Category: Business Mirror

CIGNAL showed flair in stunning ZUS Coffee, 25-12, 26-24, 25-23, to strengthen its quarterfinal bid in the Premiere Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday.

It was a statement victory for the Super Spikers, who drew strength from a balanced, composed attack and a renewed sense of urgency in the final stretch of the eliminations.

Erika Santos rose to the occasion with a 19-point explosion built on 13 attacks, three aces, and three blocks-her final two points shattered a 23-all count in the third set and her final rejection on Chinnie Arroyo sealed the one-hour and 21-minute sweep that punctuated Cignal’s rise from the middle of the standings into solo fifth at 4-3 won-lost.

‘We applied what we’ve doing in training,’ said Santos, who credited the team’s consistency and focus for the breakthrough. ‘Our mindset was to keep attacking because the remaining games are crucial for us.’

While import Anna DeBeer tried to rally the Thunderbelles with a fiery 26-point performance, it was Cignal’s locals who dictated the tempo.

Vanie Gandler came alive in the third set to deliver key blows, while Roselyn Aquino and Jackie Acuña chipped in six points apiece.

But it was Cignal’s net defense that truly set the tone as the Super Spikers recorded a staggering nine kill blocks compared to ZUS Coffee’s lone rejection, repeatedly shutting down DeBeer’s trademark crosscourt rockets.

The numbers told the story: Cignal also outhit ZUS Coffee, 45-36, and exploited the Thunderbelles’ erratic reception to tally seven service aces-five more than their opponents.

Playmaker Gel Cayuna once again showcased her all-around brilliance, finishing with 21 excellent sets and contributing six points, including well-timed 1-2 attacks that disrupted ZUS Coffee’s defensive schemes.

Cayuna also tallied seven excellent digs that complemented libero Dawn Catindig’s 16.

Thursday’s victory not only improved Cignal’s record but also marked their second straight upset of an unbeaten squad, having ended PLDT’s 15-game winning streak last October 21-while playing all-Filipino-a streak that included two championship runs in the PVL On Tour and the Invitational Conference.

That win served as a turning point and since then, Cignal has regained its rhythm, finding the right balance between aggression and composure.

Now sitting in solo fifth, Cignal’s next challenge will be powerhouse Creamline next Tuesday-a test that could define their playoff future.

Despite remaining on top with a 6-1 record, the loss exposed vulnerabilities in the once-untouchable ZUS Coffee side.

DeBeer carried much of the offensive load with little local support, as Thea Gagate managed just five points, while AC Miner and Arroyo were limited to three apiece.

The recent double-digit decline in net foreign direct investments (FDI) inflows, both in August 2025 and for the first eight months of the year, should serve as a serious wake-up call. The 40.5 percent plunge in FDI net inflows to $494 million in August, compared to $830 million in the same period last year, is a worrying sign. Similarly, the 22.5 percent drop in FDI from January to August, falling to $5.2 billion from $6.7 billion in 2024, demands immediate attention. While the BSP’s full-year forecast is $7.5 billion, the current trend suggests this target may be difficult to achieve.

The data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas highlights the complex issues impacting investor confidence. Trade uncertainties, notably tied to shifting US tariffs and heightened protectionist measures, are driving foreign investors into a defensive posture. The local political climate further exacerbates these woes, with geopolitical tensions, particularly in the South China Sea, casting a long shadow over the Philippines’ attractiveness as an investment destination.

Michael L. Ricafort, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist, aptly points to these factors, indicating that a wait-and-see approach has become the prevailing attitude among potential investors who are now hedging against risks rather than committing to new ventures. This cautious stance is something that should concern policymakers; a decline in FDIs not only reduces immediate capital influx but can also stifle long-term growth prospects.

Diving deeper into the composition of the FDI decline, a troubling trend emerges: net investments in debt instruments plummeted by nearly 74 percent, suggesting a significant retreat in confidence from foreign investors regarding their financial engagements with local entities. Conversely, the rise in equity capital investments-up 121 percent in August-illustrates that some foreign investors remain optimistic about specific segments of the economy. These figures reveal a complex landscape: while some sectors are still seen as viable investment opportunities, the overall decline points to deeper vulnerabilities.

The manufacturing sector continues to attract the lion’s share of foreign investments, alongside wholesale and retail trade and real estate. This could serve as a springboard for revitalization, but it also underscores the need for enhanced conditions that can lure back a broader base of investors. Policymakers must prioritize creating a more stable environment-both politically and economically. To regain the trust of investors, the Philippines must prioritize anti-corruption measures, as Ricafort pointed out.

As the country navigates these challenging times, proactive solutions are essential. Strengthening trade relationships, tailoring economic policies that foster stability, and ensuring transparency could serve as catalysts for renewed investor confidence. The potential for recovery exists, but only if the government acts decisively to address the underlying issues that have led to this significant decline in FDIs.

Although the current statistics seem alarming, they should prompt decisive, strategic action. The path ahead requires a concerted effort to not only stem the tide of falling investments but to lay the foundation for sustainable growth in the years to come. The Philippines possesses the resources and talent to rebound from this downturn; it must now embrace the necessary reforms to unlock its full economic potential.

To break the cycle of poverty in the Philippines, a lawmaker has donated P6 billion in shares and proceeds from share sales to assist underprivileged students and families affected by typhoons. He also urged politicians and contractors to voluntarily contribute part of their wealth to address pressing social challenges.

Through the Lingkod Legarda Leviste Foundation, Batangas Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste said the donated shares are expected to generate at least P1 billion annually for the next 50 years, creating a long-term fund to support education and disaster relief in the Philippines.

Leviste hopes that the efforts can help break the cycle of poverty in districts like his-the poorest in Batangas-by supporting the education of underprivileged students.

Leviste, 32, turned to public service in 2024 after selling his controlling stake in SP New Energy Corporation to Meralco for around P34 billion. He plans to reinvest part of the proceeds in real estate and equities while pledging to eventually give away all of his wealth.

‘To be rich in the Philippines is like winning the lottery, and I believe the rich have a moral obligation to share what we have with our countrymen,’ Leviste said.

‘I hope that an increasing number of wealthy Filipinos will see that it is better to give away their wealth to the less privileged than to leave so much behind for their children, following the example of philanthropists like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates,’ he added.

Leviste also urged politicians and contractors to voluntarily contribute part of their wealth toward tackling urgent social challenges.

‘Given the issues facing our country now, I believe that it would be timely for more politicians and DPWH contractors to voluntarily give up more of their wealth [regardless of its source] to help solve our country’s problems,’ Leviste added.

Leviste’s programs have already reached over 150,000 students, providing P1,000 allowances, school bags, and supplies, while more than 1 million relief packs have been distributed to typhoon victims across the 1st District of Batangas, which includes Nasugbu, Lian, Calatagan, Tuy, Balayan, Calaca, Lemery, and Taal.

THE Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) on Thursday filed its fourth report with the Office of the Ombudsman recommending the filing of graft and malversation charges against several district engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in connection with the P74 million ghost flood control projects in Hagonoy, Bulacan.

In its 19-page report signed by ICI chairperson, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes, the commission identified the engineers as Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Hernandez, Ernesto Galang, Jolo Mari V. Tayao, John Michael Ramos, Lemuel Ephraim Roque.

Also included in the recommendation of the ICI is the owner of construction firm Darcy and Anna Builders and Trading identified as Darcy Kimel Respecio.

The ICI asked the Ombudsman to determine if there is basis to charge the respondents for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Malversation and Falsification provisions of the Revised Penal Code, Government Procurement Reform Act and Presidential Decree 1759 which penalizes contractors and subcontractors who violate any provisions of contracts involving public works projects of the government, and public officials who allow such violations.

The investigating body, which was created by President Marcos to investigate the anomalous flood control projects of the government, also asked the Ombudsman to assess whether there is basis to hold former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo and Maria Catalina Cabral liable for violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The report involves the construction of riverbank protection structure at Barangay Carillo, Hagonoy, Bulacan, implemented by Darcy and Anna Builders and Trading, with original contract amounting to P74,111,970.

Based on a report endorsed by the Commission on Audit (COA), the ICI said, it was established that no structure was constructed at the location. despite the unwarranted release and full payment of the contract cost by the DPWH to Darcy and Anna Builders and Trading.

‘Finding no plausible or lawful justification for the acts committed, the Commission deems it imperative to recommend to the Honorable Ombudsman the immediate initiation of the appropriate charges, as may be deemed proper, to redress the grave injury inflicted upon the Government and the public interest, and to ensure that the erring public officials are held fully accountable for their actions,’ the report stated.

The ICI said that Bonoan and the other DPWH officials should be administratively held liable as it appears that they were ‘grossly negligent, if not remiss, in the performance of their respective duties to ensure that the project was properly implemented and that government funds were lawfully and prudently disbursed.’

Global e-commerce platform Amazon has launched the Amazon Bazaar app in the Philippines which is expected to offer ‘hundreds of thousands’ of affordable products across fashion, home, and lifestyle categories to customers.

In a statement on Thursday, the e-commerce platform noted it launched this app in 14 countries following a positive response from customers shopping ‘Amazon Haul’ in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and Australia; and Amazon Bazaar in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Amazon Bazaar, which is the e-commerce platform’s new standalone shopping app, is available in 14 destinations: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Nigeria, and now, the Philippines.

‘The Amazon Bazaar app, part of the global Amazon Haul shopping experience, brings hundreds of thousands of affordable products directly to customers. Both Amazon Haul and Amazon Bazaar deliver the same ultra-low-price shopping experience, with different names chosen to better resonate with local language preferences and cultures,’ Amazon said.

The global e-commerce platform noted that customers can use their existing Amazon credentials or create new accounts.

Meanwhile, most of the items found on Amazon Bazaar app cost as low as P120 to as high as P600.

‘New customers receive 50 percent off their first order, and all customers enjoy extra savings as they build their carts.’

Moreover, free delivery applies when orders reach P280, with a standard delivery charge for small orders.

‘Deliveries typically arrive in two weeks or less. Amazon’s 24/7 multilingual customer support team assists shoppers whenever needed,’ the e-commerce platform said.

Amazon said all products on Amazon Bazaar undergo the e-commerce company’s ‘rigorous compliance checks.’

‘Customers can shop with confidence knowing they will receive items that are safe and meet all applicable regulations and Amazon policies. Returns are free when requested within 15 days of receipt,’ it noted.

Payment options include internationally accepted Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards.

The Amazon Bazaar app is available for download on local iOS and Android app stores in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, Peru, Ecuador, Jamaica, Argentina, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

Customers in the Philippines can visit their local iOS or Android app store to download the app and start shopping today, the e-commerce platform said.

THE MARCOS administration has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protect and rehabilitate children caught in conflict situations, said the Office of the Special Assistant to the President.

‘The launching of Bangsamoro protocol on handling ‘children in situations of armed conflicts’ gets full backing from President Marcos and his administration,’ said SAP Anton Lagdameo.

The initiative, launched in celebration of Bangsamoro Children’s Month, underscores a unified effort to protect and rehabilitate children affected by armed conflict, viewing them as victims in need of care and reintegration rather than as offenders.

Police Col. Jemuel F. Siason, Deputy Regional Director for Operations of the Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, represented the security sector’s participation, emphasizing law enforcement’s role in safeguarding children’s rights and welfare across conflict-affected areas.

The BARMM CSAC Protocol serves as a localized implementation of Republic Act No. 11188, or the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act, which mandates comprehensive protection and assistance for minors exposed to armed violence. It operationalizes coordination between the national government, the BARMM ministries, and security agencies to prevent recruitment, facilitate rescue and recovery, and ensure psychosocial rehabilitation of affected children.

SAP Lagdameo underscored the administration’s resolve to uphold the rights of children in conflict zones, reiterating that the Marcos administration remains steadfast in enforcing the Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Law across all relevant sectors.

‘Children have the right to a safe, healthy, and carefree childhood. They do not belong in the battlefield and they have the right not to know the horrors of war. Armed conflict, of which children have no say in, deprives them of their rights to be children,’ Lagdameo said.

He also cited the ongoing efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to reinforce the ‘children as zones of peace’ principle – a doctrine that promotes the idea that children and areas they occupy must be free from any act of hostility.

‘The principle that we wish for everyone in the Philippines to internalize is that children are zones of peace. Children embody the most compelling justification for the existence of States to protect its most vulnerable charges as it would preserve itself. A state without children is a state on the brink of extinction,’ he added.

President Marcos Jr. has also placed the welfare of children in the Bangsamoro region among his administration’s priorities, particularly those affected by decades of armed conflict.

‘Children deserve utmost protection from all forms of danger. All efforts must, therefore, be exerted to ensure that they are sheltered and protected at all times,’ the President has emphasized earlier.

The launch of the BARMM CSAC Protocol marks a major milestone in institutionalizing localized child protection mechanisms within conflict-affected areas, while complementing the broader national peace and development agenda.

By strengthening inter-agency collaboration among the BARMM government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and humanitarian partners, the protocol aims to ensure that no Filipino child is left behind amid the pursuit of lasting peace in Mindanao.

THE Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC), an attached agency of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), announced it has implemented a one-month moratorium on housing amortization payments for member-beneficiaries in communities affected by Typhoon ‘Tino’ and Super Typhoon ‘Uwan.’

The moratorium period for communities affected by ‘Tino’ runs from November 4 to December 3, 2025, covering member-beneficiaries in Regions IV-B (Mimaropa), VI (Western Visayas), VII (Central Visayas), VIII (Eastern Visayas), and XIII (Caraga), read a statement issued by the SHFC last Tuesday.

For areas affected by ‘Uwan,’ the moratorium will take effect from November 11 to December 10, 2025, and applies to beneficiaries in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Regions I (Ilocos), II (Cagayan Valley), III (Central Luzon), IV-A (Calabarzon), IV-B (Mimaropa), V (Bicol), and VIII (Eastern Visayas).

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday announced that a sufficient security force will be deployed to secure the three-day peace rallies that will be held in various parts of Metro Manila.

In a statement, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured the public of both maximum tolerance and a meticulous system to manage police personnel fatigue.

He added that 16,433 police officers from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and supported units will be deployed to secure the assemblies not only in Luneta and the EDSA People Power Monument but also other areas where lightning rallies are expected to be held from Nov. 16 to 18.

Meanwhile, around 1,400 policemen will be positioned at the Ayala Bridge while 1,100 officers will be at Recto Avenue to secure the areas where violent rallyists sparked a riot during a previous protest on Sept. 21.

‘I have directed the NCRPO to ensure maximum tolerance and maintain a high level of discipline and professionalism among all deployed personnel. Our goal is to keep the activity peaceful, orderly, and safe for everyone, both participants and the general public,’ Nartatez stated.

Part of the security plan is to ensure that adjustments are immediately done as he emphasized the necessity of real-time monitoring of the situation on the ground.

He also addressed concerns about the continuous deployment of police officers since September to safeguard the Black Friday anti-corruption protests held since September.

Nartatez underscored the immediate implementation of welfare measures to maintain operational effectiveness without compromising the health of the police force.

‘We’re making sure that our operational readiness remains high while protecting the welfare of our policemen. I always remind our commanders to look after their people to make sure that they remain healthy, alert, at handa sa serbisyo [ready for service],’ he added.

Nartatez also said the PNP is continuing its coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local government units to ensure minimal disruption to surrounding traffic and communities.

Globe Telecom Inc. is rolling out a suite of new products and services as it braces for intensified competition, aiming to capture a larger share of customer spending through what it calls ‘purposeful connectivity.’

The telecommunications giant unveiled its fourth-quarter 2025 ‘blueprint’ featuring enhanced mobile plans, expanded fiber offerings, and digital lifestyle services that aim ‘to meet evolving customer needs’ during the holiday season and beyond.

‘We are in the business of connectivity and one of the things that are really, really important for us is to be able to meet our customers’ needs,’ Globe SVP Yoly Crisanto said in a press conference. ‘That is why all these innovations are meeting our customers’ needs. If we meet them, customers will choose us versus competition.’

She acknowledged that Globe expects more aggressive competition in the coming year given the regulatory developments, with the company preparing to defend its market position through continued innovation.

‘We will not take any competition lightly,’ she said. ‘And that is why all of these innovations are being done to be able to meet our customers’ needs and to compete.’

The telco’s strategy centers on increasing its ‘share of wallet’-the portion of customer spending that goes to Globe rather than rivals.

‘We want better share of wallet from our customers and at the end of the day they will redound to our bottom line,’ Crisanto said.

Among Globe’s highlighted offerings are its 5G services as well as prepaid products like Go5G TURBO 50 and Go+ 99 plus AI targeting the ‘hyperconnected’ youth market.

For Filipinos abroad, Globe unveiled GoRoam for leisure travelers and Roam Kabayan 3-in-1 packs for overseas Filipino workers, while Globe At Home features AI-powered partnerships for home connectivity.

On the enterprise side, Globe Business is rolling out the Globe API Ecosystem, which includes a GSMA-certified Number Verification API developed with partners m360 and Concati.

The company is also offering Digitest, a digital maturity assessment tool to help organizations evaluate their digital capabilities.

Globe’s push comes as the Philippine telecommunications sector is expected to welcome around seven new players with the passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Law and its implementing rules and regulations.

A TOTAL of P3.5 billion remains in the balance of the country’s calamity fund to provide relief and rehabilitation services to areas affected by disasters, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

In a statement on Wednesday, the DOF said the government has released P17.85 billion under the P21-billion National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) this year.

The NDRRMF, also referred to as the calamity fund, supports disaster risk reduction, prevention and preparedness activities, as well as immediate aid, relief and rehabilitation services after a calamity.

The government also allocates funds to the Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the national budget, which serves as a standby fund for the rehabilitation and recovery of communities affected by calamities and other national emergencies.

As of November 10, the government has already disbursed P13.96 billion under the QRF, including continuing appropriations from last year.

In November alone, the government released P1.68 billion to support immediate relief, rehabilitation and recovery operations across the country, in areas affected by recent earthquakes and Typhoon Tino and Supertyphoon Uwan.

‘It is important for the government to always have funds ready for an immediate response to emergencies. As the country’s fundraiser, we at the Department of Finance ensure that we have sufficient resources and the capacity to promptly address the needs of every Filipino during times of disaster,’ Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto was quoted as saying.

Beyond securing funds, Recto recently issued a DOF circular directing government financial institutions and other state-run firms to speed up the delivery of services and on-the-ground assistance in areas affected by disasters.

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS) are providing emergency and calamity loans to eligible members and pensioners.

Meanwhile, the Home Development Mutual Fund, also known as Pag-Ibig Fund, is providing calamity loans and insurance claims to affected housing loan borrowers, including short-term loans for minor property repairs.

Land Bank of the Philippines is also facilitating salary loans for employees of government agencies and private companies in disaster-hit areas, while also offering recovery loans to farmers, fishers, cooperatives, small businesses, corporations and electric utilities to help restore their operations.

Furthermore, the Development Bank of the Philippines is assisting affected local government units with financial assistance and loan rehabilitation with extended payment schedules.