Category: Philippine Star

The chief of the first district engineering office in Camarines Sur has been relieved from his post in connection with a recent road accident in the town of Del Gallego.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon announced the relief of the official during an inspection of local flood control projects in Naga City.

Dizon was accompanied by Mayor Leni Robredo during the inspection.

He said the Department of Public Works and Highways would enforce strict accountability on field officials and private contractors who compromise public safety.

The accident at a construction site in Barangay Magais was blamed on the absence of warning signages, hazard devices and safety barriers.

Dizon warned that private contractors involved in the project would face administrative sanctions and potential criminal charges as it is their responsibility to put up correct safety signages.

Inflation is expected to remain elevated in the coming months despite easing for a third straight month in July, keeping pressure on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to further raise interest rates, economists said.

Nomura economists Euben Paracuelles and Nabila Amani said the latest inflation reading is unlikely to change the BSP’s tightening stance, although it supports a gradual approach to further rate increases.

‘We reiterate our forecast for BSP to hike by another 50 basis points this year, delivered in 25-basis-point clips over each of the next two meetings, August and October,’ they said in a report.

Nomura said the central bank would likely remain concerned about underlying price pressures and upside risks arising from volatile crude oil prices, higher-than-expected wage increases and the prospect of a strong El Niño.

Headline inflation eased to 6.2 percent in July from 6.4 percent in June, marking the third consecutive month of slower price increases after inflation peaked at 7.2 percent in April.

The July print brought the seven-month average to five percent, still above the BSP’s two to four percent target range.

While Nomura believes headline inflation has already peaked, it said underlying price pressures could continue to rise as the effects of earlier energy price increases spread to other goods and services.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy items, slowed to 4.2 percent in July from 4.4 percent in June. However, Nomura said the decline was largely driven by lower education fees, which could prove temporary.

Other components sensitive to energy costs, including food services, recreation and accommodation, continued to record faster price increases.

BPI lead economist Jun Neri said inflation would likely stay elevated for the rest of 2026, with a gradual moderation possible only in the first half of next year.

The outlook remains vulnerable to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which could keep global energy prices high, as well as adverse weather conditions that could disrupt agricultural production and food supply chains.

Rice prices are particularly exposed to El Niño, while recent wage increases could generate second-round effects if companies pass higher labor costs on to consumers.

External developments could also prolong the BSP’s tightening cycle, according to Neri. He said a potential rate increase by the US Federal Reserve could weaken the peso and add to imported inflation, prompting the BSP to respond with another rate hike.

Chinabank Research, meanwhile, offered a less hawkish view, saying the BSP could end its rate-hiking cycle after another adjustment this month.

Chinabank chief economist Domini Velasquez said it was still premature to conclude that inflation was on a sustained downward trend, with price growth expected to accelerate again in the fourth quarter due partly to base effects.

‘Despite this extended rebound, we believe the BSP is likely to end its rate-hiking cycle this month, as second-round inflation effects appear to have largely run their course,’ she said.

However, Velasquez warned that higher-than-expected minimum wage adjustments and increases in public transport fares could prolong inflationary pressures.

Transport inflation eased to 11.9 percent from 12.8 percent, but renewed tensions between the United States and Iran increased oil price volatility. Pending petitions from transport groups seeking jeepney fare increases of P2 to P10 also pose upside risks.

Electricity inflation accelerated to a three-year high of 16.9 percent. Chinabank said power bills could face additional pressure from a higher feed-in tariff allowance, possible supply constraints during a prolonged El Niño and the recent increase in liquefied petroleum gas prices.

Food inflation was steady at 5.3 percent. Rice inflation climbed to a two-year high of 17.1 percent due to unfavorable base effects, even as rice prices declined on a month-on-month basis.

The increase was offset by a sharper decline in meat prices and slower inflation for vegetables. Still, Chinabank said rice would remain a key risk because of its large weight in the consumer price basket and its vulnerability to weather-related supply disruptions.

The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) on Thursday reopened the Foodland flyover to motorcycles following mounting complaints from motorists and commuters over heavy traffic during the first day of strict enforcement of the Banilad-Talamban (Ban-Tal) Discipline Zone.

The decision came a day after the city fully implemented the new traffic scheme, which drew criticism from motorists who blamed it for worsening congestion along Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue.

CCTO chief Raquel Arce said reopening the flyover for motorcycles is part of the agency’s continuing adjustments as it evaluates the implementation of Oplan Ban-Tal.

‘Nadungog nato ang clamor sa publiko. Ikaduha, we are on the process nga mu-succeed ning Oplan Discipline Zone, so naa tay mga pwedeng usbon, naa tay pwedeng dili usbon, i-strict na siya until we finalize everything,’ Arce said.

Arce said that motorcycles must still use the outermost lane. While riders are now allowed to pass through the flyover, they are required to return to the rightmost lane immediately after descending, and overtaking on the flyover remains strictly prohibited.

The CCTO also reminded motorists to stay within their designated lanes, obey traffic signs, follow the instructions of traffic enforcers, and observe safe driving speeds.

Arce emphasized that reopening the flyover should not be viewed as a failure of the new traffic scheme but as a necessary adjustment to improve its implementation.

‘Mobasa ug mo-execute lang kon unsa’y naa sa signage. Kun ‘No Entry,’ ‘No Entry.’ Kun walay ‘No Entry,’ pwede ra kasulod. I-observe ug i-respeto lang nato kon unsa ang naa nga traffic laws ug enforcers,’ she said.

On the first day of full enforcement on August 5, CCTO personnel issued 115 citation tickets within the Discipline Zone, which covers the stretch from Mambaling to Talamban.

Among the recorded violations were motorcycles crossing solid lane markings, public utility vehicles (PUVs) loading and unloading outside designated lay-bys, and pedestrians jaywalking despite the presence of skywalks and marked crosswalks.

Arce said she did not have the exact number of violations committed on the Foodland flyover but noted that traffic enforcers had apprehended and warned several motorists there.

The Ban-Tal Discipline Zone is Cebu City’s second major traffic management initiative following the pilot implementation of motorcycle lanes at the South Road Properties (SRP).

Mayor Nestor Archival has described the program as part of the city’s broader traffic modernization efforts, which include the installation of artificial intelligence-enabled traffic cameras, stricter enforcement of anti-drunk driving laws, and intensified traffic education campaigns at the community level.

The Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue corridor has long been one of Cebu City’s most congested and accident-prone roads, particularly for motorcycle riders, who account for a significant share of daily traffic violations.

City officials said they will continue monitoring the Ban-Tal Discipline Zone and make further adjustments as needed in an effort to improve traffic flow and road safety along one of Cebu City’s busiest corridors

The battle for the women’s professional crown at the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu presented by Megaworld on Sunday in Cebu City is shaping up to be every bit as compelling as the stellar men’s race, with Olympian Natalie Van Coevorden spearheading a formidable Australian challenge in what promises to be one of the deepest elite fields in the event’s history.

From decorated Olympians and established IRONMAN campaigners to rising young stars eager for a breakthrough, the women’s competition features an impressive blend of experience, speed and endurance. But with every contender eyeing the coveted title over the grueling 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21-km run, only the athlete capable of mastering Lapu-Lapu’s demanding championship course will emerge victorious.

Van Coevorden headlines the stellar cast. Ranked No. 1 in Oceania and No. 24 in the World Triathlon Series, the 33-year-old from Campbelltown, New South Wales brings elite credentials that include a stint at the Paris Olympic Games. And she is no stranger to Philippine racing either.

Malaysia and the Philippines continue to enjoy strong and expanding economic relations. Last year, according to the Embassy of Malaysia, total bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately $8.32 billion, reaffirming the Philippines as one of Malaysia’s important trading partners in ASEAN.

Malaysia’s major exports to the Philippines are electrical and electronic products, petroleum and palm-oil and palm-oil based products. The Philippines, in turn, exports to Malaysia semiconductors, electrical and electronic products, as well as agricultural and machinery products.

The 2025 bilateral trade figure was about the same level recorded in 2024 at $8.325 billion. Malaysia is the Philippines ninth largest trading partner and its eight largest source of approved foreign investments.

Malaysia has been consistent in promoting trade with us, and just this Wednesday, the Embassy of Malaysia hosted an investment briefing for the Malaysia Digital Economy Corp. (MDEC) in conjunction with DEX Connex 2026, bringing together senior representatives from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Malaysian technology companies, government agencies and industry stakeholders to explore strategic investment opportunities within the Philippines’ rapidly growing digital economy.

The program highlighted the investment potential of the Luzon Economic Corridor and BCDA’s flagship economic zones, particularly Clark and New Clark City, while showcasing opportunities for Malaysian technology companies to establish a long-term presence in the Philippines through innovation, digital transformation and strategic partnerships.

The event featured presentations by BCDA and BDB Law on the Philippine investment landscape, available fiscal incentives and business establishment opportunities, followed by a networking session and a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between Safe Truck and IoT Philippines.

The event was graced by Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony, ambassador of Malaysia, and Attorney Gisela Kalalo, executive vice president of BCDA, underscoring the shared commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation in digital innovation and investment.

In her remarks, Attorney Kalalo welcomed the Malaysian delegation and reaffirmed BCDA’s commitment to fostering partnerships with innovative Malaysian companies seeking to establish a presence in the Philippines.

Ambassador Abdul Malik, in response, emphasized that the digital economy has become one of the defining pillars of ASEAN’s future growth and competitiveness which offers unprecedented opportunities for Malaysia and the Philippines to strengthen collaboration in emerging technologies, innovation and digital investment.

According to the Malaysian envoy, ‘Malaysia does not view the Philippines simply as another export market. We see the Philippines as a strategic partner in building ASEAN’s digital future. By combining Malaysia’s technological capabilities with the Philippines’ dynamic market, highly skilled workforce and ambitious digital transformation agenda, we can create partnerships that generate lasting economic value, strengthen regional competitiveness and contribute toward a more resilient and digitally connected ASEAN.’

He noted that the Philippines has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most promising digital economies, driven by a young and digitally connected population, a globally competitive English-speaking workforce and strong government support for digitalization. He also highlighted that initiatives such as the LEC represent a new generation of economic development that integrates world-class logistics, smart infrastructure, innovation districts and digital connectivity, creating attractive platforms for technology-driven investments.

The Malaysian delegation, spearheaded by MDEC, included representatives from leading Malaysian technology companies IDmeta Sdn. Bhd., WAHDAH Technologies Sdn. Bhd., Snappymob Sdn. Bhd., Theta Service Partner Sdn. Bhd., Eco Community Sdn. Bhd. and Safe Truck.

The companies represent a diverse range of expertise, including digital identity, software engineering, cybersecurity, enterprise digitalization, smart mobility, sustainability technologies and digital platforms, reflecting Malaysia’s growing capabilities as one of ASEAN’s leading digital economies.

Malaysia remains committed to supporting the internationalization of Malaysian companies and strengthening economic diplomacy with the Philippines.

Through close collaboration with MDEC, Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. and Philippine partners, Malaysia continues to facilitate business engagements that lead to deeper bilateral economic ties, increased digital investment and enhanced cooperation in emerging technology sectors.

The investment briefing is part of Malaysia’s continuing effort to strengthen Malaysia-Philippines economic relations and reinforces both countries’ shared aspiration to build a more innovative, digitally connected and resilient ASEAN. By fostering closer collaboration between governments, industry and technology innovators, the initiative is expected to create new opportunities for investment, knowledge exchange and sustainable economic growth in both countries.

Last year, the Philippines and Malaysia signed an MOU between the Philippine Guarantee Corp. (PHILGUARANTEE) and the Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries that laid the groundwork for more small and medium Malaysian businesses to do business in the Philippines in the export sector, housing and real estate, infrastructure and even in the financial and renewable energy sectors.

By tapping PHILGUARANTEE, a government-owned corporation under the Department of Finance that extends credit guarantees to businesses, Malaysian companies were allowed to access local financing and reduce their investment risks. Filipino companies that do business in Malaysia can tap the Credit Guarantee Corp. Malaysia Berhad.

Among the Malaysian companies that have invested and already do business in the Philippines are Malaysia’s biggest conglomerate, Berjaya Corp. BHD and Malaysian banks Maybank and CIMB.

Berjaya has been in the Philippines for more than 20 years with a total investment of more than P10 billion. It has investments in hotels, sanitary landfill and in the lottery business – specifically supplying the technology for lottery operations.

The Berjaya Group, through its hotel chain Berjaya Hotels and Resorts, owns and operates the Berjaya Makati Hotel along Makati Avenue. It also invested more than P1 billion in the Floridablanca Enviro Corp. sanitary landfill in Pampanga, and had indicated that it would invest in putting up sanitary landfills.

Berjaya also has an investment in Pinoy Lotto Technology Corp. which provides technical support to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Corp. or PCSO’s lotto operations.

Bureau of Customs officials and personnel caught stealing confiscated cigarettes will be dealt with under the BOC’s one-strike policy.

Erring personnel will be relieved from service and face administrative, civil and criminal proceedings, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

Seized cigarettes cannot be transferred, relocated or disposed of without his prior written approval.

Nepomuceno received reports of attempts to steal seized goods in the BOC’s custody.

He directed the Internal Administration Group to submit recommendations to safeguard confiscated illicit cigarettes in all ports.

‘Every confiscated cigarette… is part of the evidence in our continuing campaign to protect the government’s revenue and the public. We will not allow anyone to steal these items while these are in the government’s custody,’ Nepomuceno said

Labor groups have asked a Navotas court to dismiss a petition filed by fishing companies seeking to stop the implementation of the P85 daily minimum wage increase in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The groups argued that wage-setting matters should remain under the jurisdiction of wage boards and labor agencies and not the courts.

They raised concern over the impact of an order issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 152 in Pasig, which halted the implementation of the first tranche of the P85 daily wage increase.

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) and leaders of the NAGKAISA Labor Coalition yesterday filed an Urgent Motion for Leave to Intervene with an attached Opposition-in-Intervention before the RTC Branch 287 in Navotas in connection with the case challenging NCR Wage Order No. 27.

FFW president Sonny Matula personally went to the Navotas Hall of Justice to submit printed copies of the electronically filed pleading. However, court personnel were unavailable due to the suspension of government work brought by Typhoon Maymay.

But the labor leaders proceeded with the filing, saying the case would directly affect millions of workers who are expected to benefit from the wage increase.

‘This case is not merely about legal procedure. It is about protecting the wages and livelihood of millions of workers whose voices deserve to be heard before any court decides their fate,’ Matula said.

The intervention was filed on behalf of 13 labor organizations, with Matula and other lawyers from NAGKAISA preparing the pleading to challenge the petition seeking to overturn the wage order.

The labor groups argued that they are real parties in interest because several of their organizations participated in the proceedings before the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (NWPC) -NCR, which resulted in the issuance of NCR Wage Order No. 27.

They said they were not included as parties in the petition despite having interests that could be affected by the court’s decision.

The groups maintained that issues involving alleged wage distortion should not be resolved by a regional trial court, citing Article 124 of the Labor Code, which provides mechanisms through grievance machinery, voluntary arbitration, negotiations, conciliation before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board, and, when necessary, compulsory arbitration before the National Labor Relations Commission.

NAGKAISA also argued that the petition against the wage order attempts to bypass the wage-fixing system established under the Labor Code and pointed to Article 126, which prohibits courts from issuing temporary restraining orders or injunctions against proceedings before the NWPC and regional wage boards.

‘A court without jurisdiction has only one lawful authority – to dismiss the petition,’ Matula said.

Matula said workers had expected to receive the increase after it was announced by President Marcos and then labor secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, but the TRO delayed the release of the initial P60 wage adjustment.

‘When the President and the labor secretary announced the P85 wage hike, workers hoped that they would soon receive the increase. However, due to the TRO, the initial P60 tranche has remained unimplemented,’ Matula said.

He added that the suspension affected not only the workers’ income but also the implementation of the wage policy issued by the executive branch.

The labor coalition acknowledged the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law but stressed that wage determination is a specialized function assigned by Congress to tripartite wage boards, with review authority lodged with the NWPC.

The groups urged the courts to respect the jurisdiction provided under the Labor Code and uphold constitutional protections for labor and social justice.

Featuring a scenic 10km race that starts at KM0 in Rizal Park, the Nike After Dark Tour Manila 2026 is happening for the first time ever this coming November 21.

A global race series designed for women and powered by Nike, After Dark Tour brings together sport, self-expression and the energy of running after the sun goes down.

This year 2026, the series spans seven major cities around the world, including Manila, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai and Sydney.

The Manila stop will feature a 10km race, inviting women of all backgrounds and abilities to step onto the starting line together for an evening built around movement, confidence, culture and community.

Now in its second year, the After Dark Tour builds on Nike’s longstanding commitment to supporting women runners around the world. The inaugural tour drew more than 50,000 women across seven races on five continents, with one in three participants racing for the first time.

The Manila race continues that momentum, creating a dedicated space for women to run, connect and celebrate what they are capable of-whether they are chasing a personal best, signing up for their first 10K or making the night unforgettable with their closest friends.

The race starts at KM0 at Roxas Boulevard, with runners pounding the wide-open lanes of the highway under the night sky.

The course will take them through the historic streets of Old Manila, along landmarks such as Intramuros, the National Museum, and Jones Bridge, before finally ending at the finish line at Quirino Grandstand.

Expect the After Dark Tour weekend to be the ultimate girls’ weekend, full of activations at the Race Village, exclusive Nike Experiences, Finish Line celebrations and the iconic ADT finisher medal, designed to be worn as a necklace, bracelet, keychain loop or belt chain.

Across the tour, runners will also experience Nike’s latest running, training and sportswear innovations, designed to help women look good, feel good and perform at their best.

The same performance technologies developed for Nike’s elite athletes are available to everyday runners, reinforcing the brand’s belief that innovation should serve all athletes, at every level.

They are no Gokongweis, but they are leading property giant Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) the Gokong-way.

Tasked to lead RLC in its next chapter, these executives are taking a page from the Gokongwei family playbook in how they run the business.

Currently at the helm of the company is Mybelle Aragon-GoBio, who was appointed as president and CEO in 2025, becoming the first woman and non-family member to lead RLC.

While RLC’s growth strategy includes almost doubling profits by 2030, Aragon-GoBio said the Gokongweis have taught them that it’s not just about looking for or chasing profits.

‘It’s really about how our projects contribute to progress, nation-building and how it really improves lives. And they make sure that we champion integrity,’ she told The STAR.

‘We always believe that growth and ambition on one side does not have to be in conflict with discipline and prudence. It’s that balance which I think is the biggest contribution or the guidance being given to us by the Gokongwei family that has really allowed us to grow sustainably and responsibly through the years,’ she added.

RLC senior vice president and business unit general manager for Robinsons Offices Jericho Go said one of the key lessons that have been shared with them by tycoon Lance Gokongwei, coming from his father, the late taipan and Gokongwei Group founder John Gokongwei Jr., is that ‘the family is here to support the business and the business is not here to support the family.’

‘That already sets the tone of what this company is all about – what nation-building is all about,’ Go said.

Go recalled that when he joined the company back in 2019, the very first thing Lance asked of him was what his mobile number was.

‘In my mind, it’s because maybe if there would be instructions or if he needs something. But it’s actually the opposite. Can I have your number, so that I can give you my number, so that anytime, anything you need, I’m here to help. It’s the reverse,’ Go said.

‘So the principal, the owner themselves are very much involved in the operations to help because they have resources, they have access, they have connections and they just want to give us the best chance to perform at our best,’ he added.

For seasoned business and hospitality leader Barun Jolly, who serves as RLC senior vice president and Robinsons Hotels and Resorts business unit general manager, it’s the Gokongwei family’s entrepreneurial spirit, stewardship and integrity that have served as their guiding principles.

‘For me that’s been really these key things which we’ve learned and which we continue to display in how we think, operate and build at RLC,’ Jolly said.

Ramon Rivero, chief strategist and business unit general manager of Robinsons Sports and Leisure, meanwhile, credits the Gokongweis for their unrelenting innovation.

RLC on its own is the first hotel group to bring essential value in a branded experience, while also having the first Filipino five-star hotel brand through Fili, and the first ultra luxury homegrown brand through NUSTAR.

‘Remember the time when Cebu Pacific came in, they challenged and introduced what we call as low-cost carrier. They also put out the iconic C2, which was the first herbal tea in a bottled drink, which is different in its kind with the sweet taste. And then just recently, they went into the fintech industry with GoTyme. I think the Gokongweis are really known for their innovation,’ Rivero said.

One of the most prominent business families in the country, the Gokongwei clan is behind industry-leading companies like JG Summit, Cebu Pacific, Universal Robina Corp. and RLC, among others.

For Lance, president and CEO of JG Summit, future leaders in the group must have integrity, prudence, entrepreneurial spirit and the boldness to dream – the same values that his father had.

Also essential is the hunger to try to find solutions for customers and continue to pursue new opportunities for growth.

But instilling these values in the next generation is only part of the challenge.

‘The business was founded by my dad and his siblings. In our generation, which is the second generation, there are 23 of us. Not all of us are in the business. And in the third generation there are 50 cousins. Maybe two or three of them are in the business,’ Lance explained.

‘Kids of the next generation, they have so many choices and their own aspirations. Many of them want to prove themselves outside their own independent capacity and it’s our job in the second generation to make it, I guess, attractive for them to join the business in the future,’ he said.

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck off Occidental Mindoro on Friday morning, with Intensity 5 shaking recorded in parts of Mindoro and tremors reaching Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology located the tectonic earthquake 13 kilometers southwest of Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.

It struck at 10:38 a.m. at a depth of 14 kilometers.

The agency initially measured the quake at magnitude 5.8 before revising it to moment magnitude 5.4.

Intensity 5 was reported in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, as well as Calapan City, Naujan, Puerto Galera, San Teodoro and Victoria in Oriental Mindoro.

Intensity 4 was reported in Taal, Batangas, and Abra de Ilog and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro.

Intensity 3 was reported in Quezon City, Batangas City, General Trias in Cavite and San Pedro in Laguna.

Intensity 2 was reported in Parañaque City, Santa Cruz in Laguna and Guinayangan in Quezon.

PHIVOLCS’ instruments separately recorded Intensity 5 in Mamburao and Puerto Galera, and Intensity 4 in Abra de Ilog, Looc and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro.

Instrumental Intensity 3 was recorded in Quezon City, Batangas City, Calapan City and Victoria.

Earlier social media reports also described shaking in Makati and Mandaluyong, as well as parts of Manila, Marinduque, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon.

Damage was not expected, but aftershocks were possible.