Category: Business Mirror

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday confirmed the filing of inciting to sedition and inciting to rebellion charges before the Quezon City’s Office of the City Prosecutor (QC-OPC) against Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga.

DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez said the case was filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and that a subpoena has been issued against Barzaga.

‘I don’t have a copy of the complaint yet, but we confirm the filing of the said case with the QC-OCP,’ Martinez said.

Barzaga had issued statements and recorded speeches on his Facebook page seeking the ouster of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. due to various anomalous acts under his administration.

Barzaga is also pushing for the secession of Mindanao and Visayas from the alleged ‘corrupt and Manila-centric government.’

Based on the subpoena issued by the QC-OPC, Barzaga is being required to personally attend the preliminary investigation on the complaint scheduled on November 18 and 25.

Barzaga is also compelled to submit his response to the complaint during the scheduled preliminary investigation.

‘No motion to dismiss will be entertained. Only counter-affidavits will be accepted. Otherwise, respondent is deemed to waived his right to present evidence,’ the subpoena stated.

‘Further, no postponement will be granted unless on exceptionally meritorious grounds,’ it added.

The PNP-CIDG is specifically seeking the prosecution of Barzaga for violation of Article 142 (inciting to sedition) and Article 138 ( inciting to rebellion) under the Revised Penal Code.

Bloomberry Resorts Corp. on Wednesday said its earnings plummeted by 95 percent in the nine months of the year ending September 30 to P160.1 million, compared with P3.5 billion last year due to its weak performance in the third quarter.

It booked a consolidated net loss of P1.7 billion in July to September, compared to the net loss of P470.2 million in the same period last year.

‘The business environment in the third quarter mirrored that of the first half of 2025. Our consolidated EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization] declined due to ongoing softness in international high roller activity and increased expenses from the rollout of our online gaming services,’ Enrique K. Razon Jr., Bloomberry chairman and CEO, said.

‘However, the local market remained strong as evidenced by revenue performance at Solaire North, which focuses on the domestic mass market, with gaming and resort revenues rising by 25 percent and 58 percent year-over-year, respectively.

‘The ramp-up of the MegaFUNalo online gaming platform is progressing, although at a slower pace than anticipated, despite regulatory uncertainties. We are actively enhancing our offerings and plan to launch new content in the coming weeks,’ he said.

Consolidated gross gaming revenues (GGR) for the nine months came in flat at P45.7 billion, from the previous P45.5 billion.

Solaire Entertainment City’s GGR fell to P31.9 billion from P40.6 billion in the same period last year.

Solaire North, meanwhile, generated GGR of P13.8 billion in 9 months, compared with the P4.8 billion from May 25 to September 30, 2024.

Consolidated net revenue was P39.7 billion, an increase of 3 percent against P38.5 billion in the same period last year.

For the third quarter, revenues fell 8 percent to P12.7 billion from P13.8 billion last year.

Meanwhile, GGR for the period declined 10 percent to P14.6 billion from P16.3 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

Weakness in the VIP and premium mass segments persisted through the third quarter, it said.

Last March, the company reported that its consolidated net income fell by 72 percent to P2.62 billion last year from P9.52 billion recorded in 2023 on higher depreciation and interest expense associated with Solaire North in Quezon City.

The operator of Solaire Resorts and Casinos said it had a P706.3-million one-off gross receipts tax charge relating to the P72-billion syndicated refinancing facility.

‘In 2024 we reported topline growth despite a challenging operating environment in Metro Manila. The newly opened Solaire Resort North contributed to our GGR [gross gaming revenue] strength as it vastly expanded our presence in the mass market segment,’ said Razon.

Three internationally-acclaimed artists are coming together for a one-night-only music event in Manila this October.

Playback Pop It Up, happening on November 21, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena, features performances from David Archuleta, Vanessa Carlton, and UK pop group Blue-each bringing their own signature sound to the stage!

Presented by Super Awesome Productions, Playback Pop It Up isn’t just another throwback night. It’s a live celebration of global talent, timeless songs, and the power of shared musical moments.

What’s Happening on Stage

Expect full-length performances from all three artists. Each act will be taking fans through the hits they’re known for, along with a few surprises along the way. Whether you’re a longtime fan or simply love good music performed by real vocalists, this show offers something for everyone.

Meet The Artists:

David Archuleta

First rising to fame as a finalist on American Idol, David Archuleta quickly won hearts worldwide with his breakout single ‘Crush.’ Known for his soulful voice and emotionally honest lyrics,

Archuleta has built a loyal global fanbase with tracks like ‘A Little Too Not Over You,’

‘Something ‘Bout Love,’ and more recently, music that reflects his personal growth and evolving artistry.

He last visited the Philippines for a solo show back in 2024 and has still continued releasing new material since then. Including heartfelt, introspective songs that showcase a more mature and self-aware side of the artist fans first fell in love with.

Vanessa Carlton

A classically trained pianist and singer-songwriter, Vanessa Carlton shot to fame with the global hit ‘A Thousand Miles’, a song that continues to find new life in movies, memes, and playlists. But her artistry goes far beyond that iconic piano riff. With albums like ‘Be Not Nobody’ and ‘Heroes and Thieves’, she’s earned praise for her poetic lyricism, layered compositions, and emotionally resonant sound.

While she once visited the Philippines for a mall tour, Playback Pop It Up marks Vanessa Carlton’s first-ever full concert performance in the country-giving fans the rare chance to finally experience her music live on a grander stage.

Blue

Hailing from the UK, Blue became a pop-R and B sensation in the early 2000s with hits like ‘All Rise’, ‘One Love’, and ‘Best in Me’. Known for their smooth vocals and boy-band charm, the group quickly rose to international fame, collaborating with stars like Elton John and Stevie Wonder. Today, Blue continues to tour across Europe and Asia, reminding fans why their music still hits home.

Why You Should Go

Whether you grew up with these artists or are just discovering their music, Pop It Up is about more than nostalgia. It’s about experiencing powerful live performances, connecting with fellow music lovers, and celebrating voices that have stood the test of time.

Each artist will be performing a full set – just back-to-back moments with artists whose music continues to resonate.

Playback Pop It Up offers a rare opportunity to see David Archuleta, Vanessa Carlton, and Blue share one stage in the Philippines. No second shows. No reruns. Just one unforgettable night.

CENTRAL Visayas employers have been encouraged to grant paid disaster leave and financial assistance to workers affected by recent calamities, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Region VII said on Thursday.

In a statement, the Labor department’s Central Visayas regional office said employers may extend paid disaster leave, hazard leave, or immediate financial assistance to employees, depending on their capacity.

‘In response to the request of labor groups amidst this difficult times, Dole VIl, through its Regional Director Roy L. Buenafe, favors to encourage employers to grant workers Disaster Leave with Pay, Hazard Leave with Pay, or Immediate Financial Assistance to alleviate the adverse impact of calamities in their daily lives,’ the regional office said.

The agency added that ‘if company funds will allow,’ employers may also consider releasing early the 13th-month pay and bonuses so workers would have funds for ‘repairs, rent, and other forms of living expenses.’

Central Visayas has been recovering from two major incidents in recent months-the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in September that displaced thousands, and the flooding during Typhoon Tino in November that likewise forced families out of their homes.

Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) show that the earthquake affected more than 754,000 individuals and damaged 160,662 houses.

Infrastructure losses were estimated at P73.33 million.

For Typhoon Tino, the NDRRMC reported that more than 871,000 people in Central Visayas were affected, with 101,959 houses damaged.

Infrastructure damage reached P109.12 million.

Tupad for displaced workers

Meanwhile, Dole VII said assistance to workers who lost income due to the disasters continues under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged-Displaced Workers (Tupad) program.

Based on regional data, P4.98 million in wages has so far been released, benefiting 923 workers.

‘These beneficiaries rendered ten [10] days of community work, including cleaning, gardening, and clearing debris caused by Typhoon Tino, particularly along affected roads and public area,’ it said.

The regional office added that an earlier P11 million in Tupad assistance was also provided to 1,513 beneficiaries whose jobs or livelihoods were disrupted by the September earthquake.

Battle of the Streamers, an international gaming competition offering a prize fund of ?11 million will start on Saturday as part of the launch of a new livestreaming platform.

The grand final is set in January 2026 at City of Dreams Manila.

The tournament brings together top Filipino streamers including ChooxTV, Hypebits, Foreigngerms, AD Beat, Bulldog, AkosiDogie and Beatmaster – all of whom represent Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation-accredited platforms.

The livestreaming platform Your Game Simulator Live (YGS Live) features PAGCOR-licensed games, operating as a broadcast network dedicated to iGaming and entertainment-based content

Fans can win part of ?3 million in community prizes, with ?300,000 given away per livestream.

‘YGS Live is built for creators who want to grow, collaborate, and elevate the iGaming space responsibly,’ said Julius ‘Banoobs’ Mariano, a veteran of Philippine esports

‘We aim to entertain and educate, promoting a healthier iGaming culture for players and viewers alike.’

From October 18 to 26, three Filipino artists represented the country at the prestigious Florence Biennale-Angelie Banaag, Joe Datuin, Noli Principe, Lorina Capitulo, Marjowyn Vito, Veronica Ibaretta, and ART HOUSE’s very own Marco Polo Cabrera. As the Philippine contingent, these artists represented the faith, heritage, resilience, and imagination of the creative community in the country.

This year’s edition explores ‘The Sublime Essence of Light and Darkness: Concepts of Dualism and Unity in Contemporary Art and Design.’ Inspired by this theme, MarPolo unveiled his collection, Kaluwalhatian: The Sky Realm Series. In this collection, the artist draws from Philippine mythology, kaluwalhatian, or the heavenly realm of Bathala (the Supreme Deity and Creator). ‘The collection is a celebration of that celestial world, of faith, culture, and the eternal dance between the skies and the soul,’ MarPolo says.

As an abstract and mixed media artist, MarPolo has always been inclined to explore new materials and surfaces that bring forward the conversation on sustainable art. In Kaluwalhatian: The Sky Real Series, he once again punctuated his canvas with semi-spherical forms that are made out of cement and coconut peat. The artist expounds, ‘This is a blend that I made to make the half spheres lighter, more organic, and sustainable. I believe that art and sustainability can co-exist, creating masterpieces that not only speak to the soul, but also care for the earth. Every piece is a reminder that creativity thrives when we respect both nature and imagination.’

MarPolo and ART HOUSE first collaborated in December 2024 for ELEMENTO, a future-forward immersive art experience that harnessed the power of art to inspire change, connect with communities and amplify the conversation around sustainability. ‘Sustainable art and materiality has always been the common ground that binds ART HOUSE with its roster of artists,’ explains Carlo Pineda, founder of the multi-channel creative platform. ‘We are always looking for ways to amplify the conversation around this, and support our artists in any way possible whether it be through shows or by sponsoring important projects.’ For the Florence Biennale 2025, ART HOUSE was the proud sponsor of MarPolo.

NEWS headlines the other day carried how the Sierra Madre and other mountain ranges in Luzon weakened strong winds and heavy rains of Super Typhoon ‘Uwan’ (international name Fung-wong) after it made landfall in Aurora last Sunday evening. This unbroken wall of mountains serves as natural barrier against typhoons and worst possible flooding but until when can they serve and save us if they are also suffering from abuse and neglect.

Continuing environmental degradation of our mountain ranges caused by illegal mining, massive quarrying among others is stripping more portions bare and causing deforestation. We have to play our part in protecting, preserving and conserving our natural resources.

We are reminded again about how crucial it is to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into our personal choices, and for corporations and financial institutions, into investment and financing decisions to promote climate resilience and long-term sustainability and national development. This is called sustainable financing.

Sustainable financing means allocating funds to sustainable activities such as mitigating ESG risks, investing in renewable energy projects, and aligning business returns and economic activities with sustainable development goals.

Sustainable financing also includes integration of ESG criteria in business decisions and practices, such as carbon emission reduction, and even social criteria like equitable labor practices and corporate governance criteria.

Banks nowadays have supported this through issuances of green bonds for their corporate clients, setting stricter lending criteria to comply with ESG standards, advising them with their net zero transition, supporting and financing their sustainable projects like renewable energy and clean technology.

Individually, we can contribute by reducing consumption and waste, conserving resources and participating and local efforts such as clean-up drives, tree planting and the likes.

6th BMA set to announce winners

ON November 28, winners of the 6th Bank Marketing Awards (BMA), a biennial awards program of the BMAP, is set to be announced in an awarding ceremony at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) complex in Malate, Manila.

BS Deputy Governor for Regional Operations and Advocacy Sector Bernadette Romulo-Puyat will be the keynote speaker and will hand over the trophies by Ronald Castrillo, a Filipino sculptor famous for his metalwork and expressive figurative artworks.

For this year’s BMA, seven banks will be recognized for their outstanding marketing and communication programs and campaigns for the following categories: Best Product Program; Best Brand Program; Best Electronic Channel Program; Best Digital Marketing Program; Best Financial Inclusion Program; Best Customer-Centric Product or Service; and, Best Sustainability Drive.

We thank our esteemed panel of judges: former BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier; Grupo Agatep Chairman and CEO Norman A. Agatep; Hungry Workhorse Consultancy CEO Reynaldo C. Lugtu Jr.; and, Forest Foundation Philippines Board Member Ma. Aurora F. Tolentino for their participation. We also express gratitude to our sponsors GoTyme, LandBank, PNB, BDO, BPI, DBP and RCBC for the support.

Best of luck to all the participating banks, and let the awards ceremony be a celebration of everyone’s exceptional work and achievements.

Shell Energy Philippines, Inc. (SEPH) has signed a power supply agreement (PSA) with Greenlight Renewables Holdings Inc. (Greenlight) through Greenlight’s wholly-owned subsidiary San Isidro Solar Power Corp., for the purchase of electricity from a ground-mounted solar farm located in Leyte.

This agreement marks a significant milestone for the joint venture between Emerging Power Inc. (EPI) and Shell Overseas Investments B.V. (SOIBV), as it is the first PSA signed since its establishment.

Under the 15-year agreement, SEPH will purchase 120 megawatts peak (MWp) of electricity from Phase 1 of the San Isidro solar power project. Commercial operations for Phase 1 will commence in the second quarter of 2026.

‘Our strong partnership with Greenlight, along with our decision to fully offtake from this project, reflects Shell’s commitment to providing cleaner and more affordable energy solutions to the country and supports our growth aspirations in the power industry for years to come,’ SEPH President Bernd Krukenberg said.

Greenlight is a joint venture between EPI and SOIBV focused on developing, owning, and operating large-scale renewable energy projects in the Philippines. It has completed the 120 MWp Phase 1 of the San Isidro solar power project, which is now undergoing testing and commissioning and is already supplying energy to the grid. EPI serves as the clean energy arm of Nickel Asia Corp.

SEPH, the registered retail electricity supplier of the Shell companies in the Philippines, intends to sell the solar-generated electricity to its commercial and industrial customers.

THE country’s fish unloading volume slightly dipped in September owing to inclement weather, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) reported.

In its latest briefer, the PFDA said the fish unloading volume in the reference month slid by 0.69 percent to 36,588.64 metric tons (MT) from the 36,844.39 MT recorded in the same period last year.

The General Santos Fish Port Complex accounted for the majority of the total unloading record delivered to consumers in September at 16,807.18 MT. This was lower than the 17,773.84 recorded in the previous year.

PFDA noted that the Navotas Fish Port Complex, the largest RFP in the country, trailed behind as it unloaded 13,869.45 MT of fish, up by 2.3 percent from the 13,559.20 MT of fish products delivered to consumers in the same period last year.

For its Luzon ports, the agency said the Lucena Fish Port Complex unloaded 1,204.74 MT of fish products in September, lower than from the previous year’s 1,307.79 MT.

Fish delivered from the Bulan Fish Port Complex grew by over a third year-on-year to 1,674.85 MT in the reference month, from the 1,249.30 MT last year.

The PFDA said the sole port in the Visayas-Iloilo Fish Port Complex-managed to supply 2,511.36 of fish to consumers in September, up by 23.18 percent from 2,038.82 MT recorded in the previous year.

Meanwhile, the country’s Mindanao ports-Zamboanga Fish Port Complex and Davao Fish Port Complex-supplied 457.55 MT and 57.38 MT of fish, respectively.

These were lower than the 680.75 MT and 204.15 MT of fish delivered from the two Mindanao ports, respectively.

The agency also said the Sual Fish Port delivered 6.12 MT of fish products in the reference September.

This year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) expects fisheries production to decline this year.

‘Our prediction for this year’s fisheries production is definitely lower because last year was an El Niño year,’ Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told reporters in a previous interview.

‘Based on my 38 years of experience in the fishing industry, whenever the water is warm, production is always higher,’ he said. ‘Since this year isn’t an El Niño year, production will be lower.’

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the total volume of fisheries production in the July to September period reached 894,320 MT, down from 966,730 MT in the same quarter last year.

Historical data indicated that the latest figures represented the lowest level of fisheries output since the 852,378 MT recorded in the third quarter of 2004.

VETERAN Angelo Que is leaving nothing to chance as he aims for his first Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) Order of Merit crown against a star-studded field in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. at the Valley Golf Challenge.

The tournament fires off Tuesday at the Valley Golf Club’s South Course in Antipolo City.

For a man of his stature, the multi-titled Que has long been a mainstay atop Philippine golf’s elite ranks-a three-time Asian Tour champion, a former Philippine Open titlist, and a perennial contender in every local tournament he joins.

Yet, an OOM title-a season-long badge of consistency and dominance-has remained elusive.

That could finally change this week.

After nine legs in a tightly contested season, Que sits on top of the OOM ladder with P1,560,916 in earnings, built on two victories and two runner-up finishes.

Que’s closest pursuer, Keanu Jahns, also boasts two victories but trails slightly with P1,484,183-but Jahns opted to skip the season-ending Valley stop for a family vacation in Japan giving Que a clearer path to the top.

Hot on their heels is Fidel Concepcion, whose breakthrough triumph at the P3.5 million Apo Golf Classic boosted him to third with P1,250,083 in winnings.

Concepcion remains the only player with a realistic mathematical shot of overtaking Que-but only if the veteran falters this week.

Still, Que isn’t expected to play it safe.

Known for his aggressive style and trademark composure, the 46-year-old shotmaker is eager to cap off his stellar season in the same fashion he began it-with another victory.

Behind Que and Concepcion, a pack of elite contenders will also be eyeing a triumphant finish to the PGT’s 2025 season-Guido Van der Valk, winner at Forest Hills, is at fourth with P1,194,116, while Reymon Jaraula, who reigned at home in Del Monte, rounds out the top five with P1,069,583.

They’ll be joined by a strong cast of leg winners and established names like Rupert Zaragosa, Clyde Mondilla, Tony Lascuña, Jhonnel Ababa, Zanieboy Gialon, Michael Bibat, Russell Bautista, Ira Alido, Nilo Salahog and Dino Villanueva.

Adding intrigue to the 72-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. are rising stars Carl Corpus, Aidric Chan and Sean Ramos and veteran Justin Quiban, who are back in local action following international stints.

The field also features a group of international mainstays, including Jisung Cheon, Collin Wheeler, Tae Soo Kim, Tae Won Kim and Atsushi Ueda.

Meanwhile, a handful of standouts from the Junior PGT will test their mettle against the pros, including Patrick Tambalque, Jakob Taruc, Kristoffer Nadales, Alexis Nailga and Armand Copok.