Author: user user

Del Monte Pacific Ltd. (DMPL) is planning to raise up to $600 million from the issuance of new shares in its Philippine business to address a shortage of capital related to its loss-making American unit.

In a regulatory filing on Tuesday, the Campos-led company said it was considering an equity raise through private placement at Del Monte Philippines Inc.

While it has yet to announce the final size of the offering, it is looking at raising between $500 million and $600 million from the share sale.

A private placement refers to the sale of securities to select investors, including institutional investors, instead of the general public.

DMPL’s planned equity raising is seen to help ‘reduce the group’s leverage and address the capital deficit resulting from the recent impairments relating to the US business,’ the company said in the published minutes of its annual general meeting.

DMPL currently has around $1.3 billion in debt, raising concerns that its equity has been ‘substantially eroded.’

Dilution

The firm also noted that share dilution would be expected as part of the planned equity raise, but DMPL would remain the majority shareholder in Del Monte Philippines.

DMPL said it had already evaluated ‘all available options’ to address its capital deficitand recapitalize its business.

DMPL is also considering disposing of some of its assets to reduce debt, and engaging its bankers to ‘explore options relating to the group’s various loans.’

‘These lender banks have been collaborative and the management team is working closely with them on the matter,’ it said.

DMPL has long been posting losses because of its US subsidiary, Del Monte Foods Holdings Ltd., which has already put up its assets for sale.

However, DMPL auditor Ernst and Young said it was not able to get enough evidence to review the ‘appropriateness’ of DMPL’s share in Del Monte Foods’ losses. -INQ

The image of Our Lady of Lourdes in Cabetican, Bacolor, Pampanga has finally been brought out for veneration after a few weeks of careful restoration.

Back in 2023, people, especially residents of the barangay where the image is revered, expressed regret after the over 100-year-old sculpture was taken out for encarna or repainting by an unknown artist.

While the encarna did not affect the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is venerated at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, or the Sunken Shrine of Cabetican, people lamented how the image was treated without considering its heritage.

As the Archdiocesan Committee on Church Heritage of Pampanga said on Friday, Oct. 3, the ‘well-loved image [.] has now been restored to how it should have been,’ pointing out the need to preserve the image’s historical integrity and spiritual significance.

Based on the website Pintakasi, the devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes in Cabetican started in 1906, when the image was brought by the people, carrying her on their shoulders while on board a native banca.

The church, which was buried by volcanic ash and subsequent lahar flows after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, is now led by its rector, Rev. Fr. Fernando David, while the image was restored by Capampangan artist Joseph Magcalas.

National University avoided a two-game losing streak after rallying past Adamson, 56-54, on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.

Coach Jeff Napa and company bounced back after a 66-59 loss to University of the Philippines last Saturday that ended their unbeaten start.

Jake Figueroa pushed the pace for NU with 17 points, three assists, two rebounds, three steals and two blocks in the win that sent the Bulldogs to a 4-1 record. ‘This (win) wasn’t on me. This is because of the players,’ coach Jeff Napa said.

‘I credit them. Our defense was nice. We couldn’t shoot. I tip my hats off to them, they gave it all. The players did this, not me,’ he added.

The Soaring Falcons led by as much as 11 points at the five-minute mark of the final period, 52-41.

The Bulldogs, however, answered with a. defensive and offensive masterclass, ending the game with a blazing 15-2 run to secure the victory.

Cedrick Manzano spearheaded Adamson, which dropped to 1-4, with 16 points and four rebounds, but to no avail.

As a devoted family, we cherish the tradition of dining out to commemorate milestones that punctuate our lives- birthdays, anniversaries, work achievements, or simply being together. These occasions are more than just meals; they are opportunities for connection, laughter, and creating cherished memories around a table. It is within this context that I wish to bring to light a growing sentiment shared by countless families like ours: the heartfelt desire to include every member of our family in these celebrations, especially our beloved fur babies- Wade (shih tzu), Stella (corgi), and Luna (pug).

Every time we prepare to step out for one of these celebratory meals, we are faced with the familiar, difficult decision of leaving our furry companions behind. They are not merely pets; they are integral parts of our household. To leave them at home, alone, while we partake in family festivities, feels incomplete.

This predicament frequently leads to a less-than-ideal dining experience. Our conversations might be punctuated by glances at the clock or a subconscious urge to rush through our meal, all driven by the underlying concern for our fur babies back home. The thought of them waiting, perhaps missing us, often cuts short the very leisurely enjoyment these special occasions are meant to provide, diminishing the overall experience we seek to create.

In response to this recurring challenge-our family has-like many others-adapted our approach to dining out. These days, before making any reservation or plans, our first step is to scour online reviews and websites, searching for restaurants that welcome pets. We hope to find establishments that understand and cater to our need to bring our fur babies along, allowing us to enjoy a truly inclusive family outing without worry or guilt.

However, the reality of this search is often disappointing. This cultural shift in how we perceive and integrate pets into our lives calls for a corresponding evolution within the hospitality industry. Just as families seek restaurants that cater to children, offer diverse menus, or provide specific ambiance, there is a growing segment of the population seeking venues that extend their welcome to all family members, including the four-legged ones.

It is with this earnest conviction that I wish to share the collective wishes of many pet lovers and extend a heartfelt call to restaurants. We implore you to consider becoming more accommodating to pets and provide a designated space within your premises where our fur babies can comfortably join us. This is not merely a request for convenience; it is a plea for inclusion and understanding.

While I understand that such a change presents logistical considerations regarding hygiene, comfort, and potential disruptions, these challenges are certainly surmountable. Many successful pet-friendly establishments around the world have demonstrated that, with proper management, designated spaces can seamlessly integrate pets into the dining experience without compromising the comfort or enjoyment of other patrons.

Let us work together to create dining experiences that truly embody the spirit of family, allowing us to make cherished memories with all our loved ones. Opening your doors to our fur babies would not just be accommodating; it would be a profound gesture of understanding and welcome that would resonate deeply with many.

In an era when technology buzzwords dominate policymaking, entrepreneur and digital technology advocate Ann Cuisia is taking a different route. Instead of pushing for more hype, she’s pushing for design – system design, to be precise.

Her latest proposal, called the National Budget in Action (NBA) Framework, isn’t just a policy blueprint. It’s a business story about how data transparency, when built with the discipline of digital infrastructure, can become an engine for trust, innovation, and even economic growth.

‘The goal of transparency is not achieved by naming a tool,’ Cuisia said in her new essay. ‘It is achieved by designing a system that guarantees access, accountability, and auditability regardless of the technology behind it.’

The business case for transparency Cuisia, who has spent years building fintech and blockchain projects in the Philippines, knows how data flows shape economic behavior. She argues that when public finance data becomes open, searchable, and verifiable, the private sector also benefits – from better risk assessments to cleaner supply chains and improved investor confidence.

Under the National Budget in Action Act, all government budget documents would be published through a single, unified online portal. From appropriations to disbursements, every transaction would be visualized, searchable, and downloadable. The system’s design is simple but powerful: transparency that can be audited, cross-referenced, and reused by anyone, from journalists to startups.

‘It’s transparency you can click, track, and trust,’ Cuisia explained. ‘When public data is structured well, it becomes fuel for innovation.’

Indeed, analysts have long noted that open data ecosystems – from Estonia’s e-Government model to Singapore’s Smart Nation portal – have led to thriving technology sectors and stronger investor sentiment. Cuisia believes the Philippines can achieve the same by building its own public-facing data infrastructure.

A multi-stakeholder safeguard What makes her framework stand out is redundancy. Instead of leaving all budget data in one government-controlled server, the NBA design allows for mirror websites hosted by NGOs, media outlets, and universities.

‘When transparency has redundancy, it becomes irreversible,’ she said. The idea borrows from cybersecurity principles: backup systems are not a luxury but a necessity. In this model, redundancy isn’t waste – it’s resilience.

Incentivizing accountability The framework also includes market-like incentives. A Transparency Rewards Fund would compensate journalists, civic data scientists, and whistleblowers who uncover verifiable misuse of funds. For Cuisia, this turns fiscal oversight into a participatory economy where integrity has measurable value.

‘This shifts transparency from passive disclosure to active participation,’ she said. ‘We’re not creating gatekeepers – we’re empowering watchdogs.’

Meanwhile, a National Budget Watch Council composed of civil society, government, and citizen representatives would oversee implementation and maintain data integrity.

Tech-neutral, innovation-friendly Despite her background in blockchain, Cuisia stresses that her proposal is technology-neutral. She believes laws should define outcomes, not platforms. ‘Let technology serve those goals, not define them,’ she noted.

That flexibility keeps the framework adaptive – allowing blockchain, AI, or any future tool to be layered into the system without legislative bottlenecks. For tech companies and startups, this means a fertile environment for solutions that enhance public-sector efficiency without the risk of being legislated out of relevance.

From criticism to construction Cuisia’s call to action goes beyond advocacy. It’s a design-thinking exercise applied to governance: if transparency is an asset, how do you build its infrastructure?

‘The first step was to reject prescriptive policymaking,’ she said. ‘The second step is to replace it with something better. Transparency as infrastructure – not as a slogan.’

By reframing transparency as both a governance principle and an innovation platform, Cuisia’s National Budget in Action vision sits at the intersection of public accountability and private-sector opportunity.

Her message to policymakers – and investors – is clear: when citizens can see where every peso goes, confidence grows. And in business, confidence is the currency that keeps economies moving.

‘Fiscal transparency isn’t just a moral imperative,’ Cuisia said. ‘It’s a market advantage.’

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Sens. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, and Joel Villanueva, ex-Sens. Bong Revilla and Nancy Binay, and several others.

Villanueva was not included in the first copy of the ICI’s ILBO request to the DOJ, but after an hour, the commission clarified that the senator was actually also covered.

Then, it sent an updated copy of the request order to the DOJ.

Aside from Romualdez, Escudero, Estrada, Villanueva, Revilla, and Binay, the following are also to be subject to the ILBO:

Commissioner Mario G. Lipana

Marilou Laurio-Lipana

Undersecretary Trygve L. Olaivar

Carlene Villa

Maynard Ngu

Rep. Roman Romulo

Rep. James ‘Jojo’ Ang

Rep. Patrick Michael ‘PM’ Vargas

Rep. Juan Carlos ‘Arjo’ Atayde

Rep. Nicanor ‘Nikki’ Briones

Rep. Marcelino ‘Marcy’ Teodoro

Rep. Florida ‘Rida’ Robes

Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona

Rep. Benjamin ‘Benjie’ Agarao

former Rep. Florencio Gabriel ‘Bem’ Noel

Rep. Leody ‘Ode’ Tarriela

Rep. Reynante ‘Reynan’ Arogancia

former Rep. Marvin Rillo

Rep. Teodorico ‘Teodoro’ Haresco, Jr.

Rep. Antonieta Eudela

Rep. Dean Assistio

Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar

District Engineer Loida Busa

Bogs Magalong

District Engineer. Ramon Devanadera

District Engineer Johnny Protesta, Jr.

District Engineer Arturo Gonzales Jr.

The request, dated October 8 and addressed to Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla, was signed by ICI chair Andres Reyes.

‘An initial investigation, with the cooperation of relevant coordinating agencies, on DPWH officials and key officers of certain construction companies, allegedly involved in ghost projects and/or substandard implementations of flood control projects, which is a matter under inquiry by the Commission, puts the subjects in a relevant position that operates to make him an inevitable personality during the fact-finding process,’ Reyes said in the letter.

The ICI chair likewise said the ILBO is necessary ‘to enable the Commission to proceed without delay and to hold those liable accountable to the Filipino people.’

Aside from the request for the issuance of the ILBO against these personalities, the ICI likewise asked that ‘the Bureau of Immigration be instructed to immediately inform the Commission and other law enforcement agencies of any information regarding the impending travel of the subjects.’

The ICI is currently conducting a series of hearings on its ongoing investigation into the alleged multibillion-peso anomalous flood control irregularities across the country. /apl

Residents of Mobo town in Masbate are still in need of aid after Typhoon Opong (international name: Bualoi) struck the province last week.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, Mayor Raymund Doni Salvacion said around 98 percent of the town’s 50,000 residents across 29 barangays were severely affected, with many losing their homes.

‘We are in the recovery stage, but we are in dire need of construction materials, particularly GI sheets, to rebuild their homes,’ Salvacion said.

He added that most residents are currently staying in tents serving as temporary shelters.

‘Power has not yet been restored in the municipality, and rechargeable or solar lamps would be a great help for affected residents,’ he said.

He said relief operations continue, but local officials say more assistance is needed, particularly for rebuilding efforts

An estimated 19.9 percent of Filipinos aged 15 years old and above used tobacco products in 2024, slightly lower than the previous 2022 estimate of 20.4 percent, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) global report.

Based on the study released on Monday, more males from the same age range (35.4 percent) were tobacco users compared to females last year, also lower than the previous estimate of 36.2 percent in 2022.

Only around 4.4 percent of women in the same age bracket were reported to be using tobacco products in 2024, compared to the estimated 4.5 percent in 2022.

These percentages translated into an estimated number of 16.299 million tobacco users in the Philippines last year, with around 14.553 million of them men and 1.745 million women.

In 2022, it was noted that there were 16.303 million tobacco users in the country, broken down into 14.600 million men and 1.703 million women.

The WHO study further said that in 2024, an estimated 17.5 percent of Filipinos 15 years old and above were found to be using cigarette products in particular. Of all Filipinos in that age bracket, males and females smoking cigarettes accounted for 31.4 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively.

The figures also pointed to a small decline in cigarette use, as 2022 estimates showed that 18.9 percent of Filipinos from the same age range were smoking cigarettes. Of all Filipinos in that age bracket, men and women using cigarettes accounted for 33.7 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively.

Globally, the number of tobacco users is also decreasing. The WHO pointed out that in 2024, the number of tobacco users worldwide was at 1.2 billion, lower than the 1.38 billion recorded in 2000.

Still deadly

‘The world is smoking less, but the tobacco epidemic is far from over,’ the WHO said in a news release on Monday. ‘Since 2010, the number of people using tobacco has dropped by 120 million – a 27-percent drop in relative terms.’

‘Yet, tobacco still hooks one in five adults worldwide, fueling millions of preventable deaths every year,’ it added.

According to the WHO, tobacco use accounts for 25 percent of all deaths due to cancer worldwide. It is the primary cause of lung cancer, with smokers up to 22 times more likely to develop the disease than nonsmokers in their lifetime.

Those who smoke also have a higher risk of developing diabetes, respiratory tract infections and periodontal disease, which affects the gums and destroys the jawbone, leading to tooth loss. They are more likely to experience gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease.

When it comes to the Philippines, the study noted that the country is ‘likely to achieve a decrease in prevalence’ of tobacco use, with the expected relative reduction from 2010 to 2025 estimated at 29 percent.

Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Garcia has assured the public that the Senate has already given its concurrence for the House of Representatives to extend its session until Monday, October 13, to pass and approve the proposed 2026 national budget.

In an ambush interview on Wednesday, Garcia – senior vice chairperson of the House committee on appropriations – said that there are no complications should the House continue with its session on Monday despite the calendar for the 20th Congress’s first regular session, stating that the session will adjourn by Oct. 11, Saturday.

‘There are no complications because there is a communication from the House to the Senate that we can extend the calendar days of the House to October 13, to approve the budget on the third reading. So that’s okay already,’ Garcia, speaking in Filipino, told reporters at the Batasang Pambansa complex.

‘As far as I know, yes,’ he added, when asked if the Senate had given its concurrence. ‘Because that is allowable up to three days before the adjournment, we can hold session. So that’s within the rules of the House and the Senate, calendar of both Houses.’

Garcia explained that previously, Congress was allowed to conduct sessions even up to the last Friday of the final session week, even if the House usually adjourns by Wednesday.

But after being reminded by reporters that such Fridays – like October 10 – are explicitly included as part of the regular session, Garcia said Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos and committee chairperson Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing made sure that what they will do is within the bounds of the rules.

‘They have made adjustments already. If you remember in the past, usually sessions end on a calendar day on a Wednesday, that’s the last day of the session. But we can hold sessions until Friday because the schedule allows a three-day extension,’ Garcia said.

‘They issued a communication, I believe. And I can double check later to make things clearer [.] Majority Leader Marcos and Chair Mika Suansing made sure that what we will be doing is within the rules,’ he added.

Extended plenary session

Last October 1, the House adopted House Resolution (HR) No. 320, which seeks to extend the plenary session up to October 13, 2025, so that it can approve the proposed P6.793 trillion national budget for 2026 on time.

Under the original schedule of the 20th Congress, the session would take a break on Oct. 4 – which means that the last session day would be October 3, or this coming Friday.

However, last Aug. 12, the House adopted House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) No. 4, which amends the legislative calendar for the 20th Congress’s first regular session – pushing the adjournment of session for the first break to October 11, 2025.

HCR No. 4 was filed by Majority Leader Marcos and Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan.

Marcos, on Aug. 13, confirmed that the House requested this extension, ensuring that the proposed 2026 national budget will be approved on time.

Marcos, in an ambush interview, said that without the extension, they might not be able to transmit the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) – or the House’s version of the budget as contained in House Bill (HB) No. 4058 – to the Senate if Congress sticks with the original October 4 break.

The Minority head said back that they hope to finish the House’s GAB and send it to the Senate on October 8 or 9.

‘Hopefully, by Oct. 9, 8, we will have finished all that needs to be done, and then we will transmit to the Senate on the last day, before adjournment on the 10th. This is the ideal situation na hindi tayo magkaroon ng problema (if we do not encounter any problem),’ he said. /mr

Okada Manila, the six-time Forbes 5-star integrated resort, powers up the Halloween season with a lineup of events and offers from October 7 to November 2, 2025. This year’s campaign, themed Heroes and Villains, promises unforgettable cosplay events, family adventures, and limited-time offers across dining, wellness, and stays.

At the heart of the celebration are two major events happening on October 25 and 26, 2025: on October 25, 2025, PLAY’s Halloween Takeover at Cove Manila (PHP 2,888 for Child Pass and PHP 688 for Adult Pass) transforms the iconic venue into a Halloween fantasyland with interactive game booths, and a fun trick-or-treat trail. Families can enjoy and entire day of entertainment, with exclusive cabana available for an elevated experience. Meanwhile on October 25 to 26, 2025, Cosmeet at Crystal Pavilion is a cosplay-meets-Halloween convention where heroes and villains collide, with fans showcasing never-before-seen costumes, joining competitions, and exploring immersive photo zones and booths.

The excitement continues across the resort’s dining venues through Feasts of Legends, a showcase of Halloween-inspired flavors available from October 21 to November 2. Guests can indulge in hauntingly playful cakes (starting at PHP 450) at The Pastry Shop and enjoy themed cocktails (starting at PHP 420) and mocktails (starting at PHP 250) across signature restaurants, each offering its own creative twist. From bold concoctions like the Tangerine Goblin at Red Spice to seasonal espresso blends (starting at PHP 220) at the Lobby Lounge, dining at Okada Manila turns into a multisensory Halloween celebration, with Medley Buffet adding to the festivities through a themed dessert station, specialty drinks, and a fun Trick-or-Treat activity for families to enjoy together.

Preparing for your Halloween party look? Guests can head to the Nail Art Studio at The Retreat Spa, where the exclusive Halloween Nail Inspiration collection offers limited-time nail art designs that add a festive, spooky-chic touch perfect for completing your party-ready style.

For adventure enthusiasts, Thrillscape presents the Zombie Escape challenge (starting at PHP 796), an adrenaline-pumping adventure where guests outwit the undead in exchange for exclusive prizes. Meanwhile, adding to the festive excitement are resort-wide promotions running from October 7 to November 2. At The PLAY Store, guests who spend a minimum of PHP 2,000 from October 31 to November 2 can take on the Swing and Score game for a chance to win prizes. Over at The Gift Boutique, shoppers who spend at least PHP 1,000 during the same period can enjoy the Treats for Your Picks promo with exclusive Halloween surprises.