Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The football team from the Hong Kong district reeling from a deadly apartment blaze wore black arm bands and stood in silence ahead of their match on Thursday in Asian club competition.

A massive fire broke out in an eight-building housing estate in Tai Po on Wednesday, killing at least 55 people in Hong Kong’s worst blaze in decades.

Tai Po FC faced Australian side Macarthur FC away in the AFC Champions League Two, the second-tier club tournament in Asian football, about 24 hours later.

Tai Po’s players wore black arm bands and both teams stood in solemn silence ahead of kickoff at Campbelltown Sports Stadium outside Sydney.

Tai Po’s Brazilian captain Igor Sartori declined to celebrate after putting his side ahead in the 24th minute, instead putting his hands together in prayer.

Several domestic sporting events in Hong Kong, including a trail race and rugby matches, have been postponed or are set to be, the South China Morning Post newspaper said.

Gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus) has boosted its payment channels through a deal with PayandGo, allowing its players to load their e-wallets at 3,500 self-service kiosks.

The company on Thursday said its partnership with PayandGo-operated by BTI Payment Philippines, a subsidiary of Australia-based Banktech-would initially cover BingoPlus, before expanding to ArenaPlus and GameZone.

A cash-out feature is also on the table, with the launch targeted by early 2026. ‘Our commitment at DigiPlus has always been to deliver digital entertainment that is engaging, trustworthy and service-oriented. Achieving that requires strong partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to customer trust and service excellence,’ said Jasper Vicencio, president of AB Leisure Exponent Inc. and Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc., subsidiaries of DigiPlus.

Amid issues hounding the online gaming sector, DigiPlus reiterated that it would only team up with payment channels certified by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in accordance with the requirements set by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. The BSP earlier directed e-wallet operators like GCash – on which DigiPlus had heavily relied in the past – to remove gaming apps from their platform.

Retailers expect a strong Christmas season ahead despite economic headwinds that could trigger more cautious spending patterns among Filipinos, said Alice Liu, president of the Philippine Retailers Association.

‘It may be a little bit more tempered because people will be a little bit more conscious about how they spend,’ Liu told reporters. ‘But you know, with Filipinos, they never really cancel Christmas.’

Liu, who heads Golden ABC Inc., which handles six major Filipino apparel brands, including Penshoppe, Regatta and Oxgn, said the company began feeling the holiday surge in November.

‘We saw it mid-November,’ she said. ‘Probably because when the government bonuses started to be released, some people started spending already.’

She cited the appointment of Finance Secretary Frederick Go as another reason to be optimistic, saying his business experience as a former Robinsons Land CEO could help improve business confidence. ‘Coming from the business sector, he will really be able to understand the pains of retailers and can help stir the economy again to make the playing field more even,’ she said.

Plans

Liu said Golden ABC remains bullish heading into 2026, planning to open 50 to 80 new stores in malls nationwide with a capital allocation of about P100 million.

By the end of the year, the company expects to operate over 1,000 stores nationwide. ‘Growth plans continue. The malls continue to open, so we need to be able to continue to position well with them,’ she said.

‘We just have to be agile and be able to react well, depending on what circumstances happen.’

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has reminded private employers that their employees’ 13th-month pay must be paid on or before December 24, 2025.

This is under the Labor Advisory No. 16, Series of 2025, which sets the guidelines for the issuance of the 13th-month pay. ‘The 13th-month pay shall be paid to rank-and-file employees in the private sector regardless of their position, designation, or employment status, and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid, provided that they have worked for at least one (1) month during the calendar year,’ the advisory read.

The DOLE noted that the 13th-month pay should not be less than 1/12 of the total basic salary in a calendar year.

‘No request or application for exemption from payment of 13th month pay, or for deferment of its payment shall be accepted and allowed,’ DOLE stressed. The agency also added that the computation for the 13th-month pay using the basic salary shall include all remuneration and earnings paid by the employer for services rendered.

However, this does not include other monetary benefits and allowances (such as unused credited leaves, night differential, cost of living allowance), unless stated otherwise by their collective agreement or the company’s policy.

Further, DOLE said that piece-rate workers, or those who are paid based on their production or the amount of work done rather than the time employed, are also entitled to the 13th-month pay. The basis of their payment is the total earning from the production during the year, divided by 12.

Personnel of the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao intercepted P8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a maritime patrol off Pata Island in Sulu province on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Authorities reported that upon boarding and inspection, the team found that the vessel and its cargo were operating without the required documents and were not displaying the markings mandated under the government’s Safety, Security, and Environmental Numbering System. Coast guard operatives towed the vessel and its cargo to Coast Guard Station-Sangali in Zamboanga City for custody, inventory, and proper disposition.

Pageant fans extended an outpouring of support to Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, making calls to follow the beauty queen on Instagram after Miss Universe Organization (MUO) president Raul Rocha pointed out her supposed less follower count compared to recent titleholders.

Rocha made the remark during a recent interview with Mexican journalist Adela Micha, in which he noted how controversial Miss Universe 2025 titleholder Fatima Bosch gained 3 million social media followers in just a week.

The MUO executive further said that Miss Universe 2023 and 2024 queens Sheynnis Palacios and Victoria Theilvig, who were both crowned under his term as MUO president, likewise marked a notable growth in the number of their social media followers.

He then compared these to Gabriel’s Instagram followers which, he said, had only reached around 800,000 since she was crowned.

A clip from the interview was shared by one Lucas Sigarini on Instagram, eliciting a reaction from Gabriel herself.

‘I’m so tired of being measured by follower count,’ she commented on the post. In a separate post, Gabriel celebrated surpassing the 1 million follower mark on Instagram, thanks to the thousands of new followers she earned in only a few hours.

‘In less than 24 hours, yall got me to 1 MILLION followers! It was never about the numbers, but people have looked down on me just because of my social media follower count,’ she said.

The beauty queen expressed her gratitude to those who have supported her, crediting them for giving her a bigger platform for her passion and advocacies.

‘Maraming salamat sa suporta,’ she continued. ‘It feels crazy to celebrate this, but I’m happy.’

‘Let’s not forget there’s still a whole world out there beyond digital platforms. Human connection and impact is still what’s most important.’ Among those who celebrated with Gabriel were Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza, and Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios.

‘Never about numbers! You are loved!’ Gray said in the comments section.

Bohol is set to transition from a total ban to a regulated entry system for live pigs, pork, and pork products after the provincial board approved an ordinance on this matter on third and final reading on Tuesday.

The measure, now awaiting the signature of Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, introduces a controlled and science-based approach to allowing pork products into the province. This marks a major shift from the strict border measures enforced for years to protect Bohol from African swine fever (ASF), while still upholding strong safeguards against the animal disease. Well-regulated control

Board Member Lucille Lagunay, chair of the provincial board’s committee on agriculture, underscored that the measure does not represent a relaxation of rules but a shift to careful, well-regulated control.

The province, she said, is reopening its borders responsibly by requiring stronger diligence, tighter compliance, and full biosecurity measures.

According to Lagunay, Provincial Ordinance No. 50-2025 is designed to restore supply, stabilize prices, and help revitalize the local hog industry without weakening Bohol’s defenses.

She said the policy would provide consumers with more choices, create opportunities for hog raisers to rebuild, and support the province’s gradual and responsible recovery.

Documentation

Under the ordinance, live hogs, pork, and processed pork products may enter Bohol only when accompanied by complete documentation, including veterinary health certificates, shipping permits, and laboratory-issued ASF-free test results.

The new policy aims to stabilize pork supply, prevent market shortages, and address long-standing issues, such as inbreeding and breeder-quality decline caused by prolonged import restrictions. It also seeks to enhance productivity across the local industry.

The ordinance was developed following extensive consultations with the Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Legal Office, hog growers, meat processors, and other industry players. It also aligns with zoning and movement protocols issued by the Department of Agriculture. At least 18 municipalities and 42 barangays still have active ASF cases, while 411 barangays have been declared cleared as of this month. Bohol first implemented a province-wide ban on the entry of pigs and pork products in 2019 at the height of the ASF outbreak to protect its P6-billion hog industry.

Bangkok South Municipal Court held a hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 25 in a fraud case filed by Dr Raweewat Maschamadol against JKN Global Group Public Company Limited and its CEO, Jakkaphong

Jakrajutatip, known as Anne Jakkaphong or Anne Jakrajutatip, as the first and second defendants. The case involves allegations of joint fraud.

The plaintiff claims that between July 24 and August 8, 2023, the defendants deceived him by making false statements and concealing crucial information.

The defendants allegedly invited the plaintiff to invest in debentures issued by JKN Global Group, despite knowing that the company would not be able to repay the investment on time due to financial difficulties.

The plaintiff further alleges that the defendants obtained 30 million baht (P54.7 million at current exchange rate) from him, causing significant financial damage. Raweewat seeks compensation under Section 341 of the Penal Code.

The court found merit in the plaintiff’s claims and accepted the case for trial. During the proceedings, the second defendant, Jakkaphong, was granted temporary release. The court also allowed the trial to proceed in absentia.

After hearing evidence from both parties, the court set a date for the verdict. However, when the hearing date arrived, Jakkaphong failed to appear in court without providing any reason. The court considered this as an attempt to evade the legal process and issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong.

Additionally, the bail guarantor failed to deliver Jakkaphong as required by the terms of the bail agreement, and the court imposed a fine on the guarantor, as per the agreement, with payment due within 15 days from today.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 26, 2025, at 9.30am.

In a related development, the Thai stock market has been thrown into turmoil following unverified reports that Jakkaphong has left the country for Mexico. Speculation suggests that Jakkaphong converted around 6 billion baht (approximately US$185.25 million) into cryptocurrency, leaving behind an outstanding debenture debt of over 3 billion baht (approximately US$92.63 million).

This situation has further destabilized JKN’s already struggling corporate rehabilitation efforts and shaken confidence in the mid- and small-cap stock sectors.

Anne Jakkaphong is a prominent Thai transgender businesswoman who previously served as the CEO of the Miss Universe Organization. As of 2020, she was ranked 149th among Thailand’s wealthiest individuals and is considered the wealthiest transgender woman in Thailand and Asia, ranking third globally in terms of net worth.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos seems unfazed by the fresh allegations against her, this time linking her to the rice-and-onion cartel.

Rather than dwelling on what she called political drama, she instead paid attention to her work as the spouse of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and a law professor. ‘While some may choose theatrics, I’d rather focus on teaching future lawyers how the law truly works-where truth is the standard and proof is the language we live by,’ she said in a post on her official Instagram account on Thursday, showing photos of her students at West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City.

The First Lady has been a law professor for 30 years at different universities. She has been teaching civil law at WVSU since 2022.

‘I’m incredibly proud of my students. Despite the storms, earthquakes, and bogus bomb threats that plagued Iloilo City this semester, when they showed up for class, they were prepared, curious, and ready to dissect the latest jurisprudence,’ she said of her students.

She bid them good luck on their final exams and hoped to see them in the next semester.

In a recorded video he released on Wednesday, resigned Ako Bikol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co accused the wife of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of attempting to stop the congressional inquiries into soaring food prices on behalf of her brother, Martin Araneta, who was then implicated in the 2022 onion price crisis as well as a 2024 inquiry into soaring rice prices.

The 2022 inquiry pointed to an ‘onion cartel’ as the driving force behind the artificial price spike, prompting the Department of Agriculture (DA) to blacklist three importers allegedly linked to price manipulation.

In his video, Co alleged that Araneta-Marcos called then-Speaker Martin Romualdez, her cousin-in-law, to ask that the inquiry be halted shortly after her brother’s name surfaced as a key player in the crisis.

Specifically, Martin Araneta was accused of colluding with Michael Ma, president of China-Philippine United Enterprises, to smuggle onions and manipulate prices.

The same thing happened in 2024, when the House staged an inquiry into why rice prices suddenly surged to P60 per kilo just months before the 2025 midterm elections.

According to Co, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel asked the lower chamber to halt the inquiry after the first lady’s name appeared in a confidential report implicating her as behind the cartel of rice importers manipulating the price of rice.

Tiu-Laurel denied Co’s accusation, calling it a ‘total baloney. [and out] of a script from a Netflix series.’ The First Lady was also tagged in the flood control scandal due to her connection with tech billionaire Maynard Ngu.

Former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo accused Ngu of receiving P160 million in kickbacks on behalf of Senator Francis Escudero during the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on flood control projects in September.

In turn, a private individual asked the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate Araneta-Marcos’ role. The Palace, however, denied her connection to the corruption saga, claiming it was a ‘fishing expedition’ to tarnish her name. ###First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos poses with her law students from the West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City. PHOTO FROM INSTGRAM OF LIZA MARCOS

Purpose-built for creativity, travel, concerts, and storytelling, the vivo X300 Series showcases breakthrough telephoto innovation, flagship-level performance, and a complete professional shooting experience right from the palm of your hand. With its official debut, vivo confidently announces that the Telephoto King has arrived, and is finally ready to be owned.

Pricing and availability

vivo X300 and vivo X300 Pro both come with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, giving users generous space and seamless performance for high-resolution photos, videos, and apps.

During the vivo X300 Series Launch on November 26, 2025, vivo Philippines Vice President for Sales Hazel Bascon announced that vivo X300 in Halo Pink and Phantom Black is priced at Php 67,999, while the vivo X300 Pro in Dune Brown is priced at Php 77,999. To make premium technology easier to access, customers may enjoy 0% interest installment plans for up to 18 months through Home Credit or up to 24 months through major credit cards.

Pre-orders begin now until December 5. Those who pre-order will receive exclusive gifts including the vivo X Series VIP Exclusive Card and the limited-edition vivo Watch GT.

The vivo X300 Series is available through vivo Concept Stores, the official vivo e-store, and online via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Accessories, trade-in offers, and Globe partnership

Alongside the flagship smartphones, vivo introduces new imaging accessories designed to elevate the X300 Pro’s professional capabilities. The vivo ZEISS 2.35x Telephoto Extender Kit is priced at Php 12,999, while the PGYTECH Professional Imaging Grip Kit is priced at Php 7,999. Both accessories may be purchased through installment when bundled with the vivo X300 Pro. Beginning January 2026, Globe Postpaid subscribers may avail the vivo X300 Pro bundled with a free vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Kit.

Also, customers upgrading from eligible devices, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max, may also enjoy up to Php 56,100 in savings through the CompAsia trade-in program.

Why the Telephoto King should be your next phone

The vivo X300 Series is built for those who love experiencing life through a lens. Whether capturing concerts from a distance, creating travel memories, photographing wildlife, or documenting spontaneous everyday moments, the vivo X300 Series empowers users to shoot with clarity and confidence.

The vivo X300 Pro features a 200 MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera paired with a ZEISS Gimbal-Grade Main Camera with CIPA 5.5 stabilization, offering incredibly detailed and stable shots even without a tripod. The vivo X300 also receives a major upgrade with a new 200 MP ZEISS Main Camera. Both models support the 200 MP Ultra-Clear Portrait mode, allowing users to capture precise, rich, and true-to-life details in portrait photography.

Stage Mode 2.0, dual-view recording, 20x long-range motion capture, and ZEISS Mirotar telephoto-style bokeh further enhance the experience, making distant subjects sharp, expressive, and cinematic.

Beyond imaging, the vivo X300 Series also elevates performance and everyday use. It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Platform for fast speed and efficiency. The vivo X300 is powered by a 6040 mAh battery, while the vivo X300 Pro carries a larger 6510 mAh battery, both with support for 90W FlashCharge and 40W Wireless FlashCharge.

The debut of the all-new OriginOS 6 introduces a smoother and more intuitive user experience. The system includes features such as Origin Island for seamless multitasking, vivo Office Kit for effortless computer and phone collaboration, and enhanced privacy protection through Private Space and vivo Security.

The viewing experience also stands out, thanks to the ZEISS Master Color Display with ZEISS Natural Color calibration for lifelike color accuracy. The vivo X300 Series integrates full-range luminance eye protection technology, while the vivo X300 Pro adds Circular Polarizer 2.0 to further reduce harmful blue light exposure and improve long-term comfort.

A new standard in smartphone photography

The vivo X300 Series marks a bold step forward for mobile imaging in the Philippines. With its advanced telephoto system, intelligent software enhancements, creator ecosystem, and elevated battery and performance experience, this series sets a new standard for what a premium flagship smartphone can achieve.

For users ready to move beyond ordinary photography and unlock a new chapter in mobile creativity, the Telephoto King is finally here.

‘This is bold. This is breakthrough. This is the vivo X300 Series,’ Bascon shared.