Category: Business Mirror

I have been watching the Senate impeachment hearings against Vice President Sara Duterte with a growing sense of unease that I can no longer keep to myself. There is something deeply troubling about watching the machinery of justice grind forward while some of its operators seem determined to sabotage it from within.

Every senator-judge stood before this nation and swore an oath-not merely to participate, not merely to preside, but to administer impartial justice according to the Philippine Constitution and our laws. They concluded that oath with the words ‘So help me God,’ a religious invocation that I, as a person of faith, take seriously. But watching the proceedings unfold, I find myself wondering: did those words mean anything at all to some of the people who uttered them?

The oath is not decorative. It is not a formality to be rushed through before the real work of politics begins. It is, or should be, a solemn covenant with the Filipino people that justice-not loyalty, not friendship, not political survival-will guide their deliberations.

And yet.

Senator Robin Padilla stood before the public on June 9, 2025, and declared with theatrical bravado: ‘Kahit sunugin mo ako dito, mangangamoy Rodrigo Roa Duterte ako’-roughly translated, ‘Even if you burn me here, I will smell like Rodrigo Roa Duterte.’ He was not merely expressing sympathy or calling for due process. He was announcing, proudly and unequivocally, that his loyalty to the Duterte family is unwavering and absolute. This was a deliberate statement of allegiance.

The timing matters. Padilla made this declaration after confirming he had drafted Senate Resolution No. 1371, seeking to declare the impeachment proceedings terminated. Think about what this means: a senator-judge, sworn to impartiality, was actively working to end the trial before it could properly begin, while simultaneously proclaiming his allegiance to the family of the accused.

Then there is Senator Pia Cayetano and the spliced video controversy. Here was a senator-judge uploading manipulated footage on social media-footage that conveniently supported defense arguments about prosecutors seeking financial records. The House prosecution panel cried foul, and rightfully so. How can a judge who disseminates edited material favorable to one side claim to be weighing evidence fairly? The ethics complaint filed against her hangs in the air like an unanswered question, a ghost of accountability that seems destined to remain unaddressed.

These are not minor procedural irregularities. These are public declarations of partiality, broadcast for all to see, as if the rules no longer apply to those who make them.

Which brings me to the question that keeps me awake at night: What will Sen. Chiz Escudero do?

As presiding judge, Escudero holds a position that demands more than procedural expertise. He is the steward of this process, the guardian of its integrity. The Constitution and the rules of impeachment place extraordinary power in his hands- not power to be wielded for personal ambition, but power to be exercised with wisdom and courage.

I understand the political calculations at play. The Duterte family remains a formidable force in Philippine politics, and crossing them carries consequences. But there are moments in a nation’s history when the cost of silence exceeds the cost of action. This is one of those moments.

What does impartiality mean if it cannot be enforced? What value is an oath if there is no consequence for breaking it? If Senator Padilla can publicly declare himself an extension of the Duterte political dynasty and face no sanction, then we have transformed impeachment from a constitutional safeguard into political theater-elaborate, expensive, and ultimately meaningless.

I find myself returning to that oath: ‘I will administer impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws of the Philippines. So help me God.’

The phrase ‘So help me God’ is not merely ceremonial. It is an acknowledgment that human justice is imperfect, that we require guidance beyond our own interests, that there is a higher standard to which we are accountable. For those of us who believe, it is a prayer. For those who do not, it should still serve as a reminder that the law stands above any individual or family.

My prayer, then, is for Sen. Chiz Escudero. I pray that he finds the courage to be the steady anchor that our democracy needs in these turbulent times. I pray that he remembers that his duty is not to the senators who may snarl or scheme behind closed doors, but to the Constitution he swore to uphold and to the Filipino people who are watching.

The Senate impeachment court is not a private club where members protect one another from accountability. It is a court of last resort, a place where evidence must be weighed against evidence, where arguments must stand on their merit, and where the oath of impartiality must mean something concrete and enforceable.

Justice without enforcement is merely suggestion. Impartiality without consequence is merely performance.

I watch and I wait. I hope that the presiding judge will prove equal to this moment, that he will remind his colleagues that their oath was not given to the Duterte family, nor to any political alliance, but to the Republic and to the Filipino people.

As I wrote in my recent column, I have great faith in Senator Chiz Escudero, a fellow Sorsogueño.

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the Chairman Emeritus of the Federation of Philippine Industries and concurrent Chairman of the Anti-Smuggling and Anti-Illicit Trade Committee.

The incessant rains that we are experiencing are prompting our government executives to look for innovative ways to control flooding, especially in Metro Manila.

Floods disrupt economic activities. Our workers have to labor through submerged roads and highways before reaching their workplace. They do so at the risk of endangering their health. They also lose quality time to be with their family because of the long hours it take to go home.

Climate change and extreme weather are now the new normal and unless we take steps to mitigate flooding, our workers, students and the rest of the population will be at the mercy of nature.

But I remain optimistic that we can find solutions to the perennial problem. I just read in the papers and learned from broadcast media that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is doing its best to mitigate floods.

The agency is prioritizing five sites for a new flood-mitigation program that will temporarily capture and store rainwater as Metro Manila shifts toward ‘sponge city’ and nature-based solutions.

The MMDA selected the sites from an initial 107 locations following nearly three years of feasibility studies and consultations with local governments, experts and landowners.

The feasibility study, conducted by Haskoning of the The Netherlands, with funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, has been completed, with MMDA Chairman Don Artes describing the identified projects as ‘execution-ready.’

Haskoning, formerly known as Royal Haskoning DHV, is an international engineering consultancy firm with over 140 years of global engineering experience and a team that understands every stage of flood and coastal management.

For such projects, the MMDA identified Camp Aguinaldo, Miriam College, Remedios Circle, Rajah Sulayman and the UP Sunken Garden as priority sites.

Artes is confident that the MMDA can finish the priority sites by June 2027. The five projects are part of a broader program covering 39 sites across Metro Manila. They were selected from an initial 107 locations following nearly three years of feasibility studies and consultations with local governments, experts and landowners.

The projects seek to temporarily retain rainwater at or near areas where it naturally accumulates, preventing drainage systems, rivers and esteros from being overwhelmed during heavy rainfall.

The system combines conventional flood-control infrastructure, such as pumping stations, with nature-based measures including underground cisterns, permeable pathways, sunken gardens, lagoons and other open spaces designed to absorb or temporarily retain rainwater.

I agree with our authorities. With climate change, extreme weather conditions and heavy downpours, we can no longer control or fight water. We can manage or redirect its flow, however, to protect the population and properties.

I believe the catchment projects will complement the rehabilitation of pumping stations and construction of new ones to significantly improve conditions in flood-prone areas. They will significantly reduce localized flooding and improve the capacity of existing drainage and flood-control systems.

‘Under existing facilities, such as football fields and open fields, areas can be excavated even if buildings are present,’ says President Marcos.

The proposed underground water-retention facilities are no different from water-impounding dams that the countryside needs to sustain agricultural farming. The Philippines faces heavy rains after the dry season. Unfortunately, we cannot store the excess water to help in farm irrigation due to the lack of impounding dams. The water merely flows into rivers and the open sea, depriving our farmers of the resource they need during the dry season.

As I’ve said in this column before, the lack of discipline is contributing to the flooding in the metropolis. Trash and garbage are clogging our waterways, eventually resulting in the flooding. We could probably solve half of the flooding problem if we have the discipline to dispose our trash properly.

In addition, we need a whole-of-nation approach to beat the problem, instead of relying solely on the government. We are all stakeholders capable of providing solutions and protecting our environment as a whole.

The first commercial internet cafes in Manila charged by the hour and kept a wall clock above the cashier. Teenagers watched the hands move while trying to stretch their pesos into one more round of Counter-Strike. Access was a privilege and supervised, not a birthright. The current talk of blocking Facebook for Filipinos under 16 wants that clock back.

Philippine authorities have raised the possibility of blocking Facebook nationwide to stop fake news, misinformation, and online abuse, with ‘saving democracy’ in one breath and ‘protecting the children’ in the next.

Facebook became the successor to Friendster and Myspace in 2004. Apparently it has taken more than 20 years to figure out the general corrosion that comes from giving a billion-dollar engagement machine direct access to a child’s brain. But fake news is not the big reveal about Facebook. The chief priests in Matthew paid the guards at Jesus’ tomb to spread a story they knew was false, that ‘his disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ The smartphone only spreads it faster.

Public harassment is older still. Genesis records Potiphar’s wife pressing unwanted sexual advances on Joseph and then falsely accusing him when he refused. What Facebook adds is that a billion people are reached at scroll speed.

Societies understand that alcohol is profitable, socially embedded, and therefore legal. However, we also understand that you do not carelessly hand a bottle of gin to a 14-year-old. Age is supposed to be checked not because the state is almighty, but because a line has been drawn. Even if teenagers still drink, the line exists and it shapes behavior. Social media is in a similar place being an addictive and mood-altering product engineered to keep the user consuming.

Manila’s own hesitation tells a story. Palace officials say there is ‘no FB ban now,’ and Meta is ‘cooperating,’ a generous word for a company still working out how to identify which of its users are minors in the first place. Meta agreed to pay as much as US$18 billion to settle claims brought by 29 American states, and to install curfews and daily caps for any account identified as belonging to someone 13 to 17 years old. The settlement gives Meta one year to figure out how to make that identification.

But nobody currently knows how to guarantee a high level of proof-of-age success. The company’s options are a government identification document, a mandatory selfie, or an algorithm that estimates age from browsing behavior, each one gathering more of the personal data the lawsuit settlement exists to protect. In October 2025, a breach at a third-party customer-service provider exposed the government IDs of 70,000 Discord users, which is what happens when the fix for one failure becomes raw material for the next.

Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, and Malaysia already enforce some nationwide restrictions on most social media accounts for minors. Australia bans outright, with proposed fines for noncompliant platforms up to A$99 million. Indonesia and Malaysia restrict under-16s from ‘high-risk’ platforms. Brazil requires accounts for anyone under 16 to be linked to a parent or guardian. The four countries with new regulations are having problems with enforcement.

Months after Australia barred anyone under 16 from holding a social media account, teenage usage rates of major social media apps has climbed back almost to where it was before the ban. Regulators and researchers point to lying about age, age checks that fail, and VPNs. The common thread is that verifying a stranger’s age from behind a login screen remains effectively unsolved. The private-sector Know-Your-Customer systems were built for banks and never designed as a population-scale social media age gate. Any rule Manila writes will be as leaky as the rest.

A Facebook ban will not fix the misinformation and online abuse problem. What it will do is hand the failure blame for a job Filipino parents, schools, and courts have been avoiding to an algorithm on a platform. Meta will sign whatever memorandum keeps the story off the front page and out of the courts. Its business model was built to maximize minutes watched, not minors protected, and no cooperation agreement rewrites that.

The wall clock above the cashier never needed a law behind it. It needed a parent walking through the door at nine, asking why a 12-year-old was still there. No law reaches into that house, and neither does an algorithm. Manila can legislate an age floor and call it protection. The clock only worked because somebody at home was watching it, and that job was never Meta’s to begin with, or the government’s today.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

THE House prosecution panel in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte has announced its intention to call Duterte herself as a witness after it finishes presenting evidence for all four Articles of Impeachment.

The move was disclosed by private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan during the 23rd day of the trial, signalling a major shift in the prosecution’s strategy as it seeks to place the Vice President’s own explanation at the center of the proceedings.

Kapunan clarified that the prosecution was not immediately requesting the Senate Impeachment Court to subpoena Duterte. Instead, the panel intends to complete its presentation of evidence first before deciding on the formal request for her appearance. She emphasized that Duterte’s testimony would be considered at the conclusion of the presentation of all impeachment articles.

‘At the end of all of these articles, we reserve the right to present the Vice President herself,’ Kapunan told the court.

The announcement came after discussions among public and private prosecutors regarding the direction of their case. Following their review, the prosecution decided to discontinue the presentation of the remaining witnesses originally planned for the article involving alleged misuse and misappropriation of confidential funds. The decision effectively shortened the prosecution’s planned witness presentation for that portion of the case.

Although no formal motion has been filed, defense lawyer Sheila Sison expressed opposition, invoking constitutional rights, after the prosecution expressed an intent to potentially call Duterte as a witness.

Sison quoted Section 17, Article 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, asserting that the respondent has a fundamental right against ‘testimonial compulsion’ or testifying against oneself.

She added that the prohibition against testimonial compulsion is designed to prevent the recurrence of oppressive practices.

10 of 27 witnesses

THE prosecution initially identified 27 witnesses for the confidential funds article. According to Kapunan, 10 witnesses had already appeared before the court, while agreements and stipulations involving two other witnesses made their personal appearances unnecessary. The remaining 15 witnesses, including those scheduled to testify on that hearing day, would no longer be presented.

‘After a long meeting last night and towards this morning, just before this hearing, the prosecution, both public and private prosecutors, have decided to… forego your honors, not only with the witnesses subpoenaed for today, but with all the remaining 15 witnesses,’ Kapunan said.

‘In lieu of presenting 15 other witnesses, we will be presenting the Vice President herself,’ Kapunan stated. However, she later clarified that this would not happen immediately and would only be considered after the prosecution completes the presentation of all four impeachment articles.

Among those affected by the decision were Police Maj. Jovelyn Magay, Sunshine Fajarda, and Bresilio Sabaldan, who had been scheduled to appear before the impeachment court. Kapunan confirmed that their testimonies would no longer be part of the prosecution’s presentation for the confidential funds allegations.

Explaining the change in strategy, Kapunan argued that the evidence already presented by witnesses and documents pointed towards the need to hear directly from Duterte. She stated that the testimonies and records introduced during the proceedings connected various issues under examination to the vice president, making her own response relevant to the case.

Kapunan used a chess analogy to describe the relationship between the witnesses and the subject of the allegations, comparing the different pieces of evidence to chess pieces that ultimately point towards one accountable individual. She also highlighted testimony from Land Bank of the Philippines witnesses, which the prosecution said established the existence and withdrawal of confidential funds.

Potential testimony

THE prosecution maintained that Duterte’s potential testimony would not be limited to the confidential funds allegations. Kapunan explained that her appearance could also be relevant to the other impeachment articles involving alleged grave threats, unexplained wealth, and bribery. These issues remain part of the broader accusations being considered by the impeachment court.

As the trial moves forward, the prosecution is preparing to present its case on unexplained wealth, which it expects to require more time compared with the bribery allegations. House lead prosecutor Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro explained that the prosecution’s pre-trial planning showed a larger number of witnesses and documentary evidence would be needed for the unexplained wealth article.

‘I think it is reflected in our pre-trial brief that the prosecution requested more trial days for the unexplained wealth case compared to the bribery case,’ Luistro said, explaining that additional evidence would be required for the Article II charges compared with the bribery allegations.

The unexplained wealth allegation focuses on claims that Duterte accumulated assets allegedly disproportionate to her declared income and failed to fully disclose certain financial interests in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth. The prosecution plans to examine financial documents, including bank records, tax-related information, and other materials, as part of its presentation.

Luistro emphasized that the decision to present unexplained wealth ahead of bribery does not indicate that one article is stronger than another. ‘These are four equally strong articles of impeachment,’ she said, explaining that the order was adjusted based on witness availability and other practical considerations.

The Senate impeachment court also reminded the prosecution that it would not immediately consider Article I completely closed because additional witnesses could still be called if necessary. The court explained that it would determine whether further testimony would be required after reviewing the evidence presented by both sides.

The prosecution accepted the court’s guidance while maintaining its reservation to call Duterte and an amicus curiae who could assist the court regarding constitutional issues involving impeachment, public officers, and public accountability.

An expanded national nutrition program, with a more proactive approach to stunting, is on track to passage in the Senate after the plenary accepted amendments by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, one of the chief advocates of the bill.

Provisions requiring earlier detection, regular monitoring, and targeted interventions for children at risk were among the amendments to Senate Bill No. 2272, or the Expanded National Nutrition Program Act, that were read at Monday’s Senate session following Cayetano’s interpellation of the measure in a previous plenary session.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian commended Cayetano for his advocacy against child stunting, while bill sponsor Senator Paulo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino thanked him for the proposed changes, saying the amendments were ‘really making this bill so much better.’

The amendments would explicitly recognize stunting as a critical national health and education concern, while common definitions of stunting, severe acute malnutrition, and other relevant nutrition terms, as well as a common measurement system will be adopted.

This would allow government agencies to work from the same standards when implementing interventions and setting targets and assessing outcomes.

The amendments would also establish a National Anti-Stunting Action Plan, with areas facing high stunting and food insecurity prioritized for technical and financial assistance.

A Nutrition and Growth Monitoring Program would likewise regularly track children’s weight, height or length and other nutrition indicators.

Local Government Units would play a central role in implementing the measure with Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars and other trained personnel would identify children who are undernourished, stunted or at risk and ensure their referral, intervention and follow-up.

The proposal also reflects Cayetano’s push to build on Taguig City’s integrated nutrition, health monitoring and physical activity practices.

Schools would likewise conduct regular height and weight measurements and nutrition assessments of school-age children.

The proposal puts particular focus on the first 1,000 days of life, from conception through the first 24 months, and provides specific interventions for children who are stunted or at risk, including feeding support, complementary food, Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food, and Vitamin A and zinc supplementation.

The senator had earlier sought a shift from simply measuring the prevalence of stunting to identifying the specific children who need help.

He also urged lawmakers to make the bill specific on interventions that can already be implemented.

‘When we cannot be specific, let’s be general. Anything that we cannot specify, we’ll talk about it in general. But anything that we can specify, [let’s work on it] to ensure the success of this bill,’ he said.

Justin Brownlee may have been missing from the Gilas Pilipinas lineup, but the faith of ArenaPlus users in the national team never wavered.

Playing at home without their naturalized star, Gilas swept the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, edging Jordan, 82-81, before beating Iran, 68-56, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

ArenaPlus users backed Gilas to get the job done in both games, with 74.4 percent of the total bet count picking the Philippines to beat Jordan and 71.1 percent backing the team against Iran.

The confidence came despite the absence of Brownlee, who has not played since Gilas’ double-overtime loss to New Zealand in the third window last July 3 because of hamstring and knee issues.

Brownlee has been one of Gilas’ most reliable contributors in the qualifiers, averaging 14.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

But with their leading offensive weapon on the sidelines, the locals showed they had more than enough firepower to carry the load.

Sotto makes impact in return

At the center of it all was Kai Sotto, who made a long-awaited return to the national team after a two-year absence and immediately made his presence felt.

Sotto averaged 15.5 points and 15 rebounds across his first two games back, providing Gilas with a much-needed interior presence as the Philippines continued its push for a World Cup berth. Dwight Ramos was equally steady, averaging 15 points, six rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 steals during the window.

Against Jordan, it was CJ Perez who sparked Gilas’ comeback from a double-digit deficit, pouring in 16 points and five rebounds. Kevin Quiambao added 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists, including a crucial three-pointer that helped Gilas secure the thrilling one-point victory.

The locals delivered again against Iran, with Juan Gomez de Liaño making his mark in the come-from-behind victory with 16 points and three rebounds.

The win also carried a little extra weight. Iran had defeated the Philippines in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship final at the same venue, making Gilas’ latest victory over the Iranians a chance to rewrite a piece of history on familiar ground.

Gilas depth works wonders

For Ethan William, Head of ArenaPlus, the strong backing for Gilas despite Brownlee’s absence showed the confidence Filipino basketball fans have in the national team’s depth.

‘Justin Brownlee has been a huge part of Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign, so it would have been understandable for fans to wonder how the team would respond without him. Instead, we saw ArenaPlus users continue to back Gilas, and the local players delivered,’ said William.

‘Kai Sotto’s return, the consistency of Dwight Ramos, and the big performances from the other locals showed just how much talent this team has. The numbers reflect the confidence of Filipino fans in Gilas and their belief that the team can find a way to win, whoever is on the floor.’

Gilas now moves forward with momentum-and perhaps an even greater sense of belief. Brownlee’s absence may have changed the equation, but it didn’t change the expectation.

ELECTION materials are now in municipalities across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with 808 police personnel deployed to secure preparations for the polls, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Among those deployed from Region 12 are 334 Special Election Boards (SEBs), forming part of the police contingent tasked with helping secure the electoral preparations.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said distribution from election hubs to municipalities remains ongoing, with ballots going to city treasurers and other election paraphernalia being delivered to local Comelec offices.

‘The deployment from the hubs to the municipalities is ongoing, with the ballots being delivered to the city treasurers, while all the other election paraphernalia are being brought to the local Comelec offices,’ Garcia said.

Comelec wants distribution completed by Sept. 8 so election officers and teachers can prepare for the final testing and sealing set on Sept. 12.

Garcia said preparations will cover all 5,212 polling precincts across BARMM ahead of the final testing and sealing.

Police deployment is proceeding alongside the movement of election materials as authorities brace for security challenges during the electoral process.

Garcia warned against treating the number of election-related incidents as a stand-alone measure of peace and order in the region.

‘Peace and order should not really be measured by one election-related incident, whatever others may say, because that one incident involved the interim chief minister,’ Garcia said.

BARMM has recorded only one election-related incident so far, a figure Garcia said authorities can be proud of but should not use as assurance that the polls will remain peaceful.

‘We should be proud that there is only one incident in the entire Bangsamoro, but that is not enough,’ Garcia said.

What matters now, according to the poll body chief, is whether security forces are positioned properly and can keep the situation under control throughout voting and the completion of the election.

‘What is important is whether the forces are properly deployed and whether we can maintain a peaceful election until election day and until the election is finished,’ Garcia said.

Comelec is consequently pushing to finish the distribution of election materials while police deployment continues ahead of the final testing and sealing.

HONOR Philippines today announced the launch of the HONOR 600 Pro MOLLY Edition, a limited-edition smartphone created in collaboration with Pop Mart and available exclusively on Lazada Philippines for as low as Php 49,999.

Bringing together HONOR’s premium smartphone technology and MOLLY’s distinctive style, the special-edition device is designed for users who want powerful everyday performance with a more expressive, collectible appeal.

‘We are excited to bring the HONOR 600 Pro MOLLY Edition to the Philippines and introduce this special collaboration with Pop Mart,’ said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. ‘MOLLY has a distinct identity and strong connection with its community, and we’re thrilled to bring that personality together with HONOR’s technology and innovation. Through this collaboration, we hope to connect with new communities and give both HONOR and Pop Mart fans a smartphone experience that is both powerful and expressive. We look forward to seeing the MOLLY Edition become part of the everyday lives of our consumers.’

A Stylish Smartphone with Collectible Appeal

The HONOR 600 Pro MOLLY Edition gives the HONOR 600 Pro a fresh special-edition treatment inspired by MOLLY, offering fans and collectors a device that stands out in both style and function.

At just 7.8mm thin and 200g, the device features a cold-carved unibody design, translucent Composite Fiber back panel, matte metal frame, and an industry-leading 0.98mm narrow black bezel for a sleek, refined look.

Designed for photography and content creation, the HONOR 600 Pro features a 200MP Ultra-Clear Night Camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and CIPA 6.0 OIS, paired with a 50MP 3.5X Periscope Telephoto Camera that supports up to 120x zoom and CIPA 6.5 OIS. Its industry-exclusive AI Image to Video 2.0 feature also enables users to transform still images into cinematic video content powered by AI.

The device is powered by a 7,000mAh battery with 80W Wired and 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, while its 6.57-inch display delivers up to 8,000 nits peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth, vivid viewing experience.

Exclusively on Lazada

As the exclusive platform for the HONOR 600 Pro MOLLY Edition in the Philippines, Lazada provides HONOR and MOLLY fans with a dedicated destination to access the limited-edition collaboration.

The launch coincides with Lazada’s 9.9 Campaign, giving consumers the opportunity to discover the special-edition smartphone with exclusive pricing and flexible payment options through LazPay, Lazada PayLater, and credit card installments, subject to applicable campaign terms.

The HONOR 600 Pro MOLLY Edition is available exclusively on Lazada for an SRP of Php 59,999, but consumers can enjoy up to Php 10,000 in total discounts, including a Php 1,500 HONOR discount, Php 3,000 Lazada platform voucher, and an additional Php 5,500 voucher for UnionBank credit card users, bringing the checkout price down to as low as Php 49,999, subject to applicable terms and conditions. For more information and to purchase the limited-edition device, With the HONOR 600 Pro MOLLY Edition, HONOR Philippines and Lazada Philippines continue to bring consumers new ways to experience mobile technology through the intersection of innovation, personal style, and collectible culture.

Mayor Joy Belmonte on Tuesday said Quezon City remains the undisputed ‘green lung’ of what he described as an otherwise suffocating metropolis.

In her welcome remarks during the kickoff ceremony of the ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum 2026 at the Seda Vertis in Quezon City, Belmonte lauded the country’s hosting of the international forum.

‘Magandang umaga sa ating lahat. Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Quezon City. We are deeply honored that our city was chosen to host this first-ever AHP Forum, held under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship,’ she said.

Belmonte said what makes the forum different from the technical conferences that came before it is simple: it puts people first. It recognizes that conservation does not live in laws or boundary lines. It lives in the hands of the communities who guard these forests every day,’ she said.

The Philippines is proud to host 14 of the 64 parks, among the highest of any ASEAN member state, she noted.

‘From Mt. Apo to the Tubbataha Reefs, each site represents a promise our government has made to protect what is irreplaceable. But you may ask: why is a forum on wilderness and protected areas being held here, in the middle of the Philippines’ most populous urban center?’ she asked.

‘Today, Quezon City remains the undisputed green lung of an otherwise suffocating metropolis. And we strive to protect the dream that brought our city to life in the first place. This is why climate action and environmental stewardship are at the core of our Leadership,’ she said.

According to Belmonte, since declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019, Quezon City had dedicated 21% percent of our city’s budget to environmental resilience, setting a firm target of achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2050.

‘Part of this commitment is our One Million Trees initiative. Rooted in our Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan, the initiative supports our city’s development

of a comprehensive green corridor network and the implementation of an urban biodiversity strategy,’ she said.

Moreover, Belmonte said the local government prioritizes native species suited to our local soil, climate, and elevation conditions, including edible and fruit-bearing native trees that can contribute to urban food security.

‘We also make sure that our restoration efforts do not introduce new ecological threats.

‘Today, more than 30 percent of Quezon City’s land area consists of green spaces. We have inventoried and planted over 600,000 trees under this program-more than halfway toward our target towards 2030,’ she said.

According to Belmonte, the Quezon City built and rehabilitated over 340 parks and open spaces across the city, including the complete ecological restoration of the city’s former waste disposal facility in Barangay Payatas- which was reborn as a vibrant eco-park and public bike trail, and the protection of the La Mesa Watershed and Ecopark, one of the remaining forest ecosystems in Metro Manila.

Belmonte added that on top of these initiatives, the local government of Quezon City is actively weaving nature into the physical fabric of the metropolis.

‘Under our Drainage Master Plan, we are shifting from single-purpose concrete infrastructure to multi-purpose, nature-integrated systems. For instance, we have constructed a dedicated retention pond at our central park, the Quezon Memorial Circle, which acts as a natural catchment area to recycle stormwater runoff for local park irrigation,’ she bared.

Moreover, she said the Quezon City Hall lagoon will be converted into a sunken garden that doubles as a detention pond and will also serve as a functional space for recreation and assembly, with a large open natural lawn with amphitheater seating.

Belmonte said that none of these nature-based solutions can be sustained without the people who live alongside them.

‘Our urban agriculture network is a testament to this collaborative stewardship. We have established over 1,400 urban farms across Quezon City, securing fresh, accessible food sources while providing sustainable livelihoods for more than 44,000 local urban farmers. To close the organic waste loop, we operate biodigesters across our markets, urban farms, and barangays-processing food waste into clean biogas that our barangays use during climate emergencies,’ she said.

‘Crucially, we believe in giving utmost dignity to those who protect our environment. We have formally employed residents from informal settler communities as ‘resource collectors’-trained in proper waste collection and handling, and leading our cleanup operations across 130 kilometers of our river systems. We see this same transformation at our closed disposal facility in Payatas, which is now home to the country’s first Textile Circularity Hub-with mothers from the community trained and employed as artisans, who weave textile waste into fabric for high-end fashion creations,’ she added.

Belmonte said that to face the monumental task of conserving the region’s invaluable natural heritage, active, protective care across borders is needed, recognizing that what happens to the forests and waters of one country directly impacts the ecological security of the next.

Kaya ko na ba? For many Filipinos, that is where the home search begins.

Pag-IBIG Fund’s recent increase of its maximum housing loan amount to ?10 million has widened the financing possibilities for qualified members. But the answer is not found in a loan ceiling alone. Buyers also need to know which projects are accredited, what payment they can manage, what to prepare and where to get reliable information.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) and the Home Development Mutual Fund, or Pag-IBIG Fund, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on September 8, formalizing their collaboration on homebuyer education, seller preparation, initial buyer guidance and planned homebuyer programs.

The MOU brings selected Pag-IBIG-accredited SMDC home options together with clearer information and support. The shared aspiration is simple: sariling bahay, abot-kaya sa Pag-IBIG.

With Pag-IBIG Fund’s higher loan ceiling, qualified members have more home options to consider, including selected accredited SMDC projects. That is the thinking behind ‘Saan Aabot ang Pag-IBIG Mo?’, a question that moves beyond how much a member may borrow to where that financing can take them and what makes sense for their life and budget. The life behind the loan

No single type of home answers every buyer’s needs. A young professional may want to live closer to work and reclaim hours lost in traffic. A growing family may need more room for the children. An OFW may be working toward a house and lot the family can finally come home to.

These decisions are rarely made overnight. They often come after years of work, saving and putting the family’s needs first.

‘My father has always believed in building a nation of homeowners,’ said Jessica Sy, SMDC Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation and Strategy. ‘That vision is personal to our family because a home gives people stability, a place to belong and something lasting to pass on. Through our partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund, we can help more Filipino families explore a practical way to own a home and understand how to begin.’

Across its broader portfolio, SMDC offers different types of homes designed around varying priorities, including location, space, lifestyle and budget.

SMDC Heights offers city-centered high-rise living; SMDC Nature, mid-rise communities built around open space and wellness; and SMDC Symphony Homes, house-and-lot communities in regional growth areas.

Pag-IBIG financing is currently available for selected Pag-IBIG-accredited SMDC projects, including Coast Residences in Pasay City, Spring Residences in Parañaque City, Hill Residences in Quezon City, and SMDC Cheerful Homes 1 and 2 in Pampanga.

Additional SMDC projects in Makati City, Mandaluyong City and Pasay City are undergoing accreditation. These will be announced soon after the accreditation process has been completed.

The collaboration supports broader efforts by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, or DHSUD, and Pag-IBIG Fund to strengthen private-sector participation in housing.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, who also chairs the Pag-IBIG Board of Trustees, said the partnership supports the administration’s efforts to expand affordable homeownership.

‘The direction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under Expanded 4PH is clear. Government and the private sector must work together so that more Filipino families can own homes that suit their needs and budgets. This means not only offering affordable financing but also working with developers so that more homes are built to match what Filipino workers need and can afford. Ang layunin natin ay mabigyan ang mas maraming manggagawang Pilipino ng tunay na pagkakataong magkaroon ng sariling bahay na malapit sa trabaho at pasok sa budget ng kanilang pamilya,’ Aliling said.

‘Homeownership is too important for any one institution to address alone. Making it more attainable requires strong partners with a shared commitment to Filipino families,’ said Jeffrey C. Lim, President of SM Prime and SM Development Corporation.

‘The government plays a critical role in making home financing more affordable, while developers like SMDC must provide homes and communities that deliver lasting value. With DHSUD, Pag-IBIG Fund and SMDC working together, Filipino homebuyers can get more of what they need: better financing, the right space, a good location, convenient access and a community where they can build their lives.

A clearer place to begin

Homebuyer education is central to the MOU. SMDC is training its sellers and developing frequently asked questions to prepare them for initial inquiries about Pag-IBIG financing. Sellers can help buyers identify participating projects, understand basic requirements and find the appropriate next step.

SMDC has also established a help desk where buyers can ask about participating projects, request for indicative computations and understand the basic documents they need to prepare.

Pag-IBIG Fund alone determines borrower eligibility, property appraisal, actual loan amounts and approval based on income, capacity to pay and applicable program rules.

‘Most buyers ask very practical questions: ‘Pasok ba ako? Magkano ang kailangan kong ihanda? Ano ang susunod?” said Marking Que, SMDC Senior Vice President and Head of Customer Support. ‘They should not have to piece the answers together on their own. Our role is to give them a clear starting point, help them prepare and connect them to the Pag-IBIG Fund process.’

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the partnership gives qualified members a more practical path to finding and financing a home.

‘Affordable financing truly serves its purpose when our members also have suitable homes to choose from. Through our partnership with SMDC, more Filipino workers can choose a home that fits their family’s needs and budget, then pay for it on affordable terms through Pag-IBIG,’ Acosta said. ‘Para sa ating mga miyembro sa NCR, Metro Cebu at iba pang lungsod, gusto naming magkaroon sila ng bahay na malapit sa trabaho at paaralan, para walk to work sila at walk to school naman ang kanilang mga anak. Sa tulong ng Pag-IBIG Fund at ng mga pribadong developer na katuwang namin tulad ng SMDC, kaya nang matupad ng mas maraming manggagawang Pilipino ang pangarap na magkaroon ng sariling bahay na akma sa kanilang pangangailangan.’

Pag-IBIG Housing Loans are available for amounts of up to ?10 million per qualified borrower, with repayment terms of up to 30 years. Qualified socialized housing borrowers may avail themselves of the subsidized 3% rate. Members purchasing homes above the socialized housing ceiling may qualify for promotional rates of 4.5% on loans of up to ?4.9 million or 5.75% on loans above ?4.9 million and up to ?10 million. The promotional rates are available until Dec. 31, 2026.

Reaching Filipinos here and abroad

SMDC is also preparing housing caravans and roadshows in selected Philippine and overseas locations to bring information on accredited home options and Pag-IBIG financing closer to Filipinos wherever they live and work.

For OFWs, plans for home are often made from thousands of kilometers away, between shifts and across time zones, with their families back in the Philippines. The planned overseas outreach will give them a way to explore available options while abroad instead of waiting for their next trip home.

A home gives a family more than an address. It gives them a place from which to build what comes next.

For Filipino workers and families asking, Saan Aabot ang Pag-IBIG Mo? Perhaps all the way home.