Category: Business Mirror

THE Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Muntinlupa City has granted the plea of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to withdraw the motion for reconsideration that was filed by its prosecutors in connection with the acquittal of former Senator and now Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima in the conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading charges filed against her.

In a two-page order, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 Presiding Judge Abraham Alcantara said with the withdrawal of the motion for reconsiderations, the last remaining drug case filed against De Lima by the Duterte administration is now deemed ‘closed and terminated.’

‘Considering that this case already involves an acquittal, the Court shall exercise sound discretion and allow withdrawal of the prosecution’s motion for reconsideration,’ Judge Alcantara said.

‘Indeed, the directive of the Honorable Prosecutor General upon the panel of the prosecutors to withdraw the motion is impressed with merit,’ he added. De Lima was acquitted by the Muntinlupa RTC last May 12, 2023 but this decision was declared null and void by the Court of Appeals (CA) in a ruling issued last May.

The CA held that Alcantara committed grave abuse of discretion when it acquitted De Lima and his former bodyguard Ronnie Dayan mainly due the recantation of the prosecution’s principal witness, former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos.

It ruled that Alcantara violated the Constitution and the Rules of Court which mandates ‘transparency and reasonableness of the decision making-process.’

The CA said the judge failed to state the specific facts retracted by Ragos and its effects to the facts proven by the prosecution and failed to identify the specific factual statements that were purportedly retracted by the witness.

Thus, the CA ordered that the case be remanded to the trial court for it to decide the case in accordance with the rules stated in the decision.

Acting on the CA’s directive, the trial court issued another ruling last June 27, 2025 which maintained its May 12, 2023 decision in favor of De Lima and Dayan.

This prompted the prosecution panel led by Provincial Prosecutor Ramoncito Bienvenido Ocampo to file an MR seeking the reversal of the trial court’s June 27 decision.

The panel insisted that despite the recantation of Ragos, there are other pieces of evidence which are sufficient to prove de Lima’s guilt.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, however, ordered the withdrawal of the motion on the ground of double jeopardy.

Double jeopardy is a legal principle that an accused cannot be tried twice for the same offense based on the same conduct.

Its purpose is to protect the accused from harassment, oppression, and abuse of power by the state.

De Lima earlier accused the DOJ prosecution panel of having a political agenda in pursuing the drug charges despite her acquittal.

Alcantara also stressed that granting the motion for reconsideration of the prosecutors would be tantamount to violation of the double jeopardy rule.

‘To reiterate and emphasize, every acquittal becomes final and immediately upon promulgation and cannot be recalled for correction or amendment,’ Alcantara said.

‘With the acquittal being immediately final, granting the State’s motion for reconsideration in this case would violate the Constitutional prohibition against double jeopardy because it would effectively reopen the prosecution and subject the accused to a second jeopardy despite their acquittal,’ he added.

THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday announced a price freeze on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene in Cebu following the earthquake on Tuesday night.

The price freeze will be implemented for 60 days to ensure price stability. This move, added the DOE, is meant to protect households from undue economic burden and guarantee the continued availability of essential fuel products that are critical in cooking, lighting, and other immediate recovery needs.

‘Stability of fuel prices and availability of supply are vital in times of disaster. The Department is working closely with all partners to make sure that families and frontliners have access to the essential energy resources they need during relief and recovery operations,’ Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

The DOE, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local governments, will be conducting inspections to prevent overpricing and profiteering during this critical period. Violators face heavy penalties under the law.

The DOE also assures that there is sufficient supply of petroleum products in the province and that distribution channels are being closely coordinated with oil companies and local authorities to ensure uninterrupted access to consumers, particularly in evacuation centers and hardest-hit communities.

Price freeze on basic goods

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has implemented a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in the entire province of Cebu following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province on September 30.

‘We recognize the heavy toll this disaster has brought to families. Beyond enforcing the price freeze, our priority is to ensure that prices and supplies are affordable and stable,’ Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said in a statement on Wednesday.

Currently, DTI said its monitoring teams in field offices have been deployed to ‘actively’ inspect markets, verify prices, and guarantee an ‘adequate and continuous’ supply of these basic goods in all affected communities.

Roque said the department will be ‘vigilant’ in making sure that consumers are protected from undue price increases.

DTI said the automatic price freeze immediately took effect upon the declaration of a State of Calamity by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Resolution 1985, Series of 2025).

Visayas grid on yellow alert

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on Wednesday placed the Visayas grid on yellow alert until midnight after 27 power plants, with 1,444 megawatts (MW) of total capacity, went on forced outage owing to the 6.9-magnuitude earthquake that struck Cebu.

A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement. The Visayas grid’s available capacity stood at 1,888 MW as against a peak demand of 1,839MW. The alert is in effect from 1p.m. to 9 p.m.

The grid operator also reported 16 more power plants that have been unavailable even prior to the incident, while one other is running on derated capacity.

In all, a total of 1654.7 MW was shaved off from the grid as of Wednesday noon.

The Luzon and Mindanao grids, meanwhile, are under normal condition.

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (Mgen), the power generation arm of Meralco, said its thermal plants in the Visayas-Cebu Energy Development Corporation (CEDC) and Toledo Power Company (TPC)-tripped as a safety precaution during the seismic event.

CEDC, which has a net saleable capacity of 219.7 MW, and TPC, with a net saleable capacity of 73 MW, were promptly inspected by technical teams.

Earlier in the day, MGen said two units of CEDC and one unit of TPC have already been safely restarted and synchronized to the grid, while the remaining unit is undergoing inspection and will be brought back online progressively.

As of press time, MGen said ‘all CEDC units and TPC unit are already synced to the grid.’

Mgen said it is closely coordinating with the Department of Energy, NGCP, and local authorities to support system stability and help meet the power needs of Cebu and the Visayas grid.

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said there are 24 electric cooperatives (ECs) across 10 provinces in four regions that reported power interruptions caused by the earthquake.

It said that restoration efforts are ongoing for 844,428 affected consumer connections.

Meanwhile, the DOE, in coordination with the NGCP, power generation companies, and ECs, mobilized sector-wide efforts to immediately secure power supply to hospitals, water stations, and other lifeline facilities.

The DOE said that as of 9:00 a.m., significant progress has been reported in the Visayas, with 214 out of 309 affected towns (69.26 percent) already energized. The status across ECs, however, remains varied as 15 are operating normally; four are experiencing partial power interruptions and five continue to face total power interruptions. The DOE said restoration efforts are actively underway to bring electricity back to 844,428 consumer connections.

Meanwhile, Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines has suspended the market operations in the Visayas grid beginning 10:05 p.m. of September 30.

NEW DELHI, INDIA-Direct air connectivity between the Philippines and India is set to resume tomorrow, October 1, with Air India launching non-stop flights between Manila and New Delhi, a move hailed as a milestone in bilateral relations and a strategic boost to tourism and trade.

Air India Vice President Dr. Amit Kumar Pandey led a delegation to the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi on September 25 to formally brief Ambassador Josel F. Ignacio and the Embassy’s Economic Team-Second Secretary Melissa Anne M. Telan and Attaché Rachelle C. Yumo-on the upcoming service. The executives also presented a ceremonial model aircraft to mark the occasion.

The new route, tagged AI 2362 (Delhi to Manila) and AI 2361 (Manila to Delhi), will operate five times weekly-daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays-with a one-way flight time of 6 hours and 50 minutes. The inaugural flight departs Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 3 at 1:20 p.m. IST and arrives at Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 1 at 10:40 p.m. PST. The maiden flight will be serviced by an Airbus A321, configured with 188 seats across three classes.

‘This new non-stop service represents a milestone in our aviation relations, and indeed in our overall relations,’ Ambassador Ignacio said. ‘We see this substantially driving up our tourism and business connections in line with the vision of President Marcos and Prime Minister Modi.’

The flight revival coincides with recent visa liberalization efforts between the two countries.

On June 8, the Philippines began granting 14-day visa-free entry to Indian tourists. During President Marcos’ State Visit to India last month, the Indian government reciprocated with gratis e-visas for Filipino travelers.

Ambassador Ignacio thanked Air India for restoring direct air links, emphasizing the Philippines’ readiness to welcome Indian visitors.

‘We Filipinos and our rich culture, peerless pristine beaches, incomparable dive sites, lush mountains, charming heritage sites and modern metropolises are eager to welcome our Indian friends,’ he said.

India has been identified as a priority market for Philippine inbound tourism.

With over 30 million outbound Indian travelers recorded in 2024 and projections placing India as the fifth-largest source of outbound tourists by 2027, the new route is expected to unlock significant growth opportunities for both countries.

WHILE the government boosted its release of cash allocations, state agencies’ budget use slipped to 93.8 percent as of the end of August, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Latest data from the DBM showed that the notices of cash allocation (NCAs) released to government agencies hit P3.356 trillion from January to August this year.

The figure is higher by 7.43 percent from the P3.124 trillion disbursed in the same period last year.

An NCA is a disbursement authority issued by the DBM to government agencies to pay their operating expenses, purchases of supplies and materials, as well as programs and projects.

Following the NCAs released by the DBM as of end-August, government agencies only used P3.147 trillion, posting a utilization rate of 93.8 percent.

However, the cash utilization rate was lower compared to the 95 percent recorded during the same period a year ago.

A higher NCA utilization rate shows the capacity of line agencies to timely disburse their allocated funds and implement their programs and projects.

DBM data further showed that line departments utilized P2.288 trillion or 91.9 percent of the P2.490 trillion in NCAs disbursed to them. The utilization rate was also slightly lower than the 93 percent posted a year ago.

Among the departments, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) receive the highest NCAs worth P646.698 billion and P484.589 billion, respectively.

DepEd’s use of its cash allocations moderately improved at 95.8 percent compared to last year’s 95 percent, while DPWH’s budget utilization marginally slowed to 94.3 percent from 95 percent a year ago.

Based on the data, none of the line departments achieved a 100 percent utilization rate of its cash allocations during the eight-month period.

Still, the Commission on Audit registered the highest NCA utilization rate at 99.6 percent, trailed by the Department of Migrant Workers with 98.8 percent and the Department of Foreign Affairs with 98.5 percent.

Furthermore, budgetary support provided to government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) reached P82.843 billion as of end-August, lower by 10.47 percent year-on-year from P92.540 billion.

Of the amount, P81.697 billion was utilized, equivalent to 98.6 percent, slightly down from last year’s 99 percent.

Meanwhile, NCAs allotted to local government units (LGUs) amounted to P783.083 billion. Approximately P777.298 billion of this amount was utilized, or 99.3 percent.

State agencies, including LGUs, have a remaining P209.082 billion in unused NCAs as of the end of August.

Out of the record P6.326-trillion national budget for this year, 95.5 percent or P6.041 trillion has been released as of the end of August.

For 2026, the national budget is proposed at P6.793 trillion, 7.4 percent higher than this year’s level.

DESPITE Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ S. Co’s resignation as representative of the Ako Bicol Party-list last Monday, the former lawmaker is still not off the hook yet when it comes to the government’s ongoing probe on the multibillion flood-control project anomalies, according to Malacañang.

Also on Tuesday, the government moved to block an alleged attempt to de-register three helicopters said to belong to Co, which would have paved the way for its sale overseas.

Co resigned after House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ G. Dy III revoked the travel clearance of the embattled lawmaker and on the last day of the 10-day deadline given to him by the House of Representatives to return to the Philippines.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Office Claire Castro said local law enforcers will coordinate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to bring Co home once the necessary case is filed against him.

‘If a case is filed against him, he cannot avoid it. He cannot run away from it. So, it is better if he is charged, he should just fight for his rights and the truth according to his evidence,’ she said in Filipino.

Co together with other incumbent and former lawmakers were accused of receiving millions of kickbacks from flood control projects.

‘If his name is mentioned [in the investigation], he should definitely answer [the allegations against him] because if he can’t answer it and avoids it, he will only appear guilty. So, it’s better for him to explain his side,’ Castro said.

As of press time, Castro said they are still waiting for information from the Department of Justice (DOJ) if Co has already returned from his trip abroad for a medical treatment in the United States.

DOJ has asked the Interpol to issue a ‘Blue Alert Notice’ to track the whereabouts of Co abroad.

Castro said Co’s status was not discussed during the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting held in Malacañang on Tuesday.

Among the bills presented during the meeting, she noted, were the amendments to the Rice Tariffication Act and Anti-Money Laundering Act as well as laws on online lending.

3 choppers

The government has blocked attempts to deregister three helicopters tied to Co, as authorities move to preserve billions worth of assets flagged in the widening flood control corruption scandal.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) reported that companies tied to Co tried to deregister the aircraft, a requirement before they could be sold prospectively abroad.

‘Caap informed me there were attempts to deregister three choppers of companies linked to Congressman Zaldy Co. Caap informed that the de-registration from the Philippines is a requirement in order for them to sell the aircraft,’ Dizon said in a chance interview on Tuesday.

However, the attempts failed thanks to the Caap’s ‘standing order’ barring the removal of any aircraft flagged in the government’s flood control corruption probe.

Earlier, the DPWH sought the aid of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in freezing more than P4.7 billion worth of aircraft linked to Co’s family and affiliated firms.

Among the assets are a $36-million Gulfstream 350 business jet and two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters valued at $16 million each, all under Misibis Aviation led by Co’s son, Michael Ellis.

Other assets are registered under Hi-Tone Construction, linked to Co’s brother Christopher, and QM Builder, one of the top contractors now under investigation for anomalous flood control projects.

Investigators have flagged these companies as either directly controlled by Co’s relatives or tied to contractors under scrutiny for alleged ghost and overpriced flood control projects.

Co, who once chaired the House appropriations committee, has yet to return to the country from medical leave in the United States. His name has surfaced repeatedly in the ongoing investigation into the flood control mess, which has unraveled ghost and ‘super substandard’ projects across the country.

Dizon has said that the asset hunt, ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is meant to ensure that alleged ill-gotten wealth is not dissipated and that those responsible for the flood control mess are held accountable.

The Department of Education (DepEd) called on Congress to prioritize key amendments in education laws, including the school-based feeding and the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) program, following the 1st Council Meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) for the 20th Congress, presided over by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara said the inclusion of DepEd’s priority measures in the Executive’s LEDAC list underscores the urgency of passing reforms that directly address access, equity, and accountability in education programs.

‘Sa Bagong Pilipinas, dapat tiyakin natin ang ating mag-aaral ay may sapat na nutrisyon, kalidad na guro, ligtas na paaralan, at pantay na oportunidad-mapa-publiko o pribado man sila nag-aaral. Ang mga panukalang ito ay konkretong hakbang upang hindi maiwan ang kahit isang mag-aaral,’ Angara said.

The priority education bills endorsed to Congress include:

1.Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act (RA 11037): Expansion of the School-Based Feeding Program to 160 feeding days and universal feeding for Kindergarten to Grade 3; inclusion of marginalized groups such as indigenous learners and adolescent mothers; allowance of milk-based substitutes for the Milk Feeding Program; weekly micronutrient supplementation for female learners; and establishment of Central Kitchens in every School Division Office, among others.

2. Amendments to the E-GASTPE Act (RA 8545): Institutionalization of anti-fraud mechanisms through centralized verification, audits, whistleblower protection, and data-sharing with other agencies; expansion of voucher coverage to Kindergarten through Senior High School learners and teachers, among others.

3. Amendments to the Teacher Professionalization Act (RA 7836): Enhanced scope of licensure examinations, diversification of the Board for Professional Teachers, and flexibility to allow non-licensed teachers/experts to teach provisionally, among others.

4. Amendments to the Local Government Code-Special Education Fund (SEF): Raising the SEF levy from 1 percent to 2 percent of assessed property value and expanding allowable uses to cover operations of special education, IP and madrasah classes, open high schools, flexible learning, school site acquisition, and school building maintenance, among others.

DepEd also manifested its support to the Classroom Building Acceleration Bill to fast-track the construction of classrooms nationwide by providing flexibility and engaging more partners in the implementation.

Angara emphasized that strengthening these programs is essential to deliver better learning outcomes and to give every Filipino learner a fair chance at success.

DepEd underscored the collaboration with Congress, local government units, and development partners will be critical in ensuring that these reforms are fully implemented once passed into law.

For all he had already accomplished in life, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama realized he truly had not done much.

Lying in a hospital bed awaiting surgery that could potentially save his life, much less an NBA career, Wembanyama waited for relief from a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

It led the 21-year-old from France to take a two-week excursion to China to train his mind and body this summer. It spurred him to visit the NASA Space Center and broaden his imagination and his understanding of space exploration.

‘I mean, life isn’t forever and there are some experiences we’re going to miss on, it is inevitable, but I’m going to miss on the least that I can,’ Wembanyama said Monday. ‘I want to experience the most and this is something that I wanted to do and just because I’m in the NBA, I’m not going to keep myself from doing it. I want to experience those things.’

The health scare has led to a healthier, happier and even taller Wembanyama.

After being listed as 7-foot-3 in his first two seasons, Wembanyama is officially 7-4 and 240 pounds after another summer spent bulking up.

Wembanyama’s health, along with the return of De’Aaron Fox and the additions of Luke Kornet and No. 2 pick Dylan Harper, have fueled hopes the Spurs will end a six-year playoff drought.

‘You see how hard he works and how motivated he is,’ Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan said. ‘I think he’s super excited to see, and I think he’s ready. I think you guys are going to see a lot that’s going to shock you, and I think everyone’s excited and can’t wait to see him on the actual NBA court.’

Coming off winning Rookie of the Year in 2024, Wembanyama was literally towering over the world in the opening months of his second season in the NBA. In January he played in Paris as an NBA player for the first time, debuted in the All-Star Game in February, was on course to win Defensive Player of the Year for a time and his popularity was growing faster than he did as a youth.

All of it halted when Wembanyama was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder shortly after the All-Star break, ending his season on Feb. 20.

‘So, I don’t know where you heard it is thoracic on the thrombosis, but it was definitely a DVT,’ Wembanyama said, clarifying speculation.

More concerning than not playing basketball, the blood clot in his right shoulder potentially could have traveled to his lungs and led to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

That led to Wembanyama to many doctor’s appointments and an urgent surgery.

‘Yeah, of course, I mean it is life-changing,’ Wembanyama said. ‘I mean, spending so much time in hospitals and around doctors and hearing more bad news than I wish I heard. Of course, as you said, it is traumatic, but in the long run I think it’s going to be very beneficial, because even though I don’t wish it on nobody, it makes you understand lessons that nothing else could have made you understand.’

Not that Wembanyama was living an unrestrained life before his health scare. Since joining the league as an 18-year-old, Wembanyama goes to bed at 9 p.m., spends his days getting lost in the writings of science fiction and fantasy author Brandon Sanderson and constructing Lego models.

But Wembanyama wanted more from his life.

‘It’s a pretty unique rabbit hole you can get down for someone of his age,’ Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. ‘He is so intentional on the variety of ways that he tries to improve as a player and a person. It’s really something I’ve never witnessed or experienced in my time. It’s quite curious. It’s quite constantly trying to push himself out his comfort zone and learn new things.’

So, Wembanyama followed through on his desire to explore the NASA Space Center in Houston and to visit the Shaolin Temple in China and study Buddhism, meditation and physical training with its monks.

‘Training with the monks was an incredible experience,’ Wembanyama said. ‘Very much out of my comfort zone. It was my intent from the start, but that’s probably as far a physical activity as I’m used to doing. So it really paid off in terms of training and as a life experience as a curious person. It’s just great.’

It led to Wembanyama to deliver his first ‘real kicks’ during karate training and to increase his range of motion.

‘This is my best summer so far,’ Wembanyama said. ‘I can tell the progress is just incredible. I feel better, I look stronger and the scale says I’m heavier. So everything is a green light.’

San Juan and Rizal Province closed their elimination round campaigns with victories over also-ran teams on Monday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League at the Marikina Sports Center.

The San Juan Knights trounced the Marikina Shoemasters, 78-61, to improve their win-loss record to 26-3 and finish No. 3 in the North Division behind the Abra Weavers (27-1) and the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards (27-2).

Rizal subdued Bacolod, 78-72, for a 19-10 record and third spot in the South Division led by Quezon (25-4) and Batangas City (19-10).

Arvin Gamboa scored 18, while Orlan Wamar had 10 points and nine assists for the Knights.

Karl Penano and Jay Yutuc each had 12 points for Marikina, which exited with a 4-25 record.

Michael Canete scored 14 points, while Alwyn Alday had 11 points for Rizal.

Bacolod bowed out with a 7-22 slate. John Lemuel Pastias scored 15 points, while Jan Gabriel Sobrenega and Aldave Canoy had 12 points each.

THE growth of the country’s export earnings continued to slow in August 2025, according to the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Based on the International Merchandise Trade Statistics of the Philippines, the country’s exports grew 4.6 percent to $7.06 billion in August 2025 from the $6.75 billion posted in the same period last year.

It can be noted that after peaking at 26.9 percent in June 2025, export earnings slowed to 17.6 percent in July and posted single-digit growth in August.

‘The year-to-date total value of exports, that is from January to August 2025, amounted to $55.7 billion. This represents an annual increase of 12.6 percent from the year-to-date total export value of $49.45 billion in January to August 2024,’ the PSA said.

The commodities that posted contractions in August were copra oil cake or meal which contracted 71.9 percent in August, followed by unmanufactured tobacco at 67.8 percent; other products manufactured from materials imported on consignment basis, 63.4 percent; copper concentrates, 62.5 percent; and other fruits and vegetables, 62.4 percent.

Commodities that posted the fastest growth in August were led by other forest products which surged 200.3 percent; gold, 153.4 percent; footwear, 127.2 percent; iron and steel, 91.2 percent; and desiccated coconut, 89.9 percent.

‘The commodity group with the highest annual increment in the value of exports in August 2025 was electronic products with $303.79 million. This was followed by gold with an annual increase of $160.37 million, and other mineral products with an annual increment of $112.09 million,’ the PSA stated.

Further, PSA said electronic products remained the country’s top exports in August 2025 with total earnings of $3.87 billion or 54.8 percent of the country’s total exports during the period.

The data showed this was followed by other mineral products with an export value of $384.26 million, accounting for 5.4 percent of the total; and machinery and transport equipment with $363.65 million, or 5.1 percent of total export earnings.

Import receipts

Meanwhile, the country’s import receipts amounted to $10.6 billion, indicating an annual decrement of 4.9 percent from the $11.15 billion import value in the same month of the previous year.

In July 2025 and August 2024, the PSA said that the country’s import value recorded annual increases of 5.8 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively.

In August 2025, the PSA said the commodity group with the highest annual decrement in the value of imported goods was mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials with $611.83 million.

This was followed by metalliferous ores and metal scrap, which decreased by $168.7 million, and cereals and cereal preparations with an annual decline of $86.15 million.

‘The year-to-date total import value from January to August 2025 amounted to $88.08 billion. This represents an annual increment of 5.1 percent from the year-to-date total import value of $83.78 billion in January to August 2024,’ the PSA said.

China top export market, import source

Meanwhile, the PSA said the country’s top export market and import source for August 2025 was China.

In terms of exports, Hong Kong, China was the country’s top export destination with an export value amounting to $1.19 billion or a share of 16.9 percent to the country’s total exports in August 2025.

Other top export partners for the month were the United States of America (USA), $1.09 billion or 15.4 percent of the total; Japan, $979.00 million, 13.9 percent; People’s Republic of China, $849.32 million, 12 percent; and Republic of China (Taiwan), $292.18 million or 4.1 percent of total exports.

In terms of import source, the People’s Republic of China was the country’s largest supplier of imported goods valued at $3.19 billion or 30.1 percent of the country’s total imports in August 2025.

Other import sources included Republic of Korea with an import value worth $848.93 million or 8 percent of total imports; Indonesia, $838.78 million or 7.9 percent of total; Japan, $731.06 million or 6.9 percent of total; and USA, $698.41 million or 6.6 percent of the total.

Matteo Malucelli of XDS-Astana stamped his class. He won Stage 1 of the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (PLTdL25) in Kuah this morning.

?The PLTdL24 Sprint King, who joined Astana earlier this year after not extending his contract with JCL UKYO – held off the challenges of second-place finisher and PLTdL22 Sprint King, Erland Blikra from Uno-X Mobility and PLTdL23 Sprint King, Arvid Kleijn (Tudor Racing Team).

The large group finished the ride in 2 hours and 22 seconds, granting Malucelli a 10-second bonus, which also allowed him to take the green jersey as the overall leader sponsored by PETRONAS, and 15 points to head the Sprint King points tally and claim the orange jersey sponsored by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS).

Meanwhile, Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) rider Muhammad Nur Aiman Rosli also made strides in the General Classification (GC) when he grabbed a 7-second bonus after dominating two intermediate sprint zones at Harbour Park and Padang Matsirat, in addition to a third place in the second sprint zone at Bayas. This effort earned him the white jersey sponsored by Rakan Muda as the Best Asian Rider.

?St George Continental rider, Ben Carman, who broke away as they approached the sole Category 4 climb zone at Bukit Malut 16km before the finish, claimed the polka dot jersey as King of the Mountains sponsored by BubblesO2.

?For Malucelli, who won Stages 2, 7, and 8 of PLTdL24, this victory in Stage 1 of PLTdL25 is a joyous occasion and provides great motivation for the remaining 7 stages.

‘I was comfortable throughout the ride, and as we approached the finish line, my teammate (Anton) Kuzmin pulled me forward, but I was still watching (Alexander) Kristoff (Uno-X Mobility). But when Kristoff slowed down and Blikra started to accelerate, I also began my sprint in the last 300 meters and finally won.

?’Being in a WorldTeam gives me more confidence, especially since I felt comfortable and calm throughout the race. Winning the first stage and wearing the leader’s jersey gives me confidence, but I know the responsibility is getting bigger. However, we will stay focused and concentrate day by day because there are many more stages to come,’ said the 31-year-old rider who also won stages at the Tour of Presidential Turkiye and Tour of Hainan this year.

??Meanwhile, Nur Aiman, who is also this year’s national road and individual time trial champion, proved he is more prepared in his third appearance at PLTdL25.

?’The coach told me to try to make a breakaway, and that’s what I did. I’m happy with the white jersey (Best Asian Rider) and the second position in the GC. I have confidence and hope to do something even bigger for the team in Stage 3 (Gerik-Pasir Puteh),’ he said, referring to the three early climb zones before the long flat route after crossing the Titiwangsa Range.

Although the race started in the rain with a total of 129 riders, the pace turned aggressive when Unibet-Tietema Rockets rider Aiden Maire initiated a break after 30km, and he was joined by Nur Aiman, George Mitsui (Aisan Racing Team) and Nate Hadden (St George) to form a small leading group.

?This group was only 1 minute 50 seconds ahead before the peloton, driven by the Astana, Tudor and Uno-X teams, chased and caught them immediately after passing the third sprint zone.

Carman’s brief breakaway allowed him to conquer the easy Category 4 climb zone at Bukit Malut, before he was caught. Although one or two riders attempted a late break, the script for the Stage 1 finish still ended with a bunch sprint to the finish line.

?One rider from the KSPO team, Lee Hosan, failed to complete the first stage and is out of the competition, further complicating matters for the South Korean Continental team which only fielded five riders this time.

?Stage 2 of PLTdL25 will start in Padang Besar, Perlis to Kepala Batas, Penang tomorrow, covering a distance of 166.1km and it is once again expected to end with a bunch sprint to the finish line on Jalan Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir.

?Without any climb zones, three intermediate sprint zones in Jitra (km54.0), Pendang (km90) and Sungai Petani (km142.9) will see fierce competition for the green jersey, the orange jersey and the white jersey.