Category: Business Mirror

MANILA,Philippines,September25,2026:XPENG North EDSA brought its VIP customers, partners, and invited guests to the official XPENG Philippines Brand Launch at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, giving them an exclusive first-hand experience of the brand’s intelligent electric vehicles ahead of the opening of the XPENG North EDSA flagship store this October.

One of the highlights of the event was the appearance of AnneCurtis, who joined XPENG in introducing the brand to Filipino audiences and showcased her XPENG L03, giving guests a closer look at the vehicle alongside one of the country’s most recognized personalities.

For XPENG North EDSA’s invited guests, the event went beyond witnessing the official launch. It offered an opportunity to experience the XPENG X9 and L03 up close, discover the brand’s

intelligent technology and premium features, and connect directly with the XPENG North EDSA team for upcoming test drives, pre-orders, and ownership inquiries.

XPENG X9 and L03 Make Their Philippine Debut

At the center of the launch were the XPENGX9and XPENGL03, two models designed to bring intelligent technology, contemporary design, and a new generation of electric mobility to Filipino customers.

The XPENG X9, a premium seven-seater MPV, combines generous cabin space, comfort, and intelligent technology for families, executives, and customers looking for a premium electric mobility experience.

The XPENG X9 price starts from ?3,858,000.

Meanwhile, the XPENG L03, positioned as a next-generation AI SUV coupe, combines sporty aerodynamic design with advanced intelligent features and a technology-led driving experience.

The XPENG L03 price starts from ?1,548,000.

Both models will be available through XPENG NorthEDSA, with customers now able to inquire, schedule test drives, and place pre-orders ahead of the store’s official opening.

Test-Drive and Pre-order Privileges Now Available at XPENG North EDSA

Following the official launch, XPENG North EDSA is inviting more customers to experience the X9 and L03 firsthand through its upcoming VIP test-drive program.

Customers interested in XPENG can register with XPENG North EDSA to secure a test-drive opportunity and discover the vehicles’ intelligent features, comfort, technology, and driving experience for themselves.

For customers ready to take the next step, pre-orders for the XPENG X9 and L03 are now open at XPENG North EDSA.

Eligible customers who place a pre-order can receive an exclusive lifestyle gift package worth upto?20,000, which includes:

NEXALSportsWatch

LaifenP3PROShaver

SKGS500EyeMassager

Each eligible pre-order will receive all three gifts, subject to applicable campaign mechanics and availability.

Early Customers May Unlock More Exclusive XPENG Experiences

Beyond the pre-order package, XPENG North EDSA is also preparing additional exclusive experiences for its early customers.

Customers who register, test drive, or place their orders early may have the opportunity to participate in special XPENG customer activities and future brand experiences involving Anne Curtis, subject to final event arrangements, availability, and campaign mechanics.

Further details will be announced by XPENG North EDSA through its official channels.

XPENG North EDSA Store Opening This October

Following the official Philippine brand launch, XPENG North EDSA store is preparing to officially open in October 2026.

Located along the North EDSA automotive and commercial corridor, the dealership will provide customers with a dedicated destination to explore XPENG vehicles, experience the X9 and L03,

book test drives, discuss financing and ownership options, and connect directly with the XPENG North EDSA sales team.

The opening of XPENG North EDSA will mark another step in expanding access to XPENG’s intelligent electric mobility experience in Metro Manila.

Further details regarding the official opening date, opening activities, and upcoming customer events will be announced through XPENG North EDSA’s official social media channels.

Book a Test Drive or Pre-order Your XPENG Today

Customers interested in experiencing the XPENGX9orL03do not need to wait for the store opening.

Test-drive registration and pre-orders are now open through XPENG North EDSA.

Customers can visit xrunmotors.comor contact the XPENG North EDSA sales team directly at

+639661728860 for:

Test-drive registration | X9andL03inquiries | Vehicle pricing | Pre-orders | Exclusive customer privileges

Customers can also follow and message XPENG North EDSA through its official Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktokaccounts for the latest store-opening updates and customer activities.

WHEN Dolly Parton, American singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist recently passed away at the age of 80, US President Donald J. Trump ordered flags at half-mast. the British Royal Family not only sent tributes, but her iconic Nine to Five Song was played at the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. There is even a move to have the Nashville, Tennessee Airport named after her. Tributes poured from all over-world leaders, celebrities, and those who simply loved her music.

Why did someone who was born into a large, impoverished family in a one-room cabin in rural East Tennessee touch so many lives?

In an article in Inc.com, Mark Berman says that in over six decades, ‘Parton transformed her songwriting and performing talents into a global entertainment career. She became one of the best-selling artists in music history, wrote songs that became standards, starred in major films including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, and built a brand that is beloved and instantly recognizable.’

For someone who according to Agence France Presse, ‘sang her first songs to chickens outside the cabin,’ her work ethic was astonishing. She launched publishing and music production companies, a radio station and restaurants. She even wrote a best-selling novel with co-author James Patterson. She connected with the younger generation through her Instagram page which, with 8.6 million followers, became an online phenomenon. At age 75, she unveiled a new fragrance called ‘Dolly.’

In 1986, Parton partnered to transform the existing Silver Dollar Theme Park in Pigeon Forge Tennessee into Dollywood. It became, according to Berman, ‘an entertainment destination built around Dolly’s Appalachian roots, storytelling, and personality.’

As communicators, we can learn much from her if we want to build legacy companies and brands. This he shares with us in Berman’s article The Incredible Business Strategy that made Dolly Parton an American Icon.

Create a brand people believe in and let it grow over time

‘Parton’s songwriting was the foundation of her business empire,’ says Berman. ‘She didn’t’ simply perform songs. She understood the value of her creative work, and found ways to extend its life.’

But’ she never treated music as her finish line. She treated it as the beginning, and she used it as a springboard into multiple business endeavors, continually expanding her creative assets into movies, television, publishing, merchandise, live entertainment, and other ventures.’

That, he adds, is entrepreneurial thinking: ‘Create something valuable, retain ownership when possible, and understand that its value can grow over time.’

Know your audience

Another lesson from her career? Simply know your customer. Parton understood what people wanted from Dolly Parton.

‘They wanted the songs. They wanted the humor. They wanted the glamour,’ says Berman. ‘They wanted the smiles, the love, the warmth. They wanted to believe that the woman behind the enormous hair and rhinestones was still connected to the little girl from Tennessee.’

She remained relevant across generations because she was willing to evolve, abandoning her core identity that made her successful in the first place.

The lesson for communicators and building a legacy brand: ‘Be willing to evolve, but don’t lose sight of what you are.’

Be authentic

Before ‘personal branding’ became a business buzzword, authenticity was perhaps her greatest asset. ‘She turned her humble beginnings, distinctive appearance, humor music, and Appalachian heritage into her brand so naturally and effortlessly.’

Despite her amazing success, Dolly remained incredibly humble. She earned a Kennedy Center award, one of the highest art accolades in 2006, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022, after initially turning it down.

In 2021, she revealed she had declined the Presidential Medal of Freedom, saying she did not want to travel to Washington during the Covid pandemic. Michael Mathes of Agence France Presse quotes her as saying to NBC, ‘It’s nice but I’m not sure that I even deserve it. But it’s a nice compliment for people to think that I might deserve it.’

This is so refreshing at a time when narcissism reigns.

Family always came first

As the fourth of 12 children, Dolly always remained close to her family. In 1971, she released the spare and gorgeous Coat of Many Colors, a Bible-themed track about her mother overcoming poverty.

Her nephew was in charge of her security, and her cousin Richie Owens collaborated with her, and helped her produce multiple albums. While she did not have children of her own, she remained close to her siblings, nieces and nephews, and grandkids, whom she encouraged to follow their dreams.

She was loyally married for almost 60 years to Carl Dean, who she nursed during his last days.

Her funeral was intimate, including family and close friends, because ‘she wanted it that way.’

Big hair, big music, big heart

Most remarkably, Dolly always gave back without much fanfare. In 1995, she launched her Imagination Library in her home country of Tennessee, inspired by her father’s inability to read or write. The program began by providing free books to young children and eventually expanded internationally, says Berman.

The Dollywood Foundation also launched educational initiatives in her hometown. One offered $500 to students who graduated high school, helping reduce dropout rates among participating classes.

‘Parton used the success she created to create opportunities for other people too. That is something one can learn about legacy building: Success can be measured by more than the size of a company’s bottom line, says Berman.

With her authenticity, Dolly Parton ‘turned her humble beginnings, distinctive appearance, humor, music, and Appalachian heritage into her brand’. It is about kindness, relatability, and personifying good.

Dolly Parton did that over six decades. And ‘her business legacy-and cultural legacy-will always be celebrated and never forgotten.’

PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the world’s premier association for senior professionals around the world. Millie Dizon, the Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications of SM, is the former local chair.

We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.

For more insights and updates on public relations, follow PR Matters by IPRA Philippines on Tiktok, Youtube, Instagram and Facebook.

VICE President Sara Z. Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, have a combined total of 51 registered firearms with an estimated current market value of P7,220,370, records presented by the Philippine National Police (PNP) during Duterte’s impeachment trial on Monday indicate.

Police Maj. Joericson Sangalang of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) testified that Duterte owns 22 registered firearms valued at P2,184,550, while Carpio owns 29 firearms valued at P5,035,820. The figures were presented as part of the prosecution’s evidence under Article II of the Articles of Impeachment involving allegations of unexplained wealth.

The issue surrounding Duterte’s firearms is not the number of firearms she owns or her authority to possess them, but whether these assets were properly declared in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), House of Representatives lead prosecutor Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said on Monday.

Luistro said firearms are considered properties that must be disclosed in SALN declarations.

The prosecution presented the firearm records as part of its Article II case, focusing on whether the assets were properly reflected in Duterte’s previous SALNs. The defense argued that newer SALN guidelines specifically requiring firearm declarations should not apply retroactively, but Luistro maintained that Duterte must still explain how the firearms were declared in earlier filings.

Moreover, Sangalang clarified that the amounts reflected the PNP-FEO’s current market-survey prices and were not the actual acquisition costs of the firearms. The valuation did not establish how much Duterte or Carpio originally paid for their firearms.

House prosecutor and San Juan City Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora asked Sangalang how the FEO determined the prices listed in its certifications. ‘These figures are based on a market survey conducted by our office,’ Sangalang said.

He explained that the FEO gathered pricing information from firearm dealers and gun-store representatives located near the agency’s storage area. The prices reflected the estimated market value of the firearms at the time the certification was issued.

When asked when the valuation applied, Sangalang answered, ‘As of today. That is what is indicated at the bottom of our certification.’

During the hearing, the prosecution selected several firearm entries from the certifications instead of presenting every item individually. For Duterte’s records, Sangalang identified an MandP 9 Compact pistol valued at P99,000, a Winchester rifle valued at P120,000, and an STI Legend pistol valued at P167,000.

The prosecution also asked about three Bushmaster rifles listed under Duterte’s name. Sangalang stated that each rifle had a current market-survey value of P200,000. He also identified an HK rifle in Duterte’s record with an estimated market value of P300,000.

For Carpio’s firearms, Sangalang cited several examples, including a Metro pistol valued at P320,000 and an APC rifle valued at P600,500. When asked about an HK416 rifle listed in Carpio’s certification, he stated that its estimated current market value was P900,000.

After the selected firearm entries were presented, Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Sen. Francis Escudero asked Sangalang to provide the total valuation. The witness confirmed that Duterte’s firearms were valued at P2,184,550, while Carpio’s firearms were valued at P5,035,820, for a combined total of P7,220,370.

The firearms listed in the records include pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and rifles. Among them are four Class A light weapons with fully automatic capabilities-three registered to Duterte and one registered to Carpio.

Sangalang testified that Duterte owns 14 pistols, two revolvers, five rifles, and one shotgun. Three of her rifles are classified as Class A light weapons. ‘Vice President Sara has 22 firearms. She has 14 pistols, two revolvers, five rifles, three of which are Class A light weapons, and one shotgun,’ Sangalang said.

Carpio’s firearms collection consists of 16 pistols, two revolvers, one shotgun, and 10 rifles, including one Class A light weapon. Sangalang also noted that one of Carpio’s firearms has an expired registration.

Both Duterte and Carpio hold Type 5 Licenses to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF), which are issued to certified gun collectors. Sangalang explained that holders of this license may own more than 15 registered firearms as long as the firearms are legally allowed and remain properly registered.

When asked about Duterte’s Class A light weapons, Sangalang confirmed that they have fully automatic functions. ‘This means that once the trigger is pulled, the firearm will continue firing repeatedly,’ he explained.

Escudero later clarified that the P7.22-million figure represented a ‘market survey of the price of the guns’ and was ‘not necessarily the acquisition cost of these guns.’ When asked whether Sangalang had personal knowledge of the actual purchase prices, the witness confirmed that he did not.

The defense highlighted this distinction, arguing that the market valuation did not prove the actual amount spent by Duterte and Carpio. Defense counsel Atty. Carlo Joaquin Narvaza said, ‘Since the honorable presiding officer already established that the testimony was about market value and not acquisition cost, there is nothing to cross-examine, Your Honor.’

The hearing also touched on firearm storage requirements. Sangalang said that the PNP requires physical inspection of vaults belonging to Type 3, Type 4, and Type 5 firearm license holders. However, he clarified that he had not personally inspected Duterte and Carpio’s storage facilities.

Sangalang explained that because the firearms list included long rifles and their cases, the collection would likely require significant storage space. ‘Based on the number of firearms they have, technically it would not fit inside a normal-sized vault. It would require a larger vault or possibly several vaults,’ he said. The court, however, stopped further questioning on whether the storage could be considered an ‘armory,’ ruling that such a conclusion would be speculative.

Separately, Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo raised a broader policy issue regarding firearm ownership after the testimony revealed that certified collectors may possess more than 15 registered firearms without a fixed numerical limit. Tulfo called on lawmakers to review whether additional restrictions should be considered.

‘This is something lawmakers should revisit – the ownership of firearms, whether you are a collector or not. Perhaps there should be a certain number of firearms that a person is allowed to own,’ Tulfo said. He warned that unlimited firearm accumulation could potentially be abused by individuals seeking to create private armed groups, particularly during election periods.

Tulfo also suggested that firearms owned by public officials should be specifically disclosed in Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), rather than being included only under general personal property declarations. However, he also questioned the direct relevance of the firearm testimony to the unexplained wealth allegation, describing parts of the presentation as a ‘waste of time,’ while emphasizing the broader need to review firearm ownership policies and transparency requirements.

SHARE prices fell last week following economic growth downgrades of the Philippines to 2.9 percent from SandP Global and to 3.3 percent by the Asian Development Bank. The lingering post-FTSE foreign selling in Ayala Corp. and SM Investments Corp. also weighed on the market.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) index fell 29.94 points to close at 5,825.97 points.

The main index also reached its lowest for the year on Thursday, closing at 5,730.02 points before paring down its losses the next day.

Volume for the week remained low, with average value of P5.75 billion, with foreign investors, who cornered 46 percent of the trades, were net sellers at P816.32 million.

Most of the sub-indices ended on the red, led by the broader All Shares index that fell 31.59 points to close at 3,246.21 points. The Financials index declined 9.24 to 1,811.39 while the Industrial index retreated 205.19 to 7,597.74. The Holding Firms index rose 5.87 to 4,143.01 while the Property index shed 37.63 to 1,760.37. The Services index was up 28.44 to3,192.41 and the Mining and Oil index plunged 1,259.40 to 20,600.79.

For the week, losers outnumbered gainers 138 to 83, and 26 shares were unchanged.

The top gainers were LFM Properties Corp., Pacifica Holdings Inc., Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corp. A and B shares, Supercity Realty Development Corp., Ionics Inc., Alliance Select Foods International Inc. and Seafront Resources Corp.

The top losers, meanwhile, were Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc., Metro Alliance Holdings and Equities Corp., PAL Holdings Inc., Semirara Mining and Power Corp., Geograce Resources Philippines Inc., ABS-CBN Corp. and Prime Media Holdings Inc.

This week

SHARE prices may go up this week, but mainly on bargain hunting.

Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco, senior research analyst at Philstocks Financials Inc., said that while current levels are considered bargains and fundamentals remain intact, the bearish case remains strong as other markets move unfavorably against local equities, while overall macroeconomic conditions remain discouraging.

Tantiangco also noted that both Washington and Tehran have shown last week that they are holding their respective grounds but at the same time expressed willingness to return to the negotiation table.

However, he said that, ultimately, the situation between the US and Iran remains uncertain leaving oil prices at elevated levels. The benchmark Brent crude remains above the $100 per barrel mark, Tantiangco noted.

Broker 2TradeAsia said eyes will be on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas September inflation outlook and on the US Federal Reserve, especially with the latest payrolls print. Consensus is building for possible 25 basis points rate hike before year-end, according to the broker.

‘Underweighting risk assets is warranted, as cash/short-dated fixed income, which essentially pay money to wait, are significantly more compelling,’ said 2TradeAsia.

The broker advised to tilt toward US dollar earners like ports and infra, and toward large-cap banks, where higher rates support margins.

2TradeAsia said that, for now, brace for potential range tightness in the 5,500- to 6,000 points zone of the main index.

Stock picks

BROKER RCBC Securities Inc. gave an ‘overweight’ rating on the country’s Philippine water players West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. (PSE: MYNLD) and East Zone concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc. (PSE: MWC).

The broker said that the country’s water sector is poised for steady, defensive growth this year, driven by aggressive capital deployment in water security and infrastructure.

‘Volume growth across both concessions will be catalyzed by capacity expansion, specifically Maynilad’s ongoing NRW (non-revenue water) recovery program and Manila Water’s commissioning of major treatment facilities (Wawa, East Bay), effectively translating enhanced raw water availability into sustained billed volume gains,’ RCBC Securities said.

MYNLD closed at P17 apiece, while MWC were last traded at P33.50 apiece.

Meanwhile, RCBC Securities maintained its ‘hold’ rating on the stock of Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (PSE: SCC), after the government issued an advisory formally terminating the 2026 coal bid round under the ‘Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program,’ directly impacting the auction for Semirara Island.

By citing continuing water seepage as a primary justification for the cancellation, the government has placed the site’s escalating hydrological and geological risks under a spotlight.

‘This puts pressure on SCC to commit substantial capital toward dewatering, safety and environmental compliance, driving up long-term opex (operational expense) while the government simultaneously seeks a larger revenue share,’ it said.

SCC closed last Friday at P15.28 apiece.

SOME P4.63 billion in investments in the tourism industry have been registered with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) from January to August this year.

Lawyer Karen Mae G. Sarinas-Baydo, assistant chief operating officer of Tieza, said these investments are already 80.6 percent of the total registered investments in full year 2025, which reached P5.74 billion.

She added that this year’s committed investments are projected to create 522 jobs, while last year’s total were supposed to create 1,039 jobs.

In addition, Sarinas-Baydo said, ‘Tieza is currently processing eight ongoing applications representing approximately P2.56 billion in proposed investments and 569 potential jobs.’

She added that of the eight registered projects, ‘five with about P1.07 billion in proposed investments and 256 jobs, have target opening dates within 2026. The remaining three applications represent approximately P1.49 billion and 313 jobs, with opening dates in 2027.’

Under recent tax reform laws, Tieza has been apppointed as the premier tourism investment promotion agency of the government, and can grant tax-free privileges and income tax holidays to registered projects.

‘From 2021 to August 2026, Tieza registered 34 projects under the CREATE [Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises] and CREATE MORE [CREATE to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy] Acts, representing approximately P14.5 billion in committed investments and 2,826 committed jobs,’ she noted.

Projects registered in 2025 until August 2026 alone accounted for P10.37 billion, or about 71.5 percent of total registered investments since 2021, ‘underscoring the continued strength of tourism-related investment commitments in the last two years,’ she said.

As this developed, some members of the House of Representatives urged that a budget for Tieza be allocated next year, in the light of the impending removal of the travel tax, which funds the government firm’s operations and infrastructure projects. The House of Representatives has already passed a measure on the lifting of the travel tax, but the Senate has yet to pass its own version.

Appeal for 2027 funds

‘I WOULD just like to manifest for the budget of Tieza. I hope the honorable sponsor [of the Department of Tourism budget] can push for an additional budget for Tieza, even if it’s not the full amount because I believe infrastructure is really needed even more than branding funds to attract tourists,’ said Party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc of Apec.

The lawmaker made the appeal during last week’s plenary hearing on the proposed P5.5-billion budget of the DOT and its attached agencies under the National Expenditure Program for 2027. SorsogonRep. Ma. Bernadette Escudero-Quirante was the sponsor of the DOT’s budget. (See, ‘DOT budget gets HOR backing,’ in the BusinessMirror, Sept. 9, 2026.)

There is an ongoing P100-million eco-tourism project funded by Tieza in the Dinagat Islands from which Dagooc hails. The project, signed between the provincial government and Tieza in July, involves the construction of a boardwalk and related structures leading to watersports areas in the Gaas Inlet.

While lawmakers who had backed the removal of the travel tax earlier vowed they will get funding for Tieza projects under the General Appropriations Act next year, the government firm received zero allocation in the NEP 2027.

Tourism officials and private stakeholders had already expressed serious concerns of the removal of the travel tax as it may disrupt many multi-year infrastructure projects. (See, ‘Tourism competitiveness at risk in travel tax junking,’ in the BusinessMirror, Feb. 23, 2026.)

Some P4.63 billion in investments in the tourism industry have been registered with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) from January to August this year.

According to lawyer Karen Mae G. Sarinas-Baydo, assistant chief operating officer of Tieza, these investments are already 80.6 percent of the total registered investments in full-year 2025, which reached P5.74 billion.

She added that this year’s committed investments are projected to create 522 jobs, while last year’s total were supposed to create 1,039 jobs. Tieza, a government-owned and -controlled corporation, is the infrastructure arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

She told the BusinessMirror that these projects are ‘mainly hotels, but we do have wellness establishments, an events center, farm tourism sites, and recreational facilites as well.’

Also, she said, ‘Tieza is currently processing eight ongoing applications representing approximately P2.56 billion in proposed investments and 569 potential jobs.’

Investment promotion agency

Of the eight registered projects, ‘five with about P1.07 billion in proposed investments and 256 jobs, have target opening dates within 2026. The remaining three applications represent approximately P1.49 billion and 313 jobs, with opening dates in 2027,’ said Sarinas-Baydo.

Under recent tax reform laws, Tieza has been appointed as the premier tourism investment promotion agency of the government, and can grant tax-free privileges and income tax holidays to registered projects.

From 2021 to August 2026, Tieza registered 34 projects under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) and CREATE to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Acts, representing approximately P14.5 billion in committed investments and 2,826 committed jobs.

Projects registered in 2025 until August 2026 alone accounted for P10.37 billion, or about 71.5 percent of total registered investments since 2021, ‘underscoring the continued strength of tourism-related investment commitments in the last two years,’ said Sarinas-Baydo.

As this developed, a House legislator urged that a budget for Tieza be allocated next year, in the light of the impending removal of the travel tax, which funds vital tourism infrastructure projects.

Appeal for funds

‘I would just like to manifest for the budget of Tieza. I hope the honorable sponsor [of the DOT budget] can push for an additional budget for Tieza, even if it’s not the full amount because I believe infrastructure is really needed even more than branding funds to attract tourists,’ said APEC Partylist Rep. Sergio Dagooc.

The lawmaker made the appeal during the September 22 Plenary hearing on the proposed P5.5-billion budget of the DOT and its attached agencies under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2027. Sorsogon First District Rep. Ma. Bernadette Escudero-Quirante was the sponsor of the DOT’s budget. (See, ‘DOT budget gets HOR backing,’ in the BusinessMirror, Sept. 9, 2026).

There is an ongoing P100-million eco-tourism project funded by Tieza in the Dinagat Islands from which Dagooc hails. The project, signed between the provincial government and Tieza in July, involves the construction of a boardwalk and related structures leading to watersports areas in the Gaas Inlet.

The House of Representatives has already passed a measure on the lifting of the travel tax, but the Senate has yet to pass its own version. While lawmakers earlier vowed they will get funding for Tieza projects under the General Appropriations Act next year, Tieza received zero allocation in the NEP 2027, imperiling multi-year projects.

Tourism officials and private stakeholders had already expressed serious concerns of the removal of the travel tax as it may disrupt many multi-year infrastructure projects. (See, ‘Tourism competitiveness at risk in travel tax junking,’ in the BusinessMirror, Feb. 23, 2026.)

The National Food Authority (NFA) is implementing a new scheme that aims to provide registered farmers with assured market access and enhance the food agency’s palay procurement operations.

NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the agency launched for the first time a purchase order (PO) system, a procurement arrangement between the grains agency and farmers.

‘We started this season the purchase order system, wherein the NFA can already issue a PO to farmers while they’re still planting. They just have to wait for the harvest and then bring it to the (warehouses),’ Lacson told reporters.

He added that the respective POs issued by the grains agency include the date and the estimated volume of unmilled rice the farmers will deliver to the NFA.

Eligible farmers include those listed in the registry system for basic sectors in agriculture (RSBSA).

Under the rules, farmers who submit and comply with PO requirements will be prioritized in scheduling and procurement arrangements.

Despite this, Lacson noted that the mechanism would not replace its existing procurement procedures; rather, it seeks to improve the agency’s current practices and tackle operational challenges.

‘That’s on top of our regular procurement, which is on a first-come, first-served basis. We also have a fast lane wherein small farmers with 70 bags and below have their own line for faster processing.’

The NFA said the PO system’s implementation would address ‘persistent’ operational and market-related concerns that tend to beset farmers.

This includes long delivery queues and congestion in warehouses; uncertainty in procurement schedules and acceptance capacity; price manipulation and dependence on private traders.

Also included in the bottlenecks that the grains agency aims to address are delays in payment processing due to incomplete or unprogrammed deliveries; and limited coordination between farmers and NFA procurement units.

Through the system, the grains agency said accountability and traceability in procurement transactions would be strengthened. This also ensures that palay purchased by the NFA complies with stipulated quality standards, it added.

‘This is the first time that we implemented the PO system, because then at least, we’ve already programmed the entry of palay since we know the date of delivery and volume. This would help in properly managing the incoming unmilled rice,’ Lacson said.

DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV are expected to testify in Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial this week as House of Representatives prosecutors continue presenting evidence related to allegations of unexplained wealth, business interests, and financial transactions.

The Senate Impeachment Court will resume hearings with prosecutors scheduled to complete the testimony of Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) Division Chief Rendell Sopeña before calling additional witnesses.

Following Sopeña’s testimony, prosecutors are expected to call Mayor Duterte, lawyer Gary Samonte of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Regional Office XI Bids and Awards Committee Secretariat and Maj. Joe Rickson Sanggalang of the National Police (PNP) Firearms and Explosives Office.

Sopeña previously testified about government contracts awarded to Gencorp Industries Inc., a company that Vice President Duterte declared as a business interest in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).

PhilGEPS records showed that Gencorp received 49 government contracts worth a combined P35.878 million during Duterte’s vice presidency. These included contracts from Davao City, PhilHealth Region XI, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Region XI.

The prosecution said these transactions are relevant to its allegation that Duterte did not fully separate herself from business and financial interests after assuming the vice presidency. Prosecutors cited Article VII, Section 13 of the Constitution, which restricts certain officials from participating in businesses or having financial interests in government contracts while in office.

The House lead prosecutor, Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, pointed to Duterte’s own declaration of Gencorp in her SALNs as part of their argument. ‘The admission came from the respondent herself,’ Luistro said, referring to Duterte’s disclosure of the company as a business interest.

Luistro also emphasized that the allegation involving unexplained wealth includes the issue of failing to divest from business interests. She said, ‘Please remember that the last part of Article II of the Articles of Impeachment involves the non-divestment of other business and financial interests.’

Mayor Duterte has been subpoenaed to appear before the Impeachment Court from September 28 to 30. Prosecutors said they plan to question him about Davao City government transactions involving Gencorp. Luistro earlier said, ‘We hope he appears because his testimony will be significant.’

House prosecution spokesperson Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia-ur Rahman Alonto Adiong said Mayor Duterte’s previous acknowledgement that Gencorp had transactions with the Davao City government strengthened the need for his testimony. He explained, ‘The prosecution’s position became stronger because his testimony will be essential for the court to fully understand the case being brought against the Vice President.’

Trillanes meanwhile is expected to testify about financial information related to Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth. Prosecutors said they intend to compare Duterte’s declared assets, lawful income, and financial records gathered from investigations.

The prosecution has referenced Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) information involving 663 transactions connected to Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, with a reported combined value of about P6.77 billion.

Prosecutors clarified that these figures represent total transaction values and do not automatically mean that the amount was owned or possessed by them at one time.

Adiong said the prosecution has already presented witnesses from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and PhilGEPS. The SEC testimony involved corporate documents connected to businesses declared in Duterte’s SALNs, while the PhilGEPS witness authenticated government procurement records involving Gencorp.

He explained that company sales and government contracts do not automatically represent personal income or prove wrongdoing. ‘What we presented are documents that the court can examine alongside the Vice President’s declarations and the constitutional restrictions that apply to her position,’ Adiong said.

The prosecution expects the defense to cross-examine the PhilGEPS witness before moving to its remaining witnesses. Adiong said, ‘We expect there will be a cross-examination of the witness we presented from PhilGEPS.’

He also discussed the Impeachment Court’s ruling on the voting requirement for conviction. Adiong said the decision did not reduce the constitutional requirement but maintained the two-thirds rule based on senator-judges who are legally and factually able to participate when judgement is made.

Vice President Duterte’s impeachment trial must continue even if some senator-judges choose not to participate, according to the prosecution. Adiong said, ‘That is one possibility we are considering, but from the prosecution’s side, this process must continue.’

Adiong added that the Senate has already taken jurisdiction over the impeachment case and must resolve the charges. ‘The Senate has already accepted jurisdiction over the impeachment case, so there are no other options except for the Senate to decide on the Articles of Impeachment,’ he said.

The possibility of a boycott emerged after six minority senator-judges did not participate in the court’s vote regarding the conviction threshold. The senators involved were Alan Peter Cayetano, Pilar Juliana Cayetano, Christopher Go, Imelda Josefa Remedios Marcos, Robin Padilla, and Camille Villar. Despite disagreements over the ruling, the prosecution maintained that the impeachment proceedings should move forward.

Filipino actress and vivo Philippines ambassador Anne Curtis attended the global launch of the vivo X500 Series in Shanghai on September 21, 2026, where the company introduced its latest imaging flagship lineup.

The event presented the vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max as part of vivo’s strategy to develop what it describes as dynamic imaging, which extends smartphone imaging beyond still photography to video and live content. The series uses vivo’s BlueImage Dynamic Imaging Technology Stack, which combines developments in sensors, imaging chips, and software algorithms.

Curtis attended the event ahead of the series’ planned launch in the Philippines.

‘Anne’s presence at the global launch in Shanghai gives Filipino consumers a closer look at where vivo’s imaging technology is heading,’ said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines. ‘The X500 Series brings together technologies designed not only for professional creators, but also for people who want to capture everyday moments through photos, video, and live content.’

About vivo X500 Series

The X500 Pro Max features the vivo × Sony LYTIA L910 sensor, which vivo says provides up to 17 EV of dynamic range. It also includes a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera and support for the 400mm Equivalent vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra. Other features include 4K 240 fps Cinematic Slow-Mo Video and 8K Native Live.

The X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max support video features including 17 EV TrueDynamic Log Video, 10-bit 4:2:2 encoding, ACES support, and 4K 120 fps Log video. The series also includes six cinematic video color styles and 4K Cinematic Portrait Video. Its Cinema mode offers options such as Auto Framing Video, Vortex Shot, Super Slow-Mo, and Dual View.

According to vivo, the BlueImage Dynamic Imaging Technology Stack covers five areas: high dynamic range, professional image quality, cinematic color, professional stabilization, and dynamic consistency.

The X500 Pro Max is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro platform and includes vivo’s V3+ and VS1+ imaging chips, a 2K ZEISS Master Color Display, and an 8,000mAh BlueVolt Battery. The X500 Pro has a 6,510mAh battery, while the standard X500 has a 7,500mAh BlueVolt Battery.

All three models run OriginOS 7. vivo said the imaging features will be available across the lineup, including 8K Native Live and high-specification video recording on the standard X500.

vivo has confirmed that the series will also launch in the Philippines, although local availability details have not yet been announced.

Filipinos can follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the vivo website and vivo Store app for official announcements.

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur-The country is now developing its own combat prowess against emerging pollutants, particularly invasive microplastics, as well as evolving contaminants, as researchers at this state university have installed key gadgets and technology to protect humans and the environment.

Professor Kris Kristofferson T. Tan, head of Mathematics and Arts and Sciences at Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), showed the BusinessMirror on Thursday the machines and gadgets acquired from Japan to establish Mindanao’s 16th laboratory in the network funded and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Inside the Research Center for Emerging Pollutants (RCEP) were the Microplastic Automated Preparatory Device, the first of its kind in the country that extracts, collects and filters water sample the volume equal to glass of water; the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer, or FTIR, which identifies the sampled pollutants from its own library of organic molecules; and the Ultra-Low Freezer, which can turn in as low as 80 degrees below zero degree to preserve biological samples.

All were recently acquired from the DOST fund of P5 million that also signified its approval to the RCEP.

Tan said the laboratory has been the product of the research work put up by his staff with multidisciplinary talents, including one chemist, two biologists with postgraduate expertise in microbiology and microplastics.

DOST Regional Director Anthony Sales, who also sits in the board of directors of the DSSC and in the board of other state universities and colleges in the Davao Region, has assured Tan that the RCEP will expect three plantilla positions for researchers.

Tan said the RCEP was developed from the array of suggested environmental issues to develop a science laboratory, and said the pestering and unaddressed environment pollution and contamination led him and his team to confront the issue.

He said the province, as well as the entire Davao Region, has its decades-long grapple with improper disposal of wastes from commercial agriculture, mining and urban and rural industrial operations. ‘Their disposal had river beds and sea floors contaminated with mercury, arsenic and other heavy metals. Even that simple but definitely destructive disposal of batteries contaminates the environment with lead,’ Tan said.

‘This laboratory here is actually against emerging pollutants, like the microplastic pervasive intrusion into the water and marine life ecosystem, and the evolving contaminants, like bacterial and heavy metal contamination of the environment,’ he said.

Engineer Niñaliza Escorial, deputy executive director of the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) told via online the opening of the RCEP that the laboratory becomes significant in the middle of disturbing findings that 16 of the 25 drinking water sources of Davao del Sur show coliform bacteria contamination and all the sources failed the microbiological testing.

She said that the Digos River also contained cadmium and chromium levels that exceeded tolerable level, and microplastics were detected int eh marine gastropods in the mangrove system of neighboring Santa Cruz.

This means, he said, that this laboratory ‘is not only for this province but for the entire region.’

Dr. Ruby Raterta, chief of PCIEERD’s Human Resources and Institutional Development, said the RCEP is the latest addition to the 70 DOST-supported science laboratories in the country and the first Institution Development Program of DOST on emerging pollutants.

‘We hope that this laboratory will produce bigger research projects,’ she said.

Sales said the RCEP ‘is a crucial development in advancing science in the area’ and talked with Tan to have a possible profiling of bottled water that were being marketed and manufactured in the region ‘because it has been a wider knowledge now that even drinking water contains microplastics, which have also invaded the food and water chain’.

‘Let the RCEP be the beacon of scientific inquiry,’ Sales said.

Escorial urged the DSSC to work with the local governments, the water district, environmental agencies, schools and the communities.