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Concerns over possible political interference resurfaced on Friday after anti-corruption groups and some lawmakers raised questions about farm-to-market road (FMR) projects that they say show signs of overpricing and irregular allocation, and urged investigators to ensure any inquiry remains independent.

The groups pointed to the Supreme Court’s standards for prosecuting plunder cases, citing the 2017 ruling in Macapagal-Arroyo v. People (G.R. No. 220598), which stressed that prosecutors must identify a specific public officer who allegedly amassed at least ₱50 million through a series of criminal acts — the so-called “main plunderer” requirement.

Legal observers said the guideline is critical in multi-respondent cases because complaints may fail if they do not clearly specify who supposedly accumulated the alleged ill-gotten wealth.

The renewed calls followed remarks by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who has cited FMR projects in Camarines Sur, Albay and Bulacan that he said appeared significantly above typical cost benchmarks, including projects reportedly priced at ₱30 million or more.

One project cited by critics is a 287-meter FMR in Tacloban City, Leyte, which received ₱100 million under the 2024 national budget. Advocacy groups said the project’s price tag warrants closer review, given its size and comparable road costs elsewhere.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) — which approves FMRs under the National Farm-to-Market Road Network Plan 2023–2028 — has not publicly detailed the costing basis for the Tacloban project. The DA is headed by Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Laurel.

Some watchdogs said that prior media reports describing Laurel and former Speaker Martin Romualdez as long-time associates have heightened calls for “no-whitewash” safeguards, arguing that investigators should demonstrate independence to avoid any perception of favoritism.

“Regardless of personalities involved, the public expects a thorough review of approvals, costing, and beneficiaries,” one coalition said, urging authorities to make project validations and bill-of-quantities accessible for independent scrutiny.

Romualdez, Laurel, and former congressman Zaldy Co have been named by critics in connection with the broader allegations, though no formal plunder case has been confirmed by authorities as of Friday. The Office of the Ombudsman and the DA have yet to issue official statements on any prospective filings.

Business News Philippines

Event Video to be Available on YouTube for a Limited Time
From Saturday, November 15 to Sunday, November 30

Report on the public recording of a chat and dramatic reading by popular voice actors Miina Tominaga, Kaori Nazuka, and Tomohiro Yamaguchi

TOKYO, Nov 20, 2025 – (JCN Newswire) – Anime Tokyo Station, an exhibition center for Japanese anime operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Association of Japanese Animations, has welcomed many visitors from Japan and overseas as a facility that promotes the appeal of Japanese anime to the world under the motto, “Making ANIME more interesting, Bringing ANIME far into the future.”

On Tuesday, November 4, the official Anime Tokyo Station YouTube channel hosted the public recording event “Anime Tokyo Station Autumn Festival.” Approximately 50 visitors selected by lottery attended and enjoyed the event.

At the event, voice actor Miina Tominaga served as the host, with guests Kaori Nazuka and Tomohiro Yamaguchi making an appearance. To commemorate the second anniversary of Anime Tokyo Station, Miina Tominaga and Kaori Nazuka were dressed in kimono, while Tomohiro Yamaguchi appeared in a white tuxedo—reportedly his first time wearing one in his life.

The next chat featured a discussion of “Favorite Anime” in connection with Anime Tokyo Station. The topic was “The Anime That Inspired You to Pursue Voice Acting.” Kaori Nazuka answered with “Ojarumaru,” which was both her debut work and favorite anime since childhood. “When I was in my first year of middle school, I appeared in a musical. Back then, I had the opportunity to perform alongside Ayaka Saito (who was appearing in “Ojarumaru” at the time). The director of “Ojarumaru,” Akitaro Daichi, came to see that stage performance and scouted me as a voice actor. When I made my debut, I was shocked by how bad I was (laughs),” she commented. Tomohiro Yamaguchi answered with “Utawarerumono,” “My Bride is a Mermaid,” “Mobile Suit Gundam,” and “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.” He said that when he watched late-night anime again as an adult, he was “shocked by how fascinating it was.” He became obsessed with “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion,” which featured Kaori Nazuka, and would even leave his part-time job early to watch it. “It’s no exaggeration to say I’m doing this job now thanks to Miina and Kaori,” he said, and the venue erupted in laughter.

Following the chat, legendary voice actor Masako Nozawa sent a congratulatory message celebrating Anime Tokyo Station’s second anniversary. Miina Tominaga shared her thoughts: “Receiving Masako Nozawa’s words of praise, encouragement, and support energizes us every single year! We always receive so much power from her.”

During the press photo session, a surprise appearance by Maruko from “CHIBI MARUKO-CHAN” drew voices of excitement from the audience as she struck numerous poses for the cameras, hyping up the venue.

During the latter half of the event, Miina Tominaga, Kaori Nazuka, and Tomohiro Yamaguchi delivered a live performance of “Kumo no Kiremani (A Break in the Clouds),” the third installment in the “Arashi No Yoru Ni (One Stormy Night)” series of dramatic readings that also drew attention at the Anime Tokyo Station Tanabata Festival. Accompanied by live percussion, original background music, and sound effects, their performance was packed with realism. The audience gathered at the venue listened quietly to this rare dramatic reading, and a huge round of applause erupted after it ended.

Following the dramatic reading, Yuichi Kimura, author of the “Arashi No Yoru Ni (One Stormy Night)” series, appeared for a chat. He shared his thoughts: “It was wonderful. Out of all seven volumes, this one is the most understated. Yet your performance was incredibly interesting and funny. I was able to see my work in a new light.” The three performers, who had been nervous about performing in front the author, responded, “We were nervous about doing this in front of you, so thank you very much.”

Footage of this event will be made available on the official Anime Tokyo Station YouTube channel for a limited time from Saturday November 15 to Sunday, November 30. Furthermore, the three dramatic readings—including those performed at previous events—of the first three volumes of “Arashi No Yoru Ni (One Stormy Night)” will be screened at the “Anime Watch Party: Extra Special Edition” on Friday, November 21.

Please take this opportunity to enjoy Anime Tokyo Station content, either at the facility or on YouTube.

Overview of the Anime Tokyo Station Autumn Festival Video

Available on the Anime Tokyo Station official YouTube channel for a limited time only
Period: Saturday, November 15, 2025 to Sunday, November 30, 2025
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJOjGJE5Yiqw3PZ97AVdJw (In Japanese)

Venue Overview

Name:	Anime Tokyo Station (also known as “Anime Tokyo”)
Location:	Floors B1 to 2F of Tokyu East 5 (2-25-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo) *4 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station
Hours:	11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last admission: 6:45 p.m.)
Closed:	Mondays *If Monday falls on a holiday, the venue will be open on Monday and closed on the following day New Year’s holiday period May be closed on other days Please check the venue website before coming.
Admission fee:	Free
Website:	https://animetokyo.jp/en/
SNS:	X｜https://x.com/animetokyo_info (@animetokyo_info) Instagram｜https://www.instagram.com/animetokyostation/ (@animetokyostation) YouTube｜ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJOjGJE5Yiqw3PZ97AVdJw

Inquiries regarding this press release
Public Relations Office of “Anime Tokyo Station” (Kyodo PR)
Contact person: Miri Yasuda
E-mail: animetokyo-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp

Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20251120_2.pdf

Collect coins and build an “Anime Card” collection!

TOKYO, Nov 20, 2025 – (JCN Newswire) – Anime Tokyo Station (2-25-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo) is an anime exhibition facility dedicated to Japanese anime content, which has developed a passionate fan base both in Japan and abroad. Since its opening, the venue welcomed over 220,000 visitors from around the world. With the concept of rediscovering the appeal of anime, Anime Tokyo station is expanding its presence to Roblox, one of the world’s leading immersive platforms, by releasing interactive games that allow players to explore the charm of Japanese anime and the world of Anime Tokyo Station itself. On November 3, 2025, at 3:00p.m. (JST), Anime Tokyo Station will launch ANIME☆SKILL TCG, a new game that lets player enjoy learning about the anime production process. This release also expands the ANIME☆OTODAMA map, further enhancing the Anime Tokyo Station experience on Roblox.

Come visit Anime Tokyo Station in the metaverse and experience the diverse appeal of Japanese anime through gaming.

For more information on how to play the game and upcoming version updates, please visit the ANIME TOKYO STATION ON ROBLOX special page within the Anime Tokyo Station website.

ANIME TOKYO STATION ON ROBLOX special page: https://animetokyo.jp/en/roblox/

Title	ANIME TOKYO STATION
Stage 2	ANIME☆SKILL TCG
Release date	November 3, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (JST)
Platform	Roblox (iOS, Android, PC, PlayStation5, PlayStation4, Xbox One)
Genre	Party game
URL	https://www.roblox.com/games/85319291338189/ *You will need to download the Roblox app and register an account to access the game.

『ANIME☆SKILL TCG』

This update introduces the new game, ANIME☆SKILL TCG. Players can earn coins by exploring town areas and completing mini games. Using these coins to purchase card packs, players can obtain Anime Skill Cards, each themed around a different stage of the anime production process. These cards allow players to learn how anime is made while playing the game. By combining collected cards, players can create Anime Cards that showcase character designs and world settings enhanced with animated effects. Collect a variety of Anime Cards and rediscover the magic of anime! Through the unique game experience only at Anime Tokyo Station—a facility dedicated to sharing the appeal of anime—knowledge and insight about animation are also being shared within Roblox.

Location Scouting Game 

Help characters in need (production staff) within the game and earn coins!

Find and click the designated locations to successfully complete location scouting missions!

Take on a variety of location scouting challenges!

Collect Anime Skill Cards and Build Your Deck!

Anime Skill Cards depict the tools, professions, and creative roles necessary for creating anime. Collecting 12 of these cards and arranging them in sequence to form a deck will represent the anime production process. Plus, by skillfully constructing your deck, you can even unlock high-rarity anime cards!

Combine Decks with Unique Cards to Get Anime Cards 

Combining your deck with two unique cards enables you to create anime cards. Unique cards are rare cards that can occasionally be obtained by purchasing card packs with coins. To create anime cards, you need to acquire two types: Character Cards and World/Theme Cards. When you create an anime card, the character’s background story and world settings not depicted on the card will be animated by combining still images, transforming into a special card. Be sure to collect lots of anime cards.

ANIME☆OTODAMA and ANIME☆SKILL TCG Linked!

The map from the game ANIME☆OTODAMA, previously available at Anime Tokyo Station on Roblox, will now be linked to the new game ANIME☆SKILL TCG! Aside from being able to travel to the new game ANIME☆SKILL TCG, players can purchase special items in ANIME☆OTODAMA that can be used in ANIME☆SKILL TCG.

Information on Version Updates and Release Campaigns

For information on gift campaigns within Roblox and upcoming version updates, please visit the official website and official X account.
Special website page: https://animetokyo.jp/en/roblox/
Official X account: https://x.com/animetokyo_info (@animetokyo_info)

What is Roblox? 

As of the end of December 2024, Roblox is the world’s fastest-growing immersive social platform. It is available in 190 countries and 16 languages, and has roughly 90 million daily active users (as of November 2024). It is particularly popular with young people. Users spend an average of 2.4 hours a day in Roblox, and total play time is on the rise, increasing 24% year-on-year. In Roblox, users can enjoy both gaming and social features. It is particularly popular in the U.S. and Canada, and in Asia, is rapidly growing in Japan and India. Its Japanese user base has grown 56% year-on-year. Roblox is also starting to be used for education, business, and community revitalization, and expectations are high for its continued future expansion.

Venue Overview

Name:	Anime Tokyo Station (also known as “Anime Tokyo”)
Location:	Floors B1 to 2F of Tokyu East 5 (2-25-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo) *4 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station
Hours:	11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last admission: 6:45 p.m. last admission for special exhibitions: 6:30 p.m.)
Closed:	Mondays *If Monday falls on a holiday, the venue will be open on Monday and closed on the following day New Year’s holiday period May be closed on other days Please check the venue website before coming.
Admission fee:	Free
Website:	https://animetokyo.jp/en/
SNS:	X｜https://x.com/animetokyo_info (@animetokyo_info) Instagram｜https://www.instagram.com/animetokyostation/ (@animetokyostation) YouTube｜ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJOjGJE5Yiqw3PZ97AVdJw

Inquiries regarding this press release
Public Relations Office of “Anime Tokyo Station” (Kyodo PR)
Contact person: Miri Yasuda
E-mail: animetokyo-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp

Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20251120_1.pdf

– Offer Price Ranges from HK$10.18 to HK$10.99 per Share

Highlights of the Global Offering:

• The Hong Kong Public Offering is expected to close at 12:00 noon (at 11:30 a.m. for completing electronic applications under the White Form eIPO service) on Wednesday, 19 November 2025;
• Number of Offer Shares under the Global Offering: 500,000,000 Shares (subject to the Over-allotment Option);
• Number of Hong Kong Offer Shares: 50,000,000 Shares (subject to reallocation);
• Number of International Offer Shares: 450,000,000 Shares (subject to reallocation and the Over-allotment Option);
• Offer Price Range: HK$10.18 to HK$10.99 per Share;
• The Shares will be traded in board lots of 500 Shares each;
• Maximum net proceeds will be approximately HK$5,312.8 million (before any exercise of the Over-allotment Option);
• Dealings in the Shares on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are expected to commence on Monday, 24 November 2025;
• China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited and Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited are the Joint Sponsors.

Chuangxin Industries Holdings Limited (the Company, HKG: 2788) announces its Global Offering and the listing of Shares on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the Hong Kong Stock Exchange).

Chuangxin Industries Holdings Limited is an integrated enterprise group with a core focus on the aluminum industry, focusing on alumina refining and aluminum smelting within the upstream of the aluminum industry chain. The Company’s business mainly comprises the production and sales of electrolytic aluminum as well as alumina and other related types of products, and has established a self-sufficient and integrated ecosystem across the electrolytic aluminum industry chain that covers “energy — alumina refining — aluminum smelting.” Since 2012, the Company has strategically established its presence and deeply cultivated its business in Huolinguole, Inner Mongolia and Binzhou, Shandong Province, two regions with significant resource advantages. The Company has achieved a high rate of self-sufficiency in alumina and electricity supply, benefiting from its self-owned electricity generation capability and the low electricity prices enabled by Inner Mongolia’s abundant power resources, which are strategically critical to electrolytic aluminum production and the maintenance of strong operational performance. The Company continuously develops an integrated ecosystem across the electrolytic aluminum industry chain, consolidates the cost advantages, and invests in research and development. To realize the long-term goal of achieving a green transition, the Company strives to reduce carbon emissions in the electrolytic aluminum industry chain.

Chuangxin Industries Holdings Limited plans to offer an aggregate of 500,000,000 Shares (subject to the Over-allotment Option) under the Global Offering, of which 450,000,000 Shares (subject to reallocation and the Over-allotment Option) will be offered by way of International Placing, and 50,000,000 Shares (subject to reallocation) will be offered in the Hong Kong Public Offering. The Offer Price will not be more than HK$10.99 per Share and is currently expected to be not less than HK$10.18 per Share, with the board lot size of 500 shares.

The Hong Kong Public Offering commenced on Friday, 14 November 2025 and is expected to close at 12:00 noon (at 11:30 a.m. for completing electronic applications under the White Form eIPO service) on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. Dealings in H Shares on the Stock Exchange are expected to commence on Monday, 24 November 2025.

Assuming the Over-allotment Option is not exercised, if the Offer Price is set at HK$10.58 per Share (being the mid-point of the Offer Price range), the Company estimates that it will receive net proceeds of approximately HK$5,113.2 million from the Global Offering after deducting the underwriting commissions and estimated offering expenses. The Company intends to apply the net proceeds for the following purposes:
– Approximately 50% is expected to be used for expanding overseas production capacity, including the construction of an aluminum smelter and the purchase and installation of production equipment.
– Approximately 40% is expected to be used for green energy projects, including the construction of green power plants and the purchase and installation of equipment used therein.
– Approximately 10% is expected to be used for working capital and general corporate uses.

The Company has successfully procured 17 cornerstone investors, including Hillhouse, China Hongqiao, Taikang Life, Glencore AG, Mercuria, Greenwoods, ORlX Group, Investcorp, CPIC IMHK, GF Fund, Fullgoal Fund, Millennium, Jane Street, Polymer, Xiamen ITG Group, Brilliance and Cephei Capital. The Cornerstone Investors have agreed to subscribe for Offer Shares at the Offer Price (exclusive of brokerage fee, the SFC transaction levy, the AFRC transaction levy and the Stock Exchange trading fee). Based on the high-end of the Offer Price range, the total subscription amount is approximately US$351.0 million.

China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited and Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited are the Joint Sponsors, Overall Coordinators and Joint Global Coordinators, as well as the Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Managers. UOB Kay Hian (Hong Kong) Limited and CMB International Capital Limited are the Joint Global Coordinators, Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Managers. Bank of China International Asia Limited, AVICT Global Asset Management Limited and South China Securities Limited are the Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Managers. Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited, Tiger Brokers (HK) Global Limited and Livermore Holdings Limited are the Joint Lead Managers.

TOKYO & GUAM, Nov 13, 2025 – (JCN Newswire) – JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., Japan’s only international payment brand, and T.P. Micronesia, Inc. (Lam Lam Tours and Transportation), a group company of JTB Corp., are launching the second round of the Shopping Mall Shuttle Free Ride Campaign in Guam. The campaign will run from November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, continuing the successful shuttle bus initiative now in its fourth year.

JCB offers a complimentary rides on the Shopping Mall Shuttle route of the Red Guahan Shuttle, which connects Guam’s major shopping centers—Micronesia Mall, Dusit Place, K Mart, Guam Premier Outlets, and Village of Donki—via the hotel district.

To enjoy the free ride, JCB cardmembers simply present JCB Cards^[1] to the driver when boarding. Each cardmember is eligible for free transportation for themselves and up to two accompanying children^[2].

Following the strong positive response from visitors during the first campaign held in early 2025, JCB has decided to launch this second round using the same popular route.

For more information, please visit here.
To explore other exclusive offers and services for JCB cardmembers worldwide, visit here.

^[1] Prepaid and virtual cards are not eligible.
^[2] Non-eligible passengers must purchase a ticket. Children aged 5 and under travel free of charge.

About Shopping Mall Shuttle

The Shopping Mall Shuttle is a fixed route bus service that provides transportation in Guam, connecting Guam’s hotel districts to places such as major shopping centers.

About Lam Lam Tours and Transportation

T.P. Micronesia, Inc. dba Lam Lam Tours & Transportation owns a fleet of large buses, limousines, trolleys, and other vehicles and provides a variety of transportation services in Guam, including the Red Guahan Shuttle, shuttles between the airport and hotels, and chartered buses.

About JCB

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 56 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 169 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/

Contact
Anna Takeda
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-5778-8353
Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp