BY ALEX LAGON
Power system operator and transmission service provider NGCP has implemented the necessary preparations and precautions to minimize the impact of Tropical Depression Verbena on transmission operations and facilities.
Preparations include ensuring the reliability of communications equipment, availability of hardware materials and supplies necessary for the repair of damage to facilities, as well as the positioning of line crews in strategic areas to facilitate immediate restoration work.
NGCP’s Integrated Disaster Action Plan (IDAP) prescribes these and other procedures to ensure the readiness of all power transmission facilities expected to be affected by the passage of the weather disturbance.
BY ALEX ALAGON
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THIS SUNDAY marks the second year of the Joint Statement on a common vision for peace that was signed by representatives of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDFP). The statement was a sign of hope that both Parties will return to the negotiating table and work for a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict that has been raging in the country.
However, since then, there have been no official word from both parties on the progress of backchannel talks or if there is any progress at all.
Instead, on May 2, 2025, the government released Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 83, also known as the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development 2025–2028 (NAP-UPD). The implementation of the NAP-UPD is under the leadership of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), a government arm that is notorious for red-tagging and excessive spending.
Meanwhile, reports continue about armed clashes between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the New People’s Army (NPA).
Moreover, violations of human rights and international humanitarian law persists and those responsible are not held accountable. The socioeconomic situation continues to worsen with a growing percentage of our people rating themselves as poor. The increasing presence of US troops in the country amidst the growing tensions with China is undermining the country’s sovereignty and supposedly independent foreign policy. The country’s vulnerability to climate change and outright devastation of communities has been exacerbated by the systematic and rampant corruption in government which has been exposed of late because of substandard and even non-existent flood control projects. These issues are the same problems that have fueled the armed conflict in the country for decades and they are causing much public outrage today.
It is in this light that the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform call on both Parties to return to the formal negotiating table. These issues can be addressed by the substantive agenda of the formal peace negotiations: 1) respect for human rights and international humanitarian law; 2) socio-economic reforms; 3) political and constitutional reforms; and 4) end of hostilities and disposition of forces.
As church leaders, we also affirm the essential role of stakeholders/peace advocates to actively accompany the negotiations by being well-informed of its progress or non-progress. We can be counted on to encourage both Parties to create and maintain a more favorable and conducive atmosphere including proposing and pushing for goodwill and confidence-building measures by either or both Parties. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 14:19 NIV)
The message God sent to the people is clear announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all (cf. Acts 10:36 NIV). As Advent Season approaches, which starts on November 30, we must continue to pray and work for peace.
Issued and signed on this day, 22nd of November, 2025
(Sgd.)
Archbishop Emeritus Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ., DD
Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro
Co-chairperson, PEPP
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines
(Sgd.)
The Rt. Rev’d. Rex B. Reyes, Jr.
Co-chairperson, PEPP
Ecumenical Bishops Forum
(Sgd.)
Rev. Dr. Aldrin Penamora
Executive Director
Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Commission and the Theological Commission of the Phil. Council of Evangelical Churches
(Sgd.)
Ms. Minnie Anne Mata-Calub
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in the Philippines
(Sgd.)
Sr. Mary John D. Mananzan, OSB
Office of Gender Commission – CMSP
(Sgd.)
Most Rev. Bishop Emeritus Deogracias S. Iniguez, Jr., DD
Ecumenical Bishops Forum
ON THIS somber 16th commemoration of the Ampatuan Massacre, the Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) stands in solidarity with the families of the 58 victims. We remember their courage, mourn their loss, and condemn the entrenched system of impunity that enabled this atrocity and continues to plague our nation .
On November 23, 2009, the world witnessed one of the single deadliest attacks on journalists and civilians in history. The Ampatuan Massacre was a stark, brutal demonstration of how fascist mechanisms are weaponized by political dynasties to silence dissent and protect their power. It was impunity in its most violent form.
Sixteen years later, this impunity remains the dominant currency of a corrupt political system. The same system that bred the Ampatuan warlordism—a system built on political dynasties, the consolidation of power, and the corruption of public institutions—is the very source of the massive corruption scandals rocking the nation today. The brazen plunder of public funds and the grotesque misuse of government programs are not isolated ills; they are the logical, insidious extension of the same culture of entitlement and unaccountability that led to the murder of 58 innocent people.
The massacre and the massive corruption are fruits from the same poisonous tree. The tree is a system where power is treated as a personal inheritance, state resources as a private treasury, and the law as a weapon against the people rather than a shield for them. The warlord who orders a massacre to secure an election and the official who diverts billions from the public coffers operate on the same core belief: that they are above the law.
Honoring Our Fallen Legal Companions
The UPLM specifically honors and mourns our two colleagues, fellow lawyers who were brutally murdered that day.
· Atty. Connie Brizuela, our founding member and treasurer, was a pillar of UPLM—a fierce advocate for human rights and a dedicated legal warrior for the marginalized in Mindanao. Her murder was a direct attack on the legal profession and on every lawyer who dares to challenge this corrupt and violent system .
· Atty. Cynthia Oquendo-Ayon, a courageous lawyer and a strong advocate for women’s and children’s rights, was also killed alongside her father, Catalino Oquendo . In her final, desperate moments, Atty. Oquendo-Ayon used her cellphone to send text messages that would become a crucial instrument of justice. Her pleas—”Kidnap me with tatay… Advise client Ampatuan. Tama na, pls, we myt (might) get killed they r (are) firing,” and her final message, “Many people killed, I’m next”—were later admitted as evidence that helped convict the principal masterminds . Her final act of bearing witness from the massacre site itself stands as a powerful testament to her bravery and a damning indictment of the killers.
The absence of Atty. Brizuela, Atty. Oquendo-Ayon, and all the victims is felt every day, but their spirit of relentless service and courage fuels our resolve.
Today, we see the same fascist tactics used in Ampatuan being refined and deployed nationwide: the red-tagging of activists and lawyers, the filing of fabricated charges against dissenters, and the use of state power to protect the corrupt and persecute the critical . The unbridled corruption we witness is possible only because impunity has been normalized, from the highest offices down to local dynasties.
The UPLM hereby declares:
1. We will never forget. We will forever honor the memory of Atty. Connie Brizuela, Atty. Cynthia Oquendo-Ayon, and all the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre. Their fight for truth and justice is our fight.
2. We demand full accountability, from Ampatuan to Malacañang. The conviction of a few principals is not the end of justice. We demand the swift resolution of all pending Ampatuan cases and, with equal fervor, demand an end to the high-level corruption that starves our people. All perpetrators, whether they wield guns or pens, must be held to account .
3. We condemn the system that breeds impunity. We call for the dismantling of all private armies and the end of the political dynasties and warlordism that suffocate democracy. We demand a complete overhaul of a system that allows power to corrupt with absolute impunity.
4. We vow to continue the struggle. In the face of threats and a corrupted system, the UPLM remains steadfast in its mandate to provide legal defense for the poor and the oppressed. We will use the law to challenge both the bullet and the bribe, to fight the violence of the warlord and the theft by the corrupt.
The memory of the 58, and of our dear colleagues Attys. Brizuela and Oquendo-Ayon, is a burning flame that guides our path. It is a constant reminder that the struggle against a system of impunity—whether it kills with brutality or with corruption—is a struggle we must and will win.
Justice for the Ampatuan 58!
Justice for Atty. Connie Brizuela and Atty. Cynthia Oquendo-Ayon!
End the System of Impunity and Corruption!
References:
Atty. Antonio C. Azarcon
UPLM Chair
Contact: +639199124767
Atty. Arvin Dexter M. Lopoz
UPLM Spokesperson
Contact: +639260583542
Makati, Philippines — The Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP) held the Sustainability Summit 2025 on 12 November 2025 at Makati Diamond Residences, convening leaders from business, government, development organizations, and civil society. The Summit demonstrated how the Philippines can move Forward Faster toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a unified, multi-sector approach at a time when global progress continues to fall behind.
Anchored on the Forward Faster initiative of the UN Global Compact, the Summit outlined how the private sector can accelerate SDG progress through measurable commitments in five priority areas: Climate Action, Gender Equality, Living Wage, Water Resilience, and Finance & Investment. These accelerators reflect the clearest pathways for business to drive meaningful impact between now and 2030.
The Urgent Imperative
GCNP Chairperson Ma. Victoria Tan opened with a call for urgency, noting that only 18% of global SDG targets are on track and urging companies to move “from declarations of intent to demonstrable action.” She emphasized the country’s growing momentum in sustainability but warned that progress remains slow without stronger multisectoral collaboration.
UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral, represented by Matija Kovač, reinforced that message, citing Philippine innovations in circularity, digital inclusion, gender equality, and renewable energy as proof that the country is becoming a regional driver of SDG action—capable of turning global ambition into local impact.
Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, one of GCNP’s founding members, called for a shift “from voluntary virtue to verified impact.” Reflecting on the UN Global Compact’s 25-year journey, he underscored that embedding sustainability requires difficult trade-offs and leadership alignment, but results in more resilient, future-ready business.
The Blueprint for Collective Action
The plenary then moved toward coordinated national action. Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje outlined how the Philippines is operationalizing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, emphasizing that climate finance must be traceable to measurable outcomes.
DEPDev Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon followed with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, stressing alignment between national priorities and private sector innovation from renewable energy and green infrastructure to circular systems and sustainable agriculture.
The plenary then moved to one of the Summit’s key segments, the GCNP CEO Forum, featuring next-generation leaders from major Philippine conglomerates. Moderated by journalist Howie Severino, the panel brought together Jaime Urquijo of Ayala Corporation, Cecile Ang of San Miguel Corporation’s New NAIA Infrastructure Corp., Jessica Sy of SM Prime Holdings and SM Development Corp., and Rafael Fernandez de Mesa of Aboitiz Land and Aboitiz Economic Estates.
They underscored that sustainability is now embedded in strategy and governance. Urquijo noted, “What is good for the planet can also unlock efficiencies and competitiveness.”
Ang highlighted San Miguel’s approach to nation-building: “Every major project we build, from airports to expressways, must contribute to resilience and leave no one behind.”
Sy highlighted SM’s broad customer-facing impact: “Sustainability is not an afterthought; it is in the architecture, the supply chain, and the experience of every person who enters an SM property.”
Fernandez de Mesa underscored the Aboitiz Group’s transformation: “Technology allows us to reimagine sustainability as the new measure of performance.”
Arthaland Sustainability Head Samantha Pobre reinforced that sustainability is a core driver of competitiveness and investor confidence. She encouraged companies to begin with deliberate, incremental steps, noting that “sustainability is the smartest investment we can make.”
DTI Assistant Secretary Grace Baluyan reiterated that MSMEs (99.5% of Philippine enterprises) must be at the center of the green transition. She outlined efforts to equip MSMEs with clean technologies, access to green finance, and integration into sustainable value chains.
From Commitment to Action
In the afternoon, UN Global Compact Head for Asia and Oceania, Neha Das, emphasized that Forward Faster provides companies with clear, practical guidance for SDG-aligned action. Three parallel sessions followed on climate and water resilience, gender equality and living wages, and SDG-aligned finance and investment, each offering concrete steps companies can adopt to align with Forward Faster priorities.
GCNP Spotlight Sessions from Lloyd’s Register Foundation and IRRI showcased innovations in ocean safety and methane reduction in rice systems. GCNP Board Secretary Melissa Vergel de Dios followed with a testimony on how GCNP programmes supported PLDT’s sustainability journey, ending with ESG Data Specialist Erich Lagura’s presentation of PLDT’s disaster monitoring system—a model for technology-driven community resilience showcased at the Leaders Summit in New York.
The Summit concluded with the Forward Faster Commitment Wall, where participants pledged concrete actions aligned with the five accelerators. GCNP Board Treasurer Dr. Hian Ho Kua closed with a call for collective leadership: “Forward Faster is not a slogan. It is shared responsibility, courage in action, and hope in motion.”
A surge of community support marked the province’s campaign against illegal drugs as 3,000 residents participated in the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro’s “KALAMBOAN: Dagan Kontra Droga 2025” fun run.
Far from being just a fitness event, the run became a display of strong collaboration among various sectors, including youth groups, civic organizations, government workers, and families, who gathered to highlight the shared responsibility of keeping communities drug-free.
Participants filled the provincial capitol grounds this morning, transforming the area into a sea of runners.
Governor Raul Mabanglo said the turnout reflected the public’s commitment to helping curb illegal drug use in the province. He also expressed gratitude for their active participation in a unified single advocacy “raising community awareness on the importance of fighting illegal drugs for a healthier and safe environment for all.”
Security personnel and volunteer marshals ensured a smooth and safe activity throughout the route.
The success of the event underscores the province’s ongoing commitment to sustaining peace and promoting further development in Davao de Oro.
MANILA, Philippines — HUAWEI continues to pave the way for smartphone innovation with bold creativity and groundbreaking photography as it introduces the HUAWEI nova 14 Series. Designed to empower users who aim to express themselves without limits, the newest addition to the HUAWEI nova Series comes with a fresh design identity along with advanced portrait photography innovations and intuitive AI enhancements.
The HUAWEI nova 14 Series is set to launch in the Philippines this Nov.27.
The HUAWEI nova Series’ selfie evolution that powers youth self-expression
The HUAWEI nova Series has always pushed the limits of front-facing cameras. It started with the first dual front cameras on the HUAWEI nova 2s, introduced night selfies with the HUAWEI nova 5, added 3D stereo vision with the HUAWEI nova 9, and brought full focal-length coverage and precise autofocus with the HUAWEI nova 10.
Since then, the series has inspired creativity and self-expression. The HUAWEI nova 9 Series featured a 32 MP front camera, the HUAWEI nova 11 Series upgraded to a 60 MP Ultra-Wide camera, and the nova 13 Series introduced AI Best Expression, which helps everyone look their best in group photos.
With the unveiling of the HUAWEI nova 14 Series, HUAWEI welcomes a bold new era as it takes its legacy further than ever by merging revolutionary front-face imaging technology with AI-powered capabilities to make every selfie better than ever before. By continuing to harness trendsetting aesthetic design, while advancing the front-face imaging capabilities on smartphones, the HUAWEI nova Series has become synonymous with confidence and creativity, empowering the youth to capture and express their best selves.
HUAWEI nova 14 Series: Smarter, faster, true-to-life shots with King of AI Selfies
Crowned the “King of AI Selfies,” the HUAWEI nova 14 Series redefines what it means to capture your best self. Built for those who express boldly and live vividly, the smartphone lineup fuses pro-grade imaging with next-generation AI innovation.
Leading the lineup is the HUAWEI nova 14 Pro, which pioneers a groundbreaking 50MP Front AI Portrait Dual Camera, with 50MP Ultra Portrait Autofocus Camera and 8MP Close-Up Portrait Camera. This front-facing dual-camera innovation captures every detail within an astoundingly huge range.
It also introduces the industry’s first Ultra Speed Snapshot on both front and rear cameras, ensuring that every motion or fleeting glance is preserved in perfect clarity. With its industry-first 0.8x to 5x selfie camera zoom range, it allows users to effortlessly shift from intimate close-ups to expansive group portraits while still capturing every detail in stunning clarity.
Fully claiming its title as the King of AI Selfies, the HUAWEI nova 14 Series takes front-camera experience to the next level with a suite of AI-powered tools that transform how users capture and refine their snapshots.
AI Best Expression analyzes every frame in a burst, pinpointing every person’s most flattering angles to ensure selfies always look perfect. AI Beauty Effect enhances features with natural, studio-grade refinement to give users the confidence to capture their best selves. For creative control, AI Remove intelligently erases unwanted objects or background distractions with a single tap, making sure selfie photos always look clean, sharp, and ready for posting.
The HUAWEI nova 14 Pro elevates the mobile photography experience to new creative heights with an Ultra Chroma Camera on its rear. This flagship-level Ultra Chroma Camera uses 1,500,000 spectral channels to capture photos with lifelike colors with up to 120% improvement in color reproduction accuracy, allowing users to capture what they see.
Dynamic crystal design
The HUAWEI nova 14 Series’ new Ice Crystal Texture brings its signature trendsetting vision to life, giving the phone a dynamic, shimmering finish, bringing to life the youthful, bold spirit that defines the HUAWEI nova Series.
The HUAWEI nova 14 Pro stuns with a 6.78” Flawless Quad-Curved Display, while the HUAWEI nova 14 sports a 6.7” OLED Flat-Edge Screen. Available in Crystal Blue, White, and Black, the HUAWEI nova 14 Series lineup is made for trendsetters.
Beyond its stunning design and advanced imaging capabilities, the HUAWEI nova 14 Series also promises a smarter, more seamless, and more secure smartphone experience through its upgraded EMUI 15.
A large 5500mAH battery with 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo powers the HUAWEI nova 14 Pro and HUAWEI nova 14. A quick 38-minute charge brings the battery to 100%.
A new era of self-expression awaits
Packing a powerful, AI-enhanced selfie performance, the HUAWEI nova 14 Series is set to transform the way users capture and create in today’s day and age while forwarding HUAWEI’s vision of empowering users to express their truest selves through innovative technology.
Prepare your best angles and stay tuned as the King of AI Selfies, HUAWEI nova 14 Series is slated to be officially unveiled in the Philippines this Nov. 27, 2025.
BY ALEX ALAGON
