Category: Philippine Star

Facing a travel ban to China is a ‘small price to pay’ in exchange for standing up for Filipino fishers in the West Philippine Sea, a lawmaker said Tuesday, October 20, after the Chinese Embassy in Manila put him and others on a ‘list’ of lawmakers implied as unwelcome in China.

Rep. Karl Legazpi (Pinoy Workers) issued the statement hours after the embassy reposted a joint statement by nine lawmakers urging the president to consider expelling Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan. The embassy had shared the lawmakers’ statement with the caption: ‘Put on record. You are now on the list.’

‘If speaking up means foregoing the opportunity to visit a country I have always wanted to see, that is a small price to pay,’ Legazpi said. ‘Some things are worth more than the privilege of being welcome.’

The embassy has not said what the list means and if it had any plans of formally barring the nine lawmakers from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, as was done with former Sen. Francis Tolentino, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and more than a dozen Palawan municipal officials.

The sanction on Tolentino in July 2025 was the first time Beijing took state action against a specific critic in Manila, and in June this year China barred Teodoro, his spouse and his child from entering its territory and prohibited Chinese organisations and individuals from dealing with them.

Earlier in February, it banned 16 local government officials from the municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan, from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao. This was in retaliation for the persona-non-grata tag that the municipality – the country’s most remote and least populated town, located in the West Philippine Sea – had declared for China’s ambassadors in 2023 and 2026.

An escalatory exchange of words between the embassy and officials followed after Jing, in a chance interview on October 15, told reporters: “If we want to use force, we may easily win.”

The ambassador did not explicitly say that the use of force would be against Manila but the ambassador had delivered this response in reaction to Teodoro’s remarks that China was a “troublemaker.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs called Jing’s remark a ‘thinly veiled threat,” and Marcos said the next day that it ‘sounds very much to me like a threat.”

The embassy did not retract the comment and accused the Philippine side of taking the ambassador’s words out of context and overinterpreting them. It has since dared the Senate and the House to declare Jing persona non grata and ‘stop bluffing.’

On October 18, the embassy said those seeking his expulsion would not be welcome in China.

‘Somebody has to stand up’

‘If I don’t speak up for my fellow Palaweños, who will?’ Legazpi said in his statement Tuesday. ‘Rhetoric aside, benign or otherwise, the fact remains that our fishermen continue to be harassed and bullied by PRC vessels in waters where we have every legal right to fish, including our historical and traditional fishing grounds.’

‘Kung may kapalit man ang paninindigang ito, so be it (If this stand comes at a cost, so be it),’ Legazpi said, adding that he had ‘nothing against the Chinese people and their rich history and culture, which I have long admired.’

On Wednesday, October 21, ten House members filed House Resolution No. 1562 urging Marcos to either declare Jing persona non grata or ask Beijing to recall him.

Besides Legazpi, the authors are Reps. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur), Adrian Michael Amatong (Zamboanga del Norte), Kaka Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands), Percival Cendaña (Akbayan), Chel Diokno (Akbayan) and Dadah Kiram Ismula (Akbayan), Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal), Cielo Krisel Lagman (Albay) and Mark Anthony Santos (Las Piñas).

De Lima said that if the list referred to those who would not bend to Beijing’s narrative, she would be ‘honored and proud to be on the list.”

Akbayan, whose three representatives were on the list, said it considered the designation an honor.

However, not all members of the House of Representatives have backed calls to expel Jing. The Makabayan bloc, through Reps. Antonio Tinio, Sarah Elago and Renee Co, urged all parties to de-escalate immediately and return to diplomacy, while continuing to assert the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

Rep. Edgar Erice (Caloocan City, 2nd District) urged Marcos to take personal charge of the dispute.

‘Statements of bravado may sound good before television cameras and earn public applause, but foreign policy is not a shouting match,’ Erice said.

He warned that a confrontation with China ‘without a clear strategic path could be disastrous for our already struggling economy.”

DoubleDragon Corp., the listed company chaired by tycoons Edgar ‘Injap’ Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong, continues its global expansion of Hotel101, with Africa next.

DoubleDragon, through its Nasdaq-listed subsidiary Hotel101 Global Inc., has signed definitive, binding agreements with IGI Holdings’ affiliate WNTR Property and Hospitality, for a countrywide development agreement in Egypt, starting with a project in Cairo with around 750 rooms.

Hotel101-Cairo West Egypt is expected to be one of Cairo’s three largest hotels by room count upon its expected completion in 2029.

The project will rise on a 1.59-hectare site in Hay Al Ashgar along Ahmed Zewail Road, about 10 minutes from the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

DoubleDragon said Hotel101-Cairo West is seen generating around 5.47 billion Egyptian pounds or P6.44 billion in project value.

With the expansion, DoubleDragon said Hotel101 makes history as the first major homegrown Filipino brand and business model to be exported to Egypt.

‘This expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s global growth strategy, bringing its novel, globally standardized condotel business model to one of the Middle East and Africa’s most dynamic capital cities and a major cultural tourism gateway,’ the company said.

Hotel101-Cairo West will offer four-star amenities at affordable prices, including a ballroom, meeting spaces and a conference center tailored for business events.

Guests will be provided with features and amenities consistent with Hotel101’s offerings across its locations globally.

The development, which is subject to customary governmental, regulatory, corporate and other approvals, forms part of Hotel101 Global’s global expansion strategy.

It aims to develop one million standardized rooms across more than 100 countries, to become the world’s largest single-brand hotel chain.

Hotel101 Global opened the 680-room Hotel101-Madrid in Spain in March. It is set to open the 482-room Hotel101-Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan in December.

Last year, Hotel101 made history as the first Filipino company to list a subsidiary on the US Nasdaq.

This year, it became the first Filipino hotel chain brand to operate overseas.

The Philippines’ rapid shift to digital payments is setting the stage for the next evolution in online commerce, as artificial intelligence (AI) moves beyond product recommendations toward executing purchases and initiating payments on behalf of consumers.

The country’s digital payments infrastructure has expanded sharply. InstaPay processed a record 4.7 billion transactions in 2025, while QR Ph person-to-merchant payments reached 2.5 billion, reflecting the growing role of electronic transactions in everyday spending.

According to Eng Sheng Guan, chief executive officer of Fiuu, the next challenge for the industry may be ensuring that this expanding digital ecosystem can support a new generation of automated purchases without compromising customer control, transaction security or trust.

Fiuu, is a Southeast Asian payment technology provider that enables businesses to accept and process digital payments across online and physical retail channels.

Known as agentic commerce, the model allows AI tools to act on consumers’ instructions to perform tasks such as reordering products, booking travel or initiating payments within predefined limits.

For Philippine merchants and payment providers, the shift could create new opportunities to streamline transactions, while introducing questions about how authorization should work when customers are no longer involved in every step.

‘Customers still need confidence that every transaction is authorised, secure, and reliable,’ said Eng.

‘As AI plays a greater role in facilitating purchases, the important thing is ensuring that it acts with the customer’s permission and within clearly defined limits,’ Eng added

Digital payment adoption creates a foundation

The Philippines has made digital payments an increasingly important part of its retail and services economy, supported by the expansion of instant transfers, QR-based payments and electronic wallets.

That growth provides a potential foundation for AI-driven commerce, which depends on payment systems being able to execute transactions reliably across merchants and platforms. But widespread digital payment use does not automatically mean consumers are ready to delegate purchasing decisions to AI.

A key issue is whether customers can establish clear limits on what an automated agent may do, including how much it can spend, which merchants it can use and when it must seek additional approval.

In a conventional online transaction, consumers typically select a product and confirm payment themselves. Under an agentic model, a customer could instruct an AI tool to buy an item below a specified price or complete a booking when certain conditions are met.

‘The first consideration should be customer permission,’ Eng said. ‘Customers need to understand what they are allowing an agent to do and have the ability to change or withdraw those permissions for future purchases.’

For Philippine businesses, the distinction could become particularly relevant as automated purchasing expands across online marketplaces, travel services and recurring digital subscriptions.

If a product exceeds an agreed budget, a preferred option becomes unavailable or booking terms change, merchants and payment providers will need to determine whether the transaction remains within the customer’s instructions or requires a fresh decision.

Security concerns could shape adoption

Consumer confidence remains an important consideration as the Philippines moves toward more automated digital transactions.

A Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) survey found that 55 percent of respondents who did not use digital payments cited a lack of confidence in security as one reason for non-use. The finding highlights a challenge for an industry seeking to expand adoption while introducing increasingly sophisticated payment experiences.

Agentic commerce could add another layer to that challenge. When an AI agent initiates a purchase, consumers need to know not only that their payment credentials are secure but also that the system has acted within the authority they granted.

Payment providers, merchants and technology platforms may need stronger mechanisms to verify authorization, maintain reliable transaction records and establish accountability when several parties participate in completing a purchase.

The goal, however, is not necessarily to require consumers to approve every action manually. Instead, safeguards must operate alongside automated processes, preserving convenience while making transactions traceable and understandable.

Consumers will also need clear ways to dispute transactions and obtain assistance when something goes wrong, particularly when purchases involve multiple merchants, platforms and payment providers.

For the Philippine market, where confidence in digital payments remains relevant to broader adoption, the ability to demonstrate that automated transactions are secure and controllable could prove as important as the technology itself.

Merchants may start with repeat purchases

Businesses in the Philippines do not need to rebuild their payment systems immediately to prepare for agentic commerce. A more practical first step is to identify parts of the customer journey that can be automated under straightforward rules.

Repeat purchases on online marketplaces, travel bookings and recurring digital services are potential starting points because customers can specify conditions in advance.

A consumer could, for example, authorize an AI agent to arrange transportation within a particular budget and time window. The system could complete the booking if available options meet those requirements, but return the decision to the customer if prices rise or the terms change materially.

For merchants, the commercial opportunity lies in reducing friction in the purchasing process. The operational challenge is establishing when an automated decision remains valid and when additional customer approval is necessary.

As adoption develops, businesses will also need to consider how automated purchasing interacts with existing payment arrangements, fraud controls and customer service processes.

Southeast Asian interoperability remains a hurdle

The Philippines’ participation in a wider Southeast Asian digital economy adds another dimension to the transition.

Cross-border purchases may require AI agents to navigate different payment cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, QR systems, currencies and approval requirements. An automated transaction that works within one domestic payment environment may encounter additional complexity when it crosses into another market.

Interoperability will therefore be important to the development of agentic commerce, particularly as regional businesses seek to serve customers across multiple markets.

The challenge extends beyond enabling AI to initiate payments. Payment systems must also support consistent authorization, security and transaction records across different providers and jurisdictions.

‘The long-term value of agentic commerce will not come from automation for its own sake,’ Eng said. ‘It will depend on whether we can make these new experiences easier to support while keeping customer permission, control, and payment security clear throughout the transaction.’

For the Philippines, the next phase of digital commerce may hinge on whether an established base of electronic payments can evolve to accommodate AI-led purchasing. The opportunity is to make transactions more seamless, but the industry will need to preserve the trust that underpins consumer participation as more decisions are delegated to automated systems.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will deploy 2,419 MMDA personnel from Oct. 24 to Nov. 3 to manage traffic and provide public assistance during Undas.

The MMDA personnel will be deployed at the Manila North and South cemeteries, Bagbag Public cemetery in Quezon City, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina and San Juan public cemetery.

‘No day off, no absent policy will be implemented for traffic field personnel from Oct. 29 to 30,’ Vic Nuñez, director for the MMDA traffic discipline office, said.

To ensure passenger and road safety, there would be drug testing for bus drivers in select transport terminals.

Asean Summit

Meanwhile, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes announced that road excavation works would be suspended beginning Nov. 1 until Dec. 23 as the country hosts the 49th Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) Nations Summit.

The moratorium covers concrete road re-blocking, pipe laying, road upgrading and other excavation works of government offices, construction firms and utility companies that may cause traffic congestion.

Artes said fun runs, motorcades, processions and similar public events would not be allowed from Oct. 24 to Nov. 20 to avoid disruption of the ASEAN Summit activities. The restrictions will cover Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, Makati and Taguig.

Torre back at work

Meanwhile, MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre III returned to work on Oct. 16.

Torre took a leave on Sept. 8 after his vehicle was flagged for using the EDSA busway. The vehicle bore a fake license plate and unauthorized government markings.

Attention Gleeks! A series order has been given to reboot Ryan Murphy’s hit jukebox musical series “Glee,” with some familiar faces returning.

The show originally ran for six seasons form 2009 to 2015 and centered on a fictional high school glee club as its members navigate social issues and teenage life, each episode featuring musical performances.

Among the sprawling cast of the series were Matthew Morrison, Lea Michele, Jane Lynch, Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Dianna Agron, Amber Riley, Jenna Ushkowitz, Filipino-American Darren Criss, and the late actors Cory Monteith, Naya Rivera and Mark Salling. “Glee” won six Emmys across 32 nominations during its initial run including Outstanding Supporting Actress – Comedy for Lynch, Outstanding Directing – Comedy for Murphy, and guest acting plums for Neil Patrick Harris and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Murphy revealed earlier this year he had finished a reboot script for the show and Disney – which now owns the series rights – is ordering its development for streaming platforms Disney+ and Hulu.

Multiple sources told entertainment outlet Variety that Michele would be returning to reprise her Emmy-nominated role as Rachel Berry.

One of these sources simply said “She’s in” while another shared, “It’s still early-ish days, but it feels good and we’re happy to get the band back together.”

Indeed, it is still early days so no other plans have been announced though two other cast members have indicated possible returns as well.

Sam Evans actor Chord Overstreet posted on X “Reunited and it feels so good!” while Heather Morris posted a photo of her character Brittany Pierce in the iconic red-and-white cheerleader uniform of William McKinley High School.

“Yes ladies and gentle men of women, rumors are true. Brittany S Pierce was in fact lost in the sewers for all these years. But I’m here to inform you that she is alive and well… And back for more,” Morris wrote in her caption.

Many fans are already anticipating what musical numbers can be performed in the rebooted show such as songs by Chappell Roan and another Fil-Am artist Olivia Rodrigo.

Quezon Province and Binan Tatak Gel won in contrasting fashion on Wednesday and are close to a South Division crown collision in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika PIlipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the packed Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.

Showing why they’re the back-to-back reigning division champions, the Quezon Huskers trounced the Cebu Greats, 77-67, in the nightcap, while Binan banked on Nic Cabanero’s buzzer-beater jumper to nip the Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers, 72-70, in the opener of the South semifinal playoffs.

Quezon and Binan seek a repeat and a sweep of the best-of-three semifinal series at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan on Tuesday, October 27.

With eight Huskers, led by Mon Abundo, scoring at least seven points, Quezon stormed ahead, 61-43, and never wavered, delighting over 11,000 spectators.

Abundo posted 11 points, laced with three triples, and four rebounds to capture Best Player honors over Christian Pagaran, who chalked up 11 points, including three triples, and two rebounds.

Other Huskers who delivered were Cyrus Tabi with nine points and nine rebounds; Jolo Manansala with nine points and four rebounds; Chris Lalata with nine points and four rebounds; Cholo Amonuevo with eight points and 10 rebounds; Judel Fuentes with eight points and three assists; and Diego Dario with seven points and three assists.

Cebu got 27 points and 10 rebounds from Mark Meneses; nine points, 10 rebounds and three assists from Simon Camacho; and nine points, nine rebounds and three assists from Dhon Reverente.

Missing centers Cedrick Manzano and Will McAloney, the Huskers were outrebounded, 34-45, but compensated with more cohesive play, 21-13 assists, and fewer turnovers, 11-19.

With the count tied at 70 and 8.2 seconds left, Cabanero took the inbound, dribbled, and flicked the ball over the outstretched arms of Philip Manalang as the game ended.

Veteran Michael Mabulac made Cabanero’s heroics and Binan’s squeaker possible with eight straight points in the last 4:26.

Rizal’s Billy Robles scored on a suspended layup to knot the count for the fifth and final time, 70-70.

The 6-foot-2 Cabanero, former star of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, posted 20 points, eight rebounds and three steals to edge Carlo Lastimosa, with 19 points and three rebounds, for Best Player honors.

Mabulac, a former MPBL All-Star, tallied 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.

Rizal drew 18 points and three rebounds from Jolo Mendoza; 11 points, eight rebounds and two steals from Jake Gaspay; and 10 points, five rebounds and two steals from Robles.

Cabanero, the MVP race pacesetter, and Lastimosa combined in a 17-3 run to push Binan away, 24-7, before Rizal’s Laurenz Victoria and Mark Yee bundled nine points to cut the gap.

Rizal clustered seven points to seize control at 31-29, but Binan countered with a similar seven-point salvo, the last four by Lastimosa, to regain the lead at the break, 36-31.

The North Division semifinal playoffs begin Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, featuring the San Juan-Caloocan encounter at 5 p.m., and the Abra-Solid North-Pasay tussle at 7 p.m.

Nobu Manila at City of Dreams Manila brings a distinctive hip vibe in a Halloween party entitled ‘Unattached and Unbothered’ with influencer and entrepreneur Tommy Tiangco hosting the chic venue’s month-ender socials on October 30, as doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Nobu signatures and handcrafted cocktails set the mood with Tiangco, who has built a following through lighthearted viral videos and fun-loving humor across social media platforms.

He carries his signature playful online presence into the chic ambience of Nobu Manila as he enlivens the Halloween socials that bring to life scenes from popular rom-coms as party goers steal the scene in fun, edgy outfits evoking memorable flicks and series like ‘Crazy Rich Asian,’ ‘Princess Diaries,’ ’13 Going on 30,’ ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,’ ‘The Notebook,’ ‘Friends,’ ‘Emily in Paris,’ and ‘Bridgerton,’ to name a few. Adding excitement is an award for The Best Dressed of the Night, and the possibility of revelers’ meeting new friends and acquaintances through the night via speed dating among single or simply ‘in it for the plot’ after-dark crew.

A Halloween social with a Nobu twist

Live DJ sets of the Neighbor Jams Collective provide the evening’s soundtrack, beginning with DJ Ais Nicaution from 7 to 9 p.m., followed by Arwin Sandico at 9 p.m. and Duaneinsane at 11 p.m.

Fatroach takes over at midnight, keeping the music going until late. ‘Trick or Drink’ complimentary cocktail shots from 7 to 9 pm, Tarot reading until 10 pm, and unlimited photobooth access kick up the party mood.

Nobu signatures and a spirited revelry

At P3,750 net per person, the ‘Unattached and Unbothered’ package comes with a curated tray of Nobu signature dishes comprised of: Black Cod Butter Lettuce, Salmon Karashi Su Miso White Fish Nigiri Matsuhisa and Tuna Nigiri Wasabi Salsa Umami Chicken Wings and Shrimp Tempura; with a glass each of Nobu White Sangria and Nobu Lychee Martini.

The Tommy Edit

Offered only for that evening, and beyond the fixed tray of dishes, The Tommy Edit à la carte menu will be available to order throughout the night for guests who wish to explore more Nobu selections, at an additional cost. Nobu hot and cold dishes, sushi and sashimi are complemented by handcrafted cocktails, premium sake and wine.

The exclusive menu consists of: Sakizuke: Edamame with spicy garlic sauce and Maldon salt (P350), Sesame Mixed Nuts with soya salt (P400), and Crispy Nori Chips with shichimi (P350). From the sushi bar are Salmon Tataki Karashi Su Miso (P1,050); the Chef’s Nigiri Selection of Hamachi Jalapeño, Tako Wasabi Salsa and Ebi Nobu Salsa; Sashimi Salad with Matsuhisa dressing (P950); and House Special Cut Roll with wasabi, pickled ginger and soya sauce (P1,000).

Hot bites are composed of Umami Chicken Wings with dry miso (P600 for six pieces), Takumi Wagyu Beef Slider with Nobu slider sauce (P700 per piece), Black Cod Butter Lettuce with yuzu miso (P400 per piece), and Prawn Tempura (P650 for four pieces).

Nobu Mochi, in mango, green tea or vanilla flavors, offers a sweet finish at P180 per piece.

Reserve your spot for a Nobu Halloween Party like no other

To reserve ‘Unattached and Unbothered’ limited slots, guests can call (+632) 8800-8080, message Nobu Manila at mobile number 09175139862 on Wednesday to Sunday or e-mail noburestaurant@cod-manila.com or guestservices@cod-manila.com.

For more information, visit: https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com/en/blog/unattached-and-unbothered-halloween-socials. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has canceled the registration of 50 party-list groups, including Bayan Muna, Magdalo and Buhay, over failure to meet participation or electoral performance requirements.

The Comelec formalized the action through Resolution 11281, which covers party-list groups, organizations and coalitions that failed to participate in the last two preceding elections or meet the applicable requirements for obtaining seats under the party-list system.

Ten of the groups were cited for not participating in the two preceding elections. These are 1 Alliance Advocating Autonomy Party, 1-United Transport Koalisyon, Agbiag Timpuyog Ilocano Inc., Ako Ayoko sa Bawal na Droga, Filipino Family Party, Grains Retailers’ Confederation of the Philippines Inc., Ina Na Nagmamahal sa Anak, Isang Lapian ng Mangingisda Bayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran, Luntiang Pilipinas Partylist and One Philippines.

The other groups are the Advocacy for Teachers Empowerment Through Action Cooperation and Harmony Towards Educational Reform, Advocates and Keepers Organization of OFWs Inc., Advocates for Retail, Fashion, Textile, Tradition, Events and Creative Services Sector (ARTE), Ahon Mahirap, formerly Partido COCOMAN, Ako Padayon Pilipino (AKO PADAYON), Aktibong Kaagapay ng mga Manggagawa (AKTIBONG KAAGAPAY), Alliance for Resilience, Sustainability and Empowerment (ARISE), Alyansa Laban sa Substance Abuse Para sa Bagong Pilipinas Natin, Ang Komadrona Inc. (ANG KOMADRONA), Ang Programang Aasenso Taumbayan-Dream, Act, Participate and Advocate for Sustainable Transformation (APAT-DAPAT), Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas (ABP), Ang Pamilya Muna (PAMILYA MUNA), Babae Ako Para Sa Bayan Inc. (BABAE AKO), Banat Barangay Natin, Bayan Muna (BAYAN MUNA), Bayaning Tsuper (BTS BAYANING TSUPER) and Bisaya Gyud Party-list (BG PARTY-List).

Also included are BOSES party-list, formerly MOCHA; Buhay Hayaan Yumabong (BUHAY); Bunyog (Pagkakaisa); Computer Literacy, Innovation Connectivity and Knowledge Inc. (CLICK PARTY); Democratic Independent Workers’ Association (DIWA); Filipino Rights Protection Advocates of Manila Movement (FRONTLINERS ANG BIDA); Health, Education, Livelihood Program of the Philippines (H.E.L.P. PILIPINAS); Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines Inc. (HUGPONG FEDERAL); Ipatupad for Workers Inc. (IPATUPAD); Lungsod Aasenso Inc. (LUNAS); Magdalo Para Sa Pilipino (MAGDALO); Maharlikang Pilipino Party (MAHARLIKA); Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for Peace and Development (EPANAW SAMBAYANAN); Movement of Active Apostolic Guardians Association of the Philippines (MAAGAP); Pamilyang Magsasaka; Pinoy Ako; Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM); Towards Development and Action (TODA AKSYON); Tulong Ipamahagi sa Communidad Tungo sa Kaunlaran (TICTOK); Tulungan Tayo; Truism Isulong Mo (TURISMO); United Frontliner’s of the Philippines; and Walang Iwanan sa Free Internet Inc. (WIFI).

The cancellation is anchored on Republic Act 7941 or the Party-List System Act and the rules under Comelec Resolution 11204 as amended.

Section 6(8) of the law authorizes the poll body to cancel a party-list group’s registration, after due notice and hearing, either on its own initiative or upon a verified complaint from an interested party, for failure to participate in the two preceding elections or failure to obtain the required votes in the relevant elections.

The action forms part of the Comelec’s implementation of the rules governing the registration and continued participation of organizations in the party-list system.

After months of intense and exciting action, the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) will conclude its 2026 Smart/MVP Sports Foundation Philippine Taekwondo League (PTL) this weekend, with elite schools battling for bragging rights across various divisions.

Established in 2011, the PTL – through the able leadership of Grandmaster Hong Sung-chon – has continued to serve as a platform for student-athletes to develop their skills, showcase their talent, and demonstrate the values of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

The event, which started last June 6, will stage its semis matches on Saturday at the Ayala Malls, Manila Bay, while the finals and the awarding ceremony will take place on Sunday at the PTA Taekwondo Gymnasium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

University of the Philippines, National U, Far Eastern U, San Beda, La Salle and University of Santo Tomas are the leading title contenders in both the Kyorugi and Poomsae disciplines.

UP and NU sport perfect 5-0 win-loss records in the men’s division of Kyorugi, followed by FEU (4-2), San Beda (4-1), UST (3-1), St. Benilde (3-3), La Salle (2-2), Emilio Aguinaldo College (2-1), and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (1-5). NU and La Salle lead the women’s side with similar 4-0 cards in the event supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee and Milo.

UST is third with a 2-1 card, followed by San Beda (2-2), FEU (2-1), UP (2-1), DLS-CSB (1-2), EAC (1-2), PUP (0-4), and EARIST (0-4).

Meanwhile, the FEU jins are leading the way in the Poomsae competition with a 4-0 record.

, followed by NU (4-1), UST (3-0), UP (2-2), DLSU (1-3), and DLS-CSB (1-3).

NU and San Beda are 1-2 in the junior men with 3-0 and 2-0 records, while EAC and La Salle Greenhills are tied for third. UST is fourth (0-2). UST is leading the junior women’s category with a 3-0 card, followed by EAC (2-1), SBU (1-2), FEU (1-1), NU (1-0), and Diliman Preparatory School (1-0).

Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has named veteran banker Maria Cristina ‘Ginbee’ Go as its next president and chief executive officer, succeeding Jose Teodoro ‘TG’ Limcaoco in April 2027.

In a statement, BPI said its board of directors approved the succession plan, with Go set to assume the bank’s top post effective April 26, 2027, following its annual stockholders’ meeting and subject to regulatory approvals.

Go, currently BPI’s executive vice president and head of consumer banking, will take over from Limcaoco, who has led the bank since 2021.

BPI chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said the transition would allow the bank to build on the transformation achieved under Limcaoco while positioning itself for future growth.

‘I am excited for the new prospects ahead under Ginbee’s stewardship,’ Zobel de Ayala said.

He noted that opportunities remain in the Philippine consumer banking sector despite volatility in the domestic and global economic environment.

Limcaoco will remain on BPI’s board of directors following the transition and assume senior governance roles in other major Ayala Group companies, which will be announced later.

Under his leadership, BPI expanded its digital capabilities, strengthened cybersecurity and pursued financial inclusion initiatives. The bank now serves more than 19 million customers nationwide and employs over 23,000 people.

Go, a 23-year BPI veteran, previously served as president of BPI Family Savings Bank, overseeing its transformation and integration into the parent bank.

She has also spearheaded efforts to expand BPI’s retail banking network, improve customer experience and accelerate digital innovation, including the adoption of artificial intelligence-enabled capabilities.

Before joining BPI, Go held leadership positions at Citibank, Ayala Land and Procter and Gamble. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School.

Meanwhile, BPI reported a 3.2-percent decline in net income to P48.9 billion in the first nine months from P50.5 billion a year earlier, as higher operating expenses and provisions for potential loan losses weighed on earnings.