraud on loans to funds that invest in distressed commercial mortgages. The disclosures

sent the KBW Bank Index to its worst day since April’s tariff tantrum. They followed a warning from JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon about “cockroaches” in the credit market during the bank’s earnings conference call on Tuesday. He was referring to the implosions of auto lender Tricolor Holdings and car-parts supplier First Brands Group.

With Wall Street already on edge, the chatter about troubled borrowers hitting banks is tapping into fears that a credit crisis could be the pin that pops the three-year bull market in stocks. “The market kind of freaked out,” said Sadiq Adatia, chief investment officer at BMO Global Asset Management, which has $221 billion in assets under management. From one angle things look great

in the financial industry after the first full week of the third-quarter earnings season featured a string of beats from financial giants like Bank of America Corp., Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. But next week will offer a different view, as regional lenders such as Zions, Western Alliance and East West Bancorp Inc. are scheduled to report. Bloomberg

FROM overhead to underground.The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said over the weekend that thousands of circuit kilometers (ckm) of power lines will be installed and relocated underground in the next couple of years.

“We have a plan for the first RP (regulatory period) in our capex (capital expenditure) of an additional 1,500ckm of cables, including the greenfield [area]. This is in coordination with real estate developers plus. We have identified where we can go underground,” said Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet.

Savet added that the cost is ten times greater than overhead lines.

The utility firm’s underground cabling program for the 1,500 ckm of power lines will be implemented up to 2030, subject to right-of-way and permitting concerns. “We are working closely with LGUs (local government units) and key government agencies, including the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) and the MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority),” he added.

Savet said there are 567ckm of power lines underground spread in key value areas such as Bonifacio Global City, Rockwell in Makati, Entertainment City and Mall of Asia in Pasay, among others.

The Meralco official said it is easi-

er to install new underground power cables in greenfield areas than in brownfield areas. For one, planning and execution are easier in greenfield sites as this allows installation of new infrastructure from scratch. “it’s challenging in brownfield areas because there are already some facilities installed underground. But it can be done. it’s not impossible but it’s a very complex project. For greenfield, it’s much easier because we get to work with real estate developers from the start. The proponent is the one who will coordinate with the telco provider, with the ones in charge of the water system, with everyone so that’s why it’s easier to implement underground cabling for greenfield areas,” said Savet. Underground cabling addresses dangling wires, which are not only an eyesore but also hazardous. Savet said this move is part of the utility firm’s network resiliency program. Savet revealed last week that Meralco will put up a duplicate distribution network system called Grid Edge Operations and Control Center (GEOCC), a state-of-the-art operations center aimed at controlling Meralco assets and interconnected facilities along the last-mile end-users or household level. This includes smart metering, distributed energy resources, net metering, embedded generation and electric vehicle charging stations. Lenie Lectura

Atty. Arnel Casanova of Meralco: JV with electrical co-ops is essential for PHL growth

By Francine Medina

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) isn’t just a household name but a driver in business continuity and builder of resiliency, especially among high-growth sectors.

In the latest episode of “Freshly Brewed,” BusinessMirror’s digital show, Energy reporter Lenie Lectura sat down with Atty. Arnel Casanova, SVP and Chief External and Government Affairs Officer of Meralco, for an engaging discussion on how power is helping push the Philippines towards progress.

Celebrating its 122nd anniversary this year, Meralco cuts across sectors as the reliable power source of multiple sectors, ranging from household consumers to big corporations from various industries. The task to power up these groups is daunting as the population and business organizations multiply.

Wide reach

To jumpstart the conversation, Casanova gave the audience a glimpse of Meralco’s reach across the country. “Meralco is considered the biggest power distributor in the Philippines because we provide more than 50 percent of the nation’s power

supply. But if you look at the geographical land area, Meralco’s franchise only covers two percent of the Philippine land area.”

Casanova said that Meralco’s services cover the National Capital Region, Laguna, Bulacan, and Cavite, parts of Quezon, three municipalities in Batangas, and parts of Pampanga.

“It’s actually small in terms of land area, but in terms of capability and output, within the Meralco franchise, it is more than 55 percent of the Philippine Gross Domestic Product or GDP. It clearly shows (the contribution) of Meralco when it comes to economic growth. “

In the first half of the year, Meralco reported over eight million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in these franchise areas.

“And it’s growing because the population is growing, as well as the country’s industries. We want to create more growth across the country so that everyone can be lifted,” Casanova explained.

Power as an economic growth driver

To illustrate the impact of a strong distribution utility in enabling economic growth, the Meralco official cited the economic data in its Batangas franchise. There, Meralco services only three municipalities: Batangas City, Sto. Tomas, and San Pascual.

There are 34 towns in Batangas, Casanova said, but Meralco is only present in three. The two nearby towns are serviced by two small private utility distribution companies. “But when you look at the energy sales, Meralco’s performance in those three towns actually exceeds the entire province combined,” he observed.

“So, when Meralco entered Batangas in the 1990s, the cumulative annual growth rate of the economy in Batangas was 14 percent. That is a double-digit growth, year-on-year. For the last 30 years. So, when you look at those

three towns in Batangas, those are the most progressive towns in the province.”

He added that the strong distribution utility in Metro Manila and the Calabarzon, which Meralco covers, correlates with the area being the center of growth and economic productivity. He said, “Meralco provides reliable power that the industries need. That is why you will also see the congestion of people because these are where the opportunities are available.”

In search of JV

Recently, the Meralco franchise was extended for another 25 years. Casanova stated that Meralco is open to joint ventures (JV) just as it had done in the past to widen its reach and improve its services.

“Actually, we’re looking at all the electric cooperatives that are willing to have a joint venture with us. There’s a simple explanation for that: nation-building. When we

look at the economic data again, the GDP per capita of Filipinos is about P503,000 per capita per annum, but the rest of the country lags between P150,000 to P200,000 per annum per capita.” The gap of P300,000 per annum per capita is due to the lack of industries in the countryside, noted Casanova. “If you set up a manufacturing facility, cannery, a steel plant, a data center, or a semi-conductor plant, with foreign investors expected to come in—or, even, let’s say, cold storage facility or tourism—you cannot sustain these industries or grow them as fast as you want to when there  is unreliable power.”

For its part, Casanova stressed that the company aims to boost the smaller electrical cooperatives by forging partnerships with them.

“My view, and actually my role in the company, is that we really have to go beyond the Meralco franchise. It has a duty

to help and empower our electric cooperatives so that everyone can be uplifted.

“At a certain point, Metro Manila can only accommodate so much. But the industries must be able to move outside of the Meralco franchise and expand so that we can create more economic opportunities in the countryside. Basically, my analogy is that we make the pie bigger.”

Recently, Meralco has expressed its intent to partner with the Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BATELEC II), proposing to support the cooperative’s operations and improve its reliability in the province.

In the 1970s and 80s, the early years of electrical cooperatives,  these groups were created for rural electrification or to bring power to these areas. The focus then was to bring electricity to residences.

“With the arrival of the digital age, however, the power demand has become so big that the nonstock, non-profit structure of the electric cooperatives can no longer cope with such big demands. So private capital is really the one that could adapt to that challenge,” Casanova commented.

“And that is why we have proposed to BATELEC II that since Batangas is the fastest industrializing province, we want them to be prepared for the present and future growth of the province. We proposed a joint venture so we could infuse capital and basically make challenges such as brownouts no longer a problem.”

Doing its share for a better Philippines, the focus now is on service reliability among the industries, concluded Casanova, for businesses to sustain their operations and thus be able to generate more jobs for Filipinos.

•Watch the full episode on BusinessMirror’s YouTube channel. Catch new episodes of “Freshly Brewed” on Mondays, 10 a.m. on BusinessMirror’s YT, FB, and website.

Banking&Finance Investments help GSIS boost income to more than ₧100B

By Ada Pelonia

THE state-run Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) reported that its net income as of August surged to over P100 billion, almost half of which came from investments.

Govt workers urge probe into GSIS investment

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

CITING possible governance

lapses that could affect the pension security of state workers and retirees, public sector workers have called for an independent investigation into the reported P8.8-billion loss in the investments by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

In a statement over the weekend, the Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLink) said the controversy reflects what it sees as serious failures in oversight and accountability within the GSIS.

“Those responsible must be held liable for any breach of duty or misuse of members’ money. The pension funds of public servants are not for gambling, corruption, or political favor. They exist solely to guarantee security, dignity, and justice for those who have spent their lives serving the Filipino people,” read the statement of the national confederation of public service workers.

The group urged the Marcos administration to order an independent and transparent probe into all GSIS transactions questioned by several of its trustees.

It also called for stronger internal controls, regular public disclosure of investment performance, and the inclusion of worker representatives in the GSIS Board to improve oversight.

“Public sector unions and workers will not remain silent while their

retirement savings are gambled away through mismanagement and impunity. We call on the Marcos administration to act decisively and transparently,” it added.

PSLink’s call followed the confirmation of several GSIS trustees that the agency incurred the losses under the management of GSIS President and General Manager Wick A. Veloso. These trustees are: former Ombudsman Merceditas Consunji N. Gutierrez; Emmanuel D. Samson; Rita E. Riddle; Evelina G. Escudero; Jocelyn G. Cabreza; and, Alan R. Luga.

In a letter calling for the resignation of Veloso, the trustees alleged that the fund’s leadership bypassed board oversight and pursued highrisk investments despite repeated objections. They also claimed that some transactions were split to avoid review by the GSIS board.

The PSLink said these allegations, if proven, would constitute mismanagement and a breach of fiduciary duty. It also questioned the lifting of Veloso’s preventive suspension before the completion of a full investigation.

“We are deeply concerned that Veloso’s preventive suspension has already been lifted, even as these serious allegations have yet to be fully investigated. Such action undermines accountability and threatens to erode the trust and confidence of millions of government employees and retirees who depend on GSIS for their social protection and retirement security,” the PSLink added.

Singapore law firm to sue over Asia losses on AT1s

ONE of Singapore’s biggest law firms is set to file claims against the Swiss government by the end of the year, seeking compensation for hundreds of Asian bondholders of Credit Suisse AT1 debt that was wiped out in 2023. Drew & Napier plans to go ahead with so-called investment treaty claims for Japanese bondholders first, followed by Hong Kong and Singapore investors, according to a director at the firm that’s representing about 560 bondholders from the three jurisdictions.

A court decision in Switzerland that the writedown of the Credit Suisse AT1 bonds was unlawful is the “first step in righting the wrong done to our clients,” said Mahesh Rai, who’s working on the case that’ll seek to recover losses that had amounted to about $300 million from the Swiss government. The Swiss Federal Administrative Court this month sided with complainants who had argued that a March 2023 decree to write down 16.5 billion Swiss francs ($20.8 billion) of the AT1 bonds—under a government-brokered rescue of Credit Suisse by UBS Group

AG.—was unlawful and should be revoked.

Still, investors’ hopes will be tempered by how long the legal process will take, and whether any payout is ultimately likely. The complete writedown of the AT1 bonds had caused a furor, given that typically shareholders absorb losses before bondholders. Under bilateral investment treaties, Drew & Napier had to send trigger letters to the Swiss government, which it did in December 2024 and May this year. The firm is now starting the claim, since the treaties require the parties to negotiate for a six-month period after the issuance of the letters. Their action is based on treaties that Switzerland has with Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong for decades. These treaties offer protections to individuals and companies carrying out investments, including safeguards against the expropriation of their investments and unfair treatment by the governments. Rai said the firm is “positive about the prospect of success” and is still signing on affected bondholders. Litigation-funding firm Omni Bridgeway Ltd. has agreed to pay the investors’ legal fees. Bloomberg

According to the GSIS, its net income reached P100.02 billion as of the reference month; its fund’s total assets also climbed to a record P1.92 trillion.

GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso was quoted in a statement the agency issued over the weekend, this performance

showed that members’ funds are secure and continuously growing.

GSIS financial records in August indicated that half of its total income now comes from investments.

“This means that [the] GSIS is not only protecting our members’ contributions but also growing them through strategic and responsible

investing,” Veloso said through the statement. The GSIS noted that its “strong performance” translates into benefits for its 1.7 million members and pensioners.

“Behind every number are teachers and other government workers, whose trust we hold sacred,” Veloso said. “We will continue to make every peso count and deliver true Ginhawa for All.”

‘Baseless’

MEANWHILE, the GSIS denied the circulating claim that the agency incurred P8.8 billion in losses, calling it a “baseless” allegation.

“The alleged ‘P8.8-billion loss’ is baseless. This number does not exist in any official financial records of GSIS,” the agency said. According to the GSIS, its investment process is “strict and careful,”

adding that each investment would undergo thorough scrutiny and risk assessment, and complies with all laws and regulations.

“Our performance is stable and our funds are safe. Market fluctuations are normal, but our portfolio is designed for stability and long-term growth. Official figures prove this.”

The agency noted that its fund grew to P1.92 trilling as of August, from P1.53 trillion when it started in July 2022.

“The proof of our financial health is our continuous and uninterrupted service. We continue to provide all benefits and loans to our members on time and without fail,” read a statement the GSIS issued. “We will remain steadfast in our duty to maintain the integrity of the fund and ensure it is always strong and stable for future generations.”

NHA to accept housing payments via GCash, ECPay

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

PAYING for government housing will be easier as the National Housing Authority (NHA) brings in GCash and ECPay as new online channels for beneficiaries to settle their monthly dues.

The partnership will allow NHA’s residential account hold -

ers to make real-time payments through GCash, with ECPay handling the transaction link between the mobile wallet and the agency’s billing system.

According to the NHA, the move is part of its plan to widen payment options under its “online payment gateways” program, giving families “more convenient ways” to keep up

with their amortizations without lining up at district or regional offices.

The agency added that the effort also supports the government’s push for digital transactions under the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 and the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which both require agencies to modernize their processes. The new service is expected to go live later this year, alongside plans to set up payment kiosks near resettlement sites for easier access. The partnership adds to NHA’s existing tie-ups with other digital payment platforms and over-thecounter partners.

Global finance chiefs wait on US, China amid trade tiff

AFTER a week of talks dominated by trade spats and geopolitical distrust, finance chiefs were once again left hanging on the outcome of a potential meeting between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies.

In Washington, the mood at World Bank and International Monetary Fund gatherings was a mix of relief that US President Donald Trump’s tariffs hadn’t caused a deeper slowdown and dread about the risks ahead.

Policymakers left town hoping that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet at the end of the month, resigned to the reality that the outlook for the global economy is at stake.

The meeting coincided with some of the harshest rhetoric between Washington and Beijing in Trump’s second term, as both sides flexed their dominance with export controls in key industries— the US with advanced technology and China with its rare earths reserves.

While the anxiety mostly played out behind the scenes, with few officials willing to publicly opine on the power play, the IMF’s managing director urged policymakers not to panic. Kristalina Georgieva suggested the lack of retaliation against US tariffs was helping to keep subpar global growth from collapsing.

“Our message to everybody is: Be calm,” she said in an interview Thursday with Bloomberg Television. “And to China: Be careful, do not provoke other countries to see you as a threat to their economies.”

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China Vice Premier He Lifeng are expected to meet next week to negotiate down recent escalatory measures—after Bessent upbraided a Chinese negotiator during a press conference earlier in the week, describing him as “unhinged” and perhaps having “gone rogue.”

The discussions will come ahead of a potential meeting between their two presidents in South Korea on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders summit.

Earlier in the week, Georgieva

warned that countries “shouldn’t be complacent” given mounting fiscal and spillover concerns. Global public debt is on track to exceed 100 percent of GDP by the end of this decade—its highest since 1948. Argentina is suffering from a depressed currency and is poised to get a $20 billion lifeline from the US.

Meanwhile, equity markets hovering near records were whipsawed all week by the latest trade drama.

AI euphoria

UNDERPINNING the recent rally are shares of US artificial-intelligence chipmakers, which fed into a drumbeat of warnings from central bankers and supervisors about high asset prices, potential complacency in financial markets and the risk of a sudden, sharp correction. Some, including the IMF’s Georgieva and a former official at the Washington-based fund, drew comparisons with the dotcom bubble that burst in 2000. “I wouldn’t immediately agree with this opinion, but it’s something we need to watch,” European Central Bank Governing Council member Joachim Nagel said Friday.

Analysis by Bloomberg Economics found that a renewed trade war between China and the US, coupled with the threat of an AI bubble that eventually bursts poses a $1.4 trillion hit to world growth. The mood was less grim than

when officials last gathered in Washington in April, just weeks after Trump announced the biggest round of tariff hikes since the 1930s. But the fresh escalation of tensions put a lid on any optimism, said Josh Lipsky, senior director of the GeoEconomics Center at the Atlantic Council in Washington and a former adviser at the IMF.

“There’s this strange dichotomy between feeling better than they did in April and yet being very worried about all the risk, which could become a tipping point at any moment,” Lipsky said. “That tension played out throughout the week in a mixture of relief and anxiety combined.”

That subdued spirit was backed up in the IMF’s forecasts for 3.2 percent world growth this year and 3.1 percent next—both well below the historical average of about 3.7 percent. If trade risks materialize, global growth could be lower by 0.3 percentage point, Krishna Srinivasan, the IMF’s director of the Asia and Pacific Department, told Bloomberg TV’s Haslinda Amin.

By week’s end, though, there were signs that Trump and Xi would meet and iron out some differences. That’s the hope of rich and poor economies caught in the middle, with big stakes in ensuring the dispute doesn’t widen.

“We are monitoring the situation very closely,” German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said. “I am

now somewhat hopeful that much can be resolved at the meeting between President Trump and President Xi.”

Rare earths WHILE in Washington, Chinese officials tried to ease concerns over an expansion of restrictions on rare earths—minerals critical to many industries—in an attempt to soften an international backlash. Chinese delegates told their global counterparts that tightened export controls will not harm normal trade flows, according to people familiar with the matter.

Klingbeil said Germany made it clear during Group of Seven talks this week that “we disagree with China’s approach, and we will monitor the situation very closely in the hope that we can do what we can politically to ensure that there is no escalation, but rather a détente between the US and China.” For monetary policymakers, the concern centers around their goals to control inflation, avoid sharp currency moves and sustain growth through trade dislocations.

South Africa’s central bank governor, Lesetja Kganyago, said tensions between the US and China could push prices lower in other countries at the expense of their own manufacturers.

“The interesting thing about that spillover is that it could actually depress prices elsewhere and initially it might be beneficial,” Kganyago said. “And it might actually end up looking like dumping or something along those lines.” The combination of trade and geopolitical tensions combined with financial fragility could yet trigger market turmoil, People’s Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng warned during meetings of Group of 20 financial chiefs and

bank leaders.

Such uncertainty, according to the IMF, is a permanent fixture that will require policymakers to stay vigilant and flexible. “The reality is people are both resilient and creative and you figure out ways how to compensate things,” Pakistani Finance Minister

RUNAWAY REGIMES: A look at some world leaders who have fled uprisings

By Michelle Gumede & Mogomotsi Magome The Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG—Many

supposedly invincible leaders have been forced to flee their countries or have gone into hiding to avoid incarceration, execution, or political retaliation by successor governments due to revolutions, military coups or mass protests.

The most recent international leader to join the list is Andry Rajoelina, the president of Madagascar, who was overthrown in a military coup this week. His fall came after weeks of Gen Z-led demonstrations over hardship, lack of opportunities and power shortages in the Indian Ocean island nation. Here’s a look at other leaders who have succumbed to a similar fate.

Bashar Assad

IN 2024, former Syrian leader Bashar Assad fled to Russia as rebels advanced toward the capital Damascus to take over power after years of civil war.

As opposition forces swept across the country, Assad arrived in Moscow, bringing an end to 51 years of his family’s rule over the country. For years, Assad enjoyed backing from allies Russia and Iran, who supported him throughout a 13-year civil war against opposition forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin granted protection to him, his family and some associates, and has refused to extradited him to Syria.

Sheikh Hasina IN August 2024, Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, was forced to resign and flee the country after waves of protests managed to topple her government.

The U.N. human rights office estimates that as many as 1,400 people were killed when security forces cracked down on the student-led protests that lasted for weeks.

Hasina, who is still in exile in India, first became prime minister in 1996 and then returned in 2008 to win the office she held until her resignation.

Her father, Sheikh Mujib Rahman, was the first leader of an independent Bangladesh. He was assassinated in a military coup in 1975.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa

AFTER months of protests over a devastating economic crisis, Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country in July 2022 for the Maldives, only to return about two months later.

The South Asian island nation’s economic collapse left it short of cash to pay for food and fuel imports, put its debt in default, and forced people to queue for days for cooking gas and petrol.

Sri Lankans blamed Rajapaksa, who was part of a powerful family political dynasty, for the disaster. He was forced to resign, along with his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa who was prime minister, and two other brothers and a nephew who served in his Cabinet.

Viktor Yanukovych

IN February 2014, following a series of deadly protests, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych fled the capital city of Kyiv and eventually reemerged in Russia.

The protests in Kyiv were sparked by Yanukovych’s shelving of an agreement with the European Union in November and turning instead for a $15 billion bailout loan from Russia. Yanukovych and opposition leaders would strike a deal aimed at bringing Ukraine’s

political crisis to an end but he secretly fled the capital that evening.

Ukrainian MPs voted to impeach him and hold early presidential elections while an arrest warrant was issued for him following the protests which led to the deaths of dozens of civilians.

Putin and Yanukovych would later state that Russian forces helped Yanukovych fly to Russia via Crimea.

Moammar Gadhafi

LIBYAN leader Moammar Gadhafi lost his four-decade grip on power during the 2011 Libyan Civil War, which was part of the wider Arab Spring uprisings.

Rebel forces overthrew Gadhafi after capturing the capital city of Tripoli, forcing him to flee with a handful of loyalists. He hid for

weeks amid a bloody siege by rebel forces in his hometown of Sirte, one of the last strongholds of loyalist resistance.

Gadhafi tried to flee the besieged city on Oct. 20, 2011, with a convoy of loyalist fighters, but they were dispersed after being struck by a NATO air attack. Opposition forces then located Gadhafi in a big drainage pipe and captured him.

Following his death, his body was on public display for a few days before being buried in a secluded desert site.

Marc Ravalomanana

MARC RAVALOMANANA served as Madagascar’s sixth president from 2002 to 2009 until he was overthrown by a military coup led by none other than Rajoelina, who was at the time the former mayor

of Antananarivo, the capital.

Ravalomanana transferred his power to a military council and fled to South Africa.

The international community deemed it a coup and withdrew all but humanitarian aid.

Ravalomanana was later convicted in absentia of conspiracy to commit murder in a case related to the violence during his overthrow.

He was sentenced to life in prison after a trial described as “unfair” by Amnesty International.

After more than five years of exile, he returned to Madagascar and was arrested at his home.

The following year, his sentence was lifted and he was freed from house arrest.

Jean-Bertrand Aristide FORMER Haiti President Jean-

Bertrand Aristide twice fled his country during military coups, the first one six months after he became the Caribbean island’s first democratically elected leader in 1991. His reforms angered the military elite, and he fled to Venezuela when his government fell. He was reinstated to finish his term from 1994 to 1996 with help from the United States.

Aristide won election again in 2000 but by 2004 the country was in turmoil and he was forced to resign, with his administration facing popular rebellion.

Aristide fled for the second time, leaving Haiti in a U.S.-chartered plane to the Central African Republic and later settling in South Africa. He returned to Haiti in 2011.

From barracks to palace: Soldiers who led military coups to become state leaders

By MICHELLE GUMEDE

JThe Associated Press

OHANNESBURG—Weeks of nationwide Gen Z protests in Madagascar sparked by power and water shortages escalated and led to a military coup that forced President Andry Rajoelina into exile. Army officer Col. Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as the new leader of the Indian Ocean nation.

The colonel is not the first in history to rise from the barracks to the presidential palace.

Here are five other famous military leaders who followed a similar trajectory:

Myanmar—Min Aung Hlaing AFTER decades of a gradual, deliberate ascent through the Myanmar military, Min Aung Hlaing was appointed joint chief of staff of the army, navy, and air force, the military’s third-highest po -

sition, in 2010. A year later, he was appointed commander-inchief and would spend the next decade consolidating his power and influence.

Facing mandatory retirement in July 2021, Min Aung Hlaing seized power through a military coup in February that year, declaring a state of emergency, transferring all state power to himself and establishing a military government, the State Administration Council (SAC). Since then he has ruled Myanmar under various titles. The military government has announced plans to hold a general election by year’s end.

Uganda—Idi Amin

IDI AMIN began his military career as a cook and served in the British colonial army. After Uganda’s 1962 independence, he rose quickly through its military ranks under President Milton Obote’s guidance to become commander of

the army. In January 1971, Obote was in Singapore for a Commonwealth summit when Amin took control in a military coup. Obote fled to neighboring Tanzania after the coup, which was the result of the two men’s growing political and personal animosity.

Ugandans initially welcomed Amin’s rise to power, as he promised to release political prisoners and restore democracy. However, his regime rapidly descended into a brutal dictatorship characterized by violence and human rights abuses.

Amin was himself overthrown in April 1979 by an invasion force composed of the Tanzanian military and Ugandan rebels.

Turkey—Kenan Evren

KENAN EVREN began his military career as an officer from a military academy, rising through the ranks over several decades until he reached the highest rank

of general, serving as the chief of the general staff. He led a military coup in Turkey in September 1980 after months of violence between left-wing and right-wing militants that nearly brought the country to civil war.

The leader of the coup took over the presidency and then rewrote the constitution to guarantee the military’s political power. The military dissolved Parliament and ruled through a National Security Council, which Evren was the head of, effectively running the country as a dictator.

His period of sole military rule ended when he formally assumed the title of the seventh president of Turkey in November 1982, after a new constitution was approved by referendum, and he served until November 1989.

In 2012, he was put on trial for leading the coup and later sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against the state.

Ghana—Jerry Rawlings

JERRY RAWLINGS rose to power through two military coups, first in June 1979 and then in December 1981, before transitioning to a democratically elected president.

Rawlings, a pilot in the Ghanaian Air Force, became well-known for the successful first coup he led. He briefly held the position of ruler of Ghana before ceding it.

In a second coup in 1981, he toppled the civilian government and commanded the Provisional National Defense Council military dictatorship in the early 1990s. Following the drafting of a new constitution in 1992, he was democratically elected as president and held office for two four-year terms, from January 1993 to January 2001.

His legacy is complex, with both praise for his economic reforms and criticism for human rights abuses, including arbitrary deten -

tions and forced disappearances.

Chile—Augusto Pinochet

AUGUSTO PINOCHET was a career military officer who had risen through the ranks and was appointed commander-in-chief of the army by Chile President Salvador Allende in August 1973. The following month, Allende, the democratically elected socialist president, was overthrown in a bloody military coup led by Pinochet. The military surrounded and bombed the presidential palace, La Moneda, where Allende remained until his death by suicide. In the aftermath, the military imposed a junta where Pinochet emerged to establish himself as its single head before instituting a cruel, 17-year dictatorship. Until 1990, Chileans lived in a period marked by systematic human rights abuses and the implementation of radical free-market economic policies.

Style

Pre-Christmas splurge

HALLOWEEN may be hovering around the corner, yet what is strongly being felt now is the cheerful air of the holidays. So before the mad rush of shoppers begins, consider this nice list as your gift guide:

MUJI AT GLORIETTA

MUJI, which is short for Mujirushi Ryohin, meaning “no-brand quality goods,” opened its largest and first flagship store in the Philippines at Glorietta Mall in Makati City. Embodying its retail mantra of “simplicity, functionality, and thoughtful design,” it offers more than 7,000 meticulously designed products such as clothing and household essentials to food, furniture, and interior-design solutions.

The Japanese lifestyle brand covers approximately over 2,600 square meters, housing the largest Coffee Counter, which can sit around 122 diners, and the newest and unique Muji Bakery, which is exclusive to this store and a first in the Philippines.

ABC-MART

AT BGC

JAPAN’S famed footwear retail giant ABC-MART Grand Stage officially opens at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City. Spanning two floors and 750 square meters, the store is a haven for shoe and sportswear lovers. “From the store design to the curated selections and exclusive offerings, every detail was thoughtfully considered to create a destination that goes beyond just shopping for shoes. It’s an experience in itself just being in [inside the store],” said Kabir Buxani, director of the SONAK Retail Group.

UNIQLO

AT GREENHILLS

UNIQLO opens its 80th store in the Philippines at Greenhills Mall, San Juan. The brand’s LifeWear Apparel, which comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity, is front and center.

The opening of a new branch was also an opportunity to advance the brand’s strong sustainability efforts, as it partnered with the San Juan-based Performing Arts and Recreation Center (PARC) Foundation to provide LifeWear items and a day of fun to its young beneficiaries. The PARC is a non-profit organization that harnesses the power of performing arts to transform lives, especially of the youth.

SIP2GLOW

SIP2GLOW is a drink whose mission is to provide scientific, natural and effective beauty solutions that empower women to achieve beauty from within.

Sip2Glow’s Medical Consultant Dr. Rico Sebastian shared: “Achieving truly radiant skin means working from the inside out and that’s where Sip2Glow’s Advanced Collagen Drink and Advanced Brightening Drink work perfectly together. While collagen strengthens the skin’s foundation by improving elasticity, reducing wrinkles, and supporting healthy hair and nails, the brightening drink boosts your glow with Glutathione, White Tomato, and Hyaluronic Acid to lighten dark spots, even out skin tone, and deeply hydrate. Together, they build and reveal your healthiest, glowiest skin—firm, smooth, and naturally luminous.”

NIVEA EXTRA BRIGHT BODY SERUM

THIS product comes in two variants: the pink bottle

THEY say you should never meet your heroes because you might be disappointed should they turn out to be very different from your preconceptions. Lawyer Estrella “Star” Elamparo, who’s also a runner and mother, is someone who I have always wanted to meet. Formerly a lawyer for the government pension fund GSIS, Elamparo seemed to me a beautiful, smart and empowered woman.

Finally, I met Elamparo at the #UnstoppablePowHER: The Watsons Women’s Forum 2025 held at Enderun,

is infused with vitamins C and A for a supple, dewy glow, while the orange version combines vitamins C and E to deliver bouncy, radiant skin.

This game-changing body serum is formulated to deeply nourish, hydrate and brighten the skin, powered by their first ever Triple Bright Power combination—consisting of 50x Pure Vitamin C for intense skin brightening, Glutathione for the revitalization of dull skin, and Niacinamide for a smooth, even skin tone. “This new product has triple bright power and your skin stays visibly bright and beautiful. Own your confidence because it starts with how you feel in your own skin,” shared Cat Relator, the brand manager for body and creams.

NEW MOON PH

NEW Moon PH, a leading wellness and beauty brand, is holding Power Within, a heartfelt campaign running from September to October 2025 in honor of PCOS Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.

At the heart of this campaign is Jonah SisonRamos, the CEO: “As someone who has experienced the challenges of PCOS, I know how important it is to have access to support, awareness, and the right wellness tools. With this campaign, we want women to know they are not alone, and that taking care of themselves is an act of power,” she shared, as her

where she was one of the panelists in the discussion moderated by Mica Pineda and also participated in by Ting Joson, secretary general of Triathlon Philippines; Miss Earth Philippines 2017 Karen Ibasco, and Lynn Pinugu, co-founder and CEO of She Talks Asia and executive director of Mano Amiga Philippines.

At the sidelines of the event, we talked to Elamparo about being a woman in law, a male-dominated field.

“In law school, it was not much of a problem, but when I went into practice that’s where I saw how difficult it was. As a young female lawyer, I encountered harassment in the form of comments about what I wore [short skirts and heels] and other micro-aggressions. That escalated to even more serious forms of harassment and when I told the law office where I worked, I was told it was probably because my skirts were very short,” said Elamparo.

As she became more established in the field of law and gained a reputation as someone strict and outspoken, the harassment has stopped—but it’s still there.

“We’ve progressed but the problem is still there. As

brand’s Hormo Balance partnered with Miss Universe Philippines 2025 queens. Hormo Balance may help support cycles, skin clarity, mood and energy—so you can feel more balanced from within. It also supports regular menstrual cycles, reduces acne and unwanted hair, improves fertility potential, and stabilizes mood and energy levels.

KIM SUNOO FOR 8SECONDS

K-POP idol Kim Sunoo of Enhypen graced the opening of the South Korean fashion brand 8seconds’ flagship store at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, its first store outside of his country.

8seconds, a casual-wear brand that offers products with good quality, diverse concepts, and reasonable price ranges at a faster speed, also aims to break away from repetitive routines and similar styles. Its second store is set to open at Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City later this year.

MAX MARA AT GREENBELT

MAX MARA, the Italian fashion brand that markets upscale ready-to-wear clothing, introduces the Whitney Bag at its Greenbelt 3 store in Makati.

“Research, design and innovation are the common values that link the Whitney Bag to the brand’s DNA. Architectural elements, expressed in rigorous lines and distinctive details, are as much a feature of the

women, it is up to us to stand against these things so that [the situation] will change,” she said.

But the way Elamparo looks at it, progress is still progress, no matter how small.

“There are more female law students than men now, and eight out of 10 legal department heads in the country’s top conglomerates are women. It feels good to know we’ve opened doors for the next generation.”

The Watsons Women’s Forum was created to be a celebration of women. It was also a reminder that the best atmosphere where they can thrive is one wherein they get support from other women.

Elamparo, for example, said that while laws are in place to counter violence against and harassment of women, it is still up to us to be vigilant and make sure the laws are enforced.

“Even if we are not the victims, we have to speak up. It is our obligation to be vigilant.”

“Today is all about women empowerment, giving women a voice, a platform, and a community where we can share stories, exchange ideas, and remind one another that we are never alone in our journeys.

coats as they are of the Whitney Bag—inspired by the famous Whitney Museum in New York,” said Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti, Max Mara Fashion Group Board Member, in a statement.

The Whitney Bag is a one-of-a-kind creation that owes its uniqueness to the collaboration with the Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Its distinctive design and rigorous lines have allowed it to be created in various sizes and colors to meet the needs of the fashionable Filipina.

JERICHO ROSALES FOR VISION EXPRESS

VISION Express, which offers state-of-the-art vision care technology paired with a truly personal approach to eye care, launched its Unwrap the Holidays campaign with Kapamilya actor Jericho Rosales. In time for the holidays, shoppers can enjoy a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) promotion on premium eyewear ongoing until December 31. “The real gift for Christmas is good food, deep conversations, and being in the company of family and friends,” shared Rosales. “Eyewear is the easiest yet most underrated accessory that can transform an outfit. Every moment is a gift, wrapped in Vision Express’ signature style.”

fashion brand Fendi introduces Fendi 925, the house’s new men’s fashion jewelry line crafted entirely from sterling silver. Featured in the Fall/Winter 2025-26 centenary fashion show, the collection redefines men’s jewelry, offering bold, contemporary design inspired by the world of high-end gemstones. With Fendi 925, artistic director of Jewelry Delfina Delettrez Fendi draws on her expertise in high jewelry and reimagines the allure of precious stones through the lens of sterling silver. Inspired by the captivating cuts and settings typically reserved for diamonds and gems, the collection masterfully “Fendifies” these signature forms onto a selection of pendant and chain necklaces and bracelets, band and signet rings and a mono earring. The classic diamond cut and refined bezel setting are reinterpreted and meticulously crafted entirely in sterling 925 with injections of the iconic FF logo, creating pieces that are both unexpected and quintessentially Fendi. The result is a dynamic and attractive collection that elevates sterling silver into a testament of Fendi’s mastery in materials, sense of fun and innovative spirit. The collection is available beginning October in selected Fendi boutiques worldwide and on www.fendi.com.

Through the Women’s Forum, Watsons continues to open spaces that uplift, educate and inspire. At Watsons, empowerment has always been part of who we are,” said Kim Reyes, Beauty Business Unit and Commercial Services director for Watsons Personal Care Stores (Philippines). As a safe space for women, the event also featured PowHER Stories, an open mic session where women shared their journeys of resilience, purpose and selfdiscovery. Meanwhile, guests explored interactive experiences such as a customized scent perfume bar, commissioned artists for watercolor portraits, photo booth, and message wall. Every activity was created to celebrate creativity, confidence, and connection.

“The celebration doesn’t end here. Empowerment isn’t just a one-day event. It’s something we live and breathe every day. It’s in the way we care for ourselves, how we treat others, and how we lift up other women. Because at Watsons, we truly believe that when women empower women, the world becomes a better place,” said Sharon Decapia, SAVP for marketing, PR and Sustainability of Watsons Philippines.

Gawad Galing 2025: Celebrating Global Excellence in Healthcare

The Gawad Galing: Global Award of Excellence in Healthcare took center stage at the Grand Ballroom of City of Dreams Manila, honoring outstanding institutions and individuals whose work continues to shape the future of healthcare in the Philippines and beyond.

Presented by the T.O.P. Group of Companies under the leadership of Dr. Roland D. Villegas, the ceremony brought together leaders, professionals, and institutions from across the country. Distinguished guests and honorees included Hon. Angelica Portes-Tatlonghari, Hon. Myca Vergara, Hon. April A. Nery, Hon. Arth Jhun Marasigan, and Hon. Francisco Javier M. Zamora, along with notable representatives from both the healthcare and education sectors.

Amid challenges in access, modernization, and workforce development, the event showcased the resilience and innovation of the Philippine healthcare community, its dedication to creating lasting solutions, fostering collaboration, and advancing quality care for every Filipino.

The evening brimmed with gratitude and inspiration, each recognition standing as a tribute to the compassion, courage, and excellence that drive Philippine healthcare forward.

List of Awardees:

• National Excellence Achievement Award

• Ateneo de Davao University

• Gordon College

• Angeles University Foundation

Exemplary Innovation in Healthcare

Education

• Lyceum of the Philippines – Batangas

• University of Batangas

• Southville International School and Colleges

• Olivarez College Tagaytay

• Manila Central University – Dentistry

• University of Luzon

Healthcare Education Development Champion

• Centro Escolar University – Malolos

• De La Salle University Lipa

• Easter College

• Pines City Colleges

• Father Saturnino Urios University

• Holy Name University

• University of Makati

• University of the Assumption

• Calamba Doctors’ College

Distinguished Advancement in Healthcare Education Award

• University of Bohol

• Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc.

• St. Bernadette of Lourdes College

• Nazarenus College and Hospital Foundation, Inc.

• Emilio Aguinaldo College – Cavite

• National University Clark – Psychology

• Philippine Christian University – Psychology

• Cordillera Career Development College

Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare Education Award

• President Ramon Magsaysay State University

• Bicol University

• Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State

University

• Southern Luzon State University

• Universidad de Manila

TOP Public Servant for Allied Health Award

• Hon. Angelica Portes-Tatlonghari

• Hon. Myca Vergara

• Hon. April A. Nery

• Hon. Arth Jhun Marasigan

• Hon. Francisco Javier M. Zamora

Excellent Online Educator Award

• Ms. Riyan Portuguez

• Dr. Ella Roxas

• Mr. Rainier Ladic, MA, RPsy (The Juan Psychologist)

Distinguished Nurse Actor Award

• Enrico Raphael “Rocco” Nacino

Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare Award

• Denis C. Ngo, MD

Outsourcing Services Champion

• Shearwater Health Advisors Inc.

Innovation in Clinical Staffing

• Choice Personnel Resources LLC

Innovation in Health Workforce Solutions

• Camox Philippines, Inc.

Excellence in Cognitive Wellness and Learning

• BrainTrain School of Positivity

Distinguished Healthcare Organization

• Mother and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines, Inc.

• Society of Nursing Leaders of the Philippines

• ANG NARS

International Nursing Distinction Award

• Phi Gamma Chapter

Innovation in Health Services Champion

• Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center

Excellence in Outpatient Healthcare

• RelianceUnited

Integrated Healthcare Champion

• MaxiCare Health Services Inc.

Holistic Health Champion

• Commonwealth Hospital and Medical Center

Excellence in Community Healthcare

• Immaculate Conception Medical Center of Central Luzon, Inc.

Compassion-Driven Champion

• Diliman Doctors Hospital

Excellence in Medical Advancement

• St. Anne General Hospital, Inc.

Champion of Healthcare Award

• Gabriela Party List

Gawad Galing continues its mission to recognize excellence and compassion in healthcare, reminding the nation that true progress lies in the unity of purpose among those who serve. The event not only celebrated achievement but also reflected a shared vision—of a healthcare system built on innovation, collaboration, and heart.

Beyond the celebration, Gawad Galing reaffirms its role as a platform that highlights innovation, integrity, and collaboration in advancing the Philippine healthcare landscape.

Radenta Academy Offers Free Generative AI Training

responsible and ethical AI use by mitigating bias and complying with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

It is expected that after the program, participants will be equipped to identify AI use cases within their departments, utilize AI tools effectively and support successful digital transformation initiatives.

Radenta Academy is a TESDAaccredited Technical Vocational Institute and is the training arm of Radenta Technologies, one of the country’s leading solutions integrators. The company supports TESDA’s new Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) model that ensures training programs are practical, demand driven and align with real job and governance needs.

This effort goes together with the government’s digital upskilling initiatives.

Only a limited number of spots are available. Call (+63) 998-577-2613, email info@radenta.academy or visit Units 801 and 802, Southwoods BPO Tower 2, Southwoods City, Barangay San Francisco, Biñan, Laguna.

To secure the complimentary slots and facilitate enrollment, complete and submit the enrollment form at https:// forms.gle/HvYxkmUdboYwGfgn7.

CarBEV, AngCars partner to launch PHL’s first all-electric ride-hailing fleet

IN support of the country’s shift toward modernizing the transport sector, CarBEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), a pioneer in electric vehicle (EV) fleet solutions, has partnered with AngCars, the four-wheel ride-hailing arm of Angkas, to introduce the Philippines’ first large-scale all-electric fleet for app-based mobility.

The alliance represents a key milestone in advancing sustainable transport solutions in the Philippines, with equal focus on environmental impact and driver empowerment. Following the signing held last October 6, 2025, CarBEV and AngCars are set to officially launch their partnership on October 28, 2025, with the deployment of 50 brand-new Next Automatic Taxi of Bestune as the pilot fleet, setting a new benchmark for smart, efficient, and zero-emission urban mobility.

“This partnership with AngCars is more than a business move; it’s a step toward reshaping how Filipinos move,” said Christian Bradley, CEO of CarBEV.

“Our vision is to make electric mobility accessible to everyone, helping operators lower costs, enhancing the passenger experience, and contributing to the country’s sustainability goals.”

For CarBEV, electrifying transport is just the beginning; the real mission is empowering the people behind the wheel. Through CarBEV’s Lease-to-Own program, drivers can get behind the wheel of brand-new electric vehicles with zero down payment, up to 70 percent lower monthly costs compared to traditional gasoline units, and full coverage on maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance.

The program allows drivers to focus on stable income opportunities while enjoying the long-term benefits of EV ownership. It also ensures they receive governmentmandated benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG contributions, giving drivers the stability of a secure and sustainable livelihood.

“Driver empowerment is part of our DNA at Angkas,” said Nur Laminero, Head of AngCars. “Working with CarBEV lets us take that commitment further, helping our four-wheel drivers embrace sustainable mobility while

THIS Christmas, why not give the gift of wellness and style in one? With so much of life spent in front of screens and outdoors under the sun, protecting our eyes has never been more important. Nano ProTech Eyewear, now available in the Philippines, offers an innovative way to safeguard vision, making it a thoughtful holiday gift for loved ones of all ages.

from right); and Head of Operations Toni Lugo (right) during the CarBEV and Angcars partnership launch. improving their livelihood.

The collaboration reinforces the goals of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which advocates greener, more cost-efficient transport across the Philippines. By transitioning TNVS fleets from gasoline to electric, CarBEV and AngCars are leading the charge toward a transport system that benefits both the environment and urban commuters alike.

The CarBEV x AngCars partnership represents just the beginning of a broader movement toward sustainable mobility in the Philippines. By 2026, CarBEV aims to expand its fleet to 1,000 electric vehicles, working closely with ridehailing, logistics, and corporate partners to accelerate the country’s transition to cleaner transport systems.

“We want every ride to make a difference, for the environment, for drivers, and for passengers,” said Christian Bradley, CEO of CarBEV. “Our guiding principle is MiniMax (Minimum Expense, Maximum Comfort) because sustainability should never come at the cost of comfort or affordability. With partners like AngCars, we’re building a transport future where cleaner mobility also means better livelihoods and stronger communities.”

What makes Nano ProTech Eyewear special is its fusion of advanced nanotechnology and natural components embedded in the frame, including Germanium Stones, Negative Ions, Far Infrared (FIR), Silver Ions, and Multiminerals. Working together, these elements create subtle natural interactions that promote balance, comfort, and a relaxing wearing experience.

Beyond comfort, Nano ProTech Eyewear delivers multifeatured protection with lenses that are Anti-UV, Anti-blue light, Anti-radiation, Anti-reflection, Anti-glare, Anti-static, and Anti-fog. Whether your loved ones are working from home, studying, scrolling on devices, or spending time outdoors, their eyes stay supported and shielded from modern stressors.

And because gifting should be as stylish as it is practical, Nano ProTech Eyewear is designed for everyday wear. From sleek sunglasses to photochromic glasses that adapt to changing light, there are options for adults, teens, and even kids. Each piece is lightweight, durable, and fashion-forward, embodying the brand’s philosophy “See the World in Style, Shielded by Science.”

“Through Nano ProTech, we bring the power of nanotechnology to everyday living—helping people protect their vision while enhancing their overall well-being. This Christmas, Nano ProTech Eyewear makes the perfect gift, offering clearer vision, lasting comfort, and stylish protection

Eyeing a Christmas Wellness Gift from Nano ProTech for every lifestyle,” said Jit Enano, Executive Vice President for Business Development and Marketing of Nano ProTech. But Nano ProTech isn’t just about eyewear; it’s also about empowerment.

SMDC Shines Blue on World Mental Health Day

F you were walking around the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex at about 7 pm on October 10, 2025, you might’ve noticed buildings glowing in blue. At first glance, you might assume it’s because of the “ber” months. But the real intention? To boldly stand with those fighting silent battles. The advocacy was made possible through the collaboration of the TADS Sales Engagement (SE) team, SM Offices, and SMDC Services Corporation. This unity alone serves as an encouragement to many that mental health deserves the same attention and effort as any other advocacy. In solidarity with the Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc., which launched

the Light Up Blue Campaign, all five ECom buildings and SM MOA’s facade were lit up in blue. The estate became a sea of blue, with people wearing various shades of the color in support of the cause. Across the iconic MOA Globe shone the message: “We Shine Blue for Mental Health.” The striking display was designed to turn heads, a deliberate effort to draw attention to mental health awareness, and one that has clearly achieved its purpose.

People, a mix of participants, mall goers, and onlookers, held up their phones to capture the moment and share it online, helping spread the message further.

With Christmas season just around the corner, many Filipinos find themselves caught in the holiday rush, from gift shopping to deadlines and Christmas parties. But while the season fills many with cheer, others continue to face silent struggles.

SM, which is known for its extravagant arrangements during the holidays, often puts on a show as early as October. But instead of jumping right into Christmas, SMDC takes a pause, hoping to shine a light on mental health first.

Let this be a thoughtful reminder for everyone that compassion and care should never be seasonal.

The challenges of handling foreign clients

AS global brands set their sights on Southeast Asia, the Philippines is emerging as a key growth market, with its digital-savvy, highly engaged online consumers. To meaningfully connect with Filipinos, many international companies partner with local public relations (PR) agencies that understand the country’s culture, language, and media landscape.

Of course, many PR companies aspire to win foreign accounts because the rates are usually higher than local standards and earnings are in dollars, not to mention the bragging rights of having a ‘prestige’ account in your portfolio.

But as many seasoned PR practitioners know, achieving the deliverables and key performance indicators (KPIs) is usually the easier part. The daily coordination and client engagement are oftentimes the trickier aspect. While Philippine PR agencies bring invaluable local insights to the table, they also face distinct challenges when working with foreign clients— from cultural differences, language nuances and time zone gaps to misaligned expectations and sometimes, even compliance issues.

For one, cultural nuances can make or break a PR partnership. Filipino PR professionals are known for their warmth, adaptability, and respect—traits that sometimes contrast with the more direct or formal communication styles of international clients.

While many Western clients prefer straightforward, assertive feedback and fast-paced execution, a lot of East Asian clients

MAKING IT WORK FOR EVERYONE: DRAG RACE VIEWING PARTIES DEFINE THE LABOR-DRIVEN FUTURE OF THE PHILIPPINE DRAG ECONOMY

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Drag Race

Philippines: Slaysian Royale is drawing massive crowds, with many fans opting for weekly viewing parties as their preferred way to watch. These gatherings have become vital economic hubs, allowing fans to not only watch the episode but also to directly engage with and support the queens through live performances and personal interactions.

When Top 4 finalist Arizona Brandy launched Arizona Bonding, a weekly Sunday “re-watch” party for Slaysian Royale at Hoesik, Poblacion, Makati, the demand immediately broke the usual mold.

On October 5, 2025, adobo Magazine attended the 5 p.m. screening and

value hierarchy, formality, and structured processes. Meanwhile, Filipino PR teams, guided by hiya, may soften their tone or avoid open disagreement to preserve harmony.

These differences can cause misinterpretations or delays in decision-making. To overcome this, agencies need cultural intelligence—understanding not just what to say, but how and when to say it.

The Filipino English ENGLISH is English is English. Until one comes across Singaporean English, British English, Australian English, Italian English, and so on. That’s when you realize the nuances between these versions of English and the Filipino English.

For example, a press release sent by a client that ends with “Please feel free to connect a call with us“ will have to be edited before it’s dispatched to local media. It’s not entirely wrong, but that’s not how we say it.

The time zone challenge COLLABORATING across time zones is another obstacle.

I remember when we were

witnessed the massive turnout: fans had already lined up at 1 p.m. to ensure they were among the first 20 people who would get a chance to meet and greet the performing lineup.

The star-studded lineup featured Drag Race Philippines Season 2 Miss Congeniality Hana Beshie as host, with featured performances by Season 1 contestant Minty Fresh and Canada’s Drag Race star, Slaysian Royale Top 4 finalist and Miss Congeniality Suki Doll.

The night followed a clear, interactive format: individual performances preceded a live-reaction re-watch of the previous week’s episode and games. Although the spontaneous nature of the event kept everyone on the edge of their seats, the energy was primarily defined by infectious laughter and collective celebration.

“You get to see the reactions of the queens live and the experience is different when you see the queens in person,” explained fan China Santos. China, attending Arizona Bonding for the second time, firmly believed the P900 ticket she spent was worth every penny.

It was a different but slightly familiar experience when adobo Magazine

attended a regular viewing party where the episode was shown the same night it came out. D’Intervention, produced by Adonis Prod House, took place at the Rampa Club in Quezon City.

China, attending Arizona Bonding for the second time, firmly believed the P900 ticket she spent was worth every penny.

It was a different but slightly familiar experience when adobo Magazine attended a regular viewing party where the episode was shown the same night it came out. D’Intervention, produced by Adonis Prod House, took place at the Rampa Club in Quezon City.

The star power at the event on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, was undeniable and confirmed its massive drawing power. The lineup featured an incredible mix of talent, including previous winners Maxie and Captivating KatKat, Season 3 contestant Zymba Ding, Season 1 alum Corazon, Drag Den Philippines alum Maria Cristina, and the Slaysian Royale queens themselves: Arizona, Top 2 finalist Viñas DeLuxe, and the crowned winner, Brigiding.

The night dazzled, the fans screamed, and when the episode re -

handling a banking brand during its global Initial Public Offering in the 90s. Back then there were no Zoom, MS Teams or any online meeting platforms. We had no choice but to attend alignment meetings almost every day with the New York-based client and other agencies at 6am, Manila time, using good old call conferencing.

While there are now easier ways to meet online, the challenge remains: if you’re working with an overseas client, you should be ready and flexible to meet outside of the usual working hours.

Take note also that not all markets follow the Monday to Friday workdays. In Dubai for instance, many companies are closed on Fridays but are open on Sundays so expect to receive a work email on while you’re having Sunday lunch with the family.

The time and work schedule difference, if not anticipated and managed, can lead to delayed feedback, missed overlaps, or extended approval cycles, especially during high-pressure campaign periods.

One way to ensure that proj -

vealed its result, the crowd erupted in celebration: Brigiding herself snagged her third Ru-Badge, securing the final maxi challenge win just before the grand finale.

“Ito na yung full-circle moment ng pinag-daanan ko (this is the full-circle moment of what I’ve been through). Ito na yung Brigiding na fullest form (this is Brigiding’s fullest form)—not yet perfect, but this is the version of Brigiding where I found my light,” the matriarch of the House of Ding exclusively told adobo Magazine at the time.

The growth in numbers and audience demographic ADONIS Prod House Founder and Producer Adrian Perez Sevilla vividly recalls the economic boom: When they launched viewing parties for Drag Race Philippines Season 1 in 2022, they initially scouted venues that could accommodate just 80 people. Now, the demand has ballooned so big that their recent events are selling out venues accommodating over 400 attendees.

This growth in numbers mirrors a significant expansion in the audience demographic. The success of the viewing parties has opened doors to new

ects are aligned despite the distance is to implement asynchronous communication systems (like project dashboards or shared trackers), setting clear response timelines, and maintaining transparent documentation.

Payment and currency issues

WORKING with foreign clients also introduces financial and administrative hurdles. International transfers, long payment terms, and fluctuating exchange rates can disrupt cash flow, especially for smaller or independent agencies.

To manage this, agencies often require upfront deposits, use global payment tools and specify currency terms clearly in contracts. Transparency on both sides helps prevent misunderstanding later on.

Navigating the local media culture

FOREIGN brands entering the Philippines sometimes underestimate how unique the local media and consumer culture are.

In many other countries, serving coffee and donut would u sually suffice when you invite

audiences, transcending the core LGBTQIA+ community to embrace straight allies and a demographic of first-time drag fans.

On the other hand, Bekenemen CoFounder Baus Rufo credits the show’s international format for fueling this unprecedented boom, stating firmly that this is the “biggest viewing party season yet.” This expansion provided the boost needed to propel local events into the massive phenomenon they are today.

It’s not just the queens that benefit from viewing parties

PRODUCING these large-scale viewing parties truly takes a village. From the queens on stage to the crucial team behind the tech booth and the production assistants, the event operates as a thriving ecosystem that financially benefits every layer of labor.

“Bars and venues earn more, their staff like servers and tech teams get more work hours, and even suppliers, runners, and PAs benefit. Wednesdays are usually slow nights for bars, but during Drag Race season, they’re packed,” Adrian explained.

Baus also noted that whenever

media to a press conference, even when the schedule occurs during lunch or dinner time. For us Filipinos, if you invite someone over—it doesn’t even have to be a media conference; it could just be a simple get-together at home with close friends— during lunch or dinner, and you want a positive outcome from your agenda, you and I know you need to serve a full meal or you will be the subject of chismis for a long time!

Obviously, local PR agencies must act as both cultural translators and strategic advisors, not just to ensure that global messages are conveyed thoughtfully but that good will and a positive reputation is carefully established on behalf of the brand.

Turning challenges into an advantage THESE are just some of the challenges that PR agencies handling overseas clients face. We haven’t event touched on misaligned deliverables, which can be easily be avoided by a thorough discussion on key project elements and outcomes; and compliance issues especially for projects that involve regulatory agencies.

Despite these challenges, working with a foreign brand can be an enriching experience, both literally and figuratively!

The key to success lies in balance—merging global standards with local sensibilities, and blending professionalism with the Filipino values of warmth, empathy, and creativity.

PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdombased International Public Relations Association (Ipra), the world’s premiere association for senior communications professionals around the world. Edd Fuentes is the founder and CEO of FuentesManila, a Manila-based PR agency founded in 1990. Edd is a Board Member of IPRA Global representing South Asia for the last 7 years.

PR Matters is devoting a special column each month to answer our readers’ questions about public relations. Please send your questions or comments to askipraphil@ gmail.com

there’s a new Drag Race season, it’s “almost like a stimulus package for the creative industry.” This seasonal injection of cash ensures that everyone benefits from the resulting shows from hair stylists, nail technicians, to all the associated crew and venue staff. Cha Mallari, a production assistant at Rampa, confirmed that the seasonal viewing parties provide her with a crucial extra source of income. This sentiment was echoed by Hoesik production staff Winnielaine Samonte, who relies on the event work as a profitable “side job” that supplements her regular bar salary.

In addition to earning, wig stylist Zychotic also utilizes viewing parties as a way to promote his art and products with the help of visibility from influential queer artists.

“With the lack of recognition when it comes to queer artists, I think events like these and people who book us gradually makes our craft known more—not just in our own community. It may sound small but it’s a big deal for us to have our work seen by people. It gives us the validation we need because we spend time working on our craft,” he said.

[SEA Games] bronze and we know it is difficult, but we believe it’s possible,” said Suzara, also the president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation. “I’m hoping they will be able to convert what our athletes learned here in Nuvali to a SEA Games gold medal.” Thailand and Indonesia are the dominant force in SEA Games beach volleyball with eight gold medals each in the women and men categories, respectively. The Philippines, on the other hand, has six bronze medals—three in each gender—since the discipline became a medal sport in 2003. Alas Pilipinas’s beach volley -

ball head coach, Brazilian Joao “Kioday” Luciano Simao Barbosa, meanwhile, announced the pairs for the SEA Games—Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons and Dij Rodriguez and Sunny Villapando in the women’s and James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla, Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Vergara in the men’s contest.

Each country is allowed two pairs in the Thailand games which

BUTUAN City’s Artjoy Torrego -

sa and Kenya’s Kelvin Kiplagat ruled the 10-kilometer races of the rain-drenched Asics META: Time: Trials (MTT) Philippines on Sunday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus City on Sunday.

Torregosa delivered one of the most stirring moments of the race as she stormed past favored contenders, including national team standout Joida Gagnao, to claim the women’s overall crown with a time of 36 minutes and 23 seconds.

“I really didn’t expect this,” said Torregosa. “There were members of the national team in the race and I’m not part of that team. My only strategy was to keep up with them.”

“But in the last lap, when I asked myself if I still had something left, that’s when I gave it everything I had,” she added.

Torregosa was in emo tional pain throughout her training following the death of his grandfather.

“I dedicated this run to my grandfather,” she said. “I wasn’t able to attend his funeral because I had to train for this race.”

Kiplagat, a first-timer in local races, defied both unfamiliarity and a crack field to post a victori ous 30:32 finish and held off local aces Richard Salaño (30:41) and Sonny Wagdos (31:22), who had re cently won in Thailand.

“It felt kind of funny and excit ing at the same time,” said Kiplagat, who hails from the high-altitude town of Eldama Ravine. “This is my

BusinessMirror

Caloy plays injured in Jakarta Sports

By Josef T. Ramos

BEFORE announcing his decision to skip the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand, Carlos Yulo told reporters in Jakarta that he’s only competing in floor exercise and vault at the world gymnastics championships that kicked off on Sunday and ends Saturday.

Yulo said he’s cautious about risking his left wrist injury.

“I still want the taste of competition,” Yulo said in an Olympic.com report before the weekend. “That is the most important for me right now.”

The double gold medalist in vault and floor exercise at last year’s Paris Olympics announced on Saturday through Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion-Norton that he’s skipping the Thailand SEA Games.

For two reasons: He’s giving his fellow Filipino gymnasts the opportunity to win golds and because Thai gymnastics organizers have limited Yulo—and all other elite gymnasts—to only one event in the December 9 to 20 games.

“Carlos [Yulo] just decided not to push through with the SEA Games because he can only compete in one event,” Carrion-Norton said. “It’s a selfless decision because he likes to give others a chance.”

“He’s now focused on winning in the world championships,” she added.

Carrion-Norton also said that Thailand scrapped the all-around event.

“Golds are only for each apparatus,” added the GAP president who added that Yulo’s wrist has been progressing the past few days.

The two-time world champion told Olympic.com that he injured his wrist two months before Jakarta.

“I kind of have been having trouble with my wrists,” said Yulo, blaming the injury to his intent to develop a new dismount—double pike front with a half twist—in the parallel bars. “I kind of did it too much.”

Yulo said he’s still going all out despite competing in only two events in Jakarta.

“My goal is to perform beautiful gymnastics, to be really graceful,” he said. “I want to show really good and graceful gymnastics and I’m just really happy that I get to compete.”

With Yulo in Jakarta are Miguel Besana and Cambodia Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Ivan Cruz.

start with the opening ceremony on December 9 with beach volleyball serving from December 12 to 19 at the Huamark Sports Complex in Bangkok.

“We’re working so hard to fight for the gold. All the opponents are strong and we have a few months to prepare,” Kioday said. “Step by step, we’re going to reach for that gold.”

Italy’s Manuel Alfieri and Alex Ranghieri and Australia’s Stefanie Fejes and Jasmine Fleming beat separate foes to clinch bronze medals in in the Beach Volley Pro Tour Challenge on Sunday.

Josef T. Ramos

Butuan’s Torregosa books emotional victory

first time racing in the Philippines, and the weather was challenging, my body was hurting. But I gave it everything.”

Like Torregosa, Kiplagat was not among the pre-race favorites but his goal is to follow the path of greatness carved by compatriots Eliud Kipchoge and Daniel Simiu. Both champions ran away with P100,000 each but more than the cash prize, they left an imprint of perse verance on a day when the rain tried but failed to steal the spotlight.

Challenging the norm

National Basketball Association. While Jokic is not doing anything new because European big men have been doing this since the 1980s, the fact that he is totally dominating the National Basketball Association (NBA) is incredible. Like Ohtani, Jokic is a two-way player on offense and defense. He is the first player in NBA history to finish in the top three of scoring, rebounding, and assists in a single season. Before Ohtani and Jokic, some athletes challenging the norm were two-sport stars such as Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders. Both played in Major League baseball (MLB) and the National Football League (NFL). Sanders accomplished it in the same season. More than that, as a member of the New York Yankees, he hit an inside-the-park homerun on September 5, 1989, against the Seattle Mariners then five days later, scored

the Zambales Sports Complex Track and Football Stadium, a 17,000-seat arena now under construction in the capital, which is touted to be at par with international standards.

“If ever, this will be the primary venue for the 2027 Palarong Pambansa,” Ebdane said. The governor is also continuously meeting with concerned agencies, as well as local school officials, to map out the direction and requirements of the prospective hosting, including billeting facilities for athletic teams in local schools.

REPRESENTATIVES from the Pambansa Secretariat and from the Philippine Sports Commission measure the swimming at the Zambales Sports Complex. PGZ PHOTO

By Henry Empeño

BA, Zambales—Zambales will bid for the 2027 Palarong Pambansa, according to Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. as he announced the province’s desire to bring to Central Luzon the annual multi-sport competition for student-athletes in public and

REYMON JARAULA and Sarah Ababa head into this week’s International Container Terminal Services Inc. Apo Golf and Country Club Classic with momentum on their side, but under starkly different circumstances. Their recent victories at the Del Monte Championship couldn’t have been more contrasting—Jaraula authored a near-flawless performance to clinch the men’s title in emphatic fashion, while Ababa staged a dramatic late rally before emerging victorious in a pressure-packed playoff.

For Jaraula, his Del Monte tri -

on a 68-yard punt return touchdown (after nearly being brought down) in his Atlanta Falcons debut against the Los Angeles Rams! During that play, Sanders dropped the ball and evaded three tackles. That was an example why he is nicknamed, “Prime Time.”

However, it should be noted that Sanders was cut after that and went on to sign with Atlanta. Then Yankees General

private elementary and secondary schools.

Ebdane said the provincial government is now preparing a multipurpose sports event center, swimming pool, gymnasium and related facilities for the much-anticipated event. He said the centerpiece of the provincial government’s proposal is

umph was nothing short of a statement.

Playing on his home turf in Bukidnon, the soft-spoken pro closed out the tournament with a blistering, bogey-free nine-underpar 63—punctuated by a last-hole eagle—to set a new course record and dismantle a strong field.

He didn’t just win, he dominated as he finished nine shots ahead of Rupert Zaragosa that ended the Negros Occidental leg winner’s bid for back-to-back titles.

The performance was a culmination of confidence, familiarity and pure execution, but at Apo, the narrative shifts.

“This will be a different challenge,” Jaraula said. “Del Monte and Apo are two different courses,”

Organized by the Department of Education (DepEd), the national competition draws athletic delegations that qualify by winning at the regional sports meet held across the 17 regions in the country each year.

Last September 18, technical inspectors from the DepEd Central Office headed by Jason Razal of DepEd’s Palarong Pambansa Secretariat (PPS) and from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) led by Reb Igan Viduya, arrived in Iba to assess facilities at the Zambales Sports Complex.

Chanelle Avaricio, who had appeared headed for a comfortable win.

“I didn’t expect to win,” said Ababa. “Chanelle looked unreachable, but I got the chance so I grabbed it.” Now, she returns to a course that holds both sentimental and competitive value—Apo Golf is not only her home course, it’s where she honed her game growing up and where she clinched her third career title last year by holding off Mafy Singson.