Category: Business Mirror

BEYOND the inflation spikes and slowing growth triggered by the prolonged Middle East conflict lies a harsher economic reckoning: the Philippines’s long-fading ambition of becoming a high-income economy by 2040 may now be effectively out of reach.

This comes as Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan admitted earlier this week that the government is recalibrating the AmBisyon Natin 2040 roadmap, the country’s long-term development blueprint, after a series of shocks and disruptions derailed the original growth trajectory.

For analysts, the recalibration reflects how repeated economic shocks have steadily pushed the Philippines farther from its original 2040 timetable.

Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) economist Leonardo A. Lanzona explained that an honest assessment would show that the 2040 target is effectively gone, with even Balisacan acknowledging that achieving high-income status within the original timetable is ‘not feasible.’

Last year, the socioeconomic planning chief said economic growth of 6 percent or lower would not be enough to become a high income country in 15 years. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/08/01/with-growth-of-6-or-less-phl-cant-meet-ambisyon-to-be-high-income-country-by-2040/).

‘The Iran shock and US tariff headwinds now layer fresh downside risk on top of the pandemic-era output gap that was never fully recovered. ‘Fallen behind’ understates it-the trajectory has been permanently reset,’ Lanzona told the BusinessMirror.

Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) President Calixto V. Chikiamco agreed, saying several ‘negative geopolitical and other external factors’ are now undermining the assumptions behind the plan.

Chikiamco said the prolonged oil crisis could continue weighing on the economy even if the Middle East conflict eases, while rapid advances in artificial intelligence also pose risks to several industries in the country, including its multi-billion business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

‘The country is also vulnerable to climate change and a severe El Niño this year, together with high fertilizer prices, may cause significant damage to our agricultural sector,’ he also told the BusinessMirror. Under AmBisyon Natin 2040, the government aims to triple the country’s per capita income. This means having a per capita income of at least $11,000 through a sustained 6.5-percent annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

It also seeks to transform the Philippines into a predominantly middle-class society where poverty is eradicated and economic growth translates into a better quality of life for ordinary Filipinos.

Redefining middle classData from the 2016 AmBisyon Natin survey showed that nearly eight in 10 Filipinos (which translates to 79.2 percent) aspired for a ‘simple and comfortable life,’ while only a small fraction envisioned living like the rich.

For most Filipinos, this meant earning enough to meet daily needs, owning a medium-sized home and a vehicle, sending children to college, and being able to travel occasionally within the country.

The survey also showed strong aspirations for mobility and convenience, with a majority preferring to own a vehicle rather than rely solely on public transportation. Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera said the country’s 2040 aspirations may need to evolve beyond the traditional notion of middle-class prosperity anchored mainly on income growth and consumer ownership.

‘Key question is not just whether households earn more but whether they can sustain a decent quality of life,’ Rivera told the BusinessMirror.

The United Nations (UN) defines quality of life as a broad and multidimensional concept that goes beyond income and employment, encompassing access to food, healthcare, housing, infrastructure, social protection, public safety, environmental security, and even human rights.

Rivera said a truly middle-class society should be defined not only by higher incomes, but by economic security, quality education, accessible healthcare, affordable housing, and protection from ‘shocks.’

‘The vision remains achievable if the country uses this recalibration as an opportunity to address long-standing structural constraints rather than simply adjust the timeline,’ he added.

Deeper reforms

Meanwhile, Chikiamco said the Philippines must first address weak agricultural productivity, warning that persistently high food prices could undermine efforts to industrialize by raising wages and production costs.

‘This means that the country should move away from small scale agriculture toward promoting agribusiness. It should promote farm consolidation and remove the land retention limits of 5 hectares under the agrarian reform law,’ he explained.

Under AmBisyon Natin 2040, the government identified eight priority sectors for investment, including housing and urban development, manufacturing, connectivity, education, tourism, agriculture, health and wellness, and financial services, as part of efforts to build competitive industries that can deliver affordable goods and services.

Rivera said the recalibrated roadmap should also prioritize human capital, food and energy security, digital and physical infrastructure, innovation, and institutional strengthening.

‘Sectors with strong productivity and employment potential such as advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, tourism, and modern services should be at the center,’ he also said.

Capabilities audit

For Lanzona, however, the traditional sector-listing approach is no longer enough because it identifies priority industries without determining the specific constraints preventing them from advancing.

He said this leads to broad and unfocused allocation of resources, where industries are included in development plans but do not necessarily receive the targeted support needed at their current stage of development.

Lanzona instead pushed for a ‘capabilities audit,’ or a more detailed assessment of where industries currently stand, what bottlenecks they face, and what specific interventions they need to move up the value chain.

‘Without knowing where each industry actually stands in its upgrading trajectory, the milestones one attaches to the vision are arbitrary and the political economy critique applies with full force, because undifferentiated or unclear sector support is far easier to capture by incumbent political interests than stage-specific capability targets,’ Lanzona added.

Latest World Bank data showed that the Philippines remains classified as a lower middle-income economy, with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of $4,470 in 2024-just $26 below the lower bound of the UMIC range, currently set at $4,496 to $13,935.

The bank revises its income classifications annually, with updated thresholds and country rankings typically released on July, based on the previous year’s GNI per capita data.

Emperador Inc. reported resilient financial performance in the first quarter of 2026, posting consolidated revenues of ?13.3 billion and net profit of ?1.9 billion, reflecting single-digit year-on-year growth despite persistent global economic and geopolitical headwinds.

Sales of brandy and whisky rose 6% compared to the same period last year, buoyed by sustained consumer demand, operational efficiencies, and steady contributions from both domestic and international operations. Net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent company grew 4.5% year-on-year, supported by higher sales, improved margins, and disciplined cost management.

The company said its Philippine brandy segment maintained stable growth, while international operations benefited from geographic diversification and expanding market presence. ‘Our first quarter performance demonstrates the resilience of our businesses and the strength of our diversified portfolio,’ Emperador President and CEO Glenn Manlapaz said, citing continued focus on execution, efficiency, and stakeholder value despite supply chain disruptions, fuel price volatility, and inflationary pressures.

Emperador noted that the global operating environment remained challenging due to geopolitical conflicts, elevated energy prices, and uncertainties in trade and consumer markets. Nevertheless, its balanced business structure and prudent strategies enabled sustained momentum and profitability.

Looking ahead, the company expressed cautious optimism for the remainder of 2026, citing strong fundamentals, strategic investments, and ongoing efforts to enhance operational resilience.

Emperador Inc. manufactures in the Philippines, UK, Spain, and Mexico, with distribution across 100 countries. Its portfolio includes Emperador Brandy, Fundador Brandy, and single malt whiskies such as The Dalmore, Fettercairn, Jura, and Tamnavulin. The company is listed on both the Philippine Stock Exchange and the Singapore Exchange.

A projected 1.5 percent annual growth in voter registrants is expected in Central Visayas following the filing of more than 318,000 new voter applications ahead of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec-7).

During the MyTV Cebu Openline News Forum, Comelec-7 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Veronico Petalcorin said the region recorded 225,678 applications from regular voters and 92,712 applications from Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) voters before the May 18, 2026 registration deadline.

Petalcorin noted that the increase in registrants may also be influenced by migration into the region.

Based on COMELEC data, 4,365,983 voters participated in the 2023 BSKE in Central Visayas, while voter turnout during the 2025 local elections reached 4,389,334 – an increase of more than 20,000 voters.

‘Projected…growth of registrants is 1.5 percent per annum…Posibleng adunay migrants [our projected growth in registrants is 1.5 percent per annum…There may also be migrants contributing to the increase],’ Petalcorin said.

The poll official also highlighted the consistently high voter turnout during barangay and SK elections, attributing it to close family and community ties.

‘Every BSKE taas gyud ang voter turnout kay parentehay ni [voter turnout is always high during every BSKE because voters are usually connected by family ties],’ he said.

Petalcorin said the Election Registration Board (ERB) will process applications for inclusion, reinstatement, transfer, and updating of voter records following the close of registration.

For the 2026 BSKE, the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) is scheduled from September 28 to October 5. However, campaigning is prohibited from September 28 to October 21. The official campaign period will run from October 22 to 31, while the election period is set from October 3 to November 9.

Election Day is scheduled on November 2, with the deadline for filing Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) on December 2.

November 2 is also the nationwide observation of the All Soul’s Day. When asked about the scheduling of the elections on November 2, Petalcorin said the decision was made by Congress.

‘We don’t know the wisdom of Congress kay sila man ang ning decide ani [We don’t know the wisdom of Congress since they are the ones who decided on this],’ he said.

COMELEC data from the 2023 BSKE showed that Central Visayas had around four million registered regular voters at the barangay level. For SK voters aged 15 to 17, Cebu accounted for about 1.1 million registrants, while Bohol recorded around 350,000. Meanwhile, the number of voters aged 18 to 30 reached 1,064,357.

We’re currently witnessing what many perceive to be a national leadership crisis. In moments like these, crisis communication becomes just as important as action.

Leaders who communicate with transparency, clarity, and confidence are able to maintain trust with clients, employees, and partners even during uncertainty. On the other hand, poor communication in high-pressure situations can erode confidence, spread misinformation, and prolong recovery.

Effective crisis communication ensures that stakeholders feel informed, supported, and aligned with the organization’s response. In challenging times, leadership is often measured not only by what leaders do, but by how they communicate.

Prioritize Transparency and Honesty

During a crisis, withholding information can easily backfire and damage credibility. Leaders must communicate openly, even when information is still limited, while committing to provide updates as new details emerge. As Warren Buffett once said, ‘It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.’ Honest communication builds trust, minimizes speculation, and reassures stakeholders that leadership is taking responsibility. People may not always like the message, but they will respect leaders who are truthful under pressure.

Communicate Frequently and Consistently

Silence creates uncertainty, while inconsistent messages fuel confusion. This is why leaders must establish regular communication touchpoints to provide updates, direction, and context.

Howard Schultz observed that ‘In this ever-changing society, the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart.’ Consistency in communication reinforces stability and credibility, especially during difficult periods. When stakeholders hear clear and aligned messages repeatedly, confidence in leadership increases.

Listen and Respond Proactively

Effective communication is never one-way. During crises, stakeholders naturally have concerns, fears, and questions that leaders must acknowledge and address. Stephen Covey wisely said, ‘Seek first to understand, then to be understood.’ Leaders who actively listen and respond with empathy create an environment where people feel heard and valued. Promptly addressing concerns not only reduces anxiety, but also strengthens trust and relationships during uncertainty.

Tailor Messages to Your Audience

Different stakeholders have different priorities, concerns, and expectations. Employees may seek reassurance and clarity about stability, while clients may want confidence in continuity and service reliability. This is where communication must be intentional and audience-centered. As Dale Carnegie famously noted, ‘Talk to someone about themselves and they’ll listen for hours.’ Understanding what matters most to each group allows leaders to communicate more effectively and build stronger engagement during critical moments.

Align Actions with Words

Communication loses credibility when it is disconnected from actual behavior. In times of crisis, leaders must ensure that actions consistently support their statements and commitments. Peter Drucker captured this well when he said, ‘Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.’ Stakeholders closely observe whether leaders follow through on what they say. When words and actions align, trust deepens, confidence grows, and organizations become more resilient during adversity.

Final Thoughts

Crisis communication is not merely about sharing information-it is a leadership tool that shapes perception, trust, and outcomes. By prioritizing transparency, communicating consistently, listening proactively, tailoring messages, and aligning actions with behavior, leaders can guide stakeholders through uncertainty with confidence. Strong communication preserves relationships, strengthens credibility, and positions organizations to emerge stronger after difficult situations. In the end, during moments of crisis, how leaders communicate can make the difference between panic and confidence, chaos and clarity.

HARMIE CONSTANTINO heralded her return to form in style with an eagle-boosted six-under 66 to take a two-stroke lead over Mafy Singson after 18 holes of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Caliraya Springs Championship on Tuesday in Cavinti, Laguna.

The performance not only marked a significant turnaround for Constantino, whose recent campaign have been marred by underwhelming results, but it also signaled her drive to reclaim her position at the top of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

A stellar backside 31 at the Caliraya Springs Golf Club, featuring a stirring three-birdie finish, ignited Constantino’s chase for redemption.

An eagle on No. 4 and a birdie on the sixth more than compensated for her two bogeys at the front, propelling her into the lead.

‘I hit the ball really well and played smart, hitting it to the right spots. I just happened to catch my 3-wood perfectly, setting up a 10-footer for eagle at the par-5 No. 4,’ she reflected on her round which began with back-to-back birdies from No. 10.

While she dropped a stroke on No. 13, her resilience shone through as she tallied four birdies in the next five holes, including three straight to close her back nine.

Despite a bogey on the first hole, she quickly bounced back with that eagle and a birdie and although she could have padded her lead, a miscue on the eighth hole kept her at a 35-31 round under the lift, clean and place rule.

It was a much-needed resurgence for Constantino after a challenging 2025 season-in 2024, she dominated the circuit with four victories en route to winning the Order of Merit title, but a series of poor finishes had dampened her momentum.

With an inspiring tied-for-fourth finish at the Lakewood Championship last March, she remained determined to reclaim her glory. ‘I need to stick to my game plan and keep things simple: hit the fairways, hit the greens, and make the putts,’ said Constantino, who moved 36 holes away from adding another LPGT title to her collection.

But trailing closely behind is the equally hungry Singson, who highlighted her otherwise routine round with four consecutive birdies from No. 4.

Though she finished without any bogeys, Singson missed a few birdie opportunities, settling for pars on her last 11 holes. ‘I hit all the greens from No. 4 and made my putts from inside 15 feet,’ said Singson of her birdie streak that has put her in strong contention in the P1 million championship. Despite facing challenges on the greens, she demonstrated resilience, recovering each time she missed.

Florence Bisera, seeking a second consecutive win after her triumph at Lakewood via a three-player playoff, carded a 70 for third, while Seoyun Kim rallied with two birdies on the back nine to save a 71 for solo fourth.

Tiffany Lee looked poised to find her form with a strong start, tallying three birdies from No. 2 and another on the sixth to reach four-under. However, a double bogey on the eighth caused her to tumble down the leaderboard, finishing with a one-birdie, one-bogey card for a 72, dropping her into a tie for fifth with Kayla Nocum and Gretchen Villacencio. Monica Mandario also came through with three straight birdies from No. 15 to salvage a 73, while reigning Order of Merit champion Sarah Ababa, who lost to Princess Superal in sudden death here last year, carded a 74 for joint ninth with Angela Mangana.

Pag-IBIG Fund reported year-on-year growth in its net income for the first quarter of 2026, further strengthening its capacity to protect members’ savings, provide affordable home financing, and support more Filipino workers in their journey toward homeownership, top officials announced Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

From January to March, Pag-IBIG Fund’s net income grew by 11% or ?1.700 billion to reach ?16.772 billion, compared to the same period last year. Officials attributed the growth to strong collections and steady earnings from Pag-IBIG Fund’s housing loan, short-term loan, and investment portfolios. Higher investment returns also contributed to the income growth, with Pag-IBIG Fund’s income from investments reaching ?3.033 billion, increasing by 51% year-on-year from ?2.013 billion in the same period last year.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, who also chairs the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said Pag-IBIG Fund’s strong fiscal position enables it to serve as the primary source of financing for the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino, or Expanded 4PH Program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., heeding the President’s call to make decent and affordable housing more accessible to Filipino workers.

‘This performance shows that Pag-IBIG Fund remains strong, stable, and ready to support President Marcos’ directive to open more opportunities for Filipino families to own decent and affordable homes. As the key financing arm of the Expanded 4PH Program, Pag-IBIG Fund plays a vital role in turning the national housing agenda into real homes for our workers. We shall continue to manage our members’ funds prudently, so that more Filipino families may benefit from housing finance that is affordable, accessible, and sustainable,’ Aliling said.

Pag-IBIG Fund’s total assets also stood at ?1.276 trillion as of March 2026, reflecting a 3% or ?41.735 billion increase from ?1.234 trillion recorded at year-end 2025. Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the agency’s strong asset base and fiscal standing allow it to continue providing members with competitive savings returns and affordable home financing.

Acosta further stated that Pag-IBIG Fund’s performance directly benefits its members. Under its charter, Pag-IBIG Fund returns at least 70% of its annual net income to members in the form of dividends, which are credited to their savings every year.

‘Pag-IBIG Fund is owned by its members, the Filipino workers. That is why we remain committed to growing and protecting their savings while ensuring that they have access to affordable home financing,’ Acosta said. ‘Our strong fiscal standing allows us to sustain our subsidized housing loan rates under the Expanded 4PH Program, including the 3% rate for qualified socialized housing borrowers. This is how we help make homeownership more affordable for more Filipino workers, while keeping Pag-IBIG Fund financially sound and sustainable for the long term,’ she added.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has welcomed the initial findings of the World Bank’s (WB) ongoing Functional Review, which aims to improve governance, streamline systems, and enhance public service delivery in the higher education sector.

CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis met with representatives of the WB on May 13, where the WB team presented preliminary findings and recommendations based on consultations and assessment activities conducted since the review began on January 30, 2026.

The review is intended to help identify ways to improve CHED’s operations, streamline processes, and strengthen institutional systems.

The WB delegation included Dr. Cristian Aedo, Practice Manager for the East Asia and Pacific Region of the Education Global Practice; Ms. Tara Béteille, Lead Economist in the East Asia Pacific Region; Mr. Janssen Teixeira, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank’s Education Global Practice; and Mr. Koen Geven, Senior Economist in the Education Global Practice of the World Bank, who joined online.

Also joining Chairperson Agrupis during the meeting was CHED Executive Director Atty. Cinderella Filipina S. Benitez-Jaro.

Agrupis said the review supports continuing reforms to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to serve students and higher education institutions.

She noted that the recommendations may help strengthen regulatory processes, improve scholarship management, accelerate system digitization, and enhance governance mechanisms across the Commission.

This collaboration with the World Bank is anchored in CHED’s ACHIEVE Agenda.

It prioritizes stronger governance, smarter systems, and responsive public service that genuinely delivers for Filipino students and higher education institutions nationwide.

MEDICAL Services of America (Philippines) Inc. (MSA-PH) has officially marked a significant expansion of its diagnostic capabilities with the launch of its first sleep study service, in partnership with Our Lady of the Pillar Medical Center (OLPMC) of Imus, Cavite.

The new service is specifically designed to address the growing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition that often goes undiagnosed.

By providing gold-standard sleep diagnostics within the hospital’s facility, MSA and OLPMC aim to offer a seamless pathway from identification to treatment, significantly improving the long-term health and quality of life for residents in the region.

The launch was commemorated with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, signaling the start of a collaborative effort to prioritize respiratory and sleep health.

‘Today, through this partnership with Our Lady of the Pillar Medical Center, we are making advanced sleep diagnostics more accessible to patients who need answers, treatment, and ultimately, better lives,’ said Hermie Lim, vice president of sales and business development for MSA-PH.

With this partnership, patients no longer need to travel far to access high-level sleep monitoring. The suite is equipped with specialized technology to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart activity, ensuring that every patient receives a precise diagnosis and a personalized plan for better rest and recovery.

Noli B. Lagasca, MSA-PH vice president for hospital operations, ‘many people suffer from chronic fatigue, loud snoring, or morning headaches without realizing these are symptoms of OSA. This is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night.’

‘Left untreated, OSA can lead to serious health complications such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. By undergoing a sleep study, patients receive a precise diagnosis that allows specialists to create a personalized treatment plan, leading to restorative sleep and improved long-term health,’ Lagasca added.

A sleep study is a comprehensive evaluation used to diagnose sleep-related breathing disorders. While a patient sleeps in a comfortable, private suite, specialized sensors record vital data, including brain wave activity to track sleep stages; oxygen levels in the blood; heart rate and rhythm; breathing patterns and airflow; and eye and leg movements. Sleep study is PhilHealth-recognized. Eligible members can avail of a subsidy for the study, provided they have a specialist’s referral and meet the clinical criteria for OSA.

GEN. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., National Police chief, on Tuesday called on all commanders and personnel to remain focused on their mandate of ensuring public safety amid political noise and other issues, particularly on social media.

Nartatez said criticisms and intrigues being spread online should instead serve as motivation and a challenge for the organization to further improve its service and protection for the Filipino people.

‘These intrigues and political noises, including attempts to encourage any of our personnel to engage in partisan politics, are meant to distract us from performing our job well and sustaining our gains on peace and order,’ Nartatez said in a statement.

He said the PNP’s sustained efforts to reduce the crime rate, backed by high public trust and performance ratings, are proof that the organization remains committed to maintaining peace and order across the country.

Nartatez also vowed to continue working closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other law enforcement agencies.

‘The PNP remains completely focused on its mandate and other reform measures, including the integration of the policies of the DILG under Secretary [Juanito Victor] Jonvic Remulla on internal reforms and actions that will make the public feel safe,’ he said.

‘We will not allow unverified political talk to distract us from our duty to protect the public,’ he added.

The PNP has intensified its internal cleansing efforts and strengthened coordination with local government units in crime prevention and anti-illegal drug operations.

Among these initiatives is the ‘Safer Cities’ initiative, which has contributed to a sharp decline in crime incidents nationwide, alongside the continuing crackdown on smuggled products that drain the country’s resources. The police organization has also sustained efforts to improve emergency response and increase police visibility in communities, among other initiatives.

Nartatez, likewise, ordered regional and local police units to remain focused on law enforcement operations and public safety efforts, stressing that the organization’s mandate remains unchanged despite political noise surrounding the issue.

‘Our working relationship with Secretary Remulla has been highly professional, collaborative, and anchored on institutional stability,’ Nartatez said. ‘We continue to fully cooperate with the DILG leadership to ensure peace and order nationwide,’ he added.

Nartatez issued the statement amid circulating reports online that Remulla is about to be replaced as DILG secretary amid the government’s failure to arrest Sen. Ronald dela Rosa and fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co.

Malacañang on Monday said President Marcos has not lost trust in Remulla.

TONY LASCUÑA reminded everyone that experience and skill reign supreme as the veteran campaigner seized the first-round lead in the highly-competitive International Container Terminal Services Inc. Caliraya Springs Championship with a brilliant eight-under 64 for a two-stroke lead over Angelo Que and Clyde Mondilla in Cavinti on Tuesday.

With the notorious Caliraya winds taking a rare break beneath dark skies, the stage was set for an exceptional day of golf in the P2.5-million championship.

Lascuña took full advantage of the winter condition in golf and led the charge with a bogey-free round that showcased the caliber of a player who has long dominated the Philippine Golf Tour.

A record five-time Order of Merit winner, Lascuña, 55, not only defied Father Time but also delivered a performance worthy of yet another championship.

‘I feel like young again. I hit all fairways and greens and finished with 28 putts,’ said Lascuña in jest, basking in the glow of his performance, made even more impressive by the lift, clean and place rule in effect due to the fairways’ uneven conditions from summer heat.

Yielding 50-60 yards to the Tour’s revered long hitters, Lascuña relied on his trusted fairway woods and newly acquired Srixon irons to dominate the course.

He birdied four of the first seven holes and added another four on the back nine.

‘It’s been a long time since I shot this low, it’s exhausting but the conditions were great,’ said Lascuña, recalling his last win in adverse weather conditions at Splendido Taal in 2024.

But Que, the reigning Order of Merit winner, and multi-titled Mondilla lurked closely behind with matching 66s and Keanu Jahns entered the mix with a 67, aiming for back-to-back championships after defeating Que by four strokes in this event last year.

The rolling Caliraya layout, known for its challenges, transformed into a scoring paradise under these conditions, yielding 35 under-par rounds and 11 even-par cards.

This raised the stakes significantly for the chase for the top 40 and ties that will advance to the final two rounds of the second leg of the 10-leg circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Que, poised to match Lascuña’s flawless performance, stumbled with a bogey on the tricky par-four 18th but still managed a superb 31-35 round, which included three birdies and an eagle on No. 4, along with birdies on Nos. 16 and 17. ‘I didn’t make any mistakes except for the last hole, but that’s golf,’ said Que, eager to remain at the top of the PGT heap for a second straight season. ‘I hit a lot of fairways and greens and made many putts. Good weather always helps produce low scores.’

Mondilla birdied five of his first 12 holes and closed with a birdie-bogey-birdie finish for a 34-32.

‘There were many chances that didn’t go in,’ he said. Jahns also eagled No. 4, notching six birdies but stumbling with a bogey and a double bogey at the par-3 11th. Still, with a five-under, the Fil-German stood just three strokes off Lascuña, alongside Fidel Concepcion, Jeffren Lumbo, Dino Villanueva, and Rupert Zaragosa.

Meanwhile, Koreans Lee Song and Ryoto Furuya led the international charge with 68s, joining Russell Bautista, Gabriel Manotoc, Ivan Monsalve, and Nilo Salahog in a tie for ninth.

Sean Ramos birdied two of the last five holes, leading a tightly contested group at 69 that includes contenders Art Arbole, Jay Bayron, Michael Bibat, Aidric Chan, Jhondie Quibol, and Boni Salahog, making the leaderboard intensely competitive.