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THE current Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was signed in 2020, initially running through 2027.

In October 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Players’ Association (WNBPA) opted out of that agreement, which started a renegotiation such that the current deal will now expire on October 31, 2025.

The opt-out was a strategic move because the union wants a new deal to better reflect the league’s growth and the value players are bringing.

As of mid-2025, the two sides are reportedly be far apart in their proposals, with tension over how revenue should be shared, how much salary growth is built in, and rules around players’ offseason obligations like overseas play.

The clock is ticking and there is increasing pressure and risk, including talk of a work stoppage like a lockout or strike if no deal is reached.

The league wants to avoid a work stoppage and maintain momentum like rising viewership, the new media deal and expansion.

The union must balance pushing hard with preserving goodwill, avoiding alienating fans or sponsors.

Financial terms are sensitive, distrust can become a major obstacle. Each side may accuse the other of negotiating in bad faith or inflating costs/revenue.

Owners are making long-term investments, and disruptions tarnish valuations; for players, missing a season is more immediately painful like income loss and crucial career stage.

The players arguably have more moral leverage as they are the ‘product’ and growing public support.

The league will stress that revenue is not guaranteed, expenses may rise and macroeconomic conditions may affect the business.

The union will counter that recent growth, media rights,and increasing franchise valuations show sustainable upside that should benefit players.

A well-negotiated CBA could redefine the economics of the WNBA, enabling players to capture more upside from league growth, make the league more sustainable for top talent that reduces reliance on overseas play and raise the floor for lower-tier players.

A failure to agree or a weak deal risks player discontent, potential departures or diminished commitment, brand damage, and possibly a labor stoppage that could disrupt seasons, media contracts and fan support.

If the union succeeds in getting a deal with a greater share of revenue and more guarantees, it might set a new standard for women’s sports and strengthen the bargaining position of other women’s-league players like women’s football, women’s volleyball, and softball.

If the league successfully resists structural change, it may retain more control and financial flexibility-but risk dissatisfaction, talent exodus, or reputation damage.

MILITANT fishermen on Monday slammed an offshore dredging project in Ilocos Sur because of its alleged adverse environmental and economic impact on coastal communities.

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya (Pamalakaya) said the dredging project of Isla Verde Mining and Development Company (IVMDC) has affected 9,538 fisherfolk from the coastal towns of Santa and Caoayan, Ilocos Sur.

Before the dredging started in 2024, small fishermen used to harvest at least 100 cans, equivalent to 17 liters each, of ipon, a species of gobies found in freshwater streams. But nowadays, they are only able to gather around 30 cans, the group said.

Another report said that fishermen can catch at least 10 kilograms of kapiged or spotted scad on a good day before the operation, and sell it at P160 per kilogram, earning at least P1600 per fishing trip. Today, they catch almost nothing while the dredging barges are operating within the mouth of the Abra River.

‘Because of the noise and pollution and the disturbance created by the dredging operation, these dredging vessels are driving the fish away from the mouth of the Abra River. This results in the steep drop in the income of small fishers,’ Pamalakaya said in a statement.

‘Nagresulta ito ng malubhang pagbagsak ng kinikita ng mga maliliit na mangingisda.

‘Mahigit isang taon na ang perwisyong dala ng dredging operation sa mga residente sa tabing-dagat, subalit wala pa ring tugon ang mga kinauukulang ahensya ng pamahalaan na nauna nang nilapitan ng mga apektadong mangingisda,’ Fernando Hicap, P amalakaya national chairperson said in a statement.

Pamalakaya urged Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla to look into the ongoing dredging in Ilocos Sur, and order its provincial environment office to inspect the operational site for a ‘cumulative impact assessment.’

‘Kailangang siyasatin ng DENR ang nagaganap na dredging sa Ilocos Sur, para mabigyan ng karampatang aksyon tulad ng agarang kanselasyon ng environment permit ng naturang proyekto,’ Hicap also said.

THE country’s industry association for IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) said its dialogue with the IT-BPM firms organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) led to a ‘constructive’ outcome which will help protect the integrity of the industry.

‘The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines [IBPAP] welcomes the positive and constructive outcome of the dialogue with the IT-BPM companies organized by the Department of Labor and Employment [DOLE] in Cebu last Friday, October 10, 2025,’ IBPAP said in a statement Monday night.

The industry group said the meeting with DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Regional Director Roy Buenafe, and BPO companies in the region ‘affirmed one clear truth: our industry and government are united in safeguarding the welfare of Filipino workers and the integrity of the IT-BPM sector.’

IBPAP said DOLE clarified the circumstances regarding the earlier release of company names, which the industry group sees as ‘a step we consider essential in restoring confidence and protecting the reputations of responsible employers.’

This developed after IBPAP denounced the ‘irresponsible declaration’ made by DOLE in Region 7 which ‘prematurely’ identified several IT-BPM firms that have been ordered to halt operations for alleged labor rights violations.

In its earlier statement, the industry group said none of the accounts of its four member companies named by the BPO Industry Employee Network (BIEN) confirmed that employees were prevented from leaving the production area despite the earthquake, particularly regarding the blocking of exits, and forced to return to their workstations without safety clearance.

IBPAP underscored that this collaboration with the government ‘matters deeply’ because the Philippines is ‘home to nearly 1.9 million Digital Filipino Workers, whose dedication powers an industry that contributes close to USD 40 billion annually to the economy.’

‘Their safety, welfare, and livelihoods must never be put at risk by misinformation. Our workforce deserves nothing less than certainty, fairness, and respect,’ added the industry group.

IBPAP said its members ‘uphold the highest standards, guided by laws that require full compliance with Philippine laws and regulations.’

Beyond membership, the industry group said every IT-BPM company operating in the country has the responsibility to uphold the same standards of compliance, safety, and integrity.

‘Worker welfare and business continuity must never be compromised, and we stand ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure these principles are upheld,’ IBPAP said.

‘Together with the government and our members, we will continue to strengthen safety standards, safeguard jobs, and reinforce the Philippines’ position as a trusted global hub for IT-BPM for the benefit of every worker, every family, and the future of our nation,’ it also noted.

Former broadcaster and Cainta Mayor Ramon ‘Mon’ Ilagan will join the Marcos administration as the new undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

PCO Acting Secretary Dave M. Gomez made the confirmation in an announcement last Monday.

However, he clarified that Ilagan will not replace PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro as Palace Press Officer.

‘He will not replace undersecretary Claire. Claire is still spokesperson and Press Office,’ Gomez said in Filipino.

He said Ilagan will focus on the operations of PCO.

Aside from being a local chief executive in Cainta from 2004 to 2013, Ilagan also served as assistant secretary and spokesperson of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

He previously worked as a broadcast journalist for ABS-CBN. (Samuel Medenilla)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that its C-130 and NC-212i transport aircraft on Sunday airlifted relief items for communities still reeling from the effects of two powerful earthquakes in Davao Oriental last Oct. 10.

In a statement Monday, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Castillo said this airlift mission is in support of the government’s ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations for quake-affected communities in Davao Oriental.

She added that these military aircraft took off from Benito N. Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu and landed with their cargo in Mati Airport, Davao Oriental.

Basco said the relief goods, carried by the PAF aircraft, were provided by the Philippine Red Cross and consists of 147 portable tents, 10 family tents, and assorted relief items including mosquito nets, blankets, plastic mats, and kitchen sets.

Personnel from the Tactical Operations Group 11, 701st Brigade of the Philippine Army, 11th Aviation Security Unit of the Philippine National Police, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Davao, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Davao Oriental, Bureau of Fire Protection-Region 11, and Philippine Red Cross- Davao Oriental Chapter assisted in the unloading and transport of goods.

‘These sustained efforts highlight the PAF’s steadfast commitment to provide rapid airlift support and ensure the timely delivery of life-saving aid to disaster-stricken communities, in close coordination with partner agencies and humanitarian organizations,’ Basco said.

UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System DALTA remains the only undefeated team in National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 101 seniors basketball action and Patrick Sleat is one reason why.

Averaging 10.75 points, 5.25 rebounds, 3.5 assists, one steal and 1.75 blocks in the Altas’ first four games, Sleat made an immediate impact in his first season in the grand old league.

The last time that the Las Piñas-based crew went 4-0 won-lost was in 2015 when Scottie Thompson and Bright Akhuetie were running the show.

Sleat’s consistent performance in Perpetual’s best start in a decade earned him the first Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week award this season-presented by the Philippine Sports Commission-for the period of October 1 to 12.

The former Far Eastern University Tamaraw’s highlight in the four-game run was a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds on top of five assists, three blocks and a steal in their 75-65 win over defending champion Mapua University last Wednesday.

With the game tied at 65 with four minutes left, Sleat sealed the Altas’ late 10-0 run to claim the victory.

Before that, Sleat had 10 points in a 67-54 win against San Sebastian, followed by a nine-point outing against Lyceum of the Philippines University which they won, 73-61.

After that win against Mapua, Perpetual Help notched its fourth straight win against Arellano University, 72-67, where Sleat making 12 points, three rebounds, three blocks, one assist and one steal.

Sleat edged teammate Mark Gojo Cruz, Janti Miller of San Beda University, Sean Salvador of Jose Rizal University, Justine Sanchez of College of Saint Benilde and JC Recto of Mapua University for the citation supported by Discovery Suites and Buffalo Wings N’ Things.

The 24-year-old Sleat admitted he felt at home in Perpetual, especially with head coach Olsen Racela, his former coach at FEU, calling the shots.

Racela said Sleat’s veteran presence will be one of their key factors in Season 101.

‘We need his experience,’ Racela said.

YIELDS of Treasury bills (T-bills) dipped again for the 14th time in the last 15 weeks as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) focuses on governance issues negatively impacting the economy and investor sentiment.

Last Monday the Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) auction committee awarded the full P22 billion short-dated debt papers up for sale.

Demand for T-bills was as much as 4.4 times oversubscribed, attracting P97.185 billion in total bids, as investors displayed strong demand for government securities.

According to Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), investors are locking in yields before they drop further in the coming months amid dovish signals by the central bank.

Broken down, the government generated P7 billion by fully awarding the 91-day T-bills, with demand amounting to P25.210 billion.

The 91-day debt papers fetched an average rate of 4.880 percent, down by 16.7 basis points (bps) from the previous auction’s 5.047 percent. Rates ranged from a low of 4.870 percent to a high of 4.893 percent.

The 182-day T-bills capped at a 5.072 percent average rate, lower by 5.6 basis points from 5.128 percent in the last auction.

Posted bids for the government IOUs reached P36.760 billion, of which P7.5 billion was fully awarded.

As for the 364-day instruments, the average rate dropped by 10.9 basis points, settling at 5.119 percent from 5.228 percent a week ago.

The government awarded the full P7.5 billion as bids for the T-bills amounted to P35.215 billion.

Ricafort pointed to the ‘October 9 surprise,’ wherein monetary authorities cut key policy rates by 25bps and hinted at a possible rate cut in December.

The Monetary Board lowered the policy rates to 4.75 percent, the lowest policy rate recorded by the country since September 2022. That was the time when rates were raised by 50bps to 4.25 percent.

BSP Governor and Monetary Board Chairman Eli M. Remolona Jr. has said there may be room for monetary authorities to further reduce rates in the near future.

The dovishness of MB members may have been influenced by a weak outlook on the growth of the domestic economy, a stance Remolona linked to governance concerns surrounding public infrastructure spending, which has also weighed on business sentiment.

The central bank governor added that the stock market has declined with fewer and fewer companies pushing through with planned expansion. Remolona also noted there were days when the stock market and the peso declined at the same time, signifying that investors are leaving the country.

Nonetheless, the MB sees scope for a ‘more accommodative’ monetary policy stance, as the favorable inflation outlook and moderating domestic demand provide room to further support economic activity.

Hence, Ricafort sees a possible 25-basis points rate cut on December 11, matching the total 50-bps additional cuts the US Federal Reserve is expected to undertake before the year ends.

‘[This will] maintain healthy interest rate differentials as well, provided inflation remains relatively benign and the US dollar/peso exchange rate remains relatively stable,’ added the RCBC executive.

For this month, the Treasury will borrow a total of P88 billion by issuing T-bills of various tenors.

The government is also set to borrow this year a total of P2.6 trillion, of which around P2.112 trillion is expected to come from domestic sources and the remaining from foreign financiers.

As of end-August this year, the government’s outstanding debt reached P17.468 trillion.

GMA Network continues its winning streak, with its afternoon and primetime shows captivating audiences nationwide and dominating the ratings game based on Nielsen TV Audience Measurement’s Urban Philippines data for September 2025 (September 28-30 based on overnight ratings).

The afternoon series My Father’s Wife, starring Gabby Concepcion, Jak Roberto, Kazel Kinouchia and Kylie Padilla, remains the talk of the town as it reveals the true face of fraud in love and life. Airing from Monday to Saturday, My Father’s Wife recorded an average people rating of 7 percent-way ahead of other competing programs.

The emotional family drama Cruz vs Cruz, headlined by Vina Morales, Niel Rose Sese and Gladys Reyes, highlights the power of forgiveness in overcoming family challenges. With the series’ intense scenes and emotional depth, it tallied a strong average people rating of 7.4 percent (Monday to Friday)-leaving its competing programs behind.

Meanwhile, Akusada, led by Andrea Torres, Benjamin Alves and Lianne Valentin, empowers viewers to fight for justice and a better future despite being haunted by the past. The series continues to hook viewers, pulling off an average people rating of 6.8 percent (Monday to Friday)-dominating other programs on the same timeslot.

On primetime, GMA continues to soar as a ratings powerhouse. The highly anticipated Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, featuring the newest generation of gem keepers brought to life by Bianca Umali, Faith Da Silva, Angel Guardian and Kelvin Miranda, maintained its lead over FPJ’s Batang Quiapo (A2Z/TV5/Kapamilya Ch) with a combined (GMA and GTV) average people rating of 13 percent (Monday to Friday).

Delivering good vibes, action and romance, Sanggang Dikit FR, topbilled by Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as the police duo solves crimes while finding love. The show recorded an average combined (GMA/GTV) people rating of 8.9 percent, leading against its rival It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (A2Z/TV5/Kapamilya Ch/Jeepney TV).

Beautiful wins also reigned until its thrilling finale week as Barbie Forteza, Kyline Alcantara, and Ruffa Gutierrez unraveled more mysteries and power plays in Beauty Empire. The series that aired from Monday to Thursday registered an average combined (GMA/GTV) people rating of 4.2 percent, higher than the average combined (A2Z/TV5/Kapamilya Ch./Jeepney TV) people ratings (corresponding Mondays to Thursdays) of its competition, Sins of the Father, covering the month of September. Moreover, Beauty Empire was the No. 1 most watched series on the VIU streaming platform for 6 consecutive weeks.

Before the year ends, GMA Entertainment Group is set to unveil two more compelling series, Hating Kapatid and Never Say Die, which are sure to captivate audiences once again.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) saw its net income fall by double digits in the first seven months of the year, weighed down by higher trading losses that offset modest gains in interest income.

Latest data from the BSP’s ‘Statement of Income and Expense,’ the central bank’s net income after tax and capital reserves dropped by 16.80 percent from January to July this year compared to a year ago.

BSP’s net income amounted to P79.2 billion as of end-July this year from P95.2 billion in the same period last year.

Revenues of the central bank dipped by 14.1 percent year-on-year to P163.8 billion from P190.6 billion.

The central bank’s interest income inched up by 1.13 percent to P142 billion as of end-July this year from P140.4 billion in end-July a year ago.

Despite the slight growth in earnings from interest, the BSP’s miscellaneous income plunged by 56.77 percent to P21.7 billion as of end-July from the P50.2 billion recorded in the previous year. The BSP’s miscellaneous income includes trading gains, fees, penalties and other operating income, among others.

On the other hand, the BSP posted a 3.4-percent decline in its expenses, which stood at P121.5 billion as of end-July this year from a year ago’s P98.4 billion.

The BSP’s interest expenses went down by 17.07 percent to P81.6 billion in the first seven months of the year from P98.4 billion last year. Other expenses, which include net trading losses, expanded by 45.62 percent to P39.9 billion in the January-to-July period this year from P27.4 billion in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the central bank’s net income before net gain on foreign exchange rate fluctuations, income tax expense, and capital reserves was at P42.3 billion as of the end of July.

That figure represents realized gains or losses from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates arising from foreign currency-denominated transactions of the BSP, according to the central bank. The operating profit was a 34.82-percent contraction from the P64.9 billion the BSP recorded in the same period last year.

Moreover, the BSP’s net gain on foreign exchange rates fluctuation rose by 21.71 percent to P37 billion in January to July this year from P30.4 billion in the same period a year ago. The figure represents realized gains or losses from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates arising from foreign currency-denominated transactions of the BSP.

OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday ordered the withdrawal of cases recently filed before the Sandiganbayan involving officials of the Duterte administration and Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation in connection with the alleged multi-billion procurement of overpriced and substandard medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a press briefing, Remulla clarified that only those cases which have yet to be arraigned by the anti-graft court would be withdrawn for further evaluation. He stressed that the review is necessary to ensure that the Ombudsman will have a strong case against those named as respondents.

‘What I really want to happen is that when file the information at the Sandiganbayan, everything is already trial-ready. And I don’t feel that this was the case with the complaint we previously filed,’ the Ombudsman pointed out.

He explained that based on his observation, the cases were filed without proper coordination between the fact-finding teams, the prosecution teams and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

In fact, Remulla said he learned that the special prosecutor had no involvement in the preparation for the filing of these cases.

‘I believe that this should be the product of a unified body of work, so everything is consistent. You can’t have one fact-finding team come up with different results from another.

One office should not contradict another. The Ombudsman’s office should move as one. There should be a single voice coming from the Ombudsman,’ he said.

Last October 10, the Ombudsman filed eight criminal cases against several individuals led by former budget undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao in connection with the procurement of personal protective equipment during the COVID 19 pandemic.

These cases have yet to undergo arraignment by the Sandiganbayan. Remulla also said he will summon former senator and chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Richard Gordon during the 18th Congress to shed light about the committee’s finding on the issue involving Pharmally.

Gordon earlier asked Remulla to reopen the Pharmally case which involves the alleged anomalous transfer of P421.4billion COVID funds from the Department of Health to the Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service for the purchase of P8.6 billion worth of face masks, face shields, and personal protective equipment during the pandemic.

Gordon expressed belief that former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands, for alleged crimes against humanity in relation to his bloody anti-illegal drug war, can still be held liable for the anomaly.

The committee’s report did not prosper for failure to gather the required signatures from its members.

‘If the Office of the Ombudsman can take cognizance of anonymous complaints, why not a case where a senator of the Republic, along with other senators, agree on,’ Remulla explained.

‘I think that should be clarified. Even if it is not an official committee report, they can act as complainants, even in their individual capacity as Filipino citizens. We should honor their complaints,’ he added

Remulla said the review of the cases would not take long since these had already undergone preliminary investigation.

‘What is needed is to thoroughly study the resolution based on the evidence gathered during the hearings and all the evidence that are now in the Ombudsman’s custody,’ he said.