Category: Philippine Star

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Halloween social with a Nobu twist

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

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

Nobu signatures and a spirited revelry

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

The Tommy Edit

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

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

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

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

Reserve your spot for a Nobu Halloween Party like no other

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Super Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) slightly weakened as it continued its northwestward track over the Philippine Sea east of Batanes, the state weather bureau PAGASA said.

As of 4 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, PAGASA said the center of Rosal’s eye was estimated to be 495 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes.

Rosal now has maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 240 kph, with a central pressure of 915 hPa.

It is moving northwestward at 20 kph, with Rosal’s strong to typhoon-force winds extending outward up to 780 kilometers from its center.

Despite its weakening, PAGASA maintained Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 in two areas, where estimated gale-force winds of 62 to 88 kph pose a minor to moderate threat to life and property within 24 hours:

Batanes

Northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands

Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over the following localities, where strong winds of 39 to 61 kph are expected within 36 hours:

Babuyan Islands: Remaining portion

Cagayan: Mainland

Isabela: Eastern portion (Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, Santa Maria, Cabagan, Delfin Albano, Santo Tomas, Tumauini, San Pablo, Ilagan City, San Mariano, Dinapigue)

Ilocos Norte

Apayao

PAGASA noted that Signal No. 3 remains the highest warning level that may be raised over Batanes during Rosal’s passage. However, should the typhoon shift to a more north-northwestward track, raising Signal No. 3 will become less likely.

Rosal entered the Philippine area of responsibility at 2 a.m., according to PAGASA.

Track forecast

Rosal is projected to continue moving northwestward until Friday morning, October 23. It will turn north-northwestward by Friday afternoon before recurving north-northeastward by Saturday, October 24.

The typhoon is expected to make its closest approach to Extreme Northern Luzon between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. It is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Friday evening or early Saturday morning.

The state weather bureau expects Rosal to continue gradually weakening throughout the day, with a potential downgrade to typhoon status.

Rapid weakening is expected by Saturday, when the cyclone may be further downgraded to a severe tropical storm.

After a rather circuitous route to the crown, including almost losing the chance to compete internationally when her title became null as another pageant organization already owned it a few weeks after being crowned, Andrea Endicio finally got an international crown of her own!

However, she had to experience disappointments after losing in the Miss World Philippines and Binibining Pilipinas tilts. Third time’s the charm for this former courtside reporter who finally got a national crown during her Mutya ng Pilipinas bid.

The new crown is not just for her, but for the country as well. She won the inaugural edition of the Miss Polo Universe in Dubai.

The Mutya ng Pilipinas organization welcomed the University of Santo Tomas alumna to her homecoming reception at the ballroom of the Bellevue Manila.

‘Never let go of your dream, especially if your heart is in it! If the crown is not on your head yet, it’s not still yours, so continue working for it,’ said the Sariaya-born and raised maiden of her pageant jorney.

Andrea prepared for her Dubai pageant right after Cory Quirino informed her that she would finally compete abroad, albeit in a different platform, and she made it through with flying colors!

‘It is my duty to uphold the standard of the Polo Universe and to carry the responsibility of uplifting the image of women around the world,’ Andrea said.

After crowning Tacloban delegate Jessica Deladia as the first Philippine winner of the Polo Universe national title in the recently concluded Mutya ng Pilipinas coronation night, Andrea flew back to Dubai to officially begin her reign.

Her first order of business was to make a courtesy call at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, where the diplomatic office welcomed the Filipina beauty queen. Miss Polo Universe is headquartered in the United Arab Emirates.

Watsons continues to champion women’s health and wellness

MANILA: At Watsons, women’s health and wellness are at the heart of its commitment to supporting women at every stage of life. Today’s modern woman rarely fits into just one role. She moves between different priorities, responsibilities and routines, often balancing several at once.

With so much to juggle, having someone to turn to for trusted health guidance can make a difference.

At Watsons, pharmacists serve as Health Besties who are there to listen, answer questions and guide women toward choices that fit their needs. By making health guidance part of the everyday Watsons experience, they help make conversations around women’s health feel more approachable.

This approach builds on 185 years of A.S. Watsons’ experience in health and beauty retail, bringing a long-standing legacy of care into the way Watsons supports women today. Supporting her health at every stage

There is no single definition of what being ‘well’ looks like. Women have different health and wellness priorities depending on their lifestyle, concerns and stage of life, and finding the right solutions can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Watsons brings together a wide range of products and services that support women’s changing health and wellness needs, with health at the core of the experience. From vitamins and supplements that support everyday nutrition to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, women can find support for both everyday and more specific health needs.

Free consultations and vaccination services also encourage women to take a more proactive approach to their health. These needs extend beyond health alone, with skincare, haircare, personal care and beauty essentials also supporting the different ways women care for themselves.

‘At Watsons, we understand that women’s wellness is personal and constantly evolving. Her needs can change depending on her lifestyle, her priorities and the stage of life she is in. We want to make it easier for every woman to take care of herself by giving her access to trusted health, wellness, beauty and personal care solutions all in one place,’ Sharon Decapia, SAVP for Marketing, PR and Sustainability of Watsons Philippines, expressed.

Celebrating 8 years of more with Watsons Club

Having access to the right solutions is one thing; getting more value from every Watsons visit is another. For women who rely on Watsons for the everyday essentials that help them take care of themselves, Watsons Club adds another layer of value to the experience, with exclusive rewards, savings and benefits available in-store and online.

As Watsons Club celebrates its 8th year anniversary, members have even more reasons to celebrate and feel “gr8.”

For eight years, Watsons Club has been part of members’ everyday health, wellness, beauty and personal care journeys, giving them more ways to enjoy their Watsons experience. For women moving through different routines and priorities, these member benefits offer even more ways to make everyday self-care and wellness feel rewarding.

This anniversary, members can look forward to even more rewards and exclusive benefits made especially for them. Look for Green Tags across Watsons stores and instantly enjoy exclusive rewards designed for Watsons Club members. Because being a member means getting more out of every Watsons visit.

One of the ways members can celebrate is through the Watsons Club Anniversary E-Raffle, where members can earn one eRaffle entry for every P1,000 spent at Watsons for a chance to win a three days and two nights wellness retreat at COMO Shambhala Estate in Ubud, Bali. Watsons e-gift vouchers from Giftaway are also up for grabs for 185 winners.

Members can also earn 8X Watsons Club Points on weekends when they spend at least P1,000 in a single receipt on eligible purchases at Watsons stores, via the Watsons App, or on watsons.com.ph

And because taking care of health should be rewarding, too, Watsons Club members can enjoy 5% off vaccination services until October 21, giving them another way to stay proactive about their health.

Supporting her health at every stage

There is no single definition of what being ‘well’ looks like. Women have different health and wellness priorities depending on their lifestyle, concerns and stage of life, and finding the right solutions can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Watsons brings together a wide range of products and services that support women’s changing health and wellness needs, with health at the core of the experience. From vitamins and supplements that support everyday nutrition to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, women can find support for both everyday and more specific health needs.

Free consultations and vaccination services also encourage women to take a more proactive approach to their health. These needs extend beyond health alone, with skincare, haircare, personal care and beauty essentials also supporting the different ways women care for themselves.

‘At Watsons, we understand that women’s wellness is personal and constantly evolving. Her needs can change depending on her lifestyle, her priorities and the stage of life she is in. We want to make it easier for every woman to take care of herself by giving her access to trusted health, wellness, beauty and personal care solutions all in one place,’ Sharon Decapia, SAVP for Marketing, PR and Sustainability of Watsons Philippines, expressed.

Celebrating 8 years of more with Watsons Club

Having access to the right solutions is one thing; getting more value from every Watsons visit is another. For women who rely on Watsons for the everyday essentials that help them take care of themselves, Watsons Club adds another layer of value to the experience, with exclusive rewards, savings and benefits available in-store and online.

As Watsons Club celebrates its 8th year anniversary, members have even more reasons to celebrate and feel “gr8.”

For eight years, Watsons Club has been part of members’ everyday health, wellness, beauty and personal care journeys, giving them more ways to enjoy their Watsons experience. For women moving through different routines and priorities, these member benefits offer even more ways to make everyday self-care and wellness feel rewarding.

This anniversary, members can look forward to even more rewards and exclusive benefits made especially for them. Look for Green Tags across Watsons stores and instantly enjoy exclusive rewards designed for Watsons Club members. Because being a member means getting more out of every Watsons visit.

One of the ways members can celebrate is through the Watsons Club Anniversary E-Raffle, where members can earn one eRaffle entry for every P1,000 spent at Watsons for a chance to win a three days and two nights wellness retreat at COMO Shambhala Estate in Ubud, Bali. Watsons e-gift vouchers from Giftaway are also up for grabs for 185 winners.

Members can also earn 8X Watsons Club Points on weekends when they spend at least P1,000 in a single receipt on eligible purchases at Watsons stores, via the Watsons App, or on watsons.com.ph

And because taking care of health should be rewarding, too, Watsons Club members can enjoy 5% off vaccination services until October 21, giving them another way to stay proactive about their health.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has initiated a preliminary safeguard measures investigation into pork imports, opening a critical review of whether rising foreign shipments are hurting the domestic hog industry and warranting temporary trade protection.

Agriculture chief Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. initiated the investigation motu proprio under Republic Act No. 8800, or the Safeguard Measures Act, citing initial evidence of increased imports that may be causing serious injury or threatening local producers.

‘The DA determined that prima facie evidence exists to warrant initiating the preliminary safeguard measures investigation to establish the existence and extent of serious injury or threat thereof, and the causal link between increased imports and injury,’ Tiu Laurel said in his October 19 letter to Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro.

The investigation covers fresh, chilled and frozen pork, as well as offals and fats, under specified ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature classifications. Its period of investigation runs from 2021 through August 2026.

The DA’s initial assessment identified several indicators of possible harm to the local industry, including declining farmgate prices and producer income, shrinking market share and self-sufficiency, rising import penetration, and growing commercial inventories.

These findings could strengthen the case for safeguards, but the investigation must establish whether increased imports are sufficiently linked to the reported injury.

The initiation itself does not constitute a final determination that foreign shipments are responsible, nor does it automatically impose additional duties or other restrictions.

The European Union is a central stakeholder in the proceedings. It accounted for approximately 47 percent of imports of the products under consideration from 2021 to 2025, according to the DA’s notice. Brazil, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands and the United States were among the other leading suppliers identified in the department’s documents.

The DA has asked the Department of Foreign Affairs to help circulate the investigation notice and supporting documents to relevant foreign diplomatic missions. It has also formally notified the EU delegation in Manila.

Interested parties are invited to submit written comments, evidence and positions within five working days from publication of the notice. Parties receiving questionnaires must provide complete responses within the applicable deadlines.

Interviews for aspirants seeking to become the country’s next chief justice began on Thursday, October 22.

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) began its public interviews with two of the Supreme Court’s most senior justices.

In the morning, the JBC started its interview of Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen. Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa is set to face the panel in the afternoon.

Both Leonen and Caguioa were appointed by former President Benigno Aquino III. They are the two most senior incumbent justices of the high court.

Among the JBC members present on the first day of interviews were Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Rep. Gerville Luistro of Batangas’ 2nd District, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza, retired Court of Tax Appeals Associate Justice Erlinda Piñera Uy, lawyer Jose Mejia and law professor Nesauro Firme.

The next round of interviews is scheduled for October 26, when Associate Justices Rodil Zalameda, Japar Dimaampao and Jose Midas Marquez are set to face the panel.

Former presidential candidate, lawyer and doctor Jose Montemayor also applied for the chief justice position.

However, Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting earlier said the JBC did not consider Montemayor for the position.

Gesmundo is set to retire on November 6 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

His retirement will give President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. his first opportunity to appoint a chief justice. Marcos has so far appointed one justice to the Supreme Court, Associate Justice Raul Villanueva, in June 2025.