Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

DMCI Holdings Inc. posted a weaker bottom line in the first nine months due to lower contributions from its integrated energy and construction businesses.

In a disclosure Friday, the group said its January to September consolidated net income had dropped 22 percent to P11.8 billion from P15.1 billion.

The decline was also blamed on the integration of its newly acquired cement business.

However, the Consunji-led firm said it found some relief from the growth of its real estate, mining and off-grid power generation operations.

Creamline got the wake-up call it needed against lightly regarded Nxled on Thursday as the Cool Smashers bounced back from an unlikely first set stumble to prime themselves up for their final push for a quarterfinal berth in the PVL Reinforced Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.

The Cool Smashers yielded just 47 points in the last three sets to pull out a 20-25, 25-13, 25-16, 25-18 win over the Chameleons, rising to 4-2 in the second phase of the preliminary round as they gear up for clashes against Choco Mucho and Cignal in a bid to advance safely.

‘We were able to adjust quickly after a shaky start,’ said Michele Gumabao, the Best Player of the Game who scattered 13 points. ‘The composure was there, the instructions from our coaches were clear and we executed well.’

Creamline will have more than a week to find out what went wrong in that first set before they take on the Flying Titans on Nov. 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and then the Super Spikers at the Ynares in Rodriguez, Rizal, five days later.

‘We’ll use this period to rest, recover, and regroup,’ said Gumabao, who spiked her contribution with two blocks and two aces in helping eliminate the Chameleons with a sixth straight defeat.

Coach Sherwin Meneses, meanwhile, knows exactly what needs to be done moving forward.

‘What we need to address are our errors and maybe some miscommunication in the first set,’ he said. ‘We’re happy that we were able to recover.’

Storming ahead to a commanding 22-12 lead in the fourth set, the Cool Smashers suddenly found themselves under slight pressure as the Chameleons, led by import Paola Martinez, strung together five straight points to trim the deficit to five.

However, a service error by Jaja Maraguinot halted the Chameleons’ rally and the Cool Smashers sealed the one-hour, 44-minute victory through a Coco Schwan through-the-block hit followed by a Martinez attack error.

Schwan finished with 14 points, while Pangs Panaga and Tots Carlos contributed 12 and 11, respectively. Despite Martinez’s 18 markers, Chiara Permentilla’s 14 and the combined 24-point output from Lyann de Guzman, Krich Macaslang, Jeycel delos Reyes and Maraguinot, the Chameleons could only match Creamline’s 48 attack points.

Creamline, however, asserted its superiority in other scoring departments, dominating in blocks (10-6) and service aces (10-5). The real difference lay in the Cool Smashers’ ability to capitalize on their opponents’ errors, converting 27 points off Nxled’s miscues while yielding only 13.

Schwan also anchored the team’s defense, tallying 14 excellent digs and 15 receptions to cap another stellar all-around performance as the Cool Smashers’ experience and chemistry-honed by years of title runs and pressure matches-allowed them to recover from the poor start.

Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém Summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). I have convened world leaders in the days leading up to the COP so that we can all commit to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.

If we fail to move beyond speeches into real action, our societies will lose faith, not only in the COPs, but in multilateralism and international politics. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: to make this the COP of truth, the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges when it acts together and guided by science. We protected the ozone layer. The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic proved that the world can act decisively when there is courage and political will.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. We adopted principles that defined a new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. Over the past 33 years, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

More than 30 years later, the world returns to Brazil to confront climate change. It is no coincidence that COP30 takes place in the heart of the Amazon. We want the world to see the true state of the forests, the planet’s largest river basin, and the millions of people who live in the region. COPs cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or annual gatherings for negotiators. They must be moments of contact with reality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

Foto: Ricardo Stuckert / PR

To confront this crisis together, we need resources. And we must recognize that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the nonnegotiable foundation of any climate pact.

That is why the Global South demands greater access to resources-not out of charity, but justice. Rich countries have benefited most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by honoring their debts.

Brazil is doing its part. In just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon. In Belém, we will launch an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). It is innovative because it operates as an investment fund, not a donation mechanism. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and those who invest in the fund. A genuine win-win approach to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has announced a $1 billion investment in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.

We also set an example by becoming the second country to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions by 59 to 67 percent, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy.

In this spirit, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively.

The energy transition is fundamental to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, with 88 percent of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We lead in biofuels and are advancing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen energy.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly, and equitable energy transition will be essential. Over time, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.

People must be at the center of political decisions about climate and the energy transition. We must recognize that the most vulnerable sectors of our society are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, which is why just transition and adaptation plans must aim to combat inequality.

We cannot forget that 2 billion people lack access to clean fuels for cooking, and 673 million still live with hunger. In response, we will launch in Belém a Declaration on Hunger, Poverty, and Climate. Our commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked to the fight against hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis of the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has failed to prevent wars. It is our duty, therefore, to fight for the reform of this institution.

At COP30, we will advocate for the creation of a UN Climate Change Council linked to the general assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and a step toward reversing the paralysis of the multilateral system.

At every climate conference, we hear many promises but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the time for action plans has arrived. That is why today we begin the COP of truth.

Alas Pilipinas girls dominated Hong Kong, 25-20, 25-19, 25-10, to advance to the Battle for 5th in the 2nd AVC Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship on Friday at Prince Hamzah Sports Hall here.

The youngest Philippine national volleyball team, composed of junior high school players from different provinces, has a chance to end its first international campaign as Asia’s fifth place among the 14 nations.

After their five-set meltdown to Thailand in their last final eight assignment on Thursday, team captain Xyz Rayco sustained her fine form and delivered 23 points built on 19 kills, two aces, and two blocks for Alas Pilipinas.

‘We made up for the mistakes we had yesterday. We didn’t want to lose that easily again,’ Rayco said in Filipino. ‘In the first set, we were still trying to read their movements. But by the second, we started to pick up the pace, and in the third, we gave it everything we had because we didn’t want a repeat of what happened against Thailand.’

Middle blocker Madele Gale continued to step up with 11 points off seven kills, three blocks, and an ace. Jhenica Sadia chipped in six, as setter Resty Jane Olaguir continued to impress in he continental meet with her brilliant plays while scoring six points.

Nadeth Herbon chipped in five points, as Megan Hernandez scored four, highlighted by the last three points in the third to win the game.

Alas Pilipinas goes for a fifth-place finish against Thailand on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. (Philippine time).

Thailand fought back from a 1-2 match deficit to stun the Philippines in their Final Eight round duel before dominating Uzbekistan, 25-9, 25-14, 25-14, to set a rematch.

‘We’re going all out from here on because we’re fighting for a spot in the top five. Reaching the top five would already be a big achievement for us, so we’ll give it our all,’ said Rayco.

Hong Kong has a chance for seventh place against Uzbekistan also on Saturday.

Wing Tung Lee was the lone bright spot with 14 points from 13 attacks and an ace.

Policemen on Thursday arrested an alleged leader of a kidnap-for-ransom ring in Baloi town, Lanao del Norte.

According to a statement from Police Regional Office-10 (PRO10), the suspect, whom it identified only as ‘Lucky 9,’ was arrested in Barangay Angandog of Baloi town on force of three warrants; one for kidnapping, another for frustrated murder, and still another for illegal possession of firearms.

No bail had been set for his temporary liberty.

Recovered from the suspect’s possession were an M14 rifle, six 7.62mm magazines with 125 rounds of live ammunition, an M1911 .45-caliber pistol, and a Baofeng handheld radio.

According to the police, the suspect was implicated in kidnapping incidents in 2013 and 2014. Before his arrest, the suspect was said to be a logistics operator for the remnants of the Islamic State-linked Maute Group, ‘procuring firearms, medicines, and food supplies to sustain terrorist operations in Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and neighboring provinces.’

The suspect is now under the custody of the Baloi municipal police station.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, acting regional police director, said the arrest of ‘Lucky 9’ will cripple the logistical and recruitment networks of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group not only in Northern Mindanao but also in nearby provinces

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) is set to host this year’s biggest lifestyle and property showcase, the SMDC Good Life Expo 2025, happening on November 21 to 23 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Bringing together homebuyers, investors, and lifestyle enthusiasts, the three-day celebration will feature exclusive property deals, on-the-spot home-loan pre-qualification from BDO and China Bank, curated home-styling packages from SMDC’s home-furnishing partners, as well as live performances from top artists, and grand raffle prizes. ‘Homeownership should be both attainable and meaningful,’ said Jessica Bianca Sy, Vice President for Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SMDC. ‘Through the SMDC Good Life Expo, we’re showing how every Filipino can find a home that fits their goals – whether that’s building a future in the city, living closer to nature, or starting a family in a nurturing community.’

Guests can explore immersive augmented reality setups to visualize their future homes, strike a pose at glam bots and themed photo areas, and join games to win exciting prizes, including limited-edition Good Life Expo merchandise and SM Gift Certificates. Visitors can also enjoy an interactive music setup, an eco market, and indulge in complimentary premium coffee, fresh wellness juices, or ice cream throughout the weekend. The entertainment lineup will feature some of the country’s most beloved artists, with Richard Poon performing on Friday, Dilaw on Saturday, and Hale closing the celebration on Sunday, alongside other guest performers and musical acts throughout the three-day event.

The Expo will highlight SMDC’s newest residential segments – SMDC Heights, SMDC Nature, and SMDC Symphony Homes – each offering a distinct way of living. Guests can explore these through immersive lifestyle zones that reflect the brand’s commitment to creating accessible, sustainable, and life-centered communities.

Set at the iconic SM Mall of Asia, the Expo combines SMDC’s signature flair for innovation with its mission to make good living possible for more Filipinos.

Mark your calendars for the year’s biggest home and investment celebration. Discover your dream home – and the life that comes with it – at the SMDC Good Life Expo, happening November 21-23, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Scan this QR code for registration:

For more information, visit www.smdc.com or follow @TheOfficialSMDC on social media.

The peso retreated back to the 59-to-the-dollar territory on Friday, after fresh data showed economic growth had softened to 4 percent in the third quarter, the weakest pace in four years. The local currency lost 10 centavos from its previous closing to cap the week at 59.04 — hovering near the record low of 59.13 set in late October. Total trading volume eased to $1.2 billion from $1.3 billion the previous day.

While the peso had since regained some ground from last month’s record slump, the central bank said it would allow market forces to determine the exchange rate, adding it won’t intervene to prevent day-to-day volatility.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), one of the Philippines’ most awarded and digitally advanced banks, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Meridian, a leading US-based provider of real-time global payments networking, to launch the RCBC Pulz App U.S. Virtual Account. As the first bank in the Philippines to offer U.S. virtual accounts, the joint innovation allows RCBC customers to open and manage a U.S. virtual account directly through the RCBC Pulz app, no U.S. address, social security number, or residency required. Users receive their own U.S. account in their name, capable of accepting domestic payments in real time from any U.S. bank, with funds instantly reflected in their linked RCBC Pulz peso accounts, bypassing the delays, high fees, and complexities of traditional cross-border payments. ‘RCBC has always been about breaking barriers and building bridges especially for the millions of Filipinos with strong ties abroad,’ said Reggie Cariaso, RCBC President and CEO. ‘Through our partnership with Meridian, we are enabling every Filipino, whether a freelancer or an entrepreneur, to connect directly to the US economy. This is financial inclusion made real.’

With an estimated US$36 billion in remittances flowing into the Philippines annually, making it one of the world’s top destinations for global payments, RCBC’s latest offering aims to modernize the experience of receiving money from the U.S. by providing a more efficient, transparent, and real-time alternative to conventional money transfer services.

‘Global payments often take hours or even days, with fees eating into what people actually receive,’ explained Will Haering, CEO of Meridian. ‘By partnering with RCBC, we’re creating a seamless, compliant, and secure bridge that lets Filipinos enjoy the same access, speed, and convenience that US-based users experience locally. It’s not just about faster transactions, it’s about leveling the financial playing field to make global payments local.’

Unlike other digital banking products that merely facilitate remittances, the RCBC Pulz App U.S. Virtual Account gives Filipinos direct access to the local U.S. payment systems, a privilege traditionally limited to U.S. residents. Users can receive up to $10,000 USD per month (monthly aggregate limit) directly into their RCBC U.S. Virtual Account, enabling more seamless, secure, and convenient management of their funds across borders.

‘This innovation puts RCBC ahead of the curve in the region’s digital banking race,’ noted Lito Villanueva, RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer. ‘We’re not just digitizing existing services, we’re redesigning how money moves across borders. The RCBC Pulz App U.S. Virtual Account embodies our commitment to building a more inclusive, tech-driven, and borderless financial ecosystem.’

The initiative also earned strong support from the government, recognizing its role in advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda.

‘This innovation aligns perfectly with the DICT’s mission to build a safe, reliable, and digitally empowered nation anchored on three pillars: strengthening cybersecurity, ensuring efficient and affordable data access, and driving digital innovations that uplift lives,’ said Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda.

The launch comes at a time when the nature of work and financial exchange has drastically evolved. With more Filipino freelancers and gig workers serving US-based clients, and over four million Filipino immigrants and temporary workers in the U.S., the demand for more flexible, affordable, and secure ways to receive and manage earnings has never been greater.

Starting November 11, Filipinos will be able to create their first-ever US virtual account directly within the RCBC Pulz app, giving them the ability to receive their earnings in USD and swiftly convert to PHP with the same ease as their peso accounts.

For families back home, this also means faster support and direct access to local payments from loved ones abroad in the U.S., without the waiting times and conversion losses that have long burdened traditional remittance channels.

RCBC has been widely recognized for its digital-first approach and inclusive innovations. Its award-winning RCBC Pulz App, DiskarTech, and ATM Go platforms have set benchmarks for financial inclusion, offering easy onboarding, goal-based savings, and AI-powered financial education tools to millions of Filipinos.

The partnership with Meridian underscores RCBC’s continuing mission to push the boundaries of digital banking, both locally and globally through cutting-edge digital banking infrastructure.

‘We are proud to partner with RCBC as the first bank bringing this transformative payment innovation to life and make U.S. accounts available across the Philippines,’ said Haering. ‘Our shared vision is to eliminate borders in banking so that global payments become local, driving opportunity, income, and progress for people in the Philippines.’

‘Banking should move at the speed of life,’ Villanueva concluded. ‘This partnership with Meridian is more than a new product, it’s a promise to every Filipino that wherever you are in the world, your financial future is within reach.’

Co-stars Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour appeared to have put an end to the bullying and harassment issue hounding them after they greeted and hugged each other at the premiere of the final and fifth season of their Netflix hit series ‘Stranger Things.’

In a clip posted by Netflix on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Nov. 7, Brown and Harbour were captured exchanging pleasantries during the premiere in Los Angeles.

‘David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown arrive together for one last Stranger Things premiere,’ read the entertainment company’s caption.

The two co-stars also posed for photos on the red carpet. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Brown said that it’s been ‘so special’ to have Harbour on the series’ journey.

‘I obviously have a really special bond with David because we have a father-daughter relationship and we do every scene together. It’s been so special to have him along the journey for me,’ said the young actress. Days before the premiere, the British newspaper The Mail reported that Brown had accused Harbour of alleged harassment and bullying.

According to the outlet, Brown filed the case before they started shooting the last season of the science-fiction series, citing that ‘there were pages of accusations and the investigation went on for months.’

As of writing, neither Brown nor Harbour has addressed the issue. The bullying and harassment issue allegations came after Harbour’s estranged wife, Lily Allen, accused the actor of infidelity, claiming that he had a three-year affair with a costume designer.

Meanwhile, ‘Stranger Things’ season 5 premieres with the first four episodes on Nov. 26, followed by three episodes on Christmas, and the finale episode on New Year’s Eve.

Romnick Sarmenta has spoken out on the Philippines’ recurring flood problems, saying the issue stems from greed, corruption and environmental abuse.

Sarmenta recently took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to point out what he believes are the real causes of massive flooding in the country, which go beyond flood -control anomalies.

‘Deforestation. Mining. ‘Development for residential areas’ – these are the reasons you need flood control,’ the actor wrote. ‘So the problem doesn’t begin and stop at DPWH projects. It begins with greed. That would include ALL corrupt officials at every level. La pang nakakasuhan? (No one has been charged yet?)’

Sarmenta’s post came as the Philippines reeled from the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, which caused deadly flooding and landslides across Cebu and nearby provinces earlier this week.

Deforestation. Mining. “Development for residential areas” – these are the reasons you need flood control. So the problem doesn’t begin and stop at DPWH projects. It begins with greed.That would include ALL corrupt officials in every level.La pang nakakasuhan? The calamity in Cebu also brought back discussions on celebrity engineer Slater Young’s Monterrazas project, a luxury residential development built on the slopes of Barangay Guadalupe.

Young’s Monterrazas was marketed as a ‘terraced, Banaue-inspired’ mountainside community, which has faced criticism since 2023. Critics argue that such construction could trigger landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, Cebu Gov. Pam Baricuatro expressed her anger, saying the flood-control projects could have helped mitigate the severity of the calamity if not for corrupt politicians.

‘?26 billion ($440 million) of flood control funds for Cebu, yet we are flooded to the max,’ she wrote on Facebook. ‘Yes, flood control funds go directly to DPWH, not the Province, but that doesn’t mean it does not find its way to politicians.’

‘I am furious about the recent flash flood that claimed lives and destroyed properties. This tragedy did not have to happen. Our people deserve leadership that acts decisively to prevent these disasters and protect our communities,’ she continued in a separate post.