Marcos hails Timor-Leste entry as ASEAN member

October 26, 2025 | 8:17 pm

ASEAN Summit — HEADS of Southeast Asian states are joined by other world leaders at the opening ceremony of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. — MARK BALMORES/PPA POOL

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

KUALA LUMPUR — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. welcomed Timor-Leste’s formal admission into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Sunday, describing it as a “historic milestone” that strengthens the region’s pursuit of unity and shared prosperity.

“Today marks a historic milestone for Southeast Asia as we officially welcome Timor-Leste into the ASEAN family,” Mr. Marcos said in a statement after the opening of the 47^thASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur and after he signed the official declaration admitting Dili to the bloc.

Timor-Leste is the 11^th member of ASEAN. Its accession opens up a market of more than 670 million people. Malaysia, the host of the bloc, will pass the baton to the Philippines on Tuesday. ASEAN chairmanship goes by in an alphabetical order with a one-year tenure.

The bloc members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste.

The regional bloc is holding its annual meeting at the Malaysian capital, tackling topics across geopolitics, geoeconomics, money laundering and climate change.

The summit was also attended by notable world leaders such as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and US President Donald J. Trump.

Timor-Leste’s long-delayed entry into ASEAN marks a major milestone that underscores the bloc’s unity and growing role in strengthening South-South cooperation amid global uncertainties, said Josue Raphael J. Cortez, ASEAN Studies lecturer at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde in Manila.

While some fear the move could weaken cohesion, he argued it could spur economic diversification by expanding ASEAN’s trade in petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG) — Timor-Leste’s key exports — and enhance the bloc’s leverage in mitigating trade shocks affecting developing economies.

“Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN is undoubtedly a much anticipated milestone for the bloc’s history as it took a decade for it to become a full member,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“With petroleum and oil-related sanctions being used as a geoeconomic weapon today, ASEAN may collectively harness its petroleum reserves as an alternative market where other nations may import their oil and LNGs from,” he added.

MARCOS BILATERAL TALKS
Also on Sunday, Mr. Marcos met with the leaders of Cambodia, Thailand, Canada, Japan and the European Union on the sidelines of the Summit, reaffirming regional cooperation and shared commitments to stability and growth.

During talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Mr. Marcos reaffirmed Manila’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict through dialogue and adherence to international law.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center the President welcomed progress in resolving the dispute, as witnessed by Mr. Trump.

Mr. Hun, in turn, expressed Cambodia’s strong support for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2026.

Mr. Marcos also met with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, offering condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation in tourism, trade and investment, while exploring stronger agricultural exchanges and private sector engagement.

In a separate meeting, Mr. Marcos and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Joseph Carney highlighted the robust people-to-people ties between their nations.

Mr. Marcos thanked Canada for its continued support for the Philippines and reaffirmed shared commitments to a rules-based international order, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Ms. Castro said both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment and energy and to sustain constructive engagement within ASEAN frameworks.

No leadership change seen in Senate

October 26, 2025 | 8:16 pm

ANOTHER CHANGE in leadership is not expected in the Senate as it could further erode public trust, analysts said, following the reappointment of Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson as the head of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee last week.

“Senators may not have the appetite for a leadership change for now because of the potential public backlash,” Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, a fellow at the Ateneo de Manila University Policy Center said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Right now, the people want action against corruption. A leadership change might be seen as the senate trying to obfuscate the situation and evade accountability,” he added.

Gary D. Ador Dionisio, dean at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance said that any leadership shuffles in the upper chamber may face further backlash from the public.

“Given the invested interest of various groups in the flood control probe, any attempt to cover up any individuals, either from the congress, contractors or (Public Works) officials will create a major backlash to our political institutions,” he said in a Messenger chat. “Thus, leadership shuffle is the least important concern at this point.”

Mr. Ador Dionisio said that the senator’s return to the committee was inevitable as most of the lawmakers eyed for the position declined the Senate chief’s offer.

“The return of Sen. Lacson as head of committee is inevitable given that members of the senate majority decided to decline this highly important position at this critical juncture of Philippine politics,” he added.

Hansley A. Juliano, a political science lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University, said it may trigger a leadership struggle in the Senate.

“The (Blue Ribbon Committee) shuffle, in my view, may trigger a leadership struggle only insofar as the Duterte bloc raises hell, and the rest of the Senate gets intimidated by it again,” he said in a Messenger chat.

Mr. Juliano added the Mr. Lacson has developed a longer and more established reputation that can insulate him from the current partisanship.

Last week, Senate President Vicente “Tito” C. Sotto III confirmed the Mr. Lacson is set to return as the head of the committee after the upper chamber resumes next month.

The senator earlier resigned as the committee chair, noting criticism from fellow senators on his handling of the chamber’s probe on anomalous flood projects.

Mr. Lacson said in a statement on Saturday that he will resume the Senate committee’s inquiry on anomalous infrastructure projects once the session resumes next month.

“If elected again as Blue Ribbon chairman on Nov. 10, our hearing will resume on Nov. 14,” he added.

He added that the committee will also invite Orly Guteza, the former security aide of Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co, to the next Senate hearing.

“To help speed up the filing of airtight cases against some politicians, DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) officials and errant contractors, we will invite among others, a ‘very important witness’ and retired TSgt. Orly Guteza to shed more light on his (sworn statement),” Mr. Lacson said.

Mr. Guteza claims that he was part of a team that would deliver bags of money, which they referred to as “basura” (garbage), to the lawmaker. — Adrian H. Halili

222 in Myanmar want repatriation

October 26, 2025 | 8:16 pm

OFW-NAIA — Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are seen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. — PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday said that there are 222 active requests by Filipinos seeking to be repatriated from Myanmar, after the raid on a major online scam hub in Myawaddy last week.

“The Embassy is working with Myanmar authorities to finalize the deportation procedures for those currently in holding camps and to facilitate the rescue of those who remain in scam hub compounds,” the agency said in a statement.

The DFA confirmed that a raid of scam hubs was conducted by Myanmar authorities last Oct. 20.

The agency added that of the total requests 66 were reported to have crossed to Thailand, while nine managed to travel to Yangon and are now under the Embassy’s custody.

It added that it is also working with the Department of Migrant Workers and other agencies to facilitate the repatriation of affected Filipinos through official government to government channels.

The DFA added that it continues to work with both Myanmar and Thai authorities to hasten the return of Filipinos. — Adrian H. Halili

Bill sets up PWD pension

October 26, 2025 | 8:16 pm

A BILL seeking to establish a social pension program for persons with disabilities (PWD) was filed in the House of Representatives in early October, as part of efforts to expand government support for the sector.

House Bill No. 5400 proposes a P1,500 monthly stipend for indigent PWDs, aiming to deliver “regular financial support” for basic needs such as food and shelter and ease the economic burden on families.

“PWDs face unique challenges that often hinder their full participation in society,” Palawan Rep. Rosalie Ang Salvame said in the bill’s explanatory note, which was filed on Oct. 9.

She said while there are laws providing assistance to people with disabilities, “there remains a gap in institutionalized financial assistance for PWDs, especially those who are indigent, unemployed or unable to earn a living due.”

To qualify, persons with disabilities must be registered with their local government’s disability registry, certified as indigent and not receiving any pension from government or private institutions, according to the bill. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Masbate gets Starlink units

October 26, 2025 | 8:15 pm

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has rolled out 100 Starlink units in the Masbate province to restore internet connection, following the impact of recent typhoons.

In a statement over the weekend, the DICT said 100 priority locations across the province were identified for the strategic installation of Starlink units.

These sites include government offices, barangay halls, healthcare facilities, and response units crucial to disaster coordination, emergency communication, and public service delivery, it said.

The units donated by satellite-based internet provider SpaceX. Installation began on Oct. 15, DICT said.

As of Oct. 24, DICT noted that 48 Starlink units have been installed and activated.

“These terminals will provide high-speed, low-latency internet enabling real-time communication and coordination during emergencies,” the department said

The rollout forms part of the DICT’s push to empower geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) through stronger connectivity.

“Through this collaboration between DICT, SpaceX, and local government partners, Masbate moves closer to achieving resilient, inclusive, and digitally connected communities,” the department said.

About 44,536 families were affected by Typhoon Opong (international name: Bualoi) last month, Masbate Governor Richard Kho said.

Over 19 local government units reported power interruptions due to incidents of flooding and soil erosion. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

SteelAsia denies links to 23 containers of alleged radioactive materials

October 26, 2025 | 8:15 pm

STEELASIA Manufacturing Corp. has denied its connection to 23 containers of alleged hazardous zinc dust exported by Zannwann International Trading Corp.

In a statement sent over the weekend, the company said that it strongly rejects the order of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) for SteelAsia to take custody of the containers, citing that “it has no connection to these materials.”

“The containers were rejected by Indonesia in late September and ordered returned to Zannwann, which sources zinc dust from various steel producers for export,” SteelAsia said.

“However, PNRI, without following international nuclear safety protocols or conducting the required scientific tests, tagged SteelAsia as the source of the alleged radioactive materials while clearing Zannwann of responsibility,” it added.

According to SteelAsia, the PNRI has ordered the company to entomb the containers in its plant in Calaca, Batangas.

SteelAsia said that “it has no technical capability, facilities, or training to handle radioactive waste,” adding that the PNRI is the only legally mandated agency to perform such a function.

“[S]teel manufacturing does not use and therefore does not produce radioactive materials. The company manufactures and exports reinforced steel bars, not zinc dust, which is merely a by-product of its production process,” it added.

It added that data from PNRI showed that Zannwann also purchased zinc dust from other steel companies, “yet only SteelAsia is being unfairly singled out by PNRI despite the absence of any scientific or factual basis.”

The company said that the supposed findings of PNRI were used as a basis by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to order SteelAsia to stop operating its Calaca scrap recycling plant.

Prior to the DILG order, the company said that it voluntarily suspended operations at the Calaca scrap recycling plant out of an abundance of caution, without conceding the presence of any radioactive materials in the facility.

“The company is taking legal steps to protect its interests and is continuing to pursue all remedies available under the law,” the company said.

“PNRI’s illegal, baseless, and unscientific actions will lead to irreparable harm to the entire Calaca industrial zone, resulting in economic dislocation, the loss of thousands of jobs, and the stunting of Calaca’s progress,” it added.

It also said that it plans to engage international experts from Japan and Western countries to help address the situation. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

CTA orders retrial of Alaska Milk Corp. Davao tax dispute

October 26, 2025 | 8:14 pm

THE Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has sent back to the Davao Regional Trial Court (RTC) the 2020 case filed by Alaska Milk Corp. (AMC) seeking a refund of nearly P2.69 million in local business taxes (LBT), saying the lower court failed to hold a full trial or examine evidence before ruling on the matter.

The dispute began when the city assessed Alaska P1.86 million in LBT for 2019 and early 2020. The company paid the amount under protest, insisting that its Panacan warehouse was used solely for storage. Alaska later expanded its refund claim to P2.69 million to include payments for 2021.

Citing Section 150 of the Local Government Code, AMC argued that since no sales are made in Davao, the city has no legal basis to impose business tax. It said all sales are recorded at its principal office in Makati, not in the warehouse. City officials, however, maintained that Alaska’s Davao facility operates as a branch or sales office, noting deliveries and transactions consummated locally.

They said this makes the firm liable under the 2017 Davao Local Revenue Code.

The Davao RTC earlier ruled in favor of the city, but the CTA said the lower court decided the case without a full trial or presentation of evidence.

In a decision promulgated last Oct. 22, the appellate tax court ordered the case remanded for retrial to determine the warehouse’s actual function and the city’s authority to tax it. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Dodgers even the World Series

October 26, 2025 | 8:09 pm

TORONTO — Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto flipped the World Series script in favor of the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who are headed home for three games and flying high after a 5-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.

Yamamoto was spectacular while pitching a complete game, striking out eight batters and walking none, while Will Smith drove in three runs, including a solo home run in the seventh inning that put the Dodgers ahead for good.

“Yeah, he was just locked in tonight,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Yamamoto. “It was one of those things he said before the series, losing is not an option, and he had that look tonight.”

The win leveled the best-of-seven series at 1-1 and put the star-studded Dodgers back on track in their bid to become Major League Baseball’s (MLB) first repeat champion in 25 years.

BAFFLED HITTERS
A day after a humbling 11-4 defeat that exposed the thinness of the Dodgers’ bullpen and may have allowed some doubt to creep into the Dodgers clubhouse, the team turned the ball over to their ace in hopes he could right the ship.

Making his first start since pitching a complete-game gem in the National League Championship Series, Yamamoto again went the distance and left Blue Jays hitters baffled one day after they seemingly were hitting pitches at will.

“Going into the game, the pregame bullpen, I was feeling really good with the splitter,” Yamamoto said about his signature pitch.

“I’m very happy and proud of the fact that I was able to bring a big contribution and give a chance for the team to win.”

FAST START
The Dodgers made a fast start as Freddie Freeman hit a two-out double in the first inning before Smith singled to put the visitors ahead 1-0.

Toronto threatened in the bottom half of the inning, getting runners on first and third with no outs, but Yamamoto retired the next three batters to get out of the jam and never looked back.

Yamamoto was so dominant that he retired the final 20 batters he faced on the night, a remarkable run that started when he got Alejandro Kirk out on a sacrifice fly that scored George Springer in the third.

“He made it hard for us to make him work,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said of Yamamoto’s performance. “He was in the zone, split was in and out of the zone. It was a really good performance by him.”

‘PITCHERS’ DUEL’
The Dodgers, who also had their hands full with Toronto starter Kevin Gausman, broke through in the seventh when Smith homered into the second deck in left field before Max Muncy’s solo shot two batters later.

Los Angeles added two more runs in the eighth on a wild pitch before Smith grounded into a fielder’s choice that scored Shohei Ohtani.

Gausman, who prior to Smith’s homer had retired 17 Dodgers batters in a row, took the loss after allowing three runs and striking out six batters in 6-2/3 innings.

“I thought Kev matched (Yamamoto) pitch for pitch, really,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “They both had low pitch counts. It was kind of a classic pitchers’ duel and they made a couple more swings.”

Game Three is on Monday. — Reuters

Rico Hoey closes in on Bank of Utah Championship triumph

October 26, 2025 | 8:08 pm

RICO HOEY puts himself in striking position for a historic triumph in the PGA Tour as he moved just three shots off the pace entering the last round of the Bank of Utah Championship on Saturday.

The Fil-Am fired an eagle-spiked eight-under 63 on moving day at the Black Desert Golf Course in Ivins, Utah to hike his tally to 199 and close in on American Michael Brennan, who owned a leading 196 following a third-round 64.

Mr. Brennan, bidding to become the first player to win on a sponsor exemption since Nick Dunlap last year at the American Express, held a one-shot lead against defending champion Matt McCarty (198 after a 64).

Mr. Hoey, who shared No. 3 with Kevin Yu (63) and Pierceson Coody (66), will play against Mr. Brennan and Mr. McCarty in the top flight on Sunday (early Monday Manila time) in pursuit of his breakthrough in the prestigious circuit.

The 30-year-old parbuster previously came close to victory at the 2024 ISCO Championship in Kentucky, where he made it to a five-man playoff for the title but eventually settled for tied second.

Mr. Hoey is coming off a season’s best performance at the Baycurrent Classic two weeks ago in Japan, finishing in a share of No. 4 for his fourth Top 10 placing of 2025. — Olmin Leyba

NU overpowers Ateneo, 66-50, in UAAP 88 Men’s Basketball

October 26, 2025 | 8:08 pm

NU-Ateneo — NU’s Jake Figueroa and Ateneo’s Dominic Escobar in action. — UAAP

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (NU) showcased its resilience, rallying from a mid-game deficit to overpower Ateneo de Manila University, 66-50, in a statement victory at the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Blue Eagles led 40-32 before the Bulldogs responded with a massive 25-4 run bridging the third and fourth quarters, taking a 57-44 lead with just 3:39 remaining.

Jake Figueroa scored 11 points during that stretch, while PJ Palacielo added all seven of his points in the run, frustrating Ateneo and handing them their fifth straight loss.

During the rally, the Bulldogs pummeled the Blue Eagles inside, ending up with 34 inside points.

“They bounced back from what happened to us against UP. Credit goes to my team — it’s not about me anymore. They figured it out and made it happen,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa.

The Bulldogs have now swept the Blue Eagles in their elimination round matchups after winning their first-round encounter in overtime, 71-66.

Coming off a narrow 74-78 loss to University of the Philippines (UP), NU bounced back to maintain first place with a 7-2 record, one and a half games ahead of closest pursuers UST, DLSU, and UP.

“Jake Figueroa is given. I needed someone to really step up and be a true leader to help stabilize us on the court. At least these two (Enriquez and Jumamoy) showed their leadership,” added Mr. Napa

Mr. Figueroa, fifth overall in the statistical race in the first round, led all scorers with 17 points while grabbing a game-high 15 rebounds, along with five assists, two steals, and a block.

Jolo Manansala, Reinhard Jumamoy, and Steve Nash Enriquez each contributed eight points in the win.

The Bulldogs defense also zoned in on the Blue Eagles, limiting them to just a 26.7% clip — five of-28 from distance.

Gelo Santiago, who recorded just one rebound in 10 minutes, was ejected after a disqualifying foul at the 8:50 mark of the third period for elbowing Waki Espina in the back of the head.

The two players were on the ground following a tough battle for position in the paint.

NU will look to build a winning streak when it faces a hot De La Salle University team next Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

After a promising 4-0 start, Ateneo has dropped its last five games to fall to sixth place, marking the team’s worst slump under coach Tab Baldwin.

Kymani Ladi led the Blue Eagles with 12 points on five-of-14 shooting, while Andrew Bongo added nine points and nine rebounds. Dominic Escobar was held to just six points on five attempts. — John Bryan Ulanday

The scores:

NU (66) – Figueroa 17, Enriquez 8, Jumamoy 8, Manansala 8, Palacielo 7, John 6, Francisco 5, Padrones 5, Dela Cruz 2, Garcia 0, Parks 0, Santiago 0, Tulabut 0.

Ateneo (50) – Ladi 12, Bongo 9, Escobar 6, Espinosa 5, Tuano 4, Lazaro 4, Espina 3, Fjellvang 3, Lazo 2, Bahay 2, Nieto 0, Gamber 0.

Quarterscores: 15-19, 30-30, 46-40, 66-50

Nuggets spread scoring around, blow out Suns

October 26, 2025 | 8:07 pm

JAMAL MURRAY had 23 points in Denver’s home opener, Nikola Jokic notched his second straight triple-double to start the season and the Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 133-111 on Saturday night.

Christian Braun scored 20 points and Aaron Gordon had 17 points two nights after posting a career-high 50 for Denver, which had seven players score in double figures. Cameron Johnson scored 15, Jonas Valanciunas added 12 and Bruce Brown contributed 11 as the Nuggets shot 51.2% (43 of 84) from the field.

Jokic finished with 14 points, 15 assists and 14 rebounds. He took just eight shots, making five, and didn’t attempt a field goal until a goaltending call on Phoenix with 2:26 left in the second quarter. His first shot attempt was a free throw with 4:18 left in the first half.

Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points, Grayson Allen scored 17 and Dillon Brooks had 15. Phoenix shot just 43.2% (38 of 88) from the field.

Denver led by nine in the first quarter, which ended with Murray hitting a 56-foot pull-up jumper at the buzzer to make it 34-28.

It was a seven-point Nuggets lead midway through the second period and they finished the quarter strong. Gordon hit two free throws, a spinning dunk off a lob pass from Jokic and a 3-pointer. Murray hit another from deep in the final minute to give Denver a 71-54 halftime lead.

The Nuggets went ahead by 20 on Jokic’s turnaround jumper with 7:52 left in the third before Phoenix made a run. Brooks and Booker hit two buckets apiece, Oso Ighodaro made a layup and Booker converted a three-point play that got the Suns within nine.

Denver responded with 11 straight points and headed into the fourth with a 100-83 lead.

Murray’s 3-pointer early in the final quarter gave the Nuggets a 108-86 lead but Phoenix went on another run to get within 110-99 on Royce O’Neale’s 3-pointer midway through.

Denver scored the next 11 points to hold off the Suns. — Reuters

Philippines settles for fifth place in FIDE Chess Olympiad for PWD

October 26, 2025 | 8:07 pm

THE Philippines missed out on replicating its bronze medal finish the first time after ending up fifth in the 2^nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities (PWD) at the Paralympic Center in Astana, Kazakhstan over the weekend.

The Filipinos smashed the Uzbeks, 3-1, on draws by Sander Severino and Jasper Rom on the top boards and victories by Darry Bernardo and Cheyzer Mendoza on the lower boards in the sixth and final round to end up tied for third with Israel and the International Braille Chess Association with nine match points each.

It also raised hopes for the country, composed also by Henry Lopez and coach James Infiesto, seeking to duplicate its bronze finish in the inaugural staging of the event in Belgrade, Serbia four years ago.

But it wasn’t meant to be though as the gutsy group lost on tiebreak to the Israelis with IBCA winding up fourth and the former fifth in this week-long, 26-country meet.

The nation beat Croatia, Venezuela, Kazakhstan 3 and Uzbekistan, drew with Israel and suffered its only loss of the tournament — a heartbreaking 2.5-1.5 defeat to the Czech Republic in the third round that stymied its medal bid. — Joey Villar