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The 50th season of the PBA will be kicking off with a bang.

Manila Clasico will come early, as Barangay Ginebra takes on the Magnolia Hotshots in the season opener this Sunday, September 5.

Magnolia, now coached by former Ginebra point guard LA Tenorio, will take on his former team at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Their matchup will follow the Leo Awards, wherein last season’s awardees will be crowned. It will be the lone game on opening day.

Tenorio, who played 12 seasons with the Gin Kings, is listed as a playing coach for the Hotshots. Now, he will be facing off against his longtime mentor Tim Cone.

Magnolia will be led by Zav Lucero, Mark Barroca and Paul Lee, while Ginebra will continue to be spearheaded by Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar.

Eyes will also be on Ginebra rookie Sonny Estil, an unheralded player who boosted his draft stock after stellar showings in the PBA Draft combine.

According to the league, 27 game days will be played outside Metro Manila, including one in Dubai and two in Bahrain.

The season will also have almost a few weeks off, from November 17 to December 4, to make way for the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers window.

The opening week of the season will also see the debut of the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, which were formerly the NorthPort Batang Pier. The Giant Risers will take on the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday, October 8, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The same day, defending All-Filipino champions San Miguel Beermen will face off against the NLEX Road Warriors.

In the All-Filipino conference, the 12 participating teams will play a single elimination round, with each team having 11 games.

The eliminations are set to run until December 19, followed by the playoffs.

There is an interesting article published Sept. 29 on the IMF Blog, written by Mr. Jay Surti, that I wanted to highlight following Filipinos growing reliance on nonbank financing.

The article, titled ‘Explainer: Five Megatrends Shaping the Rise of Nonbank Finance,’ starts off with the observation that half of all financial assets worldwide are now held and intermediated by companies that are not classified and regulated.

The global financial crisis of 2008, he wrote, froze the financial system. Banks pulled back credit, families tightened their belts and companies laid off workers, leading to an extremely difficult moment for the financial services industry.

Today, he pointed out, the landscape of finance has changed, with different types of investors and firms providing businesses, consumers and governments with credit and liquidity.

More than a billion more people now have access to credit from new tech-based lenders. Families also have more options to finance purchases and to diversify retirement portfolios. Equity, fixed income and derivatives markets, he said, have all seen strong growth.

However, he noted, these developments have not been driven by banks, but by ‘nonbank’ financial institutions that have stepped up, increasing their share of global credit and finance from 43 percent during the 2008 crisis to nearly 50 percent by 2023, based on recent data.

Half of all financial services worldwide, Mr. Surti wrote, are now offered by companies that are not classified and regulated as banks.

Nonbank financial institutions, he said, encompass very different kinds of enterprises, and exact definitions vary. Broadly, the sector includes financial companies that provide credit, trading and investment services, but do not take deposits from the public or have accounts with the central bank.

That means, they are not covered by safety nets like deposit insurance and liquidity assistance which banks have access to in exchange for comprehensive prudential regulations.

Given the nonbanks’ size and importance, Mr. Surti warned, their growth also brings risks.

He cited the classic ‘run on a (non)bank’ scenario. Like banks, open-ended and money market funds make long-term investments, but promise customers the ability to withdraw at any time. During the early-COVID ‘dash for cash’ in 2020, Mr. Surti cited, some were running out of cash (a liquidity crisis) and needed help from central banks, including the Federal Reserve. While governments did not lose money, they did take on risk for these nonbanks.

Another scenario he cited is the ‘margin call plus contagion’ scenario. Borrowing on margin to make bigger bets enhances profits, but also raises risks. Some hedge funds and family offices (wealth managers focused on one or more wealthy families), he said, borrow large amounts of money with little collateral to bet on events like stocks or bond price swings.

In times of stress anywhere in the financial system, he said, the institutions the nonbanks borrow from often go from requiring too little collateral to requiring too much, amplifying risks for everyone.

If these bets go wrong, he warned, the nonbanks may collapse, triggering losses and illiquidity for their creditors and broader market stresses.

Thus, he highlights the need to protect the public by ensuring that the government gets more and better data. Nonbanks, he said, borrow heavily from banks and others in the financial system, yet their disclosure and reporting requirements are quite light.

Neither market participants nor financial regulators have a comprehensive view of the macro-financial stability risks arising from the sector.

Taxpayers, he said, are often called in to help out in times of stress, so they deserve to know more about the risks nonbanks take. When transaction information can’t be public for competitive reasons, it should be visible to regulators – and shared across borders.

The data gathered by government, he suggested, should be used to improve risk analysis. Regulators, he said, can also do more with the data they already have to map connections between banks and nonbanks, and among nonbanks. Using new models and technology can help them gain a better understanding of global financial risks.

Governments should also utilize risk analysis to strengthen supervision, Mr. Surti said, noting that as risks are better understood, national and international regulators can more quickly spot and intervene forcefully to make global finance less vulnerable to shocks.

Nonbanks, Mr. Surti explained, are a diverse group that needs to be better understood and to ensure that their riskiest activities are appropriately regulated to reduce potential risks to the financial system and economic activity while allowing space for dynamism and innovation in the provision of financial services.

Among the megatrends driving the growth of nonbanks, he said, are governments turning to new lenders, enhancing liquidity and holding down rates – new nonbank buyers for bonds such as US Treasuries provide additional liquidity, helping markets operate efficiently, which can help hold down the interest on national debt that taxpayers ultimately pay.

Mid-sized businesses, he said, have gained more access to funding, supporting economic activity, employment and financial resilience.

Private credit funds can provide funding for businesses that may be too large or risky for banks to lend to, but too small to issue their own bonds. Many such funds are managed by private equity firms, which in turn get financing from banks and other nonbanks.

These nonbanks – typically insurers, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and endowments – that provide funding to private credit funds tend to have lower leverage and funding that is more stable over longer terms compared to banks.

So, they don’t have to pull funds back as quickly during times of stress, increasing the financial system’s resilience.

Credit, he noted, is available in a wider variety of amounts and durations, from longer-term auto loans, to ‘buy now, pay later’ loans, and small mobile money loans. Fintech lenders have driven this trend by pioneering new sources of data for underwriting and making servicing cheaper through automation, enabling firms to make smaller loans to more people. In emerging and developing economies, they have made mobile payments available to more people, and with a broader set of financial services following behind.

The TNT Tropang 5G and the PLDT High Speed Hitters, who have recently won titles in the PBA and the PVL, are joining forces to treat fans to a day of celebration.

‘Champions Together’, a fan-focused event to be graced by both champion squads, is slated October 6 at the One Ayala Mall Activity Center in Makati City.

The whole-day event, which is open to everyone, will begin at 12 p.m. and will also feature activity booths, interactive challenges and exciting game zones

Those who complete all the stamps on their ‘Champions Together’ activity passport will also unlock a chance to snag exclusive merch, score autographs, and snap photos with their idol players and coaches from the two powerhouse teams when the program starts at 6 p.m.

For those who can’t attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed for free exclusively on PusoP.Com: Your Game, Your Community.

In a press statement, the PLDT Group said the activity underscores its broader mission to support Philippine sports and connect communities through meaningful and memorable on-ground and online experiences.

‘Sports have the unique power to connect and inspire communities. Through ‘Champions Together,’ we are not just celebrating the teams’ dedication and hard work but also honoring the unwavering support of the fans who fuel their success,’ said Jude Turcuato, first vice president and head of sports at PLDT and Smart.

‘We thank our management for this amazing opportunity to give back to our Ka-Tropas, who have always been our source of strength and inspiration in every game. We can’t wait to see them and thank them personally,’ said TNT team captain Roger Pogoy.

‘The fans are a huge part of our journey, and we can’t wait to share this special day with them. We hope to see everyone join the fun and cheer with us as we get ready for the new season,’ added High Speed Hitters skipper Kath Arado.

For updates, follow the official Puso Pilipinas and Smart Sports accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

Skin concerns are getting on you lately? Whether you have a specific skin dilemma or in need of expert advice, Watsons brings back the DermSkin mall activation at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium from October 1 to 5 to help you achieve your healthy skin era.

The most-loved health and beauty retailer in the Philippines is taking its DermSkin category up a notch with a week-long spotlight on skin health awareness and help cater to different types of skin needs, from quenching skin hydration, combating acne and oiliness, or just wanting to simply ensure a tried and tested skincare routine.

In pursuit of making skin health more accessible, Watsons also joined forces with the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), the only specialty society recognized by the Philippine Medical Association and the Philippine College of Physicians that specializes in skin, hair and nails, to provide free skin consultations during the event and to share the latest insights on common skincare myths and misconceptions.

Head over to the DermSkin activation and look for the PDS booth to avail of the free consultation services from PDS doctors at the PDS booth in the mall animation. Drop by on October 1 and tune in to the panel discussion featuring skin experts to learn more about proper care for your skin.

The road to healthier skin doesn’t end there-Watsons also began offering free derma consultations every weekend from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. in select stores in the metro. Be sure to visit SM MOA 7, Robinsons Place Manila, SM North Edsa Grand, SM Grand Central, SM Megamall or SM City Tanza to get direct and accessible skin consultation with an expert.

The DermSkin Activation will also feature a wide range of derma-approved products from brands such as Cetaphil, Celeteque, Aveeno, Neutrogena, Cerave, Target Pro by Watsons, Avene, Physiogel, Bioderma, Uriage, Suu Balm and Dermaction Plus.

Employees of a store inside a mall at South Road Properties in Cebu scrambled for safety after part of the establishment collapsed during the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that jolted the province Tuesday night, September 30.

The quake killed dozens and injured more than 100 people in in Cebu City and northern Cebu, toppling buildings and leaving casualties and widespread damage. Rescue operations continue in affected areas.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reaffirmed in finality its decision to cancel the registration of the Duterte Youth Party-list, effectively leaving three seats in the 20th Congress up for grabs.

In its September 30 ruling made public on October 1, the Comelec en banc affirmed that Duterte Youth’s registration was invalid from the beginning for failing to publish its petition and hearing notice, a responsibility of the party-list rather than the poll body.

Beyond the jurisdictional requirement, the poll body also cited six grounds to cancel Duterte Youth’s registration.

Among these were ‘untruthful statements’ on its nominees’ eligibility and the mass withdrawal of nominees in 2019, which led chairperson Ronald Cardema to attempt a substitution despite being over the age limit to represent the youth.

Comelec called this ‘back-and-forth switching’ a ‘mockery’ in the election process.

The en banc also upheld the view that Duterte Youth failed to prove its genuine intent to represent the youth sector, adding that its calls for violence against groups it branded as subversive, including activists, went beyond political rhetoric.

The last two grounds cited by the poll body were violations of election rules and laws, particularly the National Youth Commission’s support for Duterte Youth. Cardema chaired the NYC Luzon Commission from 2017 to 2018 before being promoted to national chair later that year.

Comelec also explained that the ruling became immediately executory since the Supreme Court did not issue any temporary restraining order within 30 days of Duterte Youth’s receipt of the decision to deny the party-list’s motion for reconsideration.

Cardema, in a Facebook post, accused the poll body of accepting bribes to cancel the group’s claim to three House seats.

Duterte Youth’s canceled registration was borne out of a 2019 disqualification petition filed by four private individuals, with the Comelec eventually echoing their arguments in its 2025 decision.

The party-list, whose name stands for ‘Duty To Energize the Republic Through the Enlightenment of the Youth,’ has long aligned itself with the Duterte administration and family since it was founded in 2016.

In the 2025 party-list race, it received about 2.34 million votes, placing second and earning three seats under the Party-List System Act.

But with its final disqualification, the suspended proclamation was voided – and the three seats are now expected to go to party-lists that originally fell short of the cutoff.

Comelec Chair George Garcia said the three party-lists set to take over Duterte Youth’s seats will be proclaimed on Thursday, October 2.

Based on the party-list rankings, Abono, Ang Probinsiyano and Murang Kuryente could each secure one seat.

Considering the systematic plunder of public funds in flood control projects, it’s not surprising that corruption is also being unearthed in the construction of farm-to-market roads.

So far the amounts of the non-existent roads unearthed by the Department of Agriculture total only P75 million – a drop in the bucket compared to the billions and even trillions of pesos believed to have been lost to ‘ghost’ and substandard flood control projects undertaken in recent years by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the P75 million covers only two projects done in 2021 and 2023 – one in the Davao Region and another in Zamboanga City. The DA has vowed a deeper probe, which will likely uncover more questionable ‘farm-to-pocket’ roads.

While at it, the DA can expand its probe to cover other farm-related projects, including cartel-like operations to control the prices of certain commodities and farm support services such as drying and milling.

In its audit and pursuit of corrupt deals, the DA must heed lessons from the past and ensure that the guilty will face punishment.

Corruption in the farm sector is not new. In March 2004, Panfilo Lacson, already a senator, had exposed the diversion of P728 million in fertilizer funds, which he said went to the presidential election campaign of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The P728 million was distributed to congressional districts, several of which did not even have farmlands, Lacson said.

The accused mastermind of the scam, Jocelyn ‘Joc-joc’ Bolante, resigned as agriculture undersecretary and fled to the US in October 2005 before he could face a Senate probe. He was later deported back to the country, and cleared Arroyo. Former agriculture secretary Luis Lorenzo also fled the country.

They were all later acquitted, however, including one of the players, businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles, who would later be indicted in the bigger scam involving the congressional pork barrel.

Several lesser players, however, have been convicted in the fertilizer scam, with other cases still pending. So the ongoing audit of the DA could bear fruit in rendering justice.

As in the flood control scandal, however, the DA audit could lead probers to influential and wealthy people who benefited from non-existent or substandard farm-to-market roads. Such people can be expected to put up a strong legal defense to escape punishment. The DA must ensure that it is up to the challenge.

Reports claim that Zaldy Co ‘is shopping for a house in Europe.’ That can only mean he has no intention of returning to the Philippines ‘post-haste.’ Since he has resigned, is it time to take a shot at Blue, as in a Blue Notice with Interpol for the return of exs-congressman Zaldy Co?

I just saw a very timely and accurate proverb related to the Senate and congressional investigations now slowly but surely floating towards Malacañang and the executive department:

‘The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify’ – Proverbs 29:24. In legal terms, they invoke the right against self-incrimination!

Last Monday evening, I chanced upon a video where a retired Marine officer suggested that we all get a patch of the Philippine flag and wear it red side up. As you all know, that simple act is a declaration of war against another nation, the government or a revolution.

That was what the retired Marine officer was suggesting in defiance of the subtle threats of politicians, officials of the Armed Forces, the PNP and talking heads in Malacañang. I have thought of doing the same thing on numerous occasions as an act of protest against political abuse and corruption.

In fact, I actually went a step further that evening by asking a couple of friends if any of their suppliers could produce such t-shirts and how much. In a matter of seconds someone immediately suggested ‘black shirts with the inverted Philippine flag.’

Then another asked, ‘How many, how soon and what sizes please.’ All I had to do was fill in the order and we would have the shirts in a matter of days.

But instead, I asked a friend to first check with a lawyer if it was against the law or illegal to don the Philippine flag red side up or not. Half an hour later, I received ‘mixed’ opinions and replies to the question.

One lawyer immediately said it was against the law. Another said the law prohibits using the flag as a ‘garment’ or actual clothing like a robe or cape. Ultimately, the answers depended on who you asked.

The historical commission has set rules, even about the positioning of a statue of Jose Rizal on the right side of the flagpole/flag and must be facing the front of government buildings.

Others view historical rules as ‘dated’ or irrelevant with current culture, especially to the millions that have seen flag-inspired uniforms and many Olympic athletes draped with a flag doing a victory lap.

A valuable lesson I am reminded of from all of this is not to rush out and make an order, instead sleep on it, pray for divine wisdom:

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord and shun evil’ – Proverbs 3: 5-6

The answer came the next morning through an FB post of my friend Charmaine who posted a heart-shaped painting of the Philippine flag. One nation under God – marching behind one flag.

Instead of political colors, symbolism of rebellion, placards and titles of movements, use the Philippine flag to symbolize our unity and patriotism! That is exactly what my friends and I will do; ‘wear’ the flag closest to our hearts!

In a post from Heneralunacy ‘What kind of country have we become,’ the author stated: the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, normally a late political responder, recently issued a strong statement asking for real structural reforms and accountability.

Yes, said chamber is very prudent and circumspect about issuing statements, especially concerning politics, governance and peace and order because business and industry view the chambers’ pulse very seriously.

Even when their community is under attack by kidnappers, extortionists or corrupt government officials, they respond with restraint, opting to address the problem calmly and strategically.

The fact that the FFCCCII has now issued a strongly worded statement about the current levels of corruption in the Philippines is a cause for concern, because it is no longer just their backyard or community concern, it is the entire country that has been affected by corruption.

Below is the FFCCCII statement:

An urgent call against corruption

Public statement by the FFCCCII

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. urgently calls on the government, private sector and every citizen to resolutely confront the cancer of corruption eroding our nation’s foundation.

The Need for Systemic Reform – Prosecuting corrupt individuals is reactive. We must go further and dismantle the entire ecosystem that allows corruption to thrive. This requires sweeping systemic reforms built on radical transparency, efficiency and ruthless accountability.

Learn from Global Success – We need not reinvent the wheel. We must look to exemplary models in other jurisdictions where powerful, independent anti-corruption agencies have full autonomy to investigate and prosecute without fear or favor.

Corruption is a Crime Against the People – Corruption is not a victimless crime. It is a heinous betrayal that robs our most vulnerable citizens of essential services and a better life. It stifles innovation, repels investment and essentially destroys our nation and kills its people.

The time for half measures is over. Let us unite to build a system that rewards integrity and paves the way for a just and prosperous Philippines.

Security Bank Corp. has named seasoned Singaporean banker Victor Lee Meng Teck as its next president and CEO, marking a key leadership transition for the 74-year-old lender.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday, the bank said Lee would formally assume the top post in early January 2026, pending completion of his work permit, visa and other regulatory requirements.

He will succeed Sanjiv Vohra, who will continue to lead Security Bank until the transition and will thereafter serve as senior advisor to the board.

‘I’m honored to be entrusted with this responsibility,’ Lee said. ‘Security Bank has built a strong reputation for customer-centricity, innovation and its distinct BetterBanking experience.’

‘I look forward to working with Sanjiv, the Board and all employees to continue building on this foundation and delivering sustainable growth for our stakeholders,’ he added.

Lee brings over three decades of banking leadership across Asia. He previously served as CEO of CIMB Singapore and CEO of Growth Markets for CIMB Bank Berhad.

At CIMB Singapore, he ‘spearheaded a period of strong growth, doubling revenue and raising return on equity to nearly 20 percent,’ the bank said.

Vohra, who took the helm in 2019, just months before the onset of the global pandemic, steered the listed bank through a period of transformation that strengthened its digital capabilities and customer-first strategies.

‘Our journey over the past six years has been one of total transformation – reimagining Security Bank from front to back,’ Vohra said.

Security Bank chairman Cirilo Noel thanked Vohra for his ‘steady leadership during one of the most challenging periods in recent history,’ saying his vision has left the bank ‘stronger, more resilient and well-prepared for the future.’

Actress Nadine Lustre described taking part in the protest last September 21 against corruption as her responsibility as a Filipino.

In an interview with ABS-CBN during partnership of her and partner Christophe Bariou’s coconut milk brand Dehusk with local beverage brand Pickup Coffee, Nadine shared she had a wonderful experience attending the rally.

“I think it’s my responsibility being Filipino to be one with everyone else,” Nadine said, adding she went not as a celebrity or a public figure but as one of the people.

“Parang na-feel ko lahat nang nandoon sa Ortigas, ‘yung nandoon sa EDSA, I felt like I was part of everyone,” the actress also said.

She even shared being impressed with her “Call Me Mother” co-star Vice Ganda, who gave an impassioned speech during the rally, as well as other public figures who showed up.

“This time, we really have to fight, fight for our rights, fight for our country and for our fellow Filipinos,” Nadine continued. “It’s just so nice to see everyone to be out and fighting for the same thing, for the same cause.”

Nadine and Christophe’s Dehusk is a plant-based coconut milk brand, and its partnership with Pickup Coffee sees two proud local brands working hand in hand.

The collaboration introduces an exciting line of four new beverages that combine Dehusk’s plant-based coconut milk with Pickup’s bold and trendy flavors: Nadine’s Coco Mango Matcha, Ube Coconut Milk, Pickup Coco Latte, and Strawberry Coconut Milk.