Category: Philippine Star

The UK, having recorded as the fastest growing economy in the first quarter of 2025 at 0.7%, making it the fastest among the G7.

BCCP Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson noted that the UK is leveraging its growth momentum through its new Industrial Strategy, providing support to British businesses and increasing its competitiveness in areas such as Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, Professional and Business Services.

Nelson said that, ‘I have been in discussions with Martin Kent, the UK Trade Commissioner for Asia-Pacific. He mentioned that UK trade growth in the APAC area is growing strongly.’

He added that the target sectors identified in industrial energy are also the areas that are of interest to the Philippines and have existing assistance and partnerships with the UK.

‘I think what the UK government has looked at, particularly with its industrial strategy plan, is to focus on key sector areas-in particular, things like renewable energy. There’s a lot of support from the UK in this area, and they’ll be looking at those opportunities,’ Nelson said.

The UK and the Philippines have entered into a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), which would address market access issues and reinforce investment opportunities in multiple sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, energy, economic development, life sciences, and technology.

Nelson also reiterated its support to the Philippines’ interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade group in which the UK is already a part of.

The Philippine-UK trade continues to see an upward trend in terms of total trade at £3.0 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2025, with Nelson citing that the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration has placed driving trade and investment further at the forefront of its economic agenda, driven by reforms such as the recently passed RA 12252 extending the long-term lease of private lands to foreign investors from 50 years to up to 99 years and the Republic Act 12254 or the E-Governance Act – urging the release of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

Nelson further added that, ‘Next year will be the 80th year of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and we continue to see growth in trade between the two areas. Our concern as a chamber, representing our members, is the impact on government work and legislation. We would like to see the Cybersecurity Act passed – as this is another area to which the Philippines can work together with the UK expertise.’

Despite heated instances in their battle with the University of the Philippines Wednesday evening, Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin stressed that the Fighting Maroons are not malicious, but just ‘tough and physical’.

Ateneo absorbed an 83-69 loss to UP Wednesday, the Blue Eagles’ first setback in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

With UP holding a 79-62 advantage over their Katipunan rivals, Kymani Ladi and Migs Yniguez were called for double technical fouls after getting tangled up in the rebound play.

And with the game all but over with mere seconds remaining, Maroons star guard Rey Remogat was called for an unsportsmanlike foul on Ian Espinosa. The foul saw the former getting thrown out of the game.

After the contest, Baldwin underscored that physicality is part of sports.

‘Look, UP is tough. UP is physical. They have been since [UP head coach] Goldwin [Monteverde] has been there. Nobody in our dugout is crying about that,’ he said.

Baldwin said that he did not see the replay, but he believes Remogat’s explanation that he was merely trying to stop the fast break.

‘I think that it was a hard foul. I think it was a foul with purpose, you know, to stop the fast break. But I seriously doubt whether there was any malice in it,’ the coach stated.

‘UP guys are tough. Like, they’re really tough guys. But I don’t see them as malicious and I don’t see their coaching staff that way at all. I just think they’re highly competitive and I applaud that. I applaud toughness,’ he added.

The game was tight through the half, with Ateneo trailing by just two, 38-40. But the Fighting Maroons clamped down on defense in the third quarter, outscoring their rivals 24-11 to break the game wide open.

UP’s lead grew to as high as 19 points, 79-60, after a 3-pointer by Remogat.

‘You know, I ask our guys to be dogs all the time. And I think the UP coaching staff probably doesn’t have to ask for that very much because that’s what those guys are and I admire that about them,’ Baldwin said.

‘And I think we live in a world today where people overreact to toughness. I mean, get the hell out of sports if you’re not going to be tough, right? And if you’re going to cry about things all the time, well, you’re not going to be on the winning side very much.’

UP showcased its defensive prowess in the game as they forced Ateneo to shoot 25-of-65 from the floor compared to their 28-of-57 clip.

The Maroons have now won three straight games and rose to 3-2 this season, while the Blue Eagles dropped to 4-1.

Newly-installed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that he is prepared to move the controversial flood control project cases from his office to the Sandiganbayan for prosecution.

Remulla said that the goal is to ensure cases are filed with fully compiled evidence so they are immediately ready for trial, to eliminate the “delaying tactics” in the case.

“Kanina pinag-usapan namin ni SAJ Leonen (Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen), na continuous trial talaga para wala ng delaying tactics na pwedeng umiral na matulog nang matagal itong mga kasong ito,” Remulla said in an interview with reporters after his oath taking on Thursday, October 9.

(I spoke with SAJ Leonen this morning, and we talked about making sure the trials are continuous so that no delaying tactics can be used to let these cases languish.)

“Kailangan dito tuloy-tuloy ang daloy ng kaso,” he added.

(The case needs to move forward without interruption.)

When asked if there is a timeline for when the Office of the Ombudsman will file cases, Remulla said that it will depend on the evidence available.

“Talagang sisikapin namin na mabuo nang husto kasi ayaw namin na kami ang maging cause ng delay,” Remulla said.

(We will truly strive to complete this fully, because we don’t want to be the cause of any delay.)

“Ang timeline niyan will depend on that, pero malamang niyan, within the next few weeks, ‘pag nagfile kami ready kami for trial,” he added.

(The timeline for that will depend on [the evidence completion], but most likely, within the next few weeks, when we file, we will be ready for trial.)

No one will be spared. Remulla also said his office’s concern is “building the case,” specifically focusing on the charges and the evidence rather than the identity of the accused.

He said that no one is exempt from the investigation, regardless of their high or low position, even if it involves family members of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Kaya everybody comes in there, wala tayong sinisino rito. Mataas man o mababa pero sisiguraduhin natin yung ebidensya ang nakatuon ‘pag file natin ng kaso so kahit mataas ‘yan, kahit umabot ng senador ‘yan, kung saan man abutin ‘yan, gagawin natin,” he said.

(This means everyone is subject to the investigation, and we are not singling anyone out. Regardless of whether the individual is high-ranking or low-ranking, we will ensure that the evidence is the concentration when we file the case. We will see it through, even if it reaches a senator or wherever the trail leads.)

Remulla, whose family members occupy government positions in the national government and in Cavite, was then asked what he would do if any of his family members were involved in corruption.

He said: “‘Yung mga anak ko pinalaki namin ‘yan ng asawa ko na maaayos na tao at alam nila na ‘pag ang tatay nila ay nagtrabaho ay trabaho talaga,” Remulla said.

(My wife and I raised our children to be good people, and they know that when their father works, it is truly about the job.)

“They know about it. Kaya ako hindi ako natatakot na mayroon silang gagawin na masama kasi I think we raised them very well,” he added.

(They know about it. That is why I am not afraid that they will do anything bad, because I think we raised them very well.)

In October 2022, it could be recalled that his son was charged with possession of illegal drugs before a Las Piñas court.

Then justice chief Remulla vowed not to interfere in the case, saying his son “will have to face his predicament as a fully emancipated child.”

“A person should always face the consequences of their actions and I will let justice take its own course,” Remulla said in 2022.

Remulla took his oath of office on October 9 as the Ombudsman. He succeeds former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term expired on July 27.

Tennis sensation Alex Eala captured her breakthrough WTA singles title and served as anchor as Philippine athletes made it a ‘September to remember’.

On a high from her milestone first-round victory at the US Open main draw in August, Eala followed up with her maiden championship run at the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico.

The 20-year-old ace fought with much intensity and passion all the way through, sealing it with a searing comeback from a set down to beat Hungary’s Panna Udvardy, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3.

With her exploits, Eala smashed her way to the top of the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s roster of achievers for the ninth month of 2025.

Aside from the elite netter, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, the Alas Pilipinas Men, darter Lovely Mae ‘Bebang’ Orbeta, and pickleball player Bambi Zoleta produced noteworthy performances in the other fronts.

Obiena helped stage a world-class street pole vault event, the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge at the Ayala Triangle, and gave Pinoy fans a complete treat by beating his foreign rivals for the gold with his season’s best 5.80 meters.

Alas spiked its stint in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at home with a massive upset of No. 21 Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21. It was the country’s first-ever win in the global meet and Alas nearly made more history but lost to No. 14 Iran, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 20-22, in a close battle for a Last-16 berth.

Writing history for Philippine darts, Orbeta hit the bull’s eye at the World Darts Federation (WDF) World Cup in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, capping an exceptional run with a dominant 7-2 victory over seasoned American Paula Murphy in the finale.

A decorated soft tennis player, Zoleta showed topnotch skills in another sport, copping a pair of gold medals at the World Pickleball Championship Tier 5 in Bali. Zoleta beat Indonesian Angie Bong, 21-15, for the tiara in the women’s singles 19+ 4.5 category, and teamed with Patricia Raymundo in overpowering Marine Demol and Mila Yatmi, 21-6, for the doubles mint.

Also making it to the September honor roll were Joseph Arcilla, Samuel Nuguit, Patrick Mendoza, Bien Zoleta, Princess Catindig and Christy Sañosa, who topped the mixed team division of the 9th Asian Soft Tennis Championships in Mungyeong City, Korea, and the Philippine delegation that claimed the Overall Nation Championship Trophy at the FIA Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship in Sri Lanka.

Prior to their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup opening game, NLEX Road Warriors team governor Ronald Dulatre said the team is eyeing to ‘raise the bar’ this season and go deeper in the playoffs.

On Wednesday, the squad shared a glimpse of what they are capable of.

Playing without star guard Robert Bolick, whose dad passed away a few days ago, NLEX delivered an early upset in the All-Filipino conference after squeaking past the defending champions San Miguel Beermen, 85-84, at the Ynares center in Antipolo.

Brandon Ramirez and Jonnel Policarpio stepped up for the Road Warriors with 16 points apiece. The former had six rebounds and three assists, while the latter shot 6-of-9 from the field, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc.

Kevin Alas chipped in 13 points, five rebounds and two steals, while JB Bahio added 12 markers and 12 boards.

After the game, Policarpio and head coach Jong Uichico said they are dedicating the win to Bolick, who was supposed to play against San Miguel before ‘something happened that he had to leave right away.’

‘Alam naman namin na you know, malaking epekto ng laro ni Berto sa amin. It was a collective effort ng lahat in the absence of Berto. We’re trying to dedicate this game to Berto, whose father passed away. He was supposed to play today before leaving, pero we understand naman,’ Uichico told reporters.

‘He wants to be with his father for the last time. Medyo may motivational factor kami in today’s game,’ he added.

Without the spitfire guard, NLEX trailed by as much as 13 points, 43-56, in the third quarter after a pair of free throws by newly-crowned Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo.

The Beermen still held a 12-point advantage at 66-54, before a 14-1 run capped by a Policarpio gave the Road Warriors the lead, 68-67, early in the fourth quarter.

Slowly, NLEX kept the Beermen at bay, as a pair of free throws by Bahio gave them an 85-80 lead with about 17 seconds left.

Don Trollano, then, hit a booming 4-pointer to make it a one point game, 84-85.

After Bahio was fouled anew and missed both free throws, San Miguel had one final shot to go for the win, but Trollano hesitated from beyond the arc and drove the ball to the basket. And, as he kicked it out, he turned the ball over, icing the NLEX win.

‘Dine-dedicate ko yung laro para kay Kuya Berto. Alam naman natin yung nangyari, kaya Kuya Bert, be strong,’ Policarpio said.

The forward also thanked his team for the trust that was given to him, as he scored 12 of his total offensive output in the second half.

Uichico, meanwhile, tipped his hat to the players that stepped up.

‘Everybody stepped up e. Si Baser [Amer,] si Matt [Nieto,] lahat ng napasok ko, contributed to the best of their ability. So hindi lang isa, hindi lang dalawa, pero lahat because we had to make up the absence of Berto nga,’ he stressed.

‘Alam naman namin na hindi madali ang San Miguel, so we just tried to stay in the game as much as we can, yung striking distance, huwag lang lumaki masyado yung lamang,’ he added.

‘Hopefully, through the game, maka-streak kami, which we did. Na-timing lang yung tamang tama yung run namin at the end na konti na lang yung oras. But of course, yung mga player ng NLEX, maski anong mangyari, lalaban lang sila.’

Fajardo stood tall for San Miguel with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Don Trollano backstopped with 17, while Jericho Cruz provided 12 markers for the Beermen.

The Road Warriors will return to action on Sunday, as they take on the Terrafirma Dyip at the same venue.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is seeking additional funds for the holding of the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in March next year.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia yesterday said the poll body has used up most of the P1.2 billion previously allotted for the BARMM election, which was recently postponed and moved from Oct. 13 to March.

He said P500 million ‘has been spent for the printing of official ballots that have gone to waste.’

‘We need additional budget equivalent to or higher than what has been spent to meet all expenses needed,’ Garcia said.

He said the Comelec also spent a part of the budget for the deployment and recall of all election paraphernalia.

The Comelec has yet to set the date of the BARMM election after the Supreme Court declared as unconstitutional laws redistricting the autonomous region, effectively postponing the electoral exercises.

The high tribunal gave the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) until Oct. 30 to craft a new districting law.

Garcia said the Comelec would wait for the BTA to finish crafting the new districting law before setting the date of the election, which must be held not later than March.

He said the Comelec is closely coordinating with the BTA concerning updates on the crafting of the new Bangsamoro districting law.

Yesha Mae Monsanto, second runner-up of Cebu Ultimate Catwalk Superstar-Teen Category, was doing her assignment at home when she felt the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30. She immediately thought of her parents. ‘They were sleeping on the second floor when the earthquake happened. I shouted to wake them up,’ the 17-year-old candidate said during an October 4 press conference at Café Moni.

Grand winner of Cebu Ultimate Catwalk-Kids Category, Kiana Michaili Bacaltos, had to be awakened by her grandmother while she was sleeping. ‘I was relaxed when we were evacuating, but deep inside, my heart was beating so fast,’ she recalled.

In what was the strongest earthquake recorded in Cebu and the deadliest in the country since the 2013 Bohol quake, the tremors damaged the northern parts of the province, including Bogo City, which

was the epicenter. Waves of relief goods and donations were delivered, with some of the candidates participating in the efforts.

‘I prayed for the victims, then I sent donations, including food and water,’ said 11-year-old Eiyannah Khryss Yap, second runner-up in the Kids Category. ‘Even small ways of compassion can make a difference.’

‘I was looking for donation campaigns because I was willing to volunteer. I want to help in small ways whenever I can,’ added 14-year-old Shamzy Jopia, winner in the Preteen Category.

For Monsanto, who also volunteered in packing relief goods, the earthquake served as a reminder that resilience remains an important trait amid sudden crises.

‘We should be resilient because we can rise as one,’ she said, clarifying that resilience shouldn’t automatically excuse incompetence in addressing the impacts of natural calamities.

‘I would tell a public official that they are not a common person, but a leader who has a chance to help and be a big person for us. If you were chosen to be a leader, you have a role to ensure Filipinos are safe and united as one, so we can help others,’ she said.

National, international bets

Following their coronation last July, this year’s candidates of Cebu Ultimate Catwalk Superstars are ready to face off at the Kids and Teens Pageant Global Philippines happening this October 11 in Metro Manila.

Among them are Yap as the Cebu City representative in the Little Miss Global Pageant Philippines; Allynah Ciarrah Zabate as Cebu City South’s delegate; Mary Corazon Gualiza for Cebu City North in the

Miss Preteen Global Pageant Philippines; and Rhean Summer Dela Victoria for Cebu City at Miss Teen Global Pageant Philippines.

Others will compete in international pageants, including Rhonne Angeline Jhayle Daugdaug and Candy Tumakay at the KidStar International Pageant in Thailand from December 1 to 8, while Hnin SoeChe Tun will represent the country in Cambodia from November 12 to 17 for Little Miss Icon Philippines. Jediaelle Rhianne Caritan is set to compete in a 2026 pageant to be held in the Philippines in May.

Other candidates present at the press conference included first runner-up of Teen Star International 2024 Riki Gabrielle Pitogo; Little Miss Heritage Rafaella Carra Cabalda; Laiza Loraine Lungtad, fourth

runner-up in the Cebu Ultimate Catwalk Superstars-Kids Category; and Alexandra Almario, second runner-up in the Preteen Category.

Pitogo recalled her experience in Thailand as both fun and challenging. ‘I got to meet new friends from other countries and know about their culture,’ she shared, advising her fellow candidates

representing Cebu and the Philippines to count on the support of their friends, family, and supporters to boost their confidence.

Many of the candidates consider Pitogo their inspiration in their respective competitions. Caritan said, ‘Ate Rikki is always so kind to us, and she always believes in herself. I want to be like her because

she’s a great role model.’

Caritan also considers her mother as her role model, someone who continues to support her as a young pageant contestant.

Gualiza, 14, echoed a similar sentiment. ‘My mom has taught me to be brave, confident, and to be everything – correcting myself and learning from my mistakes and stepping out of my comfort zone,’ she said.

Almario, 13, cites her grandmother as her role model. ‘She is the person who shaped me into who I am, considering she is the person who took care of me throughout my whole life,’ she said.

For Bacaltos, 11, it’s her fellow candidates whom she considers her sisters. ‘I know our journey is very hard, and we are all young. Being a kid doesn’t mean we are not perfect. They inspire me to be

confident, and that’s enough,’ she said.

‘The sisterhood we built up is so strong. I couldn’t be here without my friends,’ said Tun, 11. ‘We faced a lot of obstacles, and we are always here for each other since we all have the same dreams.’

Starting November 1, 2025, motorists using provisional, improvised, or temporary plates will be apprehended as part of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7’s intensified enforcement of license plate regulations.

The move is anchored on LTO Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2025-4674, issued on September 25, which prohibits the continued use of non-official plates.

LTO-7 Regional Director Glenn Galario said the measure comes as the agency has cleared its backlog in license plate production and is now actively distributing all remaining plates nationwide.

Galario clarified that, with the impending deadline, the use of improvised plates will only be allowed provided that the owner possesses an authorization to use an improvised plate. This authorization must be signed by the concerned LTO office that processed the duplicate plate request.

The improvised plate must contain the vehicle’s assigned plate number with the words “Improvised Plate” clearly printed below it.

The use of an improvised plate is applicable only to those who have requested a replacement plate due to loss, dilapidation, or similar situations that rendered the original plate unreadable or unidentifiable.

Galario said that using an “Improvised Plate” without proper authorization shall be fined.

Also covered by the apprehension are vehicles with unreadable plates, or those with plates improperly mounted such as slanted placements or wrong locations. Motorcycle plates must be mounted at the rear, while motor vehicle plates must be installed at both the front and rear.

Motorists are urged to claim their official plates at the nearest LTO office before the deadline to avoid long queues and possible penalties.

‘We ask for your cooperation and understanding. Every motor vehicle is required to have its official plate not only by law but also to ensure proper vehicle identification, public safety, and the general welfare,’ he said.

The implementation supports the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., which seeks to ensure all vehicles on public roads have proper plates.

Under the leadership of DOTr Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez and LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza, LTO 7 has been distributing unclaimed plates across the region since last year.

Violators will face a P5,000 fine under Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-001, along with other applicable laws and regulations.

The LTO also reminded motorists that vehicles bearing provisional, improvised, or temporary plates will not be accepted for registration renewal after the deadline.

A separate memorandum issued on August 27, 2024 had earlier informed the public of the guidelines for the use of improvised and temporary plates, giving motorists ample time to secure their official plates.

Call it a Van Sickle family reunion.

Petro Gazz’s emphatic 25-21, 25-19, 25-14 victory over Galeries Tower Thursday in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the City of Dasmariñas made it look like one as Brooke, the player, her dad Gary, the coach, and mom Lisa, the assistant coach, reunited on this unforgettable affair.

‘You’re the man of the hour,’ Brooke, who fired a match-high 14 points, told her father after the win.

‘It was a full circle moment and I’m going to try to enjoy every game, every point with them again and be coached by my parents again,’ she added.

‘We came out a little slow but overall, it was a team effort,’ said the eldest Van Sickle, who took over interim mentor Brian Esquivel.

Lindsey Vander Weide unloaded 13 hits on her return to the same franchise she led to the title of this same conference three years ago.

She liked what she saw in the team she’s returning to.

‘We have a lot of depth, anybody can step in and make a difference so that makes me really comfortable with them,’ said the 2022 Reinforced Conference Best Foreign Player.

There is hope that Vander Weide, along with the Van Sickles, could help the squad reclaim the championship it last won three years before.

And this win was a good first step toward that goal.

‘It’s going to be tough but we’ll see,’ said Vander Weide.

MJ Phillips, back after her Alas Pilipinas stint, likewise delivered and chipped in 12 hits.

The result spoiled the debut of Galeries Tower bench tactician Godfrey Okumu, who assumed the post of Lerma Giron.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that five to eight more tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) before the end of the year.

PAGASA-Visayas Chief, Engr. Al Quiblat, said during the Openline Forum yesterday that the projection is based on the long-range forecast presented in the September 24 Climate Forum.

‘For the month of October, we are expecting two to four tropical cyclones. Tropical Storm Paolo, the 16th tropical cyclone of the year and the first for October, has already passed. This means there may still be up to three more this month,’ Quiblat said.

He added that based on tropical cyclone threat potential, weather models show a possibility of two low-pressure areas (LPAs) entering the PAR between week 1 and week 2 of October.

Although the likelihood of these systems intensifying into tropical cyclones remains low at the moment, PAGASA is closely monitoring their development.

Quiblat explained that ocean conditions near the Philippines, particularly in the western Pacific, remain active and dynamic due to a 71 percent chance of a looming La Niña.

‘This could change the development of weather disturbances,’ he said as he urged the public to stay updated on the intensity and movement of any potential cyclone.

For November, PAGASA has forecasted two to three tropical cyclones, and for December, one to two. Historical data also showed that from November to December, there is a 60 to 70 percent chance that tropical cyclones may track toward the Visayas region.

‘These cyclones that develop toward the end of the year tend to be landfalling systems,’ Quiblat noted, citing PAGASA’s climatological records.

PAGASA continued to remind the public to monitor weather updates, especially as the country enters the peak of the typhoon season.

PAGASA tropical cyclone names for 2025 are Auring, Bising, Crising, Dante, Emong, Fabian, Gorio, Huaning, Isang, Jacinto, Kiko, Lannie, Mirasol, Nando, Opong, Paolo, Quedan, Ramil, Salome, Tino, Uwan, Verbena, Wilma, Yasmin, Zoraida.

While the auxiliary names used if cyclones exceed 25 in a season will be Alamid, Bruno, Conching, Dolor, Ernie, Florante, Gerardo, Hernan, Isko, and Jerome.