Category: Business Mirror

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) will restore train service between Naga and Lupi Viejo in Camarines Sur starting November 5, offering commuters a faster and more affordable alternative to road transport in the Bicol region.

According to PNR General Manager Deovanni S. Miranda, the train journey will take one hour and 39 minutes, faster than the nearly two-hour trip by other vehicles on the same route.

‘We continue to rehabilitate PNR infrastructure to deliver affordable, safe, and reliable public transportation to more commuters,’ Miranda said.

The service will operate three trips daily in each direction. Trains departing Naga are scheduled for 4:29 a.m., 9:49 a.m., and 3:14 p.m., while Lupi Viejo departures will run at 6:23 a.m., 11:43 a.m., and 5:08 p.m.

Passengers will be able to board and alight at stations in Lupi Viejo, Sipocot, Libmanan, Pamplona, and Naga, as well as at 11 flag stops including Lupi Nuevo/Tapi, Malaguico, Azucena, Awayan, Mantalisay, Camambugan, Rongos, Malansad, Mambulo, Borabod, and Sampaloc.

Regular fares will range from P15 to P75 for the Naga-Lupi Viejo route. Students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens with valid identification will receive discounted rates starting at P12 up to P60.

ZUS Coffee gets its first real litmus test not just for a strong positioning in Pool B in the second round of the preliminaries but more importantly to gain respect and recognition as it faces defending champion Creamline in a blockbuster Thursday offering of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

The Thunderbelles return to the court after a week off for a crucial 6:30 p.m. duel against the powerhouse Cool Smashers.

Fresh and brimming with confidence following impressive wins over Galeries and Chery Tiggo, ZUS Coffee is enjoying its finest start in its two-year PVL stint and the key would be reinforcement Anna DeBeer.

The former University of Louisville standout has blended seamlessly into coach Jerry Yee’s system-she dropped 37 points against the EV Crossovers and followed it up with 18 in a clinical rout of the Highrisers.

As she braces for a high-stakes duel with Creamline counterpart Coco Schwan and her deep supporting cast, DeBeer will need to summon every ounce of skill and composure.

‘We’re still a work in progress,’ said the soft-spoken Yee, known for his calm demeanor and no-frills approach. ‘There are still a lot of lapses we need to address. We’re waiting for the tougher teams – that’s when everything we’re working on will really come out.’

Creamline, smarting from a shock five-set loss to Akari in their opener, has since bounced back with dominant wins over Petro Gazz and Galeries Tower.

With momentum regained, the crowd favorites are determined to both extend their run and snap the Thunderbelles’ growing bubble.

Akari and Petro Gazz, meanwhile, square off in a pivotal 4 p.m. clash with both teams eyeing a strong position in the top 3 race.

The Chargers, bannered by import Annie Mitchem, are looking to sustain a fine start after back-to-back wins and the Angels (2-1), on the other hand, are eager to remain on track after falling to the Cool Smashers.

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has hailed Brunei Darussalam’s valuable contribution in the ongoing peace process in Mindanao.

During his official visit to the Southeast Asian country, Teodoro met Minister Pehin Datu Lailaraja Maj. Gen. (retired) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof of the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defense II, as relayed by Defense spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong.

‘The two officials discussed common defense interests amid evolving regional security dynamics and exchanged views on peace and stability in Southeast Asia, with particular attention to developments in the Southern Philippines,’ Andolong said in a statement.

He added that Teodoro ‘acknowledged Brunei Darussalam’s contributions to the International Monitoring Team and the Independent Decommissioning Body-both of which support peace processes in Mindanao.’

Teodoro also presented the Philippines’ ongoing defense modernization efforts, which are focused on safeguarding national interests, ensuring maritime security, and supporting blue economy initiatives.

Andolong said Teodoro’s visit sought to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations and address shared regional security priorities: ‘[The Secretary] also proposed increased collaboration in defense training and education between our two countries. He] also extended an invitation to his counterpart, Minister Pehin Halbi, to visit the Philippines for continued discussions on expanding both bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation.’

While in Brunei Darussalam, the Defense Department’s chief also met with Philippine ambassador Marian Jocelyn Tirol-Ignacio, as well as representatives of key partner countries. These include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

‘He provided updates on regional developments and sought support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term,’ the spokesperson furthered.

A key highlight of the visit was Teodoro’s audience with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaula, held at the Istana Nurul Iman-the Sultan’s official residence.

‘Secretary Teodoro’s official visit to Brunei Darussalam [underscored] the Philippines’ continued commitment to deepening defense relations and promoting regional peace, security, and prosperity,’ Andolong said.

AS the Philippines and the European Union (EU) resume free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations in Cebu, a labor group told Filipino workers not to be swayed by what it called the EU’s ‘lofty talk’ of labor rights and sustainable development, saying such promises have repeatedly failed to protect workers in other countries.

The Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO) warned that without binding protections for labor rights, an EU-Philippines FTA could mirror Vietnam’s experience, where promised reforms under a similar deal failed to materialize.

‘Without enforceable guarantees for freedom of association, living wages, and decent work, an EU-Philippines FTA will only deepen inequality and exploitation,’ SENTRO said in a statement on Wednesday.

‘We’ve seen this playbook before,’ it added, citing Vietnam and its FTA with the EU, which required the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) core conventions.

Despite commitments to align with international labor standards under its trade agreements, Vietnam has yet to ratify ILO Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association, with independent unions still prohibited and several labor activists reportedly detained.

SENTRO also cited the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), saying the bloc failed to review the Philippines’ trade privileges despite widespread human rights violations and the thousands of deaths linked to the Duterte administration’s ‘war on drugs.’

‘These lessons are clear: EU trade deals protect capital, not workers,’ the group said.

Since the resumption of FTA talks was announced in March 2024, the Philippines and the EU have held several negotiation rounds in October last year, and again in February and June this year.

The two sides first launched FTA discussions in 2016, followed by a second round in 2017. This was before the process was suspended due to the EU’s human rights concerns over the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.

During the European-Philippine Business Dialogue on October 18, Board of Investments Promotion Services executive director Evariste Cagatan said the Philippines and the EU are working to conclude the trade talks before the expiration of the EU’s GSP+, which currently allows duty-free entry for over 6,000 Philippine products.

‘The Philippines and the EU are actively pursuing negotiations for a comprehensive FTA that is expected to strengthen economic and investment linkages between both parties,’ Cagatan said.

According to SENTRO, the EU is demanding provisions ‘more than what the Philippines has ever agreed to in any trade deal before,’ including measures that would grant European investors legal protections, open Philippine markets and resources, and limit the country’s ability to regulate its own economy.

Citing the proposed digital trade chapter, SENTRO said the EU’s agenda reflects the interests of ‘big tech’ companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon, Apple and Microsoft. The chapter reportedly includes binding rules that ban customs duties on electronic transmissions, restrict data localization, limit government access to source code and guarantee free cross-border data flows.

‘The Philippines has no industrial or digital trade policy. On what basis can our negotiators meet these demands?’ SENTRO said, noting that even the United States refrained from adopting similar provisions in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework out of concern for regulatory freedom.

SENTRO urged Congress to exercise strict oversight on the trade talks and demand transparency and accountability from the government.

It also called on Filipino workers to ‘stay vigilant, organized, and united’ in ensuring that any trade agreement would protect their rights, jobs and future.

THE Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region (Dole-NCR) has ordered the suspension of vertical reinforcement bar installation at a Bonifacio Global City construction site where a worker was killed earlier this week.

DOLE-NCR Director Sarah Buena S. Mirasol confirmed on Wednesday that a work stoppage order (WSO) was issued on October 21 and will remain in effect until lifted.

‘WSO is in effect until lifted; but it does not cover all activities in the construction site. The WSO directed the contractors to stop the installation of vertical reinforcement bar ONLY,’ Mirasol said in a text message.

She added that the contractors involved have been summoned to a mandatory conference at the Muntaparlas (Muntinlupa, Taguig, Parañaque, Las Piñas) field office on Thursday, October 23.

Initial police findings indicate that the incident occurred around 11:10 a.m. on Monday while workers were installing rebars at the Basement 2 level of the construction site.

The elevator core wall collapsed, and rubble fell on four workers.

All four were rushed to St. Luke’s Medical Center in BGC, but one of them, identified as Arvin Loria, was declared dead on arrival at 12:11 p.m.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma earlier said that the department will intensify its inspections of construction sites following the fatal accident.

‘Dole will be persistent in our efforts to ramp up inspection of firms, with special focus on construction works being undertaken, so that accidents like this will be abated,’ Laguesma said.

‘It is indeed unfortunate and it saddens me that accident like this causing death and injuries continues to occur despite repeated reminders to employers, particularly in the construction industry, to strictly observe and comply with OSH rules and regulations,’ he added.

Laguesma also assured that the families of those affected will receive all assistance due to them.

‘Dole will ensure that benefits due to the family of Mr. Loria will be given, as Well as to the other injured workers. We will also make available Dole programs to the bereaved family and the injured workers,’ he said.

THE Sunshine Place, the senior hub under the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, recently celebrated 11 years of amazing student works and warm relationships with a cowboy theme. Sunshine Place is at 56 Jupiter Street, Barangay Bel Air, Makati, Metro Manila.

There was lots of fun and dancing with D’Legends-the Aldeguer sisters Laly and Terri, Maribeth Bichara, and Mel Feliciano-as special guests. A powerhouse group of dance icons who lit up the floor from the 1970s to the 2000s, they brought energy, elegance, and unforgettable moves to the event.

Looking back and looking forward, the event also highlighted 11 things to celebrate at Sunshine Place:

Art is ageless. The Sunshine Place has art lessons for all ages and interests. There are Intermediate and Advanced Acrylic lessons for members, as well as Kids and Beginers Acrylic classes for their family. It’s not surprising to find members taking lessons with their children and grandchildren. There are also special workshops on

Porcelain Painting, Watercolor, and Fundamentals of Drawing.

It’s a place where you can find your voice. Gain more confidence with Speech Therapy lessons, and discover your inner voice with Music Therapy and, of course, Voice lessons.

The joy of dancing. You’ll be a dancing queen with classes on Social Ballroom and Tap Dancing-both beginners and advanced. There are also special workshops on Private Ballroom and Tap Dancing as well as Chair Dancing, Yeba Indak and Dekada lessons to keep you fit and fabulous.

The write stuff. It’s never too early-or late-to tell your story. The Sunshine Place has special workshops in Memoir Writing and Children’s Story Writing.

Fitness is fun. Members can enroll in One-on-One Fitness Training, and in home services for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.

Creative homeworks. Give your home a refresh with Ikebana arrangements through Ikebana Sogetsu classes. In 1927, when everybody believed Ikebana meant following established forms, Sofu Teshigara recognized Ikebana as a creative art and founded the Sogetsu School. Now, anyone can enjoy Sogestsu Ikebana anytime, anywhere using any material. It will suit any kind of space, Japanese or Western, and enrich its atmosphere.

It’s a place for pampering. After lessons, members can avail of pampering at Footzone. It’s a to-go wellness destination for traditional foot reflexology and massage therapy; or get a new look at Vivify Salon, which offers professional haircuts, styling, coloring and treatments.

Great food, great get-togethers. Happy Garden Café by Bizu is a cozy garden-inspired café that serves healthy food, pastries, and refreshing drinks in a relaxing, nature-filled setting-perfect for catching up with friends or unwinding after a class. For those that love fresh blooms, Mira Le Fleur on the ground floor is a charming flower shop with custom arrangements and floral styling for all occasions.

Spirituality and solace. The chapel at the Roofdeck is a place where members and their loved ones can attend Mass on Fridays or hold their renewal of vows.

Warm relationships. Through shared interests and time together, members develop warm relationships with one another that keep them happy and healthy. They can also join in mahjong sessions, pilgrimage and cultural trips, and camaraderie is formed within the classes.

The spirit of sharing. For the past eight years, exhibits are for the benefit of a chosen institution. This year, proceeds went to the Josefheim Elderly Care Community run by the Josefheim Foundation.

Located in Pililla, Rizal, the Josefheim Elderly Care Community is a home for abandoned elderly. A non-profit organization, the community aims to provide love and care for the abandoned, forgotten, and marginalized members of the elderly community, addressing their special physical, emotional and spiritual needs. With that, it hopes to provide them with purpose, joy, comfort and peace in the twilight of their lives.

The Philippines is facing a growing wave of health risks as heavy rains and flooding fuel a nationwide spike in influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue, diseases expected to worsen with the onset of La Niña later this year.

Drawing from internal data collected in recent months from clients across the country, leading HMO provider PhilCare warned that persistent monsoon rains, poor sanitation, and crowded public transport have created ‘a perfect storm’ for disease transmission.

The company’s medical team reported that pneumonia and influenza-like infections are rising sharply, with leptospirosis and dengue cases climbing in tandem, showing how extreme weather is compounding public health risks.

Urban centers

PhilCare’s surveillance data, drawn from 11,597 flu and pneumonia-related claims nationwide, shows the highest concentration of cases in urban centers. Region IV-A (CALABARZON) accounts for 32.91 percent of cases and the National Capital Region for 31.40 percent, representing nearly two-thirds of all reported cases.

‘What we’re seeing is not just a seasonal flu outbreak, but a convergence of environmental, infrastructural, and public health factors that are creating ideal conditions for multiple infections to spread simultaneously,’ said Dr. Eilyn Evora-Ayuste, PhilCare Medical Director.

She explained that heavy rains and flooding since June have increased exposure to respiratory illnesses due to cooler, damp conditions, while stagnant floodwaters have created breeding grounds for mosquitoes and sources of leptospirosis infection.

This situation is expected to worsen as the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) forecasts a 70 percent chance of a La Niña event from October 2025 to February 2026. Historically, La Niña brings heavier rainfall, cooler temperatures, and spikes in respiratory and waterborne diseases.

Dependents

PhilCare’s data also shows that 73 percent of flu and pneumonia cases involve dependents, mostly children and the elderly covered by their principal members, highlighting the vulnerability of high-risk populations.

‘Our data shows that it’s not just the workers getting sick, but their families, particularly children and elderly parents who may have weaker immune systems,’ Dr. Ayuste noted. ‘This affects both household health and workplace productivity, as employees take time off to care for them.’

Region III accounted for 14.40 percent of cases, Region XI for 5.38 percent, and Region VI for 4.81 percent. Other regions reported lower but still significant numbers.

PhilCare’s medical team identified key drivers of the surge: poor sanitation in flood-hit areas, overcrowded public transport, limited access to preventive care, and cooler weather that allows influenza viruses to survive longer.

‘When you combine crowded jeepneys and buses with people soaked from the rain and unable to practice proper hand hygiene, you create the perfect environment for respiratory viruses,’ Dr. Ayuste explained. ‘Add to that the reality that many Filipino workers can’t afford to stay home when they feel unwell, and you have an ideal environment for community transmission.’

Workplace health policies

To address these risks, PhilCare urged corporate clients to revisit workplace health policies, offering flexible work-from-home options for symptomatic employees, improving health information dissemination, and expanding vaccination benefits to cover influenza and pneumococcal shots.

The company is also promoting its telemedicine services, DigiMed and DigiMed PLUS, as safer, cost-effective options for non-critical cases. ‘Telemedicine allows members to get medical advice without exposing themselves to other illnesses in clinics or hospitals, and without contributing to further spread,’ Dr. Ayuste said. ‘This is about breaking the chain of transmission and easing pressure on healthcare facilities.’

Citing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PhilCare highlighted that flu vaccination can reduce ICU admissions by 82 percent, adult hospitalizations by 40 percent, and pediatric ICU admissions by 74 percent. Pneumococcal vaccines are 60 to 70 percent effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease.

‘Despite strong evidence of vaccine effectiveness, we continue to see low uptake among Filipino employees-partly due to cost concerns and lack of awareness,’ Dr. Ayuste said. ‘We’re urging employers to see vaccination as a strategic investment in workforce health and business continuity, especially as we head into several months of challenging weather.’

PhilCare said this crisis underscores the value of its ongoing health surveillance and research programs, which help identify emerging health trends and guide both public and private sector response.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino looks to bring more young Filipinos to the continental level as he targets the country hosting the Asian Youth Games (AYG) sooner or later.

The key, Tolentino says, is government support.

‘If the Philippine government will back me up,’ Tolentino said.

Speaking after the Olympic Council of Asia Executive Board meeting at the Art Hotel and Resort in Bahrain, Tolentino revealed the Philippines has a chance to host the AYG after it was decided the competition for top junior athletes in the continent will be held biennially and no longer after every four years.

After the Bahrain AYG 2025, which formally opened on Wednesday night here at the Exhibition World Bahrain in Manama, the games are expected to be staged in Uzbekistan in 2029.

The change from quadrennial to biennial means the AYG will be in 2031.

Tolentino, an OCA Executive Board member, is again calling for teamwork at home, saying it will provide many young Filipino athletes with a chance to reach the bigger stage.

‘Our young athletes in the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy, pure grassroots, will have a goal, the AYG,’ Tolentino said. ‘Actually, I was given the heads up not one, but two events-the AYG and the Asian Beach Games.’

‘It’s up to the government though,’ he said.

The 2025 AYG in Bahrain officially opened on Wednesday evening, marking the start of the major youth sporting spectacle featuring over 4,300 athletes competing across 253 events in 24 sports.

The Philippines has a 141-strong delegation competing in volleyball, teqball, golf, triathlon, mixed martial arts, taekwondo, muay, athletics, boxing, cycling, weightlifting, table tennis, badminton, wrestling, swimming, jiujitsu, and kurash.

Kram Airam Carpio delivered the first gold for the Philippines, winning the Pencak Silat girls’ 51-55 kg division with a 33-19 victory over Indonesia’s Qiken Dwi Tata Olifia late Monday.

Filipino boxers ready for action

BANNERED by rising star Leo Mhar Lobrido, Filipino boxers set out for their inaugural campaign starting Thursday at Hall 9 of the Exhibition World Bahrain.

The drawing of lots was set Wednesday night.

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines executive director Marcus Jarwin Manalo said the six-member Filipino team is ready should any of them be drawn on opening day.

‘They all should do well,’ said Manalo shortly after the boxing delegation arrived for the third edition of the quadrennial showcase late Tuesday night, following a 10-hour journey from Manila.

With Lobrido (46 kgs) are Jefferson Amaya (50 kgs), John Michael Estorba (54 kgs) and Justin James Zampatti (75 kgs) in the boys’ section and Shairylle Pores (46 kgs) and Ermalie Caballero (50 kgs) in the girls’ division.

They are coached by Australian Don Abnett, Gerson Nietes, former world champion Josie Gabuco and former Asian Games gold medalist Violito Payla.

Lobrido is considered the best bet among the Filipino pugs, having ruled the Fourth Greater Area Bay Youth Boxing Challenge in Shenzhen, China last year.

He turned 16 just this month and hails from boxing hotbed Bago City, Negros Occidental.

Lobrido also stands as one of the country’s flag bearers during the Youth Games’ formal opening ceremony, alongside volleybelle Harlyn Serneche.

Manalo, however, is not discounting the chances of the two lady boxers to contend for a medal finish.

Boxing is making its debut in the Youth Games, having not been part of the 2009 (Singapore) and 2013 (Nanjing) editions.

Tambalque, Saga lead golf squad

TOP young Filipino athletes begin their bid in the golf competition on Thursday at the Royal Golf Club in Riffa.

Patrick Tambalque, a proven winner on the Junior Philippine Golf Tour, and American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) titlist Eliana Saga head the team, which features other Junior Philippine Golg Tour standouts in the 54-hole individual and team tournament.

JPGT Splendido Taal champion Charles Serdenia and Pinewoods winner Tristan Padilla also see action in the boys’ squad.

Saga, winner of the AJGA Junior at The Mission Club in Lompoc (California), lead the girls’ team alongside with Precious Zaragosa-JPGT winner at Luisita and Sherwood Hills-and South Pacific champion Crista Miñoza.

The Philippine team had two days in Bahrain ahead of the tournament-enough time, coach Ramon Brobio said, to familiarize themselves with the Colin Montgomerie-designed course, which recently hosted the DP World Tour’s Bahrain Championship.

Tapped by the National Golf Association of the Philippines only this year, Brobio said they skipped Royal Golf Club simulation sessions in favor of seeing and experiencing the actual conditions.

‘It’s different when you see the actual grass, wind conditions and temperature, we’ll see,’ said Brobio, who coached Miguel Tabuena and Princess Superal in their junior years.

‘We expect Japan, China and Korea to be strong,’ Brobio said. ‘But you know our players are capable, we’re very competitive. We’re gonna go out there and try our best and see what happens.’

Senator Win Gatchalian has vowed to secure additional funding to strengthen the government’s crackdown on different forms of human trafficking, including the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), amid reports of rising cases here and abroad.

During the hearing on the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its attached agencies, Gatchalian noted that the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking was allocated P69 million under the National Expenditure Program. The National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM) received an allocation of P28 million.

While the original allocations under the NEP are not adequate, Officer-in-Charge Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida reported that the General Appropriations Bill (House Bill No. 4058) already added P49.9 million for IACAT, while the (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM) received an additional P42.5 million. Gatchalian vowed to support the allocation of additional funds.

‘Kabataan talaga ang target ng human trafficking at OSAEC. Nakakapanlumo ‘pag nakikita natin ‘yung ginagawa sa kanila. I want to make sure that we have ample support for our enforcers, IACAT, and our coordinating center,’ said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III has reconstituted the House of Representatives’ Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) Review and Compliance Committee, in accordance with Republic Act No. 6713.

In a memorandum order dated October 20, 2025, Deputy Speaker and South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Ferdinand L. Hernandez was named Chairperson of the Committee. Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz R. Defensor and Marikina 2nd District Rep. Romero Federico S. Quimbo were appointed vice chairpersons.

Other members include TGP Party-list Rep. Jose J. Teves Jr., Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Maria Cristina C. Angeles, Quezon 1st District Rep. Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga, Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo M. Barba, and Dinagat Islands Lone District Rep. Arlene J. Bag-ao.

The Committee’s Secretariat, composed of senior officials from the Legal Affairs, Legislative Operations, and Administrative Departments; the Office of the Secretary General; the Committee on Rules; the Records Management Service; and one representative from the Office of the Speaker, will provide technical and administrative support.

The memorandum, which takes effect immediately, states that ‘the Committee will continue to perform its mandate as contained in House Memorandum Order No. 17-42 [SPK] dated December 20, 2016, and in the Rules of Procedure in the Filing, Review, and Disclosure of, and Access to, the SALNs of Members, Officials, and Employees of the House of Representatives under Resolution No. 176 adopted on January 30, 2019.’

The reconstitution comes after Dy’s announcement last week that the House will review its rules on public disclosure of members’ SALNs to enhance transparency and accountability.

Also, on Wednesday, Dy released a copy of his SALN, declaring a net worth of P74.019 million and noting connections to four companies. He also listed 16 relatives who currently hold government positions.