Category: Business Mirror

THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially removed Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from the case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, citing a potential conflict of interest due to Khan’s prior involvement before taking office.

In a decision dated October 2 and released in redacted form on October 15, the ICC Appeals Chamber granted the defense’s request to disqualify Khan from The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The Chamber cited Article 42(7) of the Rome Statute, which bars prosecutors from participating in cases where their impartiality might reasonably be questioned.

Before becoming ICC Prosecutor, Khan had submitted an Article 15 communication to then-Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, urging an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

Under Article 15 of the Rome Statute, the ICC Prosecutor can initiate investigations based on information submitted by individuals, NGOs, or other entities. These communications are not formal complaints but evidence packages that help the Prosecutor decide whether to open a preliminary examination.

Although the Chamber found no proof of actual bias, it ruled that Khan’s ‘significantly intense and multifaceted’ involvement in the Article 15 submission could lead a reasonable observer to believe he had already formed an opinion on Duterte’s criminal responsibility.

As the ruling states: ‘The Appeals Chamber considers that a reasonable observer would conclude that, in light of the nature and the extent of the Prosecutor’s involvement in the Article 15 Communication, he could be expected to have formed an opinion on the individual criminal responsibility of Mr. Duterte, that could adversely affect the required impartiality in his current role.’

ICC Statement: Case Moves Forward

Caroline Maurel, ICC outreach officer from the Public Information and Outreach Section, clarified: ‘This disqualification has no impact on the ongoing case against Mr Duterte.’

She explained that while the Appeals Chamber did not find actual bias, it recognized that Khan’s prior role could reasonably be seen as compromising his impartiality.

The case will now be handled by Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, who leads the ICC’s work on the Philippines situation.

Duterte was turned over to ICC custody in March 2025 and faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to thousands of extrajudicial killings during his presidency.

MORE than 4,500 residents from National Housing Authority (NHA) resettlement sites in Butuan and Ormoc received various forms of public assistance during two ‘People’s Caravan’ events held in those cities, the agency said.

The caravan in Butuan gathered 1,578 beneficiaries at the Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol Covered Court, while 2,996 residents joined in barangay Margen, Ormoc.

Both events were organized to bring basic government services closer to families living in housing projects and nearby areas.

Health, livelihood, and welfare programs were offered in partnership with several agencies, including the Departments of Health, of Labor and Employment, and of Agriculture (DA).

Residents received free medical and dental consultations, medicines and access to employment and skills training support.

Fresh farm produce and seedlings were also distributed under the DA’s Kadiwa program, while other agencies provided business registration assistance, cooperative seminars, and scholarship orientations.

The NHA said two more caravans are planned before the end of the year, targeting resettlement communities in General Santos and Iligan cities.

THE death toll in the magnitude 6.9 Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake on September 30 has climbed to 76 while the number of affected population because of the 7.4 and 6.8 twin earthquakes near Manay, Davao Oriental, continues to increase as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology (Phivolcs) said more aftershocks of the doublet earthquake still rock the coastal town.

The number of affected families, damaged infrastructure, and houses continues to climb in both the Bogo City, Cebu, and Manay, Davao Oriental earthquakes, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported.

In its situation report released at 6:00 a.m. on October 16, the NDRRMC said the affected population continues to increase at 216,962 families or 748,025 persons.

The earthquake that also injured 559 others has affected a total of 260 barangays in 18 cities and municipalities in Cebu Province, the NDRRMC said.

So far, 11,874 aftershocks have been recorded by Phivolcs since the earthquake near Bogo, Cebu as of October 13.

Of these, 2,076 were plotted and 46 were actually felt. The magnitudes of these aftershocks range from 1 to 5.8.

The number of displaced persons also climbed to 21,616, and are sheltered in 17 evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC reported that 134,227 houses were damaged, of which 7,295 were totally destroyed, while 126,932 were partially damaged.

The number of damaged infrastructure as of the latest NDRRMC report has also climbed to 959.

So far, the estimated cost of assistance provided to affected communities has reached P401 million because of the Bogo, Cebu earthquake.

In the double earthquake near Manay, Davao Oriental, the NDRRMC said the number of affected families has now climbed to 272,701 or 1,188,366 persons in 600 barangays spread across 56 cities and towns in seven provinces.

Since the earthquake, aftershocks continue to rock Manay town. Phivolcs said it has recorded a total of 1,464 aftershocks, of which 706 were plotted and 19 were felt. The magnitudes of these aftershocks range from 1.2 to 5.8.

The NDRRMC said a total of 13,813 houses were damaged, of which 784 were destroyed, while 13,029 houses were partially damaged.

A total of 2,227 persons are currently sheltered in 11 evacuation centers.

The double earthquake has claimed the lives of eight people and injured 176 others.

NDRRMC said a total of 577 infrastructure were damaged, costing around P143 million.

The estimated cost of assistance provided to affected families is P 71,692,104, while the estimated cost of assistance provided to LGUs and Regional Agencies is P1,183,743.

Early recovery stage

CEBU province is now on the early recovery stage more than two weeks since a magnitude 6.9 earthquake jolted.

In a news conference, Regional Director Joel Erestain of the Office of Civil Defense Central Visayas (OCD-7), said that temporary shelters are being pepared for those who had lost their homes during the earthquake.

Erestain said the national government through the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the National Housing Authority together with the local governments and the private sector has established two ‘Bayanihan’ villages in San Remigio and Daanbantayan towns to serve as temporary homes.

A total of 64 modular smart homes were initially built in barangay Poblacion in San Remigio DHSUD Assistant Secretary Johnson Domingo said.

These temporary shelters measuring 18 square meters, are equipped with basic utilities such as water and power supplies.

Eva Maria Marfil, DHSUD Regional Director, said it will be the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that will serve as the camp manager.

Two other tent cities were established by the Philippine Red Cross in Bogo City and Medellin town.

DHSUD targets to also construct a similar Bayanihan village in other areas badly hit by the earthquake.

Initial assessment on damage to infrastructure has reached P6 billion but the OCD-7 regional director said this could still increase as they await the final report.

Rehabilitation phase will only begin once they received advise from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology that it is safe to do so.

‘Hindi pa recommended to start repairs since aftershocks are still being felt.if one to two weeks na walang mararamdaman then they recommend that we can start reconstructing,’ Erestain added.

Life ‘n Arts Gallery proudly presents a special one-man show and book launch featuring the works of renowned Filipino artist Raul Isidro at ManilArt 2025, running from October 15 to 19, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig City.

The highlight of the exhibition is the launch of the art book Soulscape of a Gilded Passion, written by Sherwin Paul Gonzales and produced by Lerma Julian of Life ‘n Arts Gallery. According to Julian, the project aims to honor and document the remarkable artistic journey of Raul Isidro, a living master whose lifelong dedication and evolving vision have shaped Philippine abstraction for more than five decades.

Born in Calbayog City, Samar, in 1943, Raul G. Isidro stands among the most respected names in modern Philippine art. A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas College of Fine Arts, he pursued further studies in painting at the Philippine Women’s University and later took an advanced art course at Sonoma Community College in California.

Before devoting himself entirely to painting, Isidro worked in advertising and sales, balancing work and study as he developed his artistic voice. His story of discipline and quiet persistence continues to inspire generations of artists. He eventually became a full-time artist and teacher, serving as dean of Fine Arts at PWU and later president of both the Art Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Association of Printmakers.

Through decades of exploration, Isidro has developed a distinct visual language that reflects both his mastery of abstraction and his deep connection to nature. His paintings often capture the movement of light, water, and land in forms that blend emotion with structure. Each work reveals his contemplative approach to artmaking, where color and texture are harmonized to express peace, passion, and the timeless beauty of the natural world.

The newly launched book, Soulscape of a Gilded Passion, delves deeply into the life and creative evolution of Raul Isidro. Written by Sherwin Paul Gonzales, it presents not only a collection of his artworks but also a narrative of his artistic growth, philosophies, and influence in the Philippine art scene. Through essays, photographs, and reflections, the book offers an intimate look at the artist’s journey – from his early years of experimentation to his established position as one of the country’s foremost abstractionists. It is both a tribute and an archive, celebrating a life devoted to art, innovation, and purpose.

This year’s ManilArt 2025, themed ‘Across Forms, Beyond Borders,’ provides the perfect stage for Isidro’s new milestone. The annual national art fair, co-presented by the ManilART Foundation and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), is part of the official Museums and Galleries Month celebration and remains the country’s premier platform for showcasing Filipino artistry to a global audience. With its theme ‘Across Forms, Beyond Borders,’ ManilArt 2025 underscores the dynamic intersections of art, culture, and community, a vision that mirrors Isidro’s own philosophy of transcending limits through creativity.

This is a celebration of passion, legacy, and the Filipino artistic spirit. Through this cohllaboration, Life ‘n Arts Gallery continues its commitment to honoring the masters and fostering a deeper appreciation of the arts, reminding audiences that the journey of an artist, like that of Raul Isidro, is itself a work of art, constantly unfolding and ever inspired.

The Union Bank of the Philippines announced last Wednesday it has rolled out a biometric verification and authentication technology in subsidiary UnionDigital Bank Inc. bought from London, United Kingdom-based iProov Ltd.

The lender didn’t say in a statement how much it invested in the technology. UnionDigital Bank Chief Information Security Officer Russell Hernandez was quoted in the statement as saying the lender needs ‘a flexible and future-ready solution.as we shift toward risk-based authentication.’

According to the lender, the technology would be used mainly against money mules and ‘account takeovers.’

The latter happens when fraudsters gain access to customers’ bank accounts as if they were the legitimate owner.

Construction firm EEI Corp. on Thursday said it is buying First Orient International Ventures Corp. (FOIVC) from KC Land Oriental Pacific Inc. (KLOPI) for P2.8 billion.

‘The acquisition of FOIVC is part of the company’s long-term growth strategy to evolve from a pure-play construction company into a fully integrated property and infrastructure developer,’ the company said.

‘The parties reached an agreement on the amount of the consideration by imputing a reasonable return on the acquisition by KLOPI of the shares from the previous shareholder.’

First Orient, whose current president is Kevin Kristopher K. Wong and chairman Caesar D. Wongchuking, is a domestic corporation currently engaged in the business of acquiring, using, improving, developing, selling, leasing and holding real estate property for investment and other purposes.

The company currently owns or has rights to 49 hectares of real estate property in Cavite.

Last year, the company recorded a net loss of P472.15 million a reversal of the previous year’s income of P541.29 million.

EEI said its diversification is designed to ‘leverage the company’s extensive construction expertise, robust project management capabilities, and established industry relationships.’

First Orient, whose current president is Kevin Kristopher K. Wong and chairman Caesar D. Wongchuking, is a domestic corporation currently engaged in the business of acquiring, using, improving, developing, selling, leasing and holding real estate property for investment and other purposes.

The company currently owns or has rights to 49 hectares of real estate property in Cavite.

Last year, the company recorded a net loss of P472.15 million a reversal of the previous year’s income of P541.29 million.

EEI said its diversification is designed to ‘leverage the company’s extensive construction expertise, robust project management capabilities, and established industry relationships.’

The Dallas Mavericks have again extended the contract of coach Jason Kidd, who led them to the NBA Finals as a coach two seasons ago and a championship as their point guard in 2011.

The Mavericks announced Tuesday night that they agreed to a multiyear extension, but didn’t reveal the length or any other details of the deal for Kidd, who is going into his fifth season as their coach. His first multiyear extension came in the middle of the 2024 playoffs when they made the NBA Finals before losing to Boston.

‘J-Kidd’s basketball resume is one of the best in the game, and through every situation he has proven he’s the right person to lead the Mavericks,’ general manager Nico Harrison said. ‘He has a track record of developing some of the best talent in the league, as well as the ability to connect with players to bring out the best version of themselves.’

Kidd has a 362-339 record in nine seasons as an NBA head coach with Dallas, Brooklyn and Milwaukee. He is 179-149 for the Mavericks with two deep playoff runs.

Dallas earlier this year denied the New York Knicks permission to speak with Kidd about their coaching vacancy. The 52-year-old Kidd played the last of his 19 NBA seasons for the Knicks in 2012-13.

He went into coaching immediately upon retirement, leading Brooklyn to the second round of the playoffs in his first season in 2013-14 before Milwaukee hired him away from the Nets.

The Bucks fired Kidd in the middle of his fourth season – with a pair of first-round playoff exits the first three years – and he spent two years as an assistant with the Lakers, including when LA won the NBA title in the 2020 playoff bubble. He replaced Rick Carlisle in Dallas.

After Kidd and NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavs to the 2011 title, they didn’t win another playoff series until beating Utah in the first round under Kidd in 2022.

SOME P3.39 billion has been authorized for the 2023 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) of more than 225,000 National Police (PNP) officials and personnel as a reward for their service in ensuring public safety.

In a statement on Thursday, the Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said release of the funds has been approved, following the directive of the President to strengthen the morale and welfare of government workers, particularly law enforcement frontliners.

DBM said each qualified police personnel, both officer and nonofficer, will receive a bonus equivalent to 45.5 percent of his monthly basic salary as of December 31, 2023.

To qualify, personnel in the First, Second and Third Levels must have earned at least a ‘Very Satisfactory’ rating under the Civil Service Commission-approved Strategic Performance Management System or the equivalent rating under the Career Executive Service Board.

‘Our police officers are among the pillars of our nation. They stand at the frontlines of peace and order every single day. We see their hard work and dedication, so we are making sure they receive what is rightfully due to them,’ Pangandaman was quoted as saying.

The DBM said the funds will be sourced from the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund under Republic Act 12116, or the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act.

The grant of the PBB follows the issuance of a Final Eligibility Assessment (FEA) Report dated September 16, 2024, by the Administrative Order 25 Inter-Agency Task Force.

The report confirmed that the PNP had met all the requirements necessary to qualify for the incentive.

‘Through this release, we not only recognize their service but also reaffirm our commitment to a government that rewards performance and accountability,’ Pangandaman said.

The incentive will also provide real relief to the families of police officers-a boost to their household budgets, tuition for their children or additional funds for daily necessities, Pangandaman added.

The PBB, which forms part of the Results-Based Performance Management System of the government, aims to encourage exemplary service and strengthen accountability in the bureaucracy.

It rewards personnel and agencies that meet or exceed performance targets.

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has deployed more scholars through its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program.

FISSION is an initiative aimed at cultivating Filipino expertise in the specialized field of nuclear engineering. There are seven engineers currently employed by Meralco and its power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) that are participating in the program-Rachelle Gesmundo-Varias, Regino Hibaler, Eljhon Capili, Keith Danae Suquib, Dennmarc Marcaida, Eljan Javellana and Raymund Grant Pagulong.

Capili and Suquib recently departed to study Master in Nuclear Engineering at Université Paris-Saclay in France, while Gesmundo-Varias and Hibaler already started Master of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering in Ontario Tech University in Canada. The remaining three scholars, Marcaida, Javellana and Pagulong, are heading to KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School in South Korea in the first quarter of 2026.

Similar to the pilot batch which involves five scholars who started their degrees in 2024 in University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the United States and Harbin Engineering University in China, the engineers will be sent to nuclear technology firms for their internship before returning to the Philippines to practice their degrees.

Through the FISSION program, Meralco Power Academy (MPA) intends to build a pool of highly skilled Filipino professionals who will play a key role in the country’s future nuclear energy development.

MPA has partnered with globally recognized academic institutions to allow scholars to gain access to cutting-edge nuclear laboratories, participate in research on small and micro modular reactors, and undergo internships with leading nuclear technology companies.

This aligns with Meralco’s broader Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program, the company’s flagship initiative to incorporate nuclear power into the Philippine energy mix as a long-term, low-carbon energy solution.

‘Through the FISSION program, we are investing in the future of energy by equipping Filipino engineers with the specialized knowledge and global experience needed in the country’s adoption of nuclear power.

This initiative reflects Meralco’s commitment to building a future-ready energy workforce and supporting the development of safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear energy for the Philippines,’ Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho said.

It has been an incredible last 10 months for Oi! Music. December 15 of last year saw the launch of the first Oi! Music album on vinyl in the Philippines with Kalbo Pilipinas. The Sound of Pinoi! Skinhead Anthems (Vanity Records) celebrated the scene and cemented its legacy. The album, which has since sold out and was also featured at an incredible launch show at WYP in Poblacion, Makati.

This 2025 has seen the releases of Cebuanos Fury (Vanity Records) and, most recently MaOi (Mutilated Noise Records) that has kept the momentum. And this coming Saturday, October 18, the biggest show in the Oi! Music scene will return with Oi! Attack: Rock Against Racism at Rewind also in Poblacion, Makati.

‘The Oi! Attack we organized in 2023 was supposed to be the last one after doing this for a while,’ said Merck Alvarez, the organizer of these events. ‘But the scene is alive and doing well again, so game lang ulit.’

‘Oi! Attack is not for profit but for the scene where skinheads and punks can enjoy good music by bands who are against racism in any form and are against fascist governments. And the foreign bands support this too. This is expressed in their music and in their lyrics as well.’

Performing at Oi! Attack Rock Against Racism are local bands namely the Spaceflower Show, Disorganize, Against the Wall, Squad 79, Southern Lads, as well as Permanent Revolution from Australia, Dickie Spike from Japan, and the headliner making a return to these shores. the Bois from Singapore.

Oi! Music is a subgenre and subculture of punk rock that fused early punk rock, ska, 1970s British rock and roll, football chants, and pub rock, and has come to be considered mainly a skinhead-oriented genre. Oi! Music has gone from merely a scene in the United Kingdom to a global phenomenon today.

Added Alvarez, ‘We will have merchandise available for fans, but of course, limited yan. The show begins at exactly 3pm on October 18.’