Category: Philippine Star

The Philippine economy is expected to grow at a faster pace in the fourth quarter as weather disturbances weighing on overall economic activity in the current quarter, according to the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev).

‘We’re a bit more optimistic for fourth quarter and third quarter,’ DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan yesterday told reporters on the sidelines of House of Representatives hearing.

He said the fourth quarter performance could be better than the third quarter due to the recent weather disruptions, with severe rains leading to weeks of class suspensions.

‘Of course that affected our economic activity,’ Balisacan said.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies president Philip Arnold Tuaño said that a flooding event affects the economy, including demand for goods and inputs for productions.

Tuaño said there are studies that estimate a flooding event could affect around 0.6 percent of a city’s gross domestic product.

Earlier, Balisacan said that inflation remains a major challenge for the economy.

Should inflation continue easing, he said that it is expected to support consumption, the main engine of the economy.

Headline inflation eased to 6.1 percent in August from the previous month’s 6.2 percent, but remained elevated and well above the two to four percent target set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

From January to August, inflation averaged 5.2 percent, above the government’s two to four percent target.

Balisacan also said earlier that accelerated public infrastructure spending is expected to drive private construction activity and generate multiplier effects across the economy.

Economic growth slowed to 2.3 percent in the second quarter, the weakest pace in five years. This brought first half growth to 2.6 percent, below the government’s revised 3.5 to 4.5 percent growth target for the year.

While Balisacan is more upbeat on the fourth quarter economic performance, he said that the government is preparing for the severe El Niño expected in the latter part of the year.

‘We’re doing our best,’ he said.

To prepare for the El Niño and its effects, Tuaño said early warning systems should be in place to be able to assess the situation and plan the response.

He said the government also needs to prepare assistance for affected farmers.

‘It’s not just social assistance, cash subsidy, but also productivity assistance,’ Tuaño said.

An additional 1.28 million capsules of doxycycline have been released through regional health centers nationwide to help prevent and manage cases of leptospirosis, according to the Department of Health.

The DOH said that concerned Centers for Health Development augmented the number of doxycycline capsules provided in areas needing medication for leptospirosis.

The health agency said there are still 40,812 doxycycline capsules available in DOH-run hospitals and medical centers in Metro Manila.

‘A department memorandum was issued to ensure regular monitoring and replenishment of doxycycline stocks in rural and barangay health units,’ the DOH said.

Aside from leptospirosis, the health agency also addressed common skin and wound problems by releasing additional 28,800 capsules of doxycycline, 600 tubes of mupirocin ointment, 936 tubes of ketoconazole ointment and 500 bars of guava herbal soap.

‘DOH and local government hospitals, health centers and YAKAP clinics remain open and ready to provide consultations,’ the DOH said.

Fast lanes have been established in DOH-run hospitals to facilitate treatment of leptospirosis.

DOH data showed an increase in leptospirosis cases, with 8,317 infections recorded this year.

The figure is 14 percent higher than the 7,280 cases reported in 2025.

Bulacan floods receding

Meanwhile, health officials in Bulacan are watching out for water- and mosquito-borne diseases as floodwaters have started to recede.

Hjordis Marushka Celis of the provincial health office said these water-borne diseases may include diarrhea, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis and dengue.

To prevent the spread of diseases particularly in flooded areas, Celis said the provincial health office is conducting surveillance for case finding and information campaign, and disseminating surveillance update to all stakeholders.

From 200 previously, the number of flooded barangays in Bulacan has gone down to 35.

Manuel Lukban Jr., provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer, said that as of yesterday morning, Calumpit had 26 flooded barangays, Hagonoy had six and Malolos, three.

Several barangay roads in Calumpit remain impassable to all types of vehicles.

Lukban said there are still 1,970 families staying in 49 evacuation centers.

And just like that, we’re now in the middle of September. And if you’re a Filipino, you know that it’s officially the start of the Christmas, hear Christmas carols in malls, see Christmas decors in public places and in some private homes too. It’s a mix of excitement and stress, ‘Huh! Pasko na naman? Gastos na naman at traffic na naman!’ Then there’s also that pressure to check our goals for the year, ‘OMG! With just one full quarter left, will I meet my goals this year?’

Between the coming Christmas stress and wrapping up annual targets, it’s easy to get caught in a whirlwind of external demands, busy schedules, unhelpful news on the local and global fronts, that we may find ourselves operating on autopilot, checking off tasks without stopping to ask whether our daily efforts are moving us toward true fulfillment.

This is why for today’s article, we will recalibrate our activities using an important tool: the Well-being Wheel of Life.

What is the Well-being Wheel of Life (WWL)?

The Well-being Wheel of Life is a diagnostic framework combining Paul Meyer’s The Wheel of Life and Gallup’s Five Elements of Well-being based on decades of global research across over 150 countries. As we go through each of the five dimensions, I want you to give yourself a score for each dimension ranging from 1-10, 1 being the lowest and 10 the highest.

1. Physical and mental well-being

The Engine: How is your health? How are your energy, stamina, and emotional resilience tackling daily life with its ups and downs?

2. Career and Growth

The Purpose: Do you like what you do every day? You don’t have to be jumping with joy each moment, but do you feel fulfilled using your strengths while serving others, earning for yourself, continuously learning, and finding your place under the sun?

3. Social well-being

The Inner Circle: Do you have deep intimate connections with your family, close friends, and other loved ones that you can count on?

4. Community and belonging

The Outer Circle: Do you have groups outside of your inner circle where you feel safe, aligned, grounded in what matters to you most?

5. Financial well-being (FQ)

The Fuel: What is your FQ Score? Do you have the economic stability and clarity that enables, sustains, and protects the other four dimensions of your well-being?

To calculate your overall Well-being Wheel of Life Index/Score, add up all your scores in the above five dimensions then multiply by 2. Below is a quick diagnostic key to help you interpret your score:

75 – 100: Thriving. You have strong overall alignment. Your wheel is spinning smoothly! Focus on sustaining your daily non-negotiables through the Q4 rush.

50 – 74: Struggling. You are getting by, but 1 or 2 neglected spokes are causing friction. Identify your lowest score and give it extra care.

Below 50: Suffering. Multiple spokes are under severe pressure. Don’t panic-pick one dimension (e.g., Physical or Financial) and start with a simple micro-habit this week.

Here’s a good reminder: These five dimensions are the spokes on our wheel of life. If one or two spokes are significantly shorter or neglected-for instance, if your career spoke is at a 9 but your health or relationships are at a 3-the wheel doesn’t turn smoothly. The ride becomes bumpy, leading to stress, friction, and eventual burnout. But also remember this: We have different seasons of life. There are seasons when we need to hustle at work (that’s the career dimension), and that is fine. And there are seasons when we need to focus on the other dimensions of our wheel. What is important is to be aware of what we are focusing on at the moment, and to make sure that we do not sacrifice the other dimensions for the sake of one for a prolonged period of time, because just like a bicycle wheel rolling over a rough road, running on a single or a few long spokes while neglecting the rest will eventually cause the entire wheel to warp and collapse. Balance isn’t about equal effort every single day; it’s about making sure no single area of your life is left flat for too long.

Pause to audit and use a compass

True success isn’t just about output; it’s about alignment. When we take a moment to audit our wheel, two major shifts happen:

1. Imbalances become visible. We stop guessing why we feel drained and can pinpoint the exact area needing care.

2. Core values take priority. It forces us to examine if our daily calendars actually match our non-negotiables. This is the compass we should use in the way we live our lives, in the way we use our resources like time and money. To know your core values, do the exercise in FQ Book 1 on page 65.

Moving into Q4 with intention

The final stretch of the year doesn’t have to be a mad sprint to exhaustion. By running a quick audit on your Well-being Wheel, identifying core values, and checking critical stability points like your Financial Quotient (FQ), you gain clarity on where to direct your energy. Re-aligning your life isn’t about an overhaul; it’s about making small, deliberate micro-habits starting today-ensuring that when the year ends, you are truly thriving. And don’t forget to use the power of design as thoroughly discussed in FQ Book 3.

Remember, a well-lived life is not about having a perfect score every day. It is about keeping your wheel balanced enough so that your journey toward your goals remains smooth, joyful, and meaningful.

The Supreme Court has urged Congress on Wednesday, September 16, to pass a law that defines and determines the scope of the prohibition against political dynasties ‘at the earliest opportunity.’

Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting announced that the high court has granted the consolidated petitions for certiorari and mandamus that challenged Congress’ failure to pass an anti-political dynasty law for almost four decades.

‘By a majority vote, the Court likewise granted mandamus holding that Congress’s failure to enact an anti-political dynasty law amounts to a refusal to perform a mandatory constitutional duty,’ Ting said.

Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando cited Article 2, Section 26 of the Constitution in the ruling, stressing that the government has a ‘constitutional duty’ to prohibit political dynasties.

Ting said the Supreme Court did not set a deadline for when the law must be enacted, as it also recognized that it cannot force Congress, as a co-equal branch of government, to perform a discretionary act.

A case may be filed before the high court in case Congress still fails to comply with the order, according to Ting.

‘Well, we trust that the Congress will comply with the directive of the Supreme Court. But in case that does not happen, we will have to wait for the court’s action and a case that may be filed before it,’ Ting said.

Define dynasty

The Supreme Court stressed that the cited constitutional provision has made it clear that it is Congress’ mandate to ban political dynasties ‘as may be defined by law’.

‘The phrase ‘as may be defined by law’ does not give Congress a choice whether to prohibit political dynasties. Rather, it gives Congress the authority to define what constitutes a political dynasty and determine the scope of the prohibition,’ the Supreme Court said.

Ting said the court also determined that it reflected the framers’ intentions of the 1987 Constitution.

‘Records of the Constitutional Commission showed that the framers agreed to leave the definition of political dynasties to Congress after they could not agree on the specific family relationships and public positions that should be covered,’ Ting said.

Grave abuse of discretion

While the Supreme Court also recognized the anti-political dynasty bills that had been filed in Congress, it also stressed that its prolonged failure to enact an appropriate one constituted a ‘grave use of discretion’ and a violation of its mandate.

‘The court found that 39 years is beyond a reasonable period to carry out the constitutional command. Congress has continued inaction, therefore, constitutes a continuing violation of its constitutional duty,’ Ting said.

It also pointed out that political dynasties remain widespread and even extended into the party-list system.

‘Despite changes in the composition of Congress over the years, no comprehensive anti-political dynasty law has been enacted, implying either a lack of interest, avoidance for convenience, or service of self-interest,’ Ting added.

As of February 2026, 24 anti-political dynasty bills had been filed in Congress.

The Supreme Court stressed that while the Constitution did not set any deadline for Congress to define an anti-dynasty law, it does not allow the indefinite postponement of its enactment.

“The Congress of the Philippines must henceforth and with utmost urgency enact the appropriate anti-political dynasty law at the earliest opportunity,” the decision read, as quoted by Ting in a press briefing.

All out, indeed.

In what could be the biggest All Out Games (AOG) competition ever, around 500 athletes from here and abroad are expected to compete in the two-day competition.

Now in its fourth year, AOG will run from October 3-4 at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang.

‘While AOG continues to be one of the highly anticipated functional fitness competitions in the country, this year’s edition is set to raise the bar even further in scale and experience,’ organizers said in a statement.

Last year, over 400 athletes saw action across several divisions.

The qualifiers on this year’s AOG started in April.

‘What started four years ago has continued to grow with the Philippine functional fitness community. Every edition has been an opportunity to improve, and AOG 2026 is a reflection of that commitment – more athletes, more experiences, more opportunities and a bigger platform for the community to come together,’ the organizers added.

But more than the largest competitor turnout, around 3,000 total foot traffic is also expected.

This year’s AOG will likewise bring new challenges, activities and activations to get both athletes and spectators involved.

‘These experiences give everyone a chance to test themselves, discover new brands and be part of the action beyond the main competition.’

A part of the proceeds of the competition will be given to the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy and the PEP Project.

Eight percent of Filipino families had at least one member fall victim to cybercrime in the six months leading to June, the highest level recorded by Social Weather Stations since it began tracking the figure in 2023.

The June figure was up from 5.8% in March, even as the share of families affected by common crimes such as robbery, break-ins and physical violence declined nationwide.

Cybercrime cases among families rose sharply in Metro Manila, from 10.1% in March to 13.4% in June, and in the Visayas, from 4.1% to 10.4%, SWS said Monday, September 14.

The figure also increased in Mindanao from 5.3% to 8.8%.

Balance Luzon was the only major area to record a decline, from 5.5% to 5.1%.

SWS asked respondents whether they or any family member had fallen victim to online scams, account hacking, cyberbullying or other cybercrimes in the previous six months.

The survey was conducted from June 20 to 29 through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide, with 300 respondents each from Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Common crimes decline

Meanwhile, 10% of Filipino families reported that at least one member had fallen victim to a common crime in the previous six months, down from 12.3% in March.

SWS classifies street robbery or pickpocketing, home break-ins, carnapping and physical violence as common crimes.

The Philippine National Police welcomed the decline while acknowledging the growing threat of crimes committed online.

“The PNP, through the Anti-Cybercrime Group… continues to strengthen its response to cyber-related offenses while reminding the public to remain vigilant against online scams, account hacking, cyberbullying, and other forms of digital victimization,” the PNP said in a statement Monday.

Singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla is mourning the passing of her younger brother, Peregrine ‘Sonny’ Padilla.

Zsa Zsa announced the sad news through social media on Tuesday, September 15.

According to her post, Sonny passed away on September 13 at the age of 57. She did not disclose the cause of his death.

Zsa Zsa said Sonny’s passing has left a huge void in their family, but the memories they shared with him will remain in their hearts.

The real estate investment trust (REIT) of Megaworld Corp. has secured regulatory approval for its largest asset infusion to date, elevating its property portfolio to P122 billion.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, MREIT Inc. said it has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to proceed with its fifth round of property infusion, its largest to date.

The latest property-for-share swap adds P27 billion in assets to MREIT, boosting the company’s gross leasable area (GLA) by 303,900 square meters.

The value of MREIT’s assets under management has now gone up to P122 billion, covering 950,000 sqm in GLA. Prior to the recent transaction, MREIT received a fourth wave of property infusion, amounting to P16.2 billion.

MREIT president and CEO Jose Arnulfo Batac said investors would immediately feel the benefit of the added assets. Investors will see their dividend-per-share go up in the third quarter.

‘With SEC approval secured within the third quarter and the assets contributing income effective July 1, shareholders stand to benefit from the transaction’s material dividend-per-share accretion from the outset,’ Batac said.

To sustain growth traction, MREIT is working on its next round of property-for-share swap and will take in some of Megaworld’s prized assets in Uptown Bonifacio.

Megaworld assets being considered for the next property infusion include office assets with high tenancy and retail establishments with consistent traffic.

MREIT aims to expand its GLA to above one million sqm by 2027. MREIT’s growth pipeline is supported by the project buildup of sponsor Megaworld, allowing it to prop up its portfolio with commercial and residential units.

The fifth property infusion covers five malls with 160,200 sqm in GLA: Eastwood Mall, Festive Walk Mall, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Southwoods Mall and Venice Grand Canal Mall. Likewise, it adds six office spaces with 117,200 sqm in GLA.

MREIT also welcomed the 737-room Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City in line with the push to diversify its portfolio.

To date, MREIT has succeeded in diversifying its assets under management to 77 percent office, 20 percent retail and three percent hotels, from more than 95 percent office originally.

The Philippines made its first appearance in Asian Games men’s football after 52 years and Uzbekistan was in no mood for a nice welcome-back treat.

With the Pinoy booters left with 10 men in the last 42 minutes, the Uzbeks capitalized and scored four goals to run away with a 5-1 romp in yesterday’s Group C opener at Nagoya City Minato Field.

Though disadvantaged in manpower after Gavin Muens was issued a red card at the 48th minute for pulling down Ollabergan Kalimov, the U23s managed to stay within striking distance of their rivals two-thirds of the way.

Martin Merino’s 62nd minute goal pulled the Filipinos to within 1-2 but that turned out to be their final say as the Uzbeks – fresh from their historic Olympic debut in Paris two years ago – went on a late scoring spree.

Saidumarkhon Saidnurullayev scored his second of the match at the 71st minute to restore a two-goal cushion then Ruziboy Fayzullaev and Mukhammedali Reimov took turns punching through the Philippine defense to complete a four-goal triumph.

Alas vs Great Wall

Meanwhile, the Alas Pilipinas women’s team assumes the chore of trying to tear down China’s great wall today at the start of volleyball competitions at the Okazaki Sogo Park Gym.

It’s the toughest possible opening assignment but the Pinay spikers are all pumped up and ready to go.

‘We are mentally ready to face the Chinese. We’ll try our very best,’ said Alas coach Taka Minowa, whose charges take on the dreaded Chinese two days after Gilas Pilipinas fared miserably against Team Dragon and kissed its title-retention bid goodbye.

Personnel-wise, the Filipinas are the complete underdogs in their 1 p.m. duel (Manila time) against the Chinese.

And then they also brace for a China squad that’s out for redemption after its heartbreaking runner-up finish at the AVC Continental Cup in its own home ground in Tianjin last month.

The Chinese were denied the gold by Thailand in the said meet, missing a ticket to the 2028 LA Olympics in the process.

Of course, an upset of titanic proportions against China will be the ideal result for Alas Women in the kickoff game of Pool B preliminaries.

But a loss won’t be fatal as the Pinay spikers can still advance to the quarterfinals if they can take care of business in the succeeding game against Kazakhstan tomorrow.

The top two in each of the four brackets will advance to the quarters and the Nationals hope they would be the ones to that.

Alas will be bannered by Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Eya Laure and Angel Canino while the other members of the squad are Niña Ytang, Mars Alba, Justine Jazareno, Dell Palomata, Amie Provido, Thea Gagate, Jia de Guzman and Shania Nitura.

The mission is to replicate, if not eclipse, the Philippines’ best finish in the quadrennial games in the sport at fourth in the 1962 Jakarta edition.

Alas looks to bring a breath of fresh air to a Philippine contingent that’s been struggling in the competitions held ahead of Saturday’s opening ceremonies.

Gilas’ 44-point loss to Team Dragon eliminated it from the quarterfinal picture the other day, leading to one gold lost in the delegation’s projected harvest.

Four lawyers in the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) were elected as members of the 80-seat parliament in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during the regional parliamentary polls on Monday, September 14.

The BFP is the party that will dominate the BARMM parliament, having many members elected as bloc party nominees and district representatives to the 80-member regional lawmaking body.

Local executives in BARMM’s five provinces and three cities are expecting lawyers Ishak Mastura, Jay Salliman, Naguib Sinarimbo and Kitem Kadatuan Jr. to lead deliberations on regional laws that their bloc will draft and submit for approval by the regional parliament.

More than half of the 116 municipal mayors in BARMM are members of the BFP. Three of the region’s five provincial governors and the chief executives in its three cities, Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato, where BARMM’s capitol is located, are also BFP members.

The lawyers Mastura, Salliman and Sinarimbo were elected as representatives of parliamentary districts in the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Basilan and Cotabato City, respectively. Kadatuan, who is of Maguindanaon descent, is among the 16 BFP members elected as bloc nominees to represent their party in the region’s lawmaking body.

‘They shall, as lawyers, become the strong voice in the Bangsamoro parliament of Muslim, Christian and indigenous non-Moro communities in all provinces and cities in the Bangsamoro region,’ BFP’s president, BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, told reporters on Wednesday.

Macacua, currently functioning as the figurehead of the BARMM parliament and also overseeing all agencies of the regional government as an appointee of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was also elected last Monday as representative of a parliamentary district covering several barangays in Cotabato City and Maguindanao del Sur province.

The newly elected parliament member Mastura, who had served as regional trade and investment secretary in the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, is a scion of a big noble Moro clan in Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura towns in Maguindanao del Norte.

Salliman is the son of Basilan Vice Gov. Hadjiman Salliman. The maternal grandfather of the now-parliament member Salliman is the late Simeon Datumanong, a lawyer and member of the government peace panel that crafted, in Tripoli, Libya, along with negotiators from the Moro National Liberation Front, the vaunted 1976 government-MNLF Tripoli Agreement.

The 1976 government-MNLF Tripoli Agreement was to become the main reference in the crafting of the September 2, 1996 final peace compact between the MNLF and the national government. It was also used as a basis for the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The MILF shall be represented in the parliament by representatives elected last Monday as candidates of its regional political party, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party.

A known Moro rights activist while still a college student, Zulfikar-Ali Bayam, is among the 16 elected BFP nominees for seats in the parliament.

Macacua said he is certain that Bayam will stand for the rights of the Moro and non-Moro communities in the parliament.

Local executives across BARMM belonging to the BFP are certain that the elected members of the region’s parliament will nominate Macacua as their chief minister during their first session as duly elected regional lawmakers