BY ALEX ALAGON
It’s all systems go for the 29th Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles Elite Invitational Golf Tournament that will bring together Mabuhay Miles Elite, Premier Elite and Million Miler members for a day of friendly competition at the world-class layout of The Orchard Golf and Country Club in Cavite on November 4.
Golfers seeing action at the greens are from the Philippines, Japan, Australia, and the United States.
Carrying the theme Flight of Champions, the 18-hole tournament has, since its inception in 1992, been graced by leaders in business and various other fields.
Mr. Justin Warby, PAL Vice President for Sales, will be among the executives hitting the ceremonial drive before the shotgun starts at the Player and Palmer courses.
“We continue the PAL tradition of giving back to our most valued passengers by way of a tournament that promotes camaraderie, fellowship, and sportsmanship,” said PAL Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez.
“We promise our players a day of heartfelt care and Filipino hospitality just like what we provide on every Philippine Airlines flight,” he added.
The line up of awards include Over-All Net Champion, Over-All Low Gross Champion, Class A, B, C & D Champion, 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up Seniors Champion, Ladies Champion, Sponsor/Guest Division Champion and a fun competition for Nearest to the Pin, Longest Drive, Most Number of Eagles, Birdies, Pars and Bogeys.
The day culminates with the awarding and fellowship ceremonies with PAL and Mabuhay Miles providing top notch entertainment.
Philippine Airlines and Mabuhay Miles have partnered up with Get Go Golf Carts and Okada Manila for their Hole-In-One prizes.
Joining the event as Gold sponsors are PowerMac, Discovery Hospitality Corp., South Palms Hotel, Banwa Private Island, and Anantara. Silver Sponsors are HSBC, Newport World Resorts, United Colors of Benetton, and East Ocean Palace Restaurant.
Dusit International, Marco Polo Hotels, Winford Hotel, Club Wyndham, Rudy Project, Asia Brewery, Tanduay, UCC Coffee, Nathan Famous Hotdog and I AM Worldwide are joining as Donors.
In 2025, the Philippines’ top finance superapp marked key milestones with recognitions from the HR Asia Awards, Stevie® Awards for Great Employers, Quill Awards, Economic Times Human Capital Awards, Asia CEO Awards, and World Business Outlook Awards
Fueled by a strong focus on people, innovation, and purpose, GCash recently earned multiple global recognitions in 2025. The Philippines’ leading finance super app achieved a remarkable three-peat as Gold Employer of the Year at the Stevie® Awards for Great Employers. It also brought home six additional wins at the Stevie® Awards, made its debut at the Economic Times Human Capital Awards in Southeast Asia, bagged two awards at the Philippine Quill Awards, and clinched three major honors at the World Business Outlook Awards.
Together, these milestones reflect the growing influence of GCash as a people-powered and purpose-driven organization shaping both the fintech industry and the future of work.
Raising the bar for workplace excellence in Asia
GCash continues to show that investing in its people and culture creates lasting impact. By prioritizing employee well-being and harnessing digital innovation, the company has strengthened its position as one of the region’s most admired employers.
This commitment was recognized at the HR Asia Awards 2025, where GCash also earned its third consecutive title as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia. The company also received the HR Asia Tech Empowerment Award, showcasing its innovative use of technology, from Glean for knowledge management, GitHub Copilot for developers, and Gemini for AI-assisted tasks, to the Gen AI-powered AGA 2.0 HR helpdesk, to enhance both employee experience and operational efficiency.
Showcasing Filipino HR leadership on the global stage
On the international front, GCash demonstrates how Filipino HR practices can excel within global standards.Its efforts to strengthen leadership, empower employees, and introduce forward-looking programs have made waves beyond the Philippines. At the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Great Employers, GCash Chief People Officer Robert Gonzales was named Silver Stevie® winner for Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) of the Year, a recognition that underscores the vision and leadership driving the peopleagenda of GCash. In addition, GCash won four distinctions, including Gold for Employer of the Year in Financial Services for the third consecutive time. It was also honored for its initiatives in HR technology, leadership development, and corporate learning.
Recognizing excellence in employee engagement
Building on its commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and connected workspace, the Employee Experience and Communications Team was also recognized at the Philippine Quill Awards for its excellence in Diversity and Inclusion for the True You campaign, which celebrates and empowers employees to embrace their authentic selves while promoting a culture of inclusion. In addition, the team was also honored for its excellence in Communications for the Web for GDispatch, a web-based internal communications platform that delivers timely updates and resources to keep employees informed, connected, and engaged across the organization
Spotlighting next-generation HR leaders in Southeast Asia
The impact of GCash is also seen in the rise of its future HR leaders. By encouraging growth and creating opportunities, the company continues to nurture the next wave of talent, shaping its people-first culture.
This was recognized at the Economic Times Human Capital Awards Southeast Asia, held in Singapore, where GCash earned multiple honors. Among them were Gold and Silver awards for Emerging HR Leaders, namely GCash Employer Marketing Manager Jill Ison and GCash Head of Talent Acquisition Joey Agarao, alongside distinctions in reward strategy, wellness initiatives, and employer branding. These recognitions shine a spotlight on the evolving practices and leaders that will carry the organization forward.
Building on its commitment to employee wellness and excellence, GCash is honored to be named the Grand Winner for Wellness Company of the Year at the 2025 Asia CEO Awards.
This award affirms the company’s dedication to creating a workspace where well-being, growth, and genuine connection are at the heart of its business. Through holistic programs such as Alagang GCash, the company champions employee health, mental wellness, and work-life integration, empowering every employee to thrive both professionally and personally.
Further, GCash’s people-first culture, inclusive environment, and continuous investment in leadership development have strengthened engagement and retention, creating a workspace where everyone can succeed and grow together.
Together with the GCash Barkada, GCash continues to redefine workplace excellence and set a new standard for how organizations can genuinely take care of their people while driving meaningful impact for the nation.
Driving financial inclusion and innovation across APAC
Beyond its people and communications practices, GCash reinforces its efforts to make financial services accessible to all and has transformed how millions of Filipinos save, borrow, invest, and transact daily.
At the 2025 World Business Outlook Awards, GCash earned three distinctions: Best Cashless Mobile Financial Platform, Best Fintech Solutions Provider, and Best Finance Super App. These accolades underscore the platform’s role in promoting financial inclusion while strengthening the Philippines’ profile in the global digital economy.
From nurturing inclusive workplaces to championing purpose-driven initiatives and exploring new frontiers in financial innovation, GCash is evolving with a steady focus on shaping the future of both fintech and people development.
For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.
A HIGHLY decorated military strategist instrumental in declaring Basilan as Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-free and playing a crucial role in directing operations during the 2017 Marawi Siege has taken the helm of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division.
Brigadier General Alvin V. Luzon, a magna cum laude graduate of the Philippine Military Academy “Bantay-Laya” Class of 1994, officially assumed command as the division’s 17th commander on Wednesday, vowing to sustain the gains in maintaining an insurgency-free region.
Before taking the helm of the Agila Division, Brigadier General Luzon served as Commander of the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade.
He previously held other key leadership positions, including senior military assistant to the officer-in-charge of the Department of National Defense (DND) and assistant chief of Staff for operations (G3), Philippine Army.
He has been at the forefront of major counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, most notably in Basilan, where he played a decisive role in the neutralization of Mudzrimar “Mundi” Sawadjaan, one of the most notorious terrorists in Southern Mindanao.
His leadership was instrumental in the successful declaration of Basilan as ASG-Free on June 9, 2025.
Luzon also previously commanded the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion and the 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion.
During the 2017 Marawi Siege, he served as assistant chief of Unified Command Staff for Intelligence (U2) and Operations (U3) at the Western Mindanao Command, where he played a crucial role in directing the overall operational campaign.
In his assumption speech, Luzon reaffirmed his commitment to sustain the gains in maintaining an insurgency-free region, emphasizing unity and shared purpose among the Agila Troopers.
“Like an eagle in flight, our Division must move with unity, purpose, and strength—each wing, each feather, each movement working in harmony toward a common goal,” he said.
Immediately after the ceremony, Brigadier General Luzon presided over his first Command Conference with 10ID officers, where he issued his initial command guidance.
He introduced his leadership mantra, A.G.I.L.A., which stands for Accountability, Growth, Integrity, Loyalty, and Achievement through Excellence.
This guiding philosophy encapsulates his vision for a disciplined, competent, and mission-focused Agila Division.
Under this principle, every Agila Trooper is expected to take responsibility for their actions, pursue growth, uphold integrity, remain steadfast in loyalty, and strive for excellence in all endeavors to achieve collective success.
Luzon’s return to Davao carries a sense of familiarity and continuity.
Earlier in his career, he was assigned to the region as Brigade Executive Officer of the 105th Infantry Brigade from Basilan, which was later realigned under the 10th Infantry Division to form the present-day 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade.
PHILIPPINE Army Commanding General Antonio Nafarrete led the change of command and retirement ceremony for Major General Allan D. Hambala at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., Mawab, Davao de Oro, on Oct. 29, 2025.
The ceremony marked the end of Hambala’s illustrious military career, spanning 38 years, 8 months, and 28 days of dedicated service to the nation.
It was during this event that Brigadier General Alvin Luzon formally assumed command as the 17th commander of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division.
Nafarrete lauded Hambala for his leadership and commitment to peace and stability in Mindanao.
“On this occasion, the organization expressed appreciation for the numerous sacrifices and the direction and guidance of our very distinguished and fine gentleman,” Hambala.
“More importantly, this ensures continuity not only in command but also in direction and implementation,” he said.
Under Hambala’s command, the 10th ID recorded decisive accomplishments in the campaign against insurgency, resulting in “zero active New People’s Army (NPA) units” status.
His command also oversaw nine Bukidnon towns declared insurgency-free, while maintaining the peace gains in Davao Region and Cotabato—proving the 10th ID’s steadfast commitment to lasting peace and development in Mindanao.
In his farewell message, Hambala thanked the officers, soldiers, and civilian personnel of the 10th Infantry Division who stood with him throughout his command:
“Today, I am filled with both pride and humility—pride for what we have accomplished together, and humility for having had the honor to lead and walk the journey with the fine men and women of this division who stood shoulder to shoulder in the field.”
THE PROVINCIAL government of Davao de Oro declared a state of calamity through a Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution on Oct. 24, 2025.
The resolution was the result of the recommendation by Governor Raul G. Mabanglo based on the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council situational progress report on Oct. 21, 2025, after the Magnitude 7.4 and M6.8 earthquakes last Oct. 10.
The province sustained three deaths, 30 injuries, and 113 illnesses or health consequences.
It also reported 75,535 families affected, representing 281,424 individuals.
Of the number, 777 families or 3,070 individuals took shelter in evacuation centers and
51,608 families or 183,352 individuals stayed with their relatives and friends.
A total of 175 out of 237 barangays, or 74% in all 11 municipalities, were affected.
For properties, 232 were totally damaged houses and 12,164 were partially damaged houses.
It also reported a total of 336 schools affected (234 elementary, 74 high school, 28 integrated school).
For infrastructure, 14 bridges, 21 roads, 24 government buildings, 33 barangay halls, 77 other government facilities, 55 churches, and six irrigation systems were affected.
The state of calamity expires the delivery of services to the affected individuals and communities to alleviate the impacts caused by the Earthquake.
- One driver fails PDEA XI’s random drug test for long holiday
A PUBLIC utility vehicle (PUV) driver from Tagum City tested positive for an illegal substance during the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) XI’s surprise drug sampling ahead of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day observance.
Dubbed “Oplan Harabas,” the operation caught the suspect from a batch of drivers tested on Oct. 28 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) XI immediately confiscated his driver’s license pending the mandatory confirmatory test.
Oplan Harabas is an operation of PDEA XI, in coordination with the LTO and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), to ensure the safety of the commuters for the Undas holiday.
According to the PDEA XI report, the surprise drug tests were conducted in the following:
- Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) & GMall terminal: Of the 77 drivers tested, all results were negative.
- Davao del Norte (Tagum City): One driver tested positive out of 84 drivers tested on October 28.
- Davao del Sur: All 29 drivers tested returned negative results.
The report notes 69 additional drivers tested across the region whose results were all negative.
The PDEA XI said that drivers who test positive in the confirmatory test will face immediate sanctions, including the temporary revocation of their license and mandatory enrollment in a rehabilitation program before being allowed to get behind the wheel again.
Fifty years of excellence is no small feat. For Aboitiz Construction, this golden milestone celebrates five decades of building not just projects, but partnerships, trust, and a lasting legacy of purpose.
As the construction arm of the Aboitiz Group—one of the country’s largest and most diversified conglomerates—the company has grown from its beginnings in 1975 as Gorones Development Corporation into one of the Philippines’ most trusted and forward-looking construction and maintenance firms.
Guided by its core values, Aboitiz Construction continues to evolve with the changing needs of industries and communities, delivering quality projects that help businesses prosper and communities thrive.
Built on the strength of people
Behind every milestone are the people who made it possible. Aboitiz Construction’s success is deeply rooted in the hard work, resilience, and dedication of its Kaubans, partners, and clients.
“As we mark our 50th year, we not only look back on what we’ve built — we celebrate how we’ve built it. Every project, every partnership, every success has been engineered for excellence — guided by precision, driven by craftsmanship, and delivered with purpose. Our work is a promise: that what we build will last, that what we create will uplift, and that what we deliver will leave a lasting impact for clients and communities alike,” said Anton Perdices, director, president, and chairman of Aboitiz Construction.
Contributing to progress across the Philippines
In line with its purpose, Aboitiz Construction continues to deliver projects that create lasting value for industries and communities. With a strong presence in heavy industries, light industries, and infrastructure, the company has several ongoing and recently completed projects across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—contributing to nationwide growth and job generation.
In Tarlac, Aboitiz Construction is spearheading the land development of TARI Estate in Tarlac City, transforming it into a premier industrial hub. In Batangas, the company is developing 217.5 hectares within LIMA Estate, driving industrial expansion and employment in the region. It is also leading the design and construction of the new Lemon Square manufacturing facility for Big E Food Corporation, further strengthening its light industry portfolio. In Mindanao, Aboitiz Construction recently completed the DICT Bulk Terminal berth expansion in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, and the Lagonglong Port project in Misamis Oriental, improving logistics efficiency and boosting local economic activity.
Expanding capabilities and strengthening partnerships
Beyond construction, Aboitiz Construction continues to broaden its expertise in industrial maintenance and facilities management. It supports a number of AboitizPower’s generation facilities nationwide, including coal, heavy fuel and geothermal plants. The company also provides site maintenance services for the water treatment plant of Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. and in a nickel mine and processing facility in Claver, Surigao del Norte.
In addition, Aboitiz Construction partners with Aboitiz InfraCapital for Integrated Facilities Management at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and with Republic Cement for maintenance and site services—further strengthening its role in promoting operational excellence and sustainable industrial growth.
Commitment to safety and quality
Safety remains a cornerstone of Aboitiz Construction’s operations. From 2022 to August 2025, the company recorded 35 million safe man-hours across all project sites—reflecting its commitment to ensuring every Kauban returns home safely.
Recently, Aboitiz Construction was recommended for recertification of its Integrated Management System (IMS) after a zero nonconformity audit covering ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards. This achievement underscores the company’s dedication to safety, quality, and environmental excellence—further strengthening client trust and operational reliability.
Recognized for Excellence
Aboitiz Construction’s achievements have earned recognition both locally and internationally. The company received a Gold Stevie® Award for Company of the Year (Materials and Construction) and a Bronze Stevie® Award for Support Department of the Year at the 22nd Annual International Business Awards®. It was also named among the Best Employers in the Philippines for 2026 by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista.
Locally, its Safety Health Environment and Safety Month initiative was honored with a Silver Anvil Award for sustainability communications at the 60th Anvil Awards, further proof of the company’s commitment to promoting safety, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.
A vision for the next 50 years
Looking ahead, Aboitiz Construction remains steadfast in its purpose. As it embraces the next 50 years, the company aims to further strengthen its role in driving sustainable growth, job creation, and innovation within the construction industry.
“Fifty years is not just a milestone—it’s a reminder of who we are and why we build. Every project, every partnership, and every Kauban represents our shared commitment to create positive impact. As we look ahead, we remain focused on building smarter, safer, and more sustainable solutions for generations to come,” shared Antonio Peñalver, executive director of Aboitiz Construction. “
Aboitiz Construction continues to build for businesses to prosper and for communities to thrive. Its legacy of excellence, anchored on the passion and unity of its people, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when purpose drives progress.
As Aboitiz Construction enters its next chapter, one thing remains certain—it will continue to be Engineered for Excellence, today and for the next 50 years and beyond.
SO THE Supreme Court has approved new rules of extradition of Filipinos. It is A.M. No. 22-03-29-SC.
It says “only Philippine Courts, not the Executive Branch, can authorize the surrender to foreign jurisdiction.”
The rule further says that the Department of Justice has to file a petition before a Regional Trial Court, which alone may issue arrest warrants and approve extradition after a final judgment.
What exactly is the reason for this action by the Supreme Court? Is it triggered by the controversy of the arrest (or was it surrender?) of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
If it is, then it is too late for the same ruling to be invoked by those who questioned the former President’s handover – if we may call it that – to the said international litigating body.
According to the Supreme Court itself, the Rules will take effect in November 2025 or several months after the Duterte “surrender” to the ICC based in The Hague, Netherlands.
With the late rules issuance it appears that the Supreme Court is “too late the hero” as far as the former President’s case is concerned.
Nonetheless, some top officials associated with the former leader’s war on illegal drugs could benefit from it.
By the wa,y extradition is defined in Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary as “an act of handing over a suspected criminal by an authority, or a state to another, usually covered by a treaty, for the alleged crime/s committed to be tried.”
Whether those who are working for the return of the former President to the Philippines by the ICC can still make something out of the new Supreme Court rules, we really have no idea, not even an iota of it.
We can only hope the former President’s lawyers still can.
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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is appealing to the public, especially to those who are recipients of food pack assistance and other relief items, not to make fun of the aid from the government.
Well, we believe that in times of calamity, when food is hard to come by and there is an extreme need for survival, any assistance deserves the beneficiary’s appreciation.
Or are some victims’ political affiliation and partisanship playing a major role in their mockery of the food packs coming from the government?
It is our personal take that being so cocky or selective in appreciating relief goods, especially food items, during the most trying times of people’s lives is not appropriate. Whatever help comes during deadly calamities deserves appreciation if only for the victims to tide over while in the initial days of recovery; more so if the magnitude of the disaster is massive and the number of victims is huge.
But of course, there are those who refuse to see the real situation and allow their prejudices to rule over their hearts and minds.
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News report: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirms that three (3) air assets associated with former Partylist congressman Zaldy Co, a leading suspect in the multi-billion-peso corruption allegations, have already flown out of the country.
We can recall that the air assets of the former congressman were ordered grounded after the corruption cases blew wide open to the public. Who gave the clearance to the pilots of the air assets of Co to come out of the hangar and fly out of the country?
Without doubt, this incident is another case of conspiracy by some personalities running the airport operation and the henchmen of the top corruption suspect.
This should be investigated by the rightful body, and whoever is responsible for the flight out of the country should be held accountable.
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Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Bong Go were two of the principal sponsors in the wedding of a military officer in Quezon City last Tuesday.
The two posed in stride with the newlywed and with some of the new couple’s closest of relatives.
Now they may already be friends, although a few weeks before, the VP strongly denied that the Senator is her friend and supporter, saying Go is a friend (and supporter, of course) of his father, former President Duterte.
TALK TO any driver about the rules of the road nowadays, and along with the straight answers, you’re bound to get a ‘what rule are we talking about?’ kind of comment from a lot of them. Oftentimes, I particularly like to think it’s close to anarchy out there sometimes. From out of the gates, it’s wild open country. In worst cases, the bitterness one feels at how drivers behave leaves one to actually believe the term ‘road courtesy’ is one fat oxymoron, or a contradiction in terms.
Many a time, I would catch my son (and myself included) muttering loudly while a white SUV cuts us off, even if we were already mid-way in our left or right turn. A closet conspiracy theorist that he is, he always thinks it’s white SUVs, always.
Truth is, the plot thickens because it’s actually vehicles of all shapes, both public and private, that qualify in the roles of road thugs. Here, let us not fail to include those pesky single motorcycles that gather in droves, to that list.
These two-wheelers’ most disturbing maneuver thus far is weaving through the line of vehicles stuck in traffic, as though they were the only ones with the divine right to be at their destination on time. If by chance (which is twice already in our case), they nick your side mirror, they just politely wave and unceremoniously speed from sight like that were a minor thing. In some cases, the offending rider pleads his case.
We’re not about done with these incidences of discourtesies, if one agrees to call them that. Those we’ve mentioned so far are perhaps not at the same boss level as that of those by public utility vehicles.
From three-wheeled to buses, it’s capital E for entitlement. Never mind the old argument that these are working-class heroes and should thus be treated a little differently and with respect. In the case of tricycles, it is glaring to note that whenever there’s a checkpoint up ahead, there’s a long line of them by the side of the road leading to it waiting for the authorities to leave.
Obviously, these tricycles are either lacking registration papers or licenses. Meanwhile, Jeepneys, on the other hand, park and queue wherever they deem fit, completely disregarding road signs. They overtake and overspeed from one stop to another, competing with other jeepneys, often disregarding the rights of pedestrians in lanes intended for them.
Lastly, the boss animal buses play elephant bullies while they inch slowly in your lane, using their size and girth. With that, we’re categorically done talking about road rules and the drivers and their machines that are supposed to be under them.
Yet, it’s never fair if we omit the riding public in this discourse.
END OF PART ONE
