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The Philippine Sports Commission has opened a door of opportunities for Filipino athletes by hooking up with Elite Link, the first-ever database app in Philippine sports.

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio on Monday together with Elite Link launched the groundbreaking mobile app that will serve as the main hub and community aimed at fostering friendship, connections, network, scholarship and national team opportunities for undiscovered athletes.

In Elite Link, athletes from across the archipelago and even those based abroad can sign up and create their own profile and backgrounds with video highlights of their chosen sports to serve as their resume for a shot at a university scholarship, sponsorship or national team call-up.

While the TBA Studios’ “Bayaniverse” trilogy revolves around three different historical characters, an argument can be made that the franchise can be considered the Emilio Aguinaldo trilogy, given the direct roles the country’s first president has in all three films.

Mon Confiado portrays Aguinaldo in all three movies, including the upcoming entry “Quezon” which stars Jericho Rosales as the titular second president of the Philippines.

In fact, the film will depict Quezon’s rise to power as an attorney, governor of then-Tayabas, the lower and upper houses of Congress, and the highest seat in the country.

History buffs will know that Aguinaldo was Quezon’s biggest rival in the 1935 presidential election, which will also be depicted in the movie, adding another layer of knowledge about Ka Miong.

However, individuals have begun viewing Aguinaldo as a villain rather than a hero, amplified by the antagonistic role Confiado portrays Aguinaldo in the first “Bayaniverse” movie “Heneral Luna,” which softens a bit in the follow-up “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.”

At the press conference for “Quezon” last October 7 at the historic Manila Hotel, Philstar.com asked Confiado how he balances his performances of Aguinaldo with the public’s historical perception of the latter, and in doing so marrying the two.

Confiado acknowledged the controversial perception of Aguinaldo in “Heneral Luna” which led to many questions about his heroic status.

“Noong ginampanan ko character ni Aguinaldo sa ‘Heneral Luna,’ hindi ko siya tinitignan as kontrabida,” Confiado said, a sentiment he shares across all his “villanous” roles.

In embracing Aguinaldo, he learned of the first president’s positive aspects like being a revolutionary against the Spanish and Americans, as well as waving the Philippine flag to declare the country’s independence.

In contrast though, as Confiado points out what director Jerrold Tarog (who helmed all “Bayaniverse” films) does in the franchise, all our heroes are only human.

“‘Yun ang maganda kasi pinapakita ang lahat ng flaws nila, lahat ng kapalpakan at pagkakamali,” Confiado added.

The actor also said that Aguinaldo’s loss in the revolution and eventual capture by the Americans made him an even more complicated individual.

Confiado said he still found it a blessing to portray Aguinaldo and expressed his hope that “Quezon” would be a hit at the box office so that TBA Studios would walk back their decision to end the “Bayaniverse” at three movies.

“Baka kainin ni Ma’am Daphne [Chiu] ang sinabi niya na huli na ‘to, gusto ko bawiin niya,” Confiado teased as he embraced the producer seated beside him.

Confiado quipped that if TBA Studios wanted to make another movie about a president, there is a huge likelihood that Aguinaldo will be present.

Aguinaldo passed away in 1964 a month shy of his 95th birthday – meaning he lived during the presidencies of Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Jose P. Laurel, Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos P. Garcia and Diosdado Macapagal.

Benjamin Alves, who will reprise his role as a young Quezon, previously told Philstar.com that there is a character in “Quezon” that could serve as the next central character of a potential future entry.

After confirming that the said character does not appear in the official trailer, Alves advised that audiences stay for the duration of the film.

Alves reiterated Confiado’s quip that the cast aims to make TBA Studios reconsider its decision about ending the “Bayaniverse” franchise.

“Gusto namin mamroblema na humihingi ang tao for a next one, and that’s only possible for [if] people enjoy the film and they have an opinion on it,” Alves said, adding that while his specific character may not be around anymore, at least he will be supporting as a viewer.

Starring with Confiado, Rosales and Alves in “Quezon” are Karylle, Romnick Sarmenta, JC Santos, Angeli Bayani, Bodjie Pascua, Joross Gamboa, Ketchup Eusebio, Jake Macapagal, Therese Malvar and “Game of Thrones” star Iain Glen as Leonard Wood.

Arron Villaflor and Cris Villanueva will also reprise their roles as the fictional character Joven Hernando at different ages.

“Quezon” will hit Philippine theaters nationwide beginning October 15.

Corruption is a pervasive and long-standing problem in both the public and private sectors in the Philippines, according to the US State Department’s latest annual investment climate report.

The Philippines ranked 114th among 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, a rank it has held since 2019.

The State Department report cited observations from various organizations, including the World Economic Forum, placing ‘corruption among the top problematic factors for doing business in the Philippines.’

Last February, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) removed the Philippines from its grey list, citing the country’s progress in strengthening measures on anti-money laundering and in combating financing of terrorism.

The State Department’s Investment Climate report is intended to help US companies make informed business decisions by providing up-to-date information on the investment climates in more than 170 countries and economies.

It is prepared by economic officers stationed in diplomatic posts around the world.

In the Philippines, stakeholders report inconsistent regulatory enforcement. Some US investors describe business registration, customs and immigration processes as burdensome.

The report identified the Bureau of Customs as one of the most corrupt agencies in the country.

Customs processes, in particular, can present challenges, with the US embassy in Manila receiving reports from US businesses about overly invasive searches, inconsistent customs charges and solicitations of ‘facilitation fees’ or bribes by some customs officials.

The report also noted the Philippines’ complex, slow, redundant and sometimes corrupt judicial system, which inhibits the timely and fair resolution of commercial disputes.

Foreign investors describe the inefficiency of the judicial system as a significant barrier to investment. Investors often do away with filing cases in court because of slow and complex litigation processes and fears of corruption.

In 2003, the Philippines ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument.

Five Filipina executives are included in Fortune Magazine’s 100 Most Powerful Women in Asia for 2025.

Martha Sazon of Mynt, Anna Ma. Margarita Bautista Dy of Ayala Land Inc., Lynette Ortiz of Land Bank of the Philippines, Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso of Megaworld Corp. and Ana Maria Aboitiz-Delgado of Union Bank of the Philippines are on this year’s list.

The business leaders were cited for their ‘measurable impact, strategy reach and capacity to shape the future.’

Sazon, ranked 37th, serves as president and chief executive officer of Mynt, the company behind e-wallet giant GCash, which has over 94 million users.

Dy, who became the first female president and CEO of Ayala Land in 2023, ranked 69th.

Ortiz, the 11th president and CEO of Land Bank of the Philippines, ranked 72nd.

Alfonso, Megaworld’s president and CEO, ranked 92nd.

A certified public accountant, Alfonso has been with the property giant since 1990, holding various positions.

‘We thank Fortune Magazine for naming Megaworld president and CEO Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso as one of the 100 ‘Most Powerful Women in Asia’ once again this year. Alongside female leaders in various fields across Asia, we celebrate the power of women who drive excellence, innovation and inspiration, not just in their respective fields, but also in the communities and organizations they serve,’ Megaworld said.

‘We salute our leader and all these women across Asia for their exemplary achievements that are worth emulating,’ it added.

At 94th place is Delgado, president and CEO of UnionBank.

Delgado is a fifth-generation member of the Aboitiz family.

Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Asia 2025 recognizes 100 women across Southeast Asia, Greater China, India, Japan, Korea and Australia, with honorees including CEOs and C-suite leaders of large companies, as well as regional champions and founders of high-growth ventures.

‘As in prior years, our evaluation emphasizes company scale and health, career momentum, influence, innovation and contributions to social impact; final placement reflects both current clout and future trajectory,’ Fortune Magazine said.

Strong demand for its maiden bond issuance has prompted Toyota Financial Services Philippines Corp. (TFSPH) to shorten the offer period of its maiden bond issuance.

The automotive financing and leasing arm of conglomerate GT Capital Holdings Inc. said that it decided to cut short and close on the second day of the offer period for its P2 billion maiden bond public offering due to strong investor demand from both institutional and retail clients.

The offer period was originally set to run from Oct. 6 to 13.

TFSPH’s maiden bond offering will be issued in up to two series comprised of two-year bonds due 2027 (Series A bonds) and three-year bonds due 2028 (Series B bonds).

The Series A Bonds and Series B Bonds will carry a fixed interest rate of 5.7725 percent and 5.9418 percent, respectively, with issue and listing date scheduled on Oct. 21.

Proceeds will be used by the company to further diversify its funding sources and support its anticipated asset growth.

It will also enable the TFSPH to tap a wider investor base, targeting both institutional and individual investors.

First Metro Investment Corp. and ING Bank N.V., Manila Branch acted as the joint lead arrangers and bookrunners for the transaction and are also the selling agents together with Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. and BPI Capital Corp.

TFSPH, which is 40 percent owned by GT Capital and 60 percent owned by Japan-based Toyota Financial Services Corp., is the exclusive provider of Toyota-branded financial solutions in the Philippines.

It offers retail and leasing products to customers as well as inventory financing to dealers nationwide.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo will serve as the acting chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Senate President Tito Sotto said.

While Tulfo was not among the five named senators considered to succeed Sen. Ping Lacson, Sotto said on Wednesday, October 8, that the rules automatically allow Tulfo to serve as acting chair.

“Erwin is the vice chairman. Therefore, in the absence of the chairman, he automatically becomes chairman,” Sotto said in an ambush interview, adding that appointing him in the meantime does not require a plenary decision.

The first-time senator was assigned vice chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, a panel responsible for investigating government officials and agencies for alleged wrongdoings.

In a statement, Tulfo thanked Sotto and the rest of the Senate for their trust in him and expressed hope that a permanent chair would be appointed soon. He also recognized how the committee investigation is a matter of public interest.

“Batid ko po na maraming kababayan natin ang umaasa sa komiteng ito na imbestigahan ang lahat ng mga nagsamantala sa pera ng bayan ano pa man ang katungkulan nila sa pamahalaan o kulay ng politika,” he said.

(I am aware that many of our countrymen are counting on this committee to investigate all those who took advantage of public funds, regardless of their position in government or political affiliation.)

During Lacson’s short stint as chair, several past and dismissed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials have come forward to admit facilitating the kickback scheme allegedly involving lawmakers in flood control projects.

He announced his resignation over the weekend after some senators of the majority bloc complained about how the investigation was led.

This, however, was cleared up and threshed out in a majority caucus held on October 1, according to Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.

Sen. JV Ejercito also confirmed not harboring any untoward feelings against Lacson, despite being one of those who expressed frustration.

Sotto said that if the members of the majority bloc were complete in the caucus they held on Wednesday, they would have appealed to Lacson to keep the chairmanship.

“We are not discounting any of the five na pwede namin makausap na pwede maging chairman ng Blue Ribbon. As a matter of fact, most of us, kung present lahat, they would like to appeal to Senator Lacson,” Sotto said.

(We are not ruling out any of the five who we may talk to and who could become chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee.)

However, Lacson said stepping down was his “final answer.”

The senators being considered for the post include Risa Hontiveros, Pia Cayetano, Raffy Tulfo, JV Ejercito and Kiko Pangilinan.

Raffy, Erwin’s brother, and Ejercito have declined the chairmanship position. Pangilinan as well.

Sotto also said that “at the moment” the five senators do not want to assume chairmanship of the Blue Ribbon committee, primarily because they already hold two to three major committees.

“So what they’re saying is that they don’t have time for it right now,” he added.

The Blue Ribbon hearings have been suspended “until further notice” since Lacson announced his resignation. Sotto said hearings will resume once Erwin “comes back.”

He explained that the reason for such a congressional break is so that “committee hearings continue.”

“The Blue Ribbon is always alive eh. That’s the only committee with motu propio powers eh,” he said.

Asked if Erwin would be the permanent chairman, Sotto said it should be decided upon in the plenary and by the acting chairman himself.

Two Customs brokers will be detained for refusing to identify suspects involved in smuggling operations in Cebu.

Cited in contempt by the Senate agriculture panel on Monday, brokers Lujin Tenero and Brenda de Sagun will be detained at the Senate or the Pasay City Jail.

Tenero and De Sagun are linked to consumer goods trading companies operating at Subic ports.

Inconsistencies in their testimonies prompted Sen. Francis Pangilinan, chair of the Senate agriculture, food and agrarian reform committee, to cite them in contempt.

Senators are probing Tenero and De Sagun for P40 million and P59 million worth of smuggled agricultural products, respectively.

Pangilinan and Sen. JV Ejercito urged the brokers to reveal details and apply as state witnesses.

Economic sabotage through agricultural smuggling is punishable by life in prison, they stressed.

At the inquiry, Tenero claimed that a certain ‘Carlos’ approached him to facilitate container imports.

‘All we are asking for is Mr. Carlos’ last name. And you refuse to answer. You are hereby cited in contempt of this committee,’ Pangilinan said.

Tenero recalled meeting Carlos at the Subic pier, where he signed documents for four containers as part of his broker duties.

He said he trusted Carlos as an authorized representative.

De Sagun, for her part, clarified that she had lent her client’s license to facilitate the import of goods, but denied knowing ‘Mr. Vicente,’ the person who allegedly rented it.

Several containers escorted by personnel of the Bureau of Customs were left unattended at a warehouse, raising questions about procedural lapses, Agriculture Undersecretary Carlos Carag and BOC officials said earlier.

Emilio Aguinaldo College made key stops in the crunch as it repulsed Jose Rizal University, 68-65, yesterday for its first victory in NCAA Season 101 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

It was a fitting bounce-back victory for the Generals after faltering and going down to a 74-63 loss to the St. Benilde Blazers on Saturday.

‘Our goal is to be in the top two,’ said EAC coach Jerson Cabiltes of their goal in Group B in the elims phase. ‘This win kept us on track in reaching our short-term goal.’

The Generals played tough on defense in the stretch and denied the Bombers of what could’ve been a second straight win and a place at the helm after opening the season with a shock 73-69 triumph over the Letran Knights Friday.

Earlier, Arellano U also bounced back from a loss with an 82-66 win over San Sebastian. The Stags stumbled to 0-2.

The Philippine manufacturing sector rebounded in August, with output returning to positive territory, driven by the performance of the food and metals sectors.

Preliminary data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) yesterday showed that the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) for manufacturing posted a 1.4-percent increment in August from a 1.8-percent contraction in July.

VoPI growth in August was also slightly faster than the 1.3-percent uptick in the same month last year.

The PSA said the uptrend was primarily due to food products, which accelerated by 20.2 percent in August from the previous month’s 11.4 percent.

Basic metals, which registered a slower decline of 9.6 percent in August from 26.8 percent in the previous month, also contributed to the latest VoPI growth.

Another major driver of the VoPI growth was machinery and equipment, which posted a 6.7-percent increase in August from a 3.1-percent contraction in July.

Of the remaining 19 industry divisions, nine posted positive VoPI growth in August. These are: transport equipment; electrical equipment; tobacco products; other non-metallic mineral products; other manufacturing and repair and installation of machinery and equipment; wood, bamboo, cane, rattan articles and related products; computer, electronic and optical products; leather and related products including footwear; and fabricated metal products except machinery and equipment.

On the other hand, the following registered declines in VoPI in August: furniture; printing and reproduction of recorded media; textiles; basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations; rubber and plastic products; wearing apparel; paper and paper products; beverages; coke and refined petroleum products; and chemicals and chemical products.

Based on responding establishments, the average capacity utilization rate for manufacturing in August was reported at 77.3 percent, up slightly from the previous month’s 77.2 percent in July 2025.

‘All industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates of more than 60 percent during the month,’ the PSA said.

The top three industry divisions in terms of reported capacity utilization rate in August were tobacco products (85.8 percent); coke and refined petroleum products (82.8 percent); and beverages (81 percent).

Around 42.6 percent of establishments operated at full capacity or 90 percent to 100 percent in August.

Meanwhile, 34.7 percent were running at 70 to 89 percent capacity and 22.7 percent were below 70 percent capacity.

The Mandaue City Engineering Office, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cebu Sixth District Engineering Office, will conduct a joint inspection of the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu.

This comes after the Mandaue City Council approved a resolution calling for the inspection of the two bridges that connect Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City to ensure their structural integrity and safety.

City Councilor Jun Arcilla, chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, said in an interview that the resolution aims to ensure the safety of motorists and commuters who pass through the bridges.

He said that city engineers and DPWH personnel will check for cracks and assess whether the bridges remain safe for passage.

Arcilla explained that the move comes after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake on September 30, during which both bridges were visibly shaking.

‘It was a strong earthquake, so we want to make sure that our engineering office and DPWH conduct a thorough inspection,’ Arcilla said.

‘Para gyud sa kaluwasan sa tanan nga moagi dinha,’ he added.

Arcilla noted that the two bridges are a major concern for Mandaue City since they serve as vital routes, especially for those traveling to Lapu-Lapu City or to Cordova town.

Although the Cansaga Bridge in Mandaue City was not included in the resolution, Arcilla said he might propose to include it for inspection as well to check for possible cracks.

For now, the two major bridges will be prioritized since they are longer, he said.

Arcilla added that the inspection will cover both sides of the bridges-from the Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu sides.

‘Kay kung muagi ta og Mandaue mulapas man gyud ta og Mactan, both sides atong i-inspection,’ said Arcilla.

Since the resolution has already been approved, Arcilla said the inspection will be carried out as soon as possible.

‘People use these bridges every day, so it’s important to give them peace of mind that they are safe,’ he said.