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Inflation in the Philippines may have accelerated beyond 2 percent in September, driven by rising rice, fish and fuel costs, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said, though the central bank’s estimate showed that price growth was still likely to remain within its target range.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BSP predicted that the consumer price index may have settled between 1.5 and 2.3 percent last month.

This forecast suggested that the upcoming inflation number due on Oct. 7 may beat the 1.5-percent clip recorded in August Even so, the central bank expected price growth to stay within its 2 to 4 percent target range.

‘Upward price pressures for the month are likely to arise from higher prices of rice and fish. Elevated domestic fuel costs likewise contribute to upside price pressures for the month,’ the BSP said.

‘These pressures could be partially offset by the decline in vegetables and meat prices along with lower electricity rates,’ it added.

Policy steps

The stretch of subdued price gains could influence the central bank’s next policy steps.

Last August, the BSP trimmed its benchmark rate by a quarter point to 5 percent-a level Governor Eli Remolona Jr. described as ‘Goldilocks,’ neither too low to fuel inflation nor too high to choke economic growth. Market observers said the BSP’s easing cycle was close to running its course. But Remolona kept options open, signaling the Monetary Board could consider another reduction at its October or December meetings if demand shows signs of weakening.

Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong and Co., said inflation could remain below 2 percent for the rest of 2025, absent any major shocks.

‘For the remainder of the year, there is a chance inflation could edge higher with holiday demand, weather risks and movements in global oil prices,’ he added.

Eyes on next meeting

Aris Dacanay, economist at HSBC Global Investment Research, believed that the BSP may leave its policy rate unchanged at its Oct. 9 meeting, which would be a ‘tough call between a hawkish cut or a dovish hold.’

‘The only guidance provided by the BSP, so far, is that the central bank could lower interest rates in as early as October if there are signs that the economy is already losing momentum,’ Dacanay said in a commentary.

‘We think there is limited data to conclude with conviction that, indeed, the economy is slowing down. While consumer vehicle purchases are falling and government capital spending tightening, goods exports are still holding up,’ he added.

The Philippines may post a wider dollar deficit this year than earlier expected, as slowing global demand, weaker commodity prices and cooling domestic growth weigh on trade and tourism flows.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Friday that the country’s balance of payments (BOP) would likely swing to a $6.9-billion deficit in 2025, larger than its earlier $6.3-billion estimate.

The BOP, which tracks all foreign exchange inflows and outflows, has been largely negative this year. But it shifted to a surplus of $359 million in August, marking one of the few months when dollar inflows outpaced outflows.

Despite that reprieve, the central bank projected the overall position would stay in deficit through 2026, citing ‘sustained pressures on the current account.’ But the gap was forecast to narrow to $3.4 billion next year. Cushion

‘Infrastructure investments, potential trade diversion, and efforts to diversify export and import partners may help cushion external shocks,’ the BSP said.

‘However, structural constraints, such as logistical inefficiencies, skills mismatches, and elevated input costs, continue to weigh on export competitiveness,’ it added.

Fresh central bank estimates showed the current account balance-the broadest measure of trade because it includes investments-would post a deficit of $16.4 billion in 2025, equivalent to 3.3 percent of gross domestic product.

Broken down, goods exports were seen growing by 1 percent to $55.6 billion, while imports were seen rising by the same pace to $125.2 billion.

Services exports, meanwhile, would grow by 2 percent, a less optimistic outlook than the previous prediction of 6-percent growth. The downward revision was mainly due to slower growth of 1 percent seen for tourism receipts, from 10 percent before, amid ‘weakening inbound travel.’ Outsourcing outlook

The central bank retained its 5 percent growth outlook for outsourcing revenues but flagged risks from US ‘reshoring’ policies.

Overseas remittances are now projected to grow 3 percent, up slightly from an earlier 2.8 percent forecast, aided by strong labor demand abroad and steady use of formal transfer channels, even as a new US tax on remittances looms.

Fifty years after the iconic ‘Thrilla in Manila’ bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at Araneta Coliseum, another heavyweight clash unfolded at the Big Dome-this time on the hardcourt.

Lyceum and Mapua, two title contenders in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament, traded blows in an instant classic that mirrored the grit of that historic 1975 boxing match. But instead of 14 brutal rounds, the Cardinals and Pirates battled through 50 grueling minutes and two overtimes.

On Wednesday, it was Mapua-last season’s champion-that played the role of Ali, emerging victorious with a 90-89 win to open their title defense.

‘We expected this game to be tough because Lyceum came prepared. We’re the defending champs-everyone wants to beat us,’ said JC Recto, who led Mapua with 16 points and nine rebounds. ‘All we focused on in overtime was staying composed and ready.’

In a fitting twist, Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao was in attendance to witness the league’s season opener-a nod to the boxing heritage of the venue.

Final blow

Recto delivered the killer punches when it mattered most. With Lyceum up 80-77 in the first overtime, the forward powered through contact for an and-one to tie the game with 34.6 seconds left.

He wasn’t done. In the second extra period, with Mapua trailing 87-84, Recto again muscled his way inside to knot the score at 87-all with 1:09 remaining.

‘I just let my instincts take over,’ he said. ‘Clint (Escamis) wasn’t there, but that didn’t mean we should focus on who was missing. I just did what the coaches asked.’

Escamis fouled out in regulation and finished with eight points.

The final blow came from rookie guard Cyrus Cuenco, who split his free throws with 12 seconds left-enough to give Mapua the edge it needed.

Cuenco finished with 14 points, while Earl Sapasap and Yam Concepcion added 16 and 13, respectively.

Despite a 23-point explosion from Renz Villegas and a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double from Michael Versoza, Lyceum fell short in its opener.

Much has been said about women’s strength and resilience in the face of adversity, but women are also more prone to certain types of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and perinatal and post-partum depression.

The causes are varied, ranging from physiological to psychosocial and societal. Factors include poverty, abuse, trauma, and even the isolation that comes with caregiving responsibilities.

Social media plays a role, too, with unrealistic beauty standards and curated content that affect women and girls’ body image and personal satisfaction. Olivia Rodrigo’s song ‘Pretty Isn’t Pretty’ mirrors what it’s like for young women trying to conform to societal expectations pushed by the internet.

A 2025 study released in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology titled, ‘A Meta-analysis on Gender Differences in Prevalence Estimates of Mental Disorders following Exposure to Natural Hazards’ found that women were over 80 percent more likely to report post-traumatic stress, while over 50 percent were more likely to report major depression than men. As we live in a country reeling from a succession of tropical storms and floods, keeping women’s mental health in focus is vital in how households and communities recover and rebuild from natural disasters.

It is alarming to note that in September 2025 alone, there were two reports of women who attempted suicide by jumping off a bridge onto a busy highway. One incident was on an overpass along Edsa; the woman was saved just in time by an alert bystander. The second was on a bridge over the South Luzon Expressway. Motorists below held their breath as first responders swung into action, literally, on ropes to rescue her. I pray that they are getting the support they need.

Mental health is embedded in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 3: good health and well-being. However, there are still gaps that need to be addressed, such as the lack of access to support and the stigma that is a barrier to treatment.

Spark! Philippines recognizes the need to address these gaps, along with the unique challenges faced by women. There is a need to create gender-specific policies that consider women’s needs, including access to specialized care and support networks through workplace and community support.

It starts with awareness and education. This will ease the stigma that prevents people from accessing help. It will dispel misconceptions, such that a depressed person is just ‘sad,’ or that someone with anxiety is just ‘overreacting,’ and they are told to ‘get over it,’ and other well-meaning but misguided advice.

We cannot afford to lose more lives to the stigma that persists in our society about mental health issues. We have to start putting more interventions in place to reach those who are experiencing mental health challenges at different stages of their lives.

We held a three-part series of ‘Spark! Conversations Mental Health Talk Series,’ focusing on the topics of single working mothers and the structural disadvantages they tend to experience. These include financial insecurity and lack of social support, and the struggles of balancing what they can offer to others while also looking after their own needs.

Spark! Philippines takes the conversation online, using its platforms, like Facebook, to remind the public of the importance of mental health, promote breaking stigma, and encourage listening and compassion as acts of hope.

To ensure that even the most marginalized sectors in our society have awareness and access to mental health education, we conducted outreach activities at the Quezon City Female Jail and the Correctional Institution for Women that included motivational talks to persons deprived of liberty, aside from the distribution of food packs and hygiene kits.

Then, of course, we continue to build on our women’s empowerment initiatives. Spark! Philippines supports women’s empowerment as a cross-cutting concern that impacts equity, economic progress, and health, and works to create opportunities for women’s financial independence.

Roy Dahildahil from #MentalHealthPH emphasizes that societal support and government policies are vital for mental health advocacy. ‘Awareness is the first crucial step toward mental well-being,’ he states. It serves as a lifeline for those who feel alone, creating spaces for healing and recovery.

Let’s advocate for compassion and understanding regarding mental health. Together, we can foster an environment free from stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.

Start today by checking in with a woman in your life. A simple, sincere ‘Kumusta ka?’ could make all the difference.

The government has not yet made any contingency plan in the event that arrest warrants are issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Thursday.

‘We have yet to talk about it. I do not think they want to leave the country. We will cross the bridge when we get there,’ Remulla told reporters.

Remulla made the statement after former senator Antonio Trillanes IV revealed that arrests warrants against Senators Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa and Christopher ‘Bong’ Go may be issued early next year.

Trillanes recently returned to the country from The Hague after attending the 10th Seminar on Cooperation last September 16 to 18 at the ICC.

He is among the first to initiate the case for crimes against humanity against the former President.

The 80-year-old Duterte is currently in ICC custody after he was arrested in Manila last March on charges of crimes against humanity stemming from the brutal crackdown on illegal drugs.

The government said more than 6 000 people were killed in Duterte’s anti-drug war , though local and international human rights groups have a higher figure.

People of a certain age can still vividly recall the legendary bout between bitter rivals and boxing legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier that was held on Oct. 1, 1975, at Araneta Coliseum.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest fights of all time, the duel that saw Muhammad Ali coming out on top brought international attention to the Philippines and cemented The Big Dome’s legacy as a world-class venue Fifty years later, Araneta Coliseum remains one of Asia’s largest indoor arenas and one of the world’s largest clear span domes, with a maximum seating capacity of 20,000.

Since opening in 1960-a brainchild of Araneta Group visionary J. Amado Araneta-the coliseum has hosted various world-class events, from world-title boxing matches to international concerts and a whole slew of sporting events.

Thus, it is but right that Araneta City has been chosen as the centerpiece venue for the nationwide celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic Thrilla in Manila, a commemoration led by the Philippine Sports Commission. Araneta City will mark the special occasion by holding immersive exhibits in the Big Dome lobby and hosting live boxing exhibitions on Oct 29 featuring top fighters from around the world, in a bid to bring back the spirit of the original ‘Thrilla,’ the group said.

‘This year is really special for us,’ said Irene Jose, COO of Uniprom Inc., the entertainment arm of Araneta City. ‘The Smart Araneta Coliseum has been part of so many unforgettable stories, from legendary concerts to historic fights. We’re proud to be the venue where the Thrilla in Manila happened, and we’re honored to be at the heart of its 50th anniversary celebration.’ -Tina Arceo-Dumlao

McDo deals with Cebu quake

Updated on Oct. 2, 2025 at 8 a.m.

The 6.9-magnitude earthquake that devastated Cebu on Tuesday has led to the closure of a few of McDonald’s branches.

In a statement on Wednesday, the fast-food chain said McDonald’s Bogo sustained ‘major damage’ and remained closed, while other stores (JY Square, North Reclamation and Jones) had resumed operations after minor repairs.

The Il Corso branch remained safe and also opened its doors again after safety checks were conducted.

Only two stores – Bogo and Carcar – remained close as of Wednesday afternoon.

‘All other McDonald’s stores in Cebu are open and continue to serve customers and communities,’ the company said in a statement.

McDonald’s, which has 36 branches across Cebu, is also serving hot meals to frontliners and communities affected by the earthquake. -Meg J. Adonis There’s an imposter lurking among us, and it’s impersonating the operator of the local bourse-during a challenging time for the market at that!

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) on Tuesday issued a memorandum warning against a fraudulent website shown to be using the company’s name, logo and its officers to supposedly promote a trading platform.

According to PSE, thepseinc.com was also offering market analysis and investment guides, along with an investment portal that ‘lures people’ to create their own accounts.

Users are supposedly asked to provide their personal information and register for a subscription to a sham investment tool and other offerings.

‘We would like to inform the public that such a website is clearly fake and unauthorized by the PSE,’ it said.

For regular visitors of the actual PSE website-www.pse.com.ph-they can clearly see that it does not operate an investment portal nor does it solicit subscriptions.

Naturally, PSE also encouraged the public to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of anything they may see online that claim to be affiliated with the company.

CEBU CITY -The devastating Cebu earthquake that recently jolted parts of the province and neighboring localities has prompted the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant to cancel its preliminary competition that involved the swimsuit and evening gown events in favor of relief operations.

The crucial stage of the pageant was originally scheduled on Friday, Oct. 3, in Lapu-Lapu City. There, the delegates were to be judged in their swimming attire and evening wear, and score points that will help them clinch a semifinal spot.

‘Miss Asia Pacific International stands with Cebu after last night’s earthquake. The preliminary competition has been cancelled out of respect for those affected at this time, our focus is on compassion, safety, and solidarity,’ the pageant posted on social media on Wednesday evening, Oct. 1.

‘True transformation is found not only in pageantry, but in rising together through challenges with empathy, strength, and unity,’ the statement continued. Images posted on the pageant’s social media pages showed several delegates packing rice at a warehouse to be given to victims of the calamity.

On Tuesday evening, Sept. 30, on the delegates’ first day in the province, the pageant held its benefit gala night at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City. Just as the program was about to close, it was halted by a 6.9-magnitude earthquake with the epicenter traced to Bogo City.

Hours after the incident, the pageant issued a statement assuring the public that the delegates and members of the organization were ‘safe and secure.’

In a succeeding statement released Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 1, the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant said it was realigning the delegates’ activities ‘in a spirit of compassion and solidarity’ with the province of Cebu.

The international pageant said the delegates ‘will devote their time and influence’ to relief and fundraising events and initiatives, awareness and empowerment, and solidarity events and programs.

‘Through compassion, purpose, and action, Miss Asia Pacific International reaffirms its commitment to its international and local partners-to serve not only in times of celebration, but most importantly, in times of need,’ the statement said.

In the most recent statement on the cancelation of the preliminary competition, the organizers said, ‘we believe it would not be appropriate to hold a celebratory event at this time, as our focus must be on compassion, safety and solidarity.’

Another event that was cancelled was the scheduled press presentation on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 1, at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. The delegates instead volunteered to pack relief goods at the province’s warehouse.

Lawyer and beauty queen Eva Patalinjug-Lim, the pageant’s president, oversaw the delegates at the relief center. ‘I toured around when I arrived, I toured and asked the candidates how they are, and they said they had no sleep, just like me. But they’re still here because they want to help,’ she said.

‘This day was supposed to be their rest day. I intended it to be the rest day and canceled the press con because I wanted mental and physical rest for them,’ she added.

‘We just asked the candidates who are willing to volunteer, we’re not forcing anyone to do relief packing. But I’m really glad of the turnout because they volunteered from their heart. It’s not because they’re candidates, but because this is volunteer work, they listed their names to be here, so I’m thankful for the candidates,’ Patalinjug continued.

Bella Belen vows to show an improved version of herself when she finally makes her debut in the PVL Reinforced Conference starting Tuesday at Ynares Center Montalban.

‘I’d say I’m still the same Bella, but like, Bella 2.0. I’m more aggressive now because I know I’ll be up against more experienced, veteran players. I know I’ll learn a lot from them, but I also want to show what I can do,’ said Belen in Filipino. ‘I honestly love being challenged. No matter the league or the opponent, I just really try to prepare myself to perform, especially since it’s my first time playing in the PVL. There’s pressure as a rookie, but I try to take that pressure as a privilege. It just means I have the opportunity to prove what I can do for the team,’ she added. Belen emerged as a top player in the collegiate ranks, winning three UAAP MVPs and championships in the UAAP, and also steered Alas Pilipinas to a runner-up finish in the AVC Nations Cup and a pair of bronze medals in the SEA V-League.

But the 23-year-old Belen is raring to achieve more with the Solar Spikers, who reached the playoffs last year with Russian super scorer Marina Tushova. ‘I really want to do better than I did in the UAAP, even though I know PVL is on a different level. But I do have high expectations for myself,’ said Belen.’For the team, since we’re a young group, I really believe we can compete and even make it to the finals. We just have to take it one game at a time.’

Belen will be leading a young squad under her Alas coach Jorge Souza De Brito, who will also bank on Ukrainian Oleksandra Bytsenko, Roma Mae Doromal, Pia Abbu, Shola Alvarez, and Iris Tolenada.

‘It wasn’t too hard for me to adjust. It’s a new system and a new team. But so far, we’re really getting along well,’ she said. ‘I’m excited to see how our team performs this conference. If you look at us one by one, I believe we can keep up with other teams. We just need to work three times harder to reach our goals.’

Lights, camera, action. Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl,’ arrives Oct. 3. Are you ready for it?

Swift announced her latest era back in August, when she began teasing the release.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of its drop date: how to stream, which variants exist, and of course, how the album came together. Enjoy the show!

How to listen to Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’

‘The Life of a Showgirl’ will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Fans can pre-save the album ahead of its release on Oct. 3. Pre-saving ensures the new music automatically appears in a fan’s library the moment it is available. It is also a way for an artist to promote streams ahead of the drop date.

On Monday, Sept. 29, Spotify announced that Swift’s album surpassed five million pre-saves on their platform to become the most pre-saved album in its history. The previous title holder? Her 2024 album ‘The Tortured Poets Department.’

In addition to the many streaming options, there will also be a digital-download variant of ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ available via iTunes, featuring a new cover image and a nearly three-minute ‘exclusive video from Taylor herself detailing inspirations behind the album’ labeled ‘A Look Behind the Curtain.’

What physical variants are there?

Target is once again a major partner with Swift. Their stores will carry three CD variants, titled as ‘It’s Frightening,’ ‘It’s Rapturous’ and ‘It’s Beautiful’ editions. There is also an exclusive vinyl release, ‘The Crowd Is Your King’ edition in ‘summertime spritz pink shimmer vinyl.’ Many Target locations will remain open past midnight on the day of release for superfans to pick up in real time.

There are a number of other vinyl variants as well: ‘The Tiny Bubble in Champagne Collection,’ which features two vinyl variants described as ‘under bright lights pearlescent vinyl’ and ‘red lipstick and lace transparent vinyl.’

There is also ‘The Baby That’s Show Business Collection,’ in two colorways: ‘lovely bouquet golden vinyl’ and ‘lakeside beach blue sparkle vinyl.’

Then there’s ‘The Shiny Bug Collection’ in ‘violet shimmer marbled vinyl’ and ‘wintergreen and onyx marbled vinyl.’

And of course, there is the standard LP and cassette, in ‘sweat and vanilla perfume Portofino orange vinyl.’

Artwork varies throughout.

What do we know about the album so far?

Swift partially announced her 12-track new album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ on the ‘New Heights’ podcast hosted by Travis Kelce – Swift’s fiance and Kansas City Chiefs tight end – and his brother, Jason Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles center.

In the full episode, Swift revealed she worked on the album in Sweden while she was on the ‘Eras Tour’ – flying between dates to record, truly embodying the album’s title, ‘The Life of a Showgirl.’ The entire album was completed with producers Max Martin and Shellback, who Swift previously collaborated with on 2012’s ‘Red,’ 2014’s ‘1989’ and 2017’s ‘Reputation.’ Her frequent producing partner Jack Antonoff was not mentioned.

She described the release as full of ‘bangers.’ ‘I care about this record more than I can even overstate,’ she said, agreeing with Travis Kelce when he described the release as ‘a lot more upbeat’ than 2024’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department.’

As Congress finishes deliberations on the 2026 budget, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste is proposing that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) cancel or re-price P1.6 trillion of ongoing and upcoming projects to save P400 billion or over P1 billion per day so the government can fund its priority health and education programs.

Leviste’s suggestion arises as DPWH Regional Office IV-A has terminated a P95.99 million flood control contract in Lemery, Batangas that was awarded to Omnicon Builders in June 9, 2025. DPWH Regional Director Jovel Mendoza wrote that the contract ‘is hereby terminated due to change in government policy on the implementation of flood control-related projects,’ and said the contractor would not be paid since it was only recently awarded and the budget could be used for other projects. In August, Leviste and the Lemery local government unit (LGU) questioned the fact the project had no coordination with the LGU, had no building permit, and was not aligned with Lemery LGU’s flood control master plan. Leviste and Lemery LGU found that certain of the project’s sheet piles that were supposed to be 12 meters measured only 6 meters. After this audit, the sheet piles were transported away from the site and the contractor abandoned the project.

The Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184) and DPWH contracts allow for ‘Termination for Convenience’ if the project has become ‘economically, financially, or technically impractical and/or unnecessary, such as, but not limited to, fortuitous event(s) or changes in law and national government policies,’ without any penalty to the government. DPWH contracts also allow for ‘Termination for Unlawful Acts’ if the contractor has committed unlawful acts including ‘corrupt, fraudulent, collusive and coercive practices; drawing up or using forged documents; using adulterated materials, means or methods, or engaging in production contrary to rules of sincere or the trade.’

Leviste points out that DPWH can invoke ‘Termination for Convenience’ as DPWH Regional Office IV-A did in the case of the Lemery flood control project, or ‘Termination for Unlawful Acts’, citing the testimony of former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo that ‘almost 100%’ of DPWH bids are rigged, and the testimony of former DPWH District Engineer Brice Hernandez that ‘all’ DPWH projects in his district need to be substandard because of 25-30% kickbacks that contractors pay to win rigged bids. Leviste has also previously advocated for DPWH to recompute the Detailed Unit Price Analysis (DUPA) to decrease the approved unit prices for future DPWH projects. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon has committed to reviewing the DUPA and has agreed that the DUPA can be decreased by ‘at least 10 percent,’ with others estimating that larger decreases are possible.

Citing the example of the Lemery flood control project, Leviste suggests that DPWH Secretary Dizon can invoke the applicable grounds for termination on the over P1 trillion of DPWH projects ongoing in 2025, and lower the DUPA for new projects including the over P600 billion of DPWH projects planned for 2026. Leviste estimates that if the government saves an average of 25%, the government could save P400 billion on P1.6 Trillion in projects.

Leviste said: ‘After all the hearings and protests against corruption in DPWH, we must remember there are over P1 trillion ongoing projects and another P600 billion in upcoming projects that DPWH can still do something about: use its grounds to terminate contracts, and lower the DUPA, to save P400 billion from P1.6 trillion in projects. DPWH is continuing to spend on overpriced projects every day, losing over P1 billion per day or P30 billion per month, and it is within DPWH’s power to stop these losses now.’