Category: Philippine Star

He’s virtually won every possible award in the PBA but nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo remains hungry for more.

And what he wants to win next isn’t another MVP run in Season 50, which would further his greatness, but something that benefits his San Miguel Beer teammates.

‘More championships pa,’ said Fajardo, who has 11 rings entering the league’s golden season.

‘Lahat naman ng players yun ang goal. Maraming championships pang darating bago ako mag-retiro,’ he said.

Fajardo was named MVP for the third straight season and led the achievers in yesterday’s Season 49 Leo Awards at the Novotel Manila.

JMF amassed 3,041 points from stats and votes from players and media to soundly beat NLEX’ Robert Bolick (1,914) and former NorthPort star Arvin Tolentino (1,901) for the top individual.

‘The Kraken’ also went home with trophies for First Mythical Team and All-Defensive Team.

SMB’s CJ Perez and TNT’s Calvin Oftana joined JMF, Bolick and Tolentino in the First Mythical Team while TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin, Magnolia’s Zav Lucero, Ginebra’s Stephen Holt and Titan’s Joshua Munzon shared the stage with Fajardo in the All-Defensive 5.

As the Senate investigation into the flood control mess continues to yield explosive allegations of corruption, one question has persisted: Why have the lawmakers implicated in the controversy not been called to testify?

This has been the consistent gripe of former Blue Ribbon committee chair Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who openly questioned Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson for not summoning resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co to face the Senate’s hearings.

Lacson, however, invoked inter-parliamentary courtesy – a long-held tradition preventing one chamber of Congress from summoning members of the other.

‘You have been a congressman for many years. We do not invite or summon members of Congress in the same manner that they don’t invite senators to their hearings,’ Lacson told Marcoleta during a recent Blue Ribbon hearing.

Marcoleta pushed back during a later plenary session, arguing that such courtesy should not hinder the search for accountability.

‘Ang pinag-uusapan natin ay problema kasangkot na po ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Sasabihin ba natin inter-parliamentary courtesy? Nakasulat ba sa bato yun? Absolute yun?’ he asked. (We are talking about the problems facing our country’s future. Are we still going to say inter-parliamentary courtesy? Is it written in stone? Is it absolute?)

Co has since resigned from the House of Representatives and now faces a possible Senate subpoena. But inter-parliamentary courtesy, though unwritten, remains a deeply respected practice.

While Marcoleta is correct in noting there is no no law upholding the inter-parliamentary courtesy, not all norms governing congressional and democratic proceedings are set with pen and ink, scholars have noted. Courtesy, in particular, has long prevented members of either chambers of Congress from crossing over.

A Supreme Court circular once described the rule as a ‘time-honored tradition’ that ensures smooth relations between the two chambers, even if it does not carry the force of law.

‘While inter-chamber courtesy is not a principle which has attained the level of a statutory command, it enjoys a high degree of obeisance among the members of the legislature, ensuring as it does the smooth flow of the legislative process,’ the high courtt stated.

A bit of history

The principle has been invoked in several high-profile cases. During former president Joseph Estrada’s jueteng scandal. The House had asked the Senate, on the basis of inter-chamber courtesy, to terminate its probe into the scandal, as the power to file an impeachment complaint against an official rests on the lower chamber.

More recently, Sen. Bato dela Rosa refused to heed House lawmakers to appear at a hearing on the deadly drug war, which he implemented as police chief under former president Rodrigo Duterte. In declining the invitation, Dela Rosa cited inter-chamber courtesy.

In contrast, non-lawmakers like dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and preacher Apollo Quiboloy have been arrested for ignoring congressional summonses – a privilege not extended to legislators.

A turning point

The debate over inter-parliamentary courtesy gained new weight this week after Lacson announced his resignation as Blue Ribbon chair, citing waning support from colleagues.

Lacson, whose committee uncovered testimonies linking senators, House members, and contractors to flood control kickback schemes, said he sensed that members of the majority bloc were ‘no longer in full agreement’ with how he conducted the inquiry.

‘When my peers already lack faith in me… maybe stepping down is an option,’ Lacson said, confirming he would formally submit his resignation to Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

Lacson had earlier said he would invite Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte), the former House speaker, to the ongoing probe. The invitation, however, would be coursed through Speaker Bojie Dy “out of courtesy.”

Economists are divided on whether the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will deliver another rate cut this week or hold fire, as the Monetary Board convenes on Oct. 9 against a backdrop of subdued inflation and still-soft growth momentum.

Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion expects the Philippine central bank to trim policy rates by 25 basis points (bps).

‘We expect the Monetary Board to cut policy rates by 25 bps on Oct. 9 to preempt downside risks to growth amid benign inflation,’ Asuncion said.

‘Looking ahead, we see a cumulative 50 to 75 bps easing through early 2026, with the policy rate likely bottoming out around 4.50 to 4.75 percent, assuming no major supply shocks,’ Asuncion added.

Reyes Tacandong and Co. senior adviser Jonathan Ravelas shared a similar view, saying the BSP has room to ease further to support economic activity.

Ravelas also projected a 25-basis-point reduction this week.

With the policy rate currently at five percent after a series of cuts totaling 150 bps since August 2024, the Oct. 9 decision is shaping up as a key test of how much room the central bank still has to ease without unsettling market expectations or external stability.

In contrast, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. chief economist Nicholas Mapa believes that the Monetary Board will stand pat for now, preferring to wait for more clarity.

‘The BSP is tipped to keep rates untouched, awaiting moves by the Federal Reserve and the release of third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) data,’ Mapa said.

‘We expect growth to remain challenged in the third quarter, which could keep the door open for a potential rate cut by the end of the year,’ Mapa explained.

Jun Neri, lead economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands, said the BSP could still cut rates this week, but sees a higher chance of easing by December once third-quarter GDP figures, due in November, confirm demand softness.

‘While BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. has signaled the possibility of a cut next week if economic weakness persists, he also earlier described the current policy level as a ‘Goldilocks’ rate, suggesting the BSP may wait for clearer evidence before acting,’ Neri said.

Remolona earlier said that the BSP’s easing cycle may soon be winding down as borrowing costs are now at a level that is ‘just right’ for a stable and growing economy, meaning the rates are neither too high to choke growth nor too low to fuel inflation.

While rates are already near neutral and inflation is projected to converge to three percent by 2026 to 2027, Neri noted that the scope for further easing is limited. But the BSP could still deliver two more rate cuts if the economy continues to operate below potential.

The central bank could also move in tandem with the US Federal Reserves, especially if markets expect aggressive cuts after Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s term ends in May 2026, he said.

‘However, this raises the risk of policy overshooting, which could force a reversal if inflation pressures re-emerge when base effects turn unfavorable again in 2026, while also reducing the likelihood of the promised reserve requirement cuts next year to align with the region,’ Neri said.

‘External dynamics will also weigh heavily, with stagflation risks in the US adding further uncertainty around the timing and scale of Fed moves,’ Neri added.

The debate underscores the delicate balancing act for the BSP as it weighs the need to bolster growth against risks of moving too quickly while inflation remains subdued.

The central bank started its easing cycle in August last year, trimming rates by 25 basis points, followed by two more reductions in November and December 2024. It resumed cutting in April, June and August this year as inflation stabilized and economic growth showed resilience.

After the Oct. 9 policy meeting, the Monetary Board will have its final review this year on Dec. 11.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has introduced a new web-based application designed to automate the detection of sinkholes, a move expected to strengthen the government’s geohazard mapping and disaster response capabilities.

Developed by the bureau’s Lands Geological Survey Division, the system combines manual and automated methods to identify potential sinkholes, and assess karst formations or limestone terrain prone to ground collapse.

‘The application, that is currently being tested in the Central Visayas region, integrates manual digitization and automated geospatial analysis of available satellite data,’ the MGB said over the weekend.

The tool uses topographic maps from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority with satellite based digital elevation models to track changes in terrain and surface deformation.

Once fully implemented, the app is expected to improve data collection and the accuracy of sinkhole mapping used in local land use planning and post disaster response operations.

Death toll rises to 71

The reported death toll from the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu last week has climbed to 71, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said yesterday.

In its situational report, the NDRRMC said 559 others were injured and for validation.

The earthquake affected some 128,464 families or 455,631 people. Of this number, at least 405 families were served in four evacuation centers.

Office of Civil Defense Administrator Harold Cabreros said search and rescue efforts following the earthquake in Cebu have now shifted toward relief and early recovery operations.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has assured quake survivors they can avail themselves of free surgery and other medical services at any hospital.

Acting PhilHealth president Dr. Edwin Mercado said the agency has approved a special policy relaxation to ensure that victims receive urgent, life-saving care at no cost.

Mercado said the Philippine Orthopedic Association and the Private Hospital Association of the Philippines have immediately pledged to extend timely surgical services and hospital care to earthquake victims.

In another development, the Department of Labor and Employment allotted an initial P11 million for the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers program in quake-affected areas.

Faster aid

Meanwhile, Sen. Erwin Tulfo has urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development to fast-track the distribution of food aid to earthquake victims.

Meanwhile, the Jesus is Lord Movement of Rep. Eddie Villanueva and the Metropolitan Bible Baptist Ekklesia of Rep. Benny Abante have been mobilizing assistance for quake victims.

Party-list Tingog, which is the organization of former speaker Martin Romualdez and his congresswoman-wife Yedda, along with their son Andrew Julian, rolled out its initial relief mission to assist quake-affected families.

‘One Caritas response’

Meanwhile, Caritas arms in other countries have united with Caritas Philippines for a ‘One Caritas response’ in helping earthquake victims in Cebu and those stricken by recent tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando and Opong.

In a Facebook post, Caritas Philippines said, ‘In collaboration with In-country CIMO-Catholic Relief Service Philippines, Caritas Germany, and Caritas Spain, a unified-One Caritas response has been agreed upon.’

Other Caritas partners such as Caritas Australia, Caritas Italiana, Caritas Austria, Caritas Humanitarian Aid and Relief Initiatives Singapore, Caritas Asia including Caritas Internationalis have expressed their solidarity.

Caritas Philippines has coordinated with agencies under the United Nations such as the Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs.

Caritas Philippines would also be launching an emergency appeal through the Alay Kapwa Solidarity Fund to support the immediate needs of the most affected communities in Cebu or through Caritas International.

The Bangsamoro government and local officials in Lamitan City separately sent approximately 20 tons of relief supplies to Cebu for distribution to tremor-stricken communities across the province.

Radio reports in Cotabato City on Monday, October 6, stated that the Bangsamoro government, along with the Tactical Operation Group 12 (TOG 12) of the Philippine Air Force in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, facilitated the airlift to Cebu last weekend of 445 bags of plasma from the Cotabato Regional Medical Center, along with modular tents, hygiene and sleeping kits and water containers for villagers displaced by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the province last September 30.

The office of BARMM’s chief minister, Abdulrauf Macacua, the TOG 12, the Office of Civil Defense-BARMM, the Ministry of Social Services and Development-BARMM and the Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence cooperated in transporting the relief supplies to Cebu using an Air Force plane.

Macacua, figurehead of the 80-seat BARMM parliament, said on Monday that he is thankful to the TOG 12 of the Philippine Air Force for the prompt airlift to Cebu of the relief supplies from the agencies of the Bangsamoro regional government.

Residents of Lamitan City and their local government unit also shipped last weekend 10 tons of relief supplies to Cebu for distribution to tremor-stricken residents in the northern part of the province.

More than 60 villagers died from injuries due to the collapse of structures and stampedes caused by the earthquake that jolted the province.

‘We, Lamiteños, stand along with our compatriot-Filipinos and the foreigners who suffered a lot from the earthquake that struck Cebu province. We wish for their recovery from that calamity,’ Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay told reporters on Monday.

Not sure which attractions to include in your Taipei itinerary? Why not follow in the footsteps of popular Filipino travel influencers Krisell Lumagui and The Poor Traveler!

This article will show you the places they explored in Taipei, which might inspire your own trip. If you’d like to visit influencer-recommended spots but aren’t sure how to plan your route, we recommend checking out the website of Taipei Travel, the official travel website of the Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government.

It features three specially designed four-day, three-night Taipei itineraries for Filipino visitors, including influencer spots as well as experiences beloved by Filipino travelers-so you can choose the route that best suits your travel style!

A food paradise: Taste iconic snacks at night markets and shopping districts

Taipei’s food scene is absolutely irresistible! If you want to sample the city’s famous snacks all in one go, Taipei’s bustling shopping districts and night markets will not disappoint.

Among them, the Yongkang Shopping District and Shilin Night Market, both highly recommended by influencers, offer a wide variety of treats-from classic beef noodles to refreshing mango shaved ice-that delight both kids and adults alike.

The lively Shilin Night Market is a must-visit, where you can find virtually every Taipei’s iconic street food you’ve heard of. Even influencers come here for a taste, proving that Taipei’s culinary charm truly has international appeal.

A fun-filled wonderland for the whole family

The Taipei Children’s Amusement Park showcases Taipei’s modern interpretation of ‘play.’ This contemporary amusement facility perfectly blends with the cityscape, attracting not only children but also adults who want to rediscover their inner child. Here, happiness is simple-regardless of age, everyone can find their own moments of joy!

Wondering if it’s worth a visit? Just take a look at Krisell Lumagui’s authentic experience-you’ll find the answer in the smiles of her entire family.

City meets nature: Cable car rides and relaxing hot springs in Taipei

Want to take in the full scenic beauty of Taipei, a city framed by mountains and rivers? The Maokong Gondola is the perfect choice. As the cable car slowly ascends, the entire Taipei Basin unfolds below you-from the bustling cityscape to the winding mountain ridges, each view is like a beautiful painting.

Meanwhile, the Taipei Botanical Garden offers a rare green oasis in the city, providing a refreshing pause during your travels.

Just outside Taipei, Qingtiangang Grassland on Yangmingshan boasts expansive grasslands where visitors can stroll freely and breathe in the revitalizing forest air-nature is right at your doorstep, even amidst the lively city.

Additionally, the Beitou Hot Springs, highly recommended by both influencers, are a favorite among travelers from tropical countries. The soothing steam allows complete relaxation, while the mineral-rich waters offer wellness benefits.

This is another side of Taipei-a modern international city that also embraces its natural beauty.

Taipei’s charm: A perfect blend of modern creativity and tradition

These historical and cultural sites are what make Taipei so enchanting. Its rich cultural heritage turns the city into a place full of stories.

At the century-old Lungshan Temple in Monga, you can admire the exquisite carvings and architectural beauty of the temple. The red-brick buildings of Bopiliao Historic Block serve as a time capsule, transporting visitors back a hundred years to experience Taipei’s traditional architectural aesthetics.

Dihua Street and Yongle Market are perfect for a deeper dive into Taipei’s culture. Wander through the dried goods shops along Dihua Street, or pick out a piece of fabric at Yongle Market to sew into a pillow-a tangible memory of your journey and a lasting keepsake of your Taipei adventure.

Discover Taipei’s unique shopping districts and the city’s fashion vibes

The youthful energy of Ximending and American Street showcases Taipei as a birthplace of pop culture. These areas are hubs of creativity, and strolling the streets, you can feel the city’s nonstop innovative spirit.

Beyond this vibrant youth culture, the Xinyi Shopping District, also visited by both influencers, is the epicenter of fashion and style. Here, the world-famous Taipei 101 awaits-climb up to the observation deck to take in breathtaking city views, experiencing Taipei’s modern metropolitan charm and vitality.

Meanwhile, the Zhongshan Linear Park and the Japanese-style Zhongshan shopping streets highlight Taipei’s cultural diversity and inclusiveness. Buildings from the Japanese colonial era blend seamlessly with modern designs, creating a unique urban aesthetic.

In recent years, these areas have developed into new shopping districts, attracting many creative stores and offering visitors fresh choices for exploring and shopping.

Taipei itineraries: Three routes to choose from

After seeing these exciting spots for food, family fun, nature, culture and shopping, are you tempted? Ready to fly to Taipei right away? All of these influencer-recommended attractions are included in the three specially designed itineraries for Filipino visitors on the Travel Taipei website.

Whether you want to enjoy quality family time, experience diverse outdoor adventures, or immerse yourself in deep cultural exploration, the website of Taipei Travel offers three thoughtfully planned four-day, three-night routes for Filipino travelers. Follow the influencers’ favorite spots and create your very own Taipei story!

The Department of Health (DOH) has started a case buildup against those involved in the alleged irregularities in the agency.

‘Actually, the DOH has been investigating these anomalies way before the media picked it up,’ Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a post on social media, in reaction to reports of corruption in the department.

‘Several actions have been taken already, and we continue to do case buildup,’ he added.

Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo previously said the DOH welcomes any investigation into so-called ghost health centers reportedly built under the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program but later turned out to be unfinished or unusable.

The government has begun deploying psychometricians and psychosocial responders across Northern Cebu to help earthquake survivors cope with trauma and stress, marking a crucial shift from rescue to recovery following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Mental health care has become a top priority as communities continue to endure aftershocks and emotional distress.

‘We are now in the recovery phase, and that includes mental health-especially for those who lost loved ones and for our exhausted health workers,’ said Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-VII) Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brilliantes.

‘We’ve started deploying psychosocial teams to various areas. We urge everyone to remain vigilant, especially with the ongoing aftershocks.’

Teams of psychometricians and mental health professionals from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) Center for Behavioral Health have already arrived in San Remigio Gym to conduct psychological debriefings and post-earthquake interventions.

Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, daughter of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, confirmed that additional teams from DOH Manila will be deployed in the coming days to continue the mission of healing and support.

The initiative is part of the government’s expanded recovery operations after the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) officially terminated Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) operations on October 2 in San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Medellin, and Bogo City. All missing persons have been accounted for.

Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros, who joined President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit to Bogo City, underscored that while the search phase has ended, the mission to sustain and protect lives continues.

‘The period of saving lives has now shifted into the period of sustaining lives,’ Cabreros said.

According to the latest data from the OCD and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the quake left 72 people dead, more than 500 injured, and around 171,000 individuals affected across 53 barangays in northern Cebu.

More than 4,000 families-about 20,000 individuals-remain displaced, many of them sheltering in open areas and tent cities.

Experts stressed that mental health care is not optional in disaster recovery but essential. Earthquakes can leave invisible wounds-anxiety, grief, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress that persist long after physical injuries have healed.

Children, the elderly, and those who witnessed death or destruction are especially vulnerable. Without proper intervention, these psychological impacts can hinder recovery, strain relationships, and deepen suffering.

Post-trauma care helps individuals process their experiences, regain a sense of safety, and rebuild emotional resilience. It also supports health workers and responders who face immense pressure and emotional fatigue.

By prioritizing psychological support, the government affirms that recovery is not just about rebuilding homes-it’s about restoring lives.

To further ensure access to care, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has directed PhilHealth to implement zero-balance billing for earthquake survivors and the families of the deceased.

Patients referred to private hospitals or DOH facilities-including VSMMC, Eversley Childs Sanitarium, Talisay District Hospital, and Cebu South Medical Center-will receive full coverage under this directive.

PhilHealth Regional Vice President Marjorie Cabrieto and officers from PRO VII have conducted hospital visits in Northern Cebu to assess urgent needs and validate patient data.

The Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package remains available for accredited hospitals treating quake-related injuries.

Meanwhile, relief efforts continue with the distribution of aquatabs, hygiene kits, water containers, and essential medicines.

For health emergencies, DOH-Central Visayas has activated its 24/7 Emergency Healthline, accessible via #0711 for Globe and TM users, with alternative numbers available for Smart and landline subscribers.

Even after surmounting intense pressure and stopping his campaign in the Top 11, Jether Palomo was still in high spirits after the finals night on October 5 of Mister Global 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.

‘Hey guys, it’s Jether. I’m here. We just finished Mister Global. I placed in the Top 11. I guess we’ll see if I join another one or I retire. But for now, I’m gonna take some rest. Thank you so much for the love. I see all the messages. I love you guys so much,’ the ‘Gwapong Pinoy’ Palomo said in a video posted by Mister Pilipinas Worldwide on Facebook.

‘Global’ Pinoys

Before winning the title in 2024 courtesy of Daumier Corilla, the Philippines has performed exceptionally well at Mister Global.

In the inaugural edition in 2014, Wilfred Placencia placed in the Top 5; 2015 (Top 15, Joseph Doruelo); 2016 (Top 10 and Mister Popularity, Mark Bornilla); 2017 (Top 16 and Best Charming Smile, James Ventura); 2018 (Top 16, Kristian Sarmiento); 2019 (Top 16, Ricky Gumera); 2021 (Unplaced, Mico Teng); 2022 (Mark Avendaño, Best National Costume); and 2023 (Top 15, John Ernest Tanting).

Palomo won Best Country Presentation Video.

Viva España

From 37 entries from around the globe, Spain’s Miguel Alejandro Ortega emerged the winner. Spain already had a winner in 2021, Miguel Ángel Lucas, but he resigned. Danh Chi?u Linh of Vietnam assumed the role.

Mister Global said of the winner: ‘Your dedication, charm, and strength have led you to this incredible victory. Tonight, we celebrate not only the crown you wear but also the journey, passion, and perseverance that brought you here. You are a true inspiration and a shining example of a global gentleman.’

William Badell of Venezuela is Mister Global 2025 1st runner-up, while Gabriel Alejandro Silva of Mexico is 2nd runner-up.

‘From nations across the world, these remarkable gentlemen have captured hearts with their charisma, dedication, and resilience. They embody not only strength and elegance but also the dreams and hard work that brought them to this moment,’ Mister Global said of the Top 3.

It was heartbreaking for Badell of Venezuela, who was so close to winning the title. He previously placed 1st runner-up at Mister International 2023 and 2nd runner-up at Mister Supranational 2021.

Riley Hedstrom of the United States and Adriano Cupaioli of France rounded out the Top 5.

Included in the Top 11 were Nigeria, Philippines, China, Korea, Uruguay and Laos. In the Top 20 were Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, South Africa, Canada and Brazil.

Top 11 speech

Palomo’s speech at Top 11, while sincere and articulate, did not propel him to the Top 5:

‘People often say it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. But I’m here to disagree. I believe it’s the company that comes along with you. My time here in Mister Global has taught me the importance of brotherhood – that with each high and every low, there are always people who love and care for you. Because it doesn’t matter what the destination is, and the journey will always change. What truly matters are the values you instill in the ones you love across you,” he said.

Vietnam rice export prices continued to drop as the Philippines, its largest market for the grain, extended an import ban by another month, with the possibility of lasting until the end of the year.

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) observed that bearishness gripped global Indica rice markets in September as supplies remained ample amid tight demand.

‘Prices fell the most in Vietnam, as sentiment was also weighed by the Philippines’ import suspension (originally slated to last 60 days, but successively extended by at least 30 days),’ FAO said in its monthly rice market brief.

Benchmark five percent broken Vietnam rice averaged $372.1 per metric ton in September, about four percent lower than its average quotation in August of $389 per MT, based on FAO data. On an annual basis, Vietnam rice price fell by 32 percent from last year’s $546.5 per MT.

FAO data showed that the price of five percent broken Vietnam rice from January to September averaged $389.3 per MT, dropping by 32 percent year-on-year.

The easing of rice prices was a result of India’s return to the global market as the world’s top rice exporter, following the lifting of its export restrictions that led to an abundance of supplies.

The situation, however, has been exacerbated by the Philippines’ imposition of a temporary rice import ban, which began on Sept. 1 and was initially scheduled to last until the end of October.

The government decided to impose a temporary rice import ban in the hopes of stabilizing domestic palay prices, which have plummeted below production costs due to the unabated entry of imported stocks into the market.

The country has imported almost 3.4 million metric tons as of Sept. 24, with 427,196 MT arriving in September alone, based on Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data.

The Philippines’ rice import ban took effect on Sept. 15 and has been extended until the end of November, with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signaling that it may even be prolonged until the end of the year to protect local farmers.

BPI data showed a drastic drop in the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) for rice in September. SPSIC is a required import document that certifies inbound rice shipments are safe for human consumption.

The BPI issued only 79 SPSICs in September, amounting to an applied rice import volume of 36,185.2 metric tons.

The International Rice Research Institute earlier pointed out that rice importers will have the leverage to delay purchases and even buy at a bargain once the country’s rice import ban is lifted, as global prices remain soft due to a supply glut.

The global market situation has led to exporters such as Vietnam and Thailand facing thinner profit margins and a storage glut, according to an IRRI market brief authored by its senior scientist, Alisher Mirzabaev, and The Rice Trader president and CEO, Jeremy Zwinger.

The authors claimed that Vietnamese rice exporters have become ‘anxious’ about the import ban since the Philippines is their top market.

The situation appears favorable for rice importers in the country, as the two-month import ban ordered by President Marcos is expected to ‘accelerate’ a ‘buyers’ market dynamic’ in the global rice trade, according to the market brief.

‘(Philippine) importers can delay purchases or bargain for lower prices given abundant options, while exporters confront rising unsold stocks and carrying costs that change the trade equation,’ the market brief read.