Author: user user

PSEi snaps 2-day slide on bargain hunting

Local stocks snapped a two-day losing streak on Thursday as bargain hunting offset continuing geopolitical risks and a weaker peso.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) edged up 0.24 percent, or 15.27 points, to close at 6,283.12.

Philstocks Financial Inc. research manager Japhet Tantiangco said the market’s rebound was driven mainly by bargain hunting after recent losses.

Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp., said investors took advantage of lower appraisal, leading to renewed buying interest across selected sectors.

Selective buying

‘The rebound reflected improved sentiment as investors selectively accumulated stocks at more attractive price levels,’ Limlingan said.

Still, investors remained cautious, with net value turnover reaching only P4.99 billion.

The broader market also showed a weak nuances as decliners outnumbered advancers, 17 to 13, while foreign investors remained net sellers with outflows of P76.61 million.

Tantiangco said the cautious backdrop stemmed from downside risks tied to the US-Iran conflict, which has raised concerns over higher global prices and the continued weakness of the peso against the US dollar.

‘The local market bounced back today mainly due to bargain hunting,’ he said. ‘Sentiment remains cautious, however.’

The banking index rose 1.20 percent to lead sectoral gains, while mining and oil stocks fell 1.10 percent to post the biggest drop.

Among index members, Semirara Mining and Power Corp. emerged as the top gainer, advancing 5.10 percent to P22.65.

Meanwhile, DigiPlus Interactive Corp. was the day’s biggest laggard, dropping 3.04 percent to P9.89.

Analysts said the session’s modest gain suggested that while investors took advantage of lower valuations, many stayed on the sidelines as they monitored developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on inflation, currencies and financial markets.

MLB: Red Sox’s record-equaling streak halted at 15 wins

The Boston Red Sox tied their 80-year-old franchise record with a 15th straight Major League Baseball win on Wednesday, but couldn’t go one better as they fell in the second game of a double-header.

Boston topped the Baltimore Orioles 6-3 at Fenway Park to notch their 15th straight Major League Baseball win.

That tied the club record set in 1946 by a team led by Hall of Famer Ted Williams.

The streak then ended with a 5-1 loss to the Orioles in the nightcap.

‘I think everybody knew it was going to end at some point,’ Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. ‘Now we’ve got to refocus.’

The Red Sox got to work quickly in the opening game, postponed from Tuesday by rain.

They took a 4-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run single by Caleb Durbin and a two-run triple by Jarren Duran.

Duran delivered a sacrifice fly for a run in the third and Ceddanne Rafaela belted his ninth home run of the season in the fourth.

Tracy said his players had ‘accomplished something great’ in matching the 1946 team and achieving the longest MLB winning streak since the St. Louis Cardinals won 17 straight in 2021.

Baltimore jumped on Red Sox starting pitcher Eduardo Rivera early in the second game, taking a 4-0 lead in the first inning and rolling home.

It was the Red Sox’s first defeat since a 10-2 home loss to Washington on July 1.

The streak marked a stunning turnaround for Boston, who were floundering at 32-46 on June 24 but are now approaching the trade deadline with a playoff berth in their sights.

‘Not only did we have a run of 15 wins, we found out who we are – and we’re a good baseball team,’ Tracy said.

Classes in all levels suspended in Manila on Monday, July 27, for Sona

Face-to-face and online classes in all levels will be suspended in City of Manila on Monday, July 27, in line with the 5th State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso announced on Thursday.

In a livestream, Domagoso said that the class suspension will be applicable to both public and private schools.

‘The suspension of face-to-face and online classes applies to public and private schools across all grade levels from kinder to senior high school as well as colleges and universities,’ he said.

‘This is to encourage all Manileños and everyone, especially our students and educators, to watch the President’s address to the nation,’ he added.

The 5th Sona will be held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. The Quezon City local government also announced the suspension of classes in all levels for public and private schools on the said day.

Aside from this, the Quezon City government will implement a liquor ban on Monday, from 12:01 a.m. to 6 p.m. to avoid any negative impact to peace and order that may be caused by acts of intoxication.

Yanga target Sundowns striker Shalulile to strengthen attack

Mainland Tanzania Premier League defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) are planning a move for experienced Namibian striker Peter Shalulile as they seek to strengthen their striking force ahead of the 2026/2027 season.

Sources within the club have revealed that Yanga’s top management has already initiated early negotiations with both Shalulile and his South African club, Mamelodi Sundowns, in an effort to secure the services of the prolific forward.

The move comes at a crucial time for Yanga, who are looking to bolster their squad for both domestic competitions and the Caf Champions League campaign. At present, the Jangwani-based side has only two available strikers in its senior squad: Laurindo ‘Depu’ Aurélio and newly signed Hussein Mihambo, who joined the club from Mashujaa FC during the current transfer window. Yanga’s striking department has been significantly weakened following the departure of dependable Zimbabwean striker Prince Dube, who recently left the club to join Hardrock FC of Zimbabwe. Dube was an important figure in Yanga’s attack and played a key role in the team’s success over the past seasons. The situation has been further complicated by the injury setback suffered by young forward Clement Mzize. Reports indicate that Mzize is yet to make a full recovery and is expected to regain match fitness only in November, leaving Yanga with limited options in the attacking department for the opening months of the new season.

A source close to the club confirmed that Yanga are actively searching for a striker capable of leading the line in both local and continental competitions.

‘Top management is working on the matter. Soon we will give what is going on. But we are searching for a striker ahead of both local competitions and the CAF Champions League,’ said the source.

Shalulile, one of Africa’s most experienced and decorated strikers, has built an impressive reputation during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Namibian international has been instrumental in Sundowns’ dominance of South African football, helping the club win multiple Premier Soccer League titles and competing regularly in the CAF Champions League.

Known for his pace, movement, and clinical finishing, Shalulile would bring a wealth of experience to Yanga’s attack if the deal materialises. His arrival would also provide coach Manqoba Mngqithi with a proven goalscorer capable of handling the demands of both the Mainland Premier League and the high-pressure environment of continental football.

Euromoney affirms Zenith as Africa’s, Nigeria’s best bank

Zenith Bank Plc has been named ‘Africa’s Best Bank’ and ‘Nigeria’s Best Bank’, the latter for the second consecutive year, at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, clinching the biggest and most coveted national and continental awards in banking. The awards were presented to the Bank on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at The Peninsula London Hotel, London. This dual recognition is a testament to the Bank’s sustained excellence in financial performance, customer service, digital innovation, and its contribution to economic development across Nigeria and the wider African continent.

The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are among the most respected in the global financial industry, evaluating banks on criteria including strategy, profitability, risk management, digital transformation and impact on stakeholders. Victory at the awards is regarded as a mark of the highest distinction in global banking. This year’s edition attracted a record of over 770 entries from world-class financial institutions including HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Citibank, Barclays, Standard Bank and DBS Bank of Singapore.

Commenting on the awards, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said, ‘We are deeply honoured by these recognitions from Euromoney. Being recognised as Africa’s Best Bank and Nigeria’s Best Bank reflects the trust of our customers, the dedication of our unicorn workforce, and our unwavering commitment to building a truly African global financial institution. These awards inspire us to do even more to deliver superior value, drive financial inclusion, and support the growth of businesses across Africa.’

The GMD commended the regulators across the various jurisdictions where the Bank has footprints for the enabling regulatory environment which has supported the Bank in achieving this feat.

She dedicated the award to the Founder of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, thanking him for his vision and excellence which have been instrumental to the Bank’s success.

Zenith Bank has continued to deliver strong financial results while accelerating investments in technology, artificial intelligence, and digital banking solutions. In the 2025 financial year, the Bank grew gross earnings by six per cent year on year to N4.19 trillion and delivered profit after tax of Nn 1.04 trillion, while reducing its non-performing loan ratio from 4.7 per cent to 3.8 per cent. In keeping with its dividend policy, Zenith Bank rewarded its investors with a record-breaking total dividend of N10.00 per share (totaling N410.69 billion) for the 2025 financial year. This represents a 100% increase over N5.00 per share paid in 2024. The Bank has also deepened its pan-African presence and expanded trade and transaction banking capabilities to connect businesses across key markets.

Euromoney is the leading authority for global banking and financial markets, and this latest recognition adds to Zenith Bank’s growing list of local and international accolades, and further cements its position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.

The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the seventeenth consecutive year in the 2026 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and ‘Nigeria’s Best Bank’ at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022, and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for six consecutive years from 2021 to 2026 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023, 2024 and 2026 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for five consecutive years from 2022 to 2026 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

The Bank’s commitment to excellence led to Zenith being also named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 to 2025 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards, Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/Public Offer of the Year’ at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

Zenith Bank has also earned several non-financial awards, including Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024.

U.S.-based cleric urges youths to utilise talents

A United States-based cleric, Pastor Tola Odutola of Jesus House, Baltimore, has advised Nigerian youths to stop relying on the government for employment.

He said they should instead focus on discovering and developing their talents to create sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking on the sidelines of an empowerment seminar with the theme: ‘Maximising Your Potential’, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Odutola said individuals must identify their natural gifts and nurture them into impactful solutions for the society.

He added: ‘Where we start first is to ask yourself: what gift do I have? What is that thing that inspires me? Every greatness in life starts with a seed.’ The cleric urged youths to cultivate their abilities so they could transition from job seekers to self-reliant problem solvers.

He enjoined them to maintain self-belief, noting personal determination outweighed any environmental limitation.

Recalling his upbringing in Oke-Bola area of Ibadan, Odutola challenged youths not to let lack of parental or societal support hinder their progress.

‘I grew up in this same environment and went to school here. I wasn’t waiting for a father figure to pave the way. You have to struggle and push because you owe yourself the responsibility to succeed,’ he said.

The clergyman cautioned Nigerians against over-dependence on state support, noting that the world’s most vibrant economies were driven by individual entrepreneurs, rather than government interventions. Acknowledging that the state holds the responsibility of creating an enabling environment, he stressed that the primary drive must come from the citizens.

Highlighting the need for career flexibility, the cleric says many university graduates eventually find fulfilment and financial stability outside their formal fields of study.

He said the empowerment initiative was designed to hand-hold aspiring entrepreneurs and provide support to help them launch their visions.

Tigresses advance to semis

Undefeated University of Santo Tomas secured the No. 1 seeding in the semifinals after a quick work of Southern Storm Melbourne, 25-20, 25-14, 25-9, in the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Golden Tigresses neutralized the Australians’ height advantage by beating them to the draw with fast and angled attacks to break their defensive wall on their way to a fourth win in a row.

Angge Poyos and Regina Jurado did most of the damage as UST inched closer to completing an elimination round sweep of the competition backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea.

Poyos punched in 14 points on 13 kills and an ace while Jurado, playing her first game in the tournament after sitting out the first two, contributed eight points.

In the second game, Enderun Colleges breathed life into its flickering Final Four bid after a straight-set victory over Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club, 25-16, 29-27, 25-16, for a 1-3 win-loss record.

Oyo Assembly approves Makinde’s request to proceed on annual vacation

The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved the request of Governor Seyi Makinde to proceed on Annual vacation with effect from August 10, 2026 with subsequent transmission of power to the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal.

The approval followed the consideration of a formal correspondence from Governor Makinde during plenary, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which requires a governor to notify the legislature whenever he intends to be away from office.

The governor, as contained in the letter, will officially resume office on September 14, 2026.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi, who presided over the plenary in the absence of the Speaker, Rt Honorable Adebo Ogundoyin, on Thursday, read the governor’s letter before members.

The lawmakers unanimously granted the request while expressing confidence in the seamless continuity of governance in the state under the deputy governor.

In the letter, Governor Makinde informed the Assembly that he would be embarking on his annual leave and requested the House’s approval to enable the Deputy Governor to act on his behalf during his absence.

Following the approval, the House affirmed that Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal would oversee the day-to-day administration of the state, ensuring that government activities continue uninterrupted until Governor Makinde resumes duty.

Speaking after the approval, the Deputy Speaker wished the governor a peaceful and refreshing leave, noting that the legislature remained committed to sustaining cordial relations with the executive arm in the interest of the people of Oyo State.

The Deputy Speaker also expressed confidence in the Deputy Governor’s capacity to provide effective leadership during the period, as evidenced in the past, describing the state’s governance structure as stable and capable of ensuring continuity in policy implementation.

Lawmakers, in separate remarks, commended Governor Makinde for complying with constitutional provisions by formally notifying the House, describing the action as another demonstration of respect for the rule of law and democratic governance.

The Assembly subsequently directed that its resolution approving the governor’s annual leave be communicated to the executive arm for necessary action.

Robin Padilla backs Joshua Garcia amid backlash after support for Sara Duterte

Joshua Garcia found an ally in Sen. Robin Padilla amid the younger actor’s apparent support for Vice President Sara Duterte, which drew mixed reactions from netizens.

Garcia has earlier become a topic of discussion on social media after he reposted a fan-made TikTok video that sides with the defense team and mocks the prosecution team in the impeachment trial of Sara. The actor had also reportedly been following the vice president on Instagram, but that he seemingly unfollowed her after his TikTok repost generated buzz.

While Garcia’s social media activity earned disapproval from some, it was welcomed by Padilla, a staunch ally of the Duterte family.

Amid Garcia being a trending topic online, the actor-turned-senator seemingly expressed his support by sharing on his Facebook page on Wednesday, July 22, a scene from their 2017 film ‘Unexpectedly Yours.’

In the clip, Padilla’s character advises Garcia’s about the former’s admiration for the character of Julia Barretto. The actors, who portray uncle and nephew in the movie, then later make the same hand gesture, highlighting the resemblance in their manners as family members.

Padilla did not expound on the post, only adding the caption, ‘Unexpectedly yours!’

Garcia has yet to publicly comment on the matter as of this writing.

Padilla, on the other hand, also recently received support from fellow Duterte ally, Darryl Yap, who suggested electing the actor-turned-senator as vice president.

Robin’s wife, Mariel Padilla, seemingly agreed as she responded to the director’s post, ‘Good morning Direk!!!!’ adding a green heart emoji.

‘Fake news’

Meanwhile, amid the backlash against Garcia, his former actress girlfriend Julia Barretto warned against a fake post attribute to her and is being linked by some netizens to the actor.

‘Fine wine comes from Juice Grapes, but before it actually gets good, it’s always stuck being green first,’ the quote on the fake post read.

Some pointed out how the initial letters of ‘juice grapes,’ which match the initials of the actor’s name, were capitalized.

‘I never posted this,’ Barretto said, warning the public against the social media page which disseminated the fake post. ‘Fake news!

Russians have become furious about Ukraine’s newly appointed Commander-in-Chief

After several days of nationwide protests, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief on July 21, prompting outrage among Russian social media users and military bloggers, AzerNEWS reports via Kyiv Independent.

One of the most experienced Ukrainian commanders, Drapatyi has been fighting Russia in Ukraine since 2014. He replaced Oleksandr Syrskyi, whose resignation became one of the key demands of the mass demonstrations that followed the controversial dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had been at odds with the previous commander-in-chief.

Drapatyi’s appointment was met with celebration among Ukrainian military personnel and protesters, while Russian social media users contrasted Ukraine’s political system with Russia’s and warned about the new commander-in-chief, describing him as someone who “hates (Russian soldiers) and hates them consistently.”

In the comments sections of social media posts, dozens of anonymous Russian users shared their views on Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief.

A user identified by the nickname SV pointed to former commander-in-chief Syrskyi’s Russian roots and the fact that some of his relatives still reside in Russia, including his parents, Lyudmila and Stanislav, and his brother Oleg. SV suggested that these connections had restrained some Ukrainian attacks.

“That’s it – ‘Madyar’ (call sign of Robert Brovdi, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces Commander) has free rein now. Now it’s going to be Armageddon,” SV wrote on Telegram.

While some users raised concerns about Drapatyi’s character and the potential impact of his leadership on the Ukrainian military, others highlighted that his appointment followed public protests, contrasting them with the lack of similar demonstrations in Russia.

“I envy Ukrainians. These people aren’t afraid of a damn thing and take to the streets at the slightest provocation to stop the government from getting too cocky,” another anonymous user wrote in a Telegram comment.

“No president would dare shut down the internet or slaughter the cows of the people like that. But we – we just put up with it. We’ll swallow anything.”