Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The holiday season arrived early as Festival Mall, Alabang, lit its towering 30-foot Christmas tree-a nostalgic display of capiz lanterns, nutcrackers, stockings, and warm golden lights that cast a soft glow across the bustling halls. This dazzling celebration is just the beginning. Soon, across all Filinvest Malls, visitors will be swept up in the same radiant holiday spirit, coming together to revel in the most wonderful time of the year while sharing in a milestone that inspires pride across the Filinvest family.

This year’s festivities feel bigger and brighter than ever as Filinvest celebrates its 70th anniversary-a group milestone shared with the communities, and a reminder of seven decades of dreams, memories, and meaningful connections.

Where everyday memories take center stage

As families return to their favorite Filinvest destinations this December-whether for a concert, a new restaurant, a last-minute gift, or simply to enjoy the glow of holiday lights-they’ll find the same warmth that has defined these well-loved destinations for years. In every shared meal, every small discovery, every familiar tune from a weekend choir, there is a reminder that Christmas is made of moments we hold dearest.

Ever guided by its enduring mission of moving dreams forward, Filinvest celebrates 70 years, creating spaces where these moments-and the Filipinos that enjoy them-can flourish. ‘At Filinvest Malls, kindness turns moments into memories. This Christmas, we celebrate connection, compassion, and the joy of being part of one community-a spirit that has guided the Filinvest Group for 70 years of enabling Filipino dreams,’ says Mitch Dumlao, first vice president and retail business unit head of Filinvest Malls. Through this enduring commitment, Filipino families can thrive, celebrate, and keep making new memories together.

A grand celebration for a grand milestone

Marked by its 70th year, this year’s holiday celebrations shine with an even deeper spirit of compassion and connection. At Festival Mall’s tree-lighting, children with special learning and developmental needs were welcomed as the season’s first guests of honor, immersing themselves in moments of pure holiday wonder. This heartfelt gathering, made possible with the Muntinlupa Social Services Department, served as a luminous reminder of what the season-and Filinvest Malls-is truly about: spreading joy where it matters most.

The celebration continues with the Lanterns of Dreams display at Festival Mall, where handmade lanterns crafted by Filinvest companies illuminate the halls in a radiant tribute to unity and shared purpose. These lanterns aren’t just lights-they represent the community’s collective aspirations, echoing the Filinvest group’s anniversary theme, ‘Moving Dreams Forward.’ Each glowing lantern reflects the idea that the brightest moments happen when communities come together.

As Filinvest celebrates seven decades, these moments bring that vision to life. The legacy of its founders continues to inspire the creation of spaces where families can thrive, connect, and make new memories, carrying the spirit of fun and community into the coming year. Through Filinvest’s decades-long dedication to uplifting Filipino families, that enduring spirit is alive in every lantern, every event, and every moment unfolding across the malls this season-a celebration of growth, generosity, and the magic of the holidays.

Spreading the christmas atmosphere across Filinvest Malls

While Festival Mall in Alabang kicked off the season with its official Christmas launch on Nov. 7, 2025, the holiday cheer has quickly spread across all destinations. It continues throughout November and December with the Holiday Hymns Concert Series on weekends, and Santa Meet and Greet sessions on Dec. 13, 14, 20, and 21, keeping the spirit alive for families across the community.

Each location brings its own unique holiday magic. Main Square Bacoor brings neighbors together with its Christmas Memory Raffle and the eagerly anticipated children’s carol competition, while Westgate Alabang offers intimate Yuletide moments through chorale performances on Nov. 29 and Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20, complemented by Merry Moments with Santa on Dec. 7 and 14.

In Filinvest Malls Dumaguete, open spaces brim with Christmas bazaars from Nov. 24 to 30 and Dec. 15 to 21, alongside carol performances on Dec. 12, perfect for exploring local treats and gifts. Filinvest Malls Mimosa in Clark welcomes car lovers and weekend explorers with its Volks and Folks Car Meet and Flea Market on Nov. 29 to 30, while Fora Mall and IL Corso round out the season with food and gift fairs celebrating regional delicacies.

Signature Filinvest experiences: Play, sport, and adventure

The joy of shared play remains a hallmark of Filinvest Malls. Families can spend an entire day at Festival Mall in Alabang, enjoying its beloved amusement centers-Pixie Forest and X-Site. These spaces are designed for every age, from whimsical rides for children to interactive challenges for teens and adults. Birthday celebrants are treated to a complimentary Ride-All-You-Can pass, giving them and their friends extra reasons to celebrate, while all guests can take breaks at the dedicated Food Hub, which offers crowd-favorite snacks and quick bites for a convenient pause between rides and play.

This season, Roller Fever adds a new layer of excitement, now launching at both X-Site in Alabang and Fora Mall Tagaytay. Its neon-lit indoor skate rink, pulsing with K-pop energy, offers families a high-energy way to glide, spin, and share fun moments together. At Fora Mall, the Champion Sports Park provides space for fitness groups and weekend athletes to gather, compete, and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. Sports enthusiasts can also discover the pickleball court at Main Square Bacoor, a hidden gem perfect for trying a fun and fast-growing sport.

For curious explorers, the I Belong Museum in Festival Mall sparks wonder with its retro-futuristic theme ‘Yesterday’s Tomorrow, Today,’ blending education and play in a whimsical environment. Over in Cebu, IL Corso transforms the coastline into an adventure hub with Ultimate Watersports, including parasailing, jet skiing, banana boats, and wakeboarding-perfect for thrill-seekers and families looking for a holiday adrenaline rush.

Shop, discover, enjoy newly opened stores

Anchored by its founding mission, Filinvest Malls continues to create memorable experiences for its customers across all destinations. Shoppers can discover exciting new destinations at Festival Mall in Alabang, including Muji’s first branch in the South, the upgraded Asics flagship store for runners and fitness enthusiasts, and Nike, expanding the mall’s roster of global lifestyle brands.

Meanwhile, McDonald’s Cebu celebrates its 44th anniversary with the opening of its first green architecture branch, offering a unique dining experience amid the excitement at IL Corso.

About Filinvest Malls

Filinvest Malls is a group of malls that offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and leisure options for varied lifestyles-from regional shopping centers to community malls. These include Festival Mall in Alabang, Main Square in Bacoor, Fora Mall in Tagaytay, IL Corso in Cebu, and Filinvest Malls in Dumaguete. Today, Filinvest Malls bring together a redefined lifestyle of safety, comfort, and ease to the communities where they are located.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said it has yet to receive a court order to cancel the passport of resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co.

DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona disclosed this in a text message to reporters on Monday after she was asked what the current status of Co’s passport was.

‘As of this morning, we have not received a court order instructing the DFA to cancel his passport,’ said Escalona.

Earlier, the DFA said it can only cancel passports issued to Filipino citizens upon receipt of a court order issued by a competent Philippine court.

‘This is pursuant to Sections 4 and 10 of RA 11983 or the New Philippine Passport Act. As of this time, the Department has not received such an order,’ Escalona said earlier.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., on Nov. 21, said the arrest warrants against Co and 17 others are now out in relation to their cases on the anomalous flood control projects.

Co was implicated in alleged anomalous infrastructure projects, particularly flood control works in Bulacan, after former district and assistant engineers testified that he was involved in budget insertions that ballooned to at least P35 billion from 2022 to 2025.

They further claimed that kickbacks were delivered to Co, including one alleged delivery of P1 billion in cash packed into more than 20 suitcases and transported in several vans to his penthouse unit at a luxury hotel in Taguig.

Environmental activist Francisco Dangla III, who was abducted last year by unidentified men in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, asked the Court of Appeals (CA) not to consider the investigation reports of the police on his disappearance.

He told the justices that the law enforcement agency failed to probe into his case with ‘extraordinary diligence’ and the cops reportedly even caused stress and anxiety to him and his relatives.

‘To render the respondents’ compliance and reports as sufficient compliance would substantially undermine the remedial character of the writ of amparo and contradict what justice and fundamental rights truly demand,’ Dangla said in his pleading filed on Monday.

He was represented by the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers.

He asked the CA not to consider the Oct. 23 submission of the respondents, which include Police Brig. Gen. Lou Evangelista, regional director of PNP Regional Office I; and Col. Jeff Fanged, provincial director of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office.

Dangla, instead, urged the appellate court to direct the respondents to conduct a more ‘proactive and genuine’ investigation that would pursue one of the key leads in the case.

Dangla and fellow activist Joxelle Tiong were abducted in March 2024, when unidentified men forced them into a gray pickup truck after a community consultation in Barangay Polo, San Carlos City.

On Sept. 23, the CA ordered the police and military to further investigate his case to identify and prosecute those behind his abduction, even as it denied his petition for a writ of amparo.

In a counter-manifestation to the respondents’ compliance, Dangla alleged that the police failed to pursue what he described as one of the strongest leads in his case – the GCash number supposedly used to extort money from Tiong’s friend while they were missing.

He argued that the San Carlos City police prematurely terminated its investigation into the GCash number after being told that his and Tiong’s affidavits were required to apply for a warrant to disclose the owner’s data and identity.

Dangla added that his judicial affidavit, which contains all the information he knows on the identity of their perpetrators, is already a public record and available to the respondents.

‘Accordingly, it is inexcusable for the respondents to cite lack of cooperation on the part of the petitioner and his relatives as an excuse to evade their duty to fully and genuinely investigate any possible leads as to the identity of the petitioner’s abductors,’ he said.

The activist likewise lamented the respondents’ visits to his and his relatives’ homes, along with the questioning of them done without a lawyer present, which he said caused ‘much stress and anxiety’ to them.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has released a copy of its November 21 referral to the Office of the Ombudsman, asking the anti-graft body to further investigate former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in relation to the flood control mess.

The referral includes Romualdez’s sworn affidavit, stenographic transcript, and related materials from his voluntary appearance before the ICI on October 14. It remains unclear whether this referral is the same joint report that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) submitted to the Ombudsman last Friday.

‘The Commission underscores that referring the matter at this stage is intended to permit the Honorable Office of the Ombudsman to promptly and immediately undertake its own fact-finding inquiry, consistent with established principles of coordination and to avoid duplicative or fragmented investigations,’ the document reads.

‘As the constitutionally designated disciplinary authority over public officials, the Office of the Ombudsman is better equipped to determine whether the circumstances, thus far disclosed, warrant administrative or criminal accountability under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, and other applicable laws,’ it adds.

‘The ICI will continue to discharge its mandate under Executive Order No. 94. Any additional documents, evidence, or statements obtained in the course of its ongoing inquiries that bear upon this referral will be promptly transmitted to the Honorable Office of the Ombudsman,’ it further says.

The ICI referral contains only the report related to Romualdez. The joint referral last week, by contrast, included recommended charges against both the former House Speaker and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

‘This is the referral of the ICI to the OMB last Friday. As stated in the referral of the commission, it submitted to the OMB documents and materials relative to former Speaker Romualdez and to aid the OMB in its investigation,’ ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said.

On Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women reminds us of the work still to be done. Representatives of France and Romania, we speak today with a united European voice to reaffirm that gender-based violence knows neither borders nor cultures. It is a universal violation of human rights and a silent tragedy affecting all societies. The figures show that no country is spared. According to UN Women, nearly 736 million women, one in three aged 15 or older, have experienced physical or sexual violence, whether by an intimate partner or not. Among them, more than 640 million were assaulted by an intimate partner. Globally, an average of 140 women or girls are killed every day. Adolescent girls, often the most vulnerable, are on the frontline: 370 million girls and women were victims of rape or sexual assault before adulthood, rising to 650 million if we include harassment and online violence (Unicef).

In Europe, 31 percent of women aged 18 to 74 in the EU have experienced physical or sexual violence. In the Philippines, nearly one in five women with an intimate partner has suffered physical, sexual, or psychological violence, reminding us that gender-based violence is most often committed by someone known to the victim, challenging the idea that violence is accidental.

These acts can be prevented. Within the EU, responses vary, but some point the way forward. Sweden strengthened its zero-tolerance model for sexual violence with a 2018 law based on explicit consent. France has created emergency hotlines and training for law enforcement. In Spain, courts specialized in gender-based violence and an integrated prevention system have reduced domestic homicides. Romania has opened more shelters and launched awareness campaigns.

The Istanbul Convention of the Council of Europe, ratified by the EU, is the most advanced international treaty that commits state parties to preventing violence, protecting victims, prosecuting offenders, and implementing coordinated policies. The EU also encourages international partners, as the Philippines, to adopt equivalent frameworks to harmonize protections for women and strengthen global cooperation.

But new forms of violence are emerging, especially in digital spaces, where violence against women has taken on a disturbing new dimension. Worldwide, 38 percent of women have been victims of online violence, and 85 percent have witnessed it. The COVID-19 lockdown worsened this reality. Poorly regulated platforms amplify violence, threatening not only victims but democracy. In response, the EU has strengthened its stance. A 2023 directive requires member states to recognize cyber harassment and nonconsensual sharing of intimate images as criminal offenses.

In the Philippines, the Safe Spaces Act of 2019 includes online harassment. Europe and Southeast Asia thus face a shared challenge: protecting women in a digital space where violence changes form but not intention. Yet, legal advances require a culture of respect, responsible online behavior, and shared commitment. The EU supports initiatives training young people in respectful digital practices. Protecting women in virtual spaces also means defending democracy and preventing sexist discourse that undermines women’s voices.

The persistence of violence against women is part of a broader global rollback in women’s rights. In 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed the right to abortion for nearly half a century. In Europe, we also see movements invoking ‘traditional values,’ which have led in some contexts, such as Romania, to debates and differing views regarding approaches to sexual education and reproductive health policies.

These debates resonate in the Philippines, where reproductive health remains a major challenge. According to Save the Children Philippines (2024), more than 500 girls aged 15 to 19 become mothers every day, and pregnancies among girls under 15 are rising. This reflects vulnerability and limited access to health care and education. The adolescent pregnancy prevention bill, aiming to strengthen sex education and access to contraception, was adopted by the House of Representatives but blocked in the Senate after disinformation campaigns.

‘Never forget that it will take only a political, economic, or religious crisis for women’s rights to be called into question.’ These words by the French writer Simone de Beauvoir remain relevant, in Europe as in the Philippines. The rollback of women’s rights reflects the state of a country’s democratic health. When half the population is attacked, all of society is weakened. Convinced that promoting women’s rights is essential to progress, peace, and democracy, the European Union has made them a priority in its dialogue and cooperation with the Philippines.

CostPlus, Inc. has forged a strategic partnership with SB Finance to make eco-friendly and cost-efficient electric tricycles (E-Trikes) more accessible to local transport groups nationwide. The collaboration officially kicked off with the turnover of 10 E-Trikes to the MASA Transport Operators and Drivers Association (MASA TODA) in Caloocan City, held at SM Caloocan on October 17, 2025. Through this agreement, SB Finance provides flexible financing options that allow local tricycle operators and drivers to own E-Trikes without the burden of large upfront costs. The initiative reflects CostPlus’s commitment to advancing sustainable mobility and inclusive livelihood opportunities by making green technology practical and attainable for grassroots transport groups.

As part of this direction, CostPlus is also undertaking a broader brand strategy initiative led by Stuti Sukhani, ensuring that every partnership, innovation, and deployment – including this E-Trike program – aligns with its mission to deliver accessible, locally engineered clean technologies that power inclusive growth for Filipino communities.

‘Our partnership with SB Finance bridges sustainability and accessibility,’ said CostPlus President Anand Mahtani. ‘By providing affordable financing for E-Trikes, we’re empowering local TODAs to modernize their livelihood while helping cities transition to cleaner, more efficient transport systems.’

The Caloocan pilot rollout was made possible in partnership with SM Caloocan and the Local Government of Caloocan City, which supported the program implementation and selection of qualified beneficiaries. Each E-Trike will help drivers reduce fuel expenses, lower carbon emissions, and improve daily earnings through more efficient, low-maintenance operations. ‘This initiative shows what’s possible when innovators, financial institutions, and local governments work together for sustainability,’ Mahtani added. ‘Our goal is to replicate this model across more communities nationwide.’

A symbolic key handover marked the official start of the partnership’s shared commitment to building greener, more resilient cities. Representatives from CostPlus, SB Finance, SM Caloocan, and the Caloocan City Government joined the event.

The E-Trike turnover forms part of CostPlus’s broader advocacy to accelerate the transition to electric mobility, supporting national efforts to modernize public transportation and combat climate change.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has suspended all field audits and related operations following mounting complaints of abuse and misuse, the Department of Finance (DOF) announced on Monday.

The halt covers the issuance, creation, printing, and signing of Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs), effectively pausing all audit-related enforcement during the review period.

‘This suspension is necessary to protect taxpayer rights, strengthen internal discipline, and ensure the integrity of our audit processes,’ newly appointed BIR Commissioner Charlie Mendoza said in a statement.

‘We take every complaint seriously, and any misuse of authority, harassment, or irregularity has no place in the Bureau,’ he added.

The order applies to all units involved in audit and field operations, including the Large Taxpayers Service, Revenue Regions and District Offices, Assessment Divisions, VAT Audit Units, and Intelligence and Special Audit Units.

Only legally mandated or urgent cases are exempt from the suspension.

Plans to make Pasig and Caloocan into ‘smart and sustainable’ cities were turned over by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to their respective local governments on Monday.

The plans were created by technical working groups in collaboration with the Pasig and Caloocan governments to focus on science, technology and innovation (STI), DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said in his keynote address at the 2025 celebration of National Capital Region (NCR) Science, Technology and Innovation Week in Quezon City.

‘We deliberately used the term smart and sustainable communities because we want to emphasize that progress must reach everyone, not just those in urban centers, not just those with resources and not just those with access,’ Solidum explained.

‘What we strive for is the balance of both, technology that empowers people and development that can endure,’ he added.

Pasig and Caloocan’s STI plans were the third and fourth such plans in the region to be turned over to their local governments, after Quezon City and Muntinlupa in 2024, according to DOST NCR technical support services assistant director Bianca Claudette Canlas in a press conference at the celebration.

Canlas cited that the challenge to the ‘smart and sustainable’ cities plans was to ensure that marginalized and vulnerable groups, like persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and people who have digital illiteracy.

Nonetheless, citing a 2024 study, Solidum said 70 percent of local government units across the country already have a plan to become a ‘smart’ city.

Make that two medals for Karl Eldrew Yulo in the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships.

After falling short of a podium finish in the vault final earlier, Yulo snagged bronze in the horizontal bar finals in his final event of the meet hosted by the Philippines.

The Adamson standout scored 13.900 points for his routine, which was later bumped up to 14.000 after a stick landing bonus, securing him a podium finish. In the horizontal bar event, Colombia’s Vera Camilo took gold with 14.533 points, while USA’s Danila Leykin claimed silver at 14.233 points.

Earlier in the vault finals, Yulo tallied 13.716 points, just shy of bronze, which went to Great Britain’s Evan McPhillips at 13.950 points.

The vault gold and silver were won by Arsenii Dukhno (14.433) and Britain’s Scott Sol (14.066), respectively.

In buying a property or choosing a home, buyers always look for its long-term value and lasting legacy. That’s exactly what Ongpin Tower offers to individuals and families who look for a sound investment, securing for a brighter future.

‘Ongpin Tower is not just a home but a legacy investment,’ shared the Chief Operating Officer of Keen and Worth Property Developers, Inc. Kimberly Wong. ‘It redefines Chinatown living with its blend of luxury, heritage, and opportunity.’

OWN A LEGACY, BUILD YOUR FUTURE

There is no doubt that Ongpin Tower is a good investment for its unparalleled visibility, accessibility, and prestige. The 52-storey residential tower takes pride with its power address, rising on a rare tri-corner lot at the intersection of Ongpin, Gonzalo Puyat, and F. Torres streets at the heart of the world’s oldest Chinatown – Binondo.

It’s right in the smack of one of Manila’s historic and bustling districts where commercial and residential demand remains consistently high. Ongpin Tower is within easy reach and access to schools, medical centers, churches and places of worship, shopping malls, and more.

Its strategic location enhances property value and ensures stronger capital appreciation over time. This makes Ongpin Tower a perfect choice for investors seeking stable rental income from professionals, business owners, and expatriates looking for premium city living.

‘Buying a unit at Ongpin Tower is not just owning a home – it’s securing an investment in the most sought-after address in Chinatown,’ Wong added.

LIVING IN STYLE

Ongpin Tower stands tall with its modern and timeless architectural design, adding it to the list of iconic landmarks in Manila. Its rare tri-corner lot advantage adds premium to its value making it a smart investment. On top of its solid investment potential, the residential tower is a perfect enclave for Filipino-Chinese individuals and families who value legacy, location, and long-term investment.

Residents enjoy exclusive access to family-centric amenities such as sky park, helipad, pool, gym, and function rooms – features that elevate both living experience and market value.

The 226-residential unit tower features elegant finishes giving residents ease, comfort and privacy they deserve. Each unit is built with high-quality handover provisions from trusted global brands such as Daikin, Electrolux, American Standard, and Panasonic – ensuring durability and long-term comfort.

‘The Filipino-Chinese family values serve as our guide in the whole architectural design of Ongpin Tower,’ stressed Wong. ‘That’s why we want to make sure that space for togetherness, privacy when needed, and flexibility for every life stage are in place and fully enjoyed by our residents.’

TOPPING OFF THIS DECEMBER

Ongpin Tower is in full swing with Second Quarter of 2027 as target date of completion and turnover. This first and flagship project of Keen and Worth Property Developers, Inc. will have its topping off on December 6, 2025.