Category: Philippine Star

Manila is set to take center stage in the global 3-on-3 basketball scene as Red Bull Half Court brings its 2026 World Finals to the Philippines for the first time.

On December 5, national champions from around the world will converge in the capital to battle for the Red Bull Half Court crown, combining high-level street basketball with art and urban culture across two contrasting Manila landmarks.

The group stage will take place at the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros before the competition moves to Bonifacio Global City (BGC), one of the capital’s most vibrant modern districts, for the finals.

‘Manila is built for this format. It’s a city where basketball isn’t just watched, it’s lived. Bringing the World Finals here is about connecting the global 3-on-3 community with a place that truly understands what playground basketball is all about,’ said Paul Gudde, Red Bull Half Court Global Sports Director.

The Manila event will also feature several prominent names from the international basketball and dunking communities.

Streetball icon Grayson ‘The Professor’ Boucher and renowned shooting coach Chris ‘Lethal Shooter’ Matthews will be joined by Polish Red Bull athlete and world-class dunker Piotr ‘Grabo’ Grabowski and Filipino dunking star David ‘Air David’ Carlos, a FIBA 3×3 World Tour Dunk Contest winner and one of the Philippines’ leading dunkers.

Beyond the competition, Red Bull Half Court is also giving Filipino designers, street-art enthusiasts and basketball fans the opportunity to help shape the look of the event through Red Bull Half Court Design My Court.

Participants are invited to create their dream basketball court design, with the winning concept brought to life. Entries will be accepted from September 28 through October 21.

The sixth season of Red Bull Half Court has featured competitions in Egypt, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, Sweden and Ukraine. National champions from 13 countries will ultimately earn the opportunity to compete on the global stage in Manila.

Since its launch in 2021, Red Bull Half Court has staged its World Finals in iconic locations including Rome, Cairo, Belgrade, New York City and Dubai.

This year, the global 3-on-3 tournament adds Manila to that list, bringing the competition to a city where basketball is deeply woven into everyday life.

Arellano University has been a revelation recently, stringing together three straight victories en route to one of the best, if not its best, starts since it joined the NCAA 16 years ago.

The Chiefs will try to show that it’s no fluke as they clash with the dangerous, championship-contending Letran Knights in a duel of unbeaten Group B leaders today in NCAA Season 102 at the Filoil Center.

‘This will be the biggest test for us this season because we all know what Letran is capable of,’ said a wary AU coach Chico Manabat moments after his wards routed the Perpetual Help Altas, 88-65, at the PhilSports Arena last Friday.

Manabat was right. The Knights, last year’s runners up, have been considered one of the teams to beat this season and they have lived up to hype, producing a hat trick of victories that included a 91-80 win over the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals last Thursday at the San Juan venue.

Letran should be the favorite coming into its 5 p.m. showdown with AU although the latter has shown its ability to run its opponents down with its running game.

It will be tested though on this one as the Knights could score at will too. Five of their players average in double-figures headed by high-scoring rookie Denzil Walker, who has normed 19 points a game.

‘Our strength has always been preparation, consistency,’ said Manabat, whose biggest weapon so far has been T-MC Ongotan, who has posted impressive averages of around 20 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals.

In Group A action, reigning titlist San Beda (2-1) clashes with winless but dangerous Mapua (0-3) at 3 p.m., seeking a victory that would catapult it from second to a share of the bracket lead with St. Benilde (3-1).

Businesses turned more optimistic about the months ahead as firms anticipated stronger consumer demand and increased activity during the holiday season, while households were less pessimistic about their prospects.

Results of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s latest Business Expectations Survey (BES) showed the confidence index (CI) for the next three months rose to 24.6 percent in August from 3.7 percent in July.

The index measures the balance between businesses with positive and negative views, with a positive reading indicating that optimists outnumber pessimists.

The BSP said firms were more optimistic about November due mainly to ‘stronger demand for consumer and financial products and services,’ cited by 52.9 percent of respondents with a positive outlook.

It was also due to an ‘uptick in business activities amid the holiday and rice harvest season,’ as cited by 23.5 percent of respondents.

Business sentiment for the next 12 months also strengthened, with the CI climbing to 36.4 percent from 29.4 percent in July.

Firms attributed the improved year-ahead outlook to expectations of stronger consumer spending in tourism, construction, education and financial activities, easing inflation, a possible resolution of the Middle East conflict, improved business operations and stronger investor confidence.

For August itself, businesses remained pessimistic, although the CI improved to -10.9 percent from -20.3 percent in July. The BSP said the improvement reflected higher demand for goods and services, particularly essential commodities, loan products and construction activities.

Employment prospects also improved, as the index measuring hiring intentions over the next 12 months jumped to 30.7 percent from nine percent. However, the share of industry firms planning to expand operations fell to 17.1 percent from 20.8 percent.

Meanwhile, the BSP’s Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) showed households becoming less pessimistic in the third quarter.

The consumer CI improved to -29.8 percent from -42 percent in the second quarter, driven by expectations of higher earnings, new income sources and stable jobs.

For the fourth quarter, the index rose sharply to -0.8 percent from the previous survey’s -16.3 percent forecast, although pessimists still slightly outnumbered optimists.

Consumers turned more optimistic about the next 12 months, with the year-ahead CI improving to 9.1 percent from 0.2 percent.

The BSP said the more upbeat outlook reflected expectations of ‘higher earnings,’ ‘new income sources’ and ‘perceived improvements in governance, accountability and leadership.’

The August BES was conducted from Aug. 5 to 31, covering 501 firms nationwide. Meanwhile, the third-quarter CES was conducted from July 1 to 13 and covered 5,476 households.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7 (DSWD-7) conducted program implementation reviews (PIRs) in Cebu and Bohol this month to improve the delivery of social pension assistance to indigent senior citizens.

The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program (SPISC) held a three-day PIR for Cebu Province from September 8 to 10 at a hotel in Cebu City and a two-day review for Bohol Province on September 15 and 16 at a resort in Bohol.

The reviews brought together DSWD personnel, local government units (LGUs), and partner agencies to assess program implementation, address operational concerns, and identify measures to improve the distribution of assistance.

DSWD-7 Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Jiah Sayson, who welcomed participants during the Cebu review, emphasized the importance of coordination and collaboration in ensuring effective services for senior citizens.

Representatives from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also provided updates on Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registration and the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).

National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) representative Juvelyn Gumisad discussed updates on the implementation of the Expanded Centenarians Act and NCSC programs.

Meanwhile, Jabbar Magallanes and Sitti Moslem of the DSWD Central Office-Protective Services Bureau (PSB) presented the newly issued guidelines for the Social Pension Program.

The Cebu review also featured a Kapihan session where participants raised implementation concerns and shared field experiences with the resource speakers.

On the second day, DSWD Provincial Development Officer II Jennifer Cañete presented the program’s accomplishments for calendar year 2025 and the first half of 2026.

LGUs and program implementers also participated in the HAPSAY (Harmonized Actions and Processes for Swift, Accountable Yield) Process Improvement Workshop, which examined the entire social pension cycle, from pre-payout preparations to liquidation.

The workshop allowed participants to identify process gaps and share localized practices and recommendations to improve program implementation.

The Cebu PIR concluded with DSWD-7 reiterating the importance of accountability and effective implementation of the social pension program.

In Bohol, the review similarly focused on improving the program’s implementation at the local level.

The Bohol review also included a Kapihan sa Social Pension open forum and a reflection on the program’s 2025 accomplishments.

The activity concluded with the signing of the DSWD HAPSAY sa Social Pension Pledge of Commitment and an awarding ceremony recognizing LGUs for their partnership.

DSWD-7 said the reviews are part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination with LGUs and other partners and improve frontline processes under its HAPSAY initiative.

The initiative is also aligned with standards promoted by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), particularly in improving government processes and making services more responsive to beneficiaries.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is urging the Philippines to rely more on revenue-raising measures as it trims the budget deficit, warning that tax amnesties could weaken compliance and that fiscal consolidation should not come at the expense of public investment.

Following its 2026 Article IV mission, the IMF said the government’s near-term fiscal stance remains broadly appropriate, with the budget deficit projected to ease to 5.4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year and decline further in 2027.

The fiscal deficit is the shortfall when government spending exceeds revenues. As a share of GDP, it indicates how large that gap is relative to the size of the economy.

Andrea Pescatori, who led the IMF mission to Manila, said the medium-term goal of narrowing the deficit to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2030 also remains appropriate. However, he said the composition of the adjustment should shift toward stronger revenue mobilization.

‘The composition of medium-term fiscal adjustment should be rebalanced toward revenue mobilization to protect priority social spending and create space for higher public investment than currently envisaged by the authorities,’ Pescatori said.

Among the options cited were broadening the value-added tax (VAT) base, imposing or raising excise taxes on luxury goods and products harmful to health and the environment as well as improving the governance and design of tax incentives.

The IMF also explicitly recommended avoiding tax amnesties.

‘We do not recommend tax amnesties,’ Pescatori said, noting that such measures may increase collections in the short term but could undermine compliance later.

He said tax amnesties effectively allow taxpayers to settle obligations under more favorable terms, which may encourage expectations of similar relief in the future.

Pescatori also pointed to exemptions and compliance gaps in the VAT system as areas where the government could raise additional revenues.

The Philippines imposes a standard 12-percent VAT on the sale of most goods and services, although various transactions and sectors are exempt.

Pescatori said actual collections are well below what the headline VAT rate might imply partly because of these exemptions and compliance issues.

‘There are various exemption, especially the one related to different segment of the population that might be more harmonized or streamlined, and this would make the VAT more efficient and would boost revenues,’ he said.

Asked about proposals to raise personal income tax exemptions and exempt micro and small enterprises, Pescatori said the IMF did not have enough details to assess the specific measures.

However, he said broader tax exemptions could run counter to the objective of increasing revenues unless they are offset elsewhere.

‘In principle, exemptions, especially for small enterprises, might be useful,’ he said. ‘However, since our recommendation is to boost revenues, in some sense, this goes in the wrong direction if it’s not compensated by some other measures.’

The IMF clarified that its revenue recommendations are intended for the medium term, or roughly the next three to five years, and do not rule out temporary relief during periods of economic stress.

Former House speaker Martin Romualdez has asked the Sandiganbayan to grant him bail in his P7.44-billion plunder case.

Romualdez filed the petition before the anti-graft court’s Third Division on Monday, September 28, arguing that the prosecution has failed to present evidence strong enough to justify denying him bail.

His lawyers also argued that evidence presented by the Office of the Ombudsman does not meet the threshold of “proof evident” or “presumption great” required to deny bail for an offense punishable by reclusion perpetua.

They maintained that the prosecution’s case relies on a “chain of inferences” rather than direct evidence of Romualdez’s participation in the alleged scheme.

Romualdez also argued that the prosecution has failed to identify a specific project, contract or direct instruction from him that would link him to the alleged unlawful collection of funds.

His defense maintained that the evidence presented does not sufficiently establish his knowing participation in the alleged scheme.

Flight risk?

The petition sought to address concerns that Romualdez could flee if granted bail, saying he has consistently submitted to the court’s authority, including by disclosing his whereabouts during his medical confinement at Cardinal Santos Medical Center.

Romualdez’s defense cited the existing hold departure order and said he was willing to surrender his passport, report periodically and comply with other conditions the court may impose to ensure his appearance.

“Accused Romualdez submits to such reasonable conditions of bail as this Honorable Court may impose,” the petition read.

Romualdez also cited his documented cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions as factors that make flight improbable.

The former House speaker is currently detained at the Quezon City Jail’s male dormitory while facing a plunder case over an alleged P7.44-billion kickback scheme involving contractors and other parties with interests in flood-control, infrastructure and other government projects.

Jollibee and DreamWorks Animation are teaming up for a global partnership tied to the worldwide theatrical release of Forgotten Island, a new original animated feature that celebrates friendship, family, and Filipino-inspired storytelling.

The collaboration brings together DreamWorks, the studio behind globally recognized films including Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Wild Robot, and Jollibee, the beloved Filipino restaurant brand that makes your favorite Chickenjoy, Yumburger, Jolly Spaghetti and Burger Steak.

The partnership also brings together shared themes of friendship and togetherness. Forgotten Island draws inspiration from Filipino mythology and stories passed down through Filipino families, while Jollibee has long brought people together through shared meals and everyday moments of joy. In the Philippines, the collaboration offers fans an opportunity to experience the film’s themes and Filipino cultural elements through Jollibee.

At the heart of Forgotten Island, from the filmmakers of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, are lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R. and Filipino actress Liza Soberano. The story follows the two friends as they discover a mysterious portal leading to Nakali, a magical island inhabited by mythical creatures inspired by stories from their Filipino families.

Their adventure takes a turn when they discover that returning home comes at the cost of losing their memories of each other. Joined by a group of allies, Jo and Raissa must navigate the challenges of Nakali while finding a way to preserve their friendship.

The film features an international voice cast that includes Dave Franco, Lea Salonga, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng, bringing together global talent and Filipino voices in a story rooted in Filipino-inspired mythology.

‘At Jollibee, we’ve always believed that some of life’s best memories are made around the dining table. Forgotten Island is a beautiful and moving story that reminds us of the power and importance of friendship, something that has always been at the heart of our brand,’ said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. ‘Through this partnership with DreamWorks, we’re excited to give Filipinos another meaningful way to celebrate friendship, create lasting memories, and share the joy of eating together.’

To bring the partnership closer to Filipino fans, Jollibee Philippines will introduce the limited-time Forgotten Island Adventure Bundle launching September 16 in Metro Manila and September 23 in all other regions, available until October 31 at participating stores nationwide.

The Adventure Bundle includes Jollibee’s 1-pc. Chickenjoy with rice and Pineapple Quencher, the new Peach Mango Pie à la Mode with Vanilla Soft Serve, Jollibee’s Peach Mango Pie with Chocolate Sauce, and an exclusive Forgotten Island Friendship Charm Bracelet. The bundle is priced at P389.

Inspired by the film, the exclusive Friendship Charm Bracelet serves as a collectible that fans can take home as a memento of the partnership and the friendships celebrated in Forgotten Island.

The Forgotten Island Adventure Bundle will be available through dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru, while supplies last.

Forgotten Island, distributed by Universal Pictures, opens in Philippine cinemas on September 23, 2026.

At least 337,476 private sector workers in Central Visayas will receive an increase of P42 in their daily minimum wage after the National Wages and Productivity Commission affirmed the region’s latest wage order.

The Department of Labor and Employment said workers in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor would benefit from the adjustment, which will take effect on Oct. 14.

Under the new wage rates, the daily minimum wage in Class A areas, including Metro Cebu, will increase to P582, while workers in Class B areas covering Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor will receive P542.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) criticized the wage increase, saying it is insufficient to address rising living costs in the region.

TUCP spokesperson Carlos Miguel Oñate questioned why workers in Central Visayas received a P42 increase, equivalent to about two-thirds of the P60 wage hike granted to minimum wage earners in Metro Manila.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called Vice President Sara Duterte a “liar” after she accused his administration of using a former policeman’s cash delivery allegations to undermine her.

At a Palace briefing on Monday, September 28, Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos personally called her to relay his response to Duterte’s statement about dismissed police patrolman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.

“Ito po mismo ay mensahe ng pangulo patungkol sa komento na ‘yan ng Bise Presidente. Ang sabi po niya: ‘Yan po ay nonsense, fake news, mahihilig magsinungaling. Mga buwaon. Ulitin natin, mga buwaon. Translate natin: sinungaling,” Castro said.

(“This is the president’s message regarding the vice president’s comment. He said: ‘That is nonsense, fake news. They like to lie. Liars.’ Again, liars.”)

‘Desperation’

On Saturday, September 26, Duterte issued a statement denying that she knew Gracioso or received money from him, calling his allegations “another media stunt” meant to prop up what she described as a “faltering impeachment case.”

“The desperation of the administration to bring me down, push for Charter Change, prevent the 2028 elections, and cling to power is becoming increasingly diabolical,” Duterte said.

Her statement came after Gracioso alleged that he had delivered cash-filled suitcases to Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte on the instructions of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

Gracioso claimed he made more than 20 cash deliveries to the vice president totaling more than P2 billion. The allegations are being investigated by the National Bureau of Investigation and have not been independently established as fact.

Earlier Monday, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that Gracioso had been assigned as part of Velasco’s security detail. PNP records also show that Gracioso had been demoted from police corporal to patrolman before his dismissal from the service this month.

Velasco’s camp has denied Gracioso’s allegations, describing them as fabricated and inconsistent with verifiable events.

‘Repetitive’ accusations

Castro said Marcos chose to respond more directly this time because Duterte’s accusations against him and his administration had become repetitive.

“Paulit-ulit po kasi. Paulit-ulit, hindi tumitigil sa paninira kay pangulo, sa paninira sa administrasyong ito,” Castro said.

(“It is repetitive. The attacks against the president and this administration do not stop.”)

“So hindi po puwedeng isabalewala na lang ang lahat ng mga kasinungalingang ito na namumutawi sa isang obstructionist, sa isang destabilizer,” she added.

(“So we cannot simply disregard all these lies coming from an obstructionist, from a destabilizer.”)

Asked how seriously the Palace views Gracioso’s allegations, Castro said they should be investigated if he can substantiate them with evidence.

“Kung mapapatunayan naman po ni Mr. Gracioso ‘yung kanyang mga isiniwalat at kung may mga ebidensya naman po siyang maipapakita, dapat lang pong seryosohin ang pag-iimbestiga dito,” Castro said.

(“If Mr. Gracioso can prove what he has disclosed and can present evidence, then this should be seriously investigated.”)

The intertropical convergence zone is forecast to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over the Visayas, Palawan and parts of Mindanao on Monday, September 28, with possible flash floods or landslides during moderate to at times heavy rains.

In its 4 a.m. weather forecast, PAGASA said the ITCZ is affecting Palawan, the Visayas and Mindanao.

The ICTZ is a weather system of converging winds that force air upward, creating heavy clouds, thunderstorms and rainfall.

Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are forecast over the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Palawan and Lanao del Sur.

PAGASA warned that moderate to at times heavy rains in these areas could trigger flash floods or landslides.

The rest of Mindanao is forecast to have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the ITCZ. Flash floods or landslides may occur during severe thunderstorms.

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, meanwhile, may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA also warned of possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms in these areas.

Typhoon remains outside PAR

Typhoon Surigae, formerly known as Queenie while inside the Philippine area of responsibility, remained outside PAR early Monday.

As of 3 a.m., the typhoon was located 1,055 kilometers northeast of extreme northern Luzon.

Surigae was packing maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 215 kph. It was moving east-northeastward at 15 kph.

PAGASA said winds across Luzon will be light to moderate and variable, with slight to moderate coastal waters ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 meters.

The Visayas and Mindanao will likewise have light to moderate winds, blowing from the southeast to southwest, with coastal waters of 0.6 to 1.5 meters.