Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

National Master and international chess arbiter Edgar de Castro, member of the Philippine team to six Chess Olympiads, passed away on Sept. 28 in Alexandria, Virginia after battling cancer for two years. He was 82.

A beloved husband, father and grandfather, De Castro had always been a chess enthusiast until the latter part of his life.

He served as secretary general of the Philippine Chess Federation, forerunner of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, and wrote a widely read chess column for The STAR for years.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has given Aboitiz-backed Lihangin Wind Energy Corp. (LWEC) the green light to link its large-scale wind farm in Northern Samar to the Visayas grid.

LWEC, a joint venture of Aboitiz Renewables Inc., Vivant Energy Corp. and Singapore-based Vena Energy, is now authorized to build point-to-point limited transmission facilities for its 206-megawatt (MW) San Isidro Wind Power Project (SIWPP).

The project’s interim grid connection will be through the Calbayog substation of National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), pending completion of the proposed 138-kilovolt San Isidro substation for its permanent link.

The ERC, however, denied LWEC’s request to manage the dedicated transmission facilities, assigning full operational and maintenance responsibility to the NGCP.

‘In case the subject assets shall be required for competitive purposes, the ownership of the same shall be transferred to NGCP using the fair market price of the said facilities, subject to optimization,’ the ERC ruled.

In evaluating the merits of LWEC’s application, the regulator said it focused on several aspects, including the wind project and the company’s technical capability to construct the proposed transmission assets.

Located in the municipality of San Isidro in Northern Samar, SIWPP is targeted for commercial operations in February next year, based on the application.

The project’s capacity, the ERC said, is expected to help meet the country’s growing power demand. It is likewise aligned with the government’s push to accelerate the development of renewable energy sources.

SIWPP’s generation output will be dispatched through a power supply agreement with retail electricity suppliers, the commission noted.

The actual system peak demand in the Visayas grid reached 2,654 MW as of end-April, while the region’s dependable capacity stood at 3,252 MW, latest Department of Energy data showed.

The Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) has requested copies of the National Expenditure Program and General Appropriations Act for fiscal years 2023 to 2025 from the House of Representatives, as well as line items involving infrastructure projects with details of their proponents.

In a letter addressed to Speaker Faustino Dy III, the group of nearly 200 local chief executives advocating for clean governance said the request was done to make records involving taxpayers’ money more accessible to the public.

‘We make this request in the spirit of transparency in the use of public funds and to ensure that allocations reflect the true needs of communities,’ M4GG stated in its letter sent on Thursday night.

‘Having access to these records will help local governments and civil society track implementation, strengthen accountability and uphold public trust in our institutions,’ it added.

The letter was signed by the M4GG’s convenors: Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, Sitti Hataman of Isabela City, Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City and Vico Sotto of Pasig City.

Granting the request, the M4GG believes, would set a ‘strong example of open, participatory budgeting’ that prevents the misuse of public resources.

M4GG has exponentially grown since it was formed two years ago – struggling in the early days to recruit even one mayor weekly before 300 new members applied when the flood control scandal erupted.

In an interview with dzRH on Thursday, Magalong said the coalition would continue its crusade against corruption despite the presence of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

He said all documents gathered would be turned over to the fact-finding body. M4GG has an existing memorandum of understanding with the ICI.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has officially dropped resigned Ako Bicol party-list congressman Rizaldy Co from the roll of members.

Co decided to resign from his post amid allegations of ‘insertions’ in the current 2025 national budget and his supposed involvement in the flood control projects corruption scandal.

He is still out of the country.

Vietnam’s flag carrier is mounting a direct flight between Hanoi and Cebu, marking the first-ever connection in a corridor that shows growth potential for Southeast Asian airlines.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) yesterday announced it would soon host direct flights from Hanoi through Vietnam’s flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines.

‘For the first time ever, Cebu will soon be directly connected to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, via Vietnam Airlines,’ MCIA said in a social media post.

Vietnam Airlines will be testing the market starting Dec. 3, setting up thrice a week flights for the route. The airline is deploying an Airbus A321, which can seat at least 178 guests, for the four-hour flight.

Flight VN 643 operates every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, departing Hanoi at 10:50 p.m. and arriving in Cebu at 3:30 a.m. Flight VN 642 is scheduled every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, flying out of Cebu at 4:45 p.m. and landing in Hanoi at 7:35 p.m.

Right now, Vietnam Airlines flies daily to Manila from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, competing with domestic carriers Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) in that market.

However, Vietnam Airlines has no rival in the Hanoi-Cebu corridor, with both Cebu Pacific and PAL focused on the demand for Ho Chi Minh flights.

The two offer thrice-weekly flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh, acknowledging the growing desire of Filipinos to visit Vietnam, which is considered as the most budget-friendly destination in Southeast Asia currently.

Based on data from the Department of Tourism, Vietnam is becoming a preferred destination by thousands of Filipinos. Vietnam has received 237,157 Filipinos as of end-August, making it the ninth most visited overseas destination.

On the other hand, the Philippines welcomed just 23,237 Vietnamese during the period. Vietnam is 22nd on the list of countries with the most visitor arrivals into the Philippines.

Southeast Asia’s tourism giants Thailand and Malaysia are watching Vietnam, as it is fast becoming a travel magnet for its budget adventures, cultural heritage and natural sceneries.

Hanoi, for one, is gaining traction among tourists as the jump-off point for provincial attractions like Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa, and on its own the city is popular for its ancient temples and coffee community.

Cebu’s resort town Moalboal, famed for its sardine runs and coral reefs, joined the global International Coastal Cleanup Day with a rare public-private initiative that underscores how developers and hoteliers are embedding sustainability into their growth strategies.

For the first time, the coastal town held two coordinated cleanups. Municipal Mayor Inocentes Cabaron led local government workers in clearing debris along the seawall, wharf and reclamation areas near the town proper.

In parallel, Club Serena Resort mobilized a consortium of private companies, safety officers and volunteers for a beach and underwater cleanup in Saavedra, one of Moalboal’s most-visited white sand stretches.

The private-sector initiative, spearheaded by Cebu-based developer AppleOne Properties Inc. (API) and its hospitality arm One Root Hospitality, drew participation from barangay officials, police, coast guard, fire protection units, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as scuba divers from local resorts.

‘The annual ICC Day brought together people from all walks of life to care for the sea and celebrate Moalboal’s love for nature and culture,’ Cabaron said.

He added that the initiative, part of a global campaign themed ‘Clean Seas Against the Climate Crisis,’ builds on year-round local efforts to preserve the town’s beaches and marine ecosystems.

AppleOne, which has expanded its footprint in property and hospitality across Cebu and the Visayas, positioned its leadership role in the cleanup as part of a broader sustainability agenda.

‘AppleOne’s leadership in this year’s ICC is our public statement on sustainability even as we pursue property and tourism development in the countryside,’ said Samantha Manigsaca, API’s vice-president for hospitality.

She noted that the multi-sector participants signed pledges after the cleanup to support the protection of Tañon Strait, the country’s largest marine protected seascape.

Moalboal, situated on Cebu’s southwestern coast and a finalist in the Department of Tourism’s Philippine Tourism Awards, has seen rising visitor numbers driven by its rich biodiversity, sardine runs and diving sites.

Business leaders in the town said environmental stewardship is vital to maintaining its global reputation as a marine tourism hub.

Following the flag-raising rites performed by personnel of the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the area, an official of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) maintained that the Philippines has sovereign rights over Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

In a post on his X account yesterday, PCG spokesman on West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues Commodore Jay Tarriela wrote: ‘The ceremonial flag-raising by China Coast Guard officers at Bajo de Masinloc underscores the continuing unlawful activities of the People’s Republic of China in the West Philippine Sea,’ referring to the Philippine traditional name of Panatag.

He cited the ‘unanimous 2016 Arbitral Award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,’ which declared that ‘China had unlawfully interfered with the Philippines’ traditional fishing rights at the shoal’ and that ‘China’s claims of historic rights had no legal basis where they conflicted with UNCLOS.’

‘The Award further affirmed that Bajo de Masinloc is a rock under Article 121(3) of UNCLOS and, therefore, does not generate an exclusive economic zone of its own. Accordingly, the waters surrounding the shoal, beyond its 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, lie entirely within the Philippines’ EEZ, measured from Luzon’s baseline,’ he added.

Panatag Shoal is situated within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile EEZ that also makes up the WPS.

Tarriela also dismissed China’s earlier declaration of making Panatag Shoal a ‘national nature reserve.’

He quoted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that maintained ‘Beijing’s action ‘clearly infringes’ upon the Philippines’ rights and interests under international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Award.’

‘The DFA reiterated that Bajo de Masinloc is a longstanding and integral part of Philippine territory, over which the country exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction. Declarations of this nature are misleading and serve as pretexts for asserting control, rather than genuine efforts to conserve or protect the marine environment,’ he said.

Tarriela wrote his X post in response to another X post by Chinese state publication Global Times, which reported the flag-raising ceremony held by the CCG aboard its vessel Dahao while patrolling Panatag Shoal last Wednesday in line with China’s National Day.

‘We stand guard over these blue waters, assuring the nation of our unwavering commitment. Recently, CCG officers, who were conducting routine patrols on CCG vessel Dahao in the waters of Huangyan Dao national nature reserve in the South China Sea, held a solemn flag-raising ceremony on the frontlines of safeguarding China’s maritime territories,’ Global Times reported, referring to China’s name for Panatag Shoal.

Following the suspension of the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Commission on Elections is recalling all poll paraphernalia that the Comelec has deployed in the BARMM.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body would undertake reverse logistics to retrieve all poll supplies including automated counting machines (ACMs) and official ballots that were supposed to be used for the BARMM elections on Oct. 13.

‘While we wait for the new districting law, we need to retrieve all the equipment that were earlier deployed in the BARMM,’ Garcia said. ‘We spent money in shipping them. Now we have to spend money again to have them returned.’

Garcia said it is important to take back all deployed election supplies and paraphernalia as there would be changes in the system including allocations.

‘The ACMs must be reconfigured and tested again. Even supplies such as indelible ink, batteries and ballots must be returned to the Comelec,’ he said.

Earlier, the Supreme Court declared the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 58 and BAA 77 as unconstitutional, effectively postponing the BARMM elections from October to March next year.

Meanwhile, the Comelec said it would start this month the printing of ballots for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections scheduled in November 2026.

Garcia said the early ballot printing for the barangay and SK elections would prevent conflict in the schedule once the National Printing Office needs to print ballots for the BARMM elections.

R and B singer Dionela scored the most nominations at the 2025 Awit Awards with seven, a majority of them for the tracks “Sining” with Jay R and “Marilag.”

“Marilag” is nominated for Record of the Year and Best Perforamance of a Solo Artist while “Sining” is up for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration,

Both are up for Best R and B Recording, and Dionela’s last nod is his collaboration with Alisson Shore “Hoodie” for Best Pop Recording.

Alternative band Lola Amour followed Dionela with six nominations, five of them for its hit single “Namimiss Ko Na.”

The track is up for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Alternative Recording, Best Musical Arrangement and Best Engineered Recording credited to Rene Serna.

Lola Amour’s sixth nomination is its eponymous debut album for Album of the Year where it is up against BINI’s “Talaarawan,” SunKissed Lola’s “Olaholah,” Ben and Ben’s “The Traveller Across Dimensions,” Munimuni’s “Alegorya” and Zild’s “Superpower,”

BINI’s three other nominations were “Salamin, Salamin” and “Cherry On Top” both for Music Video of the Year and the former also competing for Best Dance/Electronic Recording.

Awit Awards organizers the Philippine Association of the Record Industry will announce details for its 38th awarding ceremony in the near future.

Here are the full list of nominees:

Record of the Year

‘Nene’ by SunKissed Lola

‘Heartache Generation’ by Ena Mori

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Love Is’ by The Ridleys

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

Album of the Year

‘Talaarawan’ by BINI

‘Olaholah’ by SunKissed Lola

‘The Traveller Across Dimensions’ by Ben and Ben

‘Alegorya’ by Munimuni

‘Superpower’ by Zild

‘Lola Amour’ by Lola Amour

Song of the Year

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Ikot’ by Over October

‘Misteryoso’ by Cup of Joe

‘Pagbigyan’ by Sugarcane

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

Best Collaboration

”Pag Ang Puso ang Nagsabi’ by JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano

‘Ligaw na Bullet’ by Denise Laurel and Skusta Clee

”Di Ko Kasalanan’ by Demi and Gins and Melodies

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Within’ by Ladine Roxas and Kris Lawrence

‘Sa Kahapon’ by Dilaw and Janine Berdin

Best Performance by a Group Artist

‘Triumph’ by Ben and Ben

‘Tayo Na Lang’ by Nobita

‘Lampara’ by Press Hit Play

‘One Sided Love’ by G22

‘Sige, Sayaw!’ by Dear Dahlia

‘Nilalang’ by Dilaw

Best Performance by a Solo Artist

‘ATM’ by Ice Seguerra

‘I’ll Be Somebody You Want’ by Jolianne

‘Pauwi Na ‘Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)’ by Dwta

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Alas Dos Na!!!’ by Janine Berdin

‘Fake Faces’ by Felip

‘Umaycan’ by Noel Cabangon

Best Performance by a New Group Artist

‘Aminin’ by Naiba

‘Hi, Tita’ by Sala

‘Bituin’ by Letters from June

‘Walang Humpay’ by 12th Street

‘Alak’ by Karilyo

Best Performance by a New Solo Artist

‘Alintana’ by Muninn

‘Panggap’ by Plume

‘Sickreet’ by Ryannah J

”Di Maipagkakaila’ by Ia

‘Kahit ‘Di Ako Ang Gusto Mo’ by Patricia Heart

‘Seryoso’ by Lottie Bie

Best Pop Recording

‘Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo’ by Itchyworms

‘Dilaw’ by Maki

‘Toyo’ by KZ Tandingan

‘Yoko Na’ by Josh Cullen and Al James

‘Hoodie’ by Dionela and Alisson Shore

Best R and B Recording

‘Tango’ by Jarlo Base

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Call Me What You Want’ by Elise Huang

‘Fighting for You’ by Thyro Alfaro and JP Bacallan

Best Rap/Hip-hop Recording

‘Subomoto (Hev Abi remix)’ by Zae and Hev Abi

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9

‘Utang Clan’ by Gloc-9

‘Ako Lang ‘To’ by XYVRL

‘Marikit sa Dilim’ by Juan Caoile, Kyleswish and Jawz

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

‘Salamin, Salamin’ by BINI

‘Tension’ by Peyton

‘Eksena’ by YARA

‘Come Over’ by Pop Money Worldwide, Carrot Mayor, SHNTI and Aunt Robert

‘Hilo’ by Paul Pablo

Best Traditional/Contemporary Folk Recording

‘ATM’ by Ice Seguerra

‘Ito Lamang’ by Project: Romeo

‘You’ll Never Feel Alone Again’ by Earl Generao

‘Nandiyan Pa Ba?’ by 6cyclemind and Gloc-9

‘Huling Liham’ by Paham and Dwta

Best Jazz Recording

‘Superfunk’ by GundamFunk

‘Get It Right’ by Nicole Asensio and Solo .Cal

‘Careless Fools’ by Debonair District and Jacques Dufourt

‘Remedios Circle’ by Alvin Cornista, Chuck Stevens, Abe Lagrimas Jr., Tim Lyddon and Dave Harder

‘What Is It All About?’ by Nicole Asensio and Solo .Cal

Best World Music Recording

‘Sarung Banggi’ by Overheat and Camsur Made

‘You Did It’ by KAIA

‘Chinese Restaurant’ by Nicole Adeya

‘Careless Fools’ by Debonair District and Jacques Dufourt

‘Sabado’ by SinoSikat?

‘100 Mensahe’ by Dan Gil and Marga Jayy

Best Alternative Recording

‘Homeostasis’ by Barbie Almalbis

‘A Gentle Reminder to Rest’ by Amateurish

‘Bulaklak sa Buwan’ by Ely Buendia

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

‘Wala Nang Saysay’ by Meds

Best Rock/Metal Recording

‘Orange’ by Amateurish

‘The Risk’ by Faspitch

‘Bawal Lumingon’ by CHNDTR

‘Dahas’ by Kjwan

‘Pano’ by Caren Tevanny

‘Dragon’ by Mayonnaise

Best Ballad Recording

‘Ethereal’ by Pappel

‘Lagi’ by Ica Frias

‘Kasing Kasing’ by Juan Karlos and Kyle Echarri

‘Medyo Ako’ by Juan Karlos and Moira Dela Torre

‘Ihilak Lang Na’ by Morissette

”Di Ko Masabi’ by Stell

Best Instrumental Recording

‘Nang Buo Kong Buhay’ by Jay Gomez and Yvette Parcom

‘SuperFunk’ by Gundam Funk

‘See You on the Other Side’ by Lustbass and RJ Pineda

‘Good Nights’ by Lustbass

‘Remedios Circle’ by Alvin Cornista, Chuck Stevens, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., Tim Lyddon and Dave Harder

Best Inspirational Recording

‘Beautiful Day’ by The Company

‘Little World Changer’ by Belle Mariano

‘Ningas ng Pag-Asa’ by Jamie Rivera and 92AD

‘Dahil Sa’Yo’ by Viola Natividad

‘Face of God’ by December Avenue

Best Novelty Recording

‘Da Coconut Nut (DJ Sandy Remix)’ by Giani Sarita and DJ Sandy

‘Walang Label’ by Eugene Layug

‘Wala Akong Pake’ by Johan Kyle and ANNUHBAE

‘Art Song’ by Pinkmen

‘Atras Abante’ by Introvert Fiesta and Aji

Best Recording by a Child or for Children

‘Ang Init Init’ by Imogen

‘The Phonics Song’ by Teacher Cleo

‘Tadhana (Easy Lang)’ by Giani Sarita

‘Jesus, Best Friend’ by Ateneo Boys Choir

‘Nasa Palad Mo’ by Ateneo Boys Choir featuring Marcel Roy S. Navarro and Generoso R. Maquirang IV

Best Original Soundtrack

‘lyo’ from ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ by Darren Espanto

‘Maskara’ from ‘Lavender Fields’ by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez

‘Ulit Ulit’ from ‘Pamilya Sagrado’ by Regine Velasquez

‘Uuwian’ from ‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?’ by BGYO

‘Sa Akin Siya’ from ‘Asawa ng Asawa Ko’ by Crystal Paras and Jeniffer Maravilla

‘Nagbago ang Daigdig’ from ‘My Guardian Alien’ by Zephanie

‘Aabutin ang Tadhana’ from ‘Chasing in the Wild’ by Hyacinth Callado

Best Christmas Recording

‘Hesus Aming Hari’ by Jonathan Manalo, John Roa, EJ De Perio, Vee Jay Dela Calzada, Diwa, Hazel Faith, Shekinah Gram, Viola Natividad, Caleb Santos, Jacob Sean Bacal, Naomi, Jessi Ferrer, Elizabeth Clemente and Ezekiel Clemente

‘Ganito ang Pasko’ by Sparkle Singers

‘Weather with You’ by Lucas Pison, Chezka

‘Noche Buena’ by Jan Roberts

‘Paskong Mag-Isa’ by Debonair District

Best Regional Recording

‘Kasing Kasing’ by Juan Karlos and Kyle Echarri

‘Ihilak Lang Na’ by Morissette

‘Ang Paghuwat’ by Morissette and Ferdinand Aragon

‘Umaycan’ by Noel Cabangon

‘Buhi’ by Ferdinand Aragon

‘Dili Na Lang’ by Jolianne

‘Panata’ by Tothapi

Best Remix Recording

‘Welcome to My World’ by Jonathan Manalo and Theo Martel

‘Love Is the Answer’ by Jonathan Manalo, Moy Ortiz and The Company

‘small town (crwn’s crying in the parking lot edit)’ by crwn

‘different. (kenyama remix)’ by kenyama

‘WHITE ROOM (Reimagined ver.)’ by ena mori

Best Engineered Recording

‘Pahinga’ by Nikhil Armanani

‘Nobya’ by Carlo Jay Cruz

‘Pauwi Na’ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)’ by Brian Lotho

‘Segundo, Siguro’ by Axel Fernandez

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Rene Serna

Best Musical Arrangement

‘Nobya’ by Franz Sacro and Choi Padilla

‘Bittersweet’ by Ashlee Mickaela Factor and Alyssa Janine Cruz

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

‘Get It Right’ by Gabe Dandan

‘Umaycan’ by Kahlil Refuerzo

Music Video of the Year

‘Salamin, Salamin’ by BINI; produced by Roxy Liquigan, Carlo L. Katigbak and Carlos Jorge Reyes; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Namumula’ by Maki; produced by Jonathan Bacala; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Cherry on Top’ by BINI; produced by Roxy Liquigan, Carlo L. Katigbak and Carlos Jorge Reyes; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9; produced by 1032 Lab and lana Cris Forbes; directed by Alanshiii and XY Pintoy

‘Tagpi-tagping Piraso’ by Ely Buendia; produced by August Lyle Espino, Cedric Hornedo, Lemuel Francia and Geoffrey Collera; directed by August Lyle Espino

Best Cover Art

‘Patibong’ by Gracenote; RJ Villanueva and Darwin Hernandez

‘The Traveller across Dimensions’ by Ben and Ben; Jether Dane Guadalupe, Katrina Urmatam and Puppeteer Studios

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9; Louis Duran and IC Forbes

‘I’m Okay’ by Moira Dela Torre; Equinox Manila Productions, Moira Dela Torre, Jason Maxx and Artu Nepomuceno

‘Misteryoso’ by Cup of Joe; Nica Angeles and Gian Bernardino

With medical expenses rising faster than household incomes, insurance firms are racing to offer Filipinos more flexible and holistic health protection, with new products tapping digital platforms and preventive care to fill the coverage gap.

Oona Insurance said the Philippines is ‘ready for a new standard in health protection’ as families demand more choice beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional policies.

‘Rising medical costs and changing lifestyles demand solutions that go beyond the basics, offering quality, choice and confidence,’ Oona Insurance founder and group CEO Abhishek Bhatia said.

The Singapore-based firm recently introduced two flagship health plans designed for both local and globally mobile Filipinos.

It launched Global Shield, an international plan with worldwide coverage of up to $2 million for globally mobile Filipinos and Purple Shield, a premier peso-based plan with up to P5 million in local coverage for families seeking exceptional care close to home.

Company officials stressed that the shift is not just about new products, but ‘is about rethinking how protection is delivered in a digital and wellness-driven age.’

Unlike conventional coverage focused mainly on hospitalization, Oona integrates preventive and wellness benefits such as check-ups, vaccinations, telemedicine and mental health support.

‘Health protection must be holistic in order to provide everyday peace of mind for Filipino families,’ Oona Philippines CEO Ninoy Rollan said.

Technology is at the center of the company’s model. Members can access instant quotes, same-day policy issuance, real-time claims tracking and paperless onboarding through its digital-first platform.

Overseas claims are processed online for faster reimbursement, while partnerships with MediLink and Doctor Anywhere provide cashless access to over 650 hospitals nationwide and 750 doctors on call.

The company first entered health protection with critical illness insurance in 2024. Its expansion underscores a broader ambition to become a digital-first insurer of choice across Southeast Asia.

Oona currently operates in Indonesia and the Philippines and is backed by global private equity firm Warburg Pincus.

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) expressed its support to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for pursuing a sweeping tight governance measure to avoid corruption inside and outside the agency.

The BOC has implemented the ‘Anti-Conflict of Interest’ policy, a strict ‘No Take’ Policy, and tighter disclosure rules for customs personnel in its bid to protect legitimate businesses and ensure fair trade.

According to BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, the initiatives are reinforced by the agency’s digitalization program aimed at streamlining the processes, reducing the red tape, and curbing opportunities.

Nepomuceno said the ongoing reforms – anchored on integrity, accountability and modernization – paid off handsomely following the reported seizures of smuggled goods valued at P2.39 billion.

Such accomplishments, according to Nepomuceno, reflect the agency’s firm resolve to uphold transparency and strengthen public trust in Customs operations, and at the same time, enable the agency to win the support of no less than the FFCCCII.

He thanked the business community for their valuable support.

‘We value the trust and confidence extended to us by the business community. The BOC’s reform agenda is not only about institutional integrity but also about creating an environment where legitimate trade can thrive,’ Nepomuceno said.

‘By working hand in hand with our partners in the private sector, we can ensure that the Philippines becomes a more competitive, transparent, and predictable destination for investment,’ the BOC chief concluded.

Recognizing these efforts, FFCCCII President Victor Lim said the business community welcomes the BOC’s reforms and the Commissioner’s strong stance on integrity and good governance.

‘It is good that there are leaders such as Commissioner Nepomuceno, who uphold integrity in good governance,’ Lim said.

‘In light of the recent issues affecting the Philippine government, it is good that there are leaders such as Commissioner Nepomuceno, who uphold integrity in good governance and create a very competitive and business-friendly environment for businesspeople such as the FFCCCII,’ he said.

‘We are very supportive of such leadership.’

The FFCCCII said the business sector is ready to work closely with the BOC in sustaining reforms, noting that such partnership will not only strengthen the campaign against smuggling but also contribute to national economic growth.