Asianet Pakistan Private Limited
SOURCED FROM CURRENT NEWSPAPERS AND JOURNALS
West Indies trail India by 18 runs in their second innings after reaching 252 for three at lunch on the fourth day of the second Test here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.
Scores
INDIA 518-5 dec’d.
WEST INDIES 248 and 252-3 in 78 overs (John Campbell 115, Shai Hope 92 not out, Roston Chase 23 not out, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 10).
There is a significant rise in anti-administration sentiment, driven by declining confidence in national leadership, governance, and the economy, the PAHAYAG 2025 Third Quarter (PQ3-2025) survey revealed.
Anti-administration sentiment from voters has surged to 43 percent in the third quarter of 2025 from 27 percent in the same period in 2024.
Likewise, as the country heads into Q4 2025, negative sentiment about the country’s leadership direction has risen to 70 percent from 58 percent in the previous quarter-the highest in four years.
Notably, the PQ3-2025, an independent, non-commissioned nationwide purposive sampling survey conducted from September 27 to 30, 2025, also showed that only 2 in 10 voters express optimism and hope, while another 2 in 10 feel either hopelessness or anger, reflecting growing disillusionment among the public.
Meanwhile, support for the Marcos administration declines sharply from 30 percent to 18 percent over the same period.
The rise in anti-administration views is strongest in the Visayas (53 percent) and Mindanao (52 percent)-traditionally Duterte strongholds.
As for North-Central Luzon, it showed that 25 percent sustains much of the remaining pro-administration sentiment, and South Luzon with 46 percent voters are increasingly neutral, split between support and opposition.
In contrast, pro-opposition sentiment remains steady at 25 percent, but anti-opposition views rises from 25 percent to 29 percent, while neutrality toward the opposition drops from 51 percent to 46 percent.
On the other hand, Filipinos’ views of the country’s current condition have deteriorated, with the share describing it as ‘weak’ (35 percent to 45 percent), while those calling it ‘strong’ decline (30 percent to 27 percent).
Similarly, those who believe the country is moving in the wrong direction jumps from 30 percent to 43 percent, while those who believe on the right track have declined from 40 percent to 33 percent.
The same survey showed optimism about the national economy also dropped markedly-from 43 percent to 34 percent-as those expecting economic conditions to worsen grow (28 percent to 40 percent).
Confidence in household financial prospects also decreased slightly from 53 percent to 50 percent, with pessimism inching up 17 percent to 19 percent.
Optimism regarding the country’s state has decreased, particularly in North-Central Luzon and South Luzon. Similarly, confidence in the nation’s direction and economic outlook has declined across all regions. However, household financial outlooks have remained relatively stable, with only South Luzon and the Visayas experiencing a downturn.
The survey comprises 1,500 respondents who are registered Filipino voters, randomly selected from the market research panel of PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with global operations and a regional office in Singapore.
The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago says as a mature energy producer, Trinidad and Tobago cannot afford to believe that investors have no other options, as it reported that over the last 20 years, the revenue received from the energy sector has seen significant annual fluctuations.
The Energy Chamber said that even within major oil and gas companies, Trinidad and Tobago must justify their capital projects, so the fiscal environment needs to be attractive and encouraging.
‘In today’s energy industry, there are newer and more exciting jurisdictions for energy development. This means that Trinidad and Tobago has to do more to encourage the flow of capital to the country, since the risk and returns may be better elsewhere.’
Table courtesy Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago)
The Energy Chamber said that as the country prepares to hear the national budget later on Monday, ‘there are a few things that urgently need to be addressed: the supplemental petroleum tax, accelerating capital allowances, and reducing the amount of VAT (value added tax) refunds owed to the energy sector’.
It said that these are critical pain points that companies continually raise in reviews of the fiscal environment, and they have not been fully addressed to date.
The Energy Chamber said that while there has been fluctuation in the revenue from the energy sector over the past two decades, the general pattern has been that revenue received over the last 10 years was TT$147 billion dollars (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) has been considerably less than the revenue received during the previous decade of TT236 billion dollars.
The chamber said that there are two critical factors that affect the revenue earned from the sector.
It said the first is the price of the commodities and that it must always be remembered that the price of the energy products produced in the country is not set domestically and is set by external factors, largely driven by demand and supply.
‘Trinidad and Tobago by itself cannot influence the price of oil, natural gas, or LNG,’ the Energy Chamber said, noting that in previous statements it had shared how the prices for natural gas and LNG are derived and that these are largely driven by foreign traded markets.
‘This is important to note, since these external factors play a major role in the price received for the different commodities, which therefore impacts the revenue earned by the central government. When prices are high, logically the revenue earned will be higher than when prices are low.’
The Energy Chamber said that in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, prices of LNG and natural gas increased significantly because Europe tried to stop buying Russian pipeline gas and bought gas from elsewhere, including LNG from Trinidad.
‘This greatly shifted energy dynamics in the region, resulting in rising prices, which benefited countries like rinidad and Tobago, which supplied some of that demand.
‘Conversely, during a low-price period, such as in 2020, the world reduced demand for fuels because there were restrictions on the movement of people due to COVID-19. This resulted in low demand and, therefore, low prices. Trinidad and Tobago was not immune to these effects and consequently saw a substantial drop in revenue that year.’
The Energy Chamber said that while price is a major component, it works hand in hand with the volume of the products being produced.
It said the second ‘critical’ issue affecting revenue is the domestic production, noting that over time, the production of oil and gas from Trinidad and Tobago has fallen dramatically.
‘In the early 2000s, energy revenues would have risen sharply due to the increasing production of natural gas. However, the production of natural gas in 2025 is now almost half of what was produced in 2014. This is a major hurdle in terms of revenue.
‘This means that even when prices are high, the production is much less, so the potential boost in revenue is not fully realized. It also means that when prices are low, the effects are felt more severely since less would be earned on lower production.’
The Energy Chamber said that the fall in upstream production also means there is less production in the downstream sector for LNG, methanol, and ammonia, adding that ‘these three commodities play a large role in the country’s ability to earn foreign exchange through their export.
‘It is important to note that while prices are not within the control of the government, there are ways for the government to impact production. This means creating the environment to encourage investment in the energy sector,’ it added.
CLYDE MONDILLA and Reymon Jaraula know it will take far more than familiarity with the course for either of them to again dominate the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Del Monte Championship.
The homegrown aces finished 1-2 the last time the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) visited the mountain-top layout in Bukidnon in 2023 and heading into the P3.5 million event, which fires off Tuesday, both are tempering expectations with a blend of caution, confidence and competitive hunger.
‘I’m comfortable with the course which I play often, but you can’t underestimate Del Monte,’ said Mondilla, who made a thrilling comeback two years ago with a pair of eagles on Day 1 and three closing birdies in the final round to edge Jaraula by one.
Now gunning to defend his crown, the former Philippine Open champion knows that course knowledge is only part of the equation.
‘Each round would be different, you get to learn everyday,’ he said. ‘So I make sure I’m focused each time and respect the course.’
If Mondilla is taking it methodically, Jaraula enters with quiet confidence to flip the script.
‘I’m familiar with this course and hopefully use this to my advantage,’ said the three-time PGT winner whose local roots remain a strong motivational anchor.
They are eager to put on a show at home especially after contrasting finishes in the previous leg at Marapara-Mondilla rallying late to tie for second and Jaraula settling for a share of 18th place.
But even with their intimate knowledge of Del Monte, the field is anything but predictable.
Veteran Frankie Miñoza, a living legend and Del Monte icon, returns to action after a long layoff.
Although well-versed in every inch of the course, Miñoza, too, understands that success hinges as much on form and mental fortitude as it does on familiarity.
Challenging the homegrown talents is a loaded field that includes red-hot contenders, decorated champions, rising stars and a wave of foreign threats.
Leading the charge is Keanu Jahns, who has strung together an impressive PGT run-winning twice and placing runner-up twice in six starts.
Although his three-peat hopes were derailed by Rupert Zaragosa at Marapara, the big-hitting Filipino-German remains a prime threat.
‘Same as always, take it one shot at a time and stick to my routine,’ said Jahns of his game plan. ‘Del Monte’s tighter layout may favor accuracy more than length, so I’ll adapt accordingly during the practice round.’
Zaragosa, the crafty and confident shotmaker who thrives on tree-lined courses, is another player to watch-he’s fresh off a dominant win at Marapara he sees similarities in Del Monte’s setup, a scenario he hopes to exploit.
‘My game thrives in tree-lined courses,’ Zaragosa said. ‘To win again, I need to stay committed to my process, trust my instincts and the results will follow.’
Veteran campaigners Tony Lascuña and Jhonnel Ababa, both eager to hit their stride before the final two legs of the P10.5 million Mindanao swing in Davao, are poised to strike.
Forest Hills winner Guido van der Valk, Zanieboy Gialon, Michael Bibat, Ira Alido and Nilo Salahog round out a formidable local cast.
Young guns Ryan Monsalve, Russell Bautista, Kristoffer Arevalo, Elee Bisera and John Michael Uy are also looking to make a breakthrough.
The foreign challenge is equally potent-American Collin Wheeler and a formidable Korean contingent composed of Jisung Cheon, Tae Soo Kim, Jaehyun Jung and Taewon Ha and along with Japanese standout Atsushi Ueda are all primed to spoil the locals’ homecoming.
THE recent series of earthquakes recorded across the Philippines was not caused by manmade activity or foreign research programs, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) clarified.
Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said no human-made technology exists that can release the same level of energy produced by an earthquake, addressing circulating claims that the tremors were linked to the High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) in Alaska.
‘There is no human-made thing that can match the energy released when an earthquake occurs,’ Solidum said in Filipino during a media forum on Monday.
‘The earthquakes are very deep, originating kilometers away.so it’s difficult to speculate that the earthquakes that occurred in the Philippines are manmade,’ he added.
He explained that a magnitude 6 earthquake releases energy equivalent to that of a Hiroshima atomic bomb, making it scientifically implausible for any existing human technology to trigger such events.
The HAARP facility, often cited in online rumors, is a scientific research center in Alaska that studies the ionosphere-an area of the Earth’s upper atmosphere that is exposed to cosmic and solar radiation-and its effects on radio communications. Solidum emphasized that it cannot cause seismic activity.
‘For example, the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Davao Oriental was located about 20 kilometers below the surface,’ he said. ‘It is impossible for any instrument to influence such a deep portion of the Earth’s crust.’
The statement followed consecutive earthquakes that shook various parts of the country recently.
On October 10, twin quakes struck Davao Oriental, recording magnitudes of 7.3 and 6.8 near Manay town. The following day, tremors were also reported in Isabela, Zambales and Surigao del Sur.
A separate quake occurred in La Union on October 9, while a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit off Bogo City in Cebu on September 30.
Solidum reiterated that these events were the result of tectonic activity along active faults and trenches that run across the Philippine archipelago.
The country, located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent earthquakes due to its complex network of geological faults.
He urged the public to rely on verified information from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), rather than unverified online claims, to ensure accurate understanding and preparedness.
Preparing for ‘The Big One’
Solidum also took the opportunity to remind Filipinos about the importance of earthquake preparedness, clarifying misconceptions about ‘The Big One.’
‘Earthquake scenarios are not predictions,’ he said in Filipino. ‘They are estimates of the possible damage or loss of life if we do nothing, based on the state of our homes, buildings and preparedness.’
‘The Big One’ refers to a hypothetical large-magnitude earthquake that could occur along the West Valley Fault, which runs through the eastern portion of Metro Manila. Historical records show that the fault experiences major movements every 400 to 600 years.
The science chief, however, clarified that ‘The Big One’ concept applies differently across regions.
‘Every place in the Philippines-region, province, town, or city-has its own ‘big one. The scenario is different in Davao Oriental, different in Cebu, different in Metro Manila, different in Iloilo,’ he explained.
Further, there is a need for continuous preparedness measures, including structural assessments, community drills, and public education, to minimize casualties and damage in future seismic events, he said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) continues to issue bulletins and monitor the country’s major faults and trenches through its seismic stations and early warning systems.
PLDT”s Dell Palomata and Kim Kianna Dy are a brick wall of a defense to foil Bella Belen in her official league debut for Capital1 and the High Speed Hitters go on to notch 25-22, 25-20, 25-23 victory on Monday in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
DEMONETIZING high-value banknotes to stave off corrupt practices would do more harm than good by inconveniencing ordinary Filipinos, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr.
In a chat with reporters on Monday, Remolona said the proposal to demonetize, or to officially halt the circulation of banknotes, such as the P500 and P1,000 bills, is ‘tantalizing’ but is not so simple.
‘To me, it’s like, you know the saying: ‘you cut off your nose just to spite your face’? You’re doing more damage than [provide benefits],’ Remolona said.
Citing his global experience, particularly working for the New York Federal Reserve, where officials debated removing the $100 bill, Remolona said the idea, while motivated by anti-corruption concerns, would not effectively deter illicit activities.
The central bank governor said while the C-note is the preferred denomination by drug dealers to move money around, it’s also often used by regular citizens.
‘Just to slow down a little bit what drug dealers do, you’re going to make it very difficult for many Americans. So it’s not that easy, the issue [of demonetization],’ Remolona said, adding that the plan was eventually abandoned.
He said that in the Philippines, the P1,000 bill is heavily used in daily transactions.
‘For a small inconvenience for.corrupt contractors, you’re going to make life hard for many people.’
Meanwhile, Remolona noted that the BSP’s latest directive to financial institutions to limit large cash withdrawals to P500,000 per day has been ‘very effective so far.’
According to that directive, withdrawals of more than P500,000 must be made through check payment, fund transfer, direct credit to deposit accounts, and/or other forms using the digital payment platform of a bank or financial institution.
‘There are complaints and we’re listening to those complaints. But for now, I think it’s a good measure,’ Remolona said.
Moreover, the circular mandates banks to submit Covered Transaction Reports (CTRs) for cash or non-cash dealings worth P500,000 or more, and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) for cases that appear inconsistent with a person’s income or usual activity.
‘It’s easier for us to connect the dots. Essentially, you use that to connect one bank account, many bank accounts to one, or one bank account to many,’ Remolona said.
Banks have welcomed the new withdrawal limit, as it allows them to justify stricter screening measures for clients.
‘They love it,’ the BSP chief told reporters. ‘They’ve always been suspicious of some transactions, but couldn’t refuse them before. Now they can say, ‘BSP yan eh,’ and it makes their life easier.’
Moreover, Remolona said the central bank is working with the Anti-Money Laundering Council to analyze millions of STRs through a combination of human expertise and artificial intelligence (AI).
‘We’re looking for the right AI and data scientists to make full use of the STRs,’ he said noting that the number of suspicious transactions is ‘more overwhelming’ now compared to the ‘Bangladesh bank heist.’
The ‘overwhelming’ challenge tacks on factors that have truncated hopes for the local economy. The BSP now projects the country’s economic growth will likely be at the low end of the government’s targets at 5.5 percent this year and 6 percent next year and in 2027.
Remolona said this growth outlook was affected by governance concerns surrounding public infrastructure spending, which has weighed on business sentiment.
The BSP’s decision to reduce the key policy rate by 25-basis point to 4.75 percent came amid allegations of widespread misuse of flood-control funds that have fueled public anger and rattled markets.
The BSP’s move, which came as a surprise, was seen as an effort to cushion the economy from the potential slowdown in government spending as authorities scrutinize infrastructure projects.
Remolona noted that there were days when both the stock market declined and the peso depreciated at the same time, which signified that investors were leaving.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday said it secured awards for wellbeing and diversity by the Investors in People (IiP) Philippines,
The SEC was named the winner for the award for Wellbeing and runner-up for the award for Diversity and during the IiP Awards 2025.
‘At the SEC, we’ve always believed that our greatest strength lies in our people. They are at the heart of our progress, the trust we’ve earned, and the reforms we’ve led,’ SEC Commissioner Javey Paul D. Francisco said during the awards ceremony.
‘Integrity, service, and accountability live through them every day. And because they are also the future of the SEC and of the capital markets we are building, we are committed to helping them grow and realize their full potential.’
Held under the theme ‘Inspire to Excel,’ the IiP Awards gathered leaders from the IiP community to showcase people-centered practices and how the IiP standard-setting framework continues to shape organizational growth.
‘Once a year, we gather together as a community with guests to be able to celebrate excellence. That’s the reason why we have adopted the theme for tonight, the phrase ‘Inspire to Excel’,’ IiP Philippines CEO Gerry A. Plana said.
The SEC has been consistently recognized by the IiP Philippines for ’employing best practices in promoting the welfare of its employees through engagement, communication, and organizational culture.’
In 2023, the SEC received the Standard Accreditation, making it the first agency in the government financial sector and the third national government agency to receive the international recognition for people management.
Last year, the SEC was recognized both locally and internationally, through a Special Citation for People Investor of the Year from IiP Philippines and the Overseas Employer of the Year Award from IiP International.
Most recently, the SEC achieved the Silver Accreditation, becoming the first national government agency in the financial sector to receive such designation.
‘The Commission’s participation in the IiP Philippines Awards underscores its belief that empowering people is central to building a stronger institution and to advancing the integrity and resilience of the Philippine capital market,’ Francisco said.
MALAYAN Insurance Co. credited its ‘synergy’ within the Yuchengco Group of Co., advanced analytics tools and strong underwriting capabilities as the drivers of its ‘consistent’ top performance over the past two years.
As of December last year, Malayan’s net premiums written increased to P5.36 billion from the previous year’s P4.78 billion. While gross premiums written slightly dipped to P15.07 billion from P15.4 billion, the company retains its high ranking for two years in a row.
Malayan Insurance Chief Underwriting Officer Adelo A. Abeleda said last Monday that the company’s sustainable growth is ‘shaped by internal strengths and external market dynamics.’
‘Internally, Malayan benefits from strong underwriting and distribution capabilities, enhanced by its affiliation and synergy with YGC. With YGC’s deep market relationships, financial strength, and strategic guidance, Malayan is well-positioned to seize growth opportunities while managing risks effectively-a combination that has strengthened its standing in a competitive industry,’ Abeleda said.
‘Externally, Malayan benefits from the overall growth of the Philippine insurance industry and the country’s economic expansion, which drives demand for new insurance products,’ he added.
Malayan’s key performance indicators reflect sustained business growth in a highly competitive market.
‘The company’s rising NPW highlights its financial strength and ability to meet obligations. This growth suggests that the company is actively engaged in the market through proper selection and has the financial capability to manage a larger volume of policies, reinforcing its reliability and capacity to serve,’ Abeleda said.
The bottom line, Abeleda said the numbers aren’t just about size; it’s about stability.
‘And in an unpredictable world, that’s exactly what you want from your insurer.’
He said Malayan has been improving its underwriting profitability and risk evaluation by utilizing modern risk modeling platforms and risk assessment tools available in the market, including the innovative Moody’s RMS Risk Modeler which enables risk analysis of potential disasters.
Rising concerns over economic uncertainty, climate change and cybersecurity will continue to drive the demand for non-life insurance. On the other hand, tighter regulatory requirements and the need for advanced risk modeling tools will keep the market competitive.
‘For Malayan, the competitive edge will likely keep evolving around three pillars: data-driven underwriting, disciplined risk selection, and the strength of its partnerships. With continued investments in advanced analytics, technology, and talent, the company is well positioned to offer more tailored solutions, respond faster to client needs, and maintain a solid balance sheet-all of which are crucial in a rapidly changing environment,’ Abeleda said.
Founded in 1930, Malayan Insurance is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year.
FLORENCE BISERA prefers a path she’s always taken in past tournaments as she chases another crown in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Del Monte Championship that starts Tuesday.
‘I just want to maintain the game that made me win in the past-control my emotions, go pressure-free and enjoy the game,’ said Bisera as she shared the mindset that fueled her recent success in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT).
The rising Davaoeña star has quickly emerged as a formidable force, snatching the Negros Occidental crown from Korean standout Kim Seoyun before clinching an overseas breakthrough win in Thailand last month.
Those back-to-back triumphs boosted her confidence and sharpened her focus heading into the 54-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.
‘The wins make my confidence high, but I don’t pressure myself,’ she said. ‘I expect my approach and strategy to put me in a good position in the next three days.’
Bisera’s return to Del Monte carries added intrigue-she placed third the last time the tour visited the tricky par-72 layout in 2023, a tournament won by Daniella Uy.
Since then, she has taken major strides and earned a local breakthrough at South Pacific late last year and added the Match Play Championship at The Country Club to her resume.
But a stacked lineup stands in her way.
Leading the charge is Uy herself, along with this season’s LPGT leg winners Mafy Singson (Eagle Ridge) and Chanelle Avaricio (Forest Hills)-veterans Sarah Ababa and Chihiro Ikeda are also coming in battle-ready.
Also under the spotlight is Harmie Constantino, who, despite dominating the LPGT circuit last year with four victories, has yet to regain her groove this season, making her both a contender and a wildcard in this P1 million championship sponsored by ICTSI.
Korean rookie Tiffany Lee, who impressed with a strong pro debut at Splendido Taal in 2024, will also be aiming for redemption after a string of underwhelming finishes.
Local hopefuls Pamela Mariano, Velinda Castil and amateur Zero Plete are also determined to defend home turf, while Marvi Monsalve returns to LPGT play seeking a strong showing. Promising young gun Kayla Nocum, meanwhile, is eyeing a breakthrough performance to claim her first professional win.
Despite the field’s depth, all signs still point to Bisera as the player to beat.
After her Thailand win, she flew straight home to Davao to resume training and step up preparations for the three-leg Mindanao swing, which concludes at South Pacific Golf and Residential Estates-her home course.