Category: Business Mirror

THE House Committee on Ethics and Privileges has created a reconciliation subcommittee that will mediate all cases filed before it, but House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno made it clear on Monday that reconciliation is not an option in the ethics complaint against Cavite Rep. Francisco Barzaga.

In an interview, Puno said the complaint he and 28 other members of the National Unity Party (NUP) filed against Barzaga was not a personal grievance but a matter that strikes at the integrity of the House of Representatives as an institution.

‘We filed this complaint because we want standards of behavior to be established in Congress,’ he said. ‘Is it acceptable to post obscene photos on our website? To insult women? To tell young people to become congressmen to get rich? If that’s considered acceptable, then the Ethics committee should say so. But I believe such behavior must be prohibited.’

Puno added that Barzaga’s conduct has caused ‘significant damage’ to the image of the House and that members of Congress should be held to higher ethical standards, particularly during plenary sessions.

Barzaga, for his part, welcomed the opportunity for a hearing before the Ethics panel, saying it would allow both sides to express their views.

He acknowledged the possible outcomes of the case-including suspension, removal, or even imprisonment-but maintained that he had done nothing wrong.

Puno, however, insisted that Barzaga’s statements and behavior reflected lower standards than the average person, adding that the Ethics Committee must take decisive action to set a clear precedent for acceptable conduct among legislators.

The Ethics committee, which held a closed-door hearing on Monday morning, is expected to deliberate on whether the case will proceed to formal hearings following the creation of its new reconciliation subcommittee.

CLYDE MONDILLA and Reymon Jaraula know it will take far more than familiarity with the course for either of them to again dominate the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Del Monte Championship.

The homegrown aces finished 1-2 the last time the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) visited the mountain-top layout in Bukidnon in 2023 and heading into the P3.5 million event, which fires off Tuesday, both are tempering expectations with a blend of caution, confidence and competitive hunger.

‘I’m comfortable with the course which I play often, but you can’t underestimate Del Monte,’ said Mondilla, who made a thrilling comeback two years ago with a pair of eagles on Day 1 and three closing birdies in the final round to edge Jaraula by one.

Now gunning to defend his crown, the former Philippine Open champion knows that course knowledge is only part of the equation.

‘Each round would be different, you get to learn everyday,’ he said. ‘So I make sure I’m focused each time and respect the course.’

If Mondilla is taking it methodically, Jaraula enters with quiet confidence to flip the script.

‘I’m familiar with this course and hopefully use this to my advantage,’ said the three-time PGT winner whose local roots remain a strong motivational anchor.

They are eager to put on a show at home especially after contrasting finishes in the previous leg at Marapara-Mondilla rallying late to tie for second and Jaraula settling for a share of 18th place.

But even with their intimate knowledge of Del Monte, the field is anything but predictable.

Veteran Frankie Miñoza, a living legend and Del Monte icon, returns to action after a long layoff.

Although well-versed in every inch of the course, Miñoza, too, understands that success hinges as much on form and mental fortitude as it does on familiarity.

Challenging the homegrown talents is a loaded field that includes red-hot contenders, decorated champions, rising stars and a wave of foreign threats.

Leading the charge is Keanu Jahns, who has strung together an impressive PGT run-winning twice and placing runner-up twice in six starts.

Although his three-peat hopes were derailed by Rupert Zaragosa at Marapara, the big-hitting Filipino-German remains a prime threat.

‘Same as always, take it one shot at a time and stick to my routine,’ said Jahns of his game plan. ‘Del Monte’s tighter layout may favor accuracy more than length, so I’ll adapt accordingly during the practice round.’

Zaragosa, the crafty and confident shotmaker who thrives on tree-lined courses, is another player to watch-he’s fresh off a dominant win at Marapara he sees similarities in Del Monte’s setup, a scenario he hopes to exploit.

‘My game thrives in tree-lined courses,’ Zaragosa said. ‘To win again, I need to stay committed to my process, trust my instincts and the results will follow.’

Veteran campaigners Tony Lascuña and Jhonnel Ababa, both eager to hit their stride before the final two legs of the P10.5 million Mindanao swing in Davao, are poised to strike.

Forest Hills winner Guido van der Valk, Zanieboy Gialon, Michael Bibat, Ira Alido and Nilo Salahog round out a formidable local cast.

Young guns Ryan Monsalve, Russell Bautista, Kristoffer Arevalo, Elee Bisera and John Michael Uy are also looking to make a breakthrough.

The foreign challenge is equally potent-American Collin Wheeler and a formidable Korean contingent composed of Jisung Cheon, Tae Soo Kim, Jaehyun Jung and Taewon Ha and along with Japanese standout Atsushi Ueda are all primed to spoil the locals’ homecoming.

World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, arrives this year with the theme ‘Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Disasters’-a timely call, as the Philippines continues to cope with regional crises following recent calamities such as flooding and earthquakes. It’s a reminder that caring for mental well-being is now just as essential as meeting business targets or project deadlines.

But despite the growing recognition of mental health in the workplace, recent events following the earthquake in Bogo, Cebu, reveal the need for more compassionate policies. Several BPO companies reportedly reprimanded employees who chose to stop working after the quake due to safety concerns, with some workers facing administrative sanctions, loss of benefits, or even notices-to-explain when they prioritized their well-being and their families’ over immediate job tasks.

Complaints have surfaced that staff were ordered to return to work while aftershocks continued, and in certain cases, those who evacuated were called back before thorough safety inspections were completed. These incidents have sparked a broader call for change, urging businesses to value psychological safety and disaster response protocols as much as business continuity-especially in times of crisis.

There is still, however, a quiet shift that is occurring in many small businesses and large corporations: mental health is no longer an optional concern but a pillar of workplace resiliency and productivity.

Inspired by the annual global advocacy, more Filipino companies are now dedicating time and resources to implement workplace wellness events, from mindfulness breaks to wellness fairs. These initiatives respond not only to the stress from unpredictable events but also to day-to-day pressures that affect focus, morale, and team dynamics.

Among the most effective additions to corporate wellness programs are mindful practices like tai chi and qigong. These gentle, movement-based disciplines blend breathing, mental focus, and slow, deliberate motion to help reduce stress, quiet racing thoughts, and support overall well-being. Employees often report less anxiety, improved clarity, and greater resilience after participating, echoing findings from research across Asia and beyond.

Yet there’s so much more that companies can do. Many workplaces now offer group yoga sessions-suitable for all fitness levels-that help loosen muscles, calm nerves, and enhance flexibility. Guided mindfulness and meditation workshops teach employees strategies for self-soothing and focus, while dance or Zumba classes offer a joyful, energizing way to break up the workday.

Forward-thinking HR teams have also experimented with:

Quiet hours or designated break rooms for reflection, coloring, or enjoying soothing herbal teas.

‘Walk and Talk’ sessions, encouraging meetings on foot for natural stress relief

Trivia games and educational seminars to break stigma and promote mental health literacy.

Wellness challenges based on steps taken, healthy eating, or hydration.

Acts of kindness days, journaling workshops, and peer support circles.

Some organizations even bring in wellness therapists for on-site massages, host awareness talks with psychologists, or offer training so managers and staff know how to spot and respond to emotional distress among colleagues.

Incorporating these varied approaches makes mental health support accessible and engaging for all, helping to build resilience not just for individuals but for the organization as a whole.

This World Mental Health Day, Philippine business leaders can set a powerful example. By making space for wellness activities and inviting partners like the Peace Blossoms Internal Arts Society (09178456856) to lead qigong, tai chi, or wellness sessions, companies can nurture a culture where success and psychological health go hand in hand. For organizations hoping to create a mentally stronger, more harmonious workplace, now is the time to act-and to show that investing in people’s inner well-being is a winning strategy for everyone.

And going back to the events in Bogo, there is a pressing need for clear, compassionate disaster response policies across all sectors. Companies must ensure that no employee is penalized for prioritizing their own safety or that of their family during emergencies, and robust protocols must be in place to provide support-psychologically and logistically-before requiring anyone to return to work. Formal guidance from labor authorities, ongoing mental health education for management, and stronger industry accountability are essential steps to prevent similar incidents.

Ultimately, the lesson from Bogo is clear: true workplace wellness is measured not only by the programs on offer, but by how organizations respond, lead with empathy, and uphold dignity when their people need it most.

FOLLOWING the awarding of eight petroleum service contracts (PSCs) in Malacañang last week, three more are being evaluated by the Palace for approval.

A Department of Energy (DOE) official said there are another three contracts that are being evaluated by the Office of the President. Moreover, DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said, the agency itself is also reviewing similar applications. ‘There are another three that are under application and evaluation in the department,’ he said.

The eight PSCs worth around $207 million covers exploration areas at the Sulu Sea, Cagayan, Cebu, Northwest Palawan, East Palawan, and Central Luzon. The service contractors are expected to discover native hydrogen reservoirs and new petroleum fields during the seven-year exploration period.

The eight PSCs that were unveiled by President Marcos are:

PSC 80 and 81 were awarded to a consortium composed of Triangle Energy (Global) Limited, an Australian company; Sunda Energy Plc, registered in the United Kingdom; and the Philippine-based firms PXP Energy Corp. and the Philodrill Corp.

These are co-managed by the DOE and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM-MENRE). SC80 covers approximately 780,000 hectares while SC 81 spans about 532,000 hectares.

PSC 82, located in Cagayan Basin and has an area of 480,000 hectares, was awarded to Triangle Energy (Global) Limited.

PSC 83 and 84, both for native hydrogen exploration in Central Luzon, were awarded to US-based Koloma, Inc.. SC 83 covers 126,645 hectares while SC 84 covers 85,082 hectares.

PSC 85, covering 127,475 hectares in onshore Cebu, was awarded to Gas 2 Grid Pte. Ltd.

PSC 86, awarded to consortium of Filipino companies composed of The Philodrill, Anglo Philippine Holdings Corp., PXP Energy Corporation, and Forum Energy Philippines Corp., covers 132,000 hectares in the Northwest Palawan Basin.

PSC 87, located in the East Palawan Basin, was awarded to Ratio Petroleum Ltd. of Israel. This marks the company’s second PSC, following PSC 78, also situated in the East Palawan Basin, where Ratio successfully conducted a 3D seismic survey last year.

The next steps to be undertaken by the service contractors include permitting with local governments and other government agencies, information campaign, geological and geophysical studies, seismic survey, sand drilling activities, among others.

These work programs are designed to assess the petroleum and hydrogen potential of the contract areas while ensuring strict adherence to environmental and safety standards.

Beyond exploration, service contractors will fund and undertake educational scholarships, capacity building, and community development programs even during the early exploration phase. Once production begins, host communities will further benefit through infrastructure development, social programs, and local employment opportunities generated by these projects.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE), the operator of the local equities and fixed-income markets, on Sunday said the market has not lost P5 trillion in less than one year, calling the claim as ‘dishonest, if not malicious.’

In a statement, the PSE said the comparing domestic market capitalization (MCAP) of the bourse as against total market capitalization, which included those also listed overseas, is like apples and oranges.

It said the claim ‘is clearly meant to provoke investors to lose confidence in the Philippine capital market and destabilize the economy.’

The PSE said it tracks two types of MCAP-the domestic and total market capitalization.

Domestic MCAP are those from Philippine companies that are primarily listed on the PSE.

Total MCAP, meanwhile, includes the domestic MCAP and also those listed overseas. These are Manulife Financial Corp., whose shares are also traded on the Toronto, Hong Kong, and New York stock exchanges; Sun Life Financial Inc., which is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges; and Campos-led Del Monte Pacific Ltd., which is also traded at the Singapore stock exchanges.

‘Since only less than 1 percent of the outstanding shares of MFC and SLF and less than 5 percent of DELM are lodged for trading in PSE, [the] PSE uses domestic MCAP data as the MCAP reference number since it more accurately captures the performance of the Philippine stock market,’ the PSE said.

Domestic MCAP is down by P273.26 billion or 1.88 percent as of October 10, to P14.29 trillion from end of last year’s P14.56 trillion, the PSE said.

Foreign MCAP, which only includes the three firms, fell 11 percent for the period to P4.82 trillion from P5.44 trillion.

Total MCAP, meanwhile, fell by 4 percent or P886.84 billion to P19.12 trillion from the end of last year’s trading.

A post last October 10 on social media by a ‘pseudo-expert’ on the stock market advanced the claim that the PSE has lost up to P5 trillion in market capitalization since December 2024.

‘Unfortunately, this fake news was irresponsibly published on the same day and reposted the following day in an online tabloid that is known for prioritizing sensationalism that will generate clicks and engagements over providing news that have been fact-checked or verified, a minimum prerequisite required of legitimate journalists in this era where fake news is readily accepted as gospel truth,’ the PSE said.

Last week, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Francis E. Lim apologized for making a mistake when he said the corruption issue on flood control projects have wiped out about P1.7 trillion in market value of publicly listed companies.

Lim said the information was ‘based on what I believed at the time to be a credible industry report. I have since learned that the report was fictitious. I deeply regret any confusion or concern that my statement may have caused.’

‘My sole intent was to underscore the vital importance of integrity in our markets and the devastating impact corruption can have on investor confidence.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ticket sales for 21st Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival more than doubled compared to last year’s figures, according to festival officials.

According to Cinemalaya festival director Chris Millado, box office data showed that ticket sales climbed from P5.8 million last year to P13.4 million this year during the festival’s run from October 3 to 12 across Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cinemas.

‘This marks more than a 100 percent increase in ticket sales,’ he said, noting that audience reach also grew slightly-from 30,000 last year to 32,000 this year.

Millado added that the surge in sales signals the continued expansion of Cinemalaya’s footprint beyond the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) where the festival was originally held.

He noted that if this upward trend continues, the festival’s revenues could surpass pre-pandemic levels by next year.

‘Patuloy ito sa karampot na budget at sa matinding pagpupunyagi na ikuwento ng ating filmmakers ang buhay, kamatayan, pinagsaluhan, at pinagtagumpayan ng ating buhay-buhay bilang Pilipino,’ Millado said.

[Despite working with limited budgets, our filmmakers continue to persevere in telling stories about the life, death, struggles, and triumphs of the Filipino people.]

He added, ‘Habang iningungudngod tayo sa burak ng mga sakim, binabago naman natin ang reputasyon at kamalayang Pilipino sa paraan ng ating patuloy na makasining paglikha, pagkukuwento, at pagdadalumat.’

[While we are being dragged through the mud by the greedy, we are, at the same time, reshaping the Filipino’s reputation and consciousness through our continuous artistic creation, storytelling, and reflection.]

THE recent series of earthquakes recorded across the Philippines was not caused by manmade activity or foreign research programs, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) clarified.

Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said no human-made technology exists that can release the same level of energy produced by an earthquake, addressing circulating claims that the tremors were linked to the High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) in Alaska.

‘There is no human-made thing that can match the energy released when an earthquake occurs,’ Solidum said in Filipino during a media forum on Monday.

‘The earthquakes are very deep, originating kilometers away.so it’s difficult to speculate that the earthquakes that occurred in the Philippines are manmade,’ he added.

He explained that a magnitude 6 earthquake releases energy equivalent to that of a Hiroshima atomic bomb, making it scientifically implausible for any existing human technology to trigger such events.

The HAARP facility, often cited in online rumors, is a scientific research center in Alaska that studies the ionosphere-an area of the Earth’s upper atmosphere that is exposed to cosmic and solar radiation-and its effects on radio communications. Solidum emphasized that it cannot cause seismic activity.

‘For example, the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Davao Oriental was located about 20 kilometers below the surface,’ he said. ‘It is impossible for any instrument to influence such a deep portion of the Earth’s crust.’

The statement followed consecutive earthquakes that shook various parts of the country recently.

On October 10, twin quakes struck Davao Oriental, recording magnitudes of 7.3 and 6.8 near Manay town. The following day, tremors were also reported in Isabela, Zambales and Surigao del Sur.

A separate quake occurred in La Union on October 9, while a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit off Bogo City in Cebu on September 30.

Solidum reiterated that these events were the result of tectonic activity along active faults and trenches that run across the Philippine archipelago.

The country, located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent earthquakes due to its complex network of geological faults.

He urged the public to rely on verified information from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), rather than unverified online claims, to ensure accurate understanding and preparedness.

Preparing for ‘The Big One’

Solidum also took the opportunity to remind Filipinos about the importance of earthquake preparedness, clarifying misconceptions about ‘The Big One.’

‘Earthquake scenarios are not predictions,’ he said in Filipino. ‘They are estimates of the possible damage or loss of life if we do nothing, based on the state of our homes, buildings and preparedness.’

‘The Big One’ refers to a hypothetical large-magnitude earthquake that could occur along the West Valley Fault, which runs through the eastern portion of Metro Manila. Historical records show that the fault experiences major movements every 400 to 600 years.

The science chief, however, clarified that ‘The Big One’ concept applies differently across regions.

‘Every place in the Philippines-region, province, town, or city-has its own ‘big one. The scenario is different in Davao Oriental, different in Cebu, different in Metro Manila, different in Iloilo,’ he explained.

Further, there is a need for continuous preparedness measures, including structural assessments, community drills, and public education, to minimize casualties and damage in future seismic events, he said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) continues to issue bulletins and monitor the country’s major faults and trenches through its seismic stations and early warning systems.

COAST Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) vessels were harassed anew with illegal maneuvers and water cannon attacks by ships from the Chinese Coast Guard backed by its maritime forces while the Philippine ships were going about their lawful mandate at the territorial waters of Pagasa Island on Sunday.

‘This morning [Sunday] while three Bfar vessels, including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, were safely anchored in the territorial waters of Pag-asa Island to provide protection for Filipino fishermen as part of the ‘Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda’ [KBBM], they faced dangerous and provocative maneuvers from the China Coast Guard [CCG] and Chinese maritime militia vessels. Around 8:15 a.m., the Chinese maritime forces approached dangerously close, activating their water cannons as a clear threat against the Bfar vessels,’ it added.

The PCG said the situation escalated at approximately 9:15 a.m. when a CCG vessel with bow number 21559 fired its water cannon directly at BRP Datu Pagbuaya, hitting the vessel.

‘Around three minutes later, at 9:18 a.m., the same CCG vessel deliberately rammed the stern of BRP Datu Pagbuaya, causing minor structural damage but no injuries to the crew,’ PCG added.

Despite these bullying tactics and aggressive actions, the PCG said that it remains resolute along with its counterparts from Bfar.

‘We will not be intimidated or driven away, as our presence in the Kalayaan Island Group is crucial for protecting the rights and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen,’ it added.

The PCG commandant, Vice Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, echoed this determination, saying, ‘the harassment we faced today only strengthens our resolve. Filipino fisherfolk depend on these waters, and neither water cannons nor ramming will deter us from fulfilling our commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos to not surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power.’

RP, US, Canada ships in joint maneuvers

PHILIPPINE, United States and Canadian warships conducted complex naval maneuvers under Exercise Samasama (Together) 2025, showcasing strengthened defense cooperation and seamless interoperability in regional waters.

Naval forces -Task Group NTG44.1, composed of BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), BRP Valentin Diaz (PS117), BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG902), USS Cincinnati (LCS20), HMCS Max Bernays (AOPV432), and air assets NH441 and NH43, executed on Saturday a full range of high-intensity tactical operations within the Western Naval Command (WNC) area of responsibility, including Palawan and Kalayaan islands.

The drills included replenishment at sea approaches, photo exercise, air defense exercise, combined anti-submarine exercise, publication exercise and screen exercise, all aimed at reinforcing coordination and enhancing readiness in joint maritime defense scenarios.

WNC said the successful conduct of the exercises reaffirmed the command’s role as a strategic hub for regional maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

Exercise Samasama, an annual multilateral training with the United States and partner nations, serves as a platform for enhancing collective defense capabilities amid growing security challenges in regional waters.

AT least 20 spray paint brands have been found to contain lead, making the products illegal for import, sale, and distribution in light of a nationwide ban being implemented in the Philippines.

This was disclosed by EcoWaste Coalition, which submitted samples it aquired to a private laboratory for confirmatory tests recently.

The disclosure was made ahead of the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW) on October 19 to 25 to emphasize the obvious need to fix enforcement gaps that have allowed lead paints from abroad to penetrate the local market.

Lead paints refer to paints and other similar surface coatings containing lead compounds greater than 90 parts per million (ppm), which have been added to give the product its color, make it dry faster or inhibit rusting, or which may be present as a contaminant in the ingredients used in making it.

The 20 paints, mostly marked made in China or Thailand, were all found laden with lead above 90 ppm of which 12 contained lead higher than 10,000 ppm. A counterfeit yellow Bosny Spray that claims to be made in Thailand topped the list with 116,000 ppm of lead.

Also found with extremely high concentrations of lead were Easyman Spray Paint All Purpose Enamel with 78,600 ppm (green), 87,700 ppm (orange) and 95,500 ppm (yellow); JM Spray Paint with 89,900 ppm (medium yellow); Standard JR Spray Paint with 79,800 ppm; and JMJAFA Spray Paint with 67,900 ppm (Jialing red) of lead.

Of the 20 analyzed paints with lead, 13 paints representing three brands (counterfeit Bosny Spray Paint, Easyman Spray Paint All Purpose Enamel and Standard JR Spray Paint) carried the ‘No Pb’ pictogram.

Contrary to expectation, the 13 paints marked ‘No Pb’ (Pb is the chemical symbol for lead from the Latin word plumbum) contained outrageous levels of lead, including five with lead in excess of 50,000 ppm.

In August 2025, the EcoWaste Coalition also announced the detection of violative levels of lead in 27 imported spray paints as per laboratory analyses.

The non-compliant paints were not produced, imported or distributed by companies belonging to the Philippine Paint and Coatings Association, Inc. (PPCAI), a partner of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, together with the Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Inc., Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) and the EcoWaste Coalition.

DENR Administrative Order 2013-24, or the Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds, established a 90 ppm limit for lead in all paints and provided for a three-year phase-out period for lead-containing decorative paints and a longer six-year phase-out period for lead-containing industrial paints, which ended on December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

During the ILPPW, the EcoWaste Coalition will release the latest version of the Public Notice on Lead-Containing Paints that it has co-published with PPCAI and IPEN to alert and guide consumers in making informed purchasing decisions.

The theme for this year’s ILPPW ‘No safe level: Act now to end lead exposure’ is a reminder of the unacceptable risks of lead exposure and the need for action to protect the vulnerable populations, the children in particular.