Category: Business Mirror

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is now looking at the possible liability of the manning agency and foreign principal of the Filipino crew member of the MV Minervagracht after it was attacked by Houthi rebels last month.

Last Sunday, the remains of the said OFW was finally repatriated and was received by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the concerned licensed manning agency.

‘The DMW is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine whether the manning agency and the foreign principal are responsible so that appropriate sanctions can be imposed if proven to have violated its existing policies,’ DMW said in a statement.

The remains was initially brought to the OFW’s wife in Iligan and then to his parents and other relatives in Zamboanga del Sur.

‘The Department of Migrant Workers extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Filipino seafarer, and assured continued assistance and support in accordance with the instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,’ DMW said.

The agency called on the public to pray for the deceased crew member.

MV Minervagracht was damaged by an explosive device on 29 September 2025. The incident resulted in the evacuation of the cargo ship including a Russian, a Ukrainian, Sri Lankans, and 12 Filipinos.

One of the said Filipino crew members of MV Minervagracht died after being injured from the incident.

The 10 other Filipino crew members of the cargo ship returned home safely on October 4, while the other seriously injured crew member was repatriated on October 10.

In a related development, OWWA also reported the arrival of the 19 OFWs from Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via Saudia Flight SV870 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 1 on 19 October 2025.

The said OFWs sought repatriation due to labor-related cases, welfare issues, and humanitarian concerns.

Upon their arrival, they were given immigration assistance, food packs, financial assistance, transport support, and temporary accommodations. Since January, almost 400 OFWs were successfully repatriated by OWWA and DMW from Jeddah.

THEY say you should never meet your heroes because you might be disappointed should they turn out to be very different from your preconceptions. Lawyer Estrella ‘Star’ Elamparo, who’s also a runner and mother, is someone who I have always wanted to meet. Formerly a lawyer for the government pension fund GSIS, Elamparo seemed to me a beautiful, smart and empowered woman.

Finally, I met Elamparo at the #UnstoppablePowHER: The Watsons Women’s Forum 2025 held at Enderun, where she was one of the panelists in the discussion moderated by Mica Pineda and also participated in by Ting Joson, secretary general of Triathlon Philippines; Miss Earth Philippines 2017 Karen Ibasco, and Lynn Pinugu, co-founder and CEO of She Talks Asia and executive director of Mano Amiga Philippines.

At the sidelines of the event, we talked to Elamparo about being a woman in law, a male-dominated field.

‘In law school, it was not much of a problem, but when I went into practice that’s where I saw how difficult it was. As a young female lawyer, I encountered harassment in the form of comments about what I wore [short skirts and heels] and other micro-aggressions. That escalated to even more serious forms of harassment and when I told the law office where I worked, I was told it was probably because my skirts were very short,’ said Elamparo.

As she became more established in the field of law and gained a reputation as someone strict and outspoken, the harassment has stopped-but it’s still there.

‘We’ve progressed but the problem is still there. As women, it is up to us to stand against these things so that [the situation] will change,’ she said.

But the way Elamparo looks at it, progress is still progress, no matter how small.

‘There are more female law students than men now, and eight out of 10 legal department heads in the country’s top conglomerates are women. It feels good to know we’ve opened doors for the next generation.’

The Watsons Women’s Forum was created to be a celebration of women. It was also a reminder that the best atmosphere where they can thrive is one wherein they get support from other women.

Elamparo, for example, said that while laws are in place to counter violence against and harassment of women, it is still up to us to be vigilant and make sure the laws are enforced.

‘Even if we are not the victims, we have to speak up. It is our obligation to be vigilant.’

‘Today is all about women empowerment, giving women a voice, a platform, and a community where we can share stories, exchange ideas, and remind one another that we are never alone in our journeys. Through the Women’s Forum, Watsons continues to open spaces that uplift, educate and inspire. At Watsons, empowerment has always been part of who we are,’ said Kim Reyes, Beauty Business Unit and Commercial Services director for Watsons Personal Care Stores (Philippines).

As a safe space for women, the event also featured PowHER Stories, an open mic session where women shared their journeys of resilience, purpose and self-discovery. Meanwhile, guests explored interactive experiences such as a customized scent perfume bar, commissioned artists for watercolor portraits, photo booth, and message wall. Every activity was created to celebrate creativity, confidence, and connection.

‘The celebration doesn’t end here. Empowerment isn’t just a one-day event. It’s something we live and breathe every day. It’s in the way we care for ourselves, how we treat others, and how we lift up other women. Because at Watsons, we truly believe that when women empower women, the world becomes a better place,’ said Sharon Decapia, SAVP for marketing, PR and Sustainability of Watsons Philippines.

The recent decision by the Office of the Ombudsman to reopen public access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of government officials marks a significant victory for transparency and accountability in our government. This move, reversing the restrictive policy under former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, rightly acknowledges that the Filipino people have an undeniable right to know how their public servants acquire and manage wealth. However, restoring access to SALNs, while commendable, should not be mistaken as the endpoint of transparency reforms. As highlighted by House Assistant Majority Leader Mark Anthony Santos, transparency should be a comprehensive, institutionalized practice-not a patchwork of isolated disclosures. The long-overdue Freedom of Information (FOI) bill remains the linchpin in this effort.

The FOI bill, pending in Congress for nearly 30 years, is the legal backbone that would empower citizens to scrutinize government operations beyond personal wealth declarations. It would mandate government agencies to release records, contracts, and transactions that reveal how public funds are spent and programs are executed. This is precisely the kind of openness needed to deter corruption, prevent abuses like the ghost projects scandal, and ensure that public servants are held accountable at every level.

The history of the FOI bill is a saga of delay and missed opportunities, despite its clear constitutional mandate under Article III, Section 7. The persistent lobbying by champions such as the late Rep. Ernesto Ruffa, Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, and others shows the enduring demand for transparency among lawmakers themselves. The current iteration, supported by a broad coalition in both the House and Senate-including Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Senate President Vicente Sotto III-provides a real chance for passage.

The timing could not be more crucial. The Ombudsman’s transparency move, coupled with growing public outrage over corruption scandals, sets the perfect political climate for Congress to act decisively. Passing the FOI bill would institutionalize transparency as the norm rather than the exception and would complement the SALN disclosure policy by opening the floodgates to information on how government operates.

Moreover, transparency must be paired with accountability mechanisms. Calls for a strict ‘one-strike policy’ against corrupt officials in agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways are necessary corollaries. Transparency without enforcement risks becoming an empty gesture.

Reopening SALNs to public scrutiny is a welcome milestone but not the finish line. The real test of our government’s commitment to transparency and good governance lies in passing the FOI bill. It is time for Congress to fulfill its constitutional duty and the people’s right to know. Only then can we hope to restore genuine public trust and build a government that serves with integrity and openness.

Transparency is not a privilege but a right. The people deserve nothing less than full access to information that affects their lives and their future.

THE Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Nueva Vizcaya has ordered the arrest against individuals who are blocking the exploration activities of mining firm Woggle Corporation in Dupax del Norte.

In a two-page order, Judge Paul Attobal Jr. of Branch 30 of the RTC in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya also issued a 20-day temporary restraining order (TRO) against anti-mining protesters and directed the National Police (PNP) to arrest individuals ‘who willfully disobey, obstruct, or resist’ the implementation of the TRO.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) granted exploration permit to Woggle Corp., an affiliate of FCF Minerals Corporation, last August covering 3,101.11 hectares in five barangays in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya.

Woggle Corp., represented by Fredo Mina, employees of drilling contractor Indodrill, and a representative from the DENR were prevented from entering the exploration area on several occasions between October 6 and 7, 2025. This prompted the company to seek refuge from the court by filing a complaint with application for a TRO or a writ of preliminary injunction or both against the protesters namely Florentino Daynos, Jun Roduta and 18 others.

The trial court initially issued a 72-hour TRO in favor of Woggle Corp. on October 10, 2025 enjoining the protesters from obstructing the mining firm from conducting its lawful exploration activities within the area.

Owing to the non-implementation of the said order due to the hostile acts and resistance of the protesters who put up a barricade at the road going to the exploration site, the trial court issued another order last October 13 extending the TRO for a period of 20 days.

When the implementing sheriff again attempted to enforce the restraining order, the same group of individuals refused to lift the barricade and allegedly threatened to resort to violence against the court representatives.

‘Such defiance constitutes a direct affront to the authority and dignity of this Court,’ the trial court said.

It maintained that the TRO is a lawful order and binding that must be respected by all persons, whether parties to the case or not.

‘Willful defiance thereof not only constitutes contempt of court but also an act obstructing the administration of justice, for which those responsible may be arrested and prosecuted,’ it added.

The TRO stops the defendants from installing or maintaining a barricade along Keon Barangay Road, sitio Keon in barangay Bitnong, specifically near the area adjoining Keon Road and the National Highway Aritao-Quirino Road.

The defendants were also ordered to stop preventing vehicles, personnel, employees, contractors, representatives and agents of Woggle Corp. from passing or entering Keon to access the exploration area.

In granting the TRO, the court agreed with Woggle Corp. that it would suffer irreparable damage if the protesters were not restrained as the barricade would cause significant disruption to its exploration, resulting in substantial losses.

‘The court finds that the plaintiff has shown a clear and unmistakable right that is being threatened or violated where they will suffer grave injustice and irreparable injury if the TRO is not issued immediately,’ the court said.

The TRO will enable Woggle and FCF Corp. to determine the full potential of mineral resources that can be developed as a major economic driver that will benefit the province of Nueva Vizcaya.

FCF Minerals, incorporated in 2001, operates the Runruno Gold Project in Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya, which has been producing gold since 2016.

It has generated over P5.71 billion in taxes, fees, and duties since commercial operations began in 2017.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is adopting the Rationalized Rules for Setting Distribution Wheeling Rates (RRDWR) to determine the revenue requirements, capital and operating expenditures, performance incentive mechanisms, and annual rate adjustments of privately owned electric distribution utilities (PDUs).

‘After more than a decade of delays, the rate reset process for all private distribution utilities will soon happen after the Energy Regulatory Commission approved on Thursday the Rationalized Rules for Setting Distribution Wheeling Rates [RRDWR] for privately owned electric distribution utilities [PDUs] operating under the Performance-Based Regulation [PBR] framework,’ the agency said over the weekend.

The ERC’s approval of the RRDWR also marks a departure from the previous Regulatory Periods established for the PDUs, which were not adhered to due to the suspension or delays in the rate reset process.

The RRDWR embodies the methodology and process for setting the maximum allowable distribution, supply, and metering (DSM) rates of private DUs. It supersedes previous regulatory issuances governing the rate-setting process and incorporates internationally recognized practices to balance consumer protection with fair returns for utilities.

Under the RRDWR, the ERC uses a price-cap regulation methodology that sets a maximum allowable rate based on efficient costs, service quality targets, and measurable performance indicators. This approach encourages distribution utilities to improve efficiency and reliability while maintaining affordability for consumers.

‘The RRDWR also addresses the more than 10 years of delays in the reset of the PDUs’ distribution rates and serves as the framework for the upcoming Regulatory Reset for the First Regulatory Period [1st RP] of the First Entry Group, which includes the Manila Electric Co. [Meralco], Dagupan Electric Corporation [DECORP], Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company [CEPALCO], and Cotabato Light and Power Company [CLPC],’ it said.

The 1st RP of the First Entry Group covers the period from 1 July 2026 to June 30, 2030.

ERC said taking this decisive step ‘demonstrates its resolve’ to fulfill its legal mandate as the rate regulator for the power industry. It also underscores its commitment to a fair, transparent, and accountable regulatory process that ensures reasonable electricity rates, promotes operational efficiency, and supports the ongoing modernization of the country’s power distribution sector.

TROPICAL Storm Ramil maintained its strength and continued to batter Metro Manila and parts of Northern and Southern Luzon with strong winds and heavy rains on Sunday afternoon.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said two persons were reported killed.

As of Sunday afternoon, a total of 24,412 persons from Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), and the Bicol Region were pre-emptively evacuated.

In its 2:00 p.m. Sunday Tropical Cyclone Bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Ramil will be exiting the Luzon mass on on the same day.

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has restored a transmission line affected by Tropical Storm Ramil.

The Pitogo-Mulanay 69 kiloVolt (kV) line went back on line on Sunday morning while the Gumaca-Atimonan 69kV line remains unavailable as of press time.

NGCP said it has mobilized its line crews and is currently conducting patrols to inspect and assess the impact of the tropical storm to its operations and facilities. ‘Loss of power may be caused by affected transmission facilities of NGCP or distribution facilities of local distribution utilities or electric cooperatives. Specific cities and municipalities affected by the power interruptions are determined by concerned distribution utilities, unless the outage affects the entire franchise area,’ it said.

Meanwhile, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) assured its customers that its crews are fully prepared to respond to any possible electricity service concern as the tropical storm continues to affect parts of Luzon.

‘Our crews and personnel are strategically positioned and remain on standby 24/7 to address any power-related issues. We urge our customers to prioritize safety and stay alert, especially in areas prone to flooding,’ said Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications.

As of Sunday afternoon, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 2 is up in the whole of Metro Metro Manila, the central and southern portions of Benguet (Itogon, Bokod, Atok, Kapangan, Tublay, La Trinidad, Baguio City, Tuba, Sablan), the central and southern portions of La Union (Rosario, Pugo, Tubao, Santo Tomas, Agoo, Aringay, Caba, Naguilian, Burgos, Bagulin, Bauang, City of San Fernando, San Juan, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, Santol, Balaoan, Luna), Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, the northern portion of Bataan (Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Morong, Pilar, City of Balanga), the northern and central portions of ), and the northern and western portions of Rizal (Rodriguez, Teresa, City of Antipolo, San Mateo, Taytay, Cainta, Angono).

TCWS 1 is hoisted in Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the rest of Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, the rest of La Union, Aurora, the rest of Bataan, the rest of Metro Manila, Quezon including Polillo Islands, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, the rest of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte, the western portion of Camarines Sur (Del Gallego, Ragay, Lupi, Sipocot, Libmanan, Cabusao, Pasacao, Pamplona), and Burias Island.

‘The wind signals warn the public of the general wind threat over an area due to the tropical cyclone. Local winds may be slightly stronger/enhanced in coastal and upland-mountainous areas exposed to winds. Winds are less strong in areas sheltered from the prevailing wind direction,’ Pagasa said.

The weather bureau said that minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are possible within any of the localities where Wind Signal 2 is hoisted.

Pagasa said heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone.

As of 2 p.m. the center of Tropical Storm Ramil was spotted within the vicinity of Olongapo City, Zambales. It is moving west-northwest at 15 kilometers per hour, and packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kmh near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kmh.

Ramil will continue moving west-northwestward or west-northwestward as it traverses the Central Luzon landmass before emerging over the coastal waters of Zambales this afternoon. It is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday morning.

A state college in Davao del Norte has appealed to conference participants, many of them young scientists and innovators, to look into the seas and oceans for solutions to many of the country’s challenges and build startup applications.

In a conference, the Davao del Norte State College called on technology innovators and researchers ‘to ideate and build startups that address challenges in the sea and ocean.’

‘Oftentimes, when innovators ideate about what their next project or research will be, the ocean and the Blue Economy is not always on top of their mind. And while it has been promoted ever since, the significance of the Blue Economy is gaining more attention now locally and internationally, so we do not want to miss that opportunity to contribute to its development,’ said Jesebel R. Besas, project leader of the school’s Blue Economy Underpinning Global Sustainability through Adaptive Innovations, a technology business incubator assisted by the Department of Science and Technology.

‘Our challenge with them is that with the knowledge, skills, networks, and passion that we have and we gained here, what tech innovations or startups can we build for to sustain the ocean, address its challenges, and uplift the communities around it?,’ Besas said.

DNSC President Joy M. Sorrosa said the ocean ‘is not just a resource; it is our lifeline.’

‘Yet, for too long, its challenges have outpaced our solutions. But, here, we change that narrative. We unite the academics, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to create more than dialogue but spark actionable innovation. We create a dynamic platform for collaboration, one that challenges conventional approaches and inspires transformative solutions to the pressing issues facing our oceans and coastal communities,’ she added.

The DNSC gathered together about 150 Blue Economy stakeholders at the conference titled RIPPLE: Ocean Tech Innovation Conference at the Molave Hotel, Tagum City. The ocean technology conference wanted to connect innovators and interested stakeholders to learn about Blue Economy and its domains.

The conference featured talks about the Blue Economy, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Shipping, Maritime Trade, and Ocean-based Logistics, Climate and Disaster Resilience, Marine Protection, Conservation, and Preservation, and Renewable Ocean Energy. A trade fair for marine-based products, ocean technology and research, and a pitching of blue innovations from DNSC were also held at the sideline of the conference.

The RIPPLE: Ocean Tech Innovation Conference was supported by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and the Singapore-based accelerator BluC53.

Somewhere between a spa’s calming music and a wellness retreat’s morning qigong session, the world has found a new kind of economy-the economy of self-healing. What was once a niche for affluent wellness seekers has grown into a trillion-dollar movement fueled by pandemic burnout, digital fatigue, and chronic anxiety. The global wellness tourism industry, now worth almost $995 billion, thrives on our yearning to slow down and feel whole again.

For entrepreneurs and professionals, the surge in wellness spending reflects our era’s priorities: people are now investing in peace of mind. Travel is no longer just about sights or relaxation; it’s about restoring mental clarity and detoxing from the invisible weight of daily stress. In the Philippines, this realization has given rise to a $3.61 billion wellness tourism sector, placing the country among Asia’s top destinations.

Our natural landscape contributes greatly to this movement. From the highlands of Tagaytay to the quiet beaches of Siquijor, Philippine scenery offers a sense of serenity for those seeking healing. Add to that our heritage of hilot massage, herbal medicine, and other local healing modalities-self-care traditions that transform wellness travel into a unique cultural experience. The Department of Tourism now promotes these assets not just for indulgence, but to diversify the economy and create jobs for therapists, farmers, and artisans.

However, a major challenge remains: wellness weekends still cost more than a month’s salary for many Filipinos. The industry’s growth risks deepening divisions, as access to self-care remains limited to those with resources. This leads us to a crucial question for business leaders and policymakers: can wellness travel be truly inclusive without losing its meaning and quality?

Local innovation offers hope. Imagine provinces creating community-based wellness circuits- pairing independent therapists with eco-resorts, using local produce, and involving farmers. A weekend of tai chi and nutritious meals need not rely on imported supplements or high-profile coaches; intention, safety, and a sense of place matter most. Accessible retreats can flourish if we rethink what ‘wellness’ means, transforming open fields into meditation sites or coastal barangays into sunrise qigong spaces alongside small homestays.

Entrepreneurs have room to experiment with hybrid models: day-pass healing hubs, subscription-based self-care getaways, and corporate partnerships for employee retreats. Hotels and developers can blend business with social inclusion, strengthening their brands for a mindful market. Travelers increasingly choose destinations for their authenticity and the values they represent-not only their comfort.

Most importantly, local governments can invest in ‘wellness zones’ in public parks-turning unused spaces into walking, meditation, and exercise areas. These micro-retreats democratize wellness beyond resort walls. As regenerative tourism trends grow, the Philippines can lead by showing that the traveler’s healing need not come at the community’s expense.

Ultimately, wellness tourism reflects our collective wish to breathe easier after years of uncertainty. But its future shouldn’t be only about spa menus or luxurious detoxes. Farmers selling turmeric tea, village healers sharing wisdom, and families enjoying restful weekends close to home all belong in this movement.

At its heart, the business of self-healing must return to its purpose: helping people feel human again. If we can do that while making wellness accessible, this country’s quietest industry may become its most transformative.

THE casualty toll in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ramil has climbed to seven dead, one injured, and two reported missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

Ramil, which has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), affected a total of 37,827 families or 133,196 persons in 355 barangays in 35 cities and towns in nine provinces.

In its Situational Report issued at 6 a.m. on October 20, the NDRRMC said that because of the inclement weather, a total of 28,472 persons from Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Bicol, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas were pre-emptively evacuated.

‘The weather bureau said Ramil, the 18th severe weather disturbance to affect the country this year, further intensified outside PAR, and continues to induce scattered rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Palawan.

The trough and outer rainbands of Ramil and the easterlies will also bring strong to gale-force gusts over Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Occidental Mindoro,’ the state weather bureau added.

As of 11 a.m., Ramil was spotted west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, moving northwestward at 25 kilomeers per hour.

Pagasa said it is packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 105 kph.

Senator Bam Aquino has expressed dismay over the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) revelation that it has completed the construction of just 22 classrooms for 2025.

‘You can’t explain that. Even just saying it, sumasakit iyong puso ko na 22 lang ang nagawang classroom,’ Aquino said during the DPWH budget hearing after DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said that only 22 out of the 1,700 target have been completed.

At this rate, Aquino said the classroom backlog will reach 200,000 by 2028.

‘Ang estimated current classroom backlog natin ay 146,000. By 2028, if we continue at this rate, aabot tayo ng 200,000,’ emphasized Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

Dizon said the DPWH will look into the cause of delay and find a way to fast-track the construction of classrooms.

He also expressed his full support for Aquino’s Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, which was recently certified as a priority measure by President Ferdinand Marcos as a means to address the classroom backlog in public schools.

‘We are in full support of this measure, especially now na dalawampu’t dalawa pa lang ang nagagawa ng departamento ngayong taon. Kailangan po talaga natin ang tulong,’ Dizon said, adding that the agency is also looking at partnerships with local government units to hasten classroom construction.

‘At this rate, it’s virtually impossible na magawa ng DPWH itong kailangan nating mga classrooms,’ he admitted.

The proposed bill aims to decentralize classroom construction by expanding the mandate beyond DPWH to include local government units and non-government organizations with a proven track record. They can then build classrooms in compliance with the Department of Education’s standards and guidelines within their jurisdictions.