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Oyo govt defends Court action against EFCC, says Makinde has nothing to hide

The Oyo State Government has defended its decision to seek judicial interpretation over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) request for documents relating to the state’s finances, insisting that Governor Seyi Makinde has nothing to hide.

The government also dismissed the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s criticism of the court action, describing it as misleading and legally unfounded.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s special adviser on media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the government said approaching the Federal High Court was not an attempt to shield the state from investigation but a constitutional step taken to clarify the scope of the anti-graft agency’s powers.

According to the statement, the Makinde-led administration has managed the state’s resources prudently, a development it said was evident in the delivery of infrastructure, healthcare, education, regular payment of salaries and pensions, employment of workers and other development projects.

‘The decision of the Oyo State Government to approach the Federal High Court for clarification on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s demand for copies of all contracts and details of transactions with contractors between 2021 and 2025 is not an attempt to forestall investigation because neither the state government nor Governor Seyi Makinde has anything to hide,’ the statement read.

‘Governor Makinde’s administration has managed state finances with prudence,’ the statement added, noting that the government had constructed roads, rehabilitated primary healthcare centres, expanded access to quality education, employed more civil servants, paid salaries and pensions regularly, empowered citizens and created a business-friendly environment.

The government explained that the EFCC had written to the state’s Accountant-General requesting copies of all contracts and details of transactions with contractors from 2021 to the date of its letter.

It said the state responded by asking the Commission to identify the specific contractors or companies under investigation to enable it provide the relevant documents but alleged that the EFCC failed to respond.

According to the statement, the state subsequently approached the Federal High Court to determine whether the anti-graft agency could lawfully make such a broad request.

The government noted that Justice Nkeonye Maha, who heard the matter, acknowledged the EFCC’s statutory powers to investigate financial crimes but held that the Commission’s request was speculative and amounted to what it described as a fishing expedition.

It added that the court set aside the EFCC’s letter dated June 2, 2025, and ruled that any request for information by the Commission must be reasonable and linked to specific allegations.

‘The judge emphasized that Section 38 of the EFCC Act empowers the Commission to demand information only for the investigation of offences under the Act, not for speculative or roving inquiries,’ the statement said.

The government maintained that seeking judicial interpretation of the law should not be misconstrued as an attempt to evade investigation.

‘Governor Makinde and the Oyo State Government are not afraid of the EFCC or any other federal agency. The state’s account books will be made available whenever a proper and lawful request is made,’ Olanrewaju said.

Reacting to the APC’s criticism, the government said resorting to the courts was a constitutional right and not an admission of wrongdoing.

‘The APC’s claim that Governor Makinde’s decision to seek judicial intervention amounts to avoiding investigation is both misleading and legally unfounded. Resorting to the courts is not an admission of guilt but a constitutional right guaranteed under Nigerian law. The judiciary exists to interpret the scope of institutional powers and protect against overreach,’ the statement added.

Pax Silica investors may lease New Clark land for 99 years – BCDA

Foreign investors of the planned Pax Silica industrial hub in New Clark City may be allowed to lease land for up to 99 years, giving the government a long-term pitch for a project it says could anchor the Philippines’ push into AI, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and CEO Joshua Bingcang said that 1,620 hectares in New Clark City in Tarlac have been designated as an industrial area for the Pax Silica initiative.

Bingcang said investors in the project may be covered by Republic Act 12252, or the amended Investors’ Lease Act, which allows foreign investors to lease Philippine land for up to 99 years.

“For economic zones like this, we already have a law, and we are glad that the recent 99-year lease has been passed,” Bingcang said in Filipino at a Palace press briefing on Thursday, July 23.

The law, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in September 2025, extended the maximum lease period for foreign investors from an initial 50-year term, extendable by 25 years, to a single lease period of up to 99 years.

It covers approved and registered foreign investments in sectors such as industrial development, tourism, agriculture and agroforestry.

The law also allows the original lessee to transfer lease rights, sublease the land or use the lease as collateral for long-term financing, subject to government rules.

Since its enactment, the measure has drawn criticism from groups such as the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, which warned that longer leases could heighten risks of land grabbing.

Local job generation

Bingcang said the project is intended to attract high-value industries that can employ local talent.

These include industrial research and development, manufacturing, data centers, semiconductor processing and critical-mineral processing, he said.

BCDA estimates the project could generate 130,000 to 190,000 direct jobs, along with 500,000 to 800,000 indirect and induced jobs.

“These are the potential jobs we could create, and that is based on industry practice, what we call the multiplier effect,” Bingcang said.

BCDA said around fewer than 10% of the target jobs could go to foreign workers, mostly for decision-making roles.

“These are their top executives, but the good thing is that the majority will come from our local supply of talent,” Bingcang said.

The planned hub has drawn concerns from several groups over possible displacement of farmers and indigenous communities, as well as the loss of local livelihoods.

Investment target

Bingcang said the initial investment target for Pax Silica is $10 billion, with funding expected from participating countries interested in the initiative.

Once fully established, potential investments could rise to between $40 billion and $70 billion, he said.

BCDA also estimated P60 billion in lease income over 25 years, P68 billion to P75 billion in annual withholding tax potential and $200 billion in export potential at full buildout.

If those estimates hold, Bingcang said investments in Pax Silica alone could contribute about 10% of the country’s gross domestic product.

The project is currently at the “exchange of information” stage, where investors are assessing the planned site, Bingcang said. He said this stage may last two to three months.

Initial site development for Pax Silica is expected to start in the first quarter of 2028.

Millora-Brown signs with Nagoya Dolphins in Japan B.League

Big man Quentin Millora-Brown is taking his talents to Nagoya, joining the Dolphins in the Japan B.League.

Millora-Brown has signed a contract with the Dolphins for the 2026-27 season, the team announced Friday.

‘I’m incredibly excited to join the Dolphins and become part of this organization. With the start of the new B.LEAGUE PREMIER era, I’m looking forward to fighting alongside my teammates and all of you to protect the legacy this club has built and add to it,’ Millora-Brown said in a statement.

‘I play hard every time I step on the court. My goal is to become the kind of player that opponents hate to play against, but teammates love to play with. Defense and setting screens are the two things I take the most pride in,’ he added.

The former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon played for the Chiba Jets earlier this year.

He played 19 games and averaged 3.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and an assist per game in 14.3 minutes per contest.

‘Thank you in advance for all your support. I can’t wait to get started!’

Reviving the movie theater experience

Tomorrow is a weekend already and not many will want to read another business story. As such, it is more topical to write about The Odyssey, the star-studded epic directed by Chris Nolan, that has led to a box-office hit and how movie theaters are enjoying a much needed boost in attendance.

Local movie theaters are finally enjoying a much needed revival after several years of low attendance, as most people shifted to streaming services when the COVID pandemic virtually shut down movie theaters for a year, and with a very slow and cautious return only in the past couple of years.

I have been able to monitor in the past two years the slow revival of movie theaters as part of my monitoring duties as a deputy of the Movies and Television Review and Classification Board upon the recommendation of my good friend Al Mendoza.

The MTRCB, under the leadership of chairperson Diorella ‘Lala’ Sotto-Antonio, has upgraded the regular strict monitoring of movies in local cinemas and theaters, with deputies now provided with a monitoring app that makes it easier to request for monitoring tickets and file their reports immediately and efficiently.

Local cinemas and theaters have undergone a big change over the years. Gone are the big theaters that could seat two hundred or more, and were segregated into three sections – with orchestra offering the base price, the more expensive premium loge area on the second floor, and the mid-price balcony at the back of the loge section. The loge had the best cushioned and most ideal view, while the balcony was at the steepest upper end of the then cavernous movie theaters.

I remember the glory days of movie theaters when it was common to have standing room viewings – imagine paying full price to watch a then ‘blockbuster’ while standing along the aisle at the orchestra level, or sitting on the steps of the balcony section.

Movie going was a big thing perhaps until the 1980s, with most enjoying well-made Filipino films and local movie stars experiencing the height of their careers. Unfortunately, Philippine cinema has been on a gradual decline and, at least for now, is basically stagnant.

Just this past month, the best-selling movie was a Korean zombie film, a couple of mid-budget American films, and one lone Filipino movie with young stars who I do not even know – highlighting the fact that Filipino actors nowadays can go virtually unnoticed.

Honestly, I know the names of more Korean actors and am more interested in watching them than local movies.

The last Filipino movie I watched was of Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales entitled ‘The Loved One.’ Their acting was okay, but the production value was definitely modest to almost low-budget, with a story line that could very well have been relegated for a regular TV drama and not a movie theater experience.

Movie-going has evolved from a flat-price, all-day repeat viewing, to a scheduled one-time viewing nowadays. Following the COVID pandemic, the movie theater experience has further evolved with the new sound-surround technology and improved movie production facilities.

Most movie theaters and cinemas have been renovated into smaller and better equipped facilities that provide more spacious and better padded, and even reclining chairs.

What I most complain about though is the high cost of popcorn. My God, movie theater snack bars make such a killing at the cost of popcorn, soda and a small bottle of water! Unfortunately, a big tub of popcorn is part of the movie theater experience.

Before the theater release of The Odyssey, it seemed that most movie theaters were operating at a loss, with perhaps only the middle section of the now smaller cinemas selling at most 50 seats or less per showing on weekends, and less than that on weekdays.

About two weeks ago, the most attendance I observed was the showing of Toy Story 5, to which several parents brought their young children to watch the animated movie.

However, The Odyssey, has brought back the true experience of theater viewing… the communal gasp and awe at the movie spectacle crafted by the director, stars and production team… and the enjoyment of a full-packed theater that you are excited to watch and experience with other people and not in the quiet confine of your own house.

I initially watched The Odyssey at the Ayala Malls Cinemas at Glorietta and I was pleasantly surprised that they have now renovated and upgraded their movie theater experience with a Dolby- Surround System, very well cushioned theater seats that offer partial recline, and clean comfort rooms.

However, I also have to commend the SM Cinemas for the good quality of their theaters and the vigilance of their staff and security in ensuring that proper ticketing and MTRCB monitoring protocols are observed.

With ticket prices now at around P300 to P350, although sometimes higher for movies, theaters definitely have to provide better seats and a more pleasant theater experience for a two-hour show — when a P600 a month subscription to a streaming service allows you to enjoy so much more, and often times better written and produced movies.

The Odyssey showing has returned the excitement and joy of going to the theater and eagerly waiting to enter the cinema to watch the movie.

It has also sparked renewed interest at better written movies that can pique the interest of the youth to read more literary works instead of relying on the mind-numbing slew of cartoon-based movies that do no offer much more than the computer graphic imagery or CGI for the enjoyment of the viewers.

It is time to bring back more thought and craft in movie making and make it worthwhile for the movie-going public and the high cost of a movie ticket.

Police committed to building modern, intelligence-driven service, says AIG Jimoh

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, yesterday said the Nigeria Police Force was committed to building a modern, intelligence-led and technology-driven service that earns public trust through fairness and professionalism.

Jimoh spoke at the decoration ceremony held for ten senior officers newly promoted within the zone, where he commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for approving their elevation.

He said four Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) were promoted and decorated as Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), while five Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) moved up to the rank of ACPs.

According to him, one Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), a medical practitioner, was also promoted to Superintendent of Police (SP) in line with recommendations by the Force and the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The AIG described the promotions as recognition of merit, competence and dedicated service, noting that they came at a difficult time for officers grappling with a demanding security environment and prolonged separation from their families.

He charged the newly promoted officers to lead with integrity and zero tolerance for misconduct, abuse of office or corruption, while pursuing a policing approach anchored on human rights and human dignity.

Jimoh urged the officers to see their new ranks as a call to greater responsibility rather than merely a reward for past service, adding that the current security climate demanded more from senior police leadership.

He congratulated the officers and their families for the sacrifices made along the way, and assured that such sacrifices would not be forgotten by the institution.

Among the decorated officers were DCPs Deborah Omoruan Benard,

Mary Ayim, Joseph Jaiyeoba and Lot Garba Lantoh, as well as ACPs Gafar Ajayi Adeyanju, Ajoke Risikat Akande, Olanrewaju Victor Kalejaiye Ellah Jeffrey and Chukwu Thomas.

ICYMI: Sara Duterte impeachment trial Week 3 highlights

The impeachment court this week granted the prosecution’s request to subpoena Vice President Sara Duterte’s bank, tax, and Anti-Money Laundering Council records while the House prosecution panel concluded its presentation of evidence on Article IV involving alleged grave threats.

The week also saw the prosecution’s final witness testify that Duterte’s controversial remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials constitute an active assassination plot, while lawmakers rejected the Office of the Vice President’s request for the Senate to shoulder the catering expenses of the defense team.

Key developments

July 20 (Day 7)

The Senate impeachment court granted the prosecution’s request to subpoena Duterte’s bank, tax and AMLC records, citing the precedent set during the 2012 impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The subpoenas cover accounts of Duterte, her husband Manases Carpio, their law partnership and 19 companies allegedly linked to them.

The court excluded foreign currency deposits and two companies it found were not sufficiently linked to Duterte.

Senate Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr. later confirmed that subpoenas were served on six banks, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the AMLC.

Senate impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol disclosed that the court had drafted the core of its ruling before the trial formally opened on July 6.

The defense said it was ‘shocked’ after Senate impeachment court spokesperson disclosed that much of the ruling had already been drafted before the trial formally opened on July 6, although it said it respected the court’s decision.

Defense lawyers maintained that the subpoenas should not be interpreted as proof of wrongdoing and vowed to challenge the evidence when presented.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag, the prosecution’s final witness for Article IV (grave threats), testified before the impeachment court.

Senate President Francis Escudero admonished and reminded Matibag to refrain from making public comments about senator-judges.

Matibag said the NBI now considers Duterte’s November 2024 statements as a serious, continuing assassination plot and a national security concern.

He testified that investigators have narrowed the search for the alleged hitman to fewer than 20 persons of interest.

During cross-examination, the defense questioned the basis of the NBI’s conclusions and the evidence linking Duterte to an actual assassination plan.

July 22 (Day 9)

The House prosecution panel formally rested its case on Article IV after concluding Matibag’s testimony.

Prosecutors argued Duterte’s public admission that she had spoken to someone about killing President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was sufficient to establish betrayal of public trust.

The prosecution also presented a 2011 video showing Duterte punching a sheriff in Davao and introduced the affidavit of self-confessed Davao Death Squad member Arturo Lascañas to establish what it described as a pattern of violence.

The defense, meanwhile, continued to challenge the prosecution’s theory, maintaining that the evidence failed to prove the existence of an actual assassination conspiracy.

During the week

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian rejected the Office of the Vice President’s request for the Senate to pay for the defense team’s food and catering expenses, citing budget constraints.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo said the Senate majority also opposed the request, warning it could draw scrutiny from the Commission on Audit.

House prosecutor Terry Ridon said granting the request could expose the Senate to possible procurement issues because the OVP wanted to use its own accredited caterer at Senate expense.

Sen. Robin Padilla questioned the prosecution’s role during the trial, drawing criticism from House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro and private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan, who maintained that prosecutors are duty-bound to advocate for the impeachment complaint.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo also urged senator-judges to avoid using the proceedings to air personal grievances.

Detained Sen. Rodante Marcoleta asked the impeachment court to allow his vote to be counted, citing a similar arrangement during the Estrada impeachment trial

Cebu City eyes EASL Future Champions Elite crown vs Macau

The king’s crown is within reach for the Philippines’ Queen City of the South.

Cebu City is headed to the championship round of the inaugural East Asia Super League (EASL) Future Champions Elite All-Star tournament after tallying a 2-1 win-loss record in the round-robin play Friday at the Kai Tak Sports Hall here.

Cebu City will be taking on Macau in the final. Both teams finished the round-robin phase with identical 2-1 slates.

The Philippine delegation started off the day with a 36-27 loss against Hong Kong A City Dragons, before they defeated Macau in a close one, 20-17.

‘The indoor environment threw off our precision and rhythm in the first game, but we’re adapting fast. We’re coming back even stronger in the next match!’ Kent Labitad said after the game.

And come back stronger, they did.

In the day’s final game, the Cebuanos turned a 9-7 lead against Hong Kong B Jungle Kings at the end of the first to a 23-9 lead in the second.

This was a lead they rode to the finish line, as they barged into the final with a 31-20 demolition of the Hong Kong B team.

‘Our performance was really good and the team played very well today,’ Brix Tristan Hernando said.

The team is made up of Hernando, Labitad, Domenic de Asis, Dwayne Rojo, Venz Nadela, Dereck Wenceslao, Kieffer Villarin, Duke Tadlas, Mc Dome de Asis and Ian Inocencio.

The finals is scheduled on Saturday at the same venue.

Police probe shooting that left Makati City village councilor wounded

The Southern Police District (SPD) said it was investigating a shooting incident in which a Makati City barangay councilor was left wounded.

The incident occurred on Thursday morning at the corner of Novaliches and Zapote Streets in Barangay Olympia, according to the SPD in a statement.

In her own statement, Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay identified the victim as John Yland ‘JY’ de Ocampo, councilor of Barangay Santa Cruz.

‘The police force is taking all necessary and aggressive measures to swiftly resolve this case, hunt down the perpetrator, and bring the full weight of the law upon them,’ the SPD stressed.

It noted that the case was now being handled by the Investigation and Detective Management Section of the Makati City Police Substation 1, which was now reviewing security footage to identify and track down the perpetrator.

‘We urgently call upon the community: anyone who witnessed this brazen crime, possesses dashcam recordings, or holds any vital information is implored to step forward and report immediately to the nearest police station,’ it further said.

‘Councilor de Ocampo is now in the care of a doctor,’ Binay said.

‘We express solidarity in prayer with him and his family. The city government immediately coordinated with them and we are ready to provide whatever assistance they may need,’ he added.

She further said the Makati City government was increasing police presence in Barangay Santa Cruz and surrounding areas as part of security measures while the investigation continues.

Neither the SPD nor Binay mentioned any possible motive behind the shooting.

Boards must become faster, more agile and globally focused: Leicester Vice-Chancellor

University of Leicester President and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nishan Canagarajah on Wednesday said boards must evolve beyond their traditional oversight role and become faster, more agile, and globally minded if organisations are to remain competitive in an increasingly uncertain world.

Delivering a keynote address on ‘Future-Ready Sri Lanka Boards: Leading Through Innovation, Talent, Technology and Global Competitiveness’ at the Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026, organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), Prof. Canagarajah said the pace of global change has fundamentally altered the way boards need to operate.

Reflecting on his appointment as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester in November 2019, just months before the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the experience highlighted the importance of understanding an organisation and responding rapidly to unforeseen disruptions.

Having spent his first four months visiting every academic department and professional services division to listen to staff, Prof. Canagarajah said the exercise provided invaluable insight that helped him lead the University when it was forced to close in March 2020.

“Boards can no longer assume they have the luxury of time to analyse every implication before acting. Change is happening far too quickly,” he said.

Stressing that organisations should not operate permanently in crisis mode, he opined that governance structures must be sufficiently agile to respond quickly while maintaining sound oversight and accountability.

Prof. Canagarajah said globalisation has transformed the operating environment for organisations across all sectors, making it essential for boards to look beyond domestic markets.

“Whether you’re in manufacturing, services, education, or any other sector, your organisation now operates within a global context,” he said.

He noted that while globalisation creates opportunities to attract international talent, it also increases competition for skilled professionals, requiring organisations to create environments that encourage talent to remain.

Drawing on recent visits to China, India, and Vietnam, he observed that many Asian economies are increasingly strengthening regional partnerships and building self-sustaining economic ecosystems rather than relying solely on traditional Western markets.

“Sri Lanka, too, should be thinking carefully about its place within this changing global landscape,” he said.

Prof. Canagarajah said the traditional emphasis on compliance, assurance, and risk management remains essential, but warned that excessive caution can limit an organisation’s ability to innovate and compete.

“Today’s environment requires boards to become more entrepreneurial, to encourage innovation, and give management sufficient space to take calculated risks,” he said.

He identified three defining characteristics of future-ready boards; the ability to respond quickly to change, a global outlook, and a willingness to embrace calculated risk.

In terms of board effectiveness, Prof. Canagarajah said organisations must ensure they have the right mix of skills, experience, and perspectives around the board table.

He insisted that diversity today extends beyond gender and should encompass diversity of thinking, professional backgrounds, and experiences.

Drawing on his experience working with venture capital firms, he said investors increasingly scrutinise the quality of leadership teams and governance structures before committing capital. “The right mix of skills, governance, and values often determines whether they choose to invest,” he noted.

Prof. Canagarajah also stressed the importance of flexible strategic planning in an unpredictable global environment.

Rather than relying on a single long-term strategy, he said organisations should prepare multiple scenarios to enable rapid responses to changing conditions.

He cited challenges faced by some UK universities that became heavily dependent on international student income, leaving them vulnerable when Government policies and global mobility patterns shifted after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Universities are now responding by establishing overseas campuses and expanding transnational education rather than relying solely on students travelling to the UK,” he added.

Prof. Canagarajah said strategy alone is insufficient without an organisational culture that encourages open debate and constructive challenge.

He questioned whether boards genuinely welcome dissenting views or whether hierarchical cultures discourage employees from raising concerns.

Citing Boeing as an example, he noted that concerns had been raised internationally about whether commercial priorities had, at times, outweighed safety considerations.

“Strong governance requires a culture where challenge is welcomed, not discouraged,” he said, adding that no single individual possesses all the answers.

He also called for regulators to strike an appropriate balance between compliance and innovation, pointing out that while regulation is essential, it should not prevent organisations from adapting to rapidly changing economic conditions.

Prof. Canagarajah said that future-ready organisations will be those capable of continuously adapting their governance, business models, and strategic direction as global conditions evolve.

2027: ZLP nominates Khalid Arewa as ‘youngest’ vice presidential candidate

Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has nominated its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Khalid Hassan Arewa, as the vice presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The party said Arewa will run alongside its presidential candidate, Chief Barrister Dan Nwanyanwu, describing the decision as part of its commitment to promoting youth inclusion in governance.

In a statement, the ZLP described Arewa as the youngest vice presidential running mate in the country, saying his nomination reflects the party’s determination to provide vibrant and impactful leadership.

According to the party, Arewa is a public administrator, entrepreneur, community development expert and youth leader from Bauchi State with a track record in grassroots mobilisation and public service.

The statement noted that he was among the youngest governorship candidates in the 2023 general election, having contested the Bauchi State governorship election on the platform of the Zenith Labour Party.

It added that his political career has been driven by advocacy for youth empowerment, education, good governance and sustainable development, particularly across Northern Nigeria.

The party said Arewa has experience in governance, campaign strategy, public administration, policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement, as well as community development, project management, donor liaison and youth-focused programmes.

It also highlighted his role in mobilising young people and other stakeholders across the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State to promote issue-based politics during the 2023 electioneering campaign.

According to the statement, Arewa championed a people-centred manifesto that prioritised youth employment, education, healthcare and infrastructure while remaining actively involved in party building at the ward, local government and state levels.

The ZLP further stated that Arewa has mentored young leaders and aspiring politicians in Bauchi State, advocating greater youth participation in politics, transparency and accountable governance.

The party expressed confidence that his nomination would strengthen its campaign ahead of the 2027 general election and reinforce its vision of giving young Nigerians a greater role in the country’s leadership.