Category: Business Mirror

CEBU CITY-The Office of the Ombudsman is ramping up efforts to dismantle bureaucratic roadblocks, cut burdensome permit requirements, and curb corruption to improve the country’s investment climate.

Speaking at a dialogue with Cebu’s business community, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the agency aims to prosecute erring public officials while collaborating with businesses and regulators to streamline public services.

‘Government should actually help businessmen-make their lives easier,’ Remulla said, highlighting widespread abuse in business licensing offices and Fire Bureau clearances. He noted that the Ombudsman has already ousted a Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief and plans to charge more implicated officials.

However, Remulla emphasized that prosecution alone will not solve the problem.

‘We cannot just be all prosecution and be angry every day, all the time. We have to keep living as a country,’ he said, advocating for systemic reforms to eliminate corruption at its root.

To address these issues, the Ombudsman plans to convene a regulatory summit in 2027 to boost transparency and accelerate digitalization. Remulla pointed out that online systems eliminate face-to-face contact, cutting off opportunities for fixers and bribery.

He cited ongoing efforts to fully operationalize the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) Land Transportation Management System for online renewals as a model.

Remulla also stressed the need for evidence-based investigations rather than rushing to prosecute based on public pressure.

The Cebu dialogue brought together key business groups, including the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Lapu-Lapu Chamber of Commerce.

Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic Clavano IV explained that the meeting aimed to build a direct line with enterprises to address regulatory friction before it escalates into formal complaints. Clavano noted that small entrepreneurs often bear the heaviest burden of redundant compliance rules.

CCCI President Regan Rex King welcomed the initiative, suggesting a formal partnership among the Ombudsman, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), and local business chambers to rebuild public trust. King highlighted fire safety inspections, business permits, and slow digital adoption as major hurdles.

Echoing King’s sentiments, Mandaue Chamber representative Barbara Gothong Tan and Lapu-Lapu Chamber representative Anthony Noel praised the agency’s commitment to ease of doing business, noting that digital automation and inter-agency cooperation are crucial as enterprises navigate economic headwinds.

Remulla pledged to maintain open lines with the private sector to ensure meaningful, long-term reforms.

IT should not be all profit. That should be an automatic battle cry for all well-meaning businessmen in the world.

Thus, it is almost a must for every capitalist to apportion some of the earnings to projects outside of company borders.

Corporate social responsibility, they call it.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) takes the lead once more in this aspect with its recent foray into pitching in a ‘modest amount’ for the propagation of the tamaraw, that iconic water buffalo found only in the Philippines.

FORMALIZED. Mark Luigi Bautista reports that TMP, through its social and humanitarian arm, Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMP Foundation), has recently donated P3 million to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP) to support the continued conservation and protection of the critically endangered tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) on Mindoro Island.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between TMP Foundation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Tamaraw Conservation Program Office, and the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. during the 2026 Tamaraw Fiesta in Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro, held in celebration of the annual ‘Special Month for the Conservation and Protection of Tamaraw in Mindoro.’

The P3-million conservation fund will support key TCP initiatives, including habitat monitoring and scientific research, capacity-building programs for Barangay and Indigenous Peoples (IP) volunteers, Communication, Education, and Public Awareness activities and the enhancement of the Tamaraw Research and Conservation Center.

SPECIES PROTECTION. Luigi says that a significant portion of the donation will be used to equip the facility with research and monitoring equipment that will strengthen conservation efforts and support the long-term protection of the species.

The donation builds on the partnership established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the DENR and TMP Foundation, coinciding with the launch of the Next Generation Tamaraw vehicle in December 2024.

‘Since then, TMP has supported the TCP through various initiatives aimed at strengthening on-the-ground conservation efforts,’ says Luigi, a tested chronicler of crucial TMP events under the wings of Jade Sison and Mixie Flavier.

THREE-MILLIONTH. In 2025 alone, Luigi said that TMP donated a Tamaraw utility vehicle to support TCP’s mobility requirements and field operations on Mindoro Island, along with P500,000 worth of ‘Bantay Tamaraw’ kits to equip rangers in conducting patrol, monitoring and protection activities in known tamaraw habitats.

‘As the namesake of Toyota’s iconic utility vehicle, the tamaraw holds a special significance for the company,’ says Luigi. ‘As TMP approaches its three-millionth cumulative vehicle sales milestone, its continued support for tamaraw conservation reflects the company’s commitment to giving back to society and communities that have supported its growth over the past 38 years now.’

Indeed, the partnership underscores Toyota’s broader commitment under the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 (TEC 2050), particularly to the challenge of ‘Establishing a Society in Harmony with Nature’ through biodiversity conservation and nature positive initiatives.

FROM 380 TO 425. The support comes as the TCP reports continued gains in population recovery. Says Luigi: ‘The 2026 Annual Tamaraw Population Count records 425 Tamaraws in Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park, up from 380 in 2025.

The DENR attributes the increase to sustained conservation measures, including habitat protection, scientific monitoring, law enforcement and community participation.’ As conservation efforts continue to deliver positive results, TMP and TMP Foundation remain committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the protection of the tamaraw.

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IMPETUS. Such commendable efforts by TMP should serve as impetus for others to emulate, a trigger to crossing lines if only to prove that it’s not all profit that makes one’s barometer for success.

Caring for others, thinking outside the box and looking into what makes the heart grow fonder should be as natural as breathing for all capitalists all across the globe.

Being kind and generous isn’t hard to do, fellas. Ask TMP.

PEE STOP We are now into the second ‘Ber’ (OctoBER) of the four ‘Ber’ months of the year comprising the Christmas season-ending, of course, in DecemBER. In short, it’s the season of buying (from September to December), giving the industry all the elbow room to come up with the usual perks arising from promotional bonanzas. Bring it on! Make car buffs doubly happy!…Allana Faith Rufo reports that the fourth and final Weekend Race of Toyota GAZOO RACING is set Oct. 24 at Clark in Angeles, Pampanga, with free admission to the public, as usual. Elijah Marcial, TMP senior vice president for vehicle operations, will reveal an impactful news on the event’s future during the Awards Night. Abangan!

THE governments of countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations must directly invest in green industries and expand domestic productive capacity rather than training workers for jobs that may never exist, a regional labor group warned during a green jobs forum in the Philippines.

The Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro) urged governments to align workforce development with concrete investments in renewable energy, green technology, sustainable infrastructure, public transport, agriculture, and fisheries.

‘Asean cannot train its way to a just transition. Governments must invest in green industries, build productive capacity, and create decent jobs-not simply prepare workers for jobs that may never materialize,’ Sentro Secretary General Josua Mata said in a statement.

Mata acknowledged that the Asean Framework and Action Plan for a Just and Inclusive Transition to Green Jobs 2025-2030 creates a foundation for regional cooperation, but emphasized that implementation must address the systemic lack of industries and productive capacity required to generate large-scale employment.

To bridge the gap between training and hiring, the group advocated linking skill programs and apprenticeships directly to funded projects in renewable energy, ecological restoration, low-carbon infrastructure, and essential public services.

Additionally, the group urged governments to make public subsidies and corporate incentives conditional on strict labor standards, including fair wages, secure employment, safe conditions, social protection, freedom of association, and collective bargaining.

‘A just transition is not simply about preparing workers for a changing economy. It is about transforming the economy so that it can deliver decent work, social protection, and a sustainable future for workers and their communities,’ Mata added.

The demand came at the conclusion of the two-day 2026 Asean Green Jobs Forum, where delegates highlighted investment, skills training, and adequate funding as vital to executing the regional framework.

Labor Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres affirmed that the economic shift must generate quality employment while safeguarding vulnerable workers.

‘Our core responsibility is to ensure that this transition creates decent work opportunities for our people, while providing a social protection floor to those whose jobs and livelihoods may be affected,’ Torres said.

She added that Asean must show measurable progress by 2030 in expanding green jobs, adapting workforce skills to shifting labor markets, and distributing the economic benefits more equitably.

Torres outlined three main takeaways from the forum: funneling investments into job-generating green industries, matching skills development with actual market demand, and securing the financing and technical assistance required to carry out the regional action plan.

The Philippines also endorsed technical cooperation-such as mutual recognition of green skills and a proposed Asean Green Jobs Center of Excellence-to guarantee that environmental progress goes hand in hand with decent working conditions across the region.

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (Pdea) has identified a former Bangsamoro lawmaker as one of the suspected masterminds behind an alleged attempt to smuggle P3.5 billion worth of illegal drugs from Laos to the Philippines, prompting the House of Representatives to seek answers on the shipment’s possible links to the country.

In a briefing, PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez told the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs on Thursday that evidence gathered by investigators pointed to former Bangsamoro Parliament member Edriezan Hadji Nasser Rimbang, also known as ‘Sultan,’ as a key player in the operation, citing affidavits obtained by the National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

‘Not as a mere financier, but among the key players, the mastermind,’ Nerez said in response to a question from Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal on whether Rimbang had emerged as the main person of interest in the investigation.

Nerez said authorities had yet to interview Rimbang or obtain his affidavit, as investigators were still gathering statements from other individuals before approaching him.

Rimbang was appointed to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019. He later ran under PDP-Laban, the political party associated with the Duterte family, in the 2026 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections but lost.

Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla previously acknowledged Rimbang’s longstanding political ties to the Duterte family but stressed that investigators had found no evidence linking the family to the drug shipment.

Nerez said investigators had gathered evidence indicating the alleged involvement of Rimbang and Abdulkarim Macalatas, identified as the intended recipient of the shipment in Manila. However, authorities still need transaction records involving Police MSgt. Aileen Jayne Manalo Mendoza, former airline pilot Rioklyn Pizarras Toledo and the Malaysian company that provided the chartered aircraft.

Investigators are also seeking information to support cyber warrant applications and official investigation records from Laos. Nerez said the documents must be transmitted through official government channels to ensure they can be used as evidence in Philippine courts. He welcomed the Department of Justice’s offer to help secure the records through the Office of the State Counsel.

The case stemmed from the October 1 seizure of 521 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu worth some P3.5 billion at Luang Prabang International Airport in Laos. The drugs were allegedly bound for Manila aboard a chartered private jet. The PNP-CIDG has invited at least 21 individuals to provide statements, while Philippine authorities continue to establish the shipment’s possible local connections.

Amid the investigation, the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs chairperson, Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony G. Santos called for a coordinated inquiry into the reported drug seizures and arrests in Laos and Thailand, including allegations that the intercepted shipments were intended for the Philippines.

Santos said the committee would first conduct a preliminary briefing before proceeding with an inquiry in aid of legislation, allowing concerned agencies to finalize their reports without compromising ongoing investigations. The panel is seeking to establish whether the incidents involved Filipino nationals and possible connections to local drug trafficking networks.

‘We must act with urgency but also with care and responsibility,’ Santos said during the briefing, emphasizing the need to distinguish verified facts from information supplied by foreign counterparts, analytical assessments and allegations still under investigation.

‘We should neither dismiss a serious report nor treat an allegation as an established fact,’ he said, urging authorities to clearly identify what had been confirmed and what still required verification.

Santos said the committee would examine whether existing laws, border safeguards, intelligence-sharing arrangements and interagency coordination mechanisms were sufficient to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country. The inquiry will look into possible gaps in intelligence-sharing, air and maritime border monitoring, investigative follow-ups and cooperation with foreign authorities.

He stressed that the committee’s oversight role was not to replace law enforcement investigations or determine the guilt of individual suspects, but to identify weaknesses in the government’s response. Any proposed legislation, Santos said, must address deficiencies established by evidence, whether these stem from inadequate laws, unclear procedures, insufficient resources or coordination failures.

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Deputy Customs Commissioner for Intelligence Emmanuel Luis Licup told the committee that Lao authorities had intercepted the suspected shabu and seized the aircraft used to transport it. Several Malaysian, Filipino, Singaporean and Laotian nationals were reportedly detained. Licup said Philippine agencies were still assessing whether the incident was connected to individuals or entities in the country.

He stressed that the reported Philippine destination remained unverified pending documentary evidence from foreign counterparts. The shipment did not reach the Philippines, and no notice of arrival was filed with the Bureau of Customs. Authorities are also investigating possible local recipients, financiers, facilitators and contacts.

Separately, Nerez reported that a vessel originating from Thailand was intercepted in the West Philippine Sea in September by personnel from Pdea, the Navy (PN) and the Coast Guard (PCG). The vessel reportedly returned to Thailand, where authorities subsequently seized it along with its illegal drug cargo.

Santos urged participating agencies to present their verified findings, actions taken and pending investigative matters while protecting sensitive information and the rights of those concerned. He also called for timely intelligence sharing, coordinated border protection and financial investigations, along with the immediate implementation of preventive measures already authorized under existing laws.

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Avery strong El Niño could unleash a chain of food, water, health and livelihood crises through 2027, prompting authorities to step up early interventions and contingency planning to prevent severe shortages from triggering broader social disruptions in drought-hit communities.

Government agencies and United Nations organizations on Thursday warned that the looming climate phenomenon could set off cascading impacts across food production, water supply, public health, energy security and livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities already coping with poverty and recurring disasters.

The warning comes as the Niño-3.4 index, a key indicator of warming in the tropical Pacific Ocean, surged to an unprecedented 3.7 degrees Celsius above average, according to the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).

While the term ‘super El Niño’ is widely used, PAGASA said the official classification remains a ‘very strong El Niño.’

For the Philippines, the climate event is expected to unfold in two stages.

According to Ana Liza Solis, chief of PAGASA’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section, the country has already experienced the first phase through enhanced southwest monsoon rains that brought flooding and heavy rainfall in several areas during recent months.

The next phase is expected to be more prolonged, marked by suppressed rainfall, extreme heat and worsening drought conditions that could persist into 2027.

‘In the Philippines, a very strong El Niño means facing a severe two-phase climate crisis, with heavy rains followed by intense drought and extreme hot temperatures through 2027,’ Solis said.

PAGASA forecasts below-normal rainfall in most parts of the country until at least May next year, with western sections of Luzon, Mimaropa, Panay, parts of the Visayas and Mindanao among the areas most exposed to prolonged dry spells.

As of October 19, the weather bureau had recorded nine provinces under meteorological drought, 30 under dry-spell conditions and 14 under dry conditions. Areas already experiencing drought include Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Eastern Samar, Siquijor and Misamis Oriental.

The effects are already beginning to emerge.

Solis said reports from local stakeholders indicate that parts of Siquijor and Camarines Norte are experiencing water stress and water scarcity. Water regulators have likewise reduced allocations from Angat Dam as part of efforts to stretch supplies serving Metro Manila.

‘We still have rain, so we need to catch the rain using our balde. But once we don’t have rain, we need to use tabo,’ she said, urging households to conserve water while supplies remain stable.

Agriculture is expected to be among the hardest-hit sectors.

Officials cited Department of Agriculture (DA) projections showing agricultural losses could reach P20 billion, potentially affecting between 2.8 million and 4.6 million farmers, fisherfolk and other food producers.

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Dulce Carandang, assistant representative for programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization Philippines, said preparations need to begin long before drought conditions intensify.

Drawing lessons from a drought-response project in Isabela during the 2023-2024 El Niño, Carandang said every dollar invested in anticipatory action generated roughly seven dollars in avoided losses.

Government agencies and development partners are promoting climate-smart agriculture, crop diversification, solar-powered irrigation systems and localized climate advisories to help farmers adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Health officials warned that the consequences extend well beyond farms and reservoirs.

Olivia Lawe Davies, deputy representative of the World Health Organization in the Philippines, said prolonged drought and extreme heat could increase cases of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, malnutrition, dengue and water-borne diseases while straining health-care facilities.

‘We’re really talking about preparedness and not alarm,’ she said. ‘When we have early warning, the key is to use it.’

Children are expected to be among the most vulnerable.

Andreas Wuestenberg, officer-in-charge representative of UNICEF Philippines, noted that more than 97 percent of Filipino children are exposed to multiple climate-related hazards. He said particular attention should be given to the estimated 5.9 million children already living in poverty, whose families have fewer resources to cope with prolonged drought and rising food insecurity.

The United Nations also highlighted another consequence of worsening climate shocks: displacement.

Tristan Burnett, chief of mission of the International Organization for Migration in the Philippines, said climate-related disasters and livelihood losses are increasingly influencing migration and displacement decisions.

‘The Philippines remains one of the countries most affected by disaster displacement globally,’ Burnett said.

He stressed that resilience measures should allow families to remain safely in their communities rather than being forced to relocate because of climate-related pressures.

The issue of social tensions surfaced during the briefing when reporters asked officials about worst-case scenarios should drought conditions worsen significantly.

Jose Harry Barber, officer-in-charge of the Office of Civil Defense’s Disaster Resilience Service, said scenarios such as civil unrest are part of standard contingency planning but emphasized that authorities are not seeing warning signs of such developments.

‘I saw that in my crystal ball, which is lowbatt [low battery],’ Barber joked. ‘It is template planning. No red flag yet.’

Solis noted though that severe drought conditions during the 2015-2016 El Niño contributed to unrest in Kidapawan, underscoring the importance of acting early before shortages become acute.

For officials, the lesson from previous El Niño events is not to wait until reservoirs run low, crops fail and communities begin to feel the full impact.

Instead, the focus is on translating forecasts into action.

The government has activated a nationwide response involving agencies responsible for agriculture, water management, disaster preparedness and social protection, while UN agencies are supporting anticipatory action programs, climate-risk forecasting, cash assistance and resilience-building initiatives.

Officials repeatedly stressed that while the forecasts are concerning, the goal is to prevent a climate shock from evolving into a humanitarian crisis.

‘Climate shocks do not have to become a humanitarian crisis,’ Burnett said. ‘We have the science, we have the forecasts, we have the knowledge, and we have the tools to act early.’

LOS ANGELES-Al Pacino has been named the next recipient of the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award.

The 86-year-old star of Dog Day Afternoon, Scent of a Woman and a trilogy of Godfather films is the 62nd actor to receive the highest honor handed out by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

‘I wondered and wandered most of my life but have always felt at home with a script and my fellow actors. It’s the work and the actors along the way that have been among the greatest joys of my life,’ Pacino said in a statement on Thursday. ‘It’s an honor to be recognized by SAG-AFTRA in celebrating the journey.’

He’ll pick up the prize on February 28 at the 33rd annual Actor Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The show will stream live on Netflix.

The award also honors humanitarian work, and the guild cited Pacino’s charitable efforts for disaster relief, fighting hunger and poverty and his support for local theater companies, including the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles.

The native New Yorker was a young actor best known for his stage work when director Francis Ford Coppola tapped him to play Michael Corleone in 1972’s The Godfather against the wishes of a studio that wanted an established star in the coveted part.

He would be nominated for an Oscar for the role and become regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation. He got annual Academy Award nominations for the next three years, for Serpico, The Godfather Part II and Dog Day Afternoon. He would not win until he took best actor for Scent of a Woman in 1993, a year when he was also nominated for supporting actor for Glengarry Glen Ross. He’s been nominated nine times overall, most recently in 2020 for The Irishman.

Pacino has also won two competitive Actor Awards from SAG-AFTRA, two Emmys, four Golden Globes and the Globes’ lifetime achievement honor, the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

‘I have spent my life in awe and appreciation of the force of nature that is Al Pacino,’ SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin said in a statement.

‘When you watch him perform, you are witnessing a student and a master. Al Pacino is an artist of extraordinary courage, intensity and heart whose work has always set an exceptional standard of skill and talent. All of that and he’s just plain fun to watch.’

The SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award dates to 1962. Previous winners include Barbara Stanwyck, James Stewart, Pearl Bailey, Frank Sinatra, James Cagney, Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Paul Newman, James Earl Jones, Jane Fonda and Harrison Ford.

SENIOR Associate Justice Marvic Leonen on Thursday told the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) that he would not compromise his principles just to secure the Chief Justice (CJ) position.

Leonen is one of the five incumbent justices of the Supreme Court (SC) applying for the CJ post that will be vacated by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo upon his compulsory retirement at age 70 on November 6.

In his opening statement during the start of the JBC’s public interview of the candidates, Leonen said the country needs a CJ who is ‘independent, principled, and willing to make hard decisions’ considering the current political and economic challenges being experienced by the people.

Leonen noted that he had previously voted on principle against the legal positions of the late President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino Jr., who appointed him to the High Tribunal, and other presidents that came after him.

‘I have accepted the nomination, but also know that leadership gained by compromising principle is not worth it. If that what is demanded, leadership does not always require entitlement,’ Leonen stressed. Leonen recently came out with a ruling declaring the 2024 and 2025 national budgets signed by President Marcos Jr. as unconstitutional as well as key provisions in the 2026 national budget.

With less than two years in office, Marcos will get the chance to appoint the next CJ upon Gesmundo’s retirement.

Under the Constitution, the President is mandated to make appointments in the judiciary within 90 days from the occurrence of the Former Vice President Leni Robredo is pushing for Leonen’s appointment as chief magistrates, underscoring his ‘competence, independence, probity, and integrity.’

Inventory of corruption cases

During his interview, Leonen disclosed his nine commitments if ever he gets appointed as the head of the judiciary, which includes the conduct of an independent inventory of major corruption cases that have been filed before the courts since 1986 to determine the reasons for their dismissal or conviction.

Leonen said he has started negotiations for the resources from the Official Development Assistance for the project.

‘A corruption case that is allowed to age becomes unwinnable by operation of a constitutional right, and no one has to be bribed for that to happen,’ Leonen stressed.

He added that cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman arising from large-scale corruption be decided at first instance before the end of 2027.

‘The commitment is to decide, never to convict,’ he pointed out.

He added that courts, including the SC, should commit to a timetable for every case, saying that a delay in the resolution of a case can be considered ‘a denial and a betrayal.’

‘When a case before us is submitted for decision, the party should be told the date by which we expect to decide it, and if the date will not be met, told why before it passes,’ Leonen said.

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Likewise, Leonen said he would push for the conduct of a comprehensive review of admission to the Bar and the recognition of Shari’a counselors as special members of the Integrated Bar and to open paths for more people to become Shari’ah lawyers.

He noted that at present there are only 1,612 Shari’ah counselors.

Judicial review of regulatory actions

Leonen also committed to consult with the members of the business sector about examining the rules on judicial review of regulatory actions.

He disclosed that a private organization has already held focus group discussion on its members’ perception of the judiciary and their principal concerns.

‘We are studying the results, unfortunately it is undergoing deliberations with the Court and I cannot share them,’ Leonen told the JBC.

Leonen also vowed to come up with a mechanism for business organizations to report illegal exaction made by any court of court employee.

‘We will tell them what we did with each report, with an indicative timetable of the results we expect,’ Leonen said.

Aside from Leonen, other candidates for the post are Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Rodil V. Zalameda, Japar B. Dimaampao, and Jose Midas P. Marquez.

Leonen and Caguioa were both scheduled for a public interview Thursday while the interview of Zalameda, Dimaampao, and Marquez will be done on Monday, October 26.

The NBA is here, and if you thought Filipino basketball fans simply waited for Oct. 21 to roll around, think again.

They’ve been busy.

From racking up billions of views to growing its social media following by millions, the NBA’s digital footprint in the Philippines continued to expand during the 2025-26 season.

As the league gets ready for another year, here are five fun facts about NBA fans in the Philippines based on social data from the NBA’s localized platforms collected between October 2025 to July 2026.

Filipino fans couldn’t seem to get enough of the NBA

4.42 billion.

That’s the number of total impressions generated by NBA Philippines content across Facebook, TikTok, and X during the period.

That’s a 167% jump from just last year.

To put that into perspective, NBA content wasn’t merely showing up on Filipino fans’ feeds. It was practically setting up camp.

And with the 2026-27 season tipping off this Oct. 21, there’s little reason to expect the scrolling to slow down anytime soon.

ArenaPlus, the NBA’s Official Betting Partner in the Philippines, is also ready for another season of basketball action as fans rally behind their favorite teams and players once again.

They didn’t just see it. They watched it.

If 4.42 billion impressions sound massive, here’s another number to chew on: 1.84 billion views.

That’s the combined number of views NBA Philippines content generated across Facebook, TikTok, and X from October 2025 to July 2026 – a whopping 211% increase year on year.

Clearly, Filipino NBA fans weren’t just casually scrolling past the latest highlights. They were stopping to watch.

And in a country where basketball debates can last longer than some actual games, there was probably plenty to talk about afterward, too.

Filipino NBA fans weren’t shy hitting the ‘Like’ button

The numbers get even more interesting when you look beyond views.

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NBA Philippines recorded over 197 million interactions across Facebook, TikTok, and X during the same period, representing a 195% year-on-year increase.

Likes, comments, shares, and other forms of engagement helped push the NBA’s digital presence to another level. Basically, Filipino fans weren’t content with simply watching Nikola Jokic throw a dime, Steph Curry launch a three from way, way out, or their favorite team survive a fourth-quarter scare.

They had something to say about it. And they weren’t shy about sharing it online.

NBA Philippines added nearly two million Facebook followers

The growth wasn’t limited to views and engagement.

On Facebook alone, NBA Philippines added 1.95 million followers, representing a 28.92% year-on-year increase.

TikTok wasn’t far behind in terms of momentum, adding 129,000 followers, or 10.92% growth year on year.

That’s a whole lot of new basketball fans hitting the follow button.

And with the 2026-27 season just around the corner, those numbers could be in for another boost once the games begin.

Surprise: More than half of NBA Philippines’ audience is female

Here’s one that might make the neighborhood basketball barkada do a double take.

Women account for 53% of NBA Philippines’ followers across Facebook, TikTok, and X combined.

That’s right: women make up the majority of the NBA Philippines social media audience based on the data collected from October 2025 to July 2026.

The numbers also show just how young the NBA’s digital audience is, with 69% of followers aged 18 to 34.

That suggests the NBA’s appeal in the Philippines extends well beyond the traditional image of the typical basketball fan – and that its digital audience is increasingly young, diverse, and highly engaged.

With the 2026-27 season tipping off on Wednesday, Oct. 21 (Philippine time), there’s a good chance those fans will once again be glued to their screens.

After all, if the numbers from the previous season are any indication, Filipino fans aren’t simply watching the NBA.

THE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) and the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) are opposing the Department of Energy (DOE)-Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2026-01, arguing that it introduces severe regulatory uncertainty and investment risks.

While the groups expressed support for the government’s goal of ensuring national energy security, they cited questionable provisions in the JAO. These include requiring incumbent operators to surrender privately-owned operational assets upon contract expiry, disadvantageous new bidding criteria, and biased evaluation process.

‘Policy stability and adherence to the rule of law are the bedrock for business and investment growth. If new and questionable provisions create uncertainty and fear, and make investing costlier in terms of involving project financing and asset valuations, among other things, then the government’s efforts to attract investors and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Ease of Doing Business agenda and his push to make the minerals industry as a stronger pillar of economic development would be for naught,’ they said.

They urged the government to ensure that the JAO is consistent with existing laws and contractual rights, promotes fair and transparent competition, and supports the country’s efforts to attract long-term investments.

‘We remain committed to constructive engagement with the DOE and the DENR to help achieve the government’s policy objectives,’ they added.

The DOE, however, said the new bidding rules for the upcoming coal auction are necessary. DOE Secretary Sharon Garin explained that while the guidelines for coal exploration bidding have recently changed, specifically for brownfield projects with proven and viable coal resources, the rules for greenfield projects remain unchanged.

‘I think what they mean is that the rules have changed compared to the previous ones. I guess what they’re saying is that the bidding rules for standard coal exploration have been modified recently. This is true in brownfield projects, but for greenfield projects, they remain the same,’ Garin had said.

The energy chief stressed that brownfield rules have been adjusted to maximize efficiency and secure resources. ‘For example, for brownfield projects, the majority or 80 percent of the produced coal must be sold domestically. Right now, it’s the other way around, as I think 80 percent is being exported.

‘What we want is an indigenous source of fuel due to the threats in the Middle East, so there are changes,’ said Garin.

Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) currently holds coal operating contract (COC) No. 5, which is among the coal blocks on Semirara Island that will be auctioned by the DOE. The COC is valid until July 14, 2027.

The previous bidding for coal mining areas has been canceled to implement a new bidding process under updated rules, following the conclusion of the second public consultation. The DOE said this was meant to reassess the parameters of awarding coal operating contracts so that the next round can be conducted under this new set of rules.

The coal bid round covered three predetermined areas in Antique, Cagayan, and Isabela, offered for development and production coal operating contracts (DP COCs) under the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program (PCEP). It was met with heavy resistance stemming from legal, technical, financial concerns.

‘The concerns raised by stakeholders during the presubmission conferences, developments affecting Semirara Island-one of the offered areas-including continuing water seepage, and certain legal considerations warrant a reassessment of the evaluation criteria applicable to the award of DP COCs for the offered areas,’ the DOE had said.

Garin clarified that the rules are uniform for all participants and are not targeting or excluding any specific company. ‘Anyone who qualifies under the established rules will be considered because it’s the same rules for everyone. Everyone is given a chance,’ she said.

Viatris Inc. (Nasdaq: VTRS), a global healthcare company, recently convened the CV Masterclass 2026 in the Philippines, gathering healthcare professionals from diverse specialties and countries in Southeast Asia for a regional dialogue on advancing cardiovascular care.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death and illness worldwide, with Asia bearing a disproportionate share of the burden. In 2021, the region accounted for more than 61% of all global CVD deaths, a figure expected to climb steadily in the coming decades. Between 2025 and 2050, projections from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) indicate a 91.2% rise in cardiovascular mortality, reaching 24.1 million deaths by 2050. This alarming trajectory underscores the urgent need for stronger, coordinated action across the healthcare ecosystem to curb the projections and establish scalable, sustainable models of prevention and long-term care.

Viatris draws on a longstanding legacy in cardiovascular health through its broad portfolio spanning the continuum of care – from risk management and prevention to the treatment of complex conditions. Through its focus on research, treatment, education, advocacy, partnership, and innovation, the company continues to address areas of significant unmet medical need, while supporting better patient journeys.

‘The cardiovascular landscape continues to evolve, and so must the way we address it,’ said Dr. Nagendra Ramanjinappa, Head of Viatris Medical Affairs for KLAM and I-AM. ‘The CV Masterclass provides an opportunity to deepen understanding among multidisciplinary experts. By bringing different perspectives and experiences into one conversation, we hope to connect scientific advances with real-world clinical experience and identify approaches that can be meaningfully applied across the region.’

Held face-to-face in the Philippines, the one-day CV Masterclass served as a regional platform for discussions grounded in scientific evidence and real-world clinical experience. Across presentations, discussions, and QandA sessions, 101 participants explored key challenges and developments in cardiovascular health, such as hypertension, lipids, and heart failure management, blood pressure variability, and digital solutions. They also examined how international evidence and guidelines can be considered within the Asian context, including treatment considerations for special and underrepresented populations.

Advancing a More Personalized Approach for Better Patient Outcomes

Across the discussions, experts emphasized that effective cardiovascular care cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding each patient’s risk profile and needs is crucial for making informed decisions – from identifying and managing risks early to adjusting treatment strategies as the patient’s condition changes.

Prof. Ian Wilkinson, past President of the British and Irish Society and Professor of Therapeutics at the University of Cambridge, stressed the importance of individualizing medical care across different stages of life and emphasizing the need for early identification and treatment to help reduce the risk of serious complications like stroke, heart attack and heart failure.

‘Early diagnosis and intervention are the best risk reduction and long-term cardiovascular outcome protection. Guidelines recommend CV risk assessment to understand patients’ probability of experiencing a cardiovascular event and also to personalize treatment. A common risk factor that is continuously related to cardiovascular risk is hypertension. One simple method for successful blood pressure control is the 4S approach which stands for (1) Salt and Satiety through salt reduction or replacement, (2) Sensible drugs and sensible doses based on efficacy and duration of action, (3) pSeudoresitant hypertension through confirmation using ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) or home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) and (4) Secondary hypertension caused by other conditions.’

Likewise, Dr. Alejandro Bimbo Diaz, President of Philippine Society of Hypertension, highlighted how consistent monitoring supports this personalized approach. In particular, understanding blood pressure variability (BPV) – which refer to how blood pressure fluctuates over time – can provide critical insights aside from hypertension monitoring.

‘We can think of blood pressure variability like the weather. How it shifts throughout the day, across weeks, or between periods provides a much clearer picture of a patient’s overall health and underlying clinical factors,’ he explained. ‘Studies have also shown that wider fluctuations are often linked to stress on vital organs like the kidneys and brain – and can even be connected to risks like stroke and cognitive impairment. With this knowledge, we can better anticipate potential complications and tailor treatment plans according to a patient’s individual profile.’

Extending Care Through Medical Affairs and Digital Innovation

Beyond scientific dialogue, Viatris helps translate evidence and innovation into practical initiatives that support healthcare professionals, engage patients, and strengthen care across the cardiovascular journey. Among these is the BEAT App (BPV Engagement and Adherence Tool), launched during the Masterclass to simplify blood pressure monitoring and management. By analyzing and visualizing blood pressure trends, the app helps healthcare professionals and patients interpret blood pressure variability (BPV) to drive more informed clinical decisions. Key features include trend graphs, a clinician dashboard, educational modules, and smart reminders, all localized with tailored visuals to maximize usability.

Viatris further extends its impact through the Patient Academy, NCD Academy, and Medical Information Platform. These platforms broaden efforts by championing patient education, strengthening professional healthcare capacity, and expanding access to vital medical resources. Together, these initiatives reflect the company’s mission of empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, through Access, Leadership, and Partnership.

Building Momentum for the Future of Cardiovascular Care

Platforms for dialogue can accelerate knowledge exchange, surface shared challenges, and identify practical opportunities to strengthen care. For Viatris, the CV Masterclass is one expression of its broader commitment to cardiovascular health by bringing together innovation, education, advocacy and partnerships to support healthcare professionals and, ultimately, the patients they serve.

About Viatris

Viatris Inc. (Nasdaq: VTRS) is a global healthcare company whose mission is to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life. We meet the needs of patients around the world by acting decisively with ingenuity and resolve. Whether we’re developing new medicines, working to maintain a resilient supply of needed therapies, or pursuing bold innovation, we strive to deliver solutions that are effective at scale and built to endure. We’re purpose-built to make an impact with a broad portfolio that spans generics, value-added medicines, established brands and innovative medicines that address areas of significant unmet need. We are headquartered in the U.S., with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai, and Hyderabad, India. Learn more at viatris.com and investor.viatris.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and X.