Category: Business Mirror

THE local unit of Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is urging Asean governments to tighten and harmonize export controls and require tobacco products to comply with destination-market rules after illicit trade cost the region an estimated $13.1 billion in revenues over the past two years.

Speaking at the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines’ economic forum on Friday, JTI Philippines (JTIP) Fiscal and Regulatory Affairs Director Mario Zinampan said illicit tobacco trade is no longer a country issue but an ‘Asean-wide crisis’ that requires a coordinated regional response.

‘The [United Nations] has warned Southeast Asia that it faces growing threats from transnational organized crime,’ Zinampan said. ‘What we are confronting is not an isolated Philippine issue but part of a broader regional criminal ecosystem.’

As such, JTIP is proposing an ‘Asean Declaration on Harmonizing Rules to Combat Illicit Trade in High-Risk and Sensitive Goods,’ along with guidelines on export integrity, customs cooperation, track-and-trace interoperability and intelligence sharing.

Asean countries would be required to comply with destination-country rules, improving proof-of-export and verification requirements, enhancing customs coordination, exchanging information on illicit routes and diversion schemes and promoting interoperable systems to support real-time monitoring of goods moving across borders.

Zinampan said the proposal aims to establish common export integrity principles to make products moving across Asean borders less vulnerable to smuggling, misdeclaration, undervaluation, counterfeiting and diversion.

The so-called destination principle is also already embedded in various Philippine laws and regulations, which require exporters to comply with the legal and regulatory requirements of the destination country, Zinampan added.

However, similar requirements are not uniformly applied across Asean, creating regulatory gaps that can be exploited by illicit traders, he added.

‘The weakest link puts the entire region at risk,’ Zinampan said. ‘Asean should harmonize the destination principle and align export control rules to close loopholes and strengthen enforcement.’

BIR, BOC destroy smuggled cigarettes

A separate statement by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Friday read that it destroyed, together with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), illicit tobacco products and manufacturing materials seized in Cebu last Thursday.

The destruction covered 170,052 packs of illicit cigarettes, 1,567 boxes and sacks of cigarette raw materials and two production machines, with around P240 million in unpaid taxes and administrative penalties, seized from various enforcement operations in Cebu.

‘Once the proceedings are final, there should be no unnecessary delay in disposing of these illicit products,’ Internal Revenue Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza was quoted as saying.

‘We will also continue working closely with the BOC and our other enforcement partners to strengthen the campaign against illicit tobacco, keep these products off the market, and hold those responsible accountable,’ Mendoza added.

Based on the latest Euromonitor study, the Philippine government lost about P141 billion in revenues from illicit tobacco trade over the last two years, with one in four cigarettes sold in the country considered.

Across Asean, Indonesia had the biggest revenue losses worth $5.6 billion, followed by Malaysia and the Philippines at $2.5 billion in revenue losses each.

Illicit tobacco incidence in the region is projected to increase to 27.8 percent in 2028 from 23.6 percent in 2025, according to the study.

UNTIL the horrific shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban, Leyte, last June 22, when three students were killed and 20 injured from gunfire allegedly inflicted by two students aged 14 and 15, few people had heard of the name GoreBox.

Described as a ‘chaotic, physics-driven sandbox game where creativity meets unrestrained destruction,’ the online game was said to be a favorite pastime of the 14-year-old perpetrator.

As the investigation continues, the 14-year-old has been placed under a mandatory intervention program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and his 15-year-old companion has been criminally charged. As for GoreBox? It was temporarily banned by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center.

Does taking away GoreBox and other similar online games mean the end of gaming-related violence? Not quite, says Paul Lawrence Filomeno, MD, a board-certified Pediatrician from the Philippines’ top hospital Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph) and a Specialist in Addiction and Recovery Medicine with a focus on screen gaming and digital behavioral addictions in children and adolescents.

MULTISYSTEMIC, COMPLEX ISSUE

‘GAMING violence is a violent behavior that can be triggered by some factors,’ explains Filomeno. ‘That is partly because the game has different dynamics and dimensions that push the child toward violence. But violence can only be done or committed by an accumulation of multiple risk factors. We look at their environment at home, at school, social pressures, history of bullying, and cultural and familiar norms about violence. If they live in an environment where violence is also normalized, then it is easier for them to be influenced, to be violent as well in real life.’

‘To blame the game itself would be lacking,’ he declares. ‘It is multisystemic, and a very complex issue.’

Indeed. While it is easy to assume a child has a gaming addiction and violent tendencies because he spends most of his waking hours immersed in combat and hack-and-slash games, it is not always the case. ‘There are those who game for five hours, but can bounce back to real life,’ says the MakatiMed doctor. ‘Then there are gamers who only play for two hours, but the stimulating game has a huge effect on their behavior. They cannot stop thinking about the game, and there are sacrifices involved in terms of their academic and social relationships.’

RED FLAGS

WHAT then are the signs of a child with a gaming disorder? Filomeno, the first Filipino pediatrician to complete a formal Subspecialty in Addiction Medicine from the University of the Philippines’ Philippine General Hospital, enumerates three red flags:

Loss of control. They attempt to play for one hour. Five hours later, they are still at it. And it is not only that they can’t stop, but they also prioritize playing over real-world commitments like doing their homework, turning in a project, or keeping their room clean.

Functional impairment. This is when gaming reaches a point where it interferes with eating, sleeping, school, hygiene, hobbies, and relationships with family and friends.

Difficulty in stopping. Failing grades, cutting class, and giving up their allowance and personal belongings just so they can play is truly troubling behavior.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

GAMING disorder is treated through a multidisciplinary approach that involves the expertise of Guidance Counselors, Pediatricians, Child Psychologists, and Addiction Specialists. Still, Filomeno believes that family is the first component of the healthcare team. ‘Ninety percent of the effort is delegated to the family,’ he highlights.

In fact, it is family that can help steer a youngster with a gaming disorder back on track. ‘No intervention is effective if the parents aren’t modeling [good behavior],’ Filomeno says. ‘So, if you want your child to sleep early, they need to see an adult who sleeps early as well.’ The same rule applies to gadgets. Do you want your child to stop gaming? Put down your phone or tablet.

6S

FOR parents to observe how gaming is impacting their kids, Filomeno cites the six S: ‘The first S that they need to monitor is ‘sleep’. Sleep is a marker of a possibility that you need to protect the child if his gaming is affecting his sleep. Second, as a parent, you need to protect their ‘safety’. Do you have measures to verify that your child is not talking to strangers when he games? The third S is ‘self-regulation’. Does my child turn to gaming when he is sad? What behavior does he manifest when I ask him to reduce his screen time?’

In the fourth S or ‘school’, academic performance can be a gauge of gaming’s influence. Have their grades dropped or improved since your intervention? The fifth S is ‘social connection’. ‘A very important milestone in childhood,’ reminds Filomeno. ‘Does your child know how to interact with people?’ The sixth and most important S is ‘security’.

Are you on top of things when your child is online?

Remember, change does not happen overnight. It will occur in increments and may even fall back to old patterns. But with your patience, participation and love, you can regulate your youngster’s gaming habits to a safe and satisfying level.

‘The outcomes of gaming disorder are measured by small steps,’ avers Filomeno. ‘If he reduces his gaming from 8 hours to 7 hours, that’s already a big win. Small steps are still better than setting impossible expectations.’

FITNESS competitions are often judged by what is immediately visible-the physique, the discipline, the stage presence.

But as the Century Tuna Superbods competition moves toward its final night, the people behind the bodies are being asked to show something harder to measure: what they stand for.

That was the focus of the Century Tuna Superbods VIP Night in Makati City on August 6, where the Top 40 finalists took the spotlight ahead of the competition’s grand finale.

Rather than simply presenting the finalists as polished fitness figures, the evening gave them a platform to talk about their personal journeys and the health and wellness advocacies they have developed along the way.

The stories ranged from accessible nutrition and physical training to mental wellness, reflecting the different circumstances that shaped each finalist’s approach to health.

Century Pacific Food Inc. Vice President and Group Business Unit Head Carlo Endaya said the broader goal was to make health feel less like an exclusive ideal and more like something people can work toward in their everyday lives.

‘So what do I mean when I say health? So that means everyone needs to have access to proper nutrition. Right level of activity. Useful information. And last but not least, motivation,’ Endaya said during the event.

‘Imagine a world where you, your loved ones, the people you work with, your family, your friends, everyone. Imagine a world where everyone is the strongest, healthiest, most vibrant version of themselves. So that’s not just a dream,’ he added.

The journey

BY the time they reached the VIP Night, the finalists had already gone through more than the usual rounds of posing and competition.

Since the callback stage, they have taken part in a series of activities, workshops and wellness challenges intended to prepare them for the responsibilities attached to the Superbod title.

The process has also pushed them to look beyond physical fitness and consider how their own experiences could translate into something meaningful for others.

During the event, the finalists presented their personal health and wellness advocacies, turning the stage into a platform for stories about the realities behind their fitness journeys.

For some, that meant making nutrition more accessible. For others, it meant encouraging physical activity, addressing mental wellness or sharing lessons from their own struggles.

The emphasis on individual purpose also reflects how the competition has evolved since its launch two decades ago.aya said the response to the original concept eventually showed that the competition could become more than a search for the next fit face of the brand.

‘And 20 years on, Superbod has become the defining asset of the brand, a symbol of fitness, health, and self-improvement,’ he said.

Real people, real stories

THAT distinction was also underscored by Century Tuna brand ambassador Anne Curtis, who has been associated with the competition for years.

Curtis said she has seen the platform develop from a fitness-focused competition into one where participants are increasingly given space to tell their own stories.

‘Having been with Century Tuna for so many years, I’ve had a front-row seat to how this brand and this platform have grown,’ Curtis said.

‘What makes Superbods so special is how it brings real human stories to the center stage. Seeing these finalists step up with heart and genuine passion for their health advocacies is truly inspiring for everyone,’ she added.

What makes a Superbod?

WITH the grand finals approaching, the competition’s judging criteria also offer a glimpse into what the organizers are looking for beyond physical appearance.aya said the finalists will be assessed according to two broad categories: presence and essence.

‘So presence, let’s call it aura. Let’s call it aura. So can the person make people turn their heads? Can that person stop you from scrolling? Can the person captivate and grab your attention? So that is presence,’ he said.

But presence alone will not determine the winners. ‘Second, essence. So what does that mean? Can they inspire people to be healthier? Can they inspire people to eat better?’ Endaya said.

He added that the finalists should also reflect the values of continuous improvement, respect for the individual, and kindness.

Final stretch

NOW, with Finals Night nearing, the competition enters its most consequential stage.

The Male and Female Grand Winners will each receive ?1 million, while the runners-up will take home ?250,000 each.

But before the final announcement, the remaining finalists still have to make the case that they represent more than a particular physical ideal.

Last week’s storm is yet another reminder of our region’s severe disaster risks-and how quickly lives and properties can be lost.

Fortunately, the Philippines is responding positively to the threats posed by storms, typhoons and other natural calamities. Acting ahead of a disaster rather than waiting for it to happen is the only logical move that can save lives and minimize property losses.

We as a nation must do more to keep the damage to a minimum and avoid the trauma that goes with calamities. For one, I believe that more resources should be allocated to areas that are historically on the path of destructive typhoons.

To recall, the Philippines in September 2025 took a landmark step toward forecast-based action by passing the ‘State of Imminent Disaster’ law-the first in the world to authorize the use of national and local resources for anticipatory action.

The law lent more credence when tropical storm ‘Maymay’ lashed the northern part of Luzon and other areas last week. The storm is a relatively weak weather disturbance with winds of 55 kilometers per hour. The heavy rains it generated for many days, however, have matched, if not exceeded the damage expected from a stronger typhoon.

The rains saturated and soaked many areas that resulted in flooding and landslides.

A hillside gave way in Benguet province and collapsed on a small restaurant on Thursday, burying three employees in the kitchen. The national disaster agency also confirmed two others have been killed in a landslide in Rizal province the day before the Benguet incident.

Perhaps, local government units (LGUs) should be more pro-active ahead of crises as what Republic Act No. 12287, or the ‘Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act,’ demands. Pre-existing anticipatory action plans will prove essential in protecting lives across the country.

The law has established a legal framework that allows national and local governments to shift from reactive disaster response to proactive ‘anticipatory action’ before a severe calamity strikes.

It requires a pre-disaster risk assessment indicating a highly probable disaster with severe or catastrophic projected impacts and gives sufficient lead time for early intervention.

Disasters overlap in the Philippines, leaving no time for communities to recover, but large-scale pre-emptive evacuations proved the most critical outcome of early warning and government action as shown last year.

Over 1.5 million people in 2025 were evacuated ahead of typhoon’s Uwan’s landfall-a nationwide effort to move communities to safer ground before conditions deteriorated. And although the storm caused extensive damage, casualties remained comparatively low-with 213 deaths following typhoon Tino and 33 following Uwan.

Without the actions that followed the anticipatory action trigger, the loss of lives would have been exponentially higher, as previous disasters show.

The law reminds our LGUs to pre-position relief goods, mobilize response teams, execute pre-emptive evacuations, distribute early cash or food aid, and secure livelihood assets like livestock and boats.

But last week’s typhoon should not lull us into believing that the typhoon season has already heralded La Niña. On the contrary, we should brace for El Niño more.

The UN Meteorological Organization (WMO) has just warned that El Niño, a powerful climate pattern shaping global weather, will intensify starting this month despite the current wetter conditions.

The WMO has stepped up coordination, climate information services and early warning to help those affected prepare for potential impacts, including governments, humanitarian agencies, such climate-sensitive sectors as agriculture, and health as well as vulnerable communities.

‘El Niño is one of the most closely monitored climate phenomena in the world, but forecasts in themselves do not prevent hazards, people do,’ says WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

She said El Niño is developing against the backdrop of unprecedented ocean heat and rising temperatures, but governments and communities have a window of opportunity to anticipate risks and act before impacts unfold.

‘The decisions we make today will shape the impacts we experience tomorrow,’ Saulo said, adding that WMO and its members are committed to ensuring that credible and relevant climate information reaches those that need it most.

Again, as in a typhoon season, preparations are a must to reduce the damage of El Niño on crops and our farmers. A nation like the Philippines that is prone to extreme weather should be a step ahead of impending disasters.

NLEX import DeQuan Jones underwent surgery in his lower right leg and ankle that were fractured during an accidental collision with TNT Tropang 5G’s Brandon Rosser-Ganuelas during the Philippine Basketball Association game that the Road Warriors won to remain on top of the Governors’ Cup on Tuesday night at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

‘He’s in high spirits,’ NLEX governor in the PBA board Ronald Dulatre told the BusinessMirror on Wednesday after visiting Jones, who will also undergo surgery in his right fibula once the swelling subsides.

Doctors, according to Dulatre, said that it will take at least four months for Jones to recover but he has to undergo strength and psychological conditioning for a year before he can be play again.

Jones sustained the horrible injury while driving to the basket against Rosser-Ganuelas in the 7:27 mark of the third quarter and had to be wheeled out on a stretcher-he made the thumbs up sign and was smiling on the way to the ambulance.

He was called for an offensive foul and even without an import, NLEX went on to win, 118-111, for a guaranteed berth in the quarterfinals with a league-leading 7-1 win-loss record.

The Road Warriors, Dulatre said, would potentially play without an import when they face Converge at 5:15 p.m. on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

‘Unless we can find someone who is available here who can beat today’s [Thursday] 12 noon deadline in the PBA office, maybe we can have an import,’ Dulatre said. ‘But for now, all our concern goes to DeQuan Jones.’

The PBA allows teams to play without an import-due to injury or emergency reasons-for two consecutive games, otherwise sanctions will be imposed.

‘Coach Jimmy [Alapag] already has a few names in mind, but we cannot name them yet,’ Dulatre said.

The PBA will have a two-month break after’s Friday’s play date-the other game at 7:15 p.m. pits Meralco against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel-to give way to the fourth window of the FIBA 2027 World Cup Asia Qualifiers on August 28 and 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena and the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games in September.

Robert Bolick had 27 points, five rebounds and eight assists and LJ Gonzalez finished with 28 points to lead the Road Warriors, who drew 23 points from Jones in the victory over the Tropang 5G.

THE Philippines showed promise ahead of the Asian Games after bagging silver and bronze at the 39th Thai King’s Cup Sepaktakraw World Championships 2026 in Bangkok.

The men’s regu team of Jason Huerte, Jom Lerry Rafael, Reynaldo Asilum Jr., Ronsited Gabayeron and Glindel Phori defeated Brunei and China before stunning Malaysia to reach the final for the first time in seven years.

The team, however, yielded to perennial world champion Thailand 12-15, 11-15 in the battle for gold.

Mary Ann Lopez, Kristine Lapsit, Rachelle Palomar, Nieva Jane Salon, Heart Makiling and Rhea Mae Dela Cruz ranked third in women’s Quadrant.

Philippine SepakTakraw Inc. president Karen Tanchanco Caballero said the results showed they are moving in the right direction, but also indicated there is still work ahead as they continue their preparations for the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games next month.

The podium finishes are also expected to serve as momentum for the country as it plays host to the ASTAF U19 Asian Sepak Takraw Championships in Manila this November.

Barugo, Leyte. SM Foundation has turned over the Barugo Municipal Hospital Wellness Hub to the local government of Barugo, introducing a community-centered healthcare facility designed to promote holistic healing, intergenerational connection, and compassionate care for children and older adults.

The Barugo Municipal Hospital Wellness Hub brings pediatric and geriatric services together under one roof, fostering a nurturing environment where children and older adults can heal, learn, and thrive together. Combining modern medical care with warm, home-like spaces, the center promotes healing across generations while reducing anxiety and preserving the dignity of every patient.

The hub welcomes patients through a reception and waiting area designed with child-friendly and age-friendly features. Comfortable seating, natural lighting, indoor plants, and a dedicated play corner create a calming atmosphere while patients wait for their consultations.

At the heart of the facility is a shared activity area where children and older adults can participate in guided programs such as arts and crafts, music therapy, storytelling, light exercise, and other social activities. By encouraging meaningful interaction between generations, the space promotes emotional well-being, reduces social isolation among older adults, and helps children develop empathy and social skills.

Supporting these shared spaces is a centrally located nurses’ station that allows healthcare workers to efficiently monitor both pediatric and geriatric patients. Its strategic layout provides clear visibility of the wards and activity areas, enabling quicker response times while supporting coordinated patient care.

Separate pediatric and geriatric wards are designed to meet the unique needs of each patient group. The pediatric ward provides a safe and comforting environment with child-sized beds and ample space for parents or caregivers to remain close throughout treatment and recovery. Meanwhile, the geriatric ward features anti-slip flooring, adequate lighting, and mobility-friendly beds that support the safety, comfort, and independence of older patients.

To help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, the wellness hub includes a fully equipped isolation room that protects vulnerable patients, particularly children and older adults. Patients and caregivers also have access to dedicated, accessible toilets and shower rooms fitted with wider doorways, grab bars, and non-slip flooring to ensure safety, comfort, and privacy.

The facility embraces universal and biophilic design principles, incorporating warm wood finishes, black metal accents, glass elements, and abundant natural light. Its layout minimizes walking distances for healthcare workers while maximizing visibility, efficiency, and patient safety.

Additional features include an assistive device area for the organized storage of mobility and daily living aids, such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, and pediatric gait trainers. The hub also features a rainwater catchment and handwashing area, an eco-friendly open-air utility space that collects rainwater while providing an accessible handwashing facility for patients, staff, and visitors.

Separate pediatric and geriatric wards are designed to meet the unique needs of each patient group. The pediatric ward provides a safe and comforting environment with child-sized beds and ample space for parents or caregivers to remain close throughout treatment and recovery. Meanwhile, the geriatric ward features anti-slip flooring, adequate lighting, and mobility-friendly beds that support the safety, comfort, and independence of older patients.

To help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, the wellness hub includes a fully equipped isolation room that protects vulnerable patients, particularly children and older adults. Patients and caregivers also have access to dedicated, accessible toilets and shower rooms fitted with wider doorways, grab bars, and non-slip flooring to ensure safety, comfort, and privacy.

The facility embraces universal and biophilic design principles, incorporating warm wood finishes, black metal accents, glass elements, and abundant natural light. Its layout minimizes walking distances for healthcare workers while maximizing visibility, efficiency, and patient safety.

Additional features include an assistive device area for the organized storage of mobility and daily living aids, such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, and pediatric gait trainers. The hub also features a rainwater catchment and handwashing area, an eco-friendly open-air utility space that collects rainwater while providing an accessible handwashing facility for patients, staff, and visitors.

Pag-IBIG Fund, Avida Land Corp. and Amaia Land Corp. signed a memorandum of understanding to expand quality housing choices for Filipino workers under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program. The partnership will explore special rates on identified homes that qualified members may finance through Pag-IBIG Housing Loans of up to ?10 million.

The agreement forms part of continuing efforts by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and Pag-IBIG Fund to strengthen partnerships with private developers. Pag-IBIG Fund recently increased its maximum housing loan amount to ?10 million per borrower and invited more leading developers to have their projects accredited and made accessible to qualified members through Pag-IBIG financing.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling said the partnership advances the Marcos administration’s efforts to expand homeownership through stronger government support and private-sector participation.

‘We continue to heed the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to expand homeownership through stronger collaboration between government and the private sector. By helping developers connect their available housing inventory with Pag-IBIG Fund members and affordable financing, we give more Filipino workers quality housing choices within their means while supporting a stronger housing sector,’ Aliling said.

He added that closer cooperation with private developers also supports DHSUD’s efforts to facilitate their compliance with the balanced housing development requirement, helping generate more socialized housing projects and expand the supply of affordable homes.

Pag-IBIG Fund has introduced financing measures that serve members across different income segments. Qualified borrowers under socialized housing may avail themselves of a subsidized interest rate of 3%, while members purchasing homes above the socialized housing ceiling may benefit from promotional rates of 4.5% or 5.75%, depending on the loan amount. With its higher loan ceiling of ?10 million, the agency is expanding affordable financing not only for socialized housing borrowers but also for middle-income Filipino workers seeking homes that suit their needs and financial capacity.

Avida and Amaia are residential brands of Ayala Land. The partnership builds on Ayala Land’s commitment to expanding access to quality homes across different segments of

the market, while strengthening collaboration with government and other stakeholders to make homeownership more accessible to Filipino families.

Avida Land President Raquel S. Cruz said Pag-IBIG Fund’s competitive housing loan rates and higher loan ceiling provide Avida and Amaia greater opportunities to serve more Pag-IBIG members.

‘Our longstanding partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund has helped make homeownership possible for many Filipino families. With its competitive housing loan rates and increased loan ceiling of up to ?10 million, we see an even greater opportunity for Avida and Amaia to serve more middle- and upper-middle-income members and pursue further synergies that will help more Filipinos own quality homes,’ Cruz said.

The parties will also explore the registration and accreditation of identified Avida and Amaia projects for Developer-Assisted housing loan processing, including qualified Amaia projects under Expanded 4PH. They will study measures to streamline documentation, loan processing and the release of proceeds, while assisting prospective buyer-borrower-beneficiaries in meeting program requirements.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the agency continues to work with a growing number of trusted developers to provide members with more quality housing choices and make homeownership more affordable.

‘At Pag-IBIG Fund, we understand that every member has different housing needs and financial capacities. In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand homeownership, we are working with a growing number of trusted developers to bring our members more quality housing choices and special offers. By combining these with our affordable rates and housing loans of up to ?10 million, we hope to help our members find homes they can comfortably afford, with monthly payments that may be comparable to or even lower than rent. In this way, their hard-earned money goes toward a home they can truly call their own and a better future for their families,’ Acosta said.

Acosta, Cruz and Amaia Land Vice President Aris C. Gonzales signed the agreement, with Aliling and Ayala Land President and CEO Meean B. Dy serving as witnesses. Also present were Pag-IBIG Fund Deputy Chief Executive Officers Alexander Hilario G. Aguilar, Robert John S. Cosico, Benjamin R. Felix Jr. and Marcial C. Pimentel, along with other senior officers.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara commended the Commission on Elections (Comelec) following its decision to remove the expiration period for service credits earned by public school teachers serving as the frontliners of the country’s democratic process.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 11212-A, teachers may now claim and utilize their earned service credits at any time following their poll duties, repealing the previous rule that required credits to be availed of within three months.

‘Malaking ginhawa ito para sa ating mga guro. Hindi biro ang magsilbi sa halalan-dinaranas nila ang matinding puyat, pagod, at minsan pa’y panganib, para lang maprotektahan ang boto ng bawat Pilipino…Kaya naman nararapat lamang na hindi natin ipagkait o limitahan ng strict deadlines ang kanilang karapat-dapat na pahinga at benepisyo. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Comelec sa mabilis na pagdinig sa ating pakiusap at sa pagkilala sa sakripisyo ng ating mga guro,’ Angara said, as he thanked the poll body for responding swiftly to the concerns raised by educators, such as the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), regarding the need for flexible leave entitlements.

Around 600,000 public school teachers serve as electoral board members and support personnel in every election.

The new guidelines cover services rendered in National and Local Elections (NLE), Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE), as well as special elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda, and recall elections.

DepEd reiterated its commitment to working alongside Comelec and other government bodies to safeguard the welfare, allowances, and rights of public school teachers during national and local electoral exercises.

THE Kampihan ng Maralita at Manggagawa (Kamanggagawa) Party-list group and several other labor groups on Wednesday filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to nullify the orders issued by the Regional Trial Court in Pasig City enjoining the implementation of the P85 minimum wage increase in Metro Manila.

The petition, likewise, sought to stop the RTC in Navotas City from hearing another application for issuance of a status quo ante order filed by the Alliance of Philippine Fishing Federations Inc. (APFF)

Likewise, the petitioners asked the SC to issue an order guiding the lower courts to outrightly reject and dismiss petitions against wage orders to prevent the proliferation of similar cases.

The petition stemmed from the status quo ante order issued by the Executive Judge of the RTC in Pasig dated July 23, 2026 and the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by Pasig RTC Branch 152 dated July 30, 2026 stopping the implementation of the P85 minimum wage hike approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Metro Manila in two tranches.

The first amounting to P60 took effect on July 25 and the remaining P25 will take effect on January 20, 2027.

The SQAO and TRO were issued in response to a petition filed by construction companies Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R-II Builders Inc.

Also assailed in the petition is the order issued by the Navotas RTC on August 3, 2026 setting APFF’s application for SQAO for clarificatory hearing.

The petitioners argued that any order from the lower court enjoining a wage order is prohibited under Article 123 of the Labor Code.

The said provision mandates that any party aggrieved by the wage order by the regional board may file an appeal before the commission within 10 days which will be decided within 60 days

Furthermore, the petitioners said the trial courts are prohibited from issuing TROs or any injunctive relief against wage order under Article 126 of the Labor Code which states: ‘No preliminary or permanent injunction or temporary restraining order may be issued by any court, tribunal or other entity against any proceedings before the Commission or the Regional Boards.’

‘The issue of the propriety of the determination of minimum wage is likewise akin to a political question. The lower courts do not have the power to settle questions regarding the ratio and wisdom behind a Wage Order,’ the petitioners said.

‘The respondent lower courts and judges have arrogated upon themselves the settlement of an issue beyond their mandates. They neither have the authority nor the necessary knowledge, expertise and experience to ascertain the propriety and wisdom of Wage Orders,’ they added.

The petitioners added that wage orders are social protection measures mandated by the Constitution.

‘Courts must exercise extreme caution and yield to social justice mandates rather than issuing ex-parte or interlocutory stays against wage increases,’ the petition stated.

The petitioners also pleaded to the SC to decide on the merits of the petition even if the issues they raise become moot and academic.

Joining Kamanggagawa Party-List group as petitioners are the Workers and Peasants Party of the Philippines (WPP), Uni Global Union – Philippine Liaison Council (Uni-PLC), Federation of Free Workers (FFW), National Federation of Labor (NFL), Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro), Unified Filipino Service Workers (UFSW), Partido Manggagawa (PM), and the Council of Teachers and Employees in Schools, Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (Coescup).