
Explore the World Expo: Significance of the Event / Venue to Share Solutions to Medical, Environmental Challenges Threatening Future of Humanity
£4.9m nuclear robotics and AI cluster to link Cumbria and Oxfordshire
Seibert misses an extra point late as the Commanders lose their 3rd in a row, 34-26 to the Cowboys LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game with 21 seconds left after Washington’s Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin connected on an 86-yard touchdown, Dallas’ Juanyeh Thomas returned the ensuing onside kick attempt for a touchdown, and the Cowboys pulled out a 34-26 victory Sunday that extended the Commanders’ skid to three games. Seibert was wide left on the point-after attempt following a bad snap. On the ensuing onside kick attempt, Juanyeh Thomas returned it 43 yards for a touchdown as the Cowboys ended their losing streak at five in improbable fashion. Earlier in the fourth quarter, KaVonte Turpin returned a kickoff 99 yards for a TD. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.SEVERAL increases in wealth tax rates proposed by the Department of Finance (DOF) are seen to raise P300 billion in revenues over the next five years. Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto told reporters that the proposed “Government Revenues Optimization through Wealth Tax Harmonization” (Growth) bill, formerly the “Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act” (Pifita), will generate about P300 billion from 2025 up to 2030. “We are raising new revenues. We’ve tweaked already the revenue measures,” Recto said, adding that the Pifita and the Capital Market Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA) spell revenue losses. As such, the DOF has harmonized the current 6-percent tax rates for capital gains, donor’s and estate taxes to a unified 10 percent. Capital gains tax is a tax applied to the profit earned from the sale of real property and stocks acquired in the Philippines. A donor’s tax is a levy on the donor transferring property to a person or institution as a gift, while an estate tax is imposed on inherited assets. The revised tax measures include a sunset provision until 2030, after which the rates will return to 6 percent unless extended by Congress, according to Recto. Moreover, interest on residents’ deposits under the foreign currency deposit system accounts will be taxed at 20 percent, up from 15 percent, to remove arbitrage opportunities. “Why should I favor the dollar over the peso? Why should the dollar have lower interest rates than the peso? Let’s equalize it to 20 percent with no exemptions,” Recto said. The DOF will also remove the exemptions in the gross receipts and withholding taxes but will keep the rates at 5 percent and 20 percent, respectively. “We do have a deficit and we still want to plug it so that we don’t have to borrow more,” the Finance chief said. Recto added that the public will not be affected by the proposed tax reforms since these are financial taxes, not consumption-based taxes. The proposed “Growth” bill is part of Package 4 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Package (CTRP). That package aims to harmonize the taxation of passive income and financial intermediaries by reducing and simplifying the complex tax system of financial transactions. The House of Representatives approved Pifita and CMEPA on final reading, while the Senate’s versions of the legislations are still in committee stages.In the shadowy world of Malawi’s fuel procurement, a fierce battle is unfolding—one that pits the nation’s highest office against a determined power broker in a fight for control over billions in fuel revenue. At the heart of this conflict is Colleen Zamba, the embattled Secretary to the President and Cabinet, whose smear campaign against President Lazarus Chakwera has become a full-blown media war. Her motive? To protect her alleged involvement in fuel cartels that have reportedly siphoned off over K60 billion from the nation’s coffers. Sources within the corridors of power say that the roots of Zamba’s campaign stretch back to a pivotal moment: President Chakwera’s decision to sideline her from any involvement in the country’s fuel procurement process. The decision was made last month when Chakwera announced the formation of a new Taskforce on Fuel Procurement, designed to tackle the ongoing fuel crisis that has left Malawians grappling with shortages, high prices, and corrupt dealings in the fuel supply chain. With Chakwera’s move, Zamba—once a central figure in the procurement process—was effectively removed from the decision-making table, an act that has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power. But rather than retreat quietly, Zamba has launched a ruthless counteroffensive, one that involves strategic media manipulation, covert influence over journalists, and carefully planted disinformation. Her goal? To tarnish the reputation of the President, discredit the new taskforce, and, in her own words, “expose” what she claims is a flawed and illegal system that bypasses proper protocols. In a bid to end the rampant corruption in fuel procurement, President Chakwera appointed Energy Minister Ibrahim Matola as the Cabinet-level coordinator, with Henry Kachaje, chairperson of the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), acting as the technical coordinator. The taskforce also includes figures such as Reverend Zac Kawalala, a Pentecostal cleric with a reputation for honesty, and Hellen Buluma, the former CEO of the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), who had previously implicated Zamba in shady fuel deals. With these figures at the helm, the taskforce has already signed agreements with fuel suppliers in Kenya, Abu Dhabi, and the UAE, shifting the country toward government-to-government fuel supply agreements that cut out the middlemen, including those allegedly connected to Zamba’s operations. This direct approach is designed to save Malawi from the massive financial losses it has suffered in recent years, with experts predicting that it will lead to better fuel availability and lower prices by December. But Zamba, whose influence over the country’s fuel procurement had been long established, is determined to maintain her grip on the lucrative business. And she has begun her battle by targeting the individuals leading the charge for change. A key source close to the taskforce revealed the extent of Zamba’s campaign, which operates like a well-oiled machine, drawing on her vast network of contacts and influence. According to the source, Zamba is using a combination of bribery, manipulation, and media control to undermine the taskforce and cast doubt on its integrity. “She is paying senior journalists and editors at leading media outlets to run negative stories about the taskforce,” the source disclosed. “These stories are not based on fact, but on rumors and innuendos that paint the taskforce as corrupt, illegal, and bypassing protocols. She is also talking to influencers on social media, telling them that the taskforce’s work is not legitimate. The aim is to disorient the public and create a sense of chaos around the taskforce.” Indeed, over the past few weeks, negative stories about the taskforce have flooded the media, with reports claiming that the team is overstepping its mandate, that its members are unqualified, or that the government-to-government agreements with foreign suppliers are part of a secret deal to funnel money to “unscrupulous individuals.” These narratives, though lacking concrete evidence, have been picked up by various outlets, fueling skepticism among the public. One particularly damaging smear claimed that the inclusion of Reverend Kawalala in the taskforce was nothing more than a ploy to hide the President’s true intentions, implying that Chakwera was using the cleric to shield the taskforce from scrutiny. Another report suggested that the new procurement model would lead to widespread fuel shortages rather than solving the crisis. These stories are also designed to cause friction between Chakwera and his key allies within the taskforce, such as Minister Matola and Prince Kapondamgaga, the President’s Chief of Staff. Zamba’s strategy, according to insiders, is to divide and conquer by sowing discord among those closest to the President. For Zamba, the stakes are high. The fuel procurement process is a highly profitable industry, and her alleged ties to various fuel cartels have raised questions about her financial interests in maintaining the status quo. The claims of shoddy deals, inflated prices, and kickbacks in the past fuel procurement arrangements have made Zamba a controversial figure. According to one source, Zamba has been accused of manipulating contracts and siphoning off state funds through a network of intermediaries who controlled the flow of fuel imports. “It’s no secret that Zamba has made millions from fuel deals over the years,” said a senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Her network is vast, and it’s well-known that she’s used her position to secure lucrative commissions and kickbacks. The taskforce is a direct threat to that power.” Zamba’s supporters, however, argue that her removal from the procurement process is politically motivated. They claim that Chakwera’s decision to form the taskforce was not based on a desire for reform, but on personal vendettas and a power struggle within the ruling party. Chakwera’s Stance: Standing Firm Despite the onslaught, President Chakwera has remained resolute in his support for the taskforce. Sources at State House suggest that Chakwera is determined to see the reforms through, confident that figures like Hellen Buluma, Ibrahim Matola, and Reverend Kawalala have the experience and integrity to break the stranglehold of corruption in Malawi’s fuel industry. “Zamba’s attacks will not deter us,” said a senior official within the taskforce. “We have a clear mandate from the President to overhaul the fuel procurement system and ensure transparency. The taskforce is working hard, and we will deliver results. The media campaign is simply a distraction.” As December approaches and the new fuel procurement model takes effect, Malawians will be watching closely. Will Zamba’s smear campaign succeed in destabilizing the taskforce and halting the much-needed reforms, or will the President’s bold move to clean up the fuel sector finally bear fruit? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the battle for control over Malawi’s fuel industry is far from over. Sharing is caring!COLEEN Rooney burst into tears during an emotional reunion with her two youngest sons in the I’m A Celebrity jungle camp last night. She was stunned to see eight-year-old Kit and Cass, six , appear with her mum Colette McLoughlin . Advertisement 6 Coleen Rooney had an emotional reunion with her youngest sons Kit and Kass in the jungle Credit: Rex 6 Coleen was shocked at seeing her two sons enter the jungle Credit: Rex They were sneaked in by producers for a special friends and families reunion episode after spending nearly four weeks apart. Wag Coleen, 38, became a blubbering wreck when she left the Bush Telegraph and saw Colette, 62, sitting on the Leaders’ Lodge throne. She ran and hugged her, then said: “I don’t want you to leave me now.” As Coleen prepared to chat to her mum, Kit and Cass shouted: “Boo!” — making their mum hysterical. Advertisement read more on i'm a celeb GAGGING WAG Watch I'm A Celeb's Coleen almost VOMIT as she drinks crocodile anus jungle return Tulisa to make final I'm A Celeb appearance after quitting Australia Cheeky Kit said “She stinks” as he embraced his mother — and told her he won a football match. Kit got emotional and nodded after Coleen asked if he had scored. In tears, she told him: “I’m crying because I’m happy. "I’ve missed you so much!” Advertisement Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 GAGGING WAG Watch I'm A Celeb's Coleen almost VOMIT as she drinks crocodile anus Exclusive PRICE-LESS We had I’m A Celeb’s only REAL romance...I'm sad we don’t speak, says Katie Price Exclusive roo-union Coleen Rooney set for emotional I'm A Celeb reunion with youngest sons TONIGHT loved up I'm A Celeb's Maura Higgins confirms Pete Wicks romance After giving them a tour of the camp — as Cass sported her jungle hat — they said their goodbyes, with Coleen telling them the countdown to Christmas will kick off soon. She left their £20million Cheshire home to fly to Australia on November 11. I’m A Celebrity’s multi-millionaire Coleen Rooney shocks fans as she reveals surprise place she does her shopping After landing the next day, she had her belongings confiscated — including her phone — and has not spoken to loved ones since. The Sun on Sunday revealed last month Coleen would be surprised by her two lads and Colette , once there were around five or six celebs left in camp. Advertisement Last week, Coleen — also mum to Kai, 15 , and Klay, 11 — admitted she had suffered a “wobble” while thinking about her children. She has been wearing a necklace with her four boys’ names on, which she touches as a sign to let them know she is thinking of them. One of the younger lads had been “really quiet and subdued” back home without mum around, but both were delighted to see her again. Their ex-England star dad Wayne, 39, was with them back home last month, but is currently living 270 miles away in Devon, where he is the boss of Plymouth Argyle . Advertisement He is not able to fly to Oz with his family because of a hectic fixture schedule, with crucial matches coming up as his team bids to stave off relegation from the Championship. The other celebs, meanwhile, also got the chance to see their loved ones again. 6 Coleen rushed to hug her children and mum Colette McLoughlin Credit: Rex 6 Coleen with Colette, Kit, and Cass in the Bush Telegraph Credit: Rex Advertisement McFly singer Danny Jones embraced wife Georgia and their six-year-old son Cooper, while Dancing on Ice judge Oti Mabuse had a reunion with husband Marius Iepure . The friends and families special featured on the show in 2023 for the first time in five years. In 2018, ex-footie manager and SunSport columnist Harry Redknapp broke down in tears when he got to see his wife Sandra. Last night’s reunion was made even sweeter for Coleen after she did a grim Dreaded Dreggs drinking challenge in a Bushtucker Trial with the Rev Richard Coles. Advertisement At one point, she looked like she was about to throw up . On the menu were blended pig’s testicles and six cups of blended cockroaches. Read more on the Scottish Sun DARR-ARGH! Weather maps reveal exact date Storm Darragh to hit Scots with rain, wind & SNOW 'SICK BEYOND BELIEF' Cops probe footage 'showing Scots woman having sex with XL Bully dog' The pair won the maximum six stars for a camp meal, plus a bonus star. 6 Coleen told their boys the countdown to Christmas will kick off soon Credit: Rex Advertisement 6 Husband Wayne wasn't there in the jungle Credit: Rex I'm A Celebrity 2024 i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."
NASSAU, Bahamas — Scottie Scheffler birdied every hole but the par 3s on the front nine at Albany Golf Club on Friday and finished his bogey-free round with an 8-under 64 that gave him a two-shot lead in the Hero World Challenge. Two months off did nothing to slow the world's No. 1 player. Scheffler already has eight victories this year and is in position to get another before the end of the year. Scheffler was at 13-under 131, two ahead of Akshay Bhatia (66) and Justin Thomas (67), both of whom had to save par on the 18th hole to stay in range going into the weekend. Scheffler started with a lob wedge to 2 feet for birdie and never slowed until after he went out in 29 to seize control of the holiday tournament against a 20-man field. Scheffler cooled slightly on the back nine, except it didn't feel that way to him. "Front nine, just things were going my way. Back nine, maybe not as much," Scheffler said. "A couple shots could end up closer to the hole, a couple putts go in, just little things." Asked if he felt any frustration he didn't take it lower — he once shot 59 at the TPC Boston during the FedEx Cup playoffs — Scheffler sounded bemused. "I think in this game I think a lot of all y'all are looking for perfection out of us," he said. "Today I shot 8 under on the golf course, not something I hang my head about. A lot of good things out there — clean card, bogey-free, eight birdies. Overall, I think I'm pretty pleased." Thomas felt his 67 was stress-free, particularly the way he was driving the ball. The wind laid down again, rare for the Bahamas, though it is expected to pick up on the weekend. Thomas wasn't concerned to see Scheffler get off to a hot start, especially with three par 5s on the front nine and a short par 4 that at worst leaves a flip wedge to the green. "You literally can birdie every hole as soft as the greens are," Thomas said. "He's a great player, a great wedge player, and you have a lot of birdie holes to start. I'm honestly surprised he only shot 8 under. It's a sneaky course because if you fall asleep on some shots, you can get out of position. But if you're on and focused and really in control of everything — like these last two days with no wind — you can just make so many birdies." Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley had a 67 and was four shots behind. No matter how benign the conditions, it wasn't always easy. Cameron Young, who opened with a 64 for a two-shot lead, followed with a 75 despite making five birdies. That included a double bogey on the final hole when his approach tumbled down the bank into the rocks framing the lake that goes all the way down the 18th hole. Patrick Cantlay was trying to keep pace playing alongside Scheffler, but he had three bogeys over the final seven holes and fell seven shots behind with a 71. The tournament, hosted by Tiger Woods, is unofficial but offers world ranking points to all but the bottom three players because of the small field. It's the weakest field in 25 years, but Scheffler at No. 1 gives it enough cachet. He is the first player since Woods in 2009 to start and finish a year at No. 1 in the world. And even after a layoff — giving him time to tinker with a new putting stroke — it looks like it might be a while before anyone changes that. Get local news delivered to your inbox!iShares U.S. Energy ETF (NYSEARCA:IYE) Shares Sold by Avior Wealth Management LLCChhapra: Deputy chief mechanical engineer of the Rail Wheel Plant in Bela, A K Tripathi , was felicitated with the prestigious " 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar " by railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at a function in New Delhi on Saturday. Highlighting Tripathi's contributions, Uttam Kumar Singh, chief public relations officer (CPRO) of the Rail Wheel Plant, said, "Tripathi has introduced several innovative methods to enhance income and efficiency in production while reducing consumption." "Under his leadership, the plant's income has increased by more than 72%. He has implemented digital work processes, improved energy efficiency and enhanced production capacity through advanced technological skills," the CPRO added. Chhapra: Deputy chief mechanical engineer of the Rail Wheel Plant in Bela, Saran district, A K Tripathi, was felicitated with the prestigious "69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar" by railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at a function in New Delhi on Saturday. Highlighting Tripathi's contributions, Uttam Kumar Singh, chief public relations officer (CPRO) of the Rail Wheel Plant, said, "Tripathi has introduced several innovative methods to enhance income and efficiency in production while reducing consumption." "Under his leadership, the plant's income has increased by more than 72%. He has implemented digital work processes, improved energy efficiency and enhanced production capacity through advanced technological skills," the CPRO added. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
U.S. companies borrowed 8.7% more to finance equipment investments in November compared with the same period a year earlier, the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association said. New loans, leases and lines of credit signed up by companies in November rose to $10.36 billion, from $9.53 billion in the year-ago period. The Washington-based trade association, which reports economic activity for the more than $1 trillion equipment finance sector, also said that credit approvals for U.S. companies were at 74% in November this year. The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, ELFA’s non-profit affiliate, said its confidence index for December reached a fresh three-year high, indicating that executives expect continued strength in lending volumes and further improvements in financial conditions. The ELFA CapEx Finance Index of leasing and finance activity is based on a 25-member survey which includes Bank of America, as well as the financing units of Caterpillar, Dell Technologies, Siemens AG, Canon and Volvo AB. Source: ReutersCANDID MOMENT Albay Gov. Greco Lagman (left) and former Gov. Noel Rosal in a friendly chat during the press conference in Legazpi City on Thursday where Lagman announces his decision to withdraw from Albay’s gubernatorial race and back the candidacy of Rosal for the post. —MICHAEL JAUCIAN LEGAZPI CITY – Suspended Albay Gov. Greco “Grex” Lagman has withdrawn from the 2025 gubernatorial race to support former Gov. Noel Rosal, setting the stage for a direct contest between Rosal and incumbent Rep. Joey Salceda. At a press conference at the Oriental Hotel on Thursday, Lagman called on his supporters to rally behind Rosal, noting the need to protect Albay from leaders who, he said, “use their positions for personal gain.” “By stepping down, I’ve asked all my leaders and supporters to back Rosal. We need to unite to protect Albay from politicians who use power for personal gain,” Lagman said. The Lagman-Rosal alliance reshapes Albay’s political landscape, paving the way for a tightly contested 2025 gubernatorial race against Salceda, himself a former governor and a seasoned politician, and an economist who has held sway in both national and local political scenes. Both Lagman and Rosal are currently embroiled in legal and political challenges. Rosal, who was elected governor in May 2022, was unseated from his position after the Commission on Elections (Comelec), in November that year, nullified with finality his victory violating the Omnibus Election Code when he and wife Carmen Geraldine, distributed cash assistance to tricycle drivers and senior citizens during the election period that year. Carmen, who was running for and eventually won as mayor of the provincial capital Legazpi City in 2022, was also disqualified along with her husband, then the city’s outgoing mayor. READ: Ex-Albay gov withdraws from gubernatorial race, endorses Rosal for 2025 The couple’s disqualification in the 2022 elections was later affirmed by the Supreme Court. But the Rosals legal woes did not end there. In August this year, the Office of the Ombudsman also found Noel and Carmen guilty of administrative charges for reassigning government officers when they took office in 2022—Noel as governor and Carmen as mayor of Legazpi City. In a joint resolution dated Aug. 29, the Ombudsman ordered Carmen’s suspension from her post for one year after she was found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Noel was ordered dismissed from service after being found guilty of grave misconduct, oppression and two counts of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Additionally, the Ombudsman imposed a fine on Noel equivalent to one year’s worth of his basic salary, to be deducted from his benefits or leave credits. Despite his dismissal, Noel filed his candidacy for governor for the 2025 elections, having obtained a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court against the Comelec resolution that disqualified Rosal from running in next year’s polls. Lagman, who took over after Rosal’s victory was annulled, also found himself suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman on Oct. 18 this year for allegedly accepting approximately P8.16 million in payoffs from “jueteng,” an illegal numbers game, during his tenure as vice governor of Albay. Lagman’s suspension followed a graft case filed against him related to these allegations. According to Lagman, his decision to step down was a “strategic move, not a concession.” “There is strength in unity. Standing with Rosal affirms that the people—not political tricks—should decide who leads Albay,” Lagman said. He added: “Not everyone has Albay’s best interests at heart. What’s best for Albay transcends personal ambitions. My goal is not just to win, but for Albay to truly succeed.” According to Lagman, by withdrawing from the race, he had not given up on his dreams for Albay. “On the contrary, I want to ensure that our vision for the province is realized through meaningful alliances with those who genuinely care for Albay’s future,” he said. Lagman described his action as “a strategic one aimed at securing Albay’s success.” “By stepping aside, I can now focus on supporting candidates who truly have the people’s best interests at heart,” he said. Rosal expressed his gratitude for Lagman’s endorsement, describing it as a “bold decision and a supreme sacrifice.” “That wasn’t an easy decision for him, but it shows his dedication to the people of Albay,” Rosal said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . He added: “We need real democracy to save our province from corruption.”