Category: Business Mirror

THE Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has tagged as ‘fishing expedition’ the petition filed by former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez seeking to compel President Marcos Jr. to submit himself to physical and mental examination, including a hair follicle drug test.

Thus, in its 23-page comment on the petition submitted before the Court, Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe also cited the President’s immunity from suit and right to privacy in seeking the dismissal of the said petition.

‘It is a settled doctrine that an incumbent President is immune from suit during his tenure. The privilege pertains to the President by virtue of the office and assures the unhindered performance of its duties,’ Berberabe said.

The OSG also maintained that compelling the President to undergo physical and mental examination and to publish its results has no basis under the Constitution.

‘The President has no constitutional duty to undergo any physical and mental examination, let alone a hair follicle drug test, and disclose the report, to demonstrate his fitness to discharge the powers and duties as Chief Executive,’ Berberabe said.

In their petition, Alvarez et al cited the fundamental principles of ‘public accountability, the people’s right to information, and the requirement that the President must at all times be capable of performing the functions of his office,’ under Article VII, Section 12 and Article II, Section 7 of the Constitution.

Article VII, Section 12 mandates that the public be informed of the state of the President’s health in case of serious illness while Article III, Section 7 upholds the people’s right to be informed of matter of public concern. The OSG explained that under Section 12 disclosure of the state of the President’s health to the public is necessary only ‘when his serious illness already exists as a fact.’

‘It cannot be based on unfounded allegations, bare assertions, or, worse, on mere speculation, as in this case,’ Berberabe said.

Furthermore, the OSG stressed that Section 12 does not sanction a fact-finding process to determine the President’s health. ‘Petitioners cannot baselessly claim that the President is seriously ill then compel him to undergo medical examination to prove that very same claim,’ the OSG pointed out.

‘Here, the President has repeatedly informed the public that he is healthy and well, and that he continues to discharge the functions of his office. There is thus no factual basis to justify the extraordinary remedy of mandamus as herein prayed,’ it added.

The OSG said the petitioners also cannot invoke Article II, Section 7 of the Constitution in compelling the President to undergo medical examinations and publish the results. The said provisions states: ‘The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized…’Berberabe said the said provision allows access to existing official records, and to documents but does not authorize court to create new official records by compelling the President to undergo a hair follicle drug test or any other medical procedure.

The chief government counsel noted that under Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012, information relating to an individual’s health is characterized as ‘sensitive personal information.’

Under Section 13 of the said law, according to Berberabe, the processing of sensitive personal information and privileged information is prohibited except if the data subject has given his or her consent. ‘The President has not consented; no statute or regulation compels his medical examination on demand of private citizens; no incapacity is alleged that prevents him from consenting; no medical treatment is in issue; and the present Petition is not the kind of legal proceeding contemplated by the statute,’ Berberabe explained.

She added that the term ‘serious illness’ should not cover just any physical or mental ailment.

It stressed that ‘health conditions are sensitive personal information and need not be publicly announced, particularly when the condition is not serious.’

‘Public officials are also entitled to the right of privacy and to measures that protect human dignity. Certainly, the public need not be privy to every minor ailment or trivial infirmity. The constitutional duty cannot be reduced to an instrument for unwarranted interference but must be understood as a safeguard for transparency in cases of genuine incapacity,’ the OSG said.

Berberabe said Alvarez et al’s petition is solely based on ‘general references and personal impressions,’ thus, should also be dismissed.

The OSG further stressed that petitioner’s allegations can be easily disproved by the President’s continuous active public appearances, attendance in meetings, and reports to the public.

Berberabe also questioned the legal standing of Alvarez and his three co-petitioners who invoked their status as concerned citizens, registered voters and taxpayers in filing the petition.

She said petitioners cannot file the petition as registered voters since they are not questioning the validity of an election law.

A taxpayer’s suit, on the other hand, may be filed only where public funds are illegally disbursed or tax measures are unconstitutional.

‘In conclusion, respondents strongly maintain that the Petition should be dismissed outright not only because petitioners have no legal standing to file it but, more importantly, it violates the President’s absolute immunity from suit,’ the OSG said.

‘The Petition has similarly not shown any legal or constitutional basis to compel the President to submit to any medical examination and publish its results, nor demonstrated any factual basis to assert any serious illness on the part of the President. Stripped clean of bombast and rhetoric, this Petition is nothing more than a fishing expedition. It must be resolutely denied,’ it added.

Sydney, Australia-Philippine flavors are stepping firmly into the global spotlight as ‘ube’ (purple yam) finds a wider audience in Australia, highlighting Ube Cream Liqueur now being available across Dan Murphy’s stores nationwide. The rollout marks a significant moment not just for a single product, but for the broader recognition of Filipino ingredients in international markets.

The timing aligns with a broader global surge in interest around ube. Once a staple primarily found in Filipino households and traditional desserts, ube has steadily gained international popularity.

The Philippines exported nearly 1.7 million kilograms of ube products valued at more than $3.2 million last year, based on data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This represents a 20.4 percent increase compared to 2024. It now appears in pastries, specialty beverages, and café menus across major cities worldwide. Its distinct flavor and vibrant purple hue have made it both a culinary and visual standout, driving demand across multiple product categories, including spirits and liqueurs.

Carried by the expansive footprint of Dan Murphy’s, which spans over 1,700 outlets, the launch signals a clear shift. Filipino flavors are no longer niche but are becoming part of mainstream consumer choices. The Ube Cream Liqueur itself remains deeply rooted in the Philippines, made using ingredients sourced from Negros, Mindanao, and Bohol, and distilled in Aklan near Boracay Island.

Beyond retail shelves, Filipino-inspired flavors are also gaining traction in Australia’s bars and restaurants.

More than 300 venues now feature cocktails incorporating ingredients like ube and calamansi, piquing consumer interest and marks an important step forward for 7000 Islands Drinks, a specialist importer and distributor of Filipino and Asian craft spirits. The product’s rise is also backed by international recognition. In 2022, a Philippine-made ube liqueur received top honors at the World Liqueur Awards, reinforcing its credibility on the global stage and demonstrating that Filipino craftsmanship can be placed in the international markets alongside other established brands.

The success of ube liqueur in Australia reflects a broader story of cultural exchange, strategic trade promotion, and growing appreciation for the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage.

With sustained support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center Sydney (PTIC-Sydney), more Philippine goods are expected to enter international markets and reach a wider global audience.

BARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel head coach Tim Cone has one word in mind on how to overcome a hungry and highly-motivated Rain or Shine in their Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup semifinals series that start Wednesday at the Ynares Center.

‘Discipline,’ Cone told the BusinessMirror on the eve Tuesday of their 7:30 p.m. Game 1 match of the race-to-four series in the Antipolo City facility. ‘Discipline will always be the key in every series.’

‘We know we are going up against a hungry and motivated team so we must brace ourselves for the challenge,’ he added.

Rain or Shine hasn’t been in the Finals since the 2015 to 2016 Commissioner’s Cup which they won over Alaska, 4-2, while Ginebra clinched the 2022 to 2023 Commissioner’s Cup over the Bay Area Dragons, 4-3.

Cone said his wards need to play their game and not to heed the Elasto Painters’ run and gun plays circled on import Jaylen Johnson, Andrei Caracut, Adrian Nocum and Santi Santillan.

The Elasto Painters ended the elimination round with a 9-3 record and took advantage of a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, 113-104, over the San Miguel Beermen.

‘They were really great against San Miguel Beer. We will have to display some discipline and focus on playing our game and not theirs,’ Cone added. ‘We must play great defense and execute well our offense against them.’

Cone and the Gin Kings are also relieved Justin Brownlee’s left hamstring injury he sustained in their 112-81 win over Phoenix in the quarterfinals has completely healed.

‘Justin Brownlee has recovered well, and we expect him to be 100 percent come game time,’ said Cone on his resident import who averaged 30.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game in the elimination round and had 24 points, five rebounds and five assists against Phoenix in the quarterfinals. ‘It’s going to be very difficult for us. And we have seen what Rain or Shine did to SMB,’ Brownlee said of Rain or Shine’s fast paced game. ‘Their style of play is very difficult to handle.’

Meralco and TNT Tropang 5G battle each other in the other half of the semifinals set at 5:15 p.m.

Meralco coach Luigi Trillo said that TNT and 7-foot-3 import Bol Manute Bol are tough to beat in a seven-game series-the Tropang 5G are coming off 96-93 and 118-112 victories over top seed NLEX in the quarterfinals. Twice-to-beat Meralco Bolts survived Magnolia in a do-or-die quarterfinals in overtime, 105-102, last Saturday.

LAWMAKERS are renewing calls for Congress to legalize motorcycle taxis, citing the need for a clear regulatory framework as the government temporarily freezes the onboarding of new riders by transport network companies.

Camarines Sur Reps. Miguel Luis Villafuerte and Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte said the recent cap on riders-imposed to address safety concerns-presents an opportunity for Congress to pass legislation that would formally recognize and regulate motorcycles-for-hire as a legitimate mode of public transport.

In filing House Bill 1991, the lawmakers said motorcycle taxis have already become an integral part of the country’s transport system, offering commuters a more affordable and efficient way to navigate congested roads in Metro Manila and other urban areas.

The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive framework covering registration, franchising, rider qualifications, fare-setting, and safety standards for motorcycle taxi operations.

The Villafuertes refiled the measure after a similar bill approved by the House in the previous Congress failed to become law due to the lack of a Senate counterpart.

Their renewed push comes after the Department of Transportation ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to suspend the onboarding of new riders, citing ‘over-boarding’ that exceeded the allowed cap for both ride-hailing and motorcycle taxi services.

Under HB 1991, motorcycles for hire must be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), while operators and platform providers are required to secure franchises and accreditation. The measure also mandates insurance coverage for riders, passengers, and third parties, as well as the creation of quick response teams for emergencies.

The bill sets a speed limit of 60 kph and requires strict compliance with traffic rules, with enforcement support from local government units and other agencies. It also directs the LTO to establish a centralized database to track violations and accidents involving motorcycle taxis.

The measure covers both passenger services and delivery platforms, defining the roles of motorcycle taxi providers and online e-commerce platforms in transporting people and goods. Citing worsening traffic congestion, Villafuertes said motorcycles have become a preferred option for many commuters due to their affordability and mobility. They noted that informal motorcycle transport services, such as ‘habal-habal,’ have long existed in the country, particularly in the provinces.

A 2019 pilot study, Villafuerte said, showed that with proper regulation and training, motorcycles for hire can be a safe and reliable transport option.

The lawmakers stressed that passing HB 1991 would not only protect commuters and riders but also ensure accountability among operators as demand for alternative transport continues to grow.

EVERY so often, financial markets create moments that grab the world’s attention. The SandP 500 and the Nasdaq Composite reach record highs. A few technology giants soar past previous peaks. Headlines announce a new era of growth. Amid all this noise, ordinary investors ask a reasonable question: should I take action?

The truth is simpler and more nuanced than most headlines suggest. Yes, there are opportunities in the current global markets. However, opportunity without discipline is merely speculation. For Filipino investors just beginning to explore global stocks through mutual funds, UITFs and feeder funds, understanding the story behind the numbers is more important than just reacting.

Let’s explore three key principles that apply whether markets are soaring or suffering, which will serve you well long after today’s headlines fade.

1. Big tech is no longer just a sector. The companies in the ‘Magnificent Seven’-Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and Tesla-are not just large corporations: they form the backbone of the modern economy. Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital advertising, e-commerce and consumer technology flow through these firms in ways that impact nearly every industry worldwide.

When these companies report strong earnings, it signals that the digital economy is holding up, that businesses are still spending on technology, that consumers are engaging with platforms and that artificial intelligence is turning from a promise into actual revenue. This matters for investors because the performance of these companies heavily influences global equity indices like the SandP 500 and the Nasdaq.

If you hold a global equity UITF or a feeder fund linked to international indices, you are already part of this story, whether you realize it or not. The key question is not whether you should be involved you likely already are, but whether your level of exposure matches your goals and time frame.

2. Interest rate cycles shape the landscape. One of the biggest forces affecting global markets over time is monetary policy, particularly what central banks like the US Federal Reserve are doing with interest rates. When rates rise quickly, borrowing gets expensive, growth slows and stocks usually struggle. When rates stabilize or drop, the environment becomes more favorable for stocks.

Understanding where we stand in the rate cycle is not about predicting the future. It’s about putting risk into context. A high-rate environment requires more caution in growth investments and greater attention to fixed income. In contrast, a stable or declining rate environment has historically rewarded those who stayed invested in diversified equity portfolios during tough times.

As experts always remind us, you don’t time the market; you give time to the market. The lesson is not to chase after rate changes, but to build a portfolio that withstands various rate environments. This means holding a mix of assets whose performance isn’t all dependent on the same economic conditions working in your favor. 3. Geopolitical risk never disappears: diversification is your permanent answer. There will always be geopolitical events capable of shaking the markets. An oil crisis, a trade dispute, a military conflict, or a sudden change in diplomatic relations can all cause turmoil. While the specifics change, the pattern remains the same: markets react, fear spikes and investors concentrated in one market or sector face disproportionate losses.

This argument supports diversification not as a temporary strategy, but as a key part of a solid financial plan. A well-constructed portfolio spreads risk across different areas, asset classes and time frames. It doesn’t rely on any single country’s political stability, any one sector’s dominance, or any particular currency maintaining its value.

In practical terms, this means your portfolio should include local Philippine assets for familiarity and stability, global stocks for long-term growth, bonds or money market instruments for capital preservation and, where appropriate, exposure to other asset classes that behave differently from stocks. No single investment should be large enough that one negative event can derail your financial goals. Invest with a purpose, not with the news cycle. Markets will always give us reasons to feel excited or scared, sometimes within the same week. Record highs provoke euphoria. Corrections trigger panic. Neither feeling provides a reliable guide for making sound financial decisions.

The disciplined investor centers every choice not on the latest market fluctuation, but on well-defined goals. Are you saving for retirement two decades from now? For your children’s college education in ten years? For a business you want to start in five? Your goal sets your time frame. Your time frame determines your risk tolerance. Your risk tolerance shapes your portfolio. It’s important to follow this order not the other way around.

DURING the winter of 2024, Rachel Martin came to a startling realization: She spent most of her free time staring at screens. ‘I couldn’t really think of hobbies or things that I did that took a break from the digital world,’ she said.

With pastimes like watching television, playing video games and creating digital art, Martin, 33, sometimes spent more than 12 hours per day looking at screens. She longed for an analog alternative.

After some trial and error, she found one: journaling with fountain pens and specialty inks. ‘It’s quite a cool tactile experience,’ she said, and one that unexpectedly turned social when she started attending meetups for fountain pen enthusiasts in her city of Sydney, Australia.

‘It’s something that I definitely didn’t expect to love,’ she said, ‘but that actually really helped me with going [mostly] screen-free.’

Martin had extra motivation for avoiding devices-she has chronic migraines, and screens are a trigger for her-but many people share her goal.

Adopting a new hobby can be an effective way to get a break from screens. (Martin is even looking into selling her TV.) And as an added bonus, enjoyable pastimes can reduce stress and improve mental and physical health, research suggests.

Finding a screen-free hobby that sticks, though, can be easier said than done. Here’s where to start:

A mix of enjoyable activities is fine. Some people feel pressured to find the ‘ideal’ hobby that will perfectly optimize their free time-but there’s no such thing, said Sarah Pressman, a professor of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine, who has studied leisure time.

‘Having a mix of small enjoyable activities-a little bit of pickleball, cooking something new, chatting with a friend over coffee, spending some time in your garden-can have a cumulative effect on your mood and health,’ she said. ‘So rather than putting pressure on yourself to find the perfect pastime, just ask, ‘What brings me a little joy today?”

Similarly, hobbies don’t have to fill hours upon hours of time to be beneficial, said Matthew Zawadzki, an associate professor of psychological sciences at the University of California, Merced, who has studied hobbies.

Start small by thinking about activities that would be fulfilling for 20, 10 or even five minutes at a time.

‘We really need to embrace small engagements with our leisure,’ he said, particularly given how many other demands there are on our time. A pastime may not reset your life, ‘but instead it’s going to reset the next hour,’ Zawadzki said.

Try lots of things. Cast a wide net.

‘Test out a few activities for 30 minutes each and just notice how they make you feel,’ Pressman said. ‘Think of it like dating. You may have to go on a few first dates before you find your match.’ Think about how activities you loved as a child could be adapted for adulthood, or about things that you naturally lose track of time while doing, she suggested.

It can also be helpful to consider what you’re missing, or want more of, in your daily routine, Zawadzki said. If you feel too sedentary, try a new form of fitness. If you need to get out of your head, pick up an engrossing book. If you feel starved for social connection, join a club or volunteer. If you haven’t used your creative muscles in a while, pick up a paintbrush.

‘It’s about being more intentional about how you use your time,’ Zawadzki said.

Ask for recommendations. ‘It’s hard to think past what we currently do,’ Zawadzki said. So, outsource your search.

Just as you’d ask a friend for a book or movie recommendation, ask your loved ones which activities they’d recommend for someone with your interests and tastes. Make sure they’re aware of any financial, time or space constraints, too.

Make your hobbies as accessible as screen time… If you’re used to spending your evening in front of the TV, it can be hard to put those hours to new use-even once you’ve found a rewarding hobby.

‘Screens are so easy,’ said Gabriela Tonietto, an associate professor of marketing at Rutgers Business School who has studied leisure time.

So, keep your sketchpad or crossword puzzle in plain sight rather than stored away, Pressman suggested, and flow directly from work or dinner into hobby time before you get distracted by screens.

Setting specific goals (not just, ‘I want to reduce screen time,’ but something like, ‘I will read for an hour before bed’), carving out designated time for your activity, and enlisting a hobby buddy for accountability can all help you stick to your pastime, Tonietto said.

…but don’t beat yourself up if the screens sometimes win. Screen time isn’t inherently bad, Zawadzki said. Watching a movie with your family can be a bonding activity-especially if you talk about it afterward-and catching up with a juicy TV show on the treadmill may motivate you to exercise.

‘Any kind of activity has the potential to be positive,’ he said. ‘But you have to optimize it a little bit to serve your goals,’ and set a cap on how much time you spend vegging out.

So don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t totally quit your screen-based hobbies. They may have some benefits, too-and recognizing them is half the battle. Tonietto’s research suggests that viewing leisure time as wasteful can make it less enjoyable and beneficial.

‘Step one is actually experiencing that positivity when you engage in these activities,’ Tonietto said. ‘The consequences of that are feeling more relaxed, feeling less stressed, feeling happier.’

Century Properties Group Inc. (CPG) on Tuesday said its net income in the first quarter reached P446 million, 6 percent lower than last year’s P473 million.

The company attributed the decline to higher interest expense and taxes that partly offset the improvement in operating performance.

Consolidated revenues for the period slid by almost 4 percent to P3.58 billion from the previous year’s P3.72 billion.

The first-home residential developments segment remained the largest contributor, generating P2.48 billion or 68 percent of total revenues.

Premium residential developments contributed P682 million or 19 percent, while commercial leasing and property management contributed P297 million 8 percent and P151 million 4 percent, respectively.

‘Our first-quarter performance reflects the resilience of our core businesses and the benefits of disciplined execution across the organization. Amid a dynamic operating environment, we remain focused on margin protection, prudent cost management, and calibrating new project launches in line with prevailing market demand,’ Marco R. Antonio, the company’s p[resident and CEO, said.

‘While we remain mindful of short-term headwinds, we continue to be optimistic about the long-term fundamentals of the business. Demand for quality housing across key segments remains supported by structural market needs, and we believe the Company is well positioned to pursue opportunities as conditions stabilize.’

As of end-March, total assets stood at P63.63 billion, while total liabilities reached P39.14 billion, resulting in stockholders’ equity of P24.49 billion.

The company’s net debt-to-equity remained stable at 0.9 times as of end-March, underscoring its continued focus on maintaining a prudent capital structure and preserving financial flexibility, it said. Last February, CPG announced that it has set aside P12 billion for capital expenditures this year to fund developments. The amount is the same as last year’s allotment.

The company launched Cerulean Residences, a 25-hectare master-planned house-and-lot development in Cavite, early this year.

The launch of the property marks a key milestone for the expansion of CPG’s premium residential segment under its subsidiary Century Limitless Corp.

THE Department of Energy (DOE) will revisit its fuel price cap policy after oil companies raised concerns over mandatory price adjustments, saying this may affect the viability of a deregulated market.

‘We are already looking at the pricing mechanism we have adopted when we prescribed the price adjustments. It was based on the reported calculations also of the oil companies. Now, we are reviewing our current policy on easing up on the strict rules of the DOE,’ said Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.

The policy was an offshoot of the energy emergency declaration under EO 110, which triggered additional powers for government to prescribe the price. The energy chief, however, clarified that the government is setting a limit on minimum rollback and a cap on the maximum price increase to prevent profiteering, among others.

Oil companies announced on Monday a P2.80 to P2.82 per liter increase in diesel and P1.20 to P1.21 per liter hike in gasoline. Kerosene prices, meanwhile, went down by P2.21 per liter. The fuel price hike, which took effect on Tuesday, is aligned with the DOE’s estimates for the week.

‘For the past four weeks, the DOE has prescribed the adjustments, meaning if there’s an increase, we prescribe the maximum increase, and not allowing increases that are more than the maximum that we prescribed. On the rollbacks, it would be the minimum, the smallest rollback that they can have more, but it cannot be less than the rollback that we prescribed,’ added the energy chief.

Garin recognized the concerns of the oil companies, saying they each have different suppliers for petroleum and freight, as well as different computations on premium charges.

‘We have started talks about this already since last weekend, and we are still reviewing the submissions of the oil companies and making sure that there is no profiteering,’ Garin commented.

Oil companies adjust their prices every week to reflect movements in the world oil market.

As of May 15, the DOE reported that the country’s fuel inventory is good for 45 days. Of which, diesel supply will last for 46 days; gasoline, 45; kerosene,152; jet fuel, 59; fuel oil, 50; and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), 30 days. ‘The average as of this week is lower than the previous week, but this is not an alarming state. It is just because we are assured of supply from other countries. So, DOE remains vigilant about our supply and closely monitoring the activities of our oil companies. The DOE is ready to procure more once the level is, let’s say, not comfortable anymore,’ added Garin.

Meanwhile, the DOE reported that there are at least 938 service stations that are implementing the P10-per-liter fuel subsidy program for eligible public utility jeepney and UV Express drivers.

Of the number, Luzon accounts for 616 stations, the Visayas has 172 stations, while Mindnaao has 150 stations. ‘Every driver who depends on the road to earn a living deserves a fuel station nearby that can serve them under this program. Under the directive of President Marcos, we are working hard to make sure that happens,’ Garin said. ‘Through this initiative, we are helping ensure that energy remains an enabler of livelihood and mobility, not a burden.’

As part of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (Uplift) Program, the FSP provides eligible beneficiaries with up to P1,500 per vehicle per week for three months. This is part of the government’s targeted response to global oil market volatility, following the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency under Executive Order 110.

The DOE reminded the service stations to comply with all operational, technical, and reporting requirements. Fuel stations that fail to comply may face suspension or cancellation of their Certificate of Compliance. Drivers and commuters may access the complete and regularly updated list of participating fuel stations through the DOE official website.

A projected 1.5 percent annual growth in voter registrants is expected in Central Visayas following the filing of more than 318,000 new voter applications ahead of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec-7).

During the MyTV Cebu Openline News Forum, Comelec-7 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Veronico Petalcorin said the region recorded 225,678 applications from regular voters and 92,712 applications from Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) voters before the May 18, 2026 registration deadline.

Petalcorin noted that the increase in registrants may also be influenced by migration into the region.

Based on COMELEC data, 4,365,983 voters participated in the 2023 BSKE in Central Visayas, while voter turnout during the 2025 local elections reached 4,389,334 – an increase of more than 20,000 voters.

‘Projected…growth of registrants is 1.5 percent per annum…Posibleng adunay migrants [our projected growth in registrants is 1.5 percent per annum…There may also be migrants contributing to the increase],’ Petalcorin said.

The poll official also highlighted the consistently high voter turnout during barangay and SK elections, attributing it to close family and community ties.

‘Every BSKE taas gyud ang voter turnout kay parentehay ni [voter turnout is always high during every BSKE because voters are usually connected by family ties],’ he said.

Petalcorin said the Election Registration Board (ERB) will process applications for inclusion, reinstatement, transfer, and updating of voter records following the close of registration.

For the 2026 BSKE, the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) is scheduled from September 28 to October 5. However, campaigning is prohibited from September 28 to October 21. The official campaign period will run from October 22 to 31, while the election period is set from October 3 to November 9.

Election Day is scheduled on November 2, with the deadline for filing Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) on December 2.

November 2 is also the nationwide observation of the All Soul’s Day. When asked about the scheduling of the elections on November 2, Petalcorin said the decision was made by Congress.

‘We don’t know the wisdom of Congress kay sila man ang ning decide ani [We don’t know the wisdom of Congress since they are the ones who decided on this],’ he said.

COMELEC data from the 2023 BSKE showed that Central Visayas had around four million registered regular voters at the barangay level. For SK voters aged 15 to 17, Cebu accounted for about 1.1 million registrants, while Bohol recorded around 350,000. Meanwhile, the number of voters aged 18 to 30 reached 1,064,357.

We’re currently witnessing what many perceive to be a national leadership crisis. In moments like these, crisis communication becomes just as important as action.

Leaders who communicate with transparency, clarity, and confidence are able to maintain trust with clients, employees, and partners even during uncertainty. On the other hand, poor communication in high-pressure situations can erode confidence, spread misinformation, and prolong recovery.

Effective crisis communication ensures that stakeholders feel informed, supported, and aligned with the organization’s response. In challenging times, leadership is often measured not only by what leaders do, but by how they communicate.

Prioritize Transparency and Honesty

During a crisis, withholding information can easily backfire and damage credibility. Leaders must communicate openly, even when information is still limited, while committing to provide updates as new details emerge. As Warren Buffett once said, ‘It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.’ Honest communication builds trust, minimizes speculation, and reassures stakeholders that leadership is taking responsibility. People may not always like the message, but they will respect leaders who are truthful under pressure.

Communicate Frequently and Consistently

Silence creates uncertainty, while inconsistent messages fuel confusion. This is why leaders must establish regular communication touchpoints to provide updates, direction, and context.

Howard Schultz observed that ‘In this ever-changing society, the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart.’ Consistency in communication reinforces stability and credibility, especially during difficult periods. When stakeholders hear clear and aligned messages repeatedly, confidence in leadership increases.

Listen and Respond Proactively

Effective communication is never one-way. During crises, stakeholders naturally have concerns, fears, and questions that leaders must acknowledge and address. Stephen Covey wisely said, ‘Seek first to understand, then to be understood.’ Leaders who actively listen and respond with empathy create an environment where people feel heard and valued. Promptly addressing concerns not only reduces anxiety, but also strengthens trust and relationships during uncertainty.

Tailor Messages to Your Audience

Different stakeholders have different priorities, concerns, and expectations. Employees may seek reassurance and clarity about stability, while clients may want confidence in continuity and service reliability. This is where communication must be intentional and audience-centered. As Dale Carnegie famously noted, ‘Talk to someone about themselves and they’ll listen for hours.’ Understanding what matters most to each group allows leaders to communicate more effectively and build stronger engagement during critical moments.

Align Actions with Words

Communication loses credibility when it is disconnected from actual behavior. In times of crisis, leaders must ensure that actions consistently support their statements and commitments. Peter Drucker captured this well when he said, ‘Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.’ Stakeholders closely observe whether leaders follow through on what they say. When words and actions align, trust deepens, confidence grows, and organizations become more resilient during adversity.

Final Thoughts

Crisis communication is not merely about sharing information-it is a leadership tool that shapes perception, trust, and outcomes. By prioritizing transparency, communicating consistently, listening proactively, tailoring messages, and aligning actions with behavior, leaders can guide stakeholders through uncertainty with confidence. Strong communication preserves relationships, strengthens credibility, and positions organizations to emerge stronger after difficult situations. In the end, during moments of crisis, how leaders communicate can make the difference between panic and confidence, chaos and clarity.