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Anutin preps coalition for censure test

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he was in contact with coalition leaders and ministers and was preparing another dinner meeting to strengthen ties ahead of the upcoming censure debate.

Mr Anutin, who is also interior minister, told reporters that he spoke with ministers every week and had asked them to work and deliver tangible results.

He said he had recently spoken with Labour Minister and Pheu Thai leader Julapun Amornvivat and Agriculture Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit about arranging a dinner, although no date had been set.

He stressed that dining together was not important, saying coalition partners discussed matters regularly by phone and he did not need to speak with every coalition minister.

Mr Anutin said the government must be prepared to answer all questions during the censure debate. He said its decisions had been made in the national and public interest and denied acting to benefit any individual. He said he would not be concerned unless he knowingly did something unlawful.

Mr Anutin also defended the government’s crackdown on scam networks, saying foreign security agencies had thanked Thailand for prosecuting cases and seizing assets linked to transnational technology-related crimes.

The Anti-Money Laundering Office was examining the seized shares and discussing with the courts how they could be transferred to the state or sold.

Asked about People’s Party (PP) list MP Rangsiman Rome’s question about whom he was reluctant to confront over asset seizures, the prime minister said: “Certainly not them, or Mr Rangsiman.”

Meanwhile, Mr Rangsiman said the opposition was still gathering evidence before deciding whether to seek a no-confidence debate against individual ministers or the entire cabinet.

He said talks would be held with opposition parties, including the Democrat Party and Kla Tham Party, to determine their positions and which ministers should be targeted.

The MP also called on House Speaker Sophon Zaram to remain neutral and alleged that efforts were already under way to make the no-confidence motion more difficult, but provided no details of specific actions.

He said the opposition would definitely use Section 151 of the constitution to seek a no-confidence vote during the current parliamentary session. A separate general debate without a vote under Section 152 remained under consideration.

The current parliamentary session ends on Dec 22.

Stocks sink on heavy selling

The local stock market recorded a steep drop amid strong selling pressure among investors following a rebalancing of the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE).

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index plummeted by 1.72 percent or 102.73 points to end the week at 5,855.91.

The broader All Shares index also fell by 1.21 percent or 40.31 points, finishing at 3,277.80.

Franco Fernandez, equity research analyst at DragonFi Securities Inc., said the index saw heavy flows driven by the FTSE rebalancing.

‘This is likely also why selling pressure persisted as institutions adjusted their portfolios amid subdued risk appetite stemming from unresolved macroeconomic and geopolitical concerns,’ Fernandez said.

AB Capital Securities said the PSEi broke 5,900 and closed near the low, lagging firmer Asian markets.

‘Turnover surged from P5.1 billion pre-close to P15.1 billion, with MOC (market-on-close) accounting for about 66 percent amid FTSE rebalancing (Bloomberry out, Emperador into Small Cap),’ it said.

RCBC chief economist Michael Ricafort said the PSEi declined on concerns that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas could match the latest 25-basis-point hike delivered by the US Federal Reserve.

All sectors were in the red, except for mining and oil, which rose by 1.65 percent.

Services and holding firms were the biggest losers, declining by 2.53 percent and 2.45 percent, respectively.

Market breadth remained negative as decliners outnumbered advancers, 117 to 79, while 43 issues did not change hands.

ICTSI was the session’s top traded stock, sliding by 3.21 percent to P905 per share, followed by Emperador and SM Investments which slipped by 0.51 percent and 5.98 percent, respectively, to P15.72 and P503.

ED Council OKs changes to railway, airport projects

The Economy and Development (ED) Council, chaired by President Marcos, approved changes to the North-South Commuter Railway’s (NSCR) operations and maintenance and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

In a statement, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) said the ED Council approved the changes during its Sept. 16 meeting.

For the NSCR in particular, the ED Council approved changes in the parameters, terms and conditions to encourage firms to submit competitive proposals for the rail project that will link Central Luzon, Metro Manila and Southern Luzon.

Partial operations of the railway are expected to start in December next year.

‘The NSCR is an investment in opportunity,’ said DEPDev Secretary and ED Council vice-chair Arsenio Balisacan.

‘Improved mobility will expand access to jobs, markets, education and services across regions, reflecting our commitment to a more productive, resilient and inclusive economy,’ he added.

Also approved was the extension of the concession period for the MCIA for longer investment recovery.

Apart from enabling necessary airport improvements, the extension will reduce the pressure to increase passenger service charges.

Under the contract variation, MCIA concessionaire Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. commits to provide nearly P15 billion for capacity augmentation and investments.

During the meeting, the ED Council also approved changes in the scope, cost and implementation timelines of three development projects.

These are the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s Supporting Innovation in the Philippine Technical and Vocational Education and Training System Project, the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Road Network Development Project in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers Project.

In the same meeting, the ED Council directed a further review of proposed guidelines on class suspensions.

Through the review, the aim is to provide clear protocols for schools and local government units during tropical cyclones, earthquakes, storm surges, poor air quality volcanic hazards and extreme heat.

‘Refining this policy is a matter of urgency,’ Balisacan said.

‘We must protect our learners and teachers while ensuring the continuity of education in the face of evolving risks,’ he added.

Earlier, he said that class suspensions affect not just learning outcomes but overall economic activity.

Bank of Baroda faces asset seizure over Sh2.99bn court award to borrower

Bank of Baroda (Kenya) Limited faces attachment of its movable assets after the High Court ordered it to pay Infinity Industrial Park Limited Sh2.99 billion in special damages, escalating a dispute over financing for a planned 200-acre industrial park in Nairobi.

A warrant issued by Milimani High Court Deputy Registrar Stellah Sagwe on September 15 directs Moran Auctioneers to attach the bank’s movable and attachable property unless the amount is paid.

The warrant records the amount currently due as Sh2.99 billion, comprising the damages award, Sh1,500 in further costs and Sh1,500 in collection fees. Attached property may be sold by public auction after the required 15-day notice and proclamation process.

The auctioneer is expected to return the warrant to court by October 15, explaining how it was executed or why it was not. No seizure or sale of bank assets is established by the documents.

The warrant follows a decree in a 2024 commercial dispute pitting Infinity Industrial Park Limited against the bank, in which the court entered judgment for the amount, after Infinity withdrew most of its original prayers.

The legal dispute originates from a Sh1.97 billion bank loan facility advanced in 2019 to finance Infinity’s industrial park development.

The company alleged that delays in releasing charged land and related financing constraints disrupted the project, while the bank maintained that the borrower had fallen into arrears and that it was entitled to retain its security.

Infinity had initially sought orders stopping the bank from selling or interfering with its approximately 200-acre project land in Njiru, along Nairobi’s Eastern Bypass. It sought a Sh650 million facility for a second warehouse cluster or release of 15 acres to obtain financing elsewhere.

It also alleged delays in releasing title documents and land, and sought a payment moratorium, withdrawal of adverse credit-reference listings and damages.

Those prayers were withdrawn through a notice dated August 6, 2026, which the court allowed and adopted. The remaining claim produced the Sh2.99 billion judgment.

The dispute began with the Sh1.97 billion loan facility advanced by Bank of Baroda in 2019. The financing comprised a takeover loan from Equity Bank, a fresh overdraft and a new term loan, secured against several properties.

Infinity told the court that it was developing an industrial park and logistics project for small and medium-sized businesses on land with a projected 15-year development period and capacity for up to 1,000 enterprises. It was designed to provide industrial plots, warehouses and supporting infrastructure for SMEs.

Infinity says it made substantial repayments, including Sh500 million in principal and Sh800 million in interest by December 2023. It says it repeatedly sought restructuring and partial release of charged land to raise funds.

The company says it offered Sh250 million in December 2025 for release of 10 acres, but the proposal was rejected.

The case took a turn after the bank failed to file its defence within the prescribed period, leading to a default judgment in September 2025.

The court also dismissed the bank’s July 2026 attempt to set aside that judgment. The court found the bank had participated in proceedings but failed to comply with court directions.

“The failure to comply with the court’s timeline is not attributable to the absence of formal summons; it is simply a case of non-compliance with a court order,’ the court ruled.

The bank blamed its former lawyers for failing to communicate directions concerning its defence, while maintaining that its intended defence raised issues about the security, amount claimed and loan dispute.

The bank’s position in the wider dispute has been that Infinity defaulted and that it was entitled to exercise its rights as a secured lender.

The dispute has also expanded into a separate fight over the bank’s attempted appointment of joint administrators to Infinity in August, with the company challenging the move in court.

Two women remanded for allegedly circulating fake news against Access Bank

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday ordered the remand of two women identified as Idorenyin Umobh and Finness Esu for allegedly publishing false information about Access Bank.

This followed arraignment of Umobh and Esu on a three-count charge of conspiracy, peddling false information and cyberstalking.

Justice Akintayo Aluko, while remanding the defendants in custody, adjourned the case until Nov. 25 for trial, pending the filing of a bail application by the defence counsel.

The prosecutor, Stanley Nwafoaku, in a case marked FHC/L/CR/773/2026, alleged that the defendants, on July 28 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of the court, conspired among themselves and with other persons now at large to knowingly transmit and cause the transmission of a false publication through computer systems and networks concerning Access Bank Plc.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendants, in the alleged false publication, claimed that the bank would shut down its operations effective Sept. 23 and urged all customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.

He alleged that the offence of conspiracy to cause a breakdown of law and order contravened and was punishable under Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

According to the prosecutor, the offence also contravenes Section 24(1)(b) and punishable under the same provision of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

Nwafoaku further alleged that the offence breached Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.

However, the defence counsel, Mr Ifenna Okeke, asked the court for a short date to enable him to file a formal bail application.

iPhone 18 launch sparks upgrade rush

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max series drew a stronger consumer response than forecast on the first day of sales in Thailand on Friday, as replacement demand supported purchases, while retailers and mobile operators competed to offer trade-in schemes, extended financing and future buyback offers.

The response signals resilience among early adopters despite broader economic headwinds.

Takon Niyomthai, investor relations executive at IT retailer Com7, said buyers preferred the Pro Max in burgundy with 512 gigabytes of storage, while the iPhone 18 Pro also attracted demand for the 256GB version.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 series grew at a faster pace than those for previous series. Some users upgraded from the iPhone 12-14 series, while there were also first-time iPhone buyers, he noted.

A substantial base of older devices, strong brand loyalty and new features continued to encourage purchases, said Mr Takon.

Trade-ins also supported replacement demand.

“Roughly 20% of buyers traded in devices,” he noted.

Trade-in values ranged from 8,000-10,000 baht to several tens of thousands of baht, depending on the models and conditions.

Com7 offers a credit card instalment plan with 0% interest for 36 months, as well as a UFUND loan for 48 months to woo buyers.

The company reported the number of registrants expressing interest in its trade-in programme increased by more than 100% compared with previous models, showing that consumers prioritise device upgrades and value retention.

Three months before the launch of the iPhone 18 series, the iPhone 17 attracted buyers concerned that Apple would increase iPhone prices after raising those of the iPad and MacBook, said Mr Takon.

Com7 plans to open pre-orders for the iPhone Duo model on Oct 16, with delivery starting on Oct 23. Prices start at 79,900 baht for the star white and night sky colours.

“The continued increase in memory costs will drive up smartphone prices until at least mid-2027,” he said.

Retailer Copperwired reported brisk opening-day activity, with the Pro Max its most popular model.

The company expects a full quarter of iPhone 18 Pro series sales, together with accessories and related services, to support its fourth-quarter business performance.

Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Corporation are offering a wide array of campaigns for new iPhone purchasers.

AIS’s “Turn Sabai, Pay 0 Baht” campaign teases an upgrade to the latest iPhone model while reducing the financial burden for customers. Customers can trade in their old device for a new one without a condition-based device appraisal, subject to terms and conditions.

True is offering the “Pro Na Lok” package, covering value, device care and future upgrades, bundled with the True5GX package. This campaign locks in the device buyback price for the next year and offers free device protection and care for one full year.

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva shared post on September 20 – State Sovereignty Day

First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has shared a post on the occasion of September 20 – State Sovereignty Day.

AZERTAC presents the post: ‘I congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of State Sovereignty Day and wish every compatriot good health, love and happiness! May the solidarity of our people, our sovereignty, and the peace and tranquility prevailing in our country be eternal!’

Philippines tagged as deadliest Asian country for environmentalists

The Philippines was named as the deadliest country in Asia for environmental defenders for the 13th consecutive year, climate justice watchdog Global Witness reported.

In the 2025 report of the investigative and campaigning organization, the Philippines tied with Honduras with 12 defenders’ deaths, the highest record outside Latin America.

Six of the recorded killings in the Philippines were indigenous peoples, three were small-scale farmers, a journalist and two others.

Joan Carling, executive director of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights International, attributed the killings to the government’s counter-insurgency programs and extractive projects.

Global Witness said the militarization of rural communities enabled the military to impose repressive measures, including red-tagging to portray defenders as communists or terrorists.

The watchdog cited the case of Veronico Anterio, a 65-year-old farmer who was allegedly shot for voicing opposition to the growing military presence in Samar.

‘Global Witness linked five of those killings to the armed forces, showing how, when attempts to criminalize defenders fail, the military reverts to more direct attacks,’ said Carling.

Cases with suspected links to organized crime were also recorded in the Philippines, along with five other Latin American countries.

Environmental group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment asked the government for genuine accountability for the attacks, calling it to ‘end the use of state forces and criminal proceedings to suppress peaceful opposition.’

From 2012 to 2025, the Philippines ranked third in the Global Witness statistics, with 318 recorded killings and disappearances of environmental defenders.

The Philippines is joined by Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Tanzania in the 2025 report.

The EU and the Philippines: Turning solidarity into action

By this time of year, many of us in the Philippines are accustomed to seeing alerts on our phones warning of heavy rains and the risks of flooding and landslides. Such warnings have become part of life during the typhoon season. But however familiar they may be, the risks they signal remain very real.

In response to severe flooding across Luzon, the EU is providing 150,000 euros (approximately P10.87 million) to help more than 32,000 people in the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Metro Manila. Through the Philippine Red Cross, this funding will provide essential household items, meals, safe drinking water and health services, including mental health support and disease prevention. It forms part of the EU’s contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund.

These floods are a reminder of the recurring risks facing the Philippines, from tropical cyclones and landslides to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Responding to immediate needs and preparing for future emergencies are both essential to protecting lives and livelihoods.

For three decades, the European Union has stood with vulnerable communities in the Philippines through humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness. Since 1996, EU humanitarian assistance to the country has amounted to around 176 million euros (approximately P12.8 billion at today’s exchange rate), providing food, water and sanitation, health care and other essential support to people affected by disasters and conflict. The new flood response funding comes on top of 2.097 million euros, or approximately P152 million, allocated at the start of this year. Delivered through humanitarian partners, this assistance prioritizes the most vulnerable, including communities affected by conflict in Mindanao with limited access to assistance. This support reflects the EU’s broader approach of combining life-saving humanitarian assistance with efforts that help communities become more resilient to future shocks.

On June 8, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani, affecting communities across parts of Mindanao. EU humanitarian partners provided shelter, food and cash assistance, alongside water, sanitation and hygiene services. The response also included protection and psychosocial support. Through the ACCESS consortium, 4,804 households, or more than 22,700 people, were reached across seven municipalities in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, South Cotabato and Agusan del Sur. I have personally witnessed the positive, even though necessarily partial, effects of this type of assistance and cooperation for Filipino families and people affected by natural disasters during my visits to several affected areas in the Philippines.

The Philippines has well-developed crisis management capacities, but repeated disasters can strain local resources. Alongside emergency assistance, the EU supports efforts to help authorities and communities prepare. In parts of Mindanao, this includes helping communities reduce risks and act on early warnings, as well as supporting a swift response when disasters strike or people are forced to leave their homes. In this way, EU support links immediate emergency response with longer-term work to reduce vulnerability, strengthen local capacities and support recovery over time.

Building resilience also means addressing underlying environmental and structural factors that can increase the impact of disasters on communities. During the rainy season, waste blocking drains and waterways can worsen flooding. Our broader cooperation with the Philippines can support efforts to address these concerns.

Through the Green Economy Partnership between the EU and the Philippines, we are working with communities, 60 local governments and businesses to turn environmental challenges into opportunities.

In Bacolod, the Circular Biohubs Project is exploring ways to process organic waste locally, using black soldier fly larvae to turn food scraps into biomass that could be used in animal feed and earthworms to produce soil enhancers. The project draws on the practical knowledge of waste collectors, barangay workers and market vendors. It also aims to provide training in compost production and garden maintenance, alongside opportunities to develop small enterprises.

Earlier this year, Iligan City, the Island Garden City of Samal and Zamboanga City were also awarded support under the Green Economy Partnership to prepare circular economy projects involving the public and private sectors. The support covers technical assistance, feasibility studies and training in managing these partnerships. The planned projects aim to address local infrastructure and environmental needs, with measures to include informal waste workers. Together, these efforts show how EU humanitarian engagement and broader technical cooperation can complement one another in supporting preparedness, adaptation and sustainable resilience in the Philippines.

In July, the European Union and the Philippines elevated their relationship to an Enhanced Partnership. Both sides agreed to help communities adapt to climate change, improve waste management and prepare for disasters. This includes sharing experience in humanitarian assistance and emergency protection, improving early warning systems and using forecasts and risk information to act before disasters strike.

The joint statement also highlights Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth Observation Program. Its satellite data can help authorities identify hazards, anticipate damage to homes and infrastructure and prepare communities. After disasters, it can help responders assess damage, identify urgent needs and guide assistance and recovery.

These priorities also shaped our engagement at the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience, hosted by the Philippines on Sept. 15-16 under its ASEAN Chairship. The EU also supports ASEAN’s disaster management center, the AHA Center, in monitoring disasters, strengthening preparedness and coordinating responses. This cooperation includes training and exchanges of expertise to help strengthen the region’s ability to respond to emergencies.

The European Union will continue to stand with the Philippines when disaster strikes. Our cooperation will build on the experience of Philippine institutions and communities, supporting their ongoing efforts to prepare for emergencies. The next warning on our phones will remind us why this cooperation matters and why preparing together remains a shared priority.

Recipients may get 1,000-baht boost

The government has indicated that the second phase of the Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme is likely to provide a one-off 1,000-baht allowance, which can be used over two months.

State welfare-card holders would receive an additional 700 baht on top of their regular 300-baht entitlement, bringing the total to 1,000 baht.

Government spokesman Ekkapob Pianpises said on Friday that the final details were awaiting consideration by the committee screening the spending of loans under the emergency decree.

Following discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, he said the scheme was expected to retain the 60:40 co-payment formula. Welfare-card holders would receive 700 baht, bringing their total entitlement to 1,000 baht.

“No additional budget would need to be allocated, as adding the 1,000 baht had been calculated for a two-month period and would provide greater flexibility in spending,” Dr Ekkapob said.

Permanent Secretary for Finance Lavaron Sangsnit said he was scheduled to discuss the matter with Mr Ekniti later on Friday.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he had approved the extension in principle but would leave Mr Ekniti to announce the conditions officially. The measures should reach people, he said.

Asked about the impact of the US Federal Reserve’s recent 0.25-percentage-point rate increase, Mr Anutin said the government would not take action that caused hardship for the public.

He said the Thais Help Thais Plus scheme was among the measures intended to ease living costs amid current economic difficulties. He rejected describing the policy as populist, saying it was intended both to stimulate the economy and reduce people’s expenses.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the economic team met on Monday to address rising energy prices.

A package is expected to be submitted to the cabinet on Tuesday, after the measures receive the PM’s approval.

She said the Commerce Ministry would oversee consumer and agricultural prices.

Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt would examine the laws and regulations governing the sourcing of funds to manage energy prices appropriately.