ABS-CBN Maintains Premier Status in Philippine Media and Entertainment

ABS-CBN stands as the foremost media and entertainment company in the Philippines, consistently providing premium content through television, radio, digital channels, and film. The company remains dedicated to public service, emphasizing the promotion of Filipino culture and values. This commitment ensures ABS-CBN's ongoing connection with audiences both domestically and around the world. With robust corporate governance and a strong focus on investor relations, ABS-CBN also strategically manages international distribution to extend its global reach and influence.

Malabuyoc Bulk Water Project Nears Completion Amid Power Supply Finalization

The installation of the bulk water system in Malabuyoc is expected to be finalized soon, following the approval from Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro to proceed with the remaining electrical supply arrangements. This update was provided by Joe Kenneth Arbas of SBK Construction Inc. during his visit to the Capitol on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Arbas explained that the final requirements include completing documentation and a resolution from the Provincial Board, which must also be submitted to the Cebu Electric Cooperative (Cebeco) to enable power provision to the project site. \"The Malabuyoc project is 100 percent complete except for the electricity connection. The Provincial Engineering office has confirmed that the necessary documents, including the board resolution authorizing the governor to transact with Cebeco for powering the transmission lines, have been submitted,\" Arbas stated. Despite the official completion target set for December, Arbas expressed optimism that the bulk water system will be operational before the year ends. While progress is evident for Malabuyoc, delays loom for the bulk water project in Alegria. Arbas noted potential termination of the contract with St. Gerard Construction General Contractor and Development Corporation due to licensing issues. \"They want us to discuss how to proceed after the cancellation of Discaya’s license. There is still significant work remaining, so they invited us to sit down and talk about the next steps given the license revocation,\" he revealed. He indicated that even if the current contract is terminated, SBK Construction Inc. intends to participate in any subsequent bidding process. Arbas hopes their license for provincial projects will be approved despite the controversy surrounding Discaya’s contractor. In light of ongoing investigations and hearings at the national level, Arbas emphasized the importance of distinguishing between responsible and irresponsible contractors. \"Not all contractors are bad; many depend on these projects for their livelihood and have incurred debts. Unfortunately, recent controversies have tarnished the reputation of contractors as a whole. Now, just mentioning the word 'contractor' evokes a negative image,\" he lamented.

Ryanair CEO Questions Future Operations in Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ryanair's Chief Executive, Michael O\'Leary, indicated on Thursday that the airline might not resume flights to Israel even after the current violence linked to the Gaza conflict subsides. Speaking in Dublin, O\'Leary expressed frustration with the treatment Ryanair has received from Israeli airport authorities. "There is a strong possibility that we won\'t return to Israel once the current conflict ends," O\'Leary told reporters. The airline had previously announced that it would not operate in Israel until at least October 25. O\'Leary specifically criticized Tel Aviv\'s Ben Gurion Airport for charging Ryanair the higher fees associated with the main terminal, despite the low-cost terminal being closed for security reasons. This policy has significantly impacted the airline\'s operational costs. "Unless the Israeli authorities improve their approach and cease to complicate matters for us, we see greater growth prospects across other European markets," he added. Ryanair\'s comments highlight ongoing challenges faced by airlines operating in regions affected by conflict and underscore the competitive dynamics within the European aviation sector.

Senate Criticizes Meta for Skipping Hearing on Online Gambling Proliferation

Senator Erwin Tulfo sharply criticized Meta for failing to appear at a Senate hearing on September 16, 2025, that scrutinized the unchecked spread of online gambling advertisements on Facebook. The hearing, held by the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement chaired by Tulfo, focused on the challenges posed by online gambling platforms, particularly those not licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor). A letter from Genixon David, Meta's Public Policy Manager for the Philippines, was read during the session in which the company expressed regret for not attending, citing unavailability of their experts located in Singapore and the United States due to prior commitments. Meta reaffirmed its dedication to supporting legislative requests and offered to meet separately with Tulfo’s office to discuss its policies and enforcement strategies. Tulfo rejected the offer, insisting that Meta cannot dictate the committee’s schedule. "No, no, no, committee secretary. Why are they dictating this committee kung kailan sila a-attend? That’s not an excuse," he stated forcefully. He emphasized his frustration noting that despite removing online gambling links from e-wallets like GCash and PayMaya, such content simply migrated to Facebook, where unlicensed platforms such as 1xBet continue to be promoted. Senator Risa Hontiveros supported Tulfo’s stance and formally pushed for a show-cause order to compel Meta’s representatives to attend future hearings. Tulfo underscored the gravity of the issue, highlighting that approximately 65% of Filipinos are engaged in online gambling, making it a national concern extending beyond Metro Manila. During the proceedings, Ronald Gustilo, a national campaigner from the Digital Pinoys civic group, revealed that illegal online gambling links are also being circulated through Facebook groups and messaging applications such as Telegram and Signal. "That’s exactly what I’m saying. I invited Meta, but they don’t want to show up here. This is probably the most absurd of all, and yet they still refuse to attend. You can see they’re being stubborn and want it on their own terms. They need to be spoken to directly," Tulfo remarked. The hearing also examined the impact of delisting online gambling links from e-wallet platforms. Pagcor Assistant Vice President Jessa Mariz Fernandez reported a 40 to 50 percent income decline in the two weeks following the removal of gambling payment options from platforms like GCash and PayMaya. Despite this, Pagcor reiterated its commitment to strict regulation of online gambling. Senator Hontiveros raised alarm over the high maximum betting limits allowed on these platforms, noting wagers can reach up to ₱500,000. She questioned whether the payment platforms view this as problematic. Representatives from PayMaya and GCash affirmed their opposition to any form of abuse on their systems. Toff Rada, Head of Corporate Affairs for PayMaya Philippines, stated, "We're in favor of measures that will curtail that kind of abusive behavior using our platform." Lawyer Gilbert Escoto, legal chief of G-Xchange, Inc. which operates GCash, added, "Any abuse or misuse of our payment system is suspended right away." The Senate hearing highlighted ongoing concerns over the regulation of online gambling advertisements and the need for greater accountability from social media companies hosting such content.

AMLC Considers Deploying Personnel in Casinos Amid Money Laundering Concerns

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is exploring the possibility of assigning personnel directly in casinos to strengthen oversight after allegations surfaced about dismissed public works officials reportedly laundering billions of pesos through casino transactions. During a Senate budget briefing on September 15, AMLC Executive Director Matthew David acknowledged that the council currently does not have representatives stationed in casinos. Under existing regulations, the AMLC is not mandated to deploy staff at gambling establishments tasked with monitoring suspicious activities. However, David noted that the agency is evaluating suggestions from senators to improve its tracking capabilities. Presently, casinos are obligated to report all transactions exceeding ₱5 million under the nation’s anti-money laundering framework. Despite this, David admitted the AMLC struggles to scrutinize every report due to the overwhelming number of submissions. Concerns about casino reporting arose after Senator Ping Lacson revealed that three former public works officials connected to dubious flood control projects reportedly lost ₱950 million in casino gaming between 2023 and 2025. These officials allegedly laundered funds by converting public money into casino chips and later cashing out disguised as gambling proceeds. The implicated individuals—former district engineers Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez, assistant engineer Japee Mendoza, and project engineer Arjay Domasig—have been dismissed and face criminal charges. They were reportedly nicknamed the "BGC Boys" by casino staff. Senator Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Senate Games and Amusements Committee, criticized casino compliance officers for failing to report suspicious transactions to the AMLC, suggesting possible collusion with the suspects. Gambling operators are required to perform Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures before allowing clients to make their first withdrawal. These measures include verifying identities and assessing risk levels. David emphasized, "The casino and its designated compliance officers are responsible for monitoring player transactions by conducting appropriate due diligence, whether enhanced or standard customer due diligence." The AMLC is also seeking to restore its budget from ₱170 million back to ₱333.1 million for 2026. David argued that boosting funding would enable the agency to better analyze and process transaction reports, enhancing its overall effectiveness in combating money laundering.

Cebu Pacific Reports Stable Passenger Numbers in August 2025 Amid Strategic Capacity Management

In August 2025, Cebu Pacific carried 2.1 million passengers, marking a marginal decline of 0.4% compared to the same month last year. Despite this slight drop, the airline achieved an increased seat load factor (SLF) of 83.7%, up from 81.3%, attributed to disciplined capacity management, as overall seat capacity reduced by 3.2% year-over-year. Domestic travel experienced a decrease of 4.4% in passenger numbers compared to August 2024, coinciding with a 10.7% reduction in available seats. This adjustment improved the domestic SLF by 5.7 percentage points to 87.6%, indicating more efficient fleet utilization. Conversely, international passenger traffic rose by 13.3%, supported by a 21.4% expansion in seat capacity. This growth temporarily lowered the international SLF to 74.2%, down 5.3 points from the previous year. From January through August 2025, Cebu Pacific transported 18.1 million passengers, up 15.2% from the same period in 2024. This includes 13.5 million domestic passengers, reflecting a 14.0% increase, and 4.6 million international travelers, a rise of 18.8%. Seat capacity for the year-to-date grew by 15.1% to 21.3 million seats, with an average SLF of 85.2% maintained. Cebu Pacific CEO Mike Szucs remarked on the August results, explaining, \"The softer August numbers reflect the traditional lean travel period in the Philippines, particularly for domestic routes. International demand remains robust, and we expect traffic to pick up strongly in the fourth quarter as peak season begins and aircraft availability improves. Our capacity adjustments in August — including moderated domestic growth, wet-lease arrangements, and scheduled maintenance — are strategic moves to ensure we are well-positioned to capture holiday travel demand.\" Key operational metrics show domestic passenger demand remains steady despite capacity cuts, while international markets exhibit strong growth backed by increased offerings. The airline's emphasis on optimizing seat load factor underscores its efforts to maximize efficiency and readiness for upcoming travel peaks.

BASF Vietnam Managing Director Named in Syndicated Fraud Case Linked to The Foundry

Frederick Raymundo Contreras, managing director of BASF Vietnam, has been implicated in a syndicated estafa case connected to The Foundry, a company linked to the Maria Francesca Tan (MFT) Group of Companies. The complaint, filed in Taguig last October, names Contreras and several other officers and directors of The Foundry as respondents. This legal action followed a similar case filed earlier this year in Lipa, Batangas. Both complaints surfaced shortly before Maria Francesca Tan, her siblings, and various company directors reportedly left the country. Authorities allege that key figures involved in The Foundry’s purported investment scheme maintain close ties with the MFT group. Contreras appears in the Taguig complaint but is not included in the Batangas filing. The Taguig case identifies respondents including Maria Francesca "Mica" D. Tan, Sito Cancio, Ronaldo G. Nery, Roxanne G. Agabayani, Christian Konstantin P. Agabayani, Christian Olan, Noel Olan, Joselito Hernandez Jr., Tito Cosejo Jr., in addition to Contreras. An affidavit reveals that investment documents from 2021 and 2022 were disguised as loans yet marketed as investment opportunities, promising returns. Contreras allegedly recruited the complainant in late 2020 with an initial investment of ₱1.035 million, guaranteeing a 1% monthly return paid quarterly over two years. Between January 2021 and May 2022, the complainant invested a total of ₱4.52 million under varying terms ranging from two to five years. The complainant received postdated checks from BDO and Asia United Bank as proof of investment. In August 2022, Contreras reportedly informed the complainant that the bank accounts had been closed but promised replacement checks, which were subsequently delivered in January 2023. That same month, Ronaldo Nery, finance officer-in-charge of The Foundry, issued a notice advising investors not to deposit these checks, citing financial difficulties caused by the ongoing pandemic. The complainant expressed grievances stating, \"The Foundry and Mr. Contreras defrauded me to part with my money when they issued useless postdated checks, many of which I never consented to, and provided empty promises of return on my investments.\" Requests for comment to Frederick Raymundo Contreras were made but no response was received at the time of publication.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures Earns Top ESG Ratings from MSCI and S&P Global

Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) has reaffirmed its position as a leader in corporate sustainability by maintaining an "A" rating from MSCI and receiving the highest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) score among Philippine industrial conglomerates from S&P Global. The latest ESG report from MSCI, published in August 2025, upheld AEV's "A" rating first awarded in September 2023. The report commended the company’s initiatives in clean technology and robust labor management. Notably, through its subsidiary AboitizPower, the firm is pursuing an environmental strategy aimed at achieving a balanced energy portfolio combining Cleanergy and thermal capacities by 2030. Complementing this, S&P Global granted AEV an ESG score of 52 out of 100, the highest in its sector within the Philippines and well above the industry average. The evaluation highlighted AEV’s excellence in customer relations, labor practices, occupational health and safety, business ethics, human capital management, and climate strategy. "These recognitions reflect the dedication of our people across the Aboitiz Group," stated Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz. "They affirm our genuine commitment to sustainability and responsible business, whether through accelerating renewable energy investments or ensuring inclusive growth that benefits the communities we serve." AEV’s achievements demonstrate its resilience in addressing ESG risks across its diversified portfolio, which includes power, banking, food, infrastructure, land, and emerging sectors such as data science and artificial intelligence as part of its transformation into the Philippines’ first "Techglomerate." The group continues its environmental stewardship through reforestation and watershed protection initiatives, dedicated to preserving ecosystems and natural resources for sustainable development. Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, AEV’s Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer, remarked, "Transparency and an unwavering commitment to excellence define our sustainability journey. Ratings from MSCI and S&P Global reinforce our responsibility to deliver long-term value for stakeholders while laying the groundwork for a better future." AEV also distinguished itself by demonstrating superior disclosure and data transparency compared to peers, strengthening its reputation for accountability and providing stakeholders with comprehensive insight into its sustainability performance. Across its operations domestically and internationally, Aboitiz Group integrates sustainability at the core of its business strategies. AboitizPower is investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure; UnionBank is enhancing financial inclusion through digital innovation; Pilmico Foods, Republic Cement, and Aboitiz InfraCapital are advancing food security, circular economy initiatives, and resilient infrastructure development; and Aboitiz Data Innovation leverages artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency and lower emissions. In addition, AEV is involved in local environmental programs such as the 55,000-hectare CarbonPH project in Cebu, supporting urban reforestation and mangrove restoration to offset carbon emissions and bolster community resilience over a 40-year horizon. These initiatives complement AboitizPower’s renewable portfolio and Battery Energy Storage System projects, reflecting a comprehensive approach to ecological responsibility. With distinguished accolades from both MSCI and S&P Global, Aboitiz Equity Ventures sets a benchmark for how Philippine conglomerates can lead in sustainable business practices. ### About Aboitiz Equity Ventures Aboitiz Equity Ventures is one of the Philippines’ foremost conglomerates with a legacy spanning over 100 years. Recognized among the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 and named one of the World’s Best Companies by Time Magazine, AEV holds strategic investments across power, banking and financial services, food and beverage, infrastructure, land, and emerging sectors such as data science and artificial intelligence. The company is renowned for exemplary corporate governance and sustainability standards and is actively pursuing its Great Transformation to become the nation’s first Techglomerate—harnessing innovation and technology to foster long-term value and community advancement. As a member of the United Nations Global Compact, the Global Compact Network Philippines Board of Trustees, the APEC Business Advisory Council, and the Council for Inclusive Capitalism, AEV promotes sustainability globally. Through its #OneAboitizSustainability Synergy model, the group is transforming its essential businesses toward stronger sustainability practices to create lasting positive impacts on society and the environment.

Jimmy Kimmel Show Suspended Amid FCC Pressure and Trump Criticism

LOS ANGELES – ABC has indefinitely suspended the late-night program "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after mounting pressure from conservative figures, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and President Donald Trump, escalating ongoing tensions around media freedom and political criticism. The suspension follows a controversial monologue by Kimmel on September 14, in which he criticized right-wing activist Charlie Kirk’s allies for politicizing Kirk's recent assassination at a Utah university. Kirk, who was shot while addressing a crowd, died earlier that week, and his death has intensified divides nationwide. President Trump, addressing reporters during a state visit to Britain, condemned Kimmel’s commentary, calling him "untalented" and accused broadcasters of unfairly targeting his administration. Standing alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump suggested that broadcasters who aired negative coverage should face license revocation. "I would think maybe their license should be taken away," Trump remarked, acknowledging that the matter would be referred to FCC Chair Brendan Carr. Carr has since warned local TV stations about Kimmel’s remarks, prompting major broadcasters such as Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group, both with pending FCC merger applications, to discontinue airing the program. ABC's decision affects its eight licensed local stations in key markets including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The move sparked protests outside the Hollywood studios where Kimmel’s show is filmed. Around 150 demonstrators rallied, holding signs that criticized both President Trump and Disney, ABC's parent company. Protester Laura Brenner voiced concern, stating, "When people can’t make fun of the administration, you know that we’re really going down a dark road." Former President Barack Obama, along with several prominent labor unions and advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, condemned the suspension as an infringement on First Amendment rights. Obama commented that the current administration has escalated "cancel culture" by threatening regulatory actions against media outlets to silence dissent. Since his return to office in January, President Trump has repeatedly challenged unfavorable media portrayals, threatening the revocation of broadcast licenses that are regulated by the FCC, an agency typically independent from political influence. Jimmy Kimmel’s criticism centered on how allies of Charlie Kirk were allegedly exploiting his death for political gain. The 22-year-old suspect has been formally charged with Kirk’s murder. Kimmel stated, "This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish." The incident has intensified an already fraught national dialogue on free speech, media independence, and political partisanship. Democrats argue that the administration's pressure constitutes an unconstitutional suppression of free expression, while some Republicans frame the backlash as a necessary stand against hateful rhetoric. The controversy continues to unfold as the nation grapples with the balance between political speech and media regulation.

Carmona Mayor Donates Robotics Equipment to Local High Schools to Boost Tech Education

Carmona Mayor Dahlia Loyola has demonstrated her commitment to advancing technology education by handing over robotics equipment to two high schools in the city. The recipient schools, Carmona National High School (CNHS) and Angelo L. Loyola Senior High School, received new robotics tools to aid their respective Robotics Teams. During the turnover ceremony, Mayor Loyola encouraged students to make the most of the new resources. She stated, \"Nawa\'y inyong pagyamanin ang mga kagamitan na ito para luminang ng inyong kaalaman at kasanayan sa mga makabago at napapanahong larangan gaya ng robotics.\" (May you enrich these materials to develop your knowledge and skills in modern and relevant fields such as robotics.) The mayor also reaffirmed the city government's ongoing support for initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and standards of education within Carmona, emphasizing the importance of equipping students with competencies relevant to contemporary technological advancements.