Author: user user

Assessors ask court to acquit Rakai school fire accused

Three court assessors have advised the Masaka High Court to acquit two men accused of setting fire to a dormitory at St Bernard Secondary School, Maanya, in Rakai District, where 10 students died.

Alex Mugarura and Edison Niyo are facing multiple charges, including murder, arson and attempted arson, over the November 2018 school fire.

The assessors said the prosecution had failed to produce substantive evidence linking the accused to the fire, despite proving some of the elements of arson and attempted arson.

The assessors presented their joint opinion to a packed Masaka High Court on the afternoon of September 10 before the Resident Judge, Justice Victoria Nakintu Katamba.

Mariam Tusiime, who delivered the opinion on behalf of the assessors, said the prosecution had failed to prove that the accused participated in the fire.

She said although the State had proved the ingredients of arson and attempted arson, it had failed to establish the accused persons’ participation in the offences.

The assessors questioned why the accused, who were suspended students, were not seen at the school on the night of the fire despite the presence of school administrators, teachers on duty, wardens and private security guards. They also raised concerns about evidence given by the former officer in charge of Maanya Police Station and investigating officer, Goffin Butere.

According to the assessors, Mr Butere told court that a witness identified only as Yusuf had seen Mugarura and Niyo at the school playground running from the scene towards Kabuye’s home. They said Yusuf should have been called to testify because his evidence could have helped establish whether the accused were at the scene.

The assessors also questioned the prosecution’s failure to produce a laboratory report on exhibits allegedly recovered from Mr Niyo’s home.

‘The investigating officer told the court that among the exhibits gotten from Edison’s house-plastic bottles and shoes-were submitted to the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) for analysis, but they never received a report of the findings from GAL,’ Ms Tusiime said.

‘It is quite unfortunate that such a big case, which involved the death of several students, can take such a period of time without getting a report from GAL. We observe that it could be a lie that the items were submitted to GAL, or the report was never produced,’ she added.

The assessors also questioned the circumstances under which the suspended students, including the accused, were evicted from the guest house where they had been staying. They said one of the State witnesses told court that police, allegedly acting on the orders of the school administration, instructed the management of Butefu Guest House to evict the suspended students.

The assessors said this left the students with no option but to spend the night wherever they could find shelter. They suggested that the move could have been linked to the school’s internal wrangles and possibly an attempt to frame the accused.

‘We observe that the wrangles amongst the management of the school and staff may have been the major cause of the tragedy, but police never dug into it,’ Ms Tusiime said.

‘Given the above observation, we find that the prosecution failed to successfully place the accused persons at the scene of the crime and therefore advise the court to acquit them and set them free,’ she said.

Defence welcomes opinion

Sam Ssekyewa, a lawyer representing the accused, told journalists shortly after the session that he welcomed the assessors’ opinion.

He said the opinion reinforced the defence’s argument that there was no evidence placing the accused at the scene of the fire.

Justice Katamba adjourned the case to October 5, when the court is expected to deliver its ruling.

Background

The prosecution alleges that Mugarura, Niyo and others who are still at large, on November 11, 2018, at St Bernard’s Secondary School, Maanya, in Rakai District, killed Remigius Tamale and nine other students in a dormitory fire.

According to the amended charge sheet, the two accused face 50 counts, including murder, attempted murder, arson and attempted arson, among other charges.

In 2024, the court acquitted Moses Taremwa, who had been jointly charged with the two men.

Another co-accused, Dickson Kisule, was acquitted in June this year after the court established that he was in police custody at the time of the fire.

Phones banned at Karuziika Palace as King Oyo’s burial nears

Mourners and journalists arriving at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City on Friday were barred from entering the palace grounds with mobile phones as security was tightened ahead of the burial of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on Saturday.

The phone ban was initially imposed inside the palace on people who had gone to view the King’s body. However, by Friday morning, security personnel at the main entrance were directing mourners to surrender their phones before being allowed into the palace grounds.

The directive came as security agencies intensified checks at the palace ahead of the conclusion of the nine-day mourning period and the King’s burial scheduled for Saturday at the Karambi Royal Tombs.

Earlier on Friday, the Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba visited the palace. Shortly after, mourners who had gathered inside were asked to temporarily leave as security teams conducted checks.

Sniffer dogs were deployed to search different sections of the palace grounds while security officers inspected the area.

At about 9am, mourners were asked to leave the palace and return about 45 minutes later after the security operation.

When they returned, security checks at the main entrance had been intensified, with mourners required to surrender their mobile phones before proceeding into the palace.

A team of scouts was deployed at the checkpoint to register the names of mourners and details of the phones surrendered. Each person was issued a paper bearing their details, which they were required to present when collecting their phone upon leaving the palace.

The same directive was communicated to journalists covering the funeral activities. However, they argued that the devices were essential for communication and filing stories.

Security tightened

Security was also heightened along roads leading to Karuziika Palace and St John’s Cathedral, with armed security personnel deployed at strategic points.

The heightened security comes as Tooro enters the final hours of public mourning for King Oyo, whose death has brought thousands of subjects, cultural and religious leaders and government officials to the kingdom to pay their final respects.

Speeches and tributes are expected during the vigil on Friday as the kingdom prepares for the burial on Saturday.

Burial programme

According to Mr Richard Rwabuhinga, co-chairperson of the burial organising committee, preparations for the final rites have been completed.

Speaking to journalists earlier this week, Mr Rwabuhinga said the burial programme would begin at 8am on Saturday when the body leaves Karuziika Palace for St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal City.

The church service is scheduled to begin at 9am and will be presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stephen Kaziimba Magula alongside other clergy.

According to the programme, only four speeches will be delivered during the church service. The speakers will include Princess Ruth Komuntale, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi and a representative of the government.

After the speeches, the body will be transported to the Karambi Royal Tombs, about six kilometres from Karuziika Palace, where King Oyo will be laid to rest.

IED Found At Niger General Hospital

A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was on Wednesday discovered at the New Bussa General Hospital in Borgu LGA of Niger State.

A resident of New Bussa told our correspondent that the explosive device was spotted by one of the security personnel at the hospital.

He reportedly alerted conventional security operatives who confirmed it to be an explosive device.

Another resident, who did not want his name mentioned, told Daily Trust that experts from the bomb disposal unit of the Nigeria Police Force successfully diffused the device before taking it away for destruction.

He said soldiers and police officers have been deployed to the hospital to strengthen security and restrict movement within the facility.

‘Right now, soldiers and police are moving around the hospital. Only patients and one or two of their relatives are allowed into the hospital now. The general population is no longer allowed in,’ he said.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, did not respond to a message sent to him seeking confirmation of the incident.

Nigerian Cleric, Fakunle, Allegedly Killed In South Africa

The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), on Thursday, alleged that a Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, aged 58, an indigene of Iye, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, has been brutally murdered in South Africa.

In a statement by its National President, Rev Frank Onyekwelu, NICASA said Bishop Taiwo was brutally killed on Friday, 4 September 2026, at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, in circumstances that have left his family, friends and the Nigerian community devastated.

‘According to the information available to NICASA, two suspects gained access to his residence and opened fire on him, reportedly discharging more than seven bullets.

‘This was not merely an ordinary loss of life; it was a horrific and senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a loved one and the Nigerian community of another precious life,’ it said.

NICASA condemned what it described as a ‘barbaric killing’ in the strongest possible terms, adding that the continued loss of Nigerian lives through violent crime ‘is deeply disturbing and cannot be allowed to become normal or treated as just another statistic. Every Nigerian life is valuable, and every murder deserves justice.’

He said NICASA had already brought the tragic incident to the attention of the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg.

Rev Onyekwelu said that a murder case has been opened at Jeppe Police Station, and investigations are currently ongoing.

‘We, therefore, make a strong and unequivocal call on the South African Police Service and every relevant government authority to pursue this matter with the highest level of urgency, professionalism and transparency.

‘We demand a thorough and credible investigation that will establish exactly what happened, identify all those responsible, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought before the courts to face the full might of the law,’ he said.

NICASA further called on the Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa to continue engaging the relevant South African authorities and to closely monitor the progress of the investigation until justice is served.

Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promised to get back to our reporter when contacted for a response but did not as of the time of filing the report.

’Mayabang tayo, eh’

WITH that one short comment, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Eli Remolona gave a catch-all explanation why our personal (and national government) finances are where they are. Basically in the dumps.

Gov. Eli spoke at the recent presentation of the Development Budget and Coordinating Committee (DBCC) before the Senate Committee on Finance, laying the basis for the national government’s proposed P7.2 trillion budget for 2027.

He and his colleagues informed lawmakers how the economy is performing right now, and DBCC’s projections for economic growth, average inflation, possible direction of the peso-dollar exchange, among others.

His comment was in response to Sen. Erwin Tulfo’s question on how the country’s peso-dollar rate will improve, considering our exports are low. As of Wednesday, one US dollar was equivalent to P62.62. Oof!

Gov. Eli pointed out that a long-term solution was to increase our savings. But we are unable to do so, because, ‘mahirap sabihin ‘to, Senator, pero mayabang tayo eh. We have a consumption culture,’ he added.

(By the way, I’m particularly pleased that Gov. Eli has started explaining economic concepts in Filipino, which he began with the reporters covering the central bank. I know he was trying hard to do the same with our lawmakers to help them comprehend what’s happening in the economy.)

To explain further, high savings are important because banks can use this money to lend to companies to construct their factories, purchase needed equipment, and therefore create more jobs.

These also result in better infrastructure, like roads, ports and bridges for the country, reducing government’s reliance on foreign debt. High savings also lowers the trade deficit, and thus protects the peso from ‘wild gyrations,’ as our late colleague Ramon ‘Tommboy’ Tomeldan described the instability in the foreign exchange rate once upon a time.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country’s gross savings increased by some 9.4 percent to P8.4 trillion in 2025. Of those gross savings, households accounted for P973.14 billion, or just 11.6 percent of the total. Government, meanwhile, ‘recorded a dissaving of P23.61 billion.’

Back in the day, when automated teller machines and mobile phones had yet to be invented, we all had to save money to buy the stuff we wanted.

Mama was extremely fierce in this rule: if I wanted to get a fancy new dress from Rustans, a new pair of shoes from Shoemart, that cute stationery from National Bookstore, My Melody stickers from Gift Gate, or that big bag of Carol-Ann’s potato chips, I would have to pay for these from my own savings.

So every week that I got my baon, I would set aside a few pesos in my ceramic piggy bank. And with every hard-earned purchase, it felt like such a huge accomplishment. In a way, this was how I learned to delay my gratification, something I still practice to this day.

The only items Mama (and Lola) would not deprive me of were snacks, not chichiria, but food outside of the usual meal times. Whether it was the soft-serve ice cream or corn dog at the old Unimart, or a jumbo siopao from Kowloon, as in Papa’s case, I could have these.

Now that we have credit cards and electronic wallets on our mobile phones, we can’t help but buy stuff.

Of course, those impoverished can hardly save from their meager minimal wage earnings, so it’s understandable that they hardly have any money stashed away for a rainy day. (Although I suspect, the most resourceful of Nanays will have something set aside, even if these are not deposited in banks.)

But for many of us especially in the middle class, we will often buy more than what we need. A new Apple iPhone drops, and we’re there first in line, credit card in hand. A new pair of Adidas trainers appears in their store, and there we go tapping away on our e-wallets. A Michelin-starred restaurant, you say? And we’re off paying P10,000-P12,000 a pop for a gustatory feast.

Millennials, who absolutely must have their ‘work-life balance’, recharge by traveling abroad, so their harassed minds get a break by shopping for pre-loved bags at a vintage store in Tokyo. Never mind the huge bill they receive in their next SOA.

As per BSP data, credit card receivables in June 2016 were P224.58 billion. Ten years later, the amount has jumped to P1.29 trillion, over a five-fold increase.

The good news is, nonperforming loans have slipped to 5.28 percent of total credit card receivables in June 2026, from 6.14 percent in June 2016. Which means, consumers can still pay their credit card bills.

The bad news is that while higher consumer spending from these never-ending swipes and taps keep businesses humming, it means most of our income goes to paying our debt rather than savings.

Kasi, we like nice things. We like to eat well, travel, upgrade our phones even if the current one still works efficiently, wear the latest sneakers-and, apparently, we like doing all of these things even when the money to pay for them is still somewhere in the future.

But perhaps ‘mayabang’ isn’t really about wanting nice things. It’s about wanting to look like we can afford them-even when our bank accounts might be telling a very different story.

I remember when buying something meant first asking myself: Do I have the money to pay for this? If the answer was no, then it was back to the piggy bank. No tap, no swipe, no ‘Buy Now, Pay Later.’ Just plain old ‘let’s wait muna.’

And perhaps that’s the attitude we could use a little more of today-not just as individuals, but as a nation.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of our labor. In fact, we should. But if every peso we earn is already spoken for by the next purchase, the next trip, the next upgrade, then maybe we aren’t really enjoying our money. We’re merely borrowing tomorrow’s money to impress today’s neighbors.

So, yes, Gov. Eli, ‘mayabang tayo, eh.’

But perhaps the bigger problem is that we’ve become so accustomed to looking rich that we’ve forgotten the quiet satisfaction of actually having money in the bank.

And unlike a new iPhone or a designer bag, that’s one status symbol that doesn’t go out of style.

Congratulations are in order for Gov. Eli, who has just been graded ‘A-‘ by Global Finance, the third time he has received such a rating from the prestigious publication.

Despite the low inflows of foreign direct investments, reduced incomes from exports and tourism spending, an unusually high inflation rate, and a weakening peso, Gov. Eli and the Monetary Board have managed to keep the economy from falling off a cliff. (And yes, Juan, that’s why they are worth the huge salaries they are receiving. Not anyone can do their jobs.)

Said Global Finance founder and editorial director Joseph Giarraputo: ‘[Our] A Grade Central Bank Governors are leaders who have demonstrated the discipline, independence, and sound judgment needed to deliver stability while guiding their economies through an always unpredictable environment.’

So three cheers, Gov. Eli! Pa-Tsukiji ka naman! Hehe

Enterprise Properties Supports 200 Basic School Pupils

Enterprise Properties Limited, a subsidiary of Enterprise Group, has presented educational materials to 200 pupils from four selected basic schools in the Odododiodio Constituency in Accra as part of activities marking its 15th anniversary.

The beneficiary schools are Accra Sempe Basic School, John Wesley Methodist Basic School, 28th February Road Basic School and Private Odartey Lamptey Memorial Basic School.

The pupils received backpacks containing learning materials, as well as copies of the Young Investor’s Compass, which introduces children to the fundamentals of financial literacy, including money management, saving, budgeting, responsible spending and informed financial decision-making.

Speaking at the presentation at the John Wesley Methodist Church at James Town, the Managing Director of Enterprise Properties Limited, Kwadwo Nini Owusu, said the company’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative formed part of its commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where it operates.

According to him, Enterprise Properties, which was founded 15 years ago with a vision to create exceptional spaces where businesses could work, grow and thrive, and where families could live, connect and enjoy life, had built offices and managed properties over the years.

He, however, stated that the greatest legacy of the company would not only be measured by the buildings it owned and managed or the communities it served, but also by the lives it shaped and influenced in society.

Mr. Owusu said over the years, the company had built offices and homes, managed properties, strengthened relationships and earned the trust of its clients, partners and the communities it served.

‘Our answer, ‘Learn Today. Lead Tomorrow’. This is more than the name of an initiative. It is a belief that when you invest in a child, you are not simply helping that child today; you are investing in a future family and a future community,’ the Managing Director added.

He explained that CSI remained an important part of the Enterprise Group’s operations, with education, health and the wellbeing of underprivileged people serving as the Group’s key areas of focus.

Mr. Owusu said the initiative would help the pupils grow academically while developing the discipline and financial responsibility needed to make sound decisions and create lasting value beyond the company’s business operations.

The Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, Alfred Ashie Nii Kortey, commended Enterprise Properties for supporting the pupils and urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity.

He also encouraged them to remain focused on their education and desist from engaging in social vices to enable them to achieve their goals in life and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.

Ellen Agyei Gyamfi, a representative of the Metro Education Director, expressed appreciation to Enterprise Properties for supporting education, particularly at a time when many parents needed assistance with school-related expenses.

She said the initiative demonstrated the importance of partnerships between the private sector and the education sector in equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, values and confidence needed to become responsible leaders.

She encouraged the pupils to make good use of the learning materials and use the opportunity to work towards achieving their dreams.

The Headmaster of 28th February Road and Private Odartey Lamptey Memorial Basic School, Benjamin Kpakpo Allotey, thanked Enterprise Properties for the gesture.

He said the initiative would not only motivate the pupils to take their studies seriously but also encourage healthy competition among them.

Aviation Ministry Spent N522m On Guns, Ammunition – Audit Report

The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development used the sum of N522,490,349 to purchase guns and ammunition that were not delivered.

The accusation was contained in the Auditor-General for the Federation’s 2024 Annual Report on Non-Compliance and Internal Control Weaknesses in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

According to the report, the ministry paid N270,020,066.80 to purchase AK Rifles, Red Dots and AK Ammunition to enhance aviation security operations of the Nation’s Airports on 10th January, 2023, and 23rd May, 2023.

It noted that the ministry claimed to make the purchase without approval from the National Security Adviser (NSA) and was not able to provide documents for all due process documents (CAC, NSITF, ITF, FIRS etc) to the paid vouchers. Also, the report said another sum of N252,470,282.20 was paid on 10th February, 2023, and FMA/ABJ/CAP/1441/21 dated 23rd May, 2023 respectively, for the procurement of Sub-Machine Guns, Pistols and Ammunition for the enhancement of aviation security at Nation’s Airports.

The report read: ‘The sum of N270,020,066.80 (Two hundred and seventy million, twenty thousand, sixty six naira, eighty kobo) was paid as IPC 1 and IPC 2 to a company through two (2) paid vouchers with Ref. No. FMA/ABJ/CAP/1047/22 and FMA/ABJ/CAP/1445/21 dated 10th January, 2023, and 23rd May, 2023, respectively, for the procurement of AK Rifles, Red Dots and AK Ammunition to enhance aviation security operations of the Nation’s Airports.

‘There was no approval from the National Security Adviser (NSA) to procure the ammunition. The company’s quotation for the procurement of AK Rifles, Red Dots and AK ammunition was not attached. All due process documents (CAC, NSITF, ITF, FIRS etc) were not attached to the paid vouchers. Store Receipt Voucher (SRV) to serve as evidence that the items received by the Ministry were not attached to the paid vouchers.’

It added that in the request for Payment Certificate No, FAAN confirmed that the firearms were executed and supplied to the Armory of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) Headquarters, Abuja for safe keeping pending the completion of the Authority’s Armory.

But the report said there was no evidence/document to support that the firearms were in the custody of NSCDC Headquarters for safe keeping.

‘The above anomalies could be attributed to weaknesses in the internal control system at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Abuja and risks diversion of public funds, loss of public funds.’

It added in its defense, the ministry responded that the contract for procurement of firearms to enhance aviation security operations at the nation’s airports can be verified because it passes through all the procurement processes, procedures and all necessary documents obtained.

‘The necessary procurement documents and approvals were duly obtained. The procurement processes and procedures were duly followed before payments were made (See attached Award and Acceptance letters, BPP, Due Process Review Reports, FEC, Contract Agreement, and Letter of clearance form Office of the National Security Adviser, Payment Vouchers and other documents required for payment). The letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser conveying the Security Clearance for the company is hereby attached for your information. The payment vouchers with the supporting documents are hereby attached for your information.’

But the audit said the management’s response to the issue has been noted; however, it is deemed unsatisfactory. Consequently, the findings remain valid until the recommendations are implemented.

It recommended the permanent secretary should be requested to account to the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly on the money, recover and remit the sum of N270,020,066.80 to the Treasury.

On the second purchase, it said the sum of N252,470,282.20 was paid to the company through two (2) paid vouchers No. FMA/ABJ/CAP/1042/22 dated 10th February, 2023, and FMA/ABJ/CAP/1441/21 dated 23rd May, 2023 respectively, for the procurement of Sub-Machine Guns, Pistols and Ammunition for the enhancement of aviation security at Nation’s Airports.

It explained that the anomalies could be attributed to weaknesses in the internal control system at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Abuja.

But the ministry responded that the necessary procurement documents and approvals were duly obtained.

‘The Procurement processes and procedures were duly followed before payments were made (See attached Award and Acceptance letters, BPP, Due Process Review Reports, FEC, Contract Agreement, and Letter of clearance form Office of the National Security Adviser, Payment Vouchers and other documents required for payment). The Ministry did not violate the provision of the financial regulations and extant circulars, as all necessary procurement documents were obtained.’

‘The letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser conveying the Security Clearance for the company is hereby attached for your information. The letter from Director, Finance and Accounts (FAAN), Ref. No. FAAN/HQ/DFA/1/Vol.XI/16 dated 7th August, 2025, forwarding the delivery note is hereby attached. This is not applicable as the contract was duly executed.’

But the auditor’s said the response was deemed unsatisfactory and its findings remain valid until the recommendations are implemented.

Engagement of foreign company by proxy

The report also accused the ministry of paying the sum of 163,918,943.69 to six contractors for building of control towers in six different airports in the country.

It said five of the contractors were paid the sum of N30,947,309.22 each on 1st June, 2023, while the remaining one contractor was paid the sum of N9,182,397.59.

‘These contracts were awarded on 24th May, 2018 at the contract sum of N4,459,075,994.19 and were yet to be completed (especially the technical part), six years after the award. The agreement dated 18th November, 2021, in respect of the five contracts were executed by proxy between the Ministry and the representative contractors on behalf of the foreign United Kingdom based companies, with the sum in (i) above also received by proxy.’

‘There was no evidence of work done for the sum paid by proxy to the representative contractors, and the execution of contract agreement by proxy made the clauses therein to be difficult to enforce, thereby exposing government to the risk of financial loss in the case of default.’

In response, the ministry said the ‘FGN/Ministry had no engagement/agreement whatsoever with the foreign company. The agreement between the two contractors, establishes the commitment of the six contractors with the foreign company. Your recommendation that we take proactive steps and make sure that the projects are completed to fore-stall unnecessary inflation is well noted. You are aware that the completion of the projects is subject to prompt release of funds by the FGN. We have and will always ensure that we comply with Procurement Regulations just as we followed all the procurement stages in the award of the instant contracts.’

Blind Spot

ACCORDING to rumors, the actress-influencer has bad oral hygiene habits and this is the reason why she has halitosis. It is not that the actress-socialite is unclean or lazy but her dependence on veneers has resulted in her being lazy about flossing and being fastidious about oral hygiene. One of the people spreading this rumor is said to be her husband’s new girlfriend so we kind of know where she got it from. If you look at the actress-influencer, it’s not obvious that she takes hygiene shortcuts. She looks clean.

INAPPROPRIATE

THE actor’s daughter is very talented but people are concerned that she is being made to wear clothes that are not age-appropriate. The dances she does on social media are also too sexy for her at her age. It’s not the girl’s fault but her parents’ because she does not know any better and thinks that because her adult idols do it, it is okay. It’s up to her parents to guide her on her clothing and other things.

THE SWIPER

THE young actress seems to have been ‘repackaged’ well by her mentors but apparently that’s not the case in real life. According to sources, the young actress is suspected of taking things that aren’t hers during tapings and shoots. Sometimes, she takes stuff from her makeup artist, who can’t complain, or her hairstylist. But the problem is when she swipes stuff from her co-stars, who instantly know who did it. The young actress’ handlers should do something about this as it’s not a good reputation to have.

BASHED

A certain big influencer is being bashed online because after they lost weight seemingly with the help of medication, they don’t look attractive at all. The influencer is being bashed for looking unattractive, among other things. It does not help that they seem to be addicted to designer stuff, as if that would deflect the scrutiny of bashers. The thing is that the public is tired of influencers and their showing off hauls. Showing off PR hauls is fine but for the public, continuous hauls of designer stuff just leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

FDI net inflows down 17.8% to USD3.38B in H1

LOWER intercompany borrowings and reinvested earnings, alongside a more cautious global investment environment, pulled down the foreign capital that flowed into the Philippines in the first half of 2026.

These were the culprits behind the latest data reported by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which showed that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) net inflows fell to $3.38 billion in the January to June 2026 period, down 17.8 percent from the $4.12 billion in the first half of 2025.

‘The decline was driven by the decreases in both foreign net investments in debt instruments, which indicated lower intercompany borrowings, and reinvestment of earnings,’ the central bank said in its statement on Thursday.

Meanwhile, it explained that equity capital investments were higher in the first half of 2026 than in the same period in 2025.

Based on the data from the BSP, reinvestment of earnings declined by 19.4 percent to $829 million in the first half of 2026 compared to the $1.028 billion in the January to June 2025 period.

Similarly, net investments in debt instruments, which indicated lower intercompany borrowings, plunged to $2.063 billion in the first half of the year, 25.8 percent lower than the $2.781 billion recorded in the same period a year earlier.

In contrast, equity capital placements surged by 59.4 percent to $489 million in the January to June 2026 period, compared to the $307 million recorded in the first half of 2025.

The central bank said capital placements came primarily from Japan, the United States, and Singapore.

These funds, the BSP said, were funneled largely into the manufacturing, financial and insurance, and real estate industries.

Analysts’ take

Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion, chief economist at Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP), said the decline in net FDI inflows in the first half of 2026 was ‘driven mainly by lower intercompany borrowings and reinvested earnings, consistent with a more cautious global investment environment.’

Explaining the month-on-month FDI decline-to $447 million investments in June alone, or down by nearly 30 percent compared to the $638 million in May 2026-Asuncion said this ‘likewise reflects the inherent volatility of FDI flows, particularly financing transactions between parent companies and their a?liates.’

At the same time, he pointed out that June inflows of $447 million which were 35.1 percent higher than the $331 million in June 2025 suggest that ‘foreign investors are still identifying opportunities in the Philippines despite external uncertainties.’

Outlook

Looking ahead, Jonathan L. Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong and Co., said: ‘Near-term FDI flows may remain soft, but the longer-term story will depend on how e?ectively the country converts reforms into actual investment projects.’

This was echoed by Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), who outlined the key reforms and initiatives needed to be put in place for the coming months and years to help attract more foreign direct investments into the country.

‘For the coming months/years, preparations related to Pax Silica and Luzon Economic Corridor provide a source of hope/bright spot for FDIs, in view of the framework approval during the Asean Leaders’ Summit in November 2026,’ Ricafort said.

He also raised the need to adopt measures that would improve governance to boost investor sentiment in the country.

Also among the key measures that should be utilized, Ricafort noted, are the incentives being prepared for local electric vehicle (EV) production and other incentives in place including the (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy) CREATE MORE.

Aside from merely implementing key reforms, Ricafort pointed to the need to lower the cost of business especially on electricity, which he described as ‘among the highest in Asean/Asia.’

Ricafort also said the country is in need of ‘more predictable policies’ especially on taxation, pointing out the importance of ‘not changing the rules in the middle of the game.’

The chief economist of RCBC also emphasized the need for ‘continuity in policies even to the subsequent Philippine presidents/administrations.’

Moving forward, Asuncion said: ‘FDI performance will likely remain influenced by global growth prospects, geopolitical developments, and investor sentiment.’

‘While ongoing conflicts, elevated global price pressures, and softer economic activity abroad could weigh on investment decisions, the Philippines’s relatively stable macroeconomic environment and continued investment opportunities should help support foreign investment inflows over the medium term,’ added Asuncion.

Cross River Seeks Airport’s Upgrade Ahead AfSNET Conference

About 2,000 delegates from 19 African countries and the Caribbean are expected in Calabar, Cross River State, for the sixth African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference scheduled for November 12-14, 2026.

The expected influx of international visitors has prompted the Cross River State Government to seek closer collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to improve operations and passenger handling at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport.

Governor Bassey Otu made the call yesterday when the governing board of FAAN, led by its Chairman and former Kano State governor, Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, visited him in Calabar.

Otu said the anticipated increase in passenger traffic required the airport to be adequately prepared for the conference and other major engagements expected in the state.

‘We are expecting people from about 19 African countries, and we are looking at almost 2,000 people coming into Cross River,’ the governor said.

He urged FAAN to upgrade facilities at the airport, particularly the VIP International Lounge, to enable it handle international visitors and dignitaries.

The governor also called for improved security and coordination between FAAN, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies responsible for the airport.

He said delays in ongoing airport-related projects should be addressed ahead of the conference, noting that the November date could not be shifted.

Beyond the conference, Otu said the state wanted a sustained partnership with FAAN in aviation infrastructure, passenger services, security, technology and operational efficiency.

He said an efficient airport was important to the state’s tourism and investment ambitions, as the facility serves as a major entry point for visitors and potential investors.

Responding, Ganduje said FAAN was ready to collaborate with the state government to improve airport operations and passenger experience.

He said Cross River’s growing tourism profile made efficient aviation infrastructure necessary to support the movement of tourists, investors and other visitors.

The AfSNET Investment Conference is expected to bring together sub-national governments, investors and other stakeholders from Africa and the Caribbean for discussions around investment and economic cooperation.