Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

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.

Only half of Filipinos feel financially prepared for retirement, even as a broader Asian trend shows that most prioritize quality of life over living longer, according to a survey by Manulife.

In its 2025 Financial Resilience and Longevity Report, Manulife found that just 52 percent of Filipinos believe they have enough funds to retire comfortably, placing the Philippines third out of four countries least likely to have sufficient retirement savings.

The finding highlights a gap between retirement aspirations and financial preparedness, as fewer than one in 10 respondents across Asia said they want to live longer regardless of circumstances, with the majority prioritizing independence, health, and a meaningful life instead.

‘Despite believing that financial well-being can affect health span and lifespan, people aren’t taking sufficient action to prepare,’ Manulife said Even so, Manulife said the Philippines was showing signs of an optimistic transition in retirement planning, with 73 percent of respondents now preferring income-generating investments over property.

‘Those who have de-prioritized property as an investment have done so because they’ve discovered it’s not the safe, low-downside investment they believed it was. They also feel property keeps them from being able to take advantage of other investments,’ Manulife said.

Compared with Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the Philippines had the highest share of respondents (55 percent) who believe that owning property could eat into their future savings.

With this, 66 percent of Filipino respondents rely on cash and fixed deposits for retirement, rather than alternatives such as pensions, property or mutual funds. Don’t rely on cash

However, Manulife warned that relying on cash alone could leave retirees exposed to financial risks. It added that three to four in 10 Asians are not knowledgeable about investing.

‘Holding too much cash and relying solely on property can leave people vulnerable to inflation and income shortfalls,’ Calvin Chiu, head of Asia Retirement Manulife and chief executive officer of Manulife Hong Kong, said. ‘Building financial resilience means diversifying across income-generating and inflation-protected assets – and doing so early,’ he added.

There are moments in life that feel like a movie scene-when disbelief melts into joy, and excitement takes the wheel. Winning a car is exactly that kind of moment, like the kind of surprise that makes your heart race, your mind spin, and your imagination soar toward the open road. But this is not your ordinary vehicle, it’s a Tesla Model Y unexpectedly won through a brandy promo and that is a whole different level of surreal, like a plot twist in a story you didn’t realize you were in. That is exactly the feeling that Joseph Pauland Francia and Joseph Ching experienced when they found out that they are the first two lucky winners of a sleek Tesla Model Y, thanks to the biggest Fundador promo in history.

Fundador, the world’s iconic and best-selling brandy from Jerez, Spain, launched its nationwide promo in September this year. Billed as Fundador Super Special Promo (Gusto Ko Yan!), the promo is set to confer 10 Tesla New Model Y to 10 lucky winners-grand prizes that are collectively valued at almost ?2.4 million. Buyers from all over the country could purchase participating Fundador products and simply check under the cap to find out if they are fortunate enough to be going home with their new Tesla Model Y vehicles. This was what these two winners did: they purchased Fundador bottles and checked their luck under the cap. Francia, 31 and based in Cainta, Rizal bought four pieces of ‘Buy 3 Save P100 Fundador Super Special’ bundle pack in SM San Lazaro, something that he thought as Holiday gifts to family and friends. On the other hand, 69-year-old Ching from Meycauayan, Bulacan simply stopped by Puregold Supermarket in Imus, Cavite, on the way to the birthday celebration of his eldest son (a Fundador aficionado himself) in Tagaytay. He availed three pieces of the same bundle which Francia purchased.

Their feeling was pure disbelief at first. After all, who actually wins grand prizes in promos you casually join while buying a bottle for the weekend or for the Holidays? When the confirmation sank in, and the cap confirmed they won, that disbelief transformed into a heart-racing excitement they couldn’t quite contain. Finally, there’s the unmistakable excitement, coupled with cheers from family and loved ones, knowing that, soon, they will be driving their very own Tesla Y model, one of the most coveted cars of the decade! Lord Luke Polintan (Fundador’s Head of Marketing) is thrilled to meet the next new winners of Fundador’s biggest promo yet. ‘Fundador believes every Filipino deserves a taste of something better, and that’s what this promo is all about. The excitement we saw from our first two Tesla Model Y winners shows just how ready Filipinos are for lifestyle upgrades that feel truly ‘super special.’ With eight (8) more Teslas still waiting to be won, now is the perfect time to join.’ he said. Apart from the Tesla cars, Fundador will also be giving away 50 hybrid motorcycles and over P50 million in prizes (including thousands of Fundador bottles) in this promo touted to be the brand’s biggest one in history. The promo will end on February 28, 2026.

For Ching and Francia their victory goes beyond just winning a sleek, futuristic car. It’s taking home a wild, unforgettable story which they will be telling and retelling for the rest of their life. And because they, too, are Fundador drinkers ever since they can remember, their stories become a reminder that grand surprises can come from the most unexpected sips. For these two winners, one ordinary bottle turned into an extraordinary journey; and as they roll out in their brand new Teslas, Fundador continues to celebrate the spirit of possibility with every pour.

Global stocks mostly rose Wednesday, with Wall Street equities gaining on hopes of lower interest rates, while the British pound advanced on the government’s unveiling of a new budget.

US equities rose for a third straight day as momentum builds following comments in recent days from Federal Reserve officials signaling another potential interest rate cut next month.

‘It’s hard to ignore that the dramatic shifts in rate-cut hopes have been the dominant market driver in recent weeks,’ said Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

All three major US indices climbed again, led by the tech-rich Nasdaq, which rose 0.8 percent.

Jack Ablin of Cresset Capital Management said the market could drift higher still if rate-cut expectations firm further. ‘Healthy rotation’

Gains by small capitalization companies and so-called ‘value’ stocks are signs of a ‘healthy rotation out of the very narrow mega-cap tech stocks into a broader set of companies that will benefit from lower financing costs,’ Ablin said.

Analysts also cited speculation that Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, could be President Donald Trump’s next Fed Chief as supportive of markets because of expectations Hassett would cut interest rates further.

Meanwhile, the Fed’s ‘beige book’ of economic conditions around the United States pointed to a growing divergence in consumption, with lower-income populations pulling back.

‘Overall consumer spending declined further, while higher-end retail spending remained resilient,’ said the report, adding that some retailers felt a negative hit from the record-long government shutdown.

European markets

In Europe, London stocks advanced and the pound pushed higher as the center-left Labour government delivered a tax-raising budget aimed at curbing debt and funding public services.

The yield on UK 10-year government bonds dipped, a sign that investors retained confidence in finance minister Rachel Reeves having control over public finances.

Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said market reaction suggested Reeves had ‘passed a major hurdle’ and that her measures ‘have fiscal credence with investors for now.’

Paris and Frankfurt stocks also gained, supported by hopes of progress toward the end of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

‘Now, nothing is signed yet – there’s still a lot of negotiation left – but markets have started to price in this deal, which is why both the euro and European stocks have rallied,’ said Forex.com analyst Fawad Razaqzada.

Russia said Wednesday that ongoing talks to end the war in Ukraine were ‘serious,’ after earlier welcoming parts of a new US plan to halt the deadliest fighting in Europe since World War II.

A deal was still a long way off, Russian officials warned, with US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff due in Moscow next week for further talks.

But the negotiations were ‘ongoing, the process is serious,’ Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in televised comments.

Myrna Esguerra is one step away from winning glory after she advanced to the Top 5 of the Miss International 2025 pageant held in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday evening, Nov. 27.

Esguerra was the first to be called this time, still wearing Mak Tumang’s light champaign- and blush pink-colored number. Joining Esguerra in the Top 5 are Yollanda Chimbarami of Zimbabwe, Melliza Xaviera Yulian of Indonesia, Paola Guzmán Sanchez of Bolivia, and Catalina Duque of Colombia.

Before the announcement, the delegates exuded elegance in their evening gowns as well as striking confidence during the swimsuit round.

Several special awards were also presented prior to the announcement of the Top 5. Kenya was named Miss Sustainable Beauty, while Japan received Miss Friendship. Best in Talent went to the Cook Islands, and Czech Republic was awarded Miss Elegance.

Russia took home the Miss Photogenic, while the Dominican Republic won Miss Fitness. Bangladesh received the award for Best in Evening Gown.

The Continental Queens were also announced: the United Kingdom was named Miss International Europe; Zimbabwe, Miss International Africa; Turks and Caicos Islands, Miss International America; and Macau, Miss International Asia Pacific.

By the end of the night, reigning titleholder Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy is set to pass the crown.

Comfortable. Gentle. Empathetic. Soft. – More than words, these qualities define the heart of Millie Moon, the latest luxury diaper brand finally landing in the Philippines that is redefining comfort and care for Filipino families. A Beautiful Beginning

It all began in 2021, with the launch of Millie Moon exclusively at Target in the United States. What started as a bold vision to create something beautifully soft quickly became one of the biggest success stories in modern parenting. Within just four years, Millie Moon has risen to become the #1 most productive brand in Target’s diaper category. The brand’s strength lies not only in its premium quality but also in the deep emotional connection it has developed with young parents aged 25 to 34, who value care, performance, and purpose in every purchase.

A Global Journey

From its success in the US, Millie Moon has continued to grow across countries including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, quickly becoming a fast-rising global favorite with more than 20,000 five-star reviews from delighted parents.

This global momentum reached South East Asia in 2025, when Millie Moon officially launched in the Philippines, its first home in the region and a key milestone in its growing international journey.

A Softer Choice for Filipino Parents

April 2025 marked a new chapter for Millie Moon as it launched exclusively on Shopee Philippines. Within months, it became the fastest-growing diaper brand on the platform, embraced by Filipino moms who seek only the best for their little ones.

Every Millie Moon diaper reflects the same care that connects parents and their children. Expertly crafted and designed with Softness, Millie Moon diapers are gentle on delicate skin while delivering up to 12 hours of protection thanks to their ultra-absorbent core, double leak guards, and secure high waistband.

Designed to be gentle on skin, Millie Moon’s range is free from lotions, latex, and fragrance; dermatologically tested; and certified by leading organizations including OEKO-TEX and Dermatest. The brand also features a pH-balanced layer specifically developed for sensitive skin, making it a trusted choice for even the newest arrivals.

With these award-winning features, Millie Moon goes beyond what diapers offer, it provides peace of mind that parents are giving the best for their babies.

Find Comfort with Millie Moon

Millie Moon’s latest initiative, the Find Comfort Campaign highlights the brand’s commitment to supporting each parent’s journey. Millie Moon provides real comfort for both parents and their little ones. For babies, it’s the softest touch against their skin. For parents, it’s reassurance that they’re doing their best. Parenting is tough, but a bit of comfort goes a long way.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) multiple violations of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) against two contractors involved in ghost flood-control projects in Bulacan.

Facing complaints are IM Construction Corporation and SYMS Construction Trading, with combined tax deficiencies amounting to P13.8 million arising from fictitious expenses, underreported income, and false Value Added Tax (VAT) declarations.

Specifically, the two contractors are facing violations of Sections 254 and 255 of the NIRC for Tax Evasion, and Willful Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information.

‘These cases are part of a broader and intensified crackdown on contractors engaged in ghost projects and fraudulent tax practices,’ BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said.

For IM Construction Corporation, the BIR said it received payments for a pumping station and floodgate in Barangay Sto. Rosario, Hagonoy, Bulacan, but no structure was found during inspection.

‘They filed a return, but the project is a ghost project. There was really no project done at all. So, their deductions, construction costs, have no basis, are fictitious, and were only made up to reduce the tax to be paid,’ Mendoza said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, SYMS Construction Trading was contracted to reinforce a river wall in Barangay Piel, Baliuag, Bulacan, but Mendoza said that, upon an inspection also found no work had been built.

The BIR has already filed 12 criminal complaints related to the anomalous flood-control projects, with an estimated total potential tax liability of P8.87 billion.