Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Governments in Southeast Asia including the Philippines as well as South Korea, China and Japan should support economic sectors that are vulnerable to American trade policy and also geopolitical tensions to bolster the region’s resilience to heightened uncertainties.

This is according to the Singapore-based ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), which today released its ASEAN+3 Financial Stability Report 2025.

Domestic demand

‘While intra-regional trade and domestic demand have become increasingly important growth drivers across ASEAN+3, the region remains deeply connected to the global financial system and is therefore not insulated from global shocks,’ said Dong HE, chief economist of AMRO.

‘Overall, the region’s financial system remains resilient, although pockets of vulnerabilities persist,’ He said in a press briefing held in Singapore. The Philippine Daily Inquirer attended online.

The report finds that export-oriented businesses might face pressures on profit margins amid shifting trade dynamics. Particularly vulnerable are smaller firms with high exposure to the US market.

Also, inflation pressures in the US could persist amid higher import tariffs. This complicates the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy stance and ‘potentially triggering spillovers to other parts of the world.’

Further, growing uncertainty around the US dollar’s safe-haven status could further affect the global financial landscape adversely.

Global headwinds

Still, the AMRO said the so-called ASEAN+3 economies remain well-positioned to navigate global headwinds.

The think tank said well-calibrated policy mixes and strong fundamentals including robust banking systems, deepening financial markets, ample foreign reserves, and available policy space have provided critical buffers.

‘With inflation largely subdued and expectations well-anchored in most economies, central banks can maintain accommodative monetary policy to support growth,’ AMRO said.

It added that, at the same time, macroprudential tools offer additional safeguards to maintain financial stability and mitigate external spillovers.

‘However, AMRO underscores that support should be carefully targeted to vulnerable sectors and deployed prudently to preserve policy space amid elevated external uncertainty,’ the think tank said.

Singers Gian Magdangal and Lara Maigue made their wedding day even more special as they celebrated the milestone by gifting their listeners with their new song ‘If You Only Knew.’

The couple said their ‘I dos’ in a church ceremony held at the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish church in Muntinlupa, as seen in the photos and clips they reposted on their respective Instagram pages on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Maigue looked radiant in a white off shoulder dress, complementing her groom who donned a gray suit.

Among the guests at the wedding were the couple’s fellow singers Martin Nievera and Carla Guevara.

Magdangal and Maigue then announced in a separate post the release of their new track in which they are both credited as composers.

‘A song released on the most meaningful day of our lives. ‘If You Only Knew’ out now,’ the caption read.

Magdangal and Maigue, who have been in a relationship since the height of the pandemic, announced their engagement to the public last July. Before they dated, the couple had been friends and had already worked together in several projects.

Power restoration efforts are still ongoing across Masbate, as more than 76,000 electricity consumers remain without supply following the onslaught of Typhoon Opong (international name: Bualoi), the National Electrification Administration (NEA) said on Wednesday.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda returned to the province on Tuesday to assess the progress of ongoing rehabilitation work and address bottlenecks in the restoration process.

In a meeting with Gov. Richard Kho, mayors, and members of Task Force Kapatid (TFK), Almeda was briefed on the extent of the damage and the continuing efforts to restore electricity supply in areas battered by the typhoon.

TFK reported that restoration activities have been hampered by a shortage of line hardware materials and unstable communication signals in remote communities.

Despite these challenges, the task force said aid and materials from both the public and private sectors have started to arrive, helping speed up repairs.

In a statement, the NEA said it remained committed to fully restoring electricity in Masbate as soon as possible, with coordination efforts ongoing among national agencies, local governments and electric cooperatives.

According to Masbate Electric Cooperative Inc. (Maselco), only 24 of 328 barangays, or 7.32 percent under its coverage area, had power restored as of Monday.

Warning

Maselco reiterated in a social media post that residents should not touch or attempt to fix any downed or exposed wires near their homes, warning that this may cause severe electric shock, injury, or even death.

The cooperative estimated the storm’s damage to the province’s electrical infrastructure at P390.3 million.

Meanwhile, residents of Mobo town continue to appeal for assistance following the devastation caused by Opong, which struck the province and other parts of Luzon last week.

In a telephone interview on Tuesday, Mayor Raymund Doni Salvacion said around 98 percent of the town’s 50,000 residents, spread across 29 barangays, were severely affected, with many losing their homes.

‘We are in the recovery stage, but we are in dire need of construction materials, particularly GI (galvanized iron) sheets, to rebuild homes,’ Salvacion said.

He added that most residents are currently staying in tents serving as temporary shelters.

‘Power has not yet been restored in the municipality, and rechargeable or solar lamps would be a great help for affected residents,’ he said.

Relief operations continue, but Salvacion said more assistance is needed, particularly for rebuilding efforts.

Parts of Cavite and Laguna are forecast to experience thunderstorms, reported the state weather bureau on Thursday, Oct. 9.

In its 11: 45 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said moderate to heavy showers with lightning and strong winds are expected in specified areas within the next two hours.

The advisory covered the Cavite towns of Tagaytay, Alfonso, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Magallanes, Maragondon, and Ternate.

In Laguna, the affected towns are Luisiana, Majayjay, Liliw, Nagcarlan, Rizal, San Pablo, and Alaminos.

Similar conditions are already occurring in Batangas and Quezon, which may persist for 2 hours and affect nearby areas.

Meanwhile, in a separate update, Pagasa reported that Tropical Storm Nakiri slightly intensified as it approached the northeastern boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, although it is not expected to have any direct effect on the Philippines.

What’s going on with globalizing Jollibee? Perhaps this was everyone’s burning question when they woke up to Jollibee UK’s newest Facebook post.

Its ‘exciting news’ was, maybe, for some people, indeed exciting.

‘Jollibee confirms that Chickenjoy are there were once they are did,’ the official post said. ‘They became the first ever to have the first as in the era that when of Jollibee UK began. Congratulations Jollibee.’ (Where can we even put the [sic]?)

Naturally, the grammar police came to arrest the Bee.

While we were all left confused as to the reason behind it, Jollibee UK owned up to the post, which turned out to be deliberate.

The beloved mascot was indeed behind the post, as it was typing with ‘big bee hands.’

This is not a new move for Jollibee UK’s social media team. A quick look at their post history shows that they’re fond of using memes to market the products of the brands, riding trends and pop culture.

One post shows Jollibee’s appearance in a ‘boss fight’ level in Hollow Knight, a popular action-adventure video game.

Time will tell now whether there is something to congratulate about. For now, the post has done numbers and turned much-deserved attention toward the homegrown fast-food giant. MEG J. ADONIS

Alfamart opens up to franchising

Competition in the Philippine retail scene is heating up, and all players are determined to win the game.

This time, the SM Group is upping the game of its minimart chain, Alfamart Philippines.

The retail giant on Wednesday announced the launch of Alfamart’s franchising program, thus opening doors for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to partake of this business.

The first two franchise-owned stores sprouted in Laguna province, with a long-time Alfamart lessor and partner at the helm.

‘This reflects the SM Group’s commitment to inclusive growth and entrepreneurship,’ Alfamart Philippines chief operating officer Harvey Ong said.

‘By allowing tenants to evolve into franchisees, Alfamart is enabling MSMEs to scale alongside its own expansion, strengthening local communities and livelihoods,’ Ong added.

This comes as a huge opportunity now for Alfamart to grow exponentially, especially with the SM Group’s competitors already bringing in foreign brands to attract more customers and potential entrepreneurs.

For one, Ayala Corp. is already in the process of bringing back Makro stores in the country, while also debuting Spinneys.

Budget chains Dali and O’ Save (of Robinsons) are also fast gaining ground.

The expansion moves are getting faster and faster every day, so it’s no surprise that SM is also gearing up.

New Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will not allow any ‘sacred areas’ that cannot be touched or investigated on the alleged anomalies in flood control projects across the country.

This is the position expressed on Thursday by ICI Special Adviser and Investigator, former Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr Azurin was answering a question in an ambush interview whether or not there would be ‘sacred areas’ that cannot be probed by the commission.

‘Definitelly, we will not allow that. We will investigate everything,’ he emphasized.

Azurin likewise said that he, along with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, may start inspecting flood control projects next week.

Earlier this Thursday, Dizon revealed that 421 out of the 8,000 inspected flood control projects nationwide are ‘ghost projects.’

Article continues after this advertisement

Meanwhile, the new ICI special adviser acknowledged that the task he is currently taking on is challenging, citing that he replaced Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

‘Of course, it’s quite big and extremely difficult because we replaced Gen. Magalong. But we can handle it,’ he said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched a revised handbook for barangay watchmen (tanods).

In a statement on Thursday, the DILG explained: ‘Instructions for barangay tanods as first responders were improved to become effective agents in providing aid and support in procedures undertaken at a crime scene.’

‘It also includes their roles in upholding the laws concerning gender and development, child protection, cultural sensitivity, and human rights protection,’ the department added.

The DILG said the revised handbook was a collaboration with its National Barangay Operations Office and the Justice Sector Coordinating Council.

The handbook can be accessed through bit.ly/2025TanodGuidebook. The department cited the Local Government Code, which tasks barangay councils with deploying tanods as part of their peace and order mechanisms.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) previously said it was considering tapping barangay tanods as part of its enhanced law enforcement visibility measures.

You’d think baring skin on screen is easy when you’ve got a face like Tony Labrusca or Martin del Rosario. But for these actors, ‘sexy’ isn’t as simple as stripping down; it’s also about vulnerability, control, and a lot of courage.

‘Honestly, I always tell people that I’m a good catfish because what you see on screen is just the best version of me,’ Tony Labrusca said, laughing. ‘I’m not really confident with my body. I can’t just show up on set naked. That’s not something I’m comfortable doing.’

Tony plays the titular role in Rodina Singh’s ‘Dreamboi,’ a psychological drama about fantasy, identity, and desire. But for him, sexy isn’t about flexing-it’s about facing insecurities head-on. ‘Just showing up on set gives me a different kind of vulnerability,’ he said during a recent media gathering to launch the CineSilip Film Festival, which runs from Oct. 22 to 28.

‘Because now, it’s not just about showing emotions-you’re literally revealing yourself. That was the most challenging part about doing the film,’ he pointed out. Martin del Rosario, lead of ‘Haplos sa Hangin,’ shared the sentiment. ”Di naman bago sa akin ang paggawa ng sexy roles,’ he began. ‘Pero ito yata ang pinaka-daring kong nagawa. Ang paghuhubad makes you feel vulnerable as actors. We’re lucky we went through an intimacy workshop para ma-set ang boundaries ng isa’t isa.’

For Martin, respect and communication make all the difference when filming intimate scenes. ‘Pwede naman mangyari na maghubad na lang at gawin ang sex scenes, pero at least alam mong may respeto,’ he said. ‘You know when to stop and when to go for it. That’s what’s exciting and challenging about doing erotic films.’

As for how daring his role gets, Martin added: ‘Yes, daring talaga. Poured chocolate on my body, and so there was a lot of licking that happened. But it’s very tastefully done. It has a message the director wants to convey.’ If vulnerability is the new bravery, then the CineSilip Film Festival might just be this year’s boldest stage for it. The festival is showcasing exciting works from emerging Filipino directors. Its fearless lineup says it all.

Article continues after this advertisement

Gian Arre’s ‘Ang Lihim ni Maria Makinang’ is a century-spanning romance that unfolds only under the full moon; Rhance Anonuevo-Carino’s ‘Ang Babae sa Butas’ is a mysterious erotic tale about faithfulness, curiosity, and a literal hole in the wall.

Mikko Baldoza’s ‘Haplos sa Hangin’ is a sensual horror where love is tested by obsession and a mysterious neighbor; Alan Habon’s ‘Maria Azama: Da Best Prn Star’ is a sexy comedy where a J-porn actress literally steps out of fantasy and into real life. Pongs Leonardo’s ‘Pagdaong’ is a drama on love, loss, and the transient nature of relationships, while BC Amparado’s ‘Salikmata’ is an erotic psychological thriller told in reverse, tackling manipulation and the unseen.

As festival director Ronald Arguelles put it: ‘This is not just a festival but a platform for fearless storytelling, a space kung saan welcome ang experimentation, kung saan lumalabas ang tunay na creativity ng mga Pinoy. Today, we meet the risk-takers and the dreamers of the seven new feature films. These films will make you laugh, cry, question, and maybe feel uncomfortable-that’s the magic of daring cinema.’

On the night NLEX was missing the services of a grieving Robert Bolick, one of its sophomores stood up to the challenge and made true what the Road Warriors’ ace scorer had been saying before the PBA Philippine Cup tipped off.

Jonnel Policarpio’s 16 points were one of the reasons why they were able to come from a 13-point deficit to survive defending champion San Miguel Beer, 85-84, on Wednesday at Ynares Center here. ‘We all contributed to this win,’ Policarpio said in Filipino after posting 16 points with three rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Road Warriors.

Brandon Ramirez and JB Bahio were instrumental as well on both ends to cap off the crucial performances of coach Jong Uichico’s three sophomore frontcourt players.

But Policarpio’s showing seems to be an indication that the words Bolick made before the start of the season are holding true, at least for one game.

Article continues after this advertisement

Bolick had mentioned Policarpio, who averaged 6.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in 40 games with an average playing time of 14 minutes, as among those on the NLEX roster who are expected to ‘do big things’ this season. One indication was Policarpio’s part in NLEX’s triumphant run in the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament in Davao City during the offseason, which ended with the Road Warriors taking home the crown after beating the Blackwater Bossing in the championship game.

His play also became doubly important, with Bolick skipping the season-opener to mourn the loss of his father in the United States. ‘The trust that Coach Jong [Uichico] has given to me is really important,’ said Policarpio. ‘Kuya Bert also reminds me to just do my best everytime I’m on the court. Their faith really helps boost my confidence.’

NLEX could end the opening week of the PBA season at 2-0, with Terrafirma next on Sunday at the same venue.

Policarpio, Ramirez, Bahio, as well as Enoch Valdez, Matt Nieto and veteran Kevin Alas are expected to put the Road Warriors on the winning side once more.

Ramirez scored baskets underneath while holding his own against June Mar Fajardo while Bahio had 12 points and 12 rebounds and made a stop in the final seconds when he forced Don Trollano to go for an errant pass instead of a shot before time expired. Valdez and Nieto made most of their playing time even as Alas contributed 12 points and showed the form that replicated the time before he went down with an ACL injury for the third time in 2023.

Newly installed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday said he intends to review the corruption scandal involving Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation.

Remulla made this statement amid calls to revisit the 2021 Pharmally scandal. ‘We’ll take a look at that because it seems like it’s been forgotten, buried in oblivion,’ Remulla said in an interview.

‘But these kinds of cases shouldn’t really be forgotten because we know the allegations have weight, and many are saying that something bad happened there,’ the ombudsman stressed.

‘The Senate had a hearing but did not move forward from there,’ he recalled. ‘So we need to revisit it.’

Article continues after this advertisement

When asked if the reopening of the investigation might involve former President Rodrigo Duterte, Remulla said he was unsure.

‘The responsibility will always depend on the evidence,’ Remulla said.

‘We will go as far as the evidence takes us,’ he told reporters. Pharmally is the pharmaceutical corporation that was investigated by the Senate over alleged irregularities in government deals worth billions of pesos for COVID-19 response supplies despite having a paid-up capital of only P625,000. /apl