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The race for tomorrow: Can Philippine athletics find its golden stride again?

?In memory, there will always be Lydia de Vega, once Asia’s fastest woman, flying down like a gazelle with the speed that made a nation believe it could outrun the continent.

?But that belongs to memory. The present has its own hero: Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena, the region’s premier pole vaulter and the first Asian to clear six meters and the only back-to-back Asian Games Phil gold medalist and record breaker in athletics.

?One gave the Philippines a queen of speed. The other has carried its colors into the rarefied air of a discipline where inches separate immortality from disappointment in the world’s greatest sporting arena.

?In the race for tomorrow, can Philippine athletics find its golden stride once again? Or is another sporting renaissance beginning to stir a revival that could restore the country to a more commanding place on the Asian stage?

?The question has acquired fresh urgency after the Philippines’ encouraging campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

?Obiena’s record-breaking 5.91m gold medal leap in the pole vault was complimented by hurdler John Cabang Tolentino and middle-distance runner Victoria Bossong bronze-medals finishes, the country’s best athletics showing in four decades.

?It suggested that the old flame has not gone out.

?But a revival cannot be measured by one champion, one competition or one memorable afternoon. It must be measured by the depth of talent, by the number of athletes capable of podium finishes, and by the strength of the system that prepares them against Asia’s best.

?The memories remain formidable. De Vega was not merely a fast Filipino woman. She was a continental force, winning the Asian Games 100-meter title in 1982 and defending it in 1986.

?Then there was Isidro del Prado, the elegant quarter-miler whose national-record 45.57 seconds, set in Manila in 1984, remains a reminder of the standards Filipino runners once reached.

Hector Begeo gave the country another reason to look beyond the sprints. His national-record 8:35.09 in the 3,000m steeplechase, established in 1988, testified to the endurance, rhythm and technical skill required to negotiate barriers and water jumps at speed.

?Elma Muros, 15-time SEA Games champion, was the most versatile track-and-field figure, winning medals in events that demanded both speed and explosive power in the hurdles, long jump, 200m and 400m, relays and the heptathlon.

?They were competitors who could make their presence felt against the SEA Games winners and the continent’s best.

?The challenge now is to create a generation that can do the same-not by asking today’s athletes to imitate their predecessors, but by giving them the conditions to write their own history.

?Obiena is the obvious starting point. His six-meter personal best places him among the elite of world pole vaulting, an event that demands speed, strength, timing, courage and an almost scientific relationship with the pole.

?Cabang Tolentino offers another compelling example. His 110m hurdles gold at the 2025 SEA Games came in a new record 13.66 seconds. In Nagoya, he won a bronze in 13.48.

?Bossong’s Asiad bronze in the women’s 800m was equally encouraging with a 2:05.34 clocking. There is also depth emerging behind the headline names.

?Yacine Guermali has shown that Filipino distance runners can compete in the demanding 5,000m and 10,000m events, while Naomi Marjorie Cesar and Hussein Loraña delivered gold medals in the women’s and men’s 800m, respectively, in the 2025 SEA Games.

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Cesar also won bronze in the 1,500 meters. These results matter because a serious athletics program cannot depend on a single event or a single athlete to carry the national campaign.

?The wider medal count tells a similar story.

?In the last Thailand Games, the Phil. athletics team collected 31 medals-five gold, seven silver and 19 bronze. The champions included Obiena and Tolentino, Cesar, Loraña and decathlete Hokett Delos Santos.

?The medals were spread across track, field and combined events, suggesting a broader base of competitiveness.

The road to next year’s Malaysian SEA Games should therefore be treated as a building cycle, not simply another medal campaign. Philippine athletics must continue investing in coaching, sports science, conditioning, injury prevention and international competition.

?Young athletes need regular opportunities to race against stronger fields, while coaches need the resources to develop them beyond one tournament. School-based competitions must become more effective pathways in identifying talents.

?The country must also resist the temptation to judge the sport solely by the performance of its stars.

?The objective should be to produce more finalists, more national records, more athletes capable of winning medals in different events-and a deeper reserve ready to take over when established champions move on.

?There is reason for optimism with the Philippine Sports Commission getting a bigger budget this year. But optimism must be disciplined. They have also raised expectations.

?The challenge is to protect that stride through sustained support, careful planning and accountability. Medals are the visible result; the less visible work-in training camps, coaching, equipment and the nurturing of young talent-is what makes them possible.

?Today, Obiena, Tolentino, Bossong and a growing group of regional champions are giving that belief a new shape.

?The future will not be won by nostalgia, nor by a single golden leap over a bar. It will be earned one training session, one personal best, one qualifying time and one brave race at a time.

?The Philippines has found flashes of its old stride. Now it must build the strength to sustain it. The race for tomorrow is already under way-and this time with enough resources at hand, the country must make sure that the next generation is not left running alone.

AI chip boom opens new market for PHL industrial property

Philippine industrial real estate is gaining a potential new growth driver as the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom boosts semiconductor demand, with electronics production growth creating opportunities for specialized manufacturing facilities inside economic zones.

According to PRIME Philippines’ third-quarter 2026 Philippine Property Market Report, the country’s expanding electronics supply chain could generate demand for industrial spaces that meet the technical requirements of semiconductor and electronics manufacturers, including cleanroom-ready facilities and reliable power supply.

Semiconductor exports surged 73.5 percent year on year to $5.2 billion in August 2026, accounting for roughly 85 percent of the country’s major electronic export categories, the property consultancy said during its media briefing themed ‘Chasing the Storm: Tracking Philippine Real Estate’s Second Wind.’

The value of production for electronics, computer and optical products also grew by double digits year on year every month from October 2025, reaching 17.2 percent growth in July 2026.

These developments point to a potential shift in industrial property demand, with specialized manufacturing facilities emerging as an opportunity beyond conventional warehouses and logistics centers.

PRIME noted that growth is concentrated in a specific segment of the manufacturing industry, with demand favoring economic zone facilities designed to meet the operational needs of electronics manufacturers rather than generic warehouse space.

For property developers and industrial estate operators, this could create opportunities to attract companies seeking facilities suited to increasingly specialized production needs. However, the extent of the opportunity will depend on whether the country’s available industrial properties can meet manufacturers’ requirements.

‘Warehouses follow the crowd’

The electronics supply chain is also emerging alongside the expansion of retail and distribution networks outside Metro Manila, creating additional sources of demand for industrial real estate.

In 2025, CALABARZON and Central Luzon recorded 8.6 million square meters and 7.9 million square meters, respectively, in approved construction floor area, both exceeding Metro Manila’s 6.8 million square meters. Central Visayas ranked fourth nationwide, with 3.2 million square meters.

Retailers are expanding distribution networks to serve consumers in provincial markets. Alfamart supplies more than 2,300 stores across Luzon through distribution hubs in Pampanga, Cavite and Quezon, while DALI has opened its sixth distribution center in Naic, Cavite, and expanded into Cebu. Seven-Eleven has also added distribution hubs in Ormoc and Zamboanga.

PRIME reported that warehouse demand in Luzon doubled in a year as logistics companies moved closer to consumers, pointing to expanding opportunities in secondary locations beyond the traditional Metro Manila logistics belt.

The growing demand for specialized manufacturing facilities and decentralized retail distribution could broaden the country’s industrial property market. Each demand driver, however, requires distinct facilities and infrastructure.

For the property sector, the challenge will be identifying locations with industrial infrastructure, reliable power supply, and suitable facilities needed to sustain business expansion as new sources of demand emerge.

Moreover, according to PRIME, the warehouse expansion is set to continue over the next two years, with about 118,000 square meters of new space slated for completion in 2027 and another 268,000 square meters in 2028.

Bulacan will lead the 2027 pipeline with 89,835 square meters, as industrial development pushes northward from Meycauayan. Batangas is projected to add 150,000 square meters of warehouse space in 2028.

More than half, or 56 percent, of the planned supply will be developed within industrial parks, highlighting occupiers’ preference for quality facilities and the fiscal incentives available in accredited parks.

Barangay justice saves over P4 billion in litigation costs in 2025, DILG says

Data from the DILG’s Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS) showed that 444,470 cases, or 86.53% of the 513,636 cases recorded nationwide, were settled at the barangay level through mediation, conciliation, and arbitration.

The estimated savings were based on the Supreme Court’s computation that the government spends approximately P9,500 in adjudication costs per case.

Under the Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) system, disputes among community members are resolved through the Lupong Tagapamayapa, chaired by the punong barangay and composed of appointed lupon members.

Established under Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, the KP system operates across more than 42,000 barangays nationwide, providing communities with an accessible and less costly means of settling disputes without immediately resorting to formal litigation.

Beyond reducing government expenses, the system allows residents to resolve conflicts closer to home, helping prevent minor disagreements from escalating into prolonged legal disputes while easing the caseload of courts.

Meanwhile, 12,240 cases were recorded under other dispositions, including referrals to appropriate government agencies, withdrawals, repudiations, pending cases, dismissals, and issuances of certificates to file action.

To recognize barangays demonstrating excellence in community-based dispute resolution, the DILG will hold the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) on November 5, 2026, at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The DILG emphasized that strengthening the Katarungang Pambarangay system remains essential to expanding access to justice, promoting peaceful communities, and reducing congestion in the country’s courts.

Through effective barangay justice mechanisms, disputes can be settled where they begin, allowing residents to find timely resolutions while preserving community relationships.

Gumande Tires to showcase its global presence at EICMA 2026

Gumande Tires will take part in EICMA 2026, one of the motorcycle industry’s leading international exhibitions, from November 3 to 8 at Fiera Milano Rho in Milan, Italy. The brand will be at Hall 6, Stand C08.

Manufactured in China and distributed across multiple countries-including the Philippines. Gumande is building its presence among riders and partners in markets around the world. Its participation at EICMA reflects that international reach and gives the global motorcycle community an opportunity to discover the brand and its tire lineup.

For Filipino riders, Gumande’s presence at EICMA is also a point of confidence. The brand’s international distribution is backed by its local availability and promotions in the Philippines, bringing its products closer to riders through participating dealers and local activities. These efforts pair Gumande’s premium brand direction with value-driven options for the Philippine market.

As Gumande expands its visibility internationally, its focus remains on earning riders’ trust in every market it serves. In the Philippines, the brand continues to connect with motorcycle communities and support its growing local presence through product promotions and dealer engagement.

Gumande’s appearance at EICMA is another step in that global journey-and a proud moment for everyone who has helped bring the brand closer to Filipino riders.

Gumande Tires at EICMA 2026

November 3-8, 2026

Hall 6, Stand C08

Fiera Milano Rho, Milan, Italy

Gumande Tires – Kampante sa Gumande.

Nigeria can’t continue with leaders who learn on the job, says Sam Adeyemi

Sam Adeyemi, senior pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, has said that Nigeria cannot afford leaders who learn on the job, stressing the urgent need for leadership training and competence amid the country’s economic and social challenges.

Adeyemi made the remarks ahead of the 2026 edition of the church’s annual Excellence in Leadership Conference (ELC), scheduled for Thursday, November 5, and Friday, November 6, at its auditorium in Oregun, Lagos.

He expressed concern that many Nigerians occupying leadership positions lacked formal leadership training, despite the far-reaching consequences of their decisions on the country’s development.

‘Sometimes only God knows who’s going to be governor. Who knows who’s going to be senator tomorrow? And most people occupying leadership positions in our country have not learned leadership anywhere,’ he said.

The cleric urged Nigerians to embrace opportunities for leadership development, describing the conference as ‘a great investment in their lives’ and encouraging participants to invite others.

The 2026 conference, themed ‘Leading in Uncertainty,’ will examine how leaders can navigate economic volatility, rising living costs, shifting policies and a rapidly changing world of work.

The discussions are expected to resonate with leaders across government, business, ministry and the creative industries, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.

In a joint message, Adeyemi and his wife, Nike Adeyemi, who co-host the conference, said the theme addresses the realities of leading when economic, social and personal circumstances remain unpredictable.

They said the conference would equip participants to ‘stand firm, think clearly, and lead boldly,’ while helping them turn uncertainty into a leadership advantage.

The two-day event will bring together speakers from business, public service, ministry and entertainment to share insights on leadership, decision-making and navigating complex challenges.

Among the speakers is Bolaji Idowu, Global Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, who oversees more than 30 campuses across Nigeria, West Africa, Europe and the United States. He also convenes Next Level Prayers, a daily online prayer community with hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide.

The business sector will be represented by Oluwatobi Adeniyi, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc. Under his leadership, the consumer goods company’s market capitalisation has tripled in two years.

He also serves as Vice President (Multinationals) on the Executive Committee of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and is an advocate of integrity-driven business leadership.

Toyin Ayinde, former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, will bring his experience in urban planning and public administration to the discussions. A former National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and current First Deputy President of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Ayinde has consistently advocated planning-led development as a foundation for orderly growth.

Award-winning singer Timi Dakolo, popularly known as Nigeria’s ‘King of Soul’ and renowned for the patriotic anthem ‘Great Nation,’ will offer perspectives from the creative industry.

Nike Adeyemi, a speaker, author and humanitarian, will also address participants. Through her Real Woman Foundation, she focuses on empowering women and supporting vulnerable people.

Sam Adeyemi, who has spent more than three decades building leadership capacity, will draw on his experience with initiatives including the Daystar Leadership Academy, the Daystar Skills Acquisition Program and the Shifts Initiative.

Previous participants have described the conference as a transformative experience, crediting it with providing practical strategies they subsequently applied in their careers and businesses.

According to the organisers, the conference is free and open to the public, with no registration required. Sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days at Daystar Christian Centre, Plot A3C, Ikosi Road, Oregun, Lagos.

Police seize P2.5-M ‘smuggled’ cigarettes in Sultan Kudarat

Police seized nearly P2.5 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in two separate operations along two coastal towns in Sultan Kudarat province in the past two days.

The Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) reported recovering a total of 2,974 reams of cigarettes valued at P2,544,792.22 during the operations in Kalamansig and Lebak towns.

The recovery followed a report from a concerned citizen about suspected smuggled cigarettes abandoned along the shoreline. Responding police officers found no one claiming ownership of the items.

The Lebak Municipal Police Station conducted the operation with the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Regional Intelligence Division 12 Tracker Team Delta. The Bureau of Customs examined the recovered cigarettes through a Viber call before the items were brought to the police station for documentation and proper disposition.

A day earlier, a joint seaborne patrol confiscated 2,674 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth P2,288,088.22 in the waters off Barangay Pag-Asa, Kalamansig, at around 4:30 p.m.

Police said the operation was conducted to verify information about an abandoned, unregistered motorized banca allegedly carrying smuggled cigarettes.

Upon reaching the area, the team found several boxes of cigarettes in plain view aboard the banca. The items consisted of Cannon Menthol and Victor Agila cigarettes.

Initial investigation showed that the unmarked and unregistered banca had reportedly been unattended for two days. No one claimed ownership of the vessel or the cigarettes.

The operation involved personnel from the Kalamansig Municipal Police Station, the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Intelligence Unit and the 2nd Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company, along with the Southern Mindanao Coast Guard Station, Kalamansig Maritime Law Enforcement Team and RID 12 Tracker Team Delta.

PRO 12 director Brig. Gen. Alan B. Manibog said the police would continue coordinating with partner agencies to address the smuggling in the region.

Flexiprint: A Top Ten triumph, a silver standard of excellence and a legacy that inspires

In a proud celebration of industrial excellence, innovation and national achievement, Flexiprint Ltd., secured two prestigious accolades at the CNCI Achiever Awards 2026, held at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, on the evening of 15 October 2026. The company received the Silver Award in the National Level Manufacturing Sector – Extra Large Category and was recognised with a Top Ten Award, reinforcing its position as a leading force in Sri Lanka’s printing and packaging industry.

These accolades represent far more than trophies. They recognise a company built on entrepreneurial vision, technological advancement, manufacturing expertise and customer trust. This achievement belongs to the entire Flexiprint family its sales and marketing teams, management, skilled workforce, operational personnel and stakeholders. Above all, it reflects the confidence of customers in Sri Lanka and international markets, whose continued partnership has been instrumental in the company’s growth.

From a local vision to international recognition

Founded by Managing Director Sathis Abeywickrama, Flexiprint was built on an understanding of the specialised printing requirements of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. Recognising the need for reliable, high-quality tea packaging components, the company invested in developing local manufacturing capabilities that could meet demanding customer specifications and international expectations.

What began as a focused response to an industry requirement has grown into a sophisticated manufacturing operation serving customers across multiple markets. Flexiprint’s journey reflects its founder’s commercial foresight, determination and commitment to building a business that competes on quality, reliability and innovation.

Rather than simply following industry developments, the company has continually sought to anticipate customer needs, embrace modern technology and expand its manufacturing capabilities. Its latest CNCI recognition stands as an encouraging endorsement of that commitment.

A trusted partner to Sri Lanka’s tea industry

Ceylon Tea is one of Sri Lanka’s most recognised export products, carrying the country’s reputation to consumers around the world. Behind every successful tea brand is a supply chain that depends on quality, consistency, presentation and timely delivery.

Flexiprint plays an important role in supporting this industry by manufacturing and supplying specialised products, including tea bag tags, tea envelopes, pyramid tea bag mesh and tags, alongside other customised printing solutions.

Although these components may be small in size, their contribution to product presentation, brand identity and packaging functionality is significant. Tea tags communicate a brand’s identity, envelopes contribute to product protection and presentation, while pyramid tea bag mesh supports the premium tea experience increasingly sought by consumers worldwide.

Flexiprint understands the precision and reliability required in this specialised field. Its manufacturing capabilities help tea producers and exporters access essential packaging components from a dependable partner that understands their requirements and the demands of international markets.

By strengthening local supply capabilities, Flexiprint contributes to the competitiveness of Sri Lankan tea businesses while supporting customers overseas who depend on consistent, high-quality production.

Beyond tea: Supporting FMCG and other brands worldwide

Flexiprint’s expertise extends well beyond the tea industry. Through its label-printing capabilities, the company serves the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector and other industries with self-adhesive labels, product labels, printed stickers and customised labelling solutions.

From everyday consumer products to specialised packaging applications, labels are a vital part of brand communication. They must combine visual appeal with printing precision, durability and consistent quality.

Flexiprint brings together technical expertise and modern production capabilities to help businesses translate their brand identities into high-quality printed materials. Its diversification reflects a forward-looking strategy: building on established strengths while responding to evolving customer requirements across industries and international markets.

For customers, the value extends beyond the finished product. It lies in having a manufacturing partner capable of understanding specifications, maintaining consistency, managing demanding production schedules and delivering dependable service.

Technology, infrastructure and internationally aligned standards

At the heart of Flexiprint’s competitiveness is its commitment to modern manufacturing. Investments in advanced printing machinery, specialised production systems, colour-management technology and quality-control processes enable the company to meet demanding production requirements while pursuing greater efficiency and consistency.

In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, manufacturers cannot afford to stand still. Customers expect higher quality, greater flexibility, shorter lead times and responsible production practices. Flexiprint recognises that sustained success requires continuous investment in machinery, infrastructure, technical knowledge and process improvement.

Technology alone, however, does not guarantee excellence. It is the combination of modern equipment, effective production, experienced personnel and rigorous quality monitoring that turns investment into performance.

The company’s emphasis on internationally recognised standards and compliance further supports its ambitions. Its published credentials include FSSC 22000 Version 6 and ISO 14001:2015, alongside PEFC related credentials and SEDEX membership. These frameworks reflect important commitments relating to food safety, environmental management, responsible sourcing and ethical business practices.

For companies serving international markets, such standards are increasingly important. Global competitiveness requires more than manufacturing capacity; it demands consistency, accountability and the ability to meet the expectations of customers and markets worldwide.

The people behind the performance

Behind every successful manufacturing operation are people whose knowledge, skill and commitment transform technology into results.

At Flexiprint, its well-trained workforce, capable machine operators, technical specialists and operational teams are central to the company’s achievements. Their contribution ensures that complex production processes are managed efficiently and that quality remains a priority at every stage.

Printing excellence requires far more than operating machinery. It demands technical understanding, attention to detail, colour judgement, troubleshooting skills and the discipline to maintain exacting standards under demanding production schedules. Equally important are the operational teams responsible for coordinating materials, production planning, quality checks, maintenance and dispatch.

Sales and marketing teams connect these capabilities with customer expectations, while management provides strategic direction and the resources required for continued progress.

Every successful order is therefore a collective accomplishment. The CNCI awards belong to everyone who contributes to Flexiprint’s performance from those who build customer relationships to those who operate machines and ensure that finished products meet required standards.

The company’s workforce deserves to share fully in this recognition.

Customer confidence: The foundation of success

In export oriented industries, a supplier’s reliability can directly influence production schedules, shipment commitments and brand reputation. Quality, service and delivery are not optional extras; they are essential to maintaining business relationships.

Flexiprint’s relationships with tea manufacturers, exporters and customers across other industries reflect the importance of dependable service and technical competence. Its international reach demonstrates the opportunities available to Sri Lankan manufacturers that combine quality, capacity, responsiveness and value.

These relationships are the result of coordinated effort across the organisation. The sales and marketing teams deserve particular recognition for developing partnerships, understanding changing market requirements and translating customer expectations into manufacturing opportunities. Production and operational personnel, in turn, work to fulfil those commitments.

The contribution of customers must never be understated. Their trust, loyalty and continued business have helped create opportunities for investment, employment, innovation and growth. Flexiprint’s achievement is, in every sense, a shared success with its customers in Sri Lanka and around the world.

A founder’s vision and a legacy carried forward

Flexiprint’s journey is inseparable from the vision of its founder and Managing Director, Sathis Abeywickrama. His entrepreneurial foresight helped identify an opportunity in a strategically important export industry and turn it into a specialised manufacturing business with ambitions beyond the domestic market.

His leadership has been instrumental in establishing a culture centred on customer service, technical expertise, investment and continuous improvement. His philosophy recognises that lasting business success depends on more than commercial performance: it requires committed people, dependable partnerships and the willingness to keep moving forward.

Mr. Abeywickrama has previously emphasised the importance of careful planning, hard work and the dedication of the team, together with the trust customers have placed in Flexiprint over the years. That collective approach remains central to the company’s continuing progress.

Equally significant is the continuation of this legacy through his son, Isuru Abeywickrama. Carrying forward the foundations established by his father, he represents an important part of Flexiprint’s next chapter.

A legacy is not simply about preserving past achievements. It is about respecting the principles that created success while adapting to a changing business environment. For Flexiprint, that means embracing new technologies, developing talent, strengthening customer partnerships and exploring opportunities in evolving printing and packaging markets.

The company’s future will be shaped by its ability to combine the strength of its established reputation with the fresh thinking required for continued growth.

A proud milestone and a platform for greater success

The CNCI Achiever Awards 2026 mark an important milestone for Flexiprint and recognise the collective effort behind its progress. They honour the founder’s vision, the leadership carrying that vision forward, the commitment of management, the contribution of sales and marketing teams, the expertise of machine operators and operational personnel, and the support of its wider stakeholder network.

Most importantly, they celebrate the customers whose confidence has helped shape the company’s journey.

For Sri Lanka, Flexiprint’s achievement is also a reminder of the value of investing in specialised local manufacturing, skilled employment, modern infrastructure and export-oriented capabilities.

Yet the real measure of these awards will be what follows: the quality of products manufactured, the promises fulfilled, the people developed, the relationships strengthened and the standards upheld.

Two prestigious recognitions. One united team. A legacy built on vision. A future driven by innovation and customer confidence.

Flexiprint has every reason to celebrate this achievement with pride. It has demonstrated the strength of Sri Lankan manufacturing and reaffirmed its ambition to serve customers at home and across the globe.

Flexiprint, proudly Sri Lankan, globally connected, and relentlessly committed to excellence.

6 shortlisted for Luzon deputy ombudsman post

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has recommended to President Marcos six candidates for the post of deputy ombudsman for Luzon.

The JBC nominated Department of Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, DOJ chief state counsel Dennis Arvin Chan, Presidential Management Staff Undersecretary Rodolfo John Robert Palattao IV, Judges Joeven Dellosa and Francisco Felizmenio, and Acting Assistant Ombudsman Ryan Medrano.

The post was vacated by former deputy ombudsman for Luzon Cornelio Somido who retired in August.

The Constitution provides that the ombudsman and his deputies must be appointed by the President from a list of at least six nominees prepared by the JBC, and from a list of three nominees for every vacancy thereafter.

Davao de Oro military ready to help police hunt Bato dela Rosa

The Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10ID) said on Thursday it is ready to help police arrest Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, whose one-week ultimatum to surrender ends on Friday.

The former national police chief is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity during the bloody war on drugs during the Duterte administration.

Maj. Ruben Gadut, 10ID spokesperson, said their division is prepared to provide critical intelligence and logistical support to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the high-stakes pursuit of dela Rosa,

The 10ID’s area of operation (AOR) covers the Davao Region, where dela Rosa is a native.

In a Viber message to the Inquirer, Gadut deferred operational specifics to police leadership while confirming no sightings of dela Rosa in the Davao Region.

‘This is a matter of law enforcement. The PNP should be the appropriate agency to release statements [on the manhunt],’ Gadut said.

He corroborated statements made by the Police Regional Office-11 (PRO-11) during a media briefing at the Mandaya Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday.

‘About sightings, PRO-11 stated yesterday in a media presscon at the Mandaya Hotel that there were no sightings in their AOR. I think that would suffice, coming from the PNP,’ Gadut added.

Last October 23, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla gave dela Rosa one week to surrender. He also announced a P50 million reward for the senator’s arrest.

Dela Rosa’s camp – led by legal counsel Israelito Torreon – warned that the P50-million bounty could spur vigilante action against the senator.

Torreon also assailed the bounty, saying that the senator is not wanted under Philippine laws.

Dela Rosa’s former commander-in-chief, ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, remains detained at the ICC Detention Center in The Hague, awaiting the opening of his trial on November 30 over the deadly war on drugs

Tanzania ponders reviewing Sh5 million mobile money transaction limit

The government is considering increasing mobile money transaction limits following complaints from consumers and businesses that existing restrictions are hindering high-value payments.

Deputy Finance Minister Mshamu Munde told Parliament on Thursday, October 29, 2026, that the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) was assessing the possibility of raising the limits while ensuring that customers remain protected from fraud, money laundering and other financial risks.

The issue was raised by Kigoma Urban MP Revocatus Chipando, who said restrictions on sending and receiving money through mobile wallets were inconveniencing consumers and traders, potentially undermining efforts to promote cashless transactions. ‘People are raising many complaints in our communities about transaction limits, particularly on mobile money services. When someone wants to make a payment of up to Sh5 million, they are told that their daily limit has been reached,’ he told the National Assembly.

Mr Chipando also cited cases in which customers who had received Sh10 million could not accept additional funds because they had reached their permitted limits.

He questioned why customers seeking higher limits had to open additional mobile lines, including Lipa Namba accounts, even when they were not running formal businesses.

‘Why should ordinary citizens be forced to have two or more mobile lines? Someone who is not a trader may need to make a large payment. Why should they be required to open a Lipa Namba account?’ he asked.

The MP urged the government to consider allowing customers to make payments of between Sh20 million and Sh50 million and receive up to Sh100 million through their mobile phones.

Responding, Mr Munde acknowledged that higher transaction limits could facilitate business, reduce reliance on cash and make payments more convenient. However, he said any changes had to take account of the security risks associated with mobile money services.

He explained that mobile phone-based transactions operated under different security and risk-management arrangements from internet banking, meaning the two services could not automatically have similar limits.

‘Although you may be able to make larger payments through internet banking, the procedures for managing risks, identifying customers and ensuring transaction security are different from those used in mobile phone networks,’ he said.

Mr Munde said the Electronic Money Regulations of 2015 empowered the central bank to set and review transaction limits according to customer categories and the risks associated with different services.

He warned that raising the limits without adequate safeguards could expose customers and businesses to fraud, money laundering and financial losses.

‘If you allow someone to make payments of up to Sh100 million through mobile networks without adequate controls, it could create risks and potentially cause losses to businesses and other customers,’ he said.

The deputy minister said the government, through the central bank, was continuing to improve payment systems and assess whether the limits should be raised to reflect changing business needs and technological developments.

He said the review would seek to balance the convenience of higher-value transactions with the need to protect customers’ money.

The debate comes as Tanzania continues to expand digital financial services and encourage the use of electronic payments as an alternative to cash.