Category: Philippine Star

Gilas head coach Tim Cone said yesterday the 12 cagers who answered the late call to suit up at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games were ‘the most enthusiastic team I’ve ever been around and no one can question how hard these guys played.’

Cone said the original lineup that was planned by SBP never got off the ground. That roster was made up of Justin Brownlee, Bennie Boatwright, June Mar Fajardo, Ange Kouame, Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao, Zavier Lucero, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, Scottie Thompson, Robert Bolick, Juan Gomez de Liaño and 13th man Adrian Nocum.

‘We thought we were sitting pretty,’ said Cone. ‘No players from Japan but still pretty strong. But then, no Justin because of health, no Bennie with late papers, KQ and Carl were not allowed by their KBL teams last minute, no June Mar with fatigue and injury and chose to retire and Kouame left for a contract in France. With all the unavailability, it was decided to bring and train a different team while the window was ongoing. SBP wanted the FIBA window team to focus on the qualifiers since they were do-or-die, something I wholeheartedly agreed with.’

Cone said the revised cast of Bolick, Lucero, Nocum, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Don Trollano, RJ Abarrientos, Calvin Oftana, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, Brandon Bates and Sedrick Barefield faced a tough challenge. ‘They knew immediately that they were undersized and underdogs but repping their country was all they cared about,’ he said. ‘They were so proud to represent. I just wish we, as a coaching staff, could have helped them better. The odds were stacked against them.’

Cone said the Perfect Storm that saw Gilas bag the gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago turned into another Perfect Storm in Nagoya but in reverse. ‘It can happen in a moment from game to game or within four years, from genius to idiot,’ he said. ‘The Asian Games gold was a Perfect Storm. Two one-point wins over Iran and China to get to the gold medal game. No one thought we could do it. That team was more hastily put together than the current one. No doubt, China had a bone to chew with us and they were as delighted to crunch us as we were delighted to beat them at their home in Hangzhou. They questioned themselves after their loss at home. Now, it’s our turn to question ourselves.’

The contractor of the P158.3-million drainage improvement project along Sumulong Highway in Marikina has been given until Oct. 15 to finish the job.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon inspected yesterday the long-delayed project, which was originally set for completion on Nov. 20, 2025.

Dizon said the contractor, Anore Construction, attributed the delays to underground utility works in the area.

‘We are reviewing the contract to determine if liquidated damages should still apply despite these utility-related hurdles,’ Dizon told reporters.

Phase 4 of the drainage improvement project, which started on Feb. 24, 2025, covers major civil works along the 1.3-kilometer alignment on Sumulong Highway.

Meanwhile, Dizon said it is up to the Office of the Ombudsman to prosecute DPWH officials tagged in the allegedly anomalous flood control projects in Taguig, which has been flagged as illegal reclamation by the Philippine Reclamation Authority.

The DPWH has submitted to the ombudsman documents pertaining to the project in Taguig lakeshore, according to Dizon.

‘Let’s just wait for the investigation of the ombudsman,’ he said.

Dizon said some of the DPWH officials and district engineers who were involved in the reclamation projects may have already retired.

Following the takeover of control of the Bab Al Mandab Strait by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, prices of crude oil have now gone up by two to three percent to between $107 and P108 per barrel for Brent crude and $102 to $103 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate as of Sept. 15.

For Filipinos, this translates to a P5.60 per liter addition to the current price of gasoline and P4.30 per liter for diesel. The upward movement of gasoline and diesel would result in another round of adjustments that could also lead to some layoffs of manpower.

This latest development will only exacerbate the unemployment problem that Global Source Partners is warning about.

In a report written by former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas official Diwa Guinigundo and Wilhelmina Manalac titled ‘Unemployment surges as growth loses momentum,’ they said there are already indications of this process.

‘Although the number of employed persons increased year-on-year to 49.21 million, the average weekly hours worked declined to only 40.6 hours in July 2026 from 42 hours in July 2025. Employment, therefore, should not be judged simply by headcount. The amount of work available to those employed also matters. ‘

The composition of employment, they add, is equally revealing.

‘Services continued to account for the largest share of employment at 62.8 percent, followed by agriculture at 19.7 percent and industry at 17.5 percent. More significantly, manufacturing registered a year-on-year decline of 134,000 employed persons in July.’

They explained that ‘July Purchasing Managers’ Index does not point to an outright industrial contraction. On the contrary, manufacturing PMI improved to 51.8 in July from 50.9 in June, marking a third consecutive month of expansion. New orders and output also improved. Yet this should not be interpreted as an all-clear signal. Firms continued to face supply-chain disruptions, rising input costs and weak business confidence, while manufacturing employment declined.’

They believe that the more appropriate reading is that ‘the economy is showing pockets of resilience amid a broader loss of momentum.’

Headline inflation eased slightly to 6.2 percent in July from 6.4 percent in June, but this remains well above the previous year’s 0.9 percent. Core inflation stood at 4.2 percent, suggesting that underlying price pressures have not disappeared. Food inflation remained at 5.3 percent, while transport inflation, although easing, was still elevated at 11.9 percent.

They warn though that it creates a particularly difficult policy environment. ‘The economy is slowing, but inflation is still too high to be dismissed. Weakening employment and output would ordinarily argue for policy support, while persistent price pressures argue for caution. ‘

The July labor numbers, they add, also reveal an important structural issue. ‘Of the 3.14 million unemployed Filipinos, a substantial proportion are young people. Meanwhile, 6.33 million employed Filipinos remained underemployed, meaning they wanted additional hours, another job, or a job with longer working hours. The underemployment rate was 12.9 percent, better than the 14.8 percent a year earlier, but still significant. ‘

The challenge, the report argues, ‘is not simply to create jobs, but to create productive, adequately paid and sufficiently stable jobs. This distinction is critical. An economy can report rising employment while simultaneously experiencing weaker labor utilization, shorter working hours and greater dependence on low-productivity activities. The quality of employment matters as much as the quantity.’

Regional distribution, they said, also deserves attention. ‘The National Capital Region registered an unemployment rate of 8.2 percent, followed by the Bicol Region at eight percent. Six regions were above the national average. This suggests that the labor-market weakness is not evenly distributed and that the problem of employment absorption has a significant geographic dimension. ‘

The government, they noted, has appropriately emphasized investments, skills development, innovation and business competitiveness. ‘These are necessary. But they should be complemented by a stronger focus on the immediate demand conditions facing businesses. The issue is not simply whether workers possess the right skills. It is also whether businesses have sufficient demand, confidence and investment incentives to hire them. This is particularly important because the second-quarter GDP data showed a 9.2-percent contraction in gross capital formation.’

Investment, they stress, is the bridge between today’s economic activity and tomorrow’s productive employment. ‘If investment remains weak, the economy’s capacity to absorb a rapidly growing labor force will also remain constrained. The July labor report should, therefore, be viewed neither as an isolated deterioration nor simply as the inevitable consequence of fresh graduates entering the workforce. It is a warning.’

They acknowledge that the ‘Philippine economy is growing, but at a pace that may no longer be sufficient to comfortably absorb a rising labor force. GDP growth has slowed sharply, investment has contracted, employment quality remains an issue, and inflation remains elevated. However, at the same time, some leading indicators such as manufacturing PMI show that parts of the economy are beginning to recover. The emerging picture is consequently not one of outright recession. It is more subtle, and perhaps more challenging: an economy losing momentum while inflation remains uncomfortably high, with the labor market beginning to feel the strain.’

Thus, in the months ahead, Gunigundo and Manalac point out, ‘ If the rise in unemployment persists into August and September, it would strengthen the case that the second-quarter slowdown was not merely a temporary statistical episode, but the beginning of a broader weakening in economic activity. Conversely, a rebound in employment, hours worked, investment and consumption would suggest that the July deterioration was temporary.’

‘The message from the labor market is clear: economic growth must become faster, broader and more employment-intensive. The ultimate test of economic performance is not simply how fast GDP grows on paper. It is whether that growth creates enough productive opportunities for Filipinos who are willing and able to work.’

Moody’s Corp. has agreed to acquire a minority stake in Philippine Rating Services Corp. (PhilRatings), expanding its presence in the country as demand for financing creates opportunities for the domestic bond market.

In a statement, Moody’s said the investment would make Moody’s Ratings the first global credit rating agency to invest in a domestic rating agency in the Philippines.

The transaction’s value and the size of the stake were not disclosed.

Manila-based PhilRatings will continue to operate independently after the investment, retaining its own management, governance and credit rating processes.

The deal comes as the Philippines seeks funding for infrastructure and other investments, creating room for businesses to raise money through bonds, or debt securities sold to investors.

Moody’s pointed to more than $100 billion in planned infrastructure investment in the Philippines over the next three years as an indication of the market’s potential.

‘Strong domestic debt markets are essential to supporting sustainable economic growth,’ said Wendy Cheong, managing director and regional head of Asia Pacific at Moody’s.

‘PhilRatings has built deep insight into the local market, and its ratings serve as a strong complement to Moody’s global views on credit for investors in the Philippines.’

Moody’s said domestic corporate bonds outstanding in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are more than twice the size of cross-border holdings. Outstanding bonds refer to debt that has been issued but has yet to be repaid.

As the Philippine bond market develops, the company said credit ratings and research could help borrowers tap new sources of funding, plan how to raise capital and demonstrate transparency to investors.

For PhilRatings, the investment is expected to bring access to technical support and international practices while preserving its independence in assigning ratings.

‘Moody’s Ratings’ global standards, best practices and technical support will help us advance our mission to strengthen the credit market infrastructure in the Philippines,’ PhilRatings president Angelica Viloria said.

‘Moody’s role as a minority stakeholder reinforces our commitment to trust, credibility, and best-in-class credit ratings and research for the Philippine market,’ Viloria added.

The acquisition will expand Moody’s network of affiliated domestic credit rating agencies across Asia-Pacific.

The country’s retailers expect traditional store sales to rise by up to 10 percent this year, but e-commerce sales are likely to grow faster due to lower prices.

Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) chairman Roberto Claudio told The STAR that traditional store sales are expected to grow by five to 10 percent this year.

However, he said e-commerce sales are expected to grow faster, at 10 to 15 percent this year.

He said many consumers are moving to online platforms for purchases because they offer more convenient shopping, wider inventory selection and lower prices due to the de minimis rule.

Under the de minimis rule, imported goods valued at P10,000 or lower are exempt from duties and taxes.

‘Growth has moved to this category of e-commerce where online foreign shipments are not subjected to VAT (value-added tax) and customs duties, creating an uneven playing field in terms of government regulations,’ Claudio said.

The PRA has long pushed to remove the de minimis rule to promote fair competition between traditional stores and e-commerce.

Claudio said the PRA expects overall sales growth to be supported by holiday-season consumption.

‘Growing population and OFW (overseas Filipino worker) remittances will continue to boost consumers’ confidence for this holiday season,’ he said.

While PRA expects higher consumption leading up to the Christmas season, he flagged the unfavorable weather as a risk.

‘Continuing weather disturbances have slowed shopping expenditures,’ he said.

The local retail industry accounts for about 18 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

It also employs about 12 million to 15 million Filipinos and contributes around P800 billion in annual taxes to the government.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday claimed that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s asylum bid in Austria had been denied, a claim Roque later disputed.

Remulla made the statement during a press conference on Tuesday, September 15, adding that authorities would move against Roque once an Interpol Red Notice is issued.

“By the way, na-deny ‘yung asylum ni Harry Roque,” Remulla said. “Kapag may Red Notice na, kukunin ko siya.”

By the way, Harry Roque’s asylum bid was denied… I’ll get him once there is a Red Notice.)

Remulla did not disclose further details about the purported denial. Philstar.com has also reached out to the Department of Justice for more information but has yet to receive a response.

Roque, who faces qualified human trafficking charges in connection with the raided Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, has been staying in Austria while seeking asylum.

An Angeles City court issued a warrant for his arrest in May 2025 over the non-bailable trafficking charges.

Roque left the Philippines without a recorded departure in Bureau of Immigration records after authorities began looking for him in 2024.

The Department of Justice had earlier issued an immigration lookout bulletin against him and several others in August 2024 in connection with the investigation into the Porac POGO hub.

Aside from the trafficking case, Roque also faces a tax evasion complaint filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue before the DOJ.

In an interview with One News’ “Storycon,” Roque denied Remulla’s claim, calling it “fake news.”

Roque said his asylum application had already been submitted for resolution and that he was still awaiting a decision from Austrian authorities.

“The truth of the matter is it’s been submitted and we continue to await for the decision of the asylum office,” Roque said.

Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young Filipinos as it officially renewed its partnership with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers and UST Growling Tigresses for UAAP Season 89, continuing its support for one of the country’s most respected collegiate sports programs.

The partnership renewal was formalized during a ceremonial signing held on August 28, 2026 at UST, alongside representatives from Home Credit, the University of Santo Tomas, its student-athletes and fellow supporters.

Now in its second year of partnership with UST athletics, Home Credit continues to invest in initiatives that inspire young people to dream bigger, work harder and build brighter futures, both on and off the court. The renewed sponsorship reflects the company’s belief that sports play a vital role in shaping discipline, resilience, teamwork, and determination among Filipino youth.

Representing Home Credit Philippines during the signing ceremony were Zdenek Jankovsky, chief business development officer (CBDO) and treasury and funding director, and Gabriel Roxas, chief marketing officer. They joined Rev. Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, director/regent of the UST, along with athletes and officials, in celebrating another season of partnership and shared aspirations.

“As a company committed to helping Filipinos realize their aspirations, we believe that supporting young athletes goes beyond sponsorship. It is about helping create opportunities for the next generation to develop their talents, pursue excellence, and achieve their goals,” said Zdenek Jankovsky, CBDO and treasury and funding director of Home Credit Philippines “The values of perseverance, hard work and determination, demonstrated by the UST teams reflect the same values that inspire us to serve and empower Filipinos every day.”

The event also welcomed Globe Telecom as one of the newest sponsors of the UST Growling Tigers, further strengthening the team’s network of partners dedicated to supporting collegiate sports development.

The event was energized by the presence of UST Growling Tigers basketball players Mark Llemit, Angelo Crisostomo, Collins Akowe and Amiel Acido, alongside Team Managers Eric Ang and Waiyip Chong. Their participation highlighted the strong partnership between the university, its athletes, and organizations that champion student success.

“Our ongoing partnership with Home Credit Philippines reflects a shared commitment to building athletic excellence among our Thomasian student-athletes. Beyond competing for championships, our priority is preparing our young men and women for life. Having strong, dedicated partners like Home Credit encourage our athletes to dream big and perform with unwavering confidence,” shared by Rev. Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, OP, director and regent, UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA)

As the UST athletes gear up for another exciting UAAP season, Home Credit remains proud to support a program that has long been a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and sports fans across the country.

As UAAP Season 89 unfolds, Home Credit will continue to champion Filipino youth through engaging fan experiences and stories that inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams, rallying behind the UST Growling Tigers and their cheer: ‘Go USTe!’

The first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Sept. 14, 2026 officially marked the political transition of the region following the peace accord signed on March 27, 2014 between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) hopes for the success of the election and reinforces the UK as a supporter of the Bangsamoro peace process.

BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson believes that the success of the elections will further drive the region’s attractiveness to foreign investors.

He noted that, ‘The British Embassy is one of the [international observers] and they have been very supportive of this whole exercise…So, we hope the elections go as safe and secure as they can. And I think this will drive investments because livelihood and economic growth are key to the whole going forward, not just for Bangsamoro, but also for the whole Philippines.’

As of April 30, 2026, BARMM investments continue to grow, which has exceeded its target for 2025, reaching up to P5.1 billion.

Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) previously noted that the growth is a “strong indicator of rising investor confidence and sustained peace-driven development in the region.”

As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), growth performance by major industries is recorded in trade, construction and manufacturing at 59.6%, health and social services at 13.9%, public administration and defense at 9.6%, and agriculture, forestry, and fishing at 4.9%.

In terms of British investments, Nelson also cited Sunda Energy, a British independent gas-focused company which currently holds exploration Service Contracts offshore the Philippines, particularly the exploration of the Sulu Sea.

Nelson noted that other market opportunities can be further leveraged, given the growing economy in the region and said, ‘I think renewable energy is going to be a key. Energy is a key demand in the Philippines and a key requirement. And let’s not forget that it can be 100% owned by foreign investors. I think agriculture and agribusiness is going to be also essential, feeding the growing population, and food security.’

In 2017, with the aim of increasing market opportunities for British companies outside Metro Manila, the British Chamber held a trade and investment mission in Davao City to establish partnerships within agribusiness, infrastructure, technology, banking, finance and energy.

Target Pro by Watsons celebrates 10 years of delivering dermatology-targeted solutions, powered by Japanese innovation. The milestone is testament to the trust it has received and the effectiveness Target Pro by Watsons delivers in each and every product.

In appreciation for the past decade and in the spirit of Target Pro by Watsons’ unwavering commitment, everyone is welcome to the Target Pro by Watsons pop-up at the SM Makati Main Atrium. Launched last September 10, the space offers an interactive way to engage with Target Pro by Watsons’ different product lines and new offerings.

At the press launch of the popup, Target Pro by Watsons presented an informative program-highlighting the successes of the past 10 years, key reviews from loyal users, and an expert chat featuring Dr. Vada So. The program also introduced the newest product line FEMTechLab. Target Pro by Watsons expands its range with hair care that’s tailored to hormonal, stress-induced, and postpartum hair loss.

FEMTechLab offers a complete collection of products, including Anti-Hair Fall Root Balance Scalp Serum (P1,199), Anti-Hair Fall Root Renew Scalp Serum (P1,199), Anti-Hair Fall and Clarifying Shampoo (P899), and Anti-Hair Breakage and Shining Conditioner (P899).

Apart from this, Target Pro by Watsons extends its gratitude through a special raffle that includes various special prizes, including a trip to Japan! Target Pro by Watsons e-raffle promo rewards customers every time they shop!

Running from August 15 to September 30 and open to Watsons Club Regular, Watsons Club Elite, SMAC Regular, and SMAC prestige members, every minimum P2,999 single-receipt purchase entitles you to an e-raffle entry. Every qualifying in-store purchase earns Watsons Club and SMAC Regular Members one e-raffle entry, while Elite Club and SMAC Prestige members will earn two e-raffle entries.

Online purchases give you more chances as Watsons Club and SMAC Regular members who make qualifying purchases can get two e-raffle entries, while Elite Club and SMAC Prestige members can get four e-raffle entries.

Target Pro by Watsons is an authority when it comes to solution-based skincare that’s easy-to-understand with its straight-forward approach. Favorites and bestsellers include the Vitamin C Serum, Whitening Serum, Luminous Sun Milk, Age Defense Eye Cream, Airy Spray, Body Moisturizing Cream, Dark Spot Corrector, and Whitening Lotion.

‘And as our skin needs continue to evolve as well, you can rely on Target Pro to keep listening, keep learning, and keep innovating, developing targeted solutions for every new stage, every new concern, and every chapter ahead,” said Mary Adriane Aguado, Watsons Brand Manager.

Trust in Target Pro by Watsons’ 10-year experience, and science-based skincare! Explore the products for you, targeted for better skin, better you!

Malacañang said on Tuesday, September 15, that the asylum request and political persecution claims of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque lacked basis as he continues to face charges in the Philippines.

According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, during a press briefing, aside from qualified human trafficking complaints, Roque also faces accusations of land grabbing and tax evasion.

‘Ang paniniwala ng PCO (Presidential Communications Office) ay wala pong batayan ang ginawang request ni Harry Roque na sinasabing political persecution lang ang ginagawa sa kanya. Maliwanag naman po ang mga kaso, hindi lang qualified human trafficking,’ Castro said.

(The PCO believes that Harry Roque’s request claiming he’s experiencing political persecution has no basis. The cases are clear, and they involve not only qualified human trafficking.)

The Palace’s comment came after Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a separate press briefing earlier Tuesday that Roque’s asylum request had been denied.

Remulla previously said Roque was applying for asylum in Austria, citing political persecution.

In the Philippines, Roque faces non-bailable qualified human trafficking charges filed by the Department of Justice over his alleged active participation in the operations of Lucky South 99, the illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Pampanga, which was raided in 2024.

An arrest warrant was issued by a Pampanga court against Roque and his co-accused in May 2025 for the qualified human trafficking case.

Meanwhile, in March this year, a group of farmers from Bataan filed land-grabbing complaints against Roque for allegedly transferring land titles, which were supposed to be distributed to 100 farmers, to a private corporation connected to a POGO firm.

The corporation’s listed address supposedly pointed to Roque’s office.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) also filed a tax evasion case against Roque and his wife in April this year for allegedly failing to pay P3.35 million in taxes connected to transactions involving Biancham Holdings and Trading Inc.

Roque denied all accusations, saying these are all part of the continuous political attacks against him.

He also dismissed Remulla’s claim that his asylum request had been denied, calling it ‘fake news.’

Roque, who served as the Palace spokesperson under then-President Rodrigo Duterte, left the Philippines in 2024.