Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The average price of nickel could inch up to $15,400 per metric ton (MT) this year on the back of stable demand and a weakening dollar, according to a research firm.

BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, recently adjusted upward its nickel price forecast from $15,000 per MT. Indonesia’s policies, however, remain a downside risk.

‘We now hold a more optimistic outlook for [the second half of] 2025 than previously, with prices set to hold firm for the remainder of the year,’ BMI said. ‘[This will be] underpinned by Fed optimism and persistent policy-driven turbulence in Indonesia, alongside broadly stable demand conditions.’

‘That said, we remain cautious as Indonesia’s ongoing capacity additions are a key headwind that continues to skew risks to our outlook to the downside.’

Despite lowering this year’s global nickel demand growth forecast due to softer global growth and heightened trade risks, the research firm expects the market to remain solid, a development that is expected to benefit Philippine nickel exporters.

‘Demand is expected to remain solid, underpinned by expanding stainless steel output and the rise in electric vehicles (EVs), led by leading global consumer Mainland China.’

Meanwhile, BMI said nickel quotations could continue to face downward pressure beyond 2025, ‘seeing more moderate growth than previously anticipated due to the continued surge in Indonesian nickel production.’

In particular, the research firm lowered its projection for the average price of nickel in 2029 to $18,000 per MT, from its initial outlook of $21,500 per MT as the market remains oversupplied.

‘Recent nickel smelter curtailments and suspensions outside Indonesia underscore the long-term nature of these market pressures.’

BMI also noted that Indonesia presents the ‘greatest source of uncertainty’ for the refined nickel market in the longer term.

‘Ultimately, the pace at which the country is able to ramp up refined nickel production capacity will determine how well supplied the global market is in the coming decade,’ the BMI said.

‘Simultaneously, evolving battery chemistries introduce another layer of uncertainty, potentially reshaping nickel demand patterns in the clean energy sector.’

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has backed a proposal to extend the amnesty program for former rebels until 2028 due to the sheer number of pending applicants.

Based on the latest data from the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), there are currently 4,269 people as of 19 September 2025, 4,269 former rebel0, who have applied for the amnesty program which is set to lapse on March 13 of 2026.

‘Then, we got an information from the Task Force Balik-Loob wherein they informed us that they have a total of 50,000 potential applicants and we have the remaining six months to receive the applications,’ National Amnesty Commission Chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento said in a press briefing in Malacañang last Wednesday.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Director Ernesto C. Torres Jr. said the proposal is now under review.

‘Its approval [is] held in abeyance pending further review of the Office of the President, so that this status on that,’ Torres said.

Armamento hopes to extend the amnesty program for two years or until 13 March 2028 with the support of Congress.

‘The reason for that is that when a proclamation for amnesty is issued by the President, we have to ask congress for concurrence. So, if we want that-we only ask one more time from Congress so that it will be too much of an effort from the part of the National Amnesty Commission,’ she said. The NAC has recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos the granting of amnesty to only 9 former rebels.

In a statement, the Office the Presidential Adviser of the Peace Process announced that Marcos has approved the recommendation of the NAC, which covered eight former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and one former member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The slow pace of the approval of the amnesty applicants was due to the large number of NAC members, who must sign the certificate of amnesty including the secretaries of Justice, Interior and Local Government, National Defense as well as the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process.

Most of the said NAC members conduct their own review and vetting process for the applicants. This results in an approval process which can take from a week to as long to two months.

Marcos authorized the granting of amnesty to members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), CPP-NPA-NDF, MILF, and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) through four proclamations, which he issued in 2023. (Samuel Medenilla)

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has intensified relief efforts to provide quick assistance to the victims of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces Tuesday night.

Acting on orders of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., PCSO General Manager Mel Robles has directed their branch offices and authorized agent corporations (AACs) to rapidly deliver essential help and aid to affected communities.

AACs Piona Trading and Supply Corp., and King Dragon Gaming and Amusement Corporation were among the first to respond, delivering donations such as food and other essential items to the Cebu Provincial Government on Wednesday.

Additional AAC donations were already en route to Cebu, with more in the pipeline from other partners.

Charitimba food packs are part of the initial relief efforts.

Evaluation supply kits, including mosquito nets, plastic mats, blankets, slippers, flashlights, pillows, towels, and other necessities, have been airlifted via C-130 aircraft Wednesday afternoon to support survivors.

GM Mel Robles stated: ‘Our thoughts are with our kababayans in Cebu and the surrounding areas. PCSO is closely monitoring the situation and will extend further assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected’.

He continued: ‘We are working tirelessly to bring comfort during these challenging times.’

He added the spirit of bayanihan is alive in their efforts.

He also encouraged everyone to remain resilient and united, knowing that help is on the way.

PCSO remains committed to a holistic response that goes beyond medical assistance, encompassing comprehensive relief efforts to support disaster-stricken communities.

According to the latest reports from the Office of Civil Defense, the earthquake has resulted in 63 fatalities and over 150 injuries.

GM Robles vowed the PCSO will continue to coordinate with relevant authorities to support ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.

With the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) expected to issue multiple complaints and recommendations, a lawmaker has called on the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fast-track the appointment of the next Ombudsman, a post left vacant since the retirement of Samuel Martires in July.

House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila M. De Lima issued the call following the recommendation of the ICI to the Ombudsman for the filing of criminal and administrative charges against former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co and 17 others over the alleged P290-million flood control project anomaly in Oriental Mindoro.

‘In light of massive issues of corruption our country faces today, there is an urgent need for the appointment of the regular Ombudsman, as the agency will certainly receive many complaints and recommendations from the ICI,’ De Lima said.

‘Given the widespread collusion and the number of lawmakers and government officials implicated in these anomalous flood control projects, the Office of the Ombudsman needs a regular appointee who can fully focus on the growing number of cases,’ she added.

During the House plenary deliberations on the proposed 2026 budget of the Office of the Ombudsman on September 24, De Lima stressed the need for the agency to act promptly, be more transparent, and be more receptive to complaints of graft and corruption.

‘As the ICI investigation progresses, it is expected to recommend additional complaints to the Office of the Ombudsman. With other corruption cases, this will certainly keep their office busy-underscoring the urgent need for an ombudsman to lead the process,’ the lawmaker reiterated.

De Lima also pressed the Office of the Ombudsman to address the unnecessary and unfortunate dismissal of cases due to inordinate delays in fulfilling its mandate under the Constitution.

‘As the country’s Tanodbayan, the Ombudsman should champion the government’s anti-corruption efforts. It must be swift, serious, and fair in filing solid cases against erring public officials who plunder the nation’s wealth,’ De Lima said.

‘The appointment of a new Ombudsman should no longer be delayed. It is crucial to ensure accountability, advance pending cases, and deliver long-overdue justice to the Filipino people,’ she said.

THE Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) formally signed a partnership agreement to strengthen leadership capabilities, foster innovation, and accelerate organizational growth within the state-run postal service.

The agreement was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Makati City, attended by officials from both institutions.

Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Maximo C. Sta. Maria III, himself an AIM alumnus, described the collaboration as a vital step in preparing the agency for the demands of modern public service.

‘For many years, PHLPost has connected families, supported trade, and served communities nationwide. As the world evolves, so must we,’ Sta. Maria said.

‘This partnership with AIM is an investment in our people-helping us deliver reliable services, adopt best practices, and transform PHLPost into a future-ready institution.’

Under the partnership, PHLPost managers and executives will undergo specialized training beginning with a Supply Chain Management Program. The course is designed to equip leaders with critical skills in planning, sourcing, inventory management, logistics, and risk management-capabilities that are increasingly essential as postal services adapt to digitalization and e-commerce growth.

AIM Business Development Senior Manager Joan Vidal said the program was tailored to address the evolving needs of the postal service. She added that the partnership paves the way for more customized training initiatives aimed at strengthening PHLPost’s competitiveness and long-term relevance.

Meanwhile, AIM School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning Program Head Jose Raphael Ibarra highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration.

‘We are proud to partner with PHLPost in this journey of modernization. Together, we can empower leaders, strengthen institutions, and create lasting impact through innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for national development,’ Ibarra said.

The initiative forms part of PHLPost’s broader modernization agenda, which includes digital transformation, improved delivery systems, and stronger employee engagement programs. By investing in leadership development, PHLPost seeks to reinforce its role as a vital service provider-connecting Filipinos through communication, commerce, and community service.

MAPUA University started defending its seniors basketball title the hard way-a 90-89 double overtime victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University-as the National Collegiate Athletic Association entered its 101st season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

JC Recto led the Cardinals with a near double-double of 16 points and nine rebounds to also step up after Mapua star Clint Escamis fouled out in the fourth quarter.

‘I just let my instincts take over. Clint (Escamis) wasn’t there and just because he wasn’t there meant we should focus on him being out,’ Recto said.

Escamis finished with eight points.

‘All I thought about was doing whatever the coaches asked me to do,’ Recto added.

Earl Sapasap and Cyrus Cuenco, had 16 and 14 points, respectively, for the Cardinals.

Renz Villegas finished with 23 points for the Pirates.

Mapua takes on Arellano Univeersity on Saturday while Lyceum faces University of Perpetual Help on Sunday at the San Juan Arena.

Recto tied the game at 80-all with a three-point play in the first overtime, neutralizing a late Pirates surge and he did it again in the second extra period by converting another and-one to pull Mapua.

Regulation ended at 74-74.

To ensure that timely and effective emergency health services will be provided following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted Bogo City, Cebu, additional medicines and medical supplies were sent by the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday night.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that C-130 cargo aircraft, carrying medicine and medical supplies, left Villamor Airbase in Pasay City at 6:58 p.m., in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense.

The DOH said that a total of P 933,647.50 worth of medicines and medical supplies will be dispatched to DOH Central Visayas.

Earlier, the DOH already deployed five limang Health Emergency Response Teams in Bogo City.

The DOH-Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team is also on standby for deployment.

Meanwhile, fresh from its extensive humanitarian operations for Super Typhoon Nando, while currently responding to Typhoon Opong and the Taal Volcano unrest, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) led by Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, once again swung into action to respond the the victims of the quake.

After ensuring the safety of PRC staff and volunteers in the area, the PRC swiftly deployed its assets to support emergency response efforts.

‘We already have our staff and volunteers on the ground, assessing the needs of affected communities. We remain in constant communication with our team and RC143 volunteers to ensure that reports reach our Operations Center immediately and we can deliver timely humanitarian assistance,’ said Gordon.

The PRC has mobilized two ambulances, a food truck, two Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDANA) teams, and two Emergency Response Unit (ERU) teams.

Sixty-two individuals have also been treated for injuries.

The PRC remains committed to ensuring aid comes to the affected communities.

The PRC urges the public to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety.

In case of emergencies, call the Red Cross Hotline #143.

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will conduct summary proceedings for certain applications of power companies to address the backlog of cases.

Under Resolution 16, the Commission authorized the conduct of summary proceedings for applications involving authority to develop and own or operate dedicated point-to-point (P2P) limited transmission facilities, approval of capital expenditure (Capex) projects, confirmation of over or under recoveries, approval of power supply contracts, issuance of Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity, and business separation and unbundling plans.

However, the summary proceedings will only apply if the applications are uncontested.

For applications with intervenors, the ERC said all parties should agree to proceed with the conduct of summary proceeding.

‘To achieve the policy of the state of total electrification in the country and ensure the quality, reliability, and affordability of the supply of electric power, there is a need to expedite the processing and applications.filed before the ERC,’ the agency said.

The ERC resolution, which was promulgated on September 29, is in line with Rule 17 of the ERC’s Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure (RRPP), which allows the conduct of summary proceedings for cases pending before the Commission.

ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino C. Juan said this reflects the Commission’s drive toward faster and more efficient regulation in line with its vision of a ‘new ERC.’

‘We will do everything we can to accelerate the resolution of applications filed before the ERC. Streamlining our processes is key to fulfilling our commitment to a more responsive and revitalized ERC,’ Juan added.

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) will be looking into the alleged ‘prohibited interest’ of the Villar family in the estimated P18.5 billion infrastructure projects in Las Piñas City.

At a press briefing, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the investigation is necessary following a news report that a close relative owns a construction firm that undertook several infrastructure projects, including flood-control projects, in the city.

Among those likely to be investigated are Senator Mark Villar, who served as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte; Senator Camille Villar, who also served as congresswoman of the lone district of Las Piñas in the 19th Congress; and former businesswoman Cynthia Villar, who served as a senator from 2013 to 2025 and congresswoman for the city’s lone district from 2001 to 2010.

‘Yes, because of that prohibited interest with his cousin being a contractor in Las Pinas,’ Remulla said when asked if the Villars are among those to be investigated.

Remulla stressed that the actual amount of the projects bagged by the said contractor will still have to be determined.

The DOJ secretary is also not discounting the possibility of inviting the Villars at the DOJ to shed light on their alleged ‘prohibited interest’ in infrastructure projects in the city.

‘Later on, we will have to build up everything. This is just one case among the 67 other cases happening in Congress,’ Remulla said.

Meanwhile, former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo appeared before the DOJ anew to further shed light on the involvement of lawmakers and other individuals in anomalous multi-billion flood control projects of the government.

‘Our case build-up is continuing, it’s going to be a long one considering the complications that are here,’ the DOJ secretary said.

Remulla noted that they are looking into the possible prohibited interests of 67 congressmen flood control projects.

He noted that more than 200 individuals may be involved in the anomaly including lawmakers, contractors and .

The DOJ chief noted that it’ is no longer a secret in Congress that some of congressmen are actually involved in construction business.

‘Everybody knows about it in Congress, that many of their colleagues are contractors also. And this is a prohibited activity..The people don’t care anymore if it is against the law because no one’s going to run after them, they think. But it’s something that we have to address and we will do it,’ Remulla stressed.

‘We have to look at it in totality and how crazy it has become, so that we can address each and every problem with a law that best fits the situation,’ he said.

THE country’s raw sugar production could fall below two million metric tons (MMT) in the new crop year as torrential downpours and pest infestation battered plantations in Negros.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) issued Sugar Order 1, where it indicated that raw sugar output in the crop year 2025-2026 could decline by nearly 8 percent to 1.92 MMT from the previous crop year’s 2.085 MMT.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona told the BusinessMirror that the projected outlook in the upcoming crop year, set to begin on October 1, stemmed from excessive rainfall in Negros, which accounts for over 60 percent of the country’s sugar production.

The agency noted that the initial forecast could further decrease owing to the potential impact of red-striped soft-scale insects (RSSI) infestation on yield.

‘It’s an estimate based on the heavy rainfall experienced in the north of Negros, and [there] might be a small drop considering the presence of RSSI,’ Azcona told this newspaper.

Under the SO 1, the raw sugar allocation for the new crop year would be classified as ‘B,’ which means all sugar produced until September 30 next year will be sold for domestic consumption.

The SRA said the agency has been classifying sugar output as ‘B’ since 2022 because the country’s production is still below the requirement of the domestic market.

While the impact of RSSI on sugar content was the easiest to monitor, he raised a caveat that the infestation’s impact could potentially trickle into the cane’s growth.

‘In the North, they said canes that were infected at their early stage didn’t seem to grow. So, maybe there’s also an effect on tonnage,’ Azcona said.

With the latest findings, the SRA chief noted that the agency now expects raw sugar output to fall by around 10 percent.

‘We reduced [our forecast] a bit and then we’re leaving room plus or minus a few percentage points, give or take about 10 percent, just in case the infestation can’t be curbed,’ he said.

‘Our fear is that once the milling starts, the sugarcanes will be going around all over Negros. There’s a high chance that the infestation will affect more areas.’

Azcona said the pest has infected around 6,600 hectares of sugar plantations nationwide as of mid-September, with the infestation in Negros Island accounting for the lion’s share at 4,200 hectares.