Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Ayala conglomerate will let go of its Honda dealership business after more than three decades as it shifts focus toward the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market.

Ayala Corp. and Honda Cars Philippines Inc. jointly announced on Thursday the transfer of ACMobility’s operations of Honda dealerships across the country to ‘new dealer principals’ by Jan. 1.

ACMobility, through Iconic Dealership Inc., will continue operating Honda Cars Makati, Pasig, Shaw, Bacoor, Cebu, Mandaue, Iloilo, Negros and Cagayan de Oro until Dec. 31.

‘This transition reflects our ongoing effort to optimize our portfolio and focus on new growth areas,’ ACMobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala said in a statement.

‘Among these are our initiatives in advancing sustainable mobility and electrification, where we continue to build solutions that benefit communities, businesses and the environment,’ Zobel added.

of an era

This is a pivotal move for ACMobility, which first partnered with Honda in 1990 with the opening of Honda Cars Makati.

Since then, ACMobility has sold over 220,000 Honda vehicles through the dealerships it operates.

In exiting the business after 35 years, Ayala said this would also allow Honda to pursue its own ‘growth and innovation strategies.’

The country’s oldest conglomerate clarified that the affected dealerships would directly contact customers with active reservations to guarantee deliveries. Scheduled service appointments will ‘proceed as planned.’

Remaining assets

Apart from Honda, ACMobility’s vehicle dealership portfolio is composed of Isuzu, BYD and Kia.

EVs have been Ayala’s new focus in recent years as the official distributor of the Chinese brand BYD in the Philippines, aiming to capture growing demand for modern cars.

Data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association show that car sales in the country increased by 1.6 percent to 269,207 units this year as of July.

EV unit sales totaled 16,195 during the period. Hybrid electric vehicles accounted for the biggest market share at 82 percent, representing 13,290 units.

Public Works Secretary Vincent Dizon has asked the Professional Regulation Community (PRC) to permanently revoke the professional license of those who will be proven involved in anomalous flood-control projects.

Dizon and PRC Chair Charito Zamora on Friday signed an agreement that will cancel the licenses of engineers and other professionals under the Department of Public Works and Highways if proven to have committed irregularities in flood control projects.

‘DPWH and PRC really need to have a deep working relationship so that those involved are not only held accountable for the anomaly [substandard and flood control projects], but also to prevent it from happening again in the years to come,’ speaking in Filipino, Dizon said during the signing.

‘It’s not just about accountability, but it’s also about safeguarding the institutions and the projects that DPWH is doing from now moving forward,’ he added.

Furthermore, Dizon asked PRC to permanently cancel the licenses of former DPWH District Engineer Henry Alcantara and others who are currently under investigation for alleged anomalies in said projects

When Ateneo notched its second straight victory in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, coach Tab Baldwin was more relieved than anything.

‘I’m really happy we’re getting wins in tough situations,’ he said after a 62-60 victory over University of the East last week.

The Eagles share the lead with National U, both with 3-0 (win-loss) cards heading into this weekend’s set of matches. Baldwin’s charges got to the top by playing extremely well in the clutch. And while the Bulldogs raced to two straight victories via routs, their third win, against a rolling University of Santo Tomas, came off a strong finish.

And how teams perform in the clutch might be crucial going into the weekend-and moving forward in the season.

Strong finish

Unbeaten Ateneo and NU lead the plus-minus in clutch play (games within five points at any point in the last two minutes).

The Eagles are scoring 8.5 points per game in clutch situations, fueled by that strong finish against Far Eastern U, where they battled from six points down using a 12-3 run. And they’re giving up just four points a game in that same stretch, for a +4.5.

In their lone thriller so far, the Bulldogs outscored the Tigers, 8-2 in the stretch for a +6.

La Salle, tied for third with host UST, has gotten through some nervy situations in the endgame, too.

‘We had a part in the game where we’re playing really, really well but in the UAAP you cannot say that you’re gonna have an easy win,’ said Archers assistant coach Caloy Garcia after a testy 74-72 victory over FEU. ‘We just have to figure out our struggles in the fourth quarter.’

Maybe not all of the fourth. La Salle has scored 4.5 points per game in the clutch while holding its opponents to 2.5.

So far, there have been five games this season with margins of five or less. And if you throw in Ateneo’s six-point deficit entering the two-minute mark against FEU, six games were separated by just two possessions in the last two minutes.

More importantly, all teams have been in clutch situations already, this early in the season-with half of them playing in two such games.

FEU has given up 8.0 points per game in the clutch so far this season (it is averaging 3.0 points scored in that same stretch for a -5) , while UE surrendered five in the lone tight game it has played. Both teams are two of the three lowest in that department. Not surprisingly, they are also winless so far.

With billions of pesos allocated to various infrastructure projects by the government, ensuring their efficient and effective implementation is not just a matter of good governance, but a sacred trust placed upon public officials and contractors alike. A cornerstone mechanism to safeguard this trust is the implementation of performance bonds.

The primary purpose is to shield a government agency, as the project owner, from any financial losses should the contractor fail to uphold their contractual obligations. This protection extends to various critical aspects, including the timely completion of the project, adherence to specific engineering and quality specifications, and the prompt rectification of any defects or issues that may emerge during the stipulated warranty period.

The process begins with the contractor being mandated to procure a performance bond from a reputable surety company. This bond is usually pegged at a specific percentage of the total contract value-commonly ranging between 10 percent and 20 percent. This financial commitment acts as an initial deterrent against noncompliance, ensuring the contractor has a vested interest in successful project delivery.

If a contractor defaults or fails to meet contract terms, the government files a claim, prompting the surety to conduct an impartial investigation into the alleged breach. Upon validation of the claim, the surety company is empowered to take decisive action to remedy the situation. The surety may opt to engage a new, qualified contractor to ensure the project’s completion, or directly compensate the government agency for the financial losses incurred due to the original contractor’s default. Alternatively, it could negotiate a settlement with the defaulting contractor, compelling them to rectify the issues at their own expense.

The benefits of enforcing performance bonds are manifold and undeniable. They serve as a powerful tool for risk mitigation, significantly reducing the likelihood of project delays, costly overruns, or substandard workmanship. With this financial cushion, the government is better positioned to navigate unforeseen challenges.

Performance bonds are not optional extras but often a requirement in government infrastructure projects globally to ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently and effectively. They provide an essential layer of protection and accountability, guaranteeing that projects are completed to the required standards.

Yet critical questions remain: Are these safeguards, particularly the enforcement and claiming of performance bonds, consistently observed as standard practice? While the legal frameworks are in place, realities on the ground often paint a different picture, prompting citizens to question their application.

We frequently witness reports of ghost projects, stalled projects, abandoned sites, significant delays, and visible defects in newly completed infrastructure. We hear of contractors who seemingly vanish after receiving initial payments, leaving projects unfinished or grossly inadequate. While a performance bond should prevent or mitigate such scenarios, the persistence of these issues raises serious doubts about the efficacy of its enforcement. Are government agencies consistently demanding these bonds? Are they diligently pursuing claims against sureties when defaults occur? Or are these bonds becoming mere paper requirements, overlooked in the rush to commence projects, or worse, deliberately ignored?

The implications of failing to observe and enforce performance bonds are severe and far-reaching. It translates into wasted public funds, delayed services for our communities, and a profound erosion of public trust in the government’s ability to deliver on its promises. Without robust enforcement, the purpose of these bonds-to protect the public and ensure accountability-is rendered moot.

Enforcing them protects public funds, prevents substandard work, and helps build a more resilient, prosperous Philippines.

The province of Zambales was placed under an orange rainfall warning on Friday evening, October 3, amid the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Paolo, according to the state weather bureau.

The orange rainfall warning indicates 15 to 30 millimeters of rainfall within the next three hours, indicating that flooding remains a threat in the area.

A yellow warning level, on the other hand, is forecast in Bataan, Tarlac, and Pampanga.

Areas under the yellow warning level are expected to receive 7.5 to 15 millimeters of rain within the next three hours, and flooding is also possible in flood-prone areas.

Meanwhile, light to moderate rains with occasional heavy rains are expected over the following areas within the next three hours:

Metro Manila

Rizal

Cavite

Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta)

Laguna (Cabuyao, Calamba, Santa Rosa, Binan, San Pedro, Mabitac, Santa Maria)

Batangas (Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balayan, Balete, Batangas City, Bauan, Calaca, Calatagan, Tanauan, Cuenca, Ibaan, Laurel, Lemery, Lian, Lipa, Mabini, Malvar, Mataasnakahoy, Nasugbu, San Jose, San Luis, San Nicolas, San Pascual, Santa Teresita, Taal, Talisay, Tingloy, Tuy, Santo Tomas)

The same weather condition is affecting Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, which may also persist for three hours.

Based on the 5 p.m. bulletin of Pagasa, Paolo was last located over the coastal waters of Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur, packing a maximum sustained wind speed of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of 165 kph.

Signal No. 3 was raised over seven areas in Luzon, while several other areas were under Signal Nos. 2 and 1.

Human rights group Karapatan is demanding accountability from the police for the death of a 35-year-old construction worker believed to have been caught in the crossfire between authorities and rioting protesters after the Sept. 21 anti-corruption protest in Manila.

A funeral march was held on Thursday for Eric Saber, who was found to have sustained a gunshot wound in the neck, based on an autopsy conducted by forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun.

Based on Fortun’s findings, Saber was shot, injuring his spine. He developed pneumonia, which ultimately killed him.

‘This fact exposes the lies of the Philippine National Police (PNP), which repeatedly denied that they did not use firearms or tear gas that day. Who else bore firearms during the dispersal but the police forces, the SWAT (special weapons and tactics) team and agents who are not in uniform?’ said lawyer Maria Sol Taule, Karapatan deputy secretary general, who has also been helping protesters who were arrested without a warrant.

Taule said the untimely death of Saber, who was just passing by Mendiola when he was shot, is a reminder that ordinary people are ‘not safe from state violence and police brutality.’

Stark reminder

‘We demand accountability for those responsible for the killing of Eric Saber. We call for an immediate, independent and credible investigation into his case and into the many other rights violations committed by the police during the Sept. 21 dispersal,’ she added.

The number of protesters who were arrested and detained by the Manila police has reached 277 from the initial count of 216, based on the monitoring of Karapatan, National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, Public Interest Law Center and Sentro para sa Repormang Agraryo.

The Manila Police District said on Monday that all minors who were arrested have been released. According to the Commission on Human Rights, 91 minors were processed by the PNP and the Department of Social Welfare and Development before they were released to their parents or sent to their respective local government units or a youth facility.

Sen. Loren Legarda was conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Education, Major in Educational Management, Honoris Causa, by Nueva Vizcaya State University on October 3, 2025, in recognition of her decades-long commitment to education reform and national transformation.

This marks the third honorary doctorate conferred upon Legarda by leading state universities. In 2018, the University of the Philippines awarded her the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, in recognition of her service as a lawmaker, journalist, and advocate for social justice, human rights, peace, cultural diversity, environmental protection, education, and inclusive development. In 2025, the University of Antique also conferred its first-ever Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa, upon Legarda, honoring her legacy as a proud daughter of Antique, her transformative support for the university, and in recognition of her invaluable contributions to the nation and inclusive public service to the Filipino people.

‘To be conferred this degree is to be entrusted with a responsibility larger than oneself,’ Legarda said in her acceptance speech. ‘It affirms the truth that education is the most powerful tool we possess to dismantle inequality, empower communities, and shape a nation that is truly free and just.’

Legarda, a four-term senator and chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, emphasized that education has always been central to her legislative work. ‘Every measure I have authored or sponsored forms part of a larger design to secure the continuum of the Filipino learner’s journey, from early childhood to higher education, and to the unending pursuit of knowledge.’

She cited landmark laws such as RA 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act which she both authored and co-sponsored, RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education which she co-authored and co-sponsored, and RA 9512 or the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act which she authored. She also highlighted RA 10908 or the Integrated History Act, which affirms the plural identity of the Filipino nation.

Recent reforms under the Second Congressional Commission on Education or EDCOM 2, which Legarda now sits as co-chairperson, include RA 12199 or the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act, RA 12080 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act and RA 12028 or the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act, which address the country’s learning crisis and promote safe, nurturing school environments.

Legarda also emphasized the importance of bridging education and employment through, RA 12063 or the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act which she co-sponsored, and supporting adult learners through RA 12124 or the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act which she also co-sponsored. ‘This law provides flexible pathways for our hardworking kababayans to earn their college degrees,’ she said.

In honor of Filipino teachers, Legarda co-authored and co-sponsored, RA 11997 or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which raises the teaching allowance to ?10,000 beginning 2025, and authored and co-sponsored, RA 12288 or the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act, which removes outdated promotion barriers. ‘Para sa inyo ito, Ma’am at Sir, at sa lahat ng dakilang guro sa bansa,’ she said.

Legarda also reaffirmed her commitment to funding and accountability. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance in 2017, she allocated ?8 billion to begin funding free higher education even before it was signed into law.

Today, she continues to push for the correction of ?12.3 billion in deficiencies owed to state universities and colleges. ‘Beginning with the 2026 General Appropriations Act, this shortfall will no longer be allowed to stand.’ ‘This degree is not mine alone,’ Legarda concluded. ‘It honors the teachers who give more than they have, the parents who sacrifice, and the students who persevere despite hardship. When we invest in learning, we invest in the power of our nation to transform itself.’

Finally winning not just his first but also his second PBA championship-and getting Finals Most Valuable Player honors in one of those triumphs-is something Rey Nambatac will remember in his maiden season with TNT.

But Nambatac also admitted there were ‘what-ifs’ from that campaign after an injury kept him from helping out in the Tropang 5G’s Grand Slam bid that eventually fell short.

‘Of course, there’s a sense of regret because we didn’t get a Grand Slam,’ Nambatac said in Filipino. ‘There was nothing you could do but cheer on your teammates, even when they’re playing hurt.’

Season 49 saw the arrival of Nambatac in a trade with Blackwater, and his part in the rotation paved the way for TNT’s conquest of the Governors’ Cup over crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra.

He replicated that success in the Commissioner’s Cup, but in a bigger spotlight as the southpaw guard took Finals MVP honors after surviving the same opponent in seven games.

Nambatac, however, sustained a groin injury in the Philippine Cup eliminations and was not reactivated for the playoffs when it appeared that he would be available. TNT still reached the Finals, despite injuries to key men, before losing to San Miguel Beer which cut short dreams of a rare trifecta.

That shortcoming is something Nambatac and the Tropang 5G will use as motivation going into the 50th season, especially with the All-Filipino as the opener.

TNT retooled in the offseason, bringing in Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill while also drafting Sean Quitevis. Jordan Heading and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser are set for full campaigns, and Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy return healthy.

Nambatac, now fully recovered, is also eager to regain his form. ‘I hope I can play the same way I did before the injury entering the all-Filipino,’ Nambatac said. ‘We will put a lot of effort to make sure that we make the playoffs again, and then we’ll see how far we can go.’

Early in my career at RFM Corp., I was assigned the additional responsibility of doing food service sales, a role that combined both sales and brand management.

This rare arrangement became a powerful learning opportunity. Managing both areas taught me how sales and marketing must work together, and how understanding both offers a strategic edge.

Years later, I started a direct sales company, driven by a growing curiosity about the different ways people sell, and why some approaches succeed while others don’t.

One lesson has stuck with me: great salespeople don’t just sell well; they know when to shift how they sell.

The problem with one-style selling

Many companies understand that selling today is no longer about product pushing or memorizing features. Customers are more informed, more strategic and under more pressure to find solutions that truly align with their goals.

And yet, many salespeople still behave like order-takers. They wait for the customer to ask, then respond with a brochure, a price list or a standard pitch. That may have worked in the past. It no longer does.

In today’s environment, the best salespeople act more like business partners. They listen, guide and, most importantly, adapt. They know when to shift from one selling style to another depending on the customer, the stage of the conversation or the complexity of the deal.

Let’s explore the four core selling styles every salesperson should master, and why knowing when to shift makes all the difference.

1. Solution selling: When the problem is known, but the path is unclear

Solution selling works best when the customer already feels the pain. They know something is not working. Maybe their system is outdated, their process inefficient or their results inconsistent. But they are unsure how to fix it.

In this scenario, your job isn’t just to sell a product. It’s to diagnose before you prescribe.

Ask smart, targeted questions. Get to the root cause of their problem.

Only then should you explain how your product or service fits as a solution.

Customers are quick to spot when you’re just pushing for a sale. They will trust you more if they see that your recommendation is based on real understanding, not just a desire to close.

2. Consultative selling: When the customer needs guidance

In some cases, the customer doesn’t even fully understand the problem.

They sense that something needs to change, but they are unsure where to start.

They are looking not for a product, but for a partner-someone who listens, advises and understands their business environment.

This is where consultative selling comes in. You move from being a salesperson to becoming a trusted advisor. To do this well, you must invest time in learning the customer’s industry, their goals and even internal dynamics like decision-making processes and political factors.

Ask open-ended questions like, ‘What are your top priorities this quarter?’ or ‘What’s holding your team back from hitting targets?’ These spark conversations that build trust.

In consultative selling, you’re playing the long game. Don’t rush. Build credibility and the sales will follow, even if it takes time.

3. Strategic (big account) selling: When the account is large and complex

Some clients aren’t just customers; they are strategic accounts. These are large organizations with multiple decision-makers, long buying cycles and high-stakes contracts. Here, you’re not chasing one deal; you’re building a presence inside a system.

Strategic selling requires structure. Who influences the decision? Who controls the budget? Who might block the process? How does procurement work?

In this environment, team selling is often essential. You may need to bring in product managers, technical experts or even your CEO for high-level meetings. Everyone must be aligned around a strategy.

This type of selling rewards patience, persistence and careful planning.

It takes time, but when done right, the value of the relationship can grow far beyond a single sale.

4. Challenger selling: When the customer doesn’t yet see the problem

What if the customer is happy with how things are? What if they say, ‘We’ve been doing it this way for years,’ and see no reason to change?

That’s when challenger selling becomes effective. Your job is not to wait for a problem; it’s to help the customer see what they haven’t yet noticed.

You lead the conversation by teaching, provoking thought and reframing their assumptions.

You might highlight risks they underestimated or opportunities they overlooked. For this to work, you need deep knowledge of their industry, market trends and competitive threats.

If done well, challenger selling creates what is called constructive tension, a sense that staying the same might actually be riskier than taking action.

But always do this with respect. Boldness earns trust when it’s backed by insight and genuine intent to help.

Why shifting styles is essential

Customers aren’t one-dimensional, and neither should your selling approach be.

Even within a single company, you might need to consult with one stakeholder, challenge another and offer tailored solutions to a third.

Rigid selling limits result. Flexible selling builds trust, unlocks value and closes deals more effectively.

The best sales professionals read the room, listen closely and adapt intentionally. They don’t rely on one method; they use the right method for the moment.

What sales leaders must do

If you manage or train salespeople, your job isn’t just to boost confidence, it’s to build capability.

If your team is trained in only one selling style, they will eventually hit a wall. Maybe they perform well with warm leads, but struggle with complex deals. Or they pitch well, but can’t challenge a complacent buyer.

Help your team become more situationally aware. Role-play diverse scenarios. Provide feedback. Show them how to recognize when their default style isn’t working, and how to shift into one that does.

Teams that can shift selling styles are more resilient, win more competitive deals and earn lasting client respect.

It’s no longer about the seller

In the past, customers adjusted to the seller. Today, the seller must adjust to the customer.

Sales success isn’t about who talks the best, or who knows the most product specs.

It’s about who listens, who understands and who can flex their approach to meet the customer where they are, and take them where they need to go.

So ask yourself: ‘Am I selling the way I want to sell, or the way the customer needs to buy?’

The best salespeople don’t just master selling. They master shifting, and in doing so, they lead customers through a buying journey that creates value for both sides. -CONTRIBUTED

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the government is studying ways to improve local milk production.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Farm Fresh Milk Plant at the Global Aseana Business Park 2 in San Simon, Pampanga, Marcos also said the government is coordinating with the private sector to provide support to farmers.

‘We are currently studying ways to increase local milk production and how to attract more investments in the dairy industry,’ he said in Filipino.

He added that the dairy plant would bring opportunities to farm workers and boost the health of children.

‘This will also provide opportunities for our farmers and farm workers here in the community to earn a livelihood,’ the president said in Filipino.

‘Apart from more efficient production, this will also offer a better future for our youth,’ he added.

During the event, Marcos led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility and toured the production plant at Building 3.

He also inspected the mixing, pasteurization, bottle labeling, filling, and packaging areas.

Farm Fresh Milk, Inc. is the Philippine subsidiary of Farm Fresh Berhad, a Malaysian dairy company.

Its manufacturing operations in San Simon, Pampanga began in August last year, producing a range of milk, yogurt, and plant-based products./mcm