Category: Business Mirror

XDS-Astana rider, Matteo Malucelli continued to display his power to once again securing a stage victory at the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (PLTdL25) from Kuala Terengganu to Kemaman, covering a distance of 140.8 kms on Wednesday.

In a finish that was predicted to end in a bunch sprint, Malucelli, who had previously won Stages 1 and 3, completed a hattrick and equaled his achievement when he was with JCL UKYO last year.

Nevertheless, he credited the success due to the hard work and tactics from his teammates for bringing him into the right position for the final sprint, where he defeated Manuel Penalver (Polti VisitMalta) and Erlend Blikra (Uno-X Mobility) with a time of 3 hours 17 minutes 56 seconds.

The win provides a 10-second time bonus, extending his lead in the overall General Classification to 22 seconds over his closest rival and 26 seconds ahead of teammate Aaron Gate, accumulating a total time of 13 hours 15 minutes 45 seconds to secure him the PETRONAS Green Jersey.

Furthermore, he has also widened the gap in the points classification for the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) Orange Jersey (Sprint King) by accumulating 57 points, 24 points ahead of his closest rival, Blikra.

Meanwhile, Patrick Eddy continues to wear the BubblesO2 Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains) with 15 points, having prevented his nearest challenger from Burgos-Burpellet BH, Jambaljamts Sainbayar, from collecting points at the sole Category 4 climb zone in Kijal.

Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) rider from Kazakhstan, Vadim Pronskiy, also retained the Rakan Muda White Jersey as the Best Asian Rider by riding safely within the main peloton.

With a short and flat route, Malucelli said his task of finding a stage victory for a great team like Astana was made easier. ‘It’s an amazing feeling, it feels like a continuation of my good performance last year. The wins in the previous two stages removed a lot of pressure. Today, I still felt strong, and my teammates did an excellent job. I executed a perfect sprint in the last 200 meters.

But for Thursday’s stage (the climb from Temerloh to Fraser’s Hill), I will try to defend, at least the Sprint King jersey,’ said the Italian rider who joined Astana at the start of 2025.

He stated that throughout the race, Astana calmly controlled the pace despite a small breakaway group ahead, and only became aggressive in the last few kilometers, where he was expertly positioned by Alexander Vinokurov and Aaron Gate, especially through the final two right turns towards the finish line.

Local and TSG fans’ hopes, which were initially high when Muhammad Nur Aiman Rosli was seen in the three-rider breakaway group, were dashed when the national champion, who had won the two sprint zones in Marang and Paka was caught by the peloton led by Astana and Uno-X, about 4km before the finish line at Taman Bandar Cukai, Kemaman.

The race, which started at Dataran Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu, officiated by the Chairman of the Terengganu Youth, Sports and NGO Development Committee, saw riders start under a scorching 31-degree Celsius heat with Nur Aiman, Vojtech Kminek (Burgos), and Yauheni Sobal (Chengdu DYC) formed the early breakaway.

However, Kminek decided to slow down the pace and rejoin the peloton, while Aiman and Sobal worked together until Kijal, before Sobal also dropped back. When Nur Aiman rode solo, he was easily caught by the peloton.

‘It wasn’t meant to be, but I tried my best today. I will keep trying in the next stages,’ said Nur Aiman who was still proud of the Most Combative Rider award for the fourth stage.

Malaysian Pro Cycling (MPC) rider, Mohammad Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil, was the best Asian and ASEAN rider for the stage, finishing in seventh place.

However, several minor accidents occurred at the back of the peloton, and three riders failed to finish the stage (DNF) and are out of the competition, meaning only 115 riders will start Stage 5 Thursday.

Stage 5, covering a distance of 123.1km, is considered one of the decisive stages of this year’s PLTdL25. It will start in Temerloh, featuring three sprint zones in Mentakab, Bukit Damar and Mempaga, before riders face the first climb, Category 3 in Raub and then the final Category 1 summit finish at the Fraser’s Hill Clock Tower.

Xiaomi today unveiled its latest flagship lineup, the highly-awaited Xiaomi 15T Series, including Xiaomi 15T and Xiaomi 15T Pro, at the official local launch event at the Maybank Theatre, BGC, Philippines. This launch marks a bold evolution of the Xiaomi T Series from flagship photography and cutting-edge technology built for modern trendsetters to advanced mobile technology, elevated imagery, and a refined design.

Outstanding optics for next-level imaging

Built for elevated image quality, the Xiaomi 15T Series features an advanced triple camera system co-engineered once again with Leica, consisting of a main, ultra-wide, and telephoto camera on the Xiaomi 15T, and a main, ultra-wide, and Leica 5x Pro telephoto camera on the Xiaomi 15T Pro.

Both camera systems are designed to deliver impressive results across a wide range of scenarios. For versatile composition, both the Xiaomi 15T Pro and Xiaomi 15T offer multiple focal lengths for choice. The Xiaomi 15T Pro spans focal lengths from 15mm to 230mm, while the Xiaomi 15T offers ones from 15mm to 92mm across its three rear cameras, enabling users to frame wide vistas or close in on details with precision.

At the heart of the Xiaomi 15T Series’ 50MP main camera lies a Leica Summilux optical lens, which captures exceptional detail with an ƒ/1.7 aperture on the base version and an ƒ/1.62 aperture on the Pro variant. Alongside intricate detail, vivid colors, and high contrast can also be produced even in low-light environments. This is taken a step further on the Xiaomi 15T Pro, which features a high-specification Light Fusion 900 image sensor, boasting a 13.5 EV high dynamic range that significantly enhances clarity and tonal accuracy.

Debuting the Leica 5x Pro telephoto camera in the Xiaomi T Series, the Xiaomi 15T Pro offers an impressive 5x optical zoom, 10x optical-level zoom, and up to 20x Ultra Zoom, ideal for a wide variety of scenes, from expansive landscapes to detailed shots. Meanwhile, a 32MP front camera is integrated across both devices for selfies and video calls.

Working alongside the series’ cutting-edge camera hardware is Xiaomi AISP 2.0, the brand’s next-generation computational photography platform. With features such as PortraitLM 2.0 and ColorLM 2.0, Xiaomi AISP 2.0 helps to refine images by enhancing depth perception, tonal range, and color fidelity, resulting in more natural, lifelike photography with minimal post-editing required on both variants.

This is especially helpful for Master Portrait, which builds upon the previous generation’s portrait capabilities to introduce all-new bokeh effects for background light, such as Wide and Bubbles, while also giving users the ability to individually adjust aperture effects and focal length.

Meanwhile, for capturing spontaneous moments, Leica streetphotography mode enables quick capture from the lock screen. It provides users with access to iconic focal lengths of 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and, exclusively for the Xiaomi 15T Pro, 135mm for close-ups.

When it comes to video shooting, the Xiaomi 15T Series delivers pro-level capabilities for creators. Both models support 4K 30fps HDR10+ recording across all focal lengths, thereby maintaining consistent vibrancy and contrast regardless of the lens used. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 15T Pro pushes boundaries further by supporting high-specification 4K 120fps on the main camera, allowing users to produce cinematic clips with precise frame control. For post-production, 4K 60fps 10-bit Log recording with LUT input is provided, thereby offering ample flexibility.

From photography to videography, the Xiaomi 15T Series’ unmatched camera system offers a complete solution for users who want effortless control and memorable results, whether capturing spontaneous moments or creating carefully composed narratives.

Breakthrough connectivity, combined with a brand new operating system

Beyond imaging, the Xiaomi 15T Series introduces a leap in mobile connectivity, redefining how users stay connected in various environments.

At the heart of this innovation is Xiaomi Astral Communication, a suite of advanced technologies, including the global debut of Xiaomi Offline Communication with Xiaomi 15T Series.¹ This enables direct voice communication between the Xiaomi 15T Series devices over distances of up to 1.9km for Xiaomi 15T Pro, and 1.3km for Xiaomi 15T, even without cellular or Wi-Fi signals.² It is ideally suited for open environments such as jungles, deserts, or remote hiking trails, adding an essential extra layer of reliability when traditional networks are unavailable.

For stable and adaptive connectivity across various conditions, Xiaomi Astral Communication also includes Xiaomi Surge T1S Tuner, which flexibly utilizes GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals. This works in tandem with the Super Antenna Array, which features a high-performance antenna that improves overall cellular performance and AI Smart Antenna Switching to maximize signal performance. Whether users are streaming, navigating, or gaming, this integrated system helps ensure connections remain strong and stable.

Aside from communication technology, the Xiaomi 15T Series will also receive the latest in software with Xiaomi HyperOS 3.³

Driving an elevated user experience, Xiaomi HyperOS 3 will make its global debut in the Xiaomi 15T Series and roll out with enhanced multitasking capabilities,³ quicker app launches, and redesigned interface elements, including lock screens, wallpapers, icons, widgets, and even a brand new notification design. Additionally, system-level intelligence from Xiaomi HyperAI4 and enhanced interconnectivity across devices will help increase productivity, enabling users to share and sync content seamlessly.

Bigger, brighter, and more immersive display

Complementing the Xiaomi 15T Series’ powerful hardware and connectivity is a clear, vibrant, and the largest display yet among Xiaomi Series smartphones. This expansive 6.83-inch display is designed to elevate content creation, reading, and entertainment with immersive visuals.² With a peak brightness of up to 3200 nits, the display maintains clarity even in bright light, ensuring visibility across a wide range of environments. Beyond that, its sharp 1.5K resolution renders scenes with exceptional vibrancy and tonal accuracy, bringing photos, videos, and graphics to life in stunning detail.

The Xiaomi 15T Pro takes visuals a step further with ultra-narrow 1.5mm bezels on all four sides, made possible by LIPO technology.² These bezels are 27% slimmer than the previous generation,² allowing for an edge-to-edge display experience that feels larger without increasing the overall size of the device.

The Xiaomi 15T Pro’s display also boasts an ultra-smooth refresh rate of up to 144Hz,5 which enables seamless scrolling and makes interactions feel faster and more responsive. To support comfortable and prolonged use, the Xiaomi 15T Pro is equipped with full-brightness DC dimming and advanced eye care technology.

Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 15T supports a smooth refresh rate of up to 120Hz for fluid scrolling.6 To further enhance eye care, it incorporates 3840Hz PWM dimming, which effectively reduces screen flicker, making the display more comfortable for prolonged viewing, especially during nighttime reading or in low-light environments.

Power meets endurance

A powerful display experience calls for equally capable internals. The Xiaomi 15T Series delivers robust performance and efficient thermal management to meet the demands of today’s users.

Inside both the Xiaomi 15T and Xiaomi 15T Pro is a 5500mAh battery, providing sustained power within a slim chassis. While the Xiaomi 15T Pro provides charging flexibility with both 90W wired HyperCharge and 50W wireless HyperCharge,7 the Xiaomi 15T features 67W HyperCharge to help ensure users can top up quickly without long wait times.8 The battery can retain up to 80% capacity even after 1600 charging cycles.² It can power on in under four seconds when the battery is flat,² after a charger has been connected.

The Xiaomi 15T Pro runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset, built on a 3nm process, while the Xiaomi 15T is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra. Both processors deliver a boost in CPU and GPU performance over the respective previous generation, ensuring smooth execution across a wide variety of tasks.²

Alongside strong performance, a stellar thermal management system is essential to help ensure long-lasting comfort during extended sessions. In the Xiaomi 15T Series, this is where Xiaomi 3D IceLoop System plays a critical role.

Unlike conventional passive cooling systems that slowly transfer heat from internal components to the phone’s surface, the Xiaomi 3D IceLoop System efficiently separates vapor and liquid, featuring a specially designed 3D bulge for the CPU.

This design helps to direct heat away from core sources such as the SoC, and evenly distribute it across the device’s surface. Users can therefore experience sustained optimal performance and a more comfortable hold, even during demanding tasks.

Flagship design and durability

All of this cutting-edge performance is housed in a refined, premium design that reflects Xiaomi’s continued pursuit of elegance, durability, and comfort in hand.

The Xiaomi 15T Series’ unified glass fiber back and battery cover form a seamless exterior, while the flat frame aligns with modern design principles. Slightly rounded edges contribute to a more sophisticated aesthetic, offering a comfortable grip.

Not only does the Xiaomi 15T Series come with a premium look and feel, but it also offers added durability for increased peace of mind. This begins from the Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7i display, which provides 100% improved scratch resistance compared to the previous generation,² and further extends to a durable glass fiber back, blending style with durability. Both models have been upgraded to now withstand depths of up to 3 meters of freshwater,² coming with an IP68 water and dust resistance certification.?

Distinguishing itself from the base variant, the Xiaomi 15T Pro is framed in high-strength 6M13 aluminum alloy, offering enhanced drop protection and structural integrity. Its color options include Black, Gray, and the luxurious Mocha Gold,¹° designed for users who appreciate elevated detail and resilience. Meanwhile, Xiaomi 15T will be available in Black, Gray, and the standout Rose Gold,¹° a color crafted for users who value fashion-forward expression and subtle elegance.

Xiaomi Pad Mini

In addition to the Xiaomi 15T Series, Xiaomi has also announced the Xiaomi Pad Mini, which provides on-the-go productivity with the power of AI.

The Xiaomi Pad Mini features an 8.8-inch 3K crystal-clear display with a 165Hz refresh rate, and a design that delivers optimal in-hand comfort in a compact, ergonomic form. Through Xiaomi HyperAI, it delivers an elevated productivity experience,² featuring a range of AI-driven tools that include AI Writing,6 AI Speech Recognition,6 AI Interpreter,6 AI Art,6 and AI Calculator.7 It also integrates Google Gemini,8 and supports Circle to Search with Google,? for improved device interaction.

The Xiaomi Pad Mini is officially available in the Philippines starting September 26, with a special Early Bird Promo price of ? 22,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant (SRP ? 25,999). During the first day sale period, running until October 13, every purchase of the Pad Mini comes with a free Xiaomi Pad Mini Cover (SRP ? 999). Accessories like the Xiaomi Focus Pen (? 3,499) and Redmi Smart Pen (? 2,999) are also available to complete your setup. Perfect for productivity, creativity, or entertainment on the go.

Price and availability¹4

Xiaomi is bringing flagship style and power to the Philippines with the new Xiaomi 15T Series.

The 15T Pro comes in Black, Gray, and Mocha Gold with 12GB+512GB or 12GB+256GB storage, priced from ?37,999 to ?39,999. Early buyers on Lazada can score it from ?35,999 to ?38,999 plus a FREE Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Prountil October 10, while offline pre-orders run until October 9 for ?38,999 (12+512GB) with just a ?1,000 downpayment.

The Xiaomi 15T, available in Black, Gray, and Rose Gold, also offers 12GB+512GB or 12GB+256GB storage, priced from ?26,999 to ?28,999. On Shopee, it’s yours for as low as ?24,999 with a free Smart Band 9 Pro until October 10. Offline pre-orders are open at ?27,999 (12+512GB) with the same ?1,000 downpayment.

In partnership with Home Credit, Xiaomi is making flagship tech more accessible with 0% interest installment plans on select smartphones and wearables. From September 26 to October 9, the Xiaomi 15T Series is available for pre-order-priced at ? 38,999 for the 15T Pro (12+512) and ? 27,999 for the 15T (12+256).

Xiaomi’s latest wearables are also part of the campaign beginning September 26, including the Watch S1 41mm in Fluororubber (? 8,999), Leather (? 9,999), and Milanese (? 11,999) strap variants. With flexible installment options, you can own the Xiaomi 15T Pro for as low as ? 82/day, the 15T for ? 58/day, and select wearables starting at just ? 19/day-making smart living easier on the wallet.

At least nine farm-to-market roads (FMRs) worth P125 million were identified as ‘ghost’ projects by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the agency has submitted the initial audit report of FMRs to the Office of the President, where nine of the over 4,700 projects from 2021 to 2025 were considered ghost projects.

He noted that seven of the FMRs were in Davao Occidental, while the remaining two were in Lanao del Sur.

‘In our audit, those projects were not started, but in the Department of Public Works and Highways [DPWH] report, those projects were listed as completed,’ De Mesa told reporters on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) in Pasay on Wednesday.

While these were a relatively small percentage of the FMR projects, the DA official said this remains crucial to the farmers who were meant to benefit from them.

‘Even though the percentage of this was small, we still don’t want to have this kind of problem. These nine kilometers could have benefitted our farmers. Sayang,’ De Mesa said.

Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the audit of every FMR project since 2021 amid the ongoing clamor on controversial flood control works.

The DA explained that even though FMR schemes are identified and validated by the agency, these road projects are commissioned, bid out, and constructed by the DPWH.

‘We must make sure they are done properly, that taxpayers’ money were spent to provide farmers with market access and not squandered for farm-to-pocket projects,’ Laurel said.

Given the 61,000 kilometers considered backlog or pending validation as of July, the DA chief called on lawmakers to pass legislation that mandates a priority list for FMR projects.

Such a move would veer away from the arbitrary selection of where to build those roads, often merely to satisfy parochial concerns.

He also recommended reviewing that priority list every three years to keep it aligned with agricultural needs.

However, the DA noted that funding remains a concern.

To stretch resources, Laurel proposed redesigning road dimensions, such as narrower roadways of 3 meters instead of 5 meters, with shoulders every 300 meters to facilitate traffic movement. This is expected to cut costs and build more roads faster.

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will conduct summary proceedings for certain applications of power companies to address the backlog of cases.

Under Resolution 16, the Commission authorized the conduct of summary proceedings for applications involving authority to develop and own or operate dedicated point-to-point (P2P) limited transmission facilities, approval of capital expenditure (Capex) projects, confirmation of over or under recoveries, approval of power supply contracts, issuance of Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity, and business separation and unbundling plans.

However, the summary proceedings will only apply if the applications are uncontested.

For applications with intervenors, the ERC said all parties should agree to proceed with the conduct of summary proceeding.

‘To achieve the policy of the state of total electrification in the country and ensure the quality, reliability, and affordability of the supply of electric power, there is a need to expedite the processing and applications.filed before the ERC,’ the agency said.

The ERC resolution, which was promulgated on September 29, is in line with Rule 17 of the ERC’s Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure (RRPP), which allows the conduct of summary proceedings for cases pending before the Commission.

ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino C. Juan said this reflects the Commission’s drive toward faster and more efficient regulation in line with its vision of a ‘new ERC.’

‘We will do everything we can to accelerate the resolution of applications filed before the ERC. Streamlining our processes is key to fulfilling our commitment to a more responsive and revitalized ERC,’ Juan added.

The avalanche of Congressional inquiries and whistleblower stories on the trillion-peso guni-guni flood control projects has awakened the citizenry to the massive corruption being committed by those in power. The people’s outrage was in full display on September 21, at the Luneta Park and the Edsa shrine.

Now, how can corruption, a never-ending and ever-growing problem in the Philippines, be tamed?

As it is, many in the September 21 rallies find the government’s response still weak and lacking in resolve? On Congressional inquiries: how can those involved in the flood scandals, the errant legislators in particular, be part of the committees to investigate the crime of corruption? And can the Independent Commission for Infrastructures undertake thorough cleansing of the graft-ridden infra development system when the commission is ad-hoc in character and limited to fact-finding work? How will these bodies address corruption issues linked to the highest officials of the land?

Is the President serious in pursuing a national cleansing of the graft-ridden infra and social spending processes? Does the President have the guts to ask family members and political allies involved in corruption to take a leave and allow a truly independent body with powers to hold accountable those guilty of corruption to be established, as suggested by Rep. Leila de Lima? Can FM Jr. be the bold reformer the nation is waiting for, or will he behave like his predecessors who barked loudly against corruption at the beginning, only to do nothing once the furor dies down? Is he prepared to break the ties that bind him to the KKK club-Kamag-anak, Kaklase, Kabarkada?

In the meantime, the nation is getting shocking revelations on how high-level corruption is being committed by criminal syndicates led by government officials, as Congressman Toby Tiangco put it. The gangs of plunderers have very deep connections in government and operate like Italian mafiosos. Based on PBBM’s list of top contractors, there are syndicates in different regions/districts of the country, some with a long history of plundering public funds under different administrations.

Who comprise a typical syndicate? They consist of the following:

First, you have the rent-seeking contractors eager to capture huge profits by making little or even no investments that result in substandard or non-existent projects. Of course, these contractors cannot bag juicy projects without the facilitating assistance of the get-rich-quick DPWH engineers and staff. And then to make these projects ‘move’ and get funded, these contractors and engineers have to secure the support of conniving officials in the executive branch, e.g., DBM, DOF, COA, etc. All these players are bound by some kind of an omerta code of silence.

But most importantly, the syndicates have godfathers, the ring leaders. They are the influential politicians who sit on top of the corruption ladder. They are the dynastic rulers of the land. They wield political power and shamelessly engage in primitive accumulation for the benefit of their families, clans and supporters. They tinker with the budgets, ingeniously shaping them to suit their plundering programs with the support of their chosen contractor firms, some of which they themselves set up or are run by family members and cronies.

With the illicit funds that they acquire, the plundering political elites perpetuate themselves and their families in power by spreading ‘ayuda’ to voters to get themselves elected with no hassle. The ayuda taken from the national budget (e.g., TUPAD, AKAP, etc.) or shaved from the DPWH and other government projects make them ‘popular’ overnight to dirt-poor voters. Thus, Partylists and dynastic congressmen do not even go to the trouble of drawing up comprehensive economic-political reform programs and conducting prolonged campaigns to win popular support. They simply go around distributing ‘ayuda’ one or two weeks before the elections.

In a number of congressional districts, the electoral contest is reduced to a battle of who could give the bigger ayuda, ayuda that could go as high as P15,000 or more per voter. The competition to get the voters’ interest based on the development vision and reform agenda of a candidate in a congressional district becomes meaningless. There are no healthy political debates on problems such as joblessness, landlessness and homelessness among the voting poor in a district and how the dynastic candidates plan to address them. In the 2025 elections, a dynastic political family in a Mindanao province was even reported to have promised the barangay captains that their barangays would receive numerous benefits, including a barangay vehicle, if they deliver zero votes to their opponents.

The foregoing dynastic way of buying votes is well known across the archipelago. And yet, the Comelec does not have the will or courage to correct vote buying. The Comelec simply asks concerned citizens to file verified and documented complaints instead of the Comelec itself, motu proprio, fielding agents to stop vote buying, which is usually conducted in an organized way in barangay halls across the country. The Comelec further erodes the credibility of the electoral results when it refuses to cooperate with the demand of IT experts to explain why the audited source code in the automated election system was not used and why there were millions of spoiled overvotes for partylists and senators.

Once in power, the dynastic political elite unabashedly use government resources not only to reward families and loyalists but also to place them in key government positions that enable them to control national and local spending and secure the license to exploit natural and other resources. They have also transformed the IMF-WB policy prescriptions of privatization and trade/investment liberalization as instruments to develop rent-seeking monopolies out of privatized public services (power, water, etc.) and liberalized trade systems. The clear outcomes of this governance arrangement are disempowerment of the poor and their communities and the deeper social and economic inequality at both local and national levels.

The dominant political dynastic families get themselves re-elected regularly even if some political reformers somehow succeed ‘sporadically and for short periods of time,’ as a German scholar Peter Kruizer noted (‘Mafia-style domination in the Philippines’, 2012). Comparing the country to Italy, Kruizer concluded that ‘Mafia-style domination is part and parcel of the democratic political process’ in the Philippines.

But is this real democracy? A government of the few for the few? An elite in perpetual control of the government through patronage politics, vote buying, business monopolies, etc.? They even have the Comelec as a virtual ally, a Comelec that is unable to explain creditably the non-use of the audited hash code in the 2025 automated elections, which elicited the remark of former DICT Undersecretary Elisio Rio that Philippine democracy has become a ‘farce.’

Given the malgovernance of the country and the large-scale plunder that the ruling political dynasties are committing, the political-economic system looks more and more like a mafia-run machinery managed by powerful syndicates. Breaking this dynastic rule, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution, is clearly a moral, economic and political necessity. To upend this rule is to unlock the country’s democratic potential to build a more just, inclusive and sustainable society.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) formally signed the Deed of Donation and Partnership, marking the official turnover of a Mitsubishi Strada Athlete pick-up in support of the DUNONG Program (Department of Education-Laguna-University of the Philippines Los Baños Nurturing Opportunities for the Next Generation Towards Ending Learning Poverty in the Philippines).

The program responds to pressing concerns in education and nutrition, with many children struggling to read with comprehension and others attending school without proper meals. By combining education and feeding initiatives, the program aims to give children not only the ability to read and learn, but also the nourishment to thrive.

During the ceremony, MMPC Chairman Noriaki Hirakata highlighted the importance of partnership between industry and the academe in driving long-term progress. ‘Today’s turnover is a symbol of partnership – one that brings together the strengths of industry and academia to support the growth of knowledge, innovation, and national progress,’ he shared.

Meanwhile, MMPC President and CEO Ritsu Imaeda emphasized that supporting initiatives like the DUNONG Program is aligned with the company’s broader mission of nation-building. ‘At Mitsubishi Motors, our mission has always been about more than producing quality vehicles. We aim to be a trusted partner in nation-building, contributing to the progress of the Philippines not only through mobility, but also through programs that uplift lives,’ Imaeda said.

UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. expressed his gratitude to MMPC for supporting the program’s mission of nurturing future generations. ‘The Strada Athlete donated today will be a crucial partner in the implementation of DUNONG. With it, we can reach schools, parents, and communities more effectively, ensuring that children grow not just in learning but also in health,’ said Camacho.

UPLB also stressed the broader impact of the partnership and the contribution of MMPC through the message of its Vice Chancellor Janette Malata-Silva. ‘MMPC’s commitment to social responsibility, especially in community and education, is an inspiration. We are grateful for this partnership that helps create a brighter future for the next generation,’ Malata-Silva said.

Through this collaboration, MMPC reaffirms its long-standing commitment to education and community development, investing not only in mobility solutions, but also in programs that strengthen the future of the nation.

There is a growing sense of foreboding over the continuation of the war in Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces mounting backlash at home. Questions are being raised about the flow of Western aid and the specter of corruption in its use, even as reports of desertion at the front undermine Ukraine’s military readiness.

Zelenskyy’s push for more Western assistance is colliding with a Europe weary of the war’s economic costs. Belgium, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, and Poland-all carrying public debt near 90 percent of GDP-are seeing growing domestic discontent. Economists warn that further aid and expanded anti-Russian sanctions risk tipping these fragile economies closer to financial crisis, potentially pushing debt levels above 100 percent of GDP if the conflict drags on.

Western efforts to cripple Russia’s economy have largely failed. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, in an interview with The New York Times, admitted grimly: ‘Russia is now producing three times as much ammunition in three months as NATO does in a year.’ This imbalance underscores Ukraine’s mounting challenges-from dwindling resources to declining morale.

At home, Zelenskyy faces a worsening manpower crisis. Reports indicate widespread failure of mobilization efforts and critical shortages of personnel. Independent experts estimate that since the start of the conflict, more than 260,000 Ukrainian soldiers have abandoned their posts. Andriy Biletsky, commander of the 3rd Army Corps, has publicly opposed harsher penalties for desertion, warning that they would only drive more soldiers into hiding until the war ends.

Ukraine’s economic crisis is equally dire. The country faces what analysts describe as ‘complete bankruptcy,’ compounded by a mass population exodus, including conscription-age men. Recent reporting by The Financial Times revealed Ukraine lost nearly $770 million to corruption and failed arms procurement deals-funds that were paid to intermediaries for weapons and ammunition that never arrived. The European Union has since moved to strengthen oversight over its pound 50 billion support package set to run through 2027.

Across Europe, popular support for the war is eroding. Citizens, already burdened by inflation and illegal migration concerns, are questioning why billions are sent to Kyiv while domestic needs go unmet-especially when allegations of theft by Ukrainian officials surface regularly. The corruption angle is one piece of the puzzle that has enveloped the European Union’s citizens’ resolve to continue funding Zelenskyy’s military might.

There is also the incipient effect of the rise in prices in these European economies that is hurting the decision of the citizens to go with the flow of more aid for the war theater in Ukraine. Another sore thumb is the increased influx of immigrants that encumber EU’s resources.

Washington, too, appears to be reassessing its role. Aid volumes have declined, and US President Donald Trump recently suggested that regaining lost Ukrainian territory may now hinge primarily on European support. His remarks, echoed by observers at the UN General Assembly, signal a possible shift of the financial and political burden from Washington to NATO’s European members.

What is equally striking is the sense of stalemate now creeping into the war’s narrative. Western publics, once galvanized by the defense of democracy, are beginning to tune out, fatigued by grim headlines and endless requests for funding. Without a new strategic vision-one that combines accountability with a credible path to de-escalation-the war risks becoming a frozen conflict that drains resources for years to come.

The danger is not just military defeat for Ukraine, but the corrosion of public trust in democratic governments that cannot explain why the war drags on with no clear endgame. For Europe, this trust deficit could embolden far-right populists who are already capitalizing on economic grievances and migration fears to challenge centrist coalitions.

If Zelenskyy wishes to sustain international support, he must not only hold the line militarily but also prove to his partners that aid will not vanish into black holes of corruption. Transparent reporting, joint oversight with donor nations, and a realistic plan for negotiation must become part of Kyiv’s message. Otherwise, the war may continue to be fought with dwindling resources and diminishing goodwill-a path that could lead to Ukraine’s isolation just when it needs allies the most.

Jonathan Kuminga agreed to a two-year contract with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday that could be worth up to $46.5 million if the team exercises its option for 2026-27.

The Warriors announced Kuminga’s new deal late Tuesday. A person with knowledge of the contract provided details, speaking on condition of anonymity because terms weren’t made public.

Kuminga has had a $7.9 million qualifying offer in hand since June 29 but was also weighing other options. He had until Wednesday night to accept the qualifying offer.

Kuminga missed media day Monday and Day 1 of training camp Tuesday, but many of his teammates expressed support and confidence that the high-flying forward would show up ready to work and help the team win.

Kuminga, who turns 23 on Oct. 6, missed much of last season with a right ankle injury. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 24.3 minutes over 47 games with 10 starts. He also scored 15.3 points per game over eight playoff games while shooting 48.4% from the floor and making 40% of his 3-point attempts. That included a career-best 30-point performance in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The unsettled situation for Kuminga, a restricted free agent, has overshadowed the offseason and delayed general manager Mike Dunleavy’s ability to build the roster.

Center Al Horford had reached agreement on a deal and now guard Seth Curry – the younger brother of Warriors star Stephen Curry – is set to join the mix, too.

Stephen Curry said players had discussed how things would go once Kuminga is back in the fold.

‘We talk about it for sure,’ he said Monday. ‘As leaders on the team you have to acknowledge what’s going on and don’t make it more than what it is.

‘Knowing JK’s situation, knowing the new faces that we’re adding to the roster, we talk about it every year going into a training camp – what it’s going to take for that particular team to win.’

Over P100 million will be released by the national government to Masbate to help in the rehabilitation of the island province after it was devastated by Severe Tropical Storm ‘Opong’ (international name: Bualoi) last week.

President Ferdinand Marcos made the announcement during his visit in Masbate City last Wednesday to lead in the distribution of government aid to the typhoon victims in the province.

‘I already instructed the DBM [Department of Budget and Management]before I left Manila to download 100 million [pesos] to the LGSF (Local Government Support Fund) [of Masbate] so you can use it,’ he told the provincial government of Masbate in Filipino in his speech during the distribution event.

He noted the provincial government of Masbate needed the financial support since the province is still recovering from the effects of Typhoon ‘Emong’ (international name: Co-may).

The national government, Marcos said, will continue to extend aid to Masbate to help in its recovery from the effects of Opong.

‘Don’t worry, the government’s support will continue as long as you need it. Even if it takes us a little longer because you haven’t repaired your homes yet, we are already supporting you,’ he told the beneficiaries in Filipino at the distribution event.

During the event, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed P10,000 each of the 600 families through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, while the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provided P28-million worth of cash-for-work assistance to 6,455 beneficiaries.

The local government of Masbate placed the province under a state of calamity after Opong killed three of its constituents and affected 57,113 others. Some parts of the Masbate also became isolated as the recent weather disturbance left them without power and mobile phone signals.

Opong also destroyed over 800 classrooms in the province. Marcos said the repairs of the said classroom will take around a month to complete.

The local officials from the typhoon-hit areas are currently seeking additional funding to help in the recovery of their respective localities.

Pressing concerns

After attending a situation briefing from the provincial government of Masbate, Marcos said among the pressing concerns in the province was lack of access to cash in the affected communities due to lack of power in many of its banks as well as the significant damage to agriculture by Opong.

He said two operational branches of Land Bank of the Philippines will try to provide for the cash withdrawal needs in Masbate.

As for the typhoon-affected farmers, the President said they will be given financial assistance, seedlings, as well as help in the processing of their crop insurance so they can continue planting crops.

During his visit to Masbate, Marcos helped in the distribution of family food packs from the DSWD and the hygiene kits from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

He said the Department of Health (DOH) also deployed medical teams to ensure the health of people in the affected communities.

Generator sets and satellite internet, the President said, were also sent to help restore power in hospitals and communications lines, respectively, in Masbate.

Marcos said DOH will release P3 million to help in the repairs of the Masbate Provincial Hospital in Masbate City, which was damaged by Opong.

As of September 30, a total of 339 patients have been admitted to the hospital which has 364 hospital personnel.

To ensure that timely and effective emergency health services will be provided following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted Bogo City, Cebu, additional medicines and medical supplies were sent by the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday night.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that C-130 cargo aircraft, carrying medicine and medical supplies, left Villamor Airbase in Pasay City at 6:58 p.m., in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense.

The DOH said that a total of P 933,647.50 worth of medicines and medical supplies will be dispatched to DOH Central Visayas.

Earlier, the DOH already deployed five limang Health Emergency Response Teams in Bogo City.

The DOH-Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team is also on standby for deployment.

Meanwhile, fresh from its extensive humanitarian operations for Super Typhoon Nando, while currently responding to Typhoon Opong and the Taal Volcano unrest, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) led by Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, once again swung into action to respond the the victims of the quake.

After ensuring the safety of PRC staff and volunteers in the area, the PRC swiftly deployed its assets to support emergency response efforts.

‘We already have our staff and volunteers on the ground, assessing the needs of affected communities. We remain in constant communication with our team and RC143 volunteers to ensure that reports reach our Operations Center immediately and we can deliver timely humanitarian assistance,’ said Gordon.

The PRC has mobilized two ambulances, a food truck, two Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDANA) teams, and two Emergency Response Unit (ERU) teams.

Sixty-two individuals have also been treated for injuries.

The PRC remains committed to ensuring aid comes to the affected communities.

The PRC urges the public to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety.

In case of emergencies, call the Red Cross Hotline #143.