Category: Business Mirror

In celebration of its 63rd anniversary, LANDBANK mobilized employees nationwide for a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives throughout August under its Volunteerific Program, the Bank’s flagship employee volunteerism initiative that encourages meaningful participation in community development and environmental activities across the country.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III has volunteered to take a one-month leave from public office effective September 8, Chairman Romando Artes confirmed on Tuesday.

Torre’s controversy stemmed after his vehicle was caught using the busway at Epifanio delos Santos Avenue went viral. He admitted he was a passenger inside the vehicle and stated they used the lane to check on a traffic buildup caused by a vehicular accident.

Later, investigations uncovered that Torre had installed MMDA logos, name identifiers, and blinkers on his personal car to make it look like an official government patrol vehicle.

‘I have full trust and confidence in GM Torre as far as his work is concerned. The MMDA respects Gen. Torre’s decision and wishes him well during his period of leave to give him sufficient time to reflect,’ Artes said.

He noted that Torre contributes immensely to the work at the MMDA, assigned to oversee the day-to-day operations and carry out the mandates of the Authority.

‘His commitment to public service and valuable contributions have greatly supported the leadership and administration of the MMDA,’ he added.

As to Torre’s case, Artes said, he is leaving the investigation to the Land Transportation Office.

‘No official, regardless of position or rank, is exempt from traffic laws and policies enforced to maintain order on major thoroughfares,’ the MMDA chief stressed.

He assured that the agency remains fully committed to the strict enforcement of traffic rules and regulations, public accountability, and continuous delivery of public service mandates.

‘MMDA operations will remain unhampered and committed to working together with dedicated public servants in advancing the welfare of the people and ensuring the effective delivery of public service,’ he said.

A TRAINING center for eco-friendly shipbuilding specialists is being proposed in Zambales as the Philippines and South Korea seek to develop workers with skills needed by the changing shipbuilding industry.

Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will fast-track the mechanisms for the proposed facility with South Korean shipbuilding and marine-equipment institutions.

Tolentino met with representatives from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI) and Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (Komeri), led by HHI Head Manager and Executive Shin Sang-woon on Friday.

‘We understand the urgency of this because Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] will convene in November this year,’ Tolentino said.

‘Rest assured that on our end, including Tesda, we will be working double time to fast-track the mechanics and details of the agreement,’ he added.

The proposed center will focus on specialized training for eco-friendly shipbuilding, giving Filipino workers skills aligned with emerging requirements in the maritime industry.

Tolentino said the country already has a strong pool of workers whose capabilities can be further developed through the partnership.

‘This would be of great help to the Philippine shipbuilding industry,’ Tolentino said.

Dole will serve as the Philippine government’s primary focal point for the proposed Official Development Assistance project, while Tesda will be a key government counterpart for workforce training.

HHI and Komeri are conducting the feasibility study for the project under the management of the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (Kiat) and the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (Motir).

The feasibility study is scheduled for the second half of 2026, meaning the proposed facility remains at the preparatory stage.

Meanwhile, the project is expected to provide specialized training that responds to the manpower requirements of the shipbuilding industry, particularly as demand shifts toward cleaner technologies.

Developing these skills could also give Filipino workers greater access to skilled employment in the domestic and international shipbuilding markets.

The proposed center forms part of broader Philippine-South Korean cooperation on skills and human-resource development through technical expertise and training.

Dole said the partnership would help align workforce development with industry requirements while expanding opportunities for quality employment in the shipbuilding sector.

Bacolod and Iloilo are proving that growth stories outside Metro Manila remain alive and well. While global uncertainties and a softer economic environment have tempered business expansion decisions, the long-term fundamentals supporting these two Visayas property hubs remain intact.

At Colliers Philippines, we’ve observed that both markets continue to benefit from a young talent pool, sustained OFW remittances, and increasing investor confidence. More importantly, they are evolving beyond their traditional roles as regional centers and are carving out distinct positions in the country’s office, residential, and retail landscape. Latest Colliers Philippines data show that Western Visayas remains among the country’s faster-growing regions, providing a solid macroeconomic backdrop for thriving property demand.

While much of the property spotlight remains fixed on Metro Manila, a compelling growth story is unfolding in Bacolod and Iloilo. We see this trend in the office and residential segments.

Office sector bright spots

In the office sector, Iloilo continues to outpace Bacolod in terms of scale and absorption. Iloilo recorded about 22,000 square meters of office transactions in the first half of 2026, while Bacolod registered 3,000 square meters. Iloilo has approximately 372,000 square meters of office stock compared to Bacolod’s 210,000 square meters, and both cities still have a healthy pipeline of new projects.

Vacancy remains elevated in both markets, particularly in Bacolod, where the vacancy rate stands at 34 percent compared to Iloilo’s 24 percent. At first glance, these figures may appear concerning. But vacancies should also be viewed as opportunities to welcome new office occupants, including higher-value outsourcing firms. Companies seeking expansion outside Metro Manila now have access to quality office space at competitive rates. Bacolod and Iloilo continue to attract IT-BPM occupiers because they offer the combination of talent availability, lower operating costs, and favorable business environments. As global capability centers and outsourcing firms diversify location strategies, these cities remain well-positioned to capture future demand.

Upside for residential take up

Residential demand tells an equally compelling story. Condominium take-up in both markets remains healthy despite rising interest rates and cautious consumer spending. The average take-up rate of condominium projects in Bacolod and Iloilo is around 90 percent, indicating that buyers continue to recognize the long-term value of owning property in emerging regional centers. By 2029, Iloilo’s condominium stock is projected to reach more than 16,000 units while Bacolod’s inventory is expected to nearly double to over 8,700 units. This pipeline reflects developers’ confidence that household formation, urbanization, and investor activity will continue supporting demand.

The horizontal market remains even more resilient. House-and-lot projects in both cities enjoy an average take-up rate exceeding 90 percent, suggesting that end-users continue to prefer landed developments. This trend reflects a broader shift among Filipinos toward larger living spaces, particularly in provincial markets where affordability remains more attractive than in Metro Manila. Developers are responding by launching projects that cater to a wide range of buyers, from economic and lower middle-income segments to upscale and luxury residential communities.

The two cities also help drive Filipinos’ deployment for overseas employment and we see this trend sustaining end-user take up for residential units. The OFW households should help propel demand for the P2.5 million to P7million segment.

Moving forward, the outlook for Bacolod and Iloilo remains positive. Office leasing may see some challenges at present, but expanding infrastructure, increasing business activity, and a deepening talent base should support future absorption. Meanwhile, residential markets continue to benefit from strong end-user demand and sustained investor interest. We believe that these are not merely provincial markets waiting for growth. They are increasingly becoming growth centers. For occupiers, developers, and investors willing to look beyond Metro Manila, Bacolod and Iloilo remain two of the most attractive and competitive real estate markets to keep an eye on.

There is a distinct sense of comfort in a bamboo structure. Their natural material, warm character, and connection to the surrounding environment create spaces that feel welcoming and timeless. It’s an experience that used to be confined to eco-lodges and social housing pilots. Increasingly, it’s becoming a selling point for homes and sanctuaries.

From a wellness retreat tucked into the hills of Sri Lanka to a cluster of tropical modern homes in Negros Oriental, bamboo construction is demonstrating its versatility across the private market. Today, developers, hospitality brands, and homeowners are choosing bamboo not because they have to, but because they want buildings that are resilient, cost-competitive, and architecturally distinctive.

Behind this shift is Base Bahay Foundation (BASE), a Philippine-based non-profit initiated by the Hilti Foundation, which has spent over a decade doing the work that makes glamorous buildings possible, including engineering standards, structural testing, workforce training, and supply chain development for its flagship technology, the Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT).

Engr. Luis Felipe Lopez, General Manager of BASE Bahay Foundation, shares, ‘We set out to prove that bamboo could meet rigorous engineering standards. Once that foundation existed, the market found its own way to bamboo.’

A showcase for tropical modern homes

In Dauin, Negros Oriental, the Kawayan Casitas were never meant to be just houses. They were meant to be proof.

Built by the Kawayan Collective Agriculture Development Cooperative, the 30 sqm to 140 sqm homes were designed to demonstrate what CBFT construction could look like when applied to contemporary residential design.

Five of the six have already sold, to a mix of local and foreign buyers, at prices ranging from P1 million to P8 million. Built at around P25,000 per square meter, the cooperative’s modern bamboo homes demonstrate that bamboo is no longer a premium niche but a cost-competitive construction solution. With rising prices of imported building materials and increasing energy demand to cool conventional glass-and-steel homes, bamboo offers an increasingly attractive alternative without compromising on design or performance.

As of end-2026, the cooperative has completed 89 CBFT buildings, including 15 private residential homes built for owners who first encountered bamboo construction by walking through a Kawayan Casitas showcase home.

‘People come expecting a bamboo hut, and they leave asking how soon we can build them a CBFT house, a modern take on its traditional ancestor,’ says Amy Villanueva, co-founder of Kawayan Collective. ‘The Casitas changed how people in this region think about what bamboo can be.’ Meanwhile, Architect Ray Villanueva, who designed the showcase homes, is already planning the next phase of development, and the cooperative is exploring how it might build CBFT housing at scale.

The momentum has attracted more than architects. In 2025, DCCCO Multipurpose Cooperative became the first major financing partner for Kawayan Collective homeowners, offering members multipurpose loans of up to P200,000, or up to 70 percent of a home’s value, specifically for cement-bamboo frame construction. It’s a small but telling signal: financial institutions are beginning to treat bamboo homes as bankable assets, not niche experiments.

A model for wellness tourism

Halfway across the continent, on Sri Lanka’s south coast, a boutique wellness property called Soul House needed to expand ahead of tourist season. The brief: three standalone garden chalets, comfortable for one to three guests, with maximum natural ventilation, sweeping views, and shaded outdoor living.

The client wanted something environmentally considered and architecturally distinctive and was willing to experiment. Working with designer Lisa Jehle and construction partner Una Gama, the project team adapted the design for CBFT, in close collaboration with BASE. The result was Sri Lanka’s first CBFT construction, completed within a single low-season build cycle, and now fully integrated into the property’s expanding wellness tourism offering.

‘What surprised us most wasn’t just how the chalets looked, but how they performed,’ says Aoife O’Sullivan, co-founder and director of Una Gama. ‘Guests immediately experience naturally comfortable interiors, bright spaces filled with daylight, and an environment that feels warm, calm, and connected to nature. These show how bamboo can deliver both performance and exceptional design.’

A centerpiece for a unique dining experienceNot far away, in the wilderness retreat of Belihuloya, that same partnership pushed the technology further. The brief here was a restaurant meant to be the architectural centerpiece of a wellness property already known for its sauna, ice bath, and Ayurvedic experiences.

Perched above rice paddies, overlooking a winding river, the new restaurant was built on two levels: an upper dining space constructed entirely from bamboo, and a lower level housing kitchens, office space, and guest amenities. The build followed the landscape itself, tucked into a rocky hillside and shaped around a single defining feature, a sweeping curved roof beam that was established first, with the rest of the structure built around it.

‘This demonstrates how bamboo can create warm, architecturally distinctive spaces that bring guests closer to nature,’ says Julien Bailly, founder and director of Una Gama.

The project brought together an international team: original architectural concept by Lisa Jehle, structural design and technical development by Asali Bali, and construction by Una Gama.

These projects are compelling on their own, and BASE notes these as evidence of something larger: a construction technology that has moved past the demonstration phase and into commercial viability.

Globally, BASE has supported the construction of more than 2,500 CBFT structures, resulting in over 40,000 tons of CO2 savings. The economics are also increasingly hard to ignore. Bamboo reaches structural maturity in three to five years, compared to the decades required for hardwoods. Its high strength-to-weight ratio means CBFT structures perform well under seismic stress, an important consideration in a region prone to earthquakes. And with buildings responsible for 39 percent of global CO2 emissions, bamboo offers developers a genuine lever for reducing a project’s environmental footprint.

‘Financial and operational advantages are ultimately what move developers,’ says Lopez. ‘Faster construction through prefabrication, lower embodied carbon, resilient design-these aren’t abstract sustainability talking points anymore. They’re line items that affect a project’s bottom line.’

For BASE, the real milestone is not simply proving that bamboo works. It’s ensuring that no developer has to build the ecosystem from scratch. The engineering has been validated. Standards and codes are in place. A trained workforce is available. Supply chains are expanding. Financing mechanisms are beginning to emerge.

What began as a housing innovation for underserved communities has matured into a viable construction ecosystem. Today, developers, architects, and hospitality brands are choosing bamboo not only for its low-carbon profile, but also for its design flexibility, construction efficiency, and growing commercial value.

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is opening a new frontier for Philippine entrepreneurship as nine local manufacturers and industry partners adopt locally developed nonwoven textile technologies for applications ranging from furniture and fashion to transportation, agriculture, construction and healthcare.

Launched under ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovations, the initiative demonstrates how Philippine natural fibers can be transformed into higher-value materials and products, expanding the country’s textile industry beyond conventional woven fabrics.

The program brings together science, manufacturing and entrepreneurship, giving local businesses opportunities to develop new products using nonwoven materials made from locally available fibers.

The nine participating manufacturers and industry collaborators showcased commercial applications of DOST-PTRI’s technologies during its official launch of ONWARD on July 1 at SM North Edsa.

In the furniture and interior design sector, Jed Yabut Furniture and Design incorporated banana-based nonwoven materials into chair cushions and pineapple-based nonwoven fibers into decorative twine. The company is also exploring the use of the materials in table panels, lampshades and leather-like strips for chairs.

La Likha used nonwoven materials for sofa backings and is exploring them as alternatives to conventional foam and synthetic leather. JunkNot, meanwhile, incorporated the materials into chair cushions, home furnishings and décor pieces, demonstrating their potential for environmentally conscious design.

The technology is also finding applications in transportation. Sarao Motors, one of the country’s best-known jeepney manufacturers, demonstrated how nonwoven materials could reinforce jeepney seat upholstery and cushions, potentially improving durability and passenger comfort. The company is also exploring applications for dashboards, ceiling panels and door components.

In agriculture, Fivecent Global Corporation showcased nonwoven materials for packaging and plant and fruit mulching, pointing to opportunities for locally developed textile technologies beyond traditional consumer products.

Fashion designer Renz Reyes demonstrated the potential of nonwovens in apparel, while longtime DOST-PTRI partner Creative Definitions incorporated the materials into shoe uppers and insoles.

The fashion-accessory sector is another potential growth area. Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines (FAMPh) developed applications including bag linings, laptop and tablet sleeves, jewelry and hair accessories.

Meanwhile, Base Bahay Foundation Inc. is exploring the use of nonwoven materials in innovative construction systems, further demonstrating the technology’s potential to enter industries beyond fashion and textiles.

For Filipino entrepreneurs, the significance of these applications lies in the ability to turn locally sourced natural fibers into products with higher commercial value.

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. said the emerging nonwoven industry presents an opportunity for the Philippines to participate in a rapidly expanding global market.

‘The global nonwoven market is now valued at around US$58 billion and is projected to reach US$75 billion, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for nearly half of global demand. This presents a tremendous opportunity for Filipino innovation,’ Solidum said in his recorded keynote message. He said the expanding market could create opportunities for Filipino manufacturers, designers, researchers and entrepreneurs to develop high-value products, generate employment and strengthen the country’s manufacturing competitiveness.

For DOST-PTRI Director IV Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr., ONWARD represents more than an expansion of the Institute’s technological capabilities. It reflects a broader effort to increase the value that can be generated from Philippine natural fibers. ‘Through ONWARD, our nonwoven textiles, we push Telang Pinoy forward. ONWARD is about the choices that we make-choosing a cleaner, safer, friendlier, and kinder Earth. It is about making better choices for our future. Let ONWARD become part of those meaningful choices we make today,’ Leaño said.

The initiative could be particularly significant for small and emerging enterprises because nonwoven technology can create opportunities across different stages of the value chain-from fiber processing and material development to product design, manufacturing and commercialization.

Rather than limiting Philippine natural fibers to conventional textile products, entrepreneurs can tap specialized markets where performance, sustainability, durability, and innovative design are highly valued, according to Leaño.

DOST-PTRI is also preparing infrastructure to support this emerging ecosystem. Its Nonwovens Center, scheduled to open in January 2027, will house specialized processing equipment and serve as a research laboratory, innovation hub, product showroom and collaborative space.

The facility is expected to provide a venue where government, industry, startups and researchers can work together to develop and commercialize next-generation nonwoven products for Philippine industries.

The development of ONWARD signals a potential shift in the country’s textile value chain-from supplying conventional textile materials toward developing innovative, locally engineered products for a wider range of industries.

With DOST-PTRI providing research and development support and industry partners demonstrating commercial applications, ONWARD is laying the groundwork for a more diversified Philippine textile sector-one where innovation can translate locally sourced resources into new products, new businesses and new markets.

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday underscored the need to build an international security architecture with human security at its core.

He made this call during the first plenary session of the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) 2026 in South Korea.

Teodoro presented the Philippines’ perspective on building a ‘Collaborative Architecture for International Stability,’ during the plenary session attended by international defense leaders from across regions.

‘The survival of the human being, the care for the human being, care for human rights, care for health, care for freedom from dangers of natural calamities, educational opportunities for mutual understanding under a regime of freedom of thought, freedom of speech, and not state-sponsored lies and state-sponsored brainwashing,’ Teodoro stressed.

Joined by South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and Czech Republic Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Jaromír Zuna, Teodoro echoed their observations on the whole gamut of conflicts facing the world at present, which is exacerbated by the existence of devastating natural calamities.

He added that these tragedies have not slowed down conflict, but have only further burdened survivors and made their future more uncertain.

‘In that kind of setting, we see that there is greater urgency in order to enforce a system of norms that will curtail the behavior of aggressive actors,’ the DND chief added, emphasizing that the root cause of these conflicts is aggression fueled by motive and opportunity, at the expense of smaller and archipelagic states.

He explained that these countries are forced to resort to alternative pressures such as legacy defense mechanisms and institutions and coalitions with like-minded states.

‘Yet, the threat of conflict is present. Actual conflict is present, but the threat of war becomes more imminent because of unconstrained and uncontrolled use of might versus right, as the adage goes,’ Teodoro asserted.

He reiterated the Philippine position that it would not compromise on its territorial integrity and sovereignty, would resist any aggression against Philippine territory, and would continue to uphold its role as a guardian of international law.

‘We will continue our defense modernization and our resilient capabilities together with like-minded partners, this in our own indigenous capabilities and in building up coalitions of like-minded nations,’ the DND chief added.

Royal Enfield, global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250-750cc), today announced the launch of Guerrilla 450 and the Goan Classic 350 in the Philippines today. With this, Royal Enfield further expands its lineup in the country with two new additions to its growing modern roadster portfolio.

Guerrilla 450 APEX

The 2026 Guerrilla 450 APEX arrives with accessible pricing and customer-first enhancements, making it a compelling choice for riders seeking street performance.

Built around the same visceral Sherpa engine, the APEX redefines intent through stance and control-featuring a lower, more committed riding posture, road-focused tyres, and design elements that amplify its corner-hungry character. Every element is tuned to reward rider input, making real-world streets feel faster, and more involving.

HIGHLIGHTS OF GUERRILLA 450 APEX VARIANT:

Sportier riding position: Lowered and repositioned aluminium handlebars with a more forward-leaning riding triangle for a commanding, sport-focused stance.

New road-biased tyres: APEX variant features new, road-biased 17′ Vredestein Centuro ST tyres, carrying a sporty DNA while offering enhanced grip on wet and low friction surfaces.

Updated ride modes: Refined Street and Sport ride modes with rode retention – allowing seamless switching and retaining the last selected mode across ignition cycles.

Sharper visual identity and aesthetics: New CTGs, including APEX Red, APEX Green and APEX Black, further enhance the range, bringing a sharper visual identity. Standard rim tapes, a sculpted rear seat cowl and a colour-coded front cowl add to the motorcycle’s sportier stance.

All variants also receive the updated ride modes with mode retention. The newly introduced Twilight Blue colour on the Dash adds a refined, contemporary touch, enhancing the range’s desirability while underscoring the Guerrilla’s bold, road-focused character. It also comes with complimentary handguards and a headlight grill.

Built on the iconic Sherpa platform and supported by a balanced steel twin spar frame, the 2026 Guerrilla 450 continues to deliver 40PS and 40Nm, offering strong, accessible performance across the rev range. Across its variants, the motorcycle emphasises stability under acceleration, agility in corners and confidence through changing road conditions.

All variants of the 2026 Guerrilla 450 are equipped with Royal Enfield’s Tripper Dash – a circular 4-inch TFT display with Google Maps-powered navigation and seamless smartphone connectivity – enhancing every ride with intuitive guidance, real-time ride insights, and providing a more connected, in-control riding experience.

Goan Classic 350

The Goan Classic 350 is a tribute to the kaleidoscope of self-expression that formed India’s unique Goan moto-culture. It is a child of the freewheeling counterculture that emerged in Goa in the seventies and eighties – a four-stroked, sun-soaked hippie machine, always on the path of self-discovery and self-liberation.

Inspired by the vibrant coastal culture of Goa, India – the birthplace of Royal Enfield’s manufacturing heritage – the Goan Classic Edition combines retro-inspired styling with the performance-driven engineering.

At the core of the Goan Classic is the popular 349cc air-oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine that balances effortless power with refined character. Producing 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, this engine is tuned for smooth, unhurried performance, ideal for the laid-back nature of bobber riding. The 5-speed gearbox allows for easy shifts and relaxed cruising, whether in city traffic or on open highways.

Built on a twin downtube spine frame, the motorcycle offers a smooth and stable ride across all types of roads. Its telescopic front suspension with 41mm forks and twin rear shock absorbers ensures the right balance between comfort and control. The edge-laced 19-inch front and 16-inch rear aluminium spoke wheels and whitewall tubeless tyres provide excellent grip, while dual-channel ABS with 300mm front and 270mm rear disc brakes offer enhanced stopping power. The relaxed riding posture, mid-mounted foot controls, and ergonomic handlebars make long rides comfortable and enjoyable, perfect for riders who savour the journey as much as the destination.

The Goan Classic 350 comes with an easy bolt-on arrangement pillion seat, allowing the rider to switch between single and dual seat configurations. The motorcycle seamlessly integrates modern technology with its retro design. Its dashboard includes a gear position indicator and the Tripper navigation pod for turn-by-turn directions, ensuring convenience on every ride. A USB Type-C charging port allows riders to stay connected on the go.

The motorcycle features LED lighting, including headlamps, pilot lamps, and turn indicators, improving visibility while enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Premium touches such as aluminium switch cubes add to the overall look and feel, making the Goan Classic a harmonious blend of classic design and modern functionality.

Commenting on the launch of these two motorcycles, Manoj Gajarlawar, Asia Pacific Business Head at Royal Enfield, said ‘At Royal Enfield, we have always been a rider-first brand, focused on evocative and aspirational motorcycles. The Goan Classic 350 celebrates non-conformity and a free-spirited lifestyle in a bobber-inspired form. The Guerrilla 450 has established itself as a compelling proposition for riders seeking an engaging, street-focused motorcycle that blends everyday usability with spirited performance. With the 2026 updates, we are sharpening that proposition further – with enhanced ergonomics, new road-biased tyres and features that amplify its agile, corner-hungry character. With a strong pipeline, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering strong value while expanding the mid-size segment in the Philippines.’

In the Philippines, The Guerrilla Apex is available in Apex Red, Apex Green and Apex Black priced at 289,000 PHP.

The Goan Classic 350 is available in four distinctive colourways inspired by bohemian moto-culture: Shack Black and Purple Haze are priced at PHP 249,000, while Rave Red and Trip Teal are priced at PHP 262,000. Each features chrome accents and slash-cut silencers, giving it an unmistakable bobber-style look.Additionally, Royal Enfield offers a comprehensive warranty with unlimited kilometres and Roadside Assistance across its range, further enhancing customer confidence and ownership experience.

Additionally, Royal Enfield offers a comprehensive Unlimited kilometers Warranty along with Roadside Assistance across its range of motorcycles, further enhancing customer confidence and ownership experience.

And building a stronger justice system requires audacity. This country needs leaders who have the audacity to investigate their own allies, prosecute members of their own political machinery, and allow institutions to operate without political interference. We need leaders courageous enough to accept that the rule of law must apply even when the person being investigated is a friend, a relative, or a political ally. This is also where the professed Christianity of our leaders should mean something.

Our politicians are fond of invoking God when convenient. They quote Scripture whenever they speak, as Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has been doing regularly. We see the Senate and almost every other government agency pray before meetings. Candidates boldly invoke Christian values during elections. But the Bible reminds us: ‘The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.’ (Proverbs 15:3) Anyone who believes that leaving the country means leaving accountability behind ought to remember the omnipresence of Almighty God. They may temporarily evade a law enforcer just like Senator dela Rosa did within the Senate premises. They may evade a warrant similar to mother and son legislators Loren Legarda and Leandro Leviste. They may cross international borders in the same way former congressman Zaldy Co did pending an investigation. They may even find a government willing to give them refuge as former Cabinet Secretary Harry Roque has been trying to do.

But they cannot be beyond the reach of God. Being unseen by government does not mean being unseen by God. That may be the reminder our politicians need most. Power and positions are temporary but accountability is not. The right to travel is not a constitutional passport to impunity. I agree that we should uphold all rights, whether to travel, to due process, or to the presumption of innocence. But we should protect the integrity of government processes with equal determination, especially against the powerful.

Someone who claims innocence must face the investigation, the charges, or the arrest, no matter how flawed the process may be. Someone who claims political persecution should be allowed to prove it through evidence, as former Senator Leila de Lima spent years doing before her acquittal.

But nobody should accept that the Philippines is a country where the first response of the corrupt to any investigation is to look for the nearest airport. For believers, there is a destination from which nobody sinful can flee. There is no constitutional right to travel away from eternal judgment. No political connection can delay it without genuine repentance. No foreign passport can protect anyone from it. Unless, of course, one acquires that greater citizenship in God’s kingdom while still here on earth. And no lawyer or mediator can ultimately stand between anyone and that destination unless His name is Jesus Christ. For it is written: ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ (John 14:6)

Judgment Day has no immigration counter except Jesus Christ.

Siegfred has a diversified set of education and experiences which has made him a game changer and a servant leader in organizations. His professional degrees came from the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA. His corporate experiences include stints as general counsel for the country’s flag carrier, a food exporter with manufacturing plants in Davao and in Laguna, and a sports distributor company. Siegfred is a former soldier and a lawyer by profession, a teacher and inspirational speaker by passion, and a book author and a writer with a mission.

Wholesale prices of construction materials further increased in August, according to new data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Data from the Construction Materials Wholesale Price Index (CMWPI) showed prices rising 3.6 percent in August from 3.5 percent in July, reversing the 0.1 percent contraction recorded a year earlier.

The latest reading brought the year-to-date average growth in wholesale construction material prices to 2.2 percent.

The faster growth was mainly driven by concrete products, whose index rose 5.4 percent year-on-year in August, up from 5.2 percent in July, the PSA said.

Several other commodity groups also posted faster annual price increases during the month.

These included hardware, which rose 0.5 percent from 0.3 percent; plywood, 0.5 percent from 0.4 percent; lumber, 1.1 percent from 0.9 percent; and G.I. sheets, 1.1 percent from 0.4 percent.

Prices of reinforcing steel also accelerated to 2.4 percent from 2.2 percent, while structural steel increased 3.8 percent from 3.7 percent.

Tileworks posted a 2.2 percent annual increase, up from 2 percent in July, while plumbing fixtures and accessories and waterworks rose 0.8 percent from 0.5 percent.

Fuels and lubricants recorded the sharpest acceleration among the major commodity groups, with annual growth reaching 8.1 percent in August from 5.7 percent in July.

The increases came despite slower price growth in some construction materials.

The annual growth of the sand and gravel index eased to 5 percent from 5.1 percent, while PVC pipes slowed to 0.2 percent from 0.8 percent in July.