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Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan is optimistic about PXP Energy Corp.’s oil and gas prospects after clinching three new exploration deals in the Sulu Sea and the Palawan basin.

‘These new projects expand our exploration presence in the Sulu Sea, an area with a proven exploration history and promising untapped potential, and strengthen PXP’s presence in the highly prolific northwest Palawan basin,’ said Pangilinan, who chairs PXP.

This comes after President Marcos awarded petroleum service contracts (SC) 80 and 81 to PXP and its partners The Philodrill Corp., Australia’s Triangle Energy (Global) Ltd. and United Kingdom’s Sunda Energy Plc.

SC 80 spans 780,000 hectares and includes the Dabakan and Palendag gas discoveries previously drilled by ExxonMobil, while SC 81 covers 532,083 hectares and contains several wells with recorded oil and gas shows.

These contracts are envisioned to provide economic benefits to communities across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Similarly, PXP and its partners Philodrill, Anglo Philippine Holdings Corp. and Forum Energy Philippines Corp. bagged SC 86, encompassing around 132,000 hectares in the Malajon area of northwest Palawan.

‘The signing of SCs 80 and 81 in the Sulu Sea, along with SC 86 in Northwest Palawan, marks a significant step forward for both PXP and the Philippine energy sector,’ Pangilinan said.

The PXP chairman also affirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the government in boosting local energy production and cutting the country’s oil import dependence.

‘In close coordination with the DOE (Department of Energy), BARMM and our industry partners, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s long-term energy security and sustainability,’ Pangilinan added.

Just last week, PXP shares were trading as low as P2 each.

But after securing new contracts, its share price soared by 19.01 percent to P3.38 yesterday from Wednesday’s close of P2.84. This marks a staggering 64.87 percent rally over just two trading days.

The new contracts awarded to PXP were among the eight petroleum exploration deals unveiled by Malacañang following the 2024 Philippine bid round and the first BARMM conventional energy auction.

Collectively, the contracts would require a potential investment of around $207 million over a seven-year exploratory period, the DOE said.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has issued requests to internet service providers to block access to platforms that illegally stream Filipino films.

In a statement, the IPOPHL said a request was made for the blocking of 13 Freecine-related sites, including freecineplus.com, freecine.ph, freecineph.com, freecine.com.co and freecine.site, following a complaint from Viva Communications Inc. and its streaming service Vivamax.

According to Viva, Freecine has been offering and distributing copyrighted titles, including ‘Bedspace,’ ‘Dilig’ and ‘Room Service,’ through its mobile app without any license or authorization.

A request was also made to block access to Asyaminik (asyaminik.com), based on another complaint by Viva for the illegal distribution of titles ‘Chasing in the Wild,’ ‘Safe Skies Archer,’ ‘The Rain in España’ and ‘Avenues of the Diamond.’

The content is available for online streaming or downloading for offline viewing within the pages of Asyaminik without authorization from Viva.

IPOPHL Memorandum Circular 23-025 provides rules for swift action against online piracy in coordination with internet service providers.

The site-blocking requests coincide with the National Anti-Piracy Month.

‘IPOPHL’s ongoing anti-piracy drive signals our continued commitment to the protection of the intellectual property rights of the Philippine creative industries, which serve as a vital driver of our economy,’ acting IPOPHL director general Nathaniel Arevalo said.

‘We will continue to use every tool available, including site-blocking measures, to crack down on those who disrespect Filipino artists who pour their heart and soul into their creations but also ensure a safe and secure digital landscape that can showcase the works of the country,’ he also said.

To help the local creative industry succeed, he urged the public to stream and consume content only through legal means.

‘Every small deed makes a difference. Let us all defend the digital space in any way we can so legitimate creators can thrive,’ he said.

HBO Max released the first official trailer for “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”, another prequel series to hit show “Game of Thrones”.

This new series is set a hundred years before “Game of Thrones” but around 70 years after another prequel series, “House of the Dragon”. Targaryens still rule Westeros, but dragons no longer fly in the sky.

It is an adaptation of author George R.R. Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas, which center around the early beginnings of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg, the future King Aegon V Targaryen.

Slipping into the main roles are Irish rugby player-turned-actor Peter Claffey as Dunk and “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” actor Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg.

The trailer appears to tease that the six-episode show will indeed start by adapting the first novella “The Hedge Knight”, where Dunk assumes the belongings of his deceased liege to fulfill his dream of becoming a knight.

Dunk gains a squire in Egg and joins a tourney in Ashford with the help of Crown Prince and Hand of the King Baelor Targaryan (Bertie Carvel), but Dunk gets into trouble with Baelor’s nephew Prince Aerion (Finn Bennett), which leads to multiple conflicts.

“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” will premiere on January 18, 2026, months before the third and penultimate season of “House of the Dragon.”

The 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu caused not only structural damage to public buildings and private establishments, but also significantly impacted the livestock and veterinary sectors, with total damage hitting P17.8 million.

According to the report from the Provincial Veterinary Office submitted to the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CPDRRMO), preliminary field assessments in northern Cebu indicate moderate to significant damage to animal facilities and operations.

The CPDRRMO, through its situational report at 10 a.m. on October 8, disclosed that several animals and poultry were killed or injured after backyard pens and feed storage areas got damaged.

The quake also disrupted access to feed, clean water, and veterinary services, largely due to damaged facilities, power outages, and restricted access to affected barangays.

At least 470,387 livestock and poultry were affected, itemized as follows: 41,195 swine, 13,598 cattle, 3,304 carabaos, 30,410 goats, and 381,880 poultry.

The estimated damage to livestock and veterinary facilities stands at ?17.8 million. This figure covers losses to livestock, poultry, farm housing, slaughterhouses, and poultry housing.

Bogo city incurred P6.2 million damage to livestock and slaughterhouse, P5.2 million in San Remigio, P560, 000 in Medellin, P1.5 million in Daanbantayan, P2.2 million in Tabogon, P1.2 million in Borbon, P39, 000 in Tabuelan, and P107, 870 in Sogod.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Provincial Government will deploy mobile ‘smart offices’ to northern Cebu municipalities whose municipal halls and city government buildings were severely damaged by the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro, in a press conference on Wednesday, said the Capitol will initially provide at least two 20-foot container vans per affected local government unit (LGU) – this includes the City of Bogo and the towns of Daanbantayan, San Remigio, Medellin, Borbon, and Tabogon.

Each unit is fully equipped with air conditioning, comfort rooms, and essential office facilities to allow uninterrupted public service while municipal buildings are being repaired and rehabilitated.

According to Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces, the container vans are expected to arrive later this week or early next week.

As to the recovery and rehabilitation initiatives of the Cebu Provincial Government under its Kumbati Cebu program, Empaces said the Capitol is prioritizing the road and bridges repair in northern Cebu.

The completion of these structural works is expected by mid-2026.

“Since the Province is under a state of calamity we can actually fast track rehabilitation works. The span of state of calamity, one year man na siya so we would be maximizing the funds for emergency and recovery to make sure, per instruction of the Governor, let’s just prioritize first the bridges and the roads …” Empaces said.

Mandaue Market Damage

The Mandaue City Government has reported that, aside from the collapsed canopy, another section of the City Public Market was found to have sustained minor damage caused by the 6.9-magnitude Cebu earthquake.

City Administrator Gonzalo Malig-on told reporters yesterday, October 9, that the additional damage was discovered after third-party engineers conducted a structural assessment of the entire market over the weekend.

The follow-up inspection was made upon order of Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito ‘Jonkie’ Ouano to further assess the integrity of the public market following the strong quake.

Malig-on said that during the initial inspection, only the visible damage-specifically the collapsed canopy-was noted.

However, after private engineers gave their second opinion, they also found another damaged portion on the Zamora Street side of the second floor. Three columns were affected-not to the point of collapse-but they already have visible cracks.

Malig-on said Mayor Ouano wanted a thorough evaluation to ensure public safety, and wanted to make sure everything is secure. This prompted a more comprehensive inspection of the entire building.

Following the inspection, Mayor Ouano met with engineers and consultants on Wednesday, October 8, to finalize the next steps and strategy for the market.

Malig-on said that the initial plan to remove the collapsed canopy will not proceed immediately. Instead, the priority is to shore up the opposite side of the building, located along Zamora Street.

Malig-on explained that the engineers’ view is to reinforce that side first so that when the collapsed canopy is removed, the building’s stability won’t be compromised.

According to the engineers, the shoring-up process could take up to two weeks, but City Hall requested to complete it within a week if possible. Once the reinforcement is done, the removal of the canopy will follow.

For the canopy, it won’t be removed all at once. It will be dismantled in sections with the help of a crane. The entire process is estimated to take one to two weeks.

‘It’s important to follow the proper steps,’ Malig-on emphasized. ‘Kung mag tay-og ta diri kay naa man gyu’y work nga buhaton syempre mu-vibrate ang building di’ man ‘ta ka-calculate unsa’y extent sa pikas niya naa na pa gyu’y gamay nga problema,’ he added.

Malig-on said that the engineering group has recommended proceeding cautiously to prevent further damage.

‘It’s good that the city is being properly advised on what actions to take,’ he said.

The city has yet to determine the total cost of the shoring and removal works, but Malig-on said that the methodologies for the canopy removal have already been planned.

Malig-on said that, for now, the area where the canopy collapsed remains off-limits for everyone’s safety, especially since aftershocks may still occur.

He said that they will maintain the current setup, where vendors are temporarily relocated outside. ‘Status quo lang sa set up nga naa’y naa pa sa gawas,’ said Malig-on.

He assured that within two weeks, operations at the public market will return to normal, particularly for vendors affected by the damaged area.

Malig-on clarified that the current work only covers the removal phase-which involves clearing the damaged canopy and shoring up the affected columns.

He said the retrofitting or full restoration will come later since that will require a larger budget. ‘Kani ang urgent nga ma-normalize lang bitaw dili na mahadlok ang mga tao nga i-occupy na ang area,’ said Malig-on.

The second floor of the market, where the damage was found, remains vacated. Once the shoring and removal are completed, normal operations are expected to resume, especially for rice retailers and other vendors in that section.

The city administrator said funding for the works will come from emergency procurement, which the city government will shoulder.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) is considering relaxing its disclosure rules this year to enhance the attractiveness of the country’s initial public offering (IPO) market, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

PSE president and CEO Ramon Monzon told The STAR the exchange is currently studying potential amendments to its disclosure rules, with the hope of encouraging more SMEs to list on the local bourse by next year.

‘The feedback we’re getting is that a lot of companies are intimidated by listing because there are a lot of rules-you have a lot of disclosure rules, you have to have very strong compliance because if you violate disclosure rules, you will be penalized immediately, since that is investor protection. So I told my IRD (issuer regulation division), let’s study and they’re doing that right now,’ Monzon said.

‘I gave them until the end of the year to revise our disclosure rules. We will get comments by November,’ he said.

To alleviate SMEs’ fear of listing on the local bourse, Monzon said the PSE aims to be more lenient on certain disclosure requirements, as long as the stock price of the listed company is not affected.

‘The problem is SMEs, of course, these are small companies, so it’s really going to be a problem for them to hire a top-rate compliance officer,’ he said.

Monzon, however, said that the aim is to ease up on disclosure rules ‘without losing sight of the investor protection.’

‘If a certain company has a violation, but it has no impact on the stock price.then maybe they would just get a slap on the wrist. But if you do that three or five times, then that’s a different story,’ he said.

Monzon said the move to relax disclosure rules is one of the bright spots that is expected to help boost the number of IPOs in the country by next year.

He said this would be further complemented by the planned issuance of enhanced rules on real estate investment trust (REIT) by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The SEC is currently working on revised rules for Republic Act 9856, also known as the REIT Act of 2009, to expand the list of eligible assets, lengthen the reinvestment period, and attract broader participation.

‘According to (SEC chairperson) Francis (Lim), he wants it studied very well, and he wants the amendment to the REIT rules out by the end of the year. So that should open up a lot of potential REIT listing applicants,’ Monzon said.

‘These are the two things that we hope will help the IPO market by next year,’ he said.

The PSE was previously looking to double last year’s IPO number, with a total of six IPOs planned for 2025.

However, the country’s IPO landscape has been tepid so far, with only one public listing this year, courtesy of Top Line Business Development Corp., which raised P732.6 million from its IPO last April.

Maynilad Water Services Inc.’s P45.77-billion IPO is expected to be the second and final IPO for the country this year.

Maynilad targets a listing on the main board of the PSE on Nov. 7, with an offer period running from Oct. 23 to 29.

Monzon said that Maynilad is a welcome addition to PSE’s roster of listed companies.

He said the prospects of the IPO, which is one of the biggest maiden offerings in PSE history, have been bolstered by the numerous cornerstone investors that have agreed to support the capital-raising activity.

‘We hope this brisk demand from institutional investors will spark renewed interest and confidence in other companies to likewise tap the stock market for fundraising,’ Monzon said.

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck the town of Pugo in La Union, yesterday morning, prompting authorities to cancel classes and work in government offices, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the temblor, which was tectonic in origin, occurred at 10:30 a.m., with its epicenter located three kilometers north of Pugo.

The quake was caused by the movement of the Earth’s crust rather than volcanic activity. It was felt at Intensity 4 in Pugo and Tubao, La Union as well as in Baguio City, where the shaking was described as moderately strong.

Intensity 3 was felt in Itogon, Benguet; Villasis, Pangasinan, and San Fernando, La Union.

Instrumental Intensity 5 was recorded in Baguio; 3 in Aringay in La Union, Bontoc in Mountain Province and Sison in Pangasinan; 2 in San Fernando in La Union, Nampicuan in Nueva Ecija and Dagupan in Pangasinan, and 1 in Lingayen and Urdaneta, Pangasinan.

Phivolcs initially expected the quake to cause damage to property, but further assessments showed that parameters earlier recorded were not sufficient to cause damage.

No aftershocks were expected from the quake, state seismologists said.

School and local officials in Agoo, Aringay, Bagulin, Bauang, Burgos, Caba, Naguilian, Pugo, Rosario, Sto. Tomas, Sudipen and Tubao suspended classes and work due to the quake.

Up to 30 students were rushed to hospitals after suffering from dizziness due to panic during the incident.

La Union Gov. Mario Ortega ordered the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office to assess the situation and extend help where it is needed.

True to its mission of championing the well-being of its people, Mynt, the parent company of leading finance super app GCash, is enhancing its medical and financial support for its employees-reflecting a deep commitment to compassion and holistic care.

As part of its Alagang GCash program and to further strengthen its health and wellness campaign, this partnership with AC Health aims to ensure that GCash Kabarkadas receive comprehensive cancer care, supporting them throughout their entire treatment journey.

The Healthway Medical Network will also provide essential support for the program by offering a range of preventive care and treatment services to employees, including vaccinations and health screenings at their facilities.

Developed to redefine employee support, the Alagang GCash program provides holistic care to its workforce. It aims to address every aspect of well-being-financial, physical, mental, emotional and familial-and set a new benchmark for employee benefits in the Philippine digital finance sector.

‘What we’re doing is we’re making our benefits better, especially for cancer care, so that we’re more worry-free. It’s our attempt to tell you that you’re not alone when these things happen,’ said Martha Sazon, president and CEO of Mynt.

“At Mynt, we believe that caring for our people means supporting every part of their well-being-from health to financial security, and even emotional resilience. Through Alagang GCash and our partnership with AC Health, we want our employees to feel that they are never alone in their journey, especially during life’s most difficult battles,” Mynt chief people officer Robert Gonzales added.

The event brought together the Mynt leadership team and its partners to solidify its commitment through the Working with Cancer Pledge-from the cancer care standee to the ribbon pins worn proudly by its employees.

The Working with Cancer Pledge rallies companies and organizations around the world to erase the stigma of cancer and create an environment where employees impacted by cancer feel supported in the workplace.

The new comprehensive cancer care benefit of Mynt includes a reimbursable allowance for cancer prevention and screening, building on the existing coverage for annual medical check-ups, vaccines and wellness.

In addition, the company will now cover any remaining cancer-related treatment and hospitalization expenses for employees that exceed their current HMO and critical illness benefits.

Employees diagnosed with cancer will also be granted an additional 60 paid leaves, while those with dependents who are battling this serious illness will be entitled to an additional 30 paid leaves so they can take care of them. These are in addition to their annual vacation leaves, sick leaves and paid time off.

As part of its holistic approach to care, Mynt will provide access to a psychologist specialized in supporting cancer patients and employees with loved ones facing a cancer diagnosis, helping them navigate the emotional challenges and strengthen their mental well-being.

Mynt will also assign a case manager who can conduct home visits, as needed, to help patients with their recovery. Additionally, employees will have access to a pool of caregivers, if needed.

Employees diagnosed with terminal cancer may claim up to 100% of their life insurance benefit during their treatment journey.

Through Alagang GCash, the company underscores its commitment to holistic employee wellness, ensuring that every Kabarkada is supported not just at work but in their overall health and well-being.

Veteran journalist, poet and culture writer Pablo Tariman has died after battling several illnesses. He was 76 years old.

Tariman passed away yesterday, October 9, at around 1 p.m. according to ABS-CBN, which received the news from his wife Merlita Lorena-Tariman through family friend and fellow writer Elizabeth Lolarga.

More colleagues confirmed Tariman’s passing on social media, including photojournalist Arnold Jumpay, as well as Tariman’s grandson Emmanuel Acosta.

A benefit concert was just held last month for the writer, who was suffering from tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension and liver complications, among other illnesses.

Leading the tributes for Tariman was another good friend Cecile Licad, whom Tariman covered many times over the years.

“He is one of the Philippines’ truly great writers, poets… [he] dedicated his life passionately to writing for the arts, music, films, and culture,” Licad said. “A very intuitive and sensitive person. He will sorely be missed by many, many people he had inspired.”

Licad added that her upcoming concert in Catanduanes, where Tariman was born, will be dedicated to him.

Tariman was a staple of the arts and culture scene in the Philippines, writing for notable publications like the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Vera Files.

Some of the many artists he wrote about were Lea Salonga, Peque Gallaga, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Nonoy Froilan, John Lloyd Cruz, and National Artists Nora Aunor, Ishmael Bernal, Lino Brocka and Ricky Lee.

More recent releases were 2020’s “Ode to Frontliners,” “Love, Life and Loss – Poems During the Pandemic” from 2022, “Encounters in the Arts” earlier this year, and a number pieces done in honor of his deceased daughter Kerima.

A consumer advocacy group has urged policymakers to prioritize legislation that addresses regulatory blocks hindering the country’s digital infrastructure rollout.

In a statement, CitizenWatch Philippines said there is a pressing need to modernize the National Building Code, streamline right-of-way (ROW) acquisition, and clarify rules around homeowners’ association (HOA) restrictions on telco access.

‘We support the national commitment to digital transformation,’ said Orlando Oxales, lead convenor of CitizenWatch. ‘To move forward, we need enabling policies that respond to the realities of the digital age. Connectivity should be treated as a basic utility, not a privilege.’

He noted that several legislative proposals that sought to address these issues were filed in the last Congress such as House Bill 900 on telecommunications readiness of buildings, House Bill 4472 on ICT infrastructure requirements for housing developments and House Bill 6571 on ROW guidelines, but these have yet to be refiled in the current 20th Congress.

‘These are critical measures that warrant prioritization,’ Oxales said. ‘We encourage lawmakers to refile, refine and pass these bills so we can create a legal environment more responsive to connectivity needs.’

The group cited persistent barriers telcos face: outdated building codes, restrictive HOA practices, and lengthy ROW permitting at the local level.

‘Our Building Code dates back to 1977, long before internet connectivity became essential to life,’ Oxales said. ‘As a result, many buildings lack provisions for broadband infrastructure, leaving residents with limited or delayed access.’

CitizenWatch supports proposals to require telco-ready designs in building plans – from in-building fiber pathways to network access points – integrated into the permitting and occupancy process.

‘Proactively designing for digital connectivity ensures that no community is left behind,’ Oxales added. ‘It also lowers the cost and complexity for providers, benefiting consumers.’

Oxales further emphasized that these reforms should also consider how the Magna Carta for Homeowners Associations is applied.

‘If the internet is now considered a basic need, then access to it should not be subject to a ‘social acceptability’ requirement,’ he said. ‘We do not require public consultation to install water pipes or power lines because they are essential utilities. Internet connectivity should be treated with the same level of importance.’

The group also pointed out that allowing more than one telco to access a building or community would foster competition and improve service quality. ‘These reforms should encourage infrastructure designs that accommodate multiple telcos, so residents aren’t forced to rely on just one provider,’ Oxales noted. ‘This avoids a situation where one internet service provider holds a building or community hostage simply because no other operator was given access.’

The group underscored the importance of addressing ROW challenges, which continue to delay the deployment and energization of telco towers and underground fiber. While the 19th Congress ratified the reconciled version of the ‘ARROW’ Act, CitizenWatch believes there is still room to strengthen implementation and coordination among national agencies, LGUs and utility providers.

‘We can further streamline permits and harmonize standards across agencies and LGUs,’ Oxales said. ‘This is essential for infrastructure rollout, especially in underserved areas.’

CitizenWatch called for national policy guidance to prevent HOAs and developers from creating barriers to telco access. The group advocates for rules that ensure fair and reasonable access for telcos and ISPs, especially in high-density residential and commercial developments.

‘Connectivity should be available to all, regardless of whether they live in gated communities, condominiums or urban centers,’ Oxales said. ‘Policy clarity ensures residents aren’t deprived of broadband connectivity due to inconsistent interpretations.’

As the demand for digital services continues to rise across education, healthcare, business and governance, CitizenWatch stressed the urgency of institutionalizing reforms that enable last-mile connectivity.

‘Digital access is no longer optional – it is foundational to inclusive development,’ Oxales said. ‘We urge lawmakers and agencies to remove the barriers limiting our people’s full participation in the digital economy.’

State agencies and private companies yesterday launched a program designed to make essential medicines more accessible in underserved areas.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Professional Regulation Commission and private firms held a ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding for the Regulatory Sandbox Pilot Program for Flexible Supervision of Pharmacies in the presence of President Marcos at Malacañang.

The pilot program aims to address the current shortage of about 27,500 registered pharmacists across the country, according to a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

The initiative will enable licensed pharmacists to remotely supervise multiple community pharmacies and widen their reach without compromising safety and quality standards.

‘Under the regulatory sandbox pilot program for flexible supervision of pharmacies, medicines will be more accessible to the people because it aims to address the lack of registered pharmacists in the country,’ PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing.

‘Under the program, a registered pharmacist can supervise community pharmacies through tele-pharmacy and video supervision,’ she added.