Category: Business Mirror

GLOBAL lifestyle brand COS has launched COS.com in Philippines and Taiwan, as part of the brand’s continued digital expansion strategy across the Asia Pacific region. Customers in these markets can now directly shop the full range of COS products, enabling greater access to the brand’s timeless wardrobe pieces, considered collections, and elevated essentials.

With a strong and growing demand for the brand in Philippines and Taiwan, the brand is further strengthening its presence in the Asia Pacific region while enhancing the full brand experience for shoppers in these fast-growing markets. Building on the success of its partnership with regional e-commerce platform ZALORA, the launch of the official website further consolidates the brand’s digital footprint, enabling more customers to conveniently experience COS’s design and service. COS is strengthening its regional presence while enhancing the full brand experience for shoppers in these growing markets.

LAWMAKERS have proposed the creation of an annual Cybersecurity Risk Management and Mitigation Fund (CRMMF) to strengthen the country’s defenses against increasing cyber threats targeting government institutions and private businesses.

Under House Bill 2826 filed by Camarines Sur Reps. Migz Villafuerte and Luigi Villafuerte, the CRMMF will finance threat identification and detection, incident response, system recovery, personnel training, equipment procurement, and other cybersecurity preparedness and prevention activities.

Migz Villafuerte, chairman of the House committee on information and communications technology, said 30 percent of the fund will serve as a Quick Response Fund to restore critical information infrastructure (CII) affected by cybercrime incidents such as phishing, ransomware, social engineering schemes, and emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-driven threats like deepfakes.

The amount and beneficiary agencies of the CRMMF will be determined upon the President’s approval based on the recommendation of the proposed National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA), which the lawmakers seek to establish under HB 2826, or the Cybersecurity Act.

The proposal follows the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) recent disclosure that it successfully thwarted Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks against major Philippine banks on November 5-known globally as Guy Fawkes Day, when hacking and cyberactivism often spike.

DICT activated ‘Oplan Cyberdome,’ coordinating with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and law enforcement agencies to defend against the attacks.

Lawmakers said the CRMMF may also be used to address ongoing threats within the current fiscal year and those that occurred within the two preceding years. New cybersecurity legislation forms part of the 44 priority measures under the Common Legislative Agenda agreed upon by President Marcos and Congress leaders.

Under HB 2826, agencies receiving CRMMF allocations must submit monthly utilization reports to the NCSA. A National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) will also be established to lead rapid detection, mitigation, and recovery efforts in cyber incidents affecting national security or public interest.

The bill mandates all national government agencies, government-owned corporations, and local government units to adopt cybersecurity baselines and appoint Chief Information Security Officers.

HB 2826 also imposes administrative and criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure of confidential data and cyberattacks on CIIs. Penalties range from six to 12 years’ imprisonment and fines starting at P500,000 up to life imprisonment and a minimum P1 million fine for cases involving national security.

THE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) issued in October some 300,000 enhanced electronic cards (e-cards) that grant migrant workers easier access to government services and benefits, as well as discounts from its partner establishments.

The number was almost double the 180,000 e-cards issued by the attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) last August.

Launched in July 2024, the e-card version 2 includes enhanced security features and provides Owwa members easier access to its benefits services through the agency’s mobile application.

Among the OWWA programs e-card holds can avail is its Botika and Yakap Clinic.

The e-card serves as a government-issued identification card and has a digital version, which can be accessed in the eGov.PH app.

Its holders can also avail discounts and perks from OWWA’s partner establishments worldwide, which includes remittance centers; balikbayan box and logistics services; restaurants and hotels; airline companies; and merchants with exclusive access to OFW discounts.

To avail of the e-cards, the applicant must be an active OWWA member, have an OWWA membership card, which will not expire for at least three months, and must have a government ID such as passport.

‘The rollout continues so that more active OWWA members can obtain e-cards anywhere in the world,’ OWWA said in a statement during the weekend.

OWWA members can apply for the e-cards locally at the agency’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 desk (Naia 3), its National Capital Region (NCR) Office, the Owwa-NCR Seafarers Hub, its Head Office, and the OWWA-DMW (Central Office).

In the Middle East, e-card application is available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar), Qatar (Doha), and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi).

In Asia, it is available in Hong Kong, Singapore (starting this week), and Thailand (Bangkok).

It can also be availed by OWWA members in Italy (Milan), Rome, Austria (Vienna) and Hungary (Budapest).

RECURRING emergencies continue to expose deep gaps in the country’s disaster preparedness, leaving children and girls most at risk, humanitarian groups have warned.

As the country recovers from Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) and Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong), which entered the country over the weekend, compounded the risks for already affected populations.

‘These overlapping emergencies are pushing children to the edge,’ said United Nations Childrens Fund (Unicef) Philippines Representative Kyungsun Kim. ‘Unicef stands ready to support the government in providing safe water and restoring health, education, and protection for children and their families.’

Meanwhile, Plan International Pilipinas has deployed emergency response teams to the hardest-hit areas, conducting rapid assessments to deliver water, hygiene kits and menstrual hygiene management supplies.

‘The situation is dire-children and young women are in grave danger,’ Plan International Pilipinas executive director Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang said. ‘In crises like these, girls are often the most vulnerable.’

‘They urgently need safe spaces and access to essential health care and services to help them recover and rebuild their lives. Our teams are working around the clock, but we cannot do it alone. Every act of generosity can help save lives.’

‘The situation is dire-children and young women are in grave danger. In crises like these, girls are often the most vulnerable.’

Report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed 281 casualties among children 18 and below, including infants as young as four months.

Flooding, landslides and damaged infrastructure have displaced thousands, including at least 5,000 children.

The province of Cebu, which was jjust recovering from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake weeks earlier, has been hit particularly hard.

‘Before, during, and after emergencies, we are on the ground, providing vital assistance and hope to children and their families, including those in the most remote and challenging locations,’ Kim said.

The Philippines averages 20 tropical cyclones annually, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.

Experts warn that storms are growing more frequent and severe due to climate change, intensifying the risks to vulnerable populations.

A SPOPRTSWITER’S mental block is when a journalist or analyst who covers sports finds it hard to write, think creatively or express insights even when he has the facts.

It’s a psychological or emotional barrier that interrupts his or her ability to produce work.

Sports are fast-moving with dozens of games, stats and narratives daily and writers can feel overwhelmed, unsure what angle to focus on.

In sports media, dozens of journalists cover the same event and the need to find a fresh take or a unique voice can paralyze creativity.

Covering long seasons, traveling and constant deadlines drain mental energy, especially after emotionally-charged games.

Fear of negative feedback from editors, fans or social media can make a writer doubt his ideas before writing a word.

When storylines feel redundant, motivation dips.

Covering teams or athletes a writer personally likes or dislikes can cloud objectivity and create hesitation about how to frame a story.

Writers want every sentence to sound insightful, which stalls progress. Sports fans can be vocal critics-writers may overthink how readers will react.

After back-to-back coverage, the brain struggles to switch between analysis and storytelling.

Write without editing which is capturing raw reactions to games or quotes, then refine later. Write from the fan, player or coach’s angle and perspective to refresh the viewpoint.

Focus on human stories, emotions or behind-the-scenes dynamics or read other great sports columns or watch documentaries for inspiration.

Brainstorm ideas with editors or fellow writers-sometimes conversation re-sparks insight.

Setting a time and place for writing helps train the brain to switch into ‘game mode.’

A sportswriter’s mental block isn’t a lack of skill but a clash between pressure, fatigue and overthinking. Overcoming it often means letting go of perfectionism and reconnecting with why they love sports which is storytelling, emotion and human drama.

Typhoon Uwan has displaced and affected thousands of families in Butuan City and several towns in Agusan del Norte due to flooding caused by heavy rains and strong winds.

According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga, a total of 1,057 families or 3,763 individuals have been affected in the towns of Buenavista, Cabadbaran, Carmen, Magallanes, Nasipit, RTR, and Tubay.

According to OCD Caraga, the flooding occurred on November 8, while Uwan was still under typhoon category. Although Butuan City and Agusan del Norte were not placed under any storm signal, the typhoon brought torrential rain that caused rivers and creeks to overflow, resulting in floods.

Preemptive evacuations were carried out for 1,787 families or 6,357 persons to protect residents from rising floodwaters. Local authorities opened 13 evacuation centers, which currently house 1,004 families (3,480 individuals), while 26 families (162 individuals) stayed outside the centers.

OCD Caraga noted that overflowing creeks and swollen rivers prompted the immediate evacuations to ensure safety. Relief assistance has also been provided to affected families and individuals.

As of Sunday, November 9, a total of 13 evacuation centers are still open as the water level in some of the affected barangay have not yet totally subsided.

In Butuan City alone, thousands of residents have been displaced, according to the latest situational report released by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) based on the 10:00 a.m. advisory on Sunday, November 9.

The CDRRMD reported that a total of 3,589 families, or 13,117 individuals, have fled their homes. Of these, 3,471 families (12,603 individuals) are currently staying in evacuation centers, while 118 families (514 individuals) are sheltering outside designated sites.

The total affected population in the city has reached 44,317 people. Authorities also reported 21 damaged houses and distributed 65 modular tents to assist displaced residents. Agricultural losses have been estimated at P4,546,973.47, with damage reported across multiple farming areas.

‘Residents are advised to remain alert and follow official advisories as recovery efforts are underway,’ said the Butuan City Public Information Office.

WITH the country’s economic growth slowing sharply in the third quarter, economists said fiscal policy execution-especially how the government spends-will be crucial in determining the economy’s performance through 2025.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 4 percent year-on-year from July to September, down from 5.5 percent in the previous quarter and 5.2 percent in the same period last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Jonathan Ravelas of Reyes Tacandong and Co. said he had expected a stronger 5.6 percent full-year growth but warned that spending delays could stall recovery. ‘For now, monitor fiscal policy execution closely. If spending remains subdued, private sector resilience and investment will be critical to sustaining growth,’ he said in a Viber message.

Meanwhile, UnionBank chief economist Carlo Asuncion attributed the slowdown to tighter financial conditions, weaker government expenditure and persistent external headwinds.

‘Household consumption remained resilient, but weak capital formation and subdued exports underscore the need for stronger public investment and targeted support for trade-sensitive sectors,’ he said.

He added that, ‘Nevertheless, we expect growth to regain momentum, though risks from global demand and fiscal constraints remain.’

From the demand side, household spending grew by 4.1 percent in the third quarter, while government expenditure rose 5.8 percent. Exports climbed 7 percent, and imports grew 2.6 percent, but investment, or gross capital formation, fell by 2.8 percent.

Private consumption accounted for 74 percent of GDP growth, though its contribution, 3 percentage points, was the lowest since the pandemic.

On the other hand, soft spending and weak investment were the main drags, per ING economists, prompting the bank to cut its 2025 growth forecast to 4.7 percent from 5.2 percent.

They also expect the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to trim policy rates by 25 basis points in December.

On one hand, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the third-quarter slowdown, the weakest in over four years, reflected the impact of recent typhoons, floods and earthquakes that disrupted business operations.

The Q3 2025 GDP brings the year-to-date average to 5 percent, below the government’s 5.5 to 6.5 percent target.

The Philippines’s performance also lagged behind most of its regional peers such as Taiwan, South Korea and Vietnam, where growth accelerated.

Corruption, tariffs continue to weigh

Political uncertainty and tariff changes have deepened the drag on investment, per analysts.

Global macroeconomic firm Capital Economics said that public investments plunged 26 percent year-on-year in the third quarter following the investigation into anomalous flood-control projects mentioned in President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address last July 25.

The decline also rippled through construction and household consumption.

‘Even if large-scale political unrest is avoided, a broadening of the anti-corruption drive could prolong the slowdown,’ the firm said, warning that uncertainty may delay new projects and public procurement.

ING also pointed to the combined effects of the corruption probe and tariff changes. The Philippines’ tariff rate, initially set at 17 percent, was raised to 19 percent in July, erasing its trade advantage within Asean.

‘Corruption scandals put government spending under intense scrutiny, leading to a sharp pullback in investments,’ ING said.

For Ricafort, investor confidence could recover if governance and sustainability reforms are implemented.

For its part, the Department of Finance described the third-quarter slowdown as ‘a temporary hiccup’ caused by underspending and assured that fiscal reforms and more efficient infrastructure budgeting will drive a stronger rebound in 2026. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/11/08/infra-fiascos-impact-q3-growth-a-mere-4/)

Lowering expectations?

Ravelas has revised his growth forecasts to 5.3 percent for 2025 and 5.6 percent for 2026, reflecting slower fiscal momentum.

Asuncion, meanwhile, said easing inflation and a more accommodative stance from the BSP could cushion the economy. Inflation held at 1.7 percent in October-unchanged from September and below the 2.3 percent posted a year ago.

Ricafort noted that average GDP growth from January to September stood at 5 percent, but quarter-on-quarter expansion slowed to 0.4 percent. Moreover, investments, agriculture and government spending declined, though exports rose 1.4 percent.

He said holiday spending and improved weather could lift growth in the final quarter.

Capital Economics also expects two more 25-basis-point rate cuts within the current cycle, while ING said subdued public spending may continue to temper growth despite a likely rebound in consumption and agriculture.

No strike will push through at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA and P) after the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) assumed jurisdiction over the labor dispute between the university and two of its unions.

According to a DOLE order obtained by the BusinessMirror, Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said the move was necessary to prevent the disruption of classes and other academic operations while collective bargaining negotiations remain unresolved.

‘The strike would inevitably undermine this important role of the University. It would hinder the University’s ability to deliver its academic programs and fulfill institutional commitments, and delay students in completing their academic requirements. Moreover, any disruption in the University’s operations would significantly affect its 325 employees and their families, whose livelihoods rely on the continuous and stable functioning of the institution,’ Laguesma said.

The UA and P Union of Faculty Members (UA and PUFM) and the UA and P Union of Allied Employees (UA and PUAE)-representing rank-and-file academic and non-teaching personnel-had earlier moved closer to a strike after months of stalled collective bargaining talks (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/10/27/uap-unions-move-closer-to-strike/.)

Negotiations reached a deadlock in June, and by October 24, both unions had already filed their strike-vote reports before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB).

Union leaders said management failed to present a new counteroffer during mediation, prompting them to push forward with a strike over unresolved issues on salary and promotion structures, and benefits.

Under the Assumption of Jurisdiction (AJ) order, both unions are required to maintain the status quo and suspend all strike-related activities, while the university administration is prohibited from declaring a lockout.

DOLE’s Legal Service and the NCMB were also directed to hold an initial conference on November 13 to facilitate conciliation.

Union leaders said they will comply with DOLE’s directive but vowed to continue asserting their demands through the legal process.

‘Now, our fight moves from the streets to the Office of the DOLE Secretary. We are confident that the DOLE Secretary will see the reasonableness of our demands,’ they added.

LEGALLY married overseas Filipino workers (OFW), who declare themselves ‘single’ or ‘separated’ without court decree, can be banned from being employed abroad, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

In Advisory 32, series of 2025, Migrant Worker Secretary Hans J. Cacdac warned those who will make such a declaration without the supporting legal documents can be held accountable for misdeclaration.

‘The DMW urges all OFWs to uphold honesty and integrity in all their dealings to protect their rights and welfare,’ he said.

Cacdac said those who misdeclare their marital status can be held accountable under DMW rules.

‘Submitting, furnishing, or using false information or documents or any form of misrepresentation for the purpose of job application or employment is a serious offense under DMW regulations,’ he said.

‘A violation of this [rule] may lead to the initiation of an administrative case before the DMW that may result in suspension from participation in the overseas employment program,’ he added.

Under the law, an individual’s marital status can only be considered ‘legally separated’ if he or she obtains the a court-issued decree.

The decree allows spouses to live separately, but does not terminate their marriage, which remains valid.

‘Merely living separately or being separated-in-fact does not qualify as being ‘legally separated’ without a judicial decree,’ Cacdac said.

TRANSPARENCY is more than a policy. It is a pledge to make governance not only visible but accountable; not only accessible but truly responsive to the people it serves. In the Philippines, this promise comes to life through the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP), a cornerstone of our administration’s resolve to make openness, participation, and integrity the hallmarks of public service.

From October 6 to 10, 2025, over 2,000 leaders, policymakers, and civil society champions from around the world gathered in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, for the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit. This brought together nations united by the common goal to build a future where integrity anchors governance and citizens are genuine partners in progress.

Guided by this collective vision, the Philippine delegation, composed of officials from various government agencies, joined the OGP global community in reaffirming that transparency knows no borders-that good governance is strongest when it is shared, and most enduring when it remains open to all. Leading the delegation was Budget Secretary Amenah ‘Mina’ F. Pangandaman, who also serves as Chairperson of the PH-OGP.

One of the highlights was the Open Gov Awards, which recognized the most promising and impactful reforms submitted through the Open Gov Challenge, celebrating innovation and progress in open governance. The Philippine flag stood tall as we brought home six Open Gov Challenge Awards. Among these, the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) was recognized as the overall winner in both the Anti-Corruption Thematic Category and the Asia and Pacific Regional Category for its commitment to ‘Improve Data Availability, Interoperability, and Public Participation in Procurement.’

The Climate Change Commission also earned distinction in the Climate and Environment Thematic Category for its reform initiative to ‘Increase the Accessibility of Climate Finance Data.’ Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Office-FOI Project Management Office received an Honorable Mention in the Access to Information Thematic Category for its project to ‘Co-Create a Framework to Implement Local Right to Information (RTI) Ordinances.’

Lastly, the Quezon City Government and People’s Council of Quezon City emerged as the Regional Winner in Asia-Pacific and the Overall Winner in the Civic Space Thematic Category for their initiative ‘Support Capacity Building for Civil Society to Participate in Governance.’

All these recognitions reflect the steady progress of our government and of PH-OGP’s work and clear direction toward meaningful reform. They show that the initiatives under our national action plan are making a tangible impact on government policy.

As we move toward a more open and transparent government, we are accelerating the digital transformation of our bureaucracy, harnessing technology to make public service more efficient, accountable, and citizen centered. Under the leadership of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr., the administration continues to leverage innovation to enhance bureaucratic efficiency and promote good governance. This ensures that the policies and reforms we implement are more responsive to the needs of the Filipino people.

In line with the administration’s objectives and shortly after the 2025 OGP Global Summit, Secretary Mina led the launch of the Procurement Service-DBM Modernized PhilGEPS Open Data Portal on October 21, 2025. The Open Data Portal provides access to relevant information on government procurement activities, such as the eMarketplace, Virtual Store, and eBidding Facility. Information about the government agencies involved, merchants, observers, bid notices, and awards is likewise accessible through the portal.

Once again, our Budget Secretary and PH-OGP Chairperson has demonstrated her firm commitment and eagerness to lead the government toward greater transparency. With the Open Data Portal in place, ordinary citizens are now empowered to take an active role in scrutinizing government procurement and the parties involved in the process, ensuring that every centavo of public funds is spent wisely and properly accounted for.

And that is where we are today. Gone are the days when we had to wait for many years before we could truly feel the impact of the reforms introduced. Today, we are not only witnessing these reforms unfold, we are also experiencing their tangible benefits firsthand. The initiatives that we once presented on the global stage are now taking shape in our everyday lives, driving progress and reaffirming our commitment to genuine, people-centered governance.

With the right leaders at the helm and the unwavering support of the Filipino people, we move forward-transforming transparency into action, participation into empowerment, and governance into genuine service for all. This is the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas-one built on openness, inclusivity, and lasting progress.