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Love-struck woman learns ‘pilot’ boyfriend was AI creation

A 66-year-old woman from Lampang travelled to Chiang Mai in search of what she believed was true love with a pilot she had met online, only to discover he was an AI-generated character, police said on Thursday.

The incident came to light at about 8pm on Wednesday at Chiang Mai International Airport in Muang district, when airport security officers found the elderly woman at the terminal.

The woman, later identified as Ipo, 66, lives in Wang Nua district of Lampang and is a member of the Muser (Lahu) ethnic minority.

She told officers she had travelled to Chiang Mai to meet a man named Chai, whom she believed was a pilot based at the airport, said Pol Lt Col Nitiphat Bulmark, an inspector with Tourist Police Division 2.

When she showed them a picture of the man she was looking for, officers concluded that the image appeared to have been generated by AI and had been posted on Facebook.

Initial questioning found that Ms Ipo had travelled by bus from Wang Nua district to the Arcade bus terminal in Chiang Mai before taking a tuk-tuk to the airport to look for ‘Chai’.

Police found that she had become emotionally attached to a character after viewing social media content on Facebook. Communication with the woman was difficult because she mainly spoke her hill-tribe language and appeared confused.

Tourist police and rescue workers later managed to contact her son and inform him of the situation. Her family said they had not known she had left the area.

Officers provided her with food, drinking water and a blanket, while airport security staff arranged a safe temporary resting area for her inside the terminal.

On Thursday morning, tourist police accompanied Ms Ipo to the bus terminal, where they helped her to buy a ticket back to Wang Nua, where her son was waiting to take her home.

Enactment of anti-dynasty law remains priority, Speaker says

THE House of Representatives on Thursday said the enactment of an anti-political dynasty law remains a legislative priority, following the Supreme Court’s directive requiring Congress to fulfill its constitutional mandate to define and prohibit political dynasties.

House Speaker Faustino G. Dy III said that Congress is working toward passing a ‘reasonable and constitutional’ measure that would give effect to Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which provides for equal access to opportunities for public service and the prohibits political dynasties as ‘defined by law.’

‘A priority of the new Congress is to enact a fair and constitutional Anti-Political Dynasty Law as part of its duty to give effect to the policies and principles set forth by the Constitution and to advance reforms that expand equal opportunity, strengthen democratic participation, and promote good governance,’ Dy said in a statement.

He said the House had already acted on the matter before the Supreme Court issued its ruling, with House Bill 8389, or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, approved on third and final reading on June 3.

The measure received 267 affirmative votes, 20 negative votes, and seven abstentions. It was transmitted to the Senate on June 8 for further action.

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision dated August 26 and announced on Wednesday, ruled that Congress has a constitutional duty to enact an enabling law on political dynasties. The Court noted that the absence of such legislation for 39 years prevented the full implementation of the constitutional provision.

Under the House-approved bill, the prohibition would cover spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity under specific circumstances involving simultaneous or successive holding of elective positions.

The Senate is also considering its own version of the measure, Senate Bill 1901, which remains pending on second reading.

Dy said the proposed legislation should establish clear and fair guidelines that promote wider participation in public service while recognizing the electorate’s authority to choose their representatives.

‘Thirty-nine years after the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, Congress has a historic opportunity to give fuller legislative effect to a constitutional policy that has long awaited comprehensive implementation,’ he said.

‘The goal is to craft a law that promotes equal opportunity in public service, seeks to prevent the concentration of political power within a few families, and strengthens the accountability and integrity of our democratic institutions,’ he added.

The Speaker said the bill aims to prevent the concentration of political power among a limited number of families while strengthening accountability and democratic institutions.

The measure now awaits further deliberation as Congress works to define the scope and implementation of the constitutional prohibition on political dynasties.

Palace backs SC call

PRESIDENT Marcos has expressed support for the SC’s call for Congress to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Speaking to Palace reporters, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the anti-political dynasty bill remains one of the administration’s priority measures.

Castro stressed that Marcos wants the measure passed into law during his watch.

‘Alam na po natin na ito ang isa sa mga priority bills ng Pangulo. Talagang ito po ay pinapamadali niya at gusto niya hangga’t maaari sa panahon niya ay maipasa ang anti-political dynasty law [We already know that this is one of the President’s priority bills. He is really pushing for its passage, and he wants the anti-political dynasty law to be enacted, if possible, during his term],’ she said.

‘So, tama po na sang-ayon ang Pangulo sa desisyon ng Supreme Court na dapat ng magkaroon ng batas patungkol sa political dynasty [Yes, the President agrees with the Supreme Court’s decision that there should be a law on political dynasties],’ Castro added.

Asked whether the Palace is satisfied with the progress of the measure, particularly in the Senate, Castro said the timeline for its passage is in the hands of Congress.

She said lawmakers could not be blamed for the delay, acknowledging that they have many responsibilities and legislative priorities to attend to.

‘Ang nais lang ipaalam ng Pangulo ay gusto po niya itong maipasa [All that the President wants to make clear is that he wants it to be passed],’ Castro said.

She, however, noted that lawmakers are aware of the SC’s position and also want an anti-political dynasty law to be enacted.

‘Pero still, lumabas naman din po ang desisyon ng Supreme Court, alam din po nila, gusto din naman nila na magkaroon talaga ng anti-political dynasty law [But still, the Supreme Court’s decision has come out, and they are aware of it. They also want an anti-political dynasty law to be enacted],’ Castro said.

The SC has directed Congress to comply with its mandatory constitutional duty to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties ‘at the earliest opportunity.’

In its ruling issued on August 26, the SC emphasized that Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that ‘the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law,’ is not merely an aspiration but a constitutional command.

The SC stressed that Congress’ prolonged failure to pass such a law for 39 years constitutes grave abuse of discretion.

Youth ministry awards citizenship badges to 43 Premiere Academy students

The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), an agency under the ministry of youth development, has awarded citizenship badges to 43 final students of Premiere Academy, Abuja, in recognition of their leadership skills, character, and civic responsibility.

The students were awarded the prestigious badge of honour for distinguishing themselves during the just concluded course MS O62 Leadership Skills Programme organised by the centre.

Recipients of these badges are recognised as official ambassadors of the centre, charged with modeling good behaviour, integrity, and responsible citizenship in their schools, workplaces, and communities. Earning a badge demonstrates that a participant has successfully navigated physical and mental challenges, teamwork exercises, and survival or adventure modules that test endurance and problem-solving.

Rinsola Abiola, the director-general at CLTC, represented by Ebiwari Elehibiri, the director of training at the agency, applauded Premiere Academy for embracing the newly introduced Mobile Training Programme of the centre which has now replaced the traditional physical training programmes held at Shere Hills and the Apapa Sea School.

Abiola encouraged the students to regard the badges presented to them as symbols of honour, discipline, achievement, and responsibility. She explained that similar badges are awarded to deserving military and paramilitary personnel who distinguish themselves through exemplary service and commitment.

‘I urge you to wear the badges with pride and, more importantly, to let the values and lessons acquired during the training reflect in your conduct, leadership, and service to the society,’ she said.

Chris Akinsowon, Premiere Academy’s principal, while commending the students’ outstanding sense of discipline and good conduct during the training, noted that the programme directly reinforces the school’s three operational pillars namely, safe, strong, and set to lead.

Besides, he said it undescored management’s commitment to shaping character alongside academic achievement among the student community.

‘The two-week leadership training saw the students receive lectures on citizenship, leadership and responsibility, alongside sessions on self-expression, values and character development, skills-for life entrepreneurship training as well as the effects of drugs and substance abuse, all of which build the foundation for safety and strong personal discipline,’ he noted.

Akinsowon further emphasised that the training also consisted of practical and physically demanding components, including observation and scavenger hunt exercises, knotting, map work, an obstacle course, and gadget climbing, all aimed at building resilience, teamwork and confidence.

‘All of these are aimed at equipping the students with the discipline and leadership qualities the school seeks to instill in its products.

‘This initiative goes beyond academic excellence in the truest sense. It places students in a structured, disciplined environment led by trainers experienced in developing leadership under pressure, and it ties recognition directly to conduct,’ he said.

In addition, he said, ‘The school expects the programme to leave a lasting impression on the students’ character and sense of responsibility as they prepare to transition from secondary school into the next stage of life.’

Moreover, Akinsowon explained that the badges which are ordinarily reserved for outstanding military officers and para-military trainees were issued to the students both as a mark of achievement and as a salute to their disciplined conduct throughout the training.

‘This gesture preserves the significance and prestige of the badge while giving the students a tangible, earned symbol of the discipline and leadership qualities that are the hallmark of the exercise,’ he explained.

The course, themed ‘Future-Ready Teen Leaders: Building Character, Competence and Capacity for Effective Leadership and Responsible Citizenship,’ focused on equipping the participants with the character, competence, confidence, and leadership capacity required to become responsible and impactful citizens.

CLTC is an institution under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development that provides informal, experiential leadership and citizenship education.

It is largely responsible for training military and paramilitary officers on discipline and leadership and uses adventure and outdoor training to build character, strategic thinking, resilience, and teamwork among trainees with the goals of promoting self-discovery, discipline, and patriotism through physical and mental challenges.

Utomi-led group intensifies push for single opposition 2027 presidential ticket

The Political Commission set up by the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) and led by Pat Utomi is set to hold closed-door meetings with presidential candidates and leaders of shortlisted opposition parties as part of efforts to produce a single candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

The commission said on Wednesday that it would meet candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), African Action Congress (AAC) and Young Progressive Party (YPP).

It said the engagements would precede a tactical session scheduled to hold in Ibadan in a fortnight, where it would announce the modalities for selecting the presidential candidate of the proposed opposition coalition.

The development marks a new phase in the opposition’s efforts to overcome political fragmentation and present a common presidential candidate against the ruling party in 2027.

MCE said the closed-door meetings were intended to shield the negotiations from what it described as political mercenaries and jobbers opposed to the coalition initiative.

‘The rationale for the close doors engagements, the Commission said is to prevent sabotage from political mercenaries and jobbers opposed to the initiative and determined to frustrate the negotiations and horse trading amongst the seven shortlisted Presidential Candidates,’ the statement said.

The commission said Nigeria could not afford another opposition arrangement in which political actors agreed on the need for unity but disagreed when it became necessary to determine the candidate to lead the alliance.

No imposition, says commission

MCE said the credibility of the coalition would depend less on the individual popularity of aspirants than on the process through which its candidate was selected.

It promised a transparent process, due process and a level playing field in negotiations, stressing that the terms and modalities for selecting the candidate would have to be agreed by all participating parties.

‘MCE said the success of the emerging coalition process of the Nigerian opposition would depend less on the popularity of individual aspirants but more on the credibility, transparency and fairness, due process and level playing field through which the coalition Presidential candidate is chosen,’ it said.

The group said no party or aspirant would be presented with an imposed arrangement, adding that all shortlisted parties would have to agree to clear rules of engagement before a candidate was endorsed.

It also said personal ambitions must not derail efforts to provide Nigerians with an alternative political platform.

‘MCE said its role in the emerging process was not to impose a presidential candidate on any political party or aspirant but to facilitate a credible process through which the opposition could arrive at a broadly acceptable political arrangement,’ the statement said.

According to the commission, its evaluation of the aspirants will consider national acceptability, competence, integrity, leadership profile, political electability and policy orientation.

It will also examine candidates’ commitment to democratic institutions, capacity to unite the country, ability to work with diverse social interests and understanding of Nigeria’s political and democratic challenges, including what the group described as the ‘national constitutional question.’

The coalition will also be required to develop a common national programme before asking Nigerians to support its candidate.

‘The Nigerian people deserve more than a coalition of political personalities. They deserve a coalition of ideas, competence, values and a coherent ideological programme for national salvation,’ MCE said.

The proposed agenda will address insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, poverty, institutional decay, electoral integrity, constitutional reform, education, healthcare, energy and the cost of governance.

Candidates must commit to coalition outcome

MCE said the proposed arrangement was intended to produce not only a consensus presidential candidate but also a common democratic and governance agenda.

It acknowledged that political bargaining would be unavoidable in building a coalition, arguing that participating politicians must be willing to make compromises.

‘Those who genuinely seek to present a democratic alternative to Nigerians must be prepared to make personal sacrifices, accommodate others and recognise that no single individual or political party can on their own compete formidably against the party in power,’ it said.

The commission, however, said participation in the process would require a commitment from every candidate and party to accept its outcome.

It said all participating presidential candidates and their parties would have to commit in advance to support the coalition’s adopted candidate ‘without equivocation’ in the 2027 elections.

Members of the Political Commission expected to participate in the engagements include Maryam Inna Ciroma, Modupe Adelaja, Solomon Dalung, Uche Onyeagocha, Olusegun Mayegun, Sam Amadi, Mike Iginni, Barbara Etim James, Olawale Okunniyi and Adum Ter Alex, among others.

MCE said the announcement followed what it described as a critical phase in its consultations with opposition parties and candidates.

The organisation stressed that its objective was to facilitate an organised opposition capable of offering Nigerians a sustainable democratic alternative rather than simply bringing politicians together for the purpose of winning an election.

2027: Tinubu’s re-election will bring more development, says City Boy Movement

The City Boy Movement in Ondo State has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 will bring more development and projects to the state.

The State Director of the Movement, Mr Oluwafemi Ayejusunle, made this statement on Thursday during the inauguration of the newly elected state executive officers of the support group in Akure, the state capital.

Ayejusunle said the City Boy Movement would mobilise support for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He explained that the group would also establish a strong grassroots structure across the state’s 18 local government areas, wards and polling units to promote the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

Ayejusunle noted that the state benefited from several federal government projects and appointments under the current administration, adding that continuity would enable the state to attract more development.

He listed the dualisation of the Ore-Ondo-Akure Road, the Akure-Ado Ekiti Road and other federal road projects, as well as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, among projects that have significant economic benefits for the state.

Ayejusunle also cited the approval of the Federal Teaching Hospital for the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), the proposed Aviation College and student loans provided through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

He said the movement would also campaign on the federal government’s interventions in youth development, support for small businesses, agriculture and infrastructure.

He specifically mentioned the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port and industrial park, the completion of ongoing federal road projects, intervention in the Ayetoro coastal erosion crisis, youth empowerment initiatives, improved electricity supply and affordable housing.

Ayejusunle said the City Boy Movement was targeting more than one million votes for Mr Tinubu in Ondo State in 2027.

He recalled that Ondo recorded the highest number of votes for President Tinubu among the South-West states in the 2023 presidential election.

Ayejusunle urged the newly inaugurated executives to take the movement’s grassroots mobilisation seriously and to reach young people, women, traders, students and residents across the state.

‘To the new executives, lead with discipline, integrity and results. Reach the youth, women, markets, campuses and communities. Talk less. Work more. Deliver votes,’ he said.

He said the movement’s immediate priorities included strengthening its structures across the 18 local government areas, mobilising voters and explaining the Renewed Hope Agenda to residents.

Ayejusunle added that the inauguration marked the start of the movement’s preparations for the 2027 election.

‘Our mission is clear: to mobilise, organise and deliver support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,’ he said.

Speaking at the event, the South-West Youth Leader of the APC, Daramola Adesuyi, commended the Ondo chapter of the City Boy Movement, particularly for its mobilisation efforts and organisational strength.

Adesuyi said the inauguration demonstrated the group’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

He also commended the Minister of Youth for supporting young people interested in politics, adding that the involvement of youths, professionals and grassroots members would strengthen the movement.

‘We have everybody involved; professionals, local people and youths in the mobilisation for the election,’ Adesuyi said.

’No way for prisoner to escape by drone’

THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Thursday said it would be impossible for a prisoner or person deprived of liberty (PDL) to escape from correctional facilities through the use of drones.

Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said the noise produced by the drones aside from the extensive closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems installed in prisons would easily detect any plan or attempt to escape through unmanned aerial vehicles.

Catapang issued the statement following reports that South Korean national Park Wang-yeol plotted to escape from the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa City before he was repatriated to South Korea last March to face trial for a criminal case.

Park was found guilty by a Philippine court in 2022 for the killing of his three compatriots in Bacolod City.

He was serving his 60-year prison sentence at the NBP before he was handed over to South Korean authorities.

Reports said Park planned to strap himself to the drone and be flown out of the prison compound.

Several test flights were allegedly conducted near the facility in preparation for the attempt.

‘All our Operating Prison and Penal Farms are no fly zones, and we have watchtowers manned 24/7 which immediately alert our guards if there will be attempts to escape through drones aside from maingay ang drone at equipped naman ang ating facilities ng mga CCTV, so we can detect it at once,’ Catapang said.

Catapang stressed that drones cannot operate near correctional facilities without attracting the attention of prison personnel and security systems.

‘Their audible motors, especially when flying at low altitudes, could immediately alert guards and other authorities,’ he noted.

Likewise, the BuCor chief said the presence of CCTV cameras throughout correctional facilities further strengthens the bureau’s ability to detect suspicious activity.

‘These cameras allow security personnel to monitor prison grounds, perimeters, buildings, and other restricted areas. Any drone spotted within or near a facility could be recorded and tracked, enabling authorities to respond quickly,’ Catapang pointed out.

Komu stool: Gov Makinde urged to investigate alleged violation of Oyo Chiefs Law

A chieftaincy dispute has erupted in Komu Town, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, following a petition to the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, over the proposed installation of Mr Ayandele Olaitan Oyebisi Ayanleke Elegbeede as the Onibise of Komu.

The petition, filed by legal practitioner J. A. Adebisi, on behalf of Prince Tajudeen Oloyede Jadesola, urged the governor to intervene and stop the proposed coronation scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026.

The petitioner alleged that the planned installation was surrounded by irregularities and violated provisions of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, 2000, as well as the native law and custom of Komu.

According to the petition, following the death of the late monarch, Oba Thomas Folawuyo Olaore, in early 2024, the Ariina Agbosoye Royal Family conducted what it described as due process and unanimously selected Prince Tajudeen Oloyede Jadesola to occupy the vacant stool on March 28, 2024.

It stated that the decision was formally communicated to the town’s kingmakers on March 31, 2024, and reaffirmed at a joint stakeholders’ meeting held on April 3, 2025.

The meeting, according to the petition, was attended by representatives of the Agbosoye and Folarin royal families, officials of Itesiwaju Local Government and security personnel.

Counsel to the petitioner alleged that Elegbeede had no ancestral or blood connection to any recognised royal ruling house in Komu.

The legal practitioner argued that this amounted to a breach of Komu Native Law and Custom, which, according to the petition, restricts eligibility for the stool to male descendants of recognised royal families.

It also claimed that the appointment of Warrant Chiefs by Itesiwaju Local Government to bypass traditional channels violated the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Prince Jadesola and his family urged Governor Makinde to suspend and cancel the September 18 coronation to allow for a thorough investigation into the matter.

The petitioner warned that failure by the state government to intervene would compel the family to institute legal proceedings against all stakeholders involved in the proposed installation.

The family said the legal action would be aimed at protecting traditional customs and upholding the rule of law.

Copies of the petition were reportedly served on the Attorney-General of Oyo State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, and state security agencies.

Trespassers trample fragile moss on Chiang Mai peak

Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest mountain, has stressed the importance of following park rules after a group of visitors trespassed on a restricted area to take pictures, damaging the sphagnum moss that forms a delicate green carpets on the high-altitude mountain bog.

Park management said on Thursday it had taken legal action against 10 visitors, who reportedly wandered outside the designated path on the Ang Ka route, a short, misty boardwalk trail located at the very top of Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai province.

The group of unidentified nationality walked beyond signs and barriers indicating restricted access on Sunday, park officials said.

A subsequent inspection found evidence of trampling on many spots within the cushion-like moss field, known locally as Khao Tok Ruesi.

According to the park, the plant is highly fragile and grows extremely slowly. Trampling can significantly affect its growth and recovery, potentially requiring many years for restoration. In some cases, the plant may never fully recover.

Khao Tok Ruesi is a rare species found only in pristine natural environments at over 2,000 metres above sea level, and is therefore an important natural resource that should be strictly protected and preserved. It is a highlight of the Ang Ka Trail Route.

Park officials reviewed information from photographs provided by the complainant, as well as CCTV footage, to collect evidence. A complaint alleging violations of the National Parks Act has been filed at the Chom Thong police station.

‘Doi Inthanon National Park asks all visitors to strictly comply with rules, regulations and instructions from park officials,’ it said in a post on Thursday.

‘Do not leave designated nature trails, do not trample plants or natural areas and do not enter areas marked with warning signs or barriers indicating restricted access.’

The park covers 296,922 rai across four Chiang Mai districts and is now being assessed by experts from the Asean Centre for Biodiversity as Thailand is seeking Asean Heritage Park status for the attraction.

14 Riverside owners question part of Banking Act in fight over asset

The owners of Nairobi’s 14 Riverside complex, Cape Holdings Limited, want the High Court to determine whether a section of the Banking Act is unconstitutional for allowing interest on court-awarded debts to grow beyond the principal amount and expose borrowers to potentially disproportionate financial claims.

The company and its directors are challenging Section 44A (4) of the Banking Act, which excludes judgment debtors and court decrees from the protection of the in duplum principle. This rule generally limits recoverable interest on a debt to the outstanding principal.

‘The petition does not seek to reopen the merits of the arbitration, set aside the award, reverse the Court of Appeal judgement or invite this court to exercise appellate or supervisory jurisdiction over any superior court,’ the company said.

The petition arises from a long-running commercial dispute between Cape Holdings and a creditor, Synergy Industrial Credit Limited, over an aborted transaction involving a block within the 14 Riverside Drive development in Nairobi.

‘An Act of Parliament that offends the Constitution is unconstitutional,’ the company lawyer said, urging the court to hear the petition on its merits.

Cape Holdings says it is not seeking to reopen the underlying arbitration dispute or overturn previous court decisions. Instead, it wants the High Court to determine whether the continued accumulation and enforcement of interest on the decretal amount violates constitutional protections, including the rights to equality, dignity and property.

The dispute has gained significance because the amount now being claimed has grown substantially beyond the original arbitration award.

According to court documents, an arbitrator awarded Synergy Sh1.666 billion. However, fresh warrants of sale and a notification of sale issued on March 16, 2026 put the amount allegedly due at Sh10.679 billion.

Cape Holdings, through its lawyer, told the court that about Sh9.013 billion of the claimed amount comprises compound interest, accounting for roughly 84 per cent of the total.

The company argues that the interest has therefore overtaken the original award by a significant margin.

A valuation by Knight Frank in October 2025 placed the open-market value of 14 Riverside at Sh7.328 billion, with a forced-sale value of Sh5.496 billion.

The company argues that the claimed debt now exceeds even the property’s open-market value, raising questions over the proportionality of the proposed enforcement.

Cape Holdings said the petition does not challenge Synergy’s status as a decree-holder. Rather, the company wants the court to examine whether the manner in which the decree has been calculated and enforced is constitutionally permissible.

The company said the attempts to enforce the Sh10.679 billion claim against the entirety of 14 Riverside, and potentially against property belonging to the company’s directors and third parties, amount to a disproportionate interference with property rights.

Cape Holdings, through its lawyer, argued that the statutory exclusion raises a constitutional question under Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination. He urged the court to determine whether the provision can stand where it treats judgment debts differently from other debts protected by the in duplum principle.

Synergy Industrial Credit has opposed the petition and wants it struck out.

Synergy argued that the dispute has been before the courts for about 16 years and that all available appeals have been exhausted.

The company said that the courts, including the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, have already determined the dispute and that Cape Holdings should not be allowed to reopen it through a constitutional petition.

It also argued that Cape Holdings no longer has proprietary rights over the property in question and urged the court to bring the prolonged litigation to an end by striking out the petition with costs.

The court will rule on October 22, 2026, on whether to strike out the petition or proceed to hear the substantive petition.

PHL told: Asean creative center bid is ours to lose

THE Philippines should not lose its bid to host an Asean Center of Excellence for the creative economy, with the country facing competing proposals from neighboring countries, an Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) official said.

Asean BAC Senior Adviser for Creative Economy Teodoro ‘Junie’ del Mundo said the proposed center would put the country at the forefront of the region’s creative-economy initiatives.

‘We shouldn’t lose this. That’s why I said, if we lose this…we will be pitiful,’ Del Mundo told reporters on Thursday in Taguig.

The proposal has already secured the support of Asean economic ministers, he said, and is awaiting approval by the bloc’s heads of state, who are expected to finalize the matter in November.

The country is also pushing for two other Asean centers, one focused on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and another on women, but Del Mundo said the creative economy center could have the largest economic impact among the three proposals.

The proposed center would be jointly governed by the public and private sectors, with representatives from both economic and sociocultural bodies of member states.

Now, the proposal is moving toward its financing and preparatory stages, with a landscape study identified as one of the major pieces of work that still needs to be completed.

Del Mundo said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is seeking funding for the study, which will map the region’s creative economy and help establish the foundation for the center.

‘If everything goes according to plan, hopefully by 2028, it will be up and running. Because there’s a lot of groundwork being done for this,’ he said.

The bid is being advanced under the Philippines’s chairship of Asean, with the creative economy identified from the outset as one of the country’s priority economic deliverables.

For Del Mundo, this gives the Philippine proposal additional significance as the country seeks to secure approval before its chairship ends.

‘This is the very first time that the creative economy is in the agenda. And it is in the priority economic deliverables of the Philippines as chair,’ he said.

The Philippines is not the only Asean member seeking a role in the regional creative economy. Del Mundo acknowledged that Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are also being discussed as potential competitors for the initiative.