FILIPINO seafarers are complaining that the recently passed Magna Carta for Seafarers is requiring them to remit every month 80 percent of their total income back home.
Magna Carta for Seafarers, signed last year, was supposed to enhance the protection of Filipino seafarers overseas. The Department of Migrant Workers released the Implementing Rules and Regulations last January 2025.
Section 38 of the Magna Carta states that the seafarer is “required to make an allotment which shall be payable once a month to the seafarer’s designated allottee in the Philippines through any authorized Philippine bank...The allotment shall be at least 80 percent of the seafarer’s monthly salary.”
A Facebook post by Andrea Barza Aller, a crew of cruise ship Royal Carribean Cruise
Line, has gone viral. Aller addressed the post to Sen. Raffy Tulfo, one of the main sponsors of the Magna Carta for Seafarers.
“Ramdam na ramdam dito sa barko naming mga Filipino Seafarers ang lungkot at pagkadismaya dahil sa pinatupad mong New Magna Carta Law of Allotment for Seafarers.
May nakasabay ako kaninang Galley Steward papuntang crew mess at isang Laundry Attendant. Sabi nila ano na lang matira na sahod dito onboard. Pagkasyahin mo sa wi-fi at mga need na bilhin pag mag -shore leave,” she wrote.
[Seafarers on our ship are deeply saddened by the New Magna Carta Law of Allotment for Seafarers. I was with a Galley Steward and Laundry Attendant; they said little is left of their income onboard. They still have to pay for wi-fi and other essentials when on shore leave].
Service crew who do not receive tips from customers suffer most, she said. Rinell Banda, founder of Buhay sa Cruise Ship Facebook community, said many seafarers prefer to save their income onboard so that they will not have to pay so much for foreign exchange differentials and remittance cost.
“We know that when the dollar is converted in the bank, the amount received by the family is less,” Banda said, in Filipino.
“If the recipient of the allotment in the Philippines is a spendthrift, this does not favcor the seafarers who spends all his contract years slaving away to support his family,” he added.
Dr. Celerino “Chie” Umandap, Ako OFW Partylist nominee, said the allotees are now elated that they are receiving more remittances this year.
PBBM, CABINET TO CRAFT
RESPONSE TO TARIFFS
By Andrea E. San Juan and Samuel P. Medenilla
PRESIDENT
Ferdinand Marcos
Jr. will lead the crafting of a government response to the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, which economists worry could plunge the world into a recession.
Palace Press Office Claire Castro said the plan is now in the works days after US President Donald Trump slapped tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent on goods coming from 180 countries in a bid to boost the manufacturing sector in the US.
The 10 percent baseline tariff was implemented last Saturday, while the 11-50 percent tariff will take effect on April 9. Once the said tariffs take effect, imported goods in the US will become more expensive.
The economic team will explore all options, including the offer of concessions, as it prepares to negotiate with US officials on the possible reduction in the reciprocal tariff, according to Trade and Industry
BRAZIL , China, India and the Philippines are developing countries “outperforming” in technology readiness, according to UN Trade and Development’s (Unctad)Technology and Innovation Report 2025. The technology readiness index is “strongly associated” with the generation of scientific knowledge in AI, the report noted. While the Philippines was cited as one of the better performers among developing countries, its ranking in the frontier technologies readiness index rank fell two notches to 60th place in 2024 from 58th place in 2022. The frontier technologies readiness index which gave results for 170 economies, ranking these countries on a scale of 0 to 1, showed the Philippines had a
Secretary Cristina A. Roque. She said the Philippine economic team will meet soon and it is “definitely” looking into seeking a reduction of the additional tariffs recently slapped by the US government on its trading partners.
“Yes, definitely. Of course, definitely,” Roque said, adding that the Philippines is expected to be at the negotiating table with the US government soon.
“Yes, because actually I already signified the meeting two, three weeks ago with my counterpart in the US. I’m just waiting for the schedule, because everyone wants to meet with him. Especially those who have high tariffs, right? But we’ll talk as in the next few days
score of 0.61. Across five pillars under the technology index, these were the Philippines’s rankings: ICT rank, 69th; Skills rank, 107th; R&D rank, 68th; Industry rank, 9th; Finance rank, 75th. According to the Unctad report, some countries perform far better than their levels of income may suggest.
“Among developing countries, outperformers are Brazil, China, India and the Philippines; among developed countries, outperformers are the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States,” the Unctad report said. To illustrate, Unctad said there are “correspondingly large differences” in their rankings for GDP per capita and their rankings for the overall index.
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By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
that the United States has started imposing on their exports. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that on Friday, he had phone calls with the Asean leaders, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. He said he exchanged views with the Asean leaders to “coordinate a collective response to the issue of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States.” Malaysia is the chair of the Asean Standing Committee this year.
“As the Chair of Asean, Malaysia remains committed to fostering consensus among member states and upholding the principles of fairness and equity in all trade negotiations, including in Asean-US dialogue frameworks,” Ibrahim said in his post in X. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he has spoken with Vietnamese leader To Lam. Trump said he was assured that by the Vietnamese leader that Vietnam is willing to bring down the tariffs to zero if they can come to an agreement that tariffs. Economic ministers of Asean will meet this week to continue deliberations on this issue and “seek the best possible solution for all member countries,” he added. Unlike China, the US has no free trade agreement with Asean as a bloc. It only has the Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement which recognizes that the “reduction of related barriers and fostering of an open and predictable environment for trade and investment” can promote growth and development. The US and all the 10 Asean countries traded goods worth US$476.8 billion in 2024. The trade deficit was in favor of Asean at US$227.7 billion, which is an 11.6-percent increase over 2023, according to the data by the US Trade Representative.
On Wednesday, Trump announced the imposition of “reciprocal tariffs” over imported goods to America starting April 9. Asean countries were not spared:
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For instance, for India, 76 places; for China and the Philippines, 49 places; and for Brazil, 41 places.
Unctad said these “contrasts” show that many countries have “strong potential” to seize the opportunities offered by “frontier technologies” and boost economic growth and overall development.
The Unctad trade report explained that a common feature of the better performing countries is greater (research and development) R&D activity and stronger industry capacities, which enable them to keep pace with technological development and eventually lead in some “frontier technologies.”
“This highlights the importance of making efforts to improve a country’s innovation ecosystem,” the report also noted.
As to the components contributing the most to the index score, Unctad said these are related to skills and industry and “all of the subindices correlate positively” with AI publications even when controlling for GDP per capita, population size and regional factors.
Meanwhile, the Unctad report also noted that many developing countries are experiencing rapid growth in developer numbers.
“In Asia and the Pacific, India, Viet Nam, Indonesia and the Philippines already had a significant number of developers but had increases of more than 30 percent,” added the report.
Andrea E. San Juan
NCR wholesale prices up in March on concrete costs
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio @blessogerio
WHOLESALE construction
material costs in Metro Manila saw a slight increase in March 2025, mainly due to higher concrete product prices, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.
The PSA data showed that the yearon-year growth in the National Capital Region (NCR) rose to 0.2 percent in March 2025, up from zero percent in February 2025. In the same month
in 2024, the rate was at 0.8 percent.
Concrete products contributed a 0.6-percent increase in March 2025, compared to no change the previous month.
Other commodity groups saw higher annual growth, including sand and gravel (0.3 percent from 0.1 percent), electrical works (0.3 percent from 0.2 percent), and plumbing fixtures and accessories (0.9 percent from 0.8 percent). There were also slower declines in some areas. Structural steel dropped by 1.2 percent in March 2025, an improvement from the 1.5-percent drop the previous month. Also, fuels and lubricants saw a 3.2-percent drop in March, less than the 3.3 percent decline in February. Plywood, on the other hand, showed no change in March, with a zero percent rate. Moreover, G.I. sheets rose by 0.1
DICT pushes, but critics warn vs…
nation approach to realize a connected and secure Philippines,” the PCTO said. In contrast, smaller industry players welcomed the measure.
The Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association (PCTA), representing over 300 cable
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and internet service providers nationwide, described the bill as a “game-changer” that would enable countryside operators to compete and expand infrastructure more easily.
“Removing barriers such as the legislative franchise is a huge first step; Konektadong Pinoy sub-
jects Internet service providers to a simplified licensing process that enables small operators, especially those in the countryside, to build necessary infrastructure to deliver the service” according to PCTA President Jon Arayata.
Citing World Bank data, the PCTA noted that only 33 percent of Filipino households had internet access in 2020, compared to 76
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with the US government,” added Roque.
The country’s trade chief, however, noted that the Philippine economic team has not yet discussed what they intend to offer or bring to the negotiating table with Washington.
PBBM-led meeting’s agenda CASTRO said among issues to be discussed in the President’s upcoming meeting with relevant government agencies was the basis of the 17-percent additional tariff on Filipino goods entering the US market.
Trump said the rate was supposedly based on the 34-percent tariff, including trade barriers, which were imposed by the Philippine government on US goods.
“That is included in the study, and again I will tell you the details of what the Philippines can do here. Because our government, led by our President, actually has a plan for this,” Castro said in a press briefing last Monday.
Constructive engagement
PRESIDENTIAL Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Castro made the announcement about the President’s role in crafting the response after it was reported at the weekend that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is now discussing a coordinated response on the reciprocal tariff.
It was reported that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, King of Brunei Darussalam, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Marcos to discuss the matter.
Anwar, who serves as chair of the Asean this year, also backed a coordinated regional response on the reciprocal tariff.
Indonesia was slapped with a 32 percent tariff by the US, while Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam each receive 24 percent additional tariffs. Singapore received the lowest tariff among Asean members with only 10 percent.
Asean economic minister will hold an emergency meeting this
percent (down from 0.3 percent), tileworks increased by 1.0 percent (down from 1.1 percent), and doors/ jambs/steel casements grew by 0.4 percent (down from 0.5 percent).
PVC pipes remained flat at zero percent, after a 0.1 percent increase the month before.
Faster annual declines were recorded for cement at 1.3 percent (up from a 1.0 percent drop in February) and reinforcing steel at 0.6 percent (up from 0.1 percent in February).
“The indices for the rest of the commodity groups either retained their respective previous month’s annual growth rates or had zero percent annual rates in March 2025,” the PSA said.
percent in Vietnam. The Philippines also has among the most expensive internet rates in Asean, according to the International Telecommunications Union.
Arayata said the PCTA believes that by enabling smaller players to participate more fully in the market, the bill will lower costs and improve service quality, especially in underserved areas.
“Digitalization is a tide that lifts all boats, and Konektadong Pinoy balances fair competition with beneficial cooperation to ensure all Filipinos can get online,” he added.
Lorenz S. Marasigan
week to discuss the reciprocal tariff and request for a review from the US.
Competitive edge IN an interview with Palace reporters last Monday, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the 17 percent additional tariff imposed by the US will actually give the country a competitive edge when it comes to attracting investors.
“For example, look at the tariff difference, if Vietnam has a 40-percent tariff going to America, while the Philippines has a 17 percent tariff, it will make sense for them to come to the Philippines and the tariff will be cheaper if their products are made here and if they are sold in America. So there are also opportunities,” Recto explained.
However, he noted that the wide scale of the reciprocal tariff of the US and the response by countries against it will cause a slowdown in the global economy, which will affect even the Philippines.
Recto hopes the country’s mostly domestic-driven economy will insulate it from the effects of the global impact of the reciprocal tariff.
According to the White House, the additional tariffs imposed by the US on its trading partners will take effect April 9,2025 at 12.01 a.m. EDT. It noted that these tariffs will remain in effect “until such as a time as President Trump determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit and underlying nonreciprocal treatment is satisfied, resolved, or mitigated.”
Last weekend, some Philippine economists questioned the calculation of the US government of the recently announced additional tariffs that America aims to slap against the trading partners with which it has huge trade deficits with.
Last Friday, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza), the investment promotion agency tasked to promote and establish economic zones in the Philippines, said the government may consider lobbying to Washington for “a reduced [sectoral] tariff for local exports of electronics-semiconductor products and IT and Business Process Management [IT-BPM services].”
by Latin America at 81.3 percent, and the Middle East at 82.9 percent. Falling US consumer confidence FOR February 2025 alone, domestic passenger markets, slipped by almost 2 percent in RPK compared to February 2024, with load factors almost flat (-0.2 percentage point). In Asia Pacific, traffic declined by 3.2 percent in China likely due to Lunar New Year falling in January this year compared to February 2024. The bright spot is India, which continued to see strong domestic demand with a 13.2-percent rise, and PLF was up by 1.4 percentage point to 90.3 percent, yoy. IATA also noted that US consumer confidence appears to be falling, which may have contributed to the 4.2-percent decline in domestic US traffic. Economic analysts have noted that massive government layoffs initiated by the Trump administration, as well as the imposition of tariffs on US trading partners have largely made Americans wary of impending price increases in goods and services. In the Philippines, its two major carriers reported similar slips in financial performances. Pioneering flag carrier Philippine Airline (PAL) flew 15.6 million passengers last year, up by six percent from 2023. It also saw a five-percent rise in the number of flights to 110,867. A surge in operating expenses and financial charges, however, pulled down its parent unit, PAL Holdings Inc.’s net income by 62 percent to P8.11 billion. Cebu Pacific carried 24.5 million passengers in 2024, up 18 percent from 2023, and reported a PLF of 84.4 percent. However, soaring expenses gnawed on its net income last year by 68.3 percent, and fell to P2.64 billion, as reported by its holding unit Cebu Air Inc. Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo
“This proposal is worth considering by the US since a big number of our EMS-SMS and IT- BPM investors are American companies that provide critical support to their principals and major clients in the US—whose products and services ultimately benefit American consumers,” Peza explained.
Based on the list of additional duties presented by US President Donald Trump on April 2,2025, the Philippines charges 34 percent tariffs on goods being sourced from the US. This rate takes into account “currency manipulation and trade barriers.”
In return, the US intends to slap imported goods from the Philippines with additional 17-percent tariffs, a rate framed as relatively tamer than the ones slapped on its Asean neighbors.
Former Tariff Commissioner George N. Manzano explained to the BusinessMirror in a Viber message over the weekend: “Note that the White House estimation is the trade balance divided by the imports of the US, which is not based on actual tariffs of the PH. This means that the figure of the White House is an overestimation.”
Citing calculations of the World Trade Organization, Manzano said the trade-weighted tariff that the Philippines imposed on the US is only 5.4 percent, which he said is “very different from the White House calculation of 34 percent.”
Meanwhile, former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante B. Canlas told this paper: “It’s doubtful if the computed USTR tariffs are consistent with the [World Trade Organization] WTO.”
“I go by the WTO’s tradeweighted average tariff, which has gone down significantly since 1995. Another point worth noting is under WTO, the most-favored nation principle [MFN] applies. Under MFN, any commercial privilege granted by a WTO member country to another must be granted to all member countries,” added the former Socioeconomic Planning chief of the country.
SHOWCASING the strong military ties between the Philippines and the United States, the Air Force (PAF) and the US Pacific Air Forces (Pacaf) on Monday formally opened Cope Thunder Philippines 2025 (CT PH 25-1) at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.
“Scheduled from April 7 to 18, 2025, CT PH 25-1 will be held across key training locations in Northern Luzon, including Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base in Pampanga and Colonel Ernesto
Ravina Air Base in Tarlac,” the Air Force spokesperson, Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, said in a statement.
Opening ceremonies were led by the PAF commander, Lt. Gen.
Arthur Cordura, and Maj. Gen.
Christopher Sheppard, Air National Guard Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Pacaf.
For this year’s Cope Thunder Philippines iteration, Castillo said the PAF is deploying 729 personnel and various types of aircraft including FA-50PH, A-29B Super Tucano, S-76A and S70i Black Hawk helicopters.
Pacaf, on the other hand, sent a total of 250 personnel and 12 F-16 fighter jets.
It was not immediately known if the Pacaf will leave some of the F-16 “for familiarization” of the PAF since the country is set to buy 20 of the fighters in the near future.
The exercise will highlight field training exercises on aircraft maneuvers and tactics.
“For the first time, the PAF is hosting an International Observer
House set to determine if Sara’s confidential funds beneficiaries really received the money
By Jovee Marie N dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE House of Representatives
will verify if the individuals listed under the confidential fund disbursements of Vice President Sara Duterte actually received public funds—particularly those not already flagged as fictitious— will focus on 670 names from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and 272 from the Department of Education (DepEd), totaling 942 names confirmed to exist by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V said the verification effort will focus on 670 names from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and 272 from the Department of Education (DepEd), totaling 942 names confirmed to exist by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
“So, we will do our own miniinvestigation, but this matter is already at the committee level, so we can make the necessary requests,” Ortega, who represents La Union, said.
This move follows the earlier revelation that a significant number
of names listed as recipients lacked official birth, marriage, or death records: 1,322 out of 1,992 in the OVP and 405 out of 677 in DepEd.
Earlier, Manila Rep. Joel Chua, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability (blue-ribbon), also revealed earlier that 405 out of the 677 names listed as beneficiaries of DepEd’s confidential funds under Duterte have no birth records, a clear indication that the names were allegedly fabricated.
Ortega stressed the importance of confirming whether the individuals identified by the PSA truly exist and received the disbursed funds.
“It would be good to know if they actually received [the money] or not,” he said.
He acknowledged that the review of approximately 4,000 acknowledgment receipts is ongoing due to the sheer volume of entries, with new questionable names surfacing periodically.
“There are many names. It’s like a never-ending teleserye. Little by little, new names are emerging. So, again, we have to verify. It’s better to be certain whether these names have records or not,”
Ortega explained.
Ortega also commented on Vice President Duterte’s alleged mastery in handling confidential funds, suggesting her experience as Davao City mayor might have contributed to this.
“Well, I think they are used to it. They know how to run this kind of system, specifically confidential funds. Whether intentional or not, they know what they are doing. That’s just my opinion. There might be a mastery already,” he said.
He noted that this apparent mastery should have facilitated clearer explanations during House hearings.
“If there’s already mastery, it should have been easier to explain, but perhaps they need a doctorate if their master’s isn’t enough. Because there’s a big question mark not only in the hearings but also during the briefings,” Ortega pointed out, criticizing the lack of clear answers provided by the OVP.
Ortega suggested that the ongoing impeachment process might ultimately provide clearer answers regarding the confidential fund disbursements. “That’s why I said, perhaps the impeachment will pro -
Program [IOP] as part of the exercise, participated in by representatives from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and Indonesian Air Force,” Castillo said.
She added that this exercise will also feature subject matter expert exchanges covering a wide range of domains including fighter and close air support operations, helicopter operations, cybersecurity, communications, aircraft maintenance, logistics, security, and medical services.
“CT PH 25-1 marks a key milestone in enhancing joint operational readiness and deepening defense ties between the Philippines and the United States, contributing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization and capability development efforts,” Castillo said.
vide clearer answers about this,” he added.
The controversy gained further traction after House members discovered multiple suspicious names in OVP liquidation documents— many of which appeared to be play on words or common grocery items.
Among the names flagged were “Honeylet Camille Sy,” “Feonna Biong,” “Feonna Villegas,” and “Joel Linangan” from the OVP list, as well as “Fiona Ranitez,” “Erwin Q. Ewan,” “Ellen Magellan,” and “Gary Tanada” from the DepEd list.
The House also flagged names from the so-called “Team Grocery,” which included “Beverly Claire Pampano,” “Mico Harina,” “Ralph Josh Bacon,” “Patty Ting,” and “Sala Casim,” and from “Team Amoy Asim,” featuring names like “Amoy Liu,” “Fernan Amuy,” and “Joug de Asim.”
Other peculiar entries included “Mary Grace Piattos,” combining the names of a popular bakery and a snack brand, and “Xiaome Ocho,” which resembles a well-known smartphone brand.
Ortega emphasized that if names were deliberately falsified, the use of confidential funds should have strictly followed government guidelines.
“It’s actually very simple—just follow the rules. There are clear procedures for using confidential funds,” he said.
Binay warns school heads vs excessive security measures
WITH the Philippines dubbed as the “bullying capital of the world,” an Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate is urging caution in responding to recent incidents of violence in public schools, warning that excessive security measures could do more harm than good.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay made the statement following the circulation of viral videos showing violent altercations among students in Metro Manila schools, many of which have been linked to bullying.
Earlier, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2), in its Year 2 Report, cited the 2018 Program for International Student Assessment (Pisa) results, which dubbed the Philippines as the “bullying capital of the world.” Results showed that 65 percent of Grade 10 students in the Philippines experience
bullying a few times a month, the highest incidence among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.
Additionally, DepEd data shows that only 11 percent, or 38 out of 339, bullying cases were resolved from November 2022 to July 2024.
“Schools should not feel like a war zone. We don’t want to create a culture where children feel fear when they go to school,” Binay said.
She also noted there have been no mass shooting incidents in schools in the country, unlike in the United States.
“The recent incidents are isolated cases and do not warrant extreme measures,” she said. Binay emphasized that the response to these issues should not be fear-based
but rooted in strategic cooperation and compassion. She called on school officials, teachers, parents, community leaders, and law enforcement to work together in ensuring that schools remain “safe havens for learning.”
“The task of keeping our schools safe havens for learning entails sustained and strategic collaboration among all stakeholders. These include the school administrators, teachers, security guards, parents and guardians, and even the barangay peace and order personnel and the police,” Binay said.
Binay emphasized the important role of parents and guardians in preventing bullying and the ensuing incidents of violence involving students.
“I urge parents and guardians to closely monitor your children for any signs of being bullied or for behavior that may indicate that they are the aggressor. Be active in school
activities raising awareness about the dynamics of bullying and help educate your children on how they can protect themselves through peaceful and lawful means,” Binay said.
She also said the severe shortage in guidance counselors reported by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2) must be addressed with urgency in light of the increasing incidence of bullying.
“The role of guidance counselors is crucial and indispensable to promoting safe schools. Changes should be made in current policies and standards for this position to attract highly qualified professionals to fill in the vacancies,” Binay said.
The Edcom 2 report in July last year said there are around 4,400 vacant positions for guidance counselors in the country’s public schools. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
DMW bares new rules for workers going to Bermuda
FBy Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
ILIPINO workers bound for the British overseas territory of Bermuda must now comply with new permit and visa requirements to avoid entry restrictions, the Department of Migrant Workers
(DMW) said. In the one-page Advisory 9, series of 2025, Migrant Worker Secretary Hans J. Cacdac called on overseas Filipino workers or their licensed recruitment agencies to get the required multiple re-entry visa (MRV) to secure exemption from the said entry prohibition in Bermuda.
“As such, for all Filipino nationals travelling to Bermuda, particularly Overseas Filipino Workers, the Bermuda Department of Immigration shall implement the Standard Work Permit Application Form and require proof of a valid multiple re-entry visa for the US, UK, or Canada,” Cacdac said. Last January, the government
of Bermuda issued a new Immigration and Protection Order 2025, which prohibited nationals from 109 countries from entering its territory. Philippines was included on the list covered by the order. Only nationals, who have travel authorization to enter and re-enter Canada, the
THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has successfully registered some 424,000 individuals through its Birth Registration Assistance Project, National Statistician
Claire Dennis Mapa said.
This initiative, which supports marginalized groups such as tribesmen or indigenous people and Moros, is part of the PSA’s efforts to make civil registration services more accessible to Filipinos nationwide, starting in 2022.
During the 35th Civil Registration Month celebration, Mapa highlighted the agency’s continued commitment to provide accessible and quality civil registration services. He pointed to the establishment of 78 Civil Registry System outlets
across the country, aimed at improving access to these services. These initiatives are further supported by the PSA’s push toward digitalization, which is expected to speed up the processing of civil registry documents, Mapa added. He also shared encouraging updates from international reports, including a recent United Nations Children’s Fund study that ranked the Philippines second in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) region for birth registration rates among children 5 and below. Additionally, he noted that the Philippines ranked 46th out of 186 countries in the World Health Organization’s Statistical Performance Indicator, securing the second spot in the Asean region for civil registration.
Gabriela asks SC to sanction Pasig bet
WBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
OMEN’s group Gabriela on Monday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to motu propio investigate and impose sanctions against Pasig congressional candidate lawyer Christian “Ian” Sia over his alleged sexist and misogynist remarks during a campaign sortie.
In a letter addressed to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Gabriela through its secretary general. Clarice Palce. stressed that the Court has the power to regulate the practice of law under Section 5 (5), Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution. Gabriela was referring to the viral video of Sia during a campaign sortie telling single mothers, particularly those who are still menstruating, that they can sleep with him once a year.
Sia’s statement elicited public uproar and backlash that prompted him to hold a news conference to apologize to the public.
“We find Atty. Sia’s action [words] appalling and reprehensible. It reeks of misogyny and sexism. It is an attack against the dignity of every woman and a clear disrespect for the pain and struggle every woman solo parent endure today,” the letter read.
Garbiela noted that instead of taking accountability and responsibility for his statement, Sia even blamed the uploader of the video for the controversy.
The group stressed that as a member of the legal profession, Sia is bound to adhere to the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).
It noted that Canon II of the CPRA mandates that lawyers must at all times act with propriety while Section 2 of Canon 1 provides that lawyers “shall maintain dignified conduct” and are prohibited in engaging “in conduct that adversely reflects on one’s fitness to practice law, nor behave in scandalous manner, whether in public or private life, to the discredit of the legal profession.”
“With Atty. Sia, there will be no safe space for women –whether in or outside the courtroom,” the group stressed.
It can be recalled that in 2023, the Court unanimously disbarred Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon, now Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation, in connection with the viral video clip where he cursed and uttered profane remarks against investigative journalist Raissa Robles in December 2021.
The Court motu proprio took cognizance of the video clip and issued an earlier order preventively suspending Gadon from the practice of law pending a judgment in the disbarment case. The SC said it had found the video clip as “indisputably scandalous that it discredits the legal profession.”
United Kingdom, or the United States, which is valid for fortyfive (45) days and those with a government-issued letter attesting they are the spouse of a Bermudian will be exempted from the restrictions. In its website, the Bermudan government noted that Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have been removed from the list of countries requiring entry visas.
It also noted that the People’s Republic of China, Indonesia, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, and Vietnam were given exceptions to the requirement. In its deployment data, DMW said it was able to deploy 1,374 OFWs to Bermuda last year, which is 35 percent higher compared to 1,019 in 2023.
From January to February this year, DMW deployed 462 OFWs in the British overseas territory.
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Tuesday, April 8, 2025
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Smarter scams ahead as AI evolves–expert
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
AGAYTAY CITY—Artificial intelli -
Tgence (AI) is enabling more sophisticated scams that are harder to detect and easier to spread, a cybersecurity advocate said.
Scam Watch Pilipinas co-convener
Jocel de Guzman on Saturday said that AI is now being used to clone voices, create deepfake videos and automate scam
messages, making it easier for criminals to deceive victims at scale.
“In some countries, just saying ‘hello’ on the phone can be enough for scammers to record your voice and use it to impersonate you in emergency scams,” de Guzman said in Filipino in the sidelines of the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines and San Miguel Corp.’s annual business journalism seminar. He warned that as AI tools continue to
evolve, scams will become more personalized and more difficult to verify.
Based on a report from Gogolook, the developer of the anti-scam app Whoscall, scam text messages in the country dropped by 68.83 percent to 648,239 in the first quarter of 2025, down from 1.14 million the previous year. However, scam calls surged by 225.17 percent, reaching 351,699 during the same period.
To keep up with these developments,
de Guzman urged the government to strengthen policies and upgrade cybercrime investigation capabilities by integrating AI into their systems.
“It’s AI versus AI,” he said. “That’s the only way that we can fight cybercrime, including fake news and deepfakes at the same time.”
The National Innovation Council has recently approved the formation of a technical group to study the country’s
AI landscape, focusing on its capabilities and future potential.
Announced during the March 26 Council meeting by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), the group will include industry leaders, academics, and government officials to guide AI policy development.
Moreover, the Department of Science and Technology will lead the initiative and assess the country’s AI readiness and impact.
Beyond tech solutions, de Guzman also stressed the importance of digital literacy and public awareness, especially as false content continues to spread online.
“Whether it’s a scam or fake news, it’s the same thing. It’s all about discernment. People need to learn how to question and verify what they see and hear online,” he said.
Workers urged to learn ‘prompt engineering’ Legislator eyes more benefits for daycare workers
TBy Justine Xyrah Garcia
HE rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in various industries is transforming the way work is done, and Filipinos are being urged to acquire a new skill: prompt engineering.
During the annual business journalism seminar of the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines and San Miguel Corporation on Saturday, Gerando Bonganay of International Business Machines (IBM) Philippines emphasized that “prompt engineering” is increasingly necessary for workers navigating AI-driven workplaces.
“Prompt engineering is something that you have to do moving forward. Because that’s what other people are doing,” Bonganay said.
Prompt engineering involves crafting precise instructions or queries to optimize AI-generated responses. These instructions help align the AI’s outputs with specific human needs and organizational objectives.
Bonganay explained that as AI becomes more embedded in business functions, including customer service and human resources, workers must learn how to write effective prompts to ensure AI delivers relevant, accurate, and useful results.
To create a better prompt, he said users must be specific and deliberate in their inputs.
This means clearly defining the goal of the prompt, setting the format expected from the AI, and adjusting it based on the quality of the response.
Bonganay noted that reviewing and refining prompts is part of the process, especially in roles where the accuracy of information is critical.
At IBM, Bonganay shared that their human resources operations are now tiered: AI handles simple, routine tasks, while more complex and sensitive concerns are escalated to human staff.
“There are things that are easy to resolve which is done by AI. But the deeper cases, that’s where it goes to the people because we still need human intervention,” he said.
He also clarified that while AI transforms workflows, it does not eliminate human roles entirely.
“It’s more of, it will augment you, it will give you the tools. But at the end of it all, you still have to do it,” he assured.
Court held that the law is complete and provides clear standards, making the delegation of legislative powers to the agencies valid.
The growing impact of AI on the workforce is reflected in global data. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), 36 percent of jobs in the Philippines are highly exposed to AI, with 14 percent of Filipino workers facing direct displacement risks.
In a separate interview, Labor Undersecretary Amy Torres noted that the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector—heavily reliant on clerical and customer service roles predominantly held by women—is among the most vulnerable.
“In ternational studies indicate a high risk of AI-driven displacement for clerical roles, a trend relevant to the Philippines, particularly within its significant BPO sector,” Torres said.
While the risks are significant, the IMF found that 61 percent of AI-exposed jobs are considered complementary—roles in which AI supports, rather than replaces, human work.
These findings align with those of the International Labor Organization (ILO), which concluded that AI is more likely to automate tasks than entire jobs—allowing workers to shift toward higher-value functions such as creativity, judgment, and complex problem-solving.
An ILO working paper published in August found that augmentation, not replacement, is the prevailing trend: up to 13.4 percent of jobs in high-income countries and 10.4 percent in low-income nations may be reshaped by AI in ways that support workers.
In contrast, only a small portion, 0.4 to 5.5 percent, are at risk of full automation.
To mitigate the impact, Torres said the government is accelerating digital upskilling efforts under the National AI Strategy Roadmap and the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act.
These programs aim to prepare Filipino workers, especially those in routine, AIsusceptible jobs, for higher-value roles in AI, data science, and digital marketing.
Dole has also conducted consultations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to finalize the Discussion Paper on the Responsible Use of AI in the Workplace.
T he paper consolidates insights from employers, labor groups, experts, and government agencies on how to ensure ethical and inclusive integration of AI in business processes.
FBy Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
OLLOWING the government’s alloca -
tion of P1 billion for new child development centers (CDCs) in low-income communities, a lawmaker is pushing for increased benefits and continuous training for daycare workers.
Bicol Saro Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan emphasized that alongside funding the establishment of new CDCs, investments are crucial to empower daycare workers and enhance their capabilities in early childhood care and education.
He proposed providing each daycare worker with a teaching supplies allowance of at least P5,000 per school year and access to free continuing education programs to upgrade their skills.
“We laud the President and Secretary Amenah Pangandaman [of the Department of Budget and Management] for approving the release of P1 billion for the establishment of CDCs in low-income local govern -
ments. We cannot discount the importance of early childhood care and education in aiding the learning success and shaping the emotional and social development of our children,” Yamsuan said.
President Marcos earlier announced that the P1-billion fund will be used to set up CDCs in 328 low-income barangay.
“Government funding to set up new child development centers, especially in marginalized communities, should be accompanied by corresponding investments to strengthen the capabilities of daycare workers through additional benefits and training,” Yamsuan said.
He said consultations he conducted with daycare workers in his home city of Parañaque revealed that among their immediate concerns were their ever-increasing out-ofpocket expenses for learning materials and teaching supplies.
“Our hardworking daycare workers should not be made to spend the small honoraria they receive to buy teaching materials and other supplies. Ensuring
support for them would lead to better learning outcomes for the kids under their care,” Yamsuan said.
“Workers in child development centers, who are mostly volunteers, undergo great sacrifices, but their plight seems to have been neglected,” he said.
Yamsuan said local governments, especially those classified as 1st to 3rd class in terms of income, can use their National Tax Allotment (NTA) and Special Education Fund to provide for the teaching supplies allowance of daycare workers.
“Local chief executives can also coordinate with the Early Childhood Care and Development [ECCD] Council, the Department of Social Welfare and Development [DSWD], the Department of Education [DepEd], the Commission on Higher Education [CHED], and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority [Tesda] in providing free upskilling programs for daycare workers, he said.
As former chief of staff of the late Senator Tessie Aquino Oreta, Yamsuan worked
Are we too young or just old enough?
By Henry J. Schumacher
WE all remember being told those phrases by our parents again and again. You are too young to understand how this world really works, but you are old enough to be the responsible one in the house, look after your younger siblings, decide on the career you want or what kind of job you want.
Going back to my childhood, I remember how my parents treated me. In that process asked myself whether was a better father to my kids (I fear I was not). I realized that the world is no longer the one I grew up in.
What we are seeing in business today is that some managers are ‘getting too old’ to get along with the younger generations from millennials to centennials that have entered / are entering employment now. Both groups have very different expectations about life and about the way they want to work and the freedom they want in making decisions.
Even up to today, many companies / managers believe in a strict hierarchy and
that decisions are made at the top and then are cascaded and implemented down the chain of command.
But in the digital age, where changes are happening at lightning speed, the organizations—ultimately its people— must be more dynamic; decisions are to be made faster to avoid that the company falls by the roadside. In this kind of a scenario, it is imperative for companies to develop a dynamic workplace where decisions need not always come from the top. It is likewise ideal
for the individuals to be able to work well in groups that can cut across disciplines and can be formed and reformed to specific needs.
I hear many companies complain about the unrealistic expectations of millennial workers and that millennials are sometimes difficult to manage and likely to quit at a moment’s notice.
It is time for leaders of organizations to stop debating the millennial problem, hoping that this supposedly exotic flock will get along with the programs and processes. Instead, I feel, they should see how questions and challenges from their younger employees can spark action to help their companies change for the better. It’s easy to say that young people haven’t matured enough to resign themselves to the reality of what’s possible. Yet, the young ones are asking an important question: ‘Why does it have to be this way?’ In the process of listening, leaders will soon realize that young people want the same things we all do.
Young professionals don’t want to be patronized; young people don’t want to be told what to do; they love to be given the chance to
with the lawmaker to help her shepherd the passage of her landmark ECCD Act of 2000. Yamsuan said his proposed measures to “care for daycare workers” are outlined under House Bill (HB) 10224, which he hopes to re-file in the next Congress. HB 10224 also mandates the ECCD Council, in partnership with local governments, to establish and maintain a unified and regularly updated database of all government-sponsored CDCs and their respective workers.
Under Republic Act 6972, the monthly allowance that shall be given to workers in accredited barangay daycare centers is a meager P500 a month, which Yamsuan says is “obviously not even enough for their daily needs.”
Meanwhile, many local governments provide a monthly honorarium of only P1,000 for some 14,725 daycare workers and teachers, Yamsuan added. DSWD data also show that nearly nine out of 10 daycare workers hold nonpermanent and even voluntary positions.
solve problems. I enjoyed seeing in hackatons, that these young groups are coming up with surprising and workable solutions. We need the right combination of hightech and high-touch in human relations to attract and keep the right people.
Regarding centennials, it is important to realize that they are socially and environmentally conscious. As such, companies need to show they are good corporate citizens and are contributing to the welfare of society to get most support. The young people don’t want to work for companies that are not in compliance with good governance. Integrity is a must! Let us realize:
n The young ones want to become the biggest asset of our company; we like that!
n In dealing with them, be brave and think out of the box!
n Dream jointly, inspire a team, be different, question everything, take a risk and lead change.
And remember, the best way for an organization’s competitive edge is through the innovation of its people. Feedback is more than welcome; you can contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com.
The SC emphasized that delegation of legislative power to administrative agencies is necessary “to address the growing varieties, complexities, and volume of modern-day matters.” Congress cannot be expected to address every detail, especially those requiring technical expertise.
The SC found that the law clearly outlines the government’s policy to boost renewable
It explained that while Congress generally cannot delegate its powers, it can authorize agencies to make rules and set rates in technical matters that require expertise.
energy use and protect the environment.
Likewise, the Court upheld the legality of the advanced collection of the FIT Allowance.
It clarified that while electricity from renewable sources must be produced before receiving FIT benefits, the law does not prohibit collecting funds in advance to support the system.
It also found the FIT Allowance to be in accordance with the policy of the law “to
accelerate the exploration, development, and use of renewable energy resources to establishing and institutionalizing the necessary infrastructures and systems.”
“The policy is meant to accelerate the exploration, development and use of renewable energy resources by establishing and institutionalizing the necessary infrastructures and systems,” the SC said.
“We rule that the Energy Regulatory Commission acted within the bounds of
charge will be increased from P550 for every departing international passenger to P950 starting September 14, 2025. On the other hand, passenger service charge will be increased from P200 to P390 for every departing domestic passenger on the same.
While the revised administrative order provides mechanisms to effect increases in rates, this does not provide mechanisms that allow for corresponding decreases in rates when justified.
“Given the clear and consistent public policy established by law and jurisprudence that rates of fees and charges for public services must always be reasonable and just, RAO violates substantive due process by setting rates without the benefit of informing the public about the bases thereof, by providing only for
its delegated power in providing for the advanced collection of the FIT Allowance from consumers in the FIT Rules, FIT Guidelines, and its orders implementing the FIT System,” it added.
Contrary to petitioners’ claim, the NREB complied with the notice and publication requirements under the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, the SC also found.
The High Tribunal noted that NREB’s petition to draft a new rule and notice of hearing were published twice, for two consecutive weeks, in two newspapers of general circulation in the country – providing sufficient public notice. In his concurring opinion, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo upheld the resolutions of the respondent agencies, emphasizing that the issuances are not subject to notice and hearing requirements as they do not substantially increase the burden of participants in the electric power industry.
mechanisms to increase rates without any counterpart mechanism to decrease rates, and by completely abdicating in favor of a private entity the determination of certain rates or charges without regard to the standards set by the law,” the petitioners said. They argued that bidding for the project did not comply with the provisions of the new Public-Private Partnership Code signed into law on December 5, 2023 and took effect before the bidding on December 23, 2023. The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) both advised the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) that the bidding and award of the Naia project is covered by and must comply with the PPP Code.
“Instead of going back to the drawing boards and secure the necessary approvals under the newly enacted law, the Miaa could not be bothered by it nor deterred by mere opinions from the legal counsels of government bodies and instrumentalities,” the petitioners said.
“What is worse, according to the petition, the bidding proceeded without the terms being clear about how the concessionaire will be compensated,” it added.
Despite the absence of the compensation mechanism as of the bidding date on December 27, 2023, the petitioners said NNIC bagged the contract by promising to pay Miaa 82 percent of the revenues on top of the P2-billion annual payments and the P30-billion performance bond for the 15- year contract.
BOC destroys ₧3.26B smuggled vapes to curb smuggling, protect consumers
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
@reine_alberto
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) destroyed nearly 3 million pieces of smuggled vape products, amounting to P3.26 billion, in a public condemnation in South Harbor on Monday.
In a statement, the BOC said about 2.978 pieces of seized and forfeited electronic vape products, vape parts and accessories were wrecked to clamp down on smuggling in the country.
“These products not only violate customs laws but pose serious risks to consumer health. Today’s condemnation is a clear message to smugglers that the government is relentless in its pursuit of lawful trade,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said.
The vape products were seized from a total of ten operations conducted last year across various areas in Metro Manila by the Manila International Container Port (MICP), Port of Manila (POM) and the BOC Intelligence Group. The condemnation was witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Atty. M. Marcus N. Valdez II, Supervising Head of the Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (OSMV).
Marcos said the government will continue to condemn illicit vape products, stressing the dangers that come with smuggled vapes “that go far beyond the government’s revenue losses.”
“What matters more to us are the health issues raised by these smuggled vapes,” the president said.
“By shutting down illicit trade, we protect our people’s access to affordable goods and boost our revenue collections that allow the government to provide more public services to Filipinos,” Secretary
Recto said on the sidelines of the activity,” Recto added.
In the first quarter of the year, the BOC said it intercepted about P483.117 million worth of illegal vape products in the country.
This, the BOC said, contributes to its larger anti-smuggling campaign, which resulted in 48 operations in 2024, seizing P6.658 billion worth of illicit goods.
‘High incidence of e-cigs among younger generation’ IN A report by Singapore-based market research firm Milieu Insight, the highest incidence (10.7 percent) of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) is found among 19 to 24-year-olds.
This already exceeded half of the regular smoking incidence in the Philippines at 20.7 percent.
“Our data shows that the younger population under 35 typically has lower smoking incidence but higher incidence of using alternative nicotine products than older age groups,” Milieu Insight Chief Operating Officer Gerald Ang said.
Accessibility is a factor driving the increased incidence of e-cigarettes and HTPs, as these can be easily purchased in e-commerce platforms and social media applications, particularly Shopee, Lazada and TikTok shop, according to the study.
Variety of flavors to choose from also contributed to the appeal of these products, with most respondents citing fruit and menthol flavors as their preference.
Meanwhile, alternative nicotine products are regarded to be cheaper than regular cigarettes, making them more preferred by younger age groups.
The alternative nicotine products segment is also expected to grow, as “a sizable proportion of smokers across the region indicate their likelihood to start using alternative nicotine products in the next 6 months,” Ang said.
MisOr, Batangas gubernatorial bets asked to explain remarks about women
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued two more show cause orders on Monday, directing gubernatorial candidates from Misamis Oriental and Batangas to explain their controversial remarks that may have violated the poll body’s resolution on anti-discrimination and fair campaign practices.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said in an ambush interview that the commission continues to monitor social media posts of both candidates and voters who attend campaign rallies and sorties.
“I hope these kinds of statements stop. This should serve as a lesson to everyone that we cannot just make jokes at the expense of others without taking responsibility for what we say. We should be man or woman enough to accept responsibility for what we say,” Garcia said, partly in Filipino.
The Comelec’s action follows the circulation of viral videos showing Misamis Oriental gubernatorial re-electionist Peter Unabia and Batangas vice mayor and gubernatorial candidate Jay Ilagan making disparaging remarks against women.
During a campaign sortie, Unabia was recorded making comments about a nursing scholarship program, saying, “This nursing scholarship is only for women, men are not allowed. And it should only be for beautiful women. Ugly women shouldn’t be allowed because if men are already feeling weak, and they’re treated by an unattractive nurse, what will happen? Our condition will just get worse,” he said.
In another campaign event, Unabia presented a slideshow titled “Mga Panghitabo sa BARMM Areas” (Events in BARMM Areas) and warned voters against candidates allegedly connected to Maranao politicians.
“A Catholic church was bombed… Would you allow that to happen here? In Cagayan de Oro, if you go to Villa Candida, there are no Christians left—they’ve already left…Be cautious. This is a reality that could happen to us. Will you allow it? Don’t let it happen,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mataasnakahoy, Batangas Vice Mayor Jay M. Ilagan was also issued a
Qatar drops charges against 17 OFWs after Marcos’ intervention
PBy Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos received the commitment from the Qatari government that it will no longer file illegal assembly charges against the 17 detained overseas Filipino workers (OFW), according to Malacañang.
“I’m happy to share with you that Qatar has confirmed it will not pursue charges against the 17 Filipinos who were earlier detained for illegal assembly,” the chief executive said in a post in his social media page last Monday.
He said the affected OFWs will no longer face any penalties and will be allowed to return to work.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Office
Claire Castro announced that the President met with Qatari Ambassador to the Philippines Al-Homidi last Monday to discuss the development.
“According to Ambassador Al-Homidi, this [decision not to file cases] is a reflection of the beautiful and strong friendship between the two countries. The release was a result of President Marcos’ order to [concerned government agencies to] help free the seventeen [OFWs],” she said.
Last week, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced the provisional release of the 17 OFWs as they undergo investigation for their allegedly committing illegal assembly, when they celebrated the 80th birthday of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte on 28 March 2025.
Castro said the illegal assembly cases
were later filed against the concerned OFWs.
This prompted Marcos to request for the dismissal of the cases against the said OFWs last Monday, which was granted by the Qatari government, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary.
Legal aid
IN ANOTHER development, Castro assured that the government will also continue to provide legal aid to the three Filipinos accused of spying in China in compliance with the standing order of Marcos.
“There is always an instruction to help our Filipino citizens abroad facing these kinds of charges. Legal assistance will always be given, all the necessary help and assistance will be provided,” she said.
DOTr, NNIC rectify outdated and misleading US security advisory at Sacramento
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC) have addressed concerns arising from a viral social media post displaying an outdated US security advisory against the
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).
The advisory, observed at Sacramento International Airport in California, was a 2018 notice that had been rescinded in 2019. A picture of it was seen circulating social media over the weekend.
Upon learning of the incident, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said he “immediately”
Airport
contacted the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to rectify the situation. Investigations revealed that TSA personnel in Sacramento inadvertently displayed the obsolete advisory. The TSA confirmed the error and removed the advisory at 9:00 a.m. Manila time on April 6.
The National Security Council disputed the claims of Beijing stressing that the arrested Filipinos were scholars and not spies. It also noted that the Philippine Intelligence Agency, which allegedly employs the three Filipinos as claimed by Chinese authorities, does not exist.
The arrest of the three Filipinos comes after local authorities were able to detain seven suspected Chinese spies last January and February.
Castro noted that Beijing currently has no concrete pieces of evidence against three arrested Filipinos.
“There is still an ongoing investigation on that and we will just defer all the details to DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs] and to DND [Department of National Defense] ,” she said.
“We take these matters very seriously, this is why we immediately reached out to the TSA officials here in Manila and officially sought clarification, and if there was any truth to this, we requested that this be immediately taken down so as to prevent further confusion and anxiety for travelers to the Philippines,” said Dizon. NNIC, Naia’s private operator, noted that the TSA’s most recent assessment in February 2025 highlighted significant security improvements at Naia, marking the first review since 2019 with no new concerns.
Senator warns vs using emergency cell for broadcasting campaigning
Sshow cause order after a video of him making an ageist remark about fellow gubernatorial aspirant Vilma Santos went viral.
“If my opponent was Kathryn Bernardo, I’d be scared. But it’s just Vilma Santos— she’s already past her prime. I wouldn’t be afraid. If it were Kathryn Bernardo or Andrea Brillantes, I’d be worried. But Vilma? Many of her fans are either already resting in peace or are of a certain age. And let me just say, it’s different when your governor is someone you can touch,” Ilagan said.
Chairman Garcia emphasized that such remarks should never be normalized, especially coming from individuals seeking public office.
“You are role models to many—your fans, your supporters, the children who attend your events. We must always remember that a greater responsibility rests on our shoulders. We should not be emulated for wrongdoing—we should be emulated for doing what is right,” he added.
Through its Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE), the Comelec ordered both Unabia and Ilagan to explain why they should not face charges or be disqualified for violating Resolution No. 11116, which enforces anti-discrimination and fair campaigning rules for the 2025 elections.
The resolution defines election offenses to include gender-based harassment, public ridicule of persons with disabilities, coercion, and other forms of discrimination during the campaign period.
Violators may face penalties under Section 13 of Republic Act 9006, Section 261(e) of the Omnibus Election Code, and other relevant laws.
The candidates were given three days to respond. Failure to submit their explanations will result in a waiver of their right to do so.
The task force said it will continue its investigation and aims to resolve the matter before the end of the election period.
Just last week, the poll body issued a similar order to Pasig congressional aspirant Christian Sia, who went viral for joking that single mothers who still menstruate could sleep with him.
Sia is expected to submit his explanation to the Comelec on Monday.
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
ENATOR Grace Poe has weighed in on the use of Emergency Cell Broadcasting Systems (ECBS) for campaigning, and warned that such could imperil public safety.
In a statement on Monday, Poe cited reports that the ECBS is apparently being used for political campaigns, and said that if true, this must be stopped.
Poe pointed out that the incident “does not only compromise the integrity of the emergency alert system, but may also pose threats to our safety and security as hackers may use this to broadcast fake news.”
The senator stressed that “concerned government agencies as well as telecommunications firms must seriously address
this vulnerability in the system infrastructure to prevent further exploitation by those with evil intentions.”
Moreover, Poe asserted that “authorities must also run after the hackers and charge them.
“Without accusing anyone” as guilty, the senator expressed the hope that candidates can rein in their supporters and make them campaign fairly and honestly, “as we all want clean and credible elections.”
Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia earlier confirmed that the poll body has started looking into the reports, citing the need to ensure such actions do not compromise the integrity of the midterm polls.
‘Misuse’ probed WITH the May 12 elections fast approach -
ing, candidates are getting more creative in reaching voters—some even going as far as mimicking emergency alerts to push campaign messages, according to an earlier report.
Scam Watch Pilipinas Co-founder Jocel de Guzman said at the weekend it’s technically possible for individuals to use surveillance tools such as the international mobile subscriber identity-catcher (IMSI catcher) to intercept mobile traffic and send mass text messages.
Originally intended for use by law enforcement in surveillance operations, IMSI catchers are now being misused by private individuals and criminal groups for illicit activities.
PHL issues e-visa in UAE, Nigerian and Kenyan
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE Philippine government is now issuing e-Visas in the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, and Nigeria.
The Philippine embassies in the three Middle East and African countries are piloting the e-visa system in the region.
The Philippine Embassy in India has been issuing e-visas since last year. The Philippine e-visa was piloted in China in 2023 but was suspended due to payment issue.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, they rolled out the e-visa system last March 24, 2025.
Aside from UAE nationals, other foreign nationals residing in the UAE who wish to visit the Philippines and need a visa can apply via e-visa.
Around 88 percent of the UAE’s 10 million population are expatriates, more than
half of whom are Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis.
On March 28, the first batch of foreign nationals residing in the UAE began arriving in the Philippines last March 28, 2025.
Among them was a Dubai-based Lebanese national, serving as a regional manager at a multinational firm specializing in automation, aviation, and energy transition.
This individual was the first foreign tourist to be granted a Philippine e-Visa by Abu Dhabi PE.
The e-Visa system is available for those who would applying for single-entry e-visa, multi-entry e-visa that is valid for six months and multi-entry e-visas valid for one year.
Processing takes at least three weeks for single-entry e-visas and one month for multiple-entry visas.
“Applicants are therefore advised to apply for the appropriate Philippine visa/s
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) slapped a temporary ban on poultry products from Belgium due to a bird flu outbreak.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu
Laurel Jr. signed memorandum order (MO) 20, which authorized the ban on the entry of imported domestic and wild birds, including their products such as poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from the European country.
Laurel noted that this would prevent the entry of wild and domestic birds from
Belgium, thus safeguarding the local poultry industry from the bird flu virus.
“The poultry industry plays a critical role in the country’s food security, job creation, and investment generation within the agricultural sector,” the agency said.
The DA said it decided to issue the ban after Belgian veterinary authorities confirmed to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of an H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Sint-Niklaas, Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaanderen, which was detected among
at least one month prior to their intended departure date, or to book their flights only after visa issuance,” the Embassy said in its advisory.
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Ambassador Alfonso A. Ver hailed this development as a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to deepening its bilateral relations with the UAE while enhancing engagement with the broader international community in the country.
“The selection of Abu Dhabi PE as the pioneering Philippine Foreign Service Post to introduce the innovative Philippine e-Visa underscores the high priority the Philippines attaches to its partnership with the UAE, recognizing the presence of over 200 nationalities that contribute to the dynamic and multicultural environment of the Emirates,” Ambassador Ver said.
Foreign nationals residing in the UAE
“The IMSI catcher, when it goes through the road—one kilometer, two kilometer radius—all the cellphones there use the 2G to get in [mobile phones]. It’s not necessarily from the government then it was distributed to everyone,” he explained. With an earlier report by Justine Xyrah Garcia
“The good thing about the IMSI catcher is that just in January, they [police personnel] caught the biggest Malaysian seller. And because of that, as you can see, others are catching up. Hopefully, our investigation about it is not over yet,” de Guzman said in a sideline interview after his presentation at the annual business journalism seminar of the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines and San Miguel Corporation. De Guzman clarified that these devices do not compromise government data, as IMSI catchers operate as third-party machines that hijack nearby cell towers.
who wish to apply for a Philippine e-Visa through Abu Dhabi PE must first create an account on the official e-Visa platform at https://evisa.gov.ph/. The e-Visa application process maintains the same eligibility criteria and documentary requirements as regular Philippine visas, including a valid UAE resident visa and proof of financial capacity, among others. Further details can be accessed on the Visa Services page of the official website of Abu Dhabi PE at https://abudhabipe.dfa. gov.ph/sample-sites/visa-services. Additionally, applicants must have a valid PayIT account, powered by First Abu Dhabi Bank, to facilitate online payment and complete the application process. Prior to this official launch, Abu Dhabi PE conducted a beta-testing phase between March 10-21, 2025.
Since then, the platform has received a significant number of e-Visa applications from foreign nationals residing in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras al-Khaimah.
PHL implements temporary ban on poultry imports from Belgium amid bird flu outbreak
domestic birds on February 17, 2025. Following this report, Laurel ordered the immediate suspension of the processing and evaluation of applications for sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) for these agricultural goods.
The DA also said that shipments from Belgium that were in transit, loaded, or accepted at the port before the official communication of the import ban will be allowed entry, provided the products were slaughtered or produced before February
3 of this year. However, the agency warned that shipments that failed to comply will either be sent back to Belgium, shipped to a third country, or seized and destroyed. Veterinary quarantine officers are required to confiscate all non-compliant shipments, except for heat-treated products, it added. The Philippines imported 5,248 metric tons (MT) of chicken from Belgium in 2024, based on the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) data. Ada Pelonia
Market meltdown: Asian shares crash, US futures tumble amid escalating trade war
By Elaine Kurtenbach Ap Business Writer
BANGKOK—Asian shares
nosedived on Monday af -
ter the meltdown Friday on Wall Street over US President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes and the resulting backlash from Beijing. US futures also signaled further weakness. The future for the S&P 500 lost 3.7 percent while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 2.9 percent. The future for the Nasdaq lost 4.7 percent.
On Friday, the worst market crisis since Covid slammed into a higher gear as the S&P 500 plummeted 6 percent and the Dow plunged 5.5 percent. The Nasdaq composite dropped 5.8 percent.
Late Sunday, Trump reiterated his resolve on tariffs. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said he didn’t want global markets to fall, but also that he wasn’t concerned about the massive sell-offs, adding, “sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.”
Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index lost nearly 8 percent shortly after the
market opened and futures trading for the benchmark was briefly suspended. It closed down 7.8 percent at 31,136.58. .76.
Among the biggest losers was Mizuho Financial Group, whose shares sank 10.6 percent. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group’s stock lost 10.2 percent as investors panicked over how the trade war may affect the global economy.
“The idea that there’s so much uncertainty going forward about how these tariffs are going to play out, that’s what’s really driving this plummet in the stock prices,” said Rintaro Nishimura, an associate at the Asia Group. Chinese markets often don’t follow global trends, but they also tumbled. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 12.4 percent to 20,022.82, while the Shanghai Composite index lost 8.4 percent to 3,059.94. In Taiwan, the Taiex plummeted 9.7 percent.
Markets were closed Friday in China and Kenny Ng Lai-yin, a strategist at Everbright Securities International, said the big movements might reflect some catching up from Friday’s declines.
Tariff tensions: Asia-Pacific countries weigh retaliation, diplomacy as US tariffs take effect
By Bloomberg News
PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s 10 percent baseline tariffs on US trading partners around the world came into effect on Saturday. While the baseline charge has kicked in, higher duties on some countries—which replace, rather than add to the 10 percent rate—are due to start on April 9.
Here’s how the region is responding:
Australia
Reciprocal Tariff: 10 percent
Response: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the US tariff a “poor decision” and said he would not respond with reciprocal levies. The nation also won’t take action via the World Trade Organization at this stage.
Bangladesh
Reciprocal Tariff: 37 percent
Response: Bangladesh said it is looking to hold talks with the Trump administration to lessen the impact, particularly on the country’s $40 billion garment export industry.
Brunei
Reciprocal Tariff: 24 percent
Response: The finance ministry said it’s engaging with its US counterparts to seek clarifications on the new tariffs, according to the Borneo Bulletin.
Cambodia
Reciprocal Tariff: 49 percent
Response: The government said there is an immediate reduction of tariffs on 19 categories of American goods to 5 percent from 35 percent, without identifying the products. It is seeking talks with the US and has asked Trump to delay the tariffs due to take effect on April 9.
China
Reciprocal Tariff: 34 percent
Response: China retaliated and will impose a 34 percent tariff on all imports from the US starting April 10. it also announced other measures including immediately restricting the exports of seven types of rare earths; halting imports of poultry products from two American companies and imposing export controls on 16 US firms.
Hong Kong
Reciprocal
Response: Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the city won’t impose countermeasures on the US, Radio Television Hong Kong reported. Hong Kong should remain “free and open,” he said.
Fiji
Reciprocal Tariff: 32 percent
Response: The Fijian government said it was engaging with the US through diplomatic and trade channels to seek clarity on the measures and explore options to mitigate their impact. In particular, it’s questioning the US’s methodology for calculating tariffs, which include currency manipulation and non-tariff trade barriers.
India
Reciprocal Tariff: 26 percent
Response: India is unlikely to immediately retaliate, and is focusing efforts on negotiating a bilateral trade deal with the US to bring down duties, according to an Indian government official.
Indonesia
Reciprocal Tariff: 32 percent
Response: A delegation will head to Washington to negotiate the tariffs. President Prabowo Subianto ordered his cabinet to simplify regulations, including by easing non-tariff barriers. Indonesia is also in talks with Malaysia, which is the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to jointly take steps in addressing the tariffs, the government said.
Japan
Reciprocal Tariff: 24 percent
Response: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is seeking a phone call with Trump this week to discuss the tariffs. “Retaliating by imposing tariffs of our own is not what’s in Japan’s interests,” he said on a television program, adding “there are many options.”
Kazakhstan
Reciprocal Tariff: 27 percent
Response: The government is initiating talks with the US “to discuss possibilities to not apply the additional tariffs,” the trade ministry said.
Malaysia
Reciprocal Tariff: 24 percent
Response: Malaysia is not considering retaliatory tariffs. The country’s response will be “calm, firm and guided by Malaysia’s
E-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holdings fell 9.9 percent and Tencent Holdings, another tech giant, lost 13 percent.
South Korea’s Kospi lost 5.6 percent to 2,328.20, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 4.2 percent to 7,343.30, recovering from a loss of more than 6 percent.
Asia is especially dependent on exports, and a large share go to the United States.
“Beyond the market meltdown, the bigger concern is the impact and potential crises for small and trade-dependent economies, so it’s crucial to see whether Trump will reach deals with most countries soon, at least partially,” said Gary Ng of Nataxis.
Oil prices also sank further, with US benchmark crude down $1.74 at $60.25 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, gave up $1.75 to $63.83 a barrel.
Exchange rates also gyrated. The US dollar fell to 145.52 Japanese yen from 146.94 yen. The yen is often viewed as a safe haven in times of turmoil. The euro rose to $1.1000 from $1.0962.
Market observers expect inves -
tors will face more wild swings in the days and weeks to come, with a short-term resolution to the trade war appearing unlikely.
Nathan Thooft, chief investment officer and senior portfolio manager at Manulife Investment Management, said more countries are likely to respond to the US with retaliatory tariffs. Given the large number of countries involved, “it will take a considerable amount of time in our view to work through the various negotiations that are likely to happen.”
“Ultimately, our take is market uncertainly and volatility are likely to persist for some time,” he said.
Heavy selling kicked in after China matched President Donald Trump’s big raise in tariffs announced last week, upping the stakes in a trade war that could end with a recession that hurts everyone. Even a better-thanexpected report on the US job market, usually the economic highlight of each month, wasn’t enough to stop the slide.
The Commerce Ministry in Beijing ordered its own 34 percent tariff on imports of all US products
beginning April 10, among other measures, in response to the 34 percent tariffs imposed by the US on imports from China.
The United States and China are the world’s two largest economies, and a big fear is that the trade war could cause a global recession. If it does, stock prices fall further. As of Friday, the S&P 500 was down 17.4 percent from its record set in February.
Americans may feel “some pain” because of tariffs, Trump has said, but he contends the long-term goals, including getting more manufacturing jobs back to the United States, are worth it.
The Federal Reserve could cushion the blow of tariffs on the economy by cutting interest rates, which can encourage companies and households to borrow and spend. But Fed Chair Jerome Powell said Friday that the higher tariffs could drive up expectations for inflation and lower rates could fuel still more price increases.
Much will depend on how long Trump’s tariffs stick and how other countries react. Some investors are
holding onto hope he will lower the tariffs after negotiating “wins” from other countries.
Stuart Kaiser, head of US equity strategy at Citi, wrote in a note to clients on Sunday that earnings estimates and stock values still don’t reflect the full potential impact of the trade war. “There is ample space to the downside despite the large pullback,” he said. The Trump administration showed no signs of relenting on the tariffs that have caused trillions of dollars in losses.
Appearing on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” White House trade adviser Peter Navarro echoed the president when he said investors shouldn’t panic because the administration’s approach to trade would usher in “the biggest boom in the stock market we have ever seen.”
“People should just sit tight, let that market find its bottom, don’t get shook out by the panic in the media,” Navarro said.
The Associated Press writers Ayaka McGill, Paul Harloff and Jiang Junzhe contributed.
Trump doubles down on sweeping tariffs despite market turmoil and recession fears
By Adriana Gomez Licon & Fatima Hussein
The Associated Press
EST PALM BEACH, Fla.—Presi -
Wdent Donald Trump said Sunday that he won’t back down on his sweeping tariffs on imports from most of the world unless countries even out their trade with the US, digging in on his plans to implement the taxes that have sent financial markets reeling, raised fears of a recession and upended the global trading system.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he didn’t want global markets to fall, but also that he wasn’t concerned about the massive sell-off either, adding, “sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.”
His comments came as global financial markets appeared on track to continue sharp declines once trading resumes Monday, and after Trump’s aides sought to soothe market concerns by saying more than 50 nations had reached out about launching negotiations to lift the tariffs.
“I spoke to a lot of leaders, European, Asian, from all over the world,” Trump said. “They’re dying to make a deal. And I said, we’re not going to have deficits with your country. We’re not going to do that, because to me a deficit is a loss. We’re going to have surpluses or at worst, going to be breaking even.”
The higher rates are set to be collected beginning Wednesday, ushering in a new era of economic uncertainty with no clear end in sight. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said unfair trade practices are not “the kind of thing you can negotiate away in days or weeks.” The United States, he said, must see “what the countries offer and whether it’s believable.”
Trump, who spent the weekend in Florida playing golf, posted online that “WE WILL WIN. HANG TOUGH, it won’t be easy.”
His Cabinet members and economic advisers were out in force Sunday defending the tariffs and downplaying the consequences for the global economy.
“There doesn’t have to be a recession. Who knows how the market is going to react in a day, in a week?” Bessent said. “What we are looking at is building the long-term economic fundamentals for prosperity.”
US stock futures dropped on Sunday night as the tariffs continued to roil the markets. S&P 500 futures were down 2.5 percent while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 2.1 percent. Nasdaq futures were down 3.1 percent. Even the
price of bitcoin, which held relatively stable last week, fell nearly 6 percent Sunday. Asian shares, meanwhile, nosedived. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index lost nearly 8 percent shortly after the market opened. By midday, it was down 6 percent. A circuit breaker briefly suspended trading of Topix futures after an earlier sharp fall in US futures. Chinese markets also tumbled, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropping 9.4 percent, while the Shanghai Composite index lost 6.2 percent.
Trump’s tariff blitz, announced April 2, fulfilled a key campaign promise as he acted without Congress to redraw the rules of global trade. It was a move decades in the making for Trump, who has long denounced foreign trade deals as unfair to the US. He is gambling that voters will be willing to endure higher prices for everyday items to enact his economic vision.
Countries are scrambling to figure out how to respond to the tariffs, with China and others retaliating quickly.
Top White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett acknowledged that other countries are “angry and retaliating,” and, he said, “by the way, coming to the table.” He cited the Office of the US Trade Representative as reporting that more than 50 nations had reached out to the White House to begin talks.
Adding to the turmoil, the new tariffs are hitting American allies and adversaries alike, including Israel, which is facing a 17 percent tariff. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit the White House and speak at a press conference with Trump on Monday, with his office saying the tariffs would be a point of discussion with Trump along with the war in Gaza and other issues.
Another American ally, Vietnam, a major manufacturing center for clothing, has also been in touch with the administration about the tariffs. Trump said Vietnam’s leader said in a telephone call that his country “wants to cut their Tariffs down to ZERO if they are able to make an agreement with the US.” And a key European partner, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, said she disagreed with Trump’s move but was “ready to deploy all the tools—negotiating and economic— necessary to support our businesses and our sectors that may be penalized.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made clear there was no postponing tariffs that are days away.
“The tariffs are coming. Of course, they are,” he said, adding that Trump needed to reset global trade. But he committed only
to having them “definitely” remain “for days and weeks.”
In Congress, where Trump’s Republican Party has long championed free trade, the tariff regiment has been met with applause but also significant unease.
Several Republican senators have already signed onto a new bipartisan bill that would require presidents to justify new tariffs to Congress. Lawmakers would then have to approve the tariffs within 60 days, or they would expire. Nebraska GOP Rep. Don Bacon said Sunday that he would introduce a House version of the bill, saying that Congress needs to restores its powers over tariffs.
“We gave some of that power to the executive branch. I think, in hindsight, that was a mistake,” said Bacon, adding that getting a measure passed would be challenging unless the financial markets continue to react negatively and other indicators such as inflation and unemployment shift.
Wyoming’s John Barrasso, the No. 2 member of the Senate’s GOP leadership, said Trump is “doing what he has every right to do.” But, he acknowledged, “there is concern, and there’s concern across the country. People are watching the markets.”
“There’ll be a discussion in the Senate,” Barrasso said of the tariffs. “We’ll see which way the discussion goes.”
Trump’s government cost-cutting guru, billionaire businessman Elon Musk, had been relatively silent on Trump’s tariffs, but said at a weekend event in Italy that he would like to see the US and Europe move to “a zero-tariff situation.” The comment from the Tesla owner who leads Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency drew a rebuke from White House trade adviser Peter Navarro.
“Elon, when he is on his DOGE lane, is great. But we understand what’s going on here. We just have to understand. Elon sells cars,” Navarro said. He added: “He’s simply protecting his own interest as any business person would do.”
Trump indicated he disagreed with Musk, saying Sunday of the European Union, “They want to talk, but there’s no talk unless they pay us a lot of money on a yearly basis.”
Gomez Licon reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Associated Press writer Giada Zampano in Rome contributed to this report.
Report: Israel controls over 50% of Gaza, razing Palestinian homes for buffer zone
By Sam Mednick
The Associated Press
TEL AVIV, Israel—Israel has dramatically expanded its footprint in the Gaza Strip since relaunching its war against Hamas last month. It now controls more than 50 percent of the territory and is squeezing Palestinians into shrinking wedges of land.
The largest contiguous area the army controls is around the Gaza border, where the military has razed Palestinian homes, farmland and infrastructure to the point of uninhabitability, according to Israeli soldiers and rights groups. This military buffer zone has doubled in size in recent weeks.
Israel has depicted its tightening grip as a temporary necessity to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages taken during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that started the war. But the land Israel holds, which includes a corridor that divides the territory’s north from south, could be used for wielding long-term control, human rights groups and Gaza experts say.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week that even after Hamas is defeated, Israel will keep security control in Gaza and push Palestinians to leave.
The demolition close to the Israeli border and the systematic expansion of the buffer zone has been going on since the war began 18 months ago, five Israeli soldiers
told The Associated Press.
“They destroyed everything they could, they shot everything that looks functioning...(the Palestinians) will have nothing to come back, they will not come back, never,” a soldier deployed with a tank squad guarding the demolition teams said. He and four other soldiers spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.
A report documenting the accounts of soldiers who were in the buffer zone was released Monday by Breaking The Silence, an anti-occupation veterans group. A handful of soldiers -- including some who also spoke to AP -- described watching the army turn the zone into a vast wasteland.
“Through widespread, deliberate destruction, the military laid the groundwork for future Israeli control of the area,” said the group.
Asked about the soldiers’ accounts, the Israeli army said it is acting to protect its country and especially to improve security in southern communities devastated by the Oct. 7 attack, in which some 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. The army said it does not seek to harm civilians in Gaza, and that it abides by international law.
Carving Gaza into sections IN the early days of the war, Israeli troops forced Palestinians from communities near the border and destroyed the land to create a
buffer zone more than a kilometer (0.62 miles) deep, according to Breaking The Silence.
Its troops also seized a swath of land across Gaza known as the Netzarim Corridor that isolated the north, including Gaza City, from the rest of the narrow, coastal strip, home to more than 2 million people.
When Israel resumed the war last month, it doubled the size of the buffer zone, pushing it as far as 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) into Gaza in some places, according to a map issued by the military.
The buffer zone and the Netzarim Corridor make up at least 50 percent of the strip, said Yaakov Garb, a professor of environmental studies at Ben Gurion University, who has been examining IsraeliPalestinian land use patterns for decades.
Last week, Netanyahu said Israel intends to create another corridor that slices across southern Gaza, cutting off the city of Rafah from the rest of the territory. Israel’s control of Gaza is even greater taking into account areas where it recently ordered civilians to evacuate ahead of planned attacks.
Neighborhoods turned into rubble HUNDREDS of thousands of Palestinians used to live in the land that now makes up Israel’s buffer zone, an area that was key to Gaza’s agricultural output.
Satellite images show once
dense neighborhoods turned to rubble, as well as nearly a dozen new Israeli army outposts since the ceasefire ended.
When the ceasefire was announced in January, Nidal Alzaanin went back to his home in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza. His property stood on the edge of the buffer zone and lay in ruins.
All that remains is a photo of him and his wife on their wedding day, a drawing of his son’s face on a porcelain plate and the carcass of a 150-year-old sycamore tree planted by his great-grandfather. His greenhouse was reduced to twisted scraps of metal.
The 55-year-old farmer pitched a tent in the rubble, hoping to rebuild his life. But when Israel resumed its campaign and seized his land, he was again uprooted.
“It took 20 years to build a house and within five minutes they destroyed all my dreams and my children’s dreams,” he said from Gaza City, where he now shelters.
Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives throughout the war have left vast swaths of Gaza’s cities and towns destroyed. But the razing of property inside the buffer zone has been more methodical and extensive, soldiers said.
The five soldiers who spoke to the AP said Israeli troops were ordered to destroy farmland, irrigation pipes, crops and trees as well as thousands of buildings, including residential and public structures, so that militants had
nowhere to hide.
Several soldiers said their units demolished more buildings than they could count, including large industrial complexes. A soda factory was leveled, leaving shards of glass and solar panels strewn on the ground.
Soldier alleges buffer zone was a ‘kill’ zone
THE soldiers said the buffer zone had no marked boundaries, but that Palestinians who entered were shot at.
The soldier with the tank squad said an armored bulldozer flattened land creating a “kill zone” and that anyone who came within 500 meters of the tanks would be shot, including women and children.
Visibly shaken, he said many of the soldiers acted out of vengeance for the October 7 attack.
“I came there because they kill us and now we’re going to kill them. And I found out that we’re not only killing them. We’re killing them, we’re killing their wives, their children, their cats, their dogs, and we destroyed their houses,” he said.
The army said its attacks are based on intelligence and that it avoids “as much as possible, harm to non-combatants.”
Long-term hold?
IT is unclear how long Israel intends to hold the buffer zone and other territory inside Gaza.
In announcing the new corridor
across southern Gaza, Netanyahu said Israel aims to pressure Hamas to release the remaining 59 hostages, of whom 35 are believed dead. He also said the war can only end when Hamas is destroyed and its leaders leave Gaza, at which point Israel would take control of security in the territory. Then, Netanyahu said, Israel would implement US President Donald Trump’s call to move Palestinians from Gaza, what Israel calls “voluntary emigration.”
Some Israel analysts say the purpose of the buffer zone isn’t to occupy Gaza, but to secure it until Hamas is dismantled. “This is something that any sane country will do with regard to its borders when the state borders a hostile entity,” said Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at two Israeli think tanks, the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute. But rights group say forcibly displacing people is a potential war crime and crime against humanity. Within Gaza’s buffer zones, specifically, it amounts to “ethnic cleansing,” because it was clear people would never be allowed to return, said Nadia Hardman, a researcher at Human Rights Watch. Israel called the accusations baseless and said it evacuates civilians from combat areas to protect them.
The Associated Press reporter Michael Biesecker contributed from Washington.
Pope Francis makes surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Square after hospitalization
By Silvia Stellacci & Colleen Barry
The Associated Press
ATICAN CITY—Pope Francis made a surprise entrance to St. Peter’s Square
during a special Jubilee Mass for the sick and health workers on Sunday, marking his first public appearance at the Vatican since leaving the hospital two weeks ago after a life-threatening bout with pneumonia.
The pontiff waved at the crowd of faithful that stood and applauded as he was pushed in a wheel -
chair unannounced to the front of the altar in the square. Some exclaimed, “I see the pope!’’ as his image first emerged on a big screen showing him passing through the Holy Door before being brought down a ramp to the altar.
“Good Sunday to everyone,’’ Francis said, speaking into a microphone, which he tapped to make
sure it was working on a second attempt. “Thank you very much.”
The pontiff’s voice sounded stronger than when he addressed well-wishers outside of Gemelli hospital on the day of his release March 23, after a five-week hospital stay.
He wore nasal tubes to receive supplemental oxygen, which the Vatican says is being gradually reduced. As he waved and blessed the crowd, his arm movements remained limited—which his doctor said was not related to his illness but to an unspecified trauma suffered before his Feb. 14 hospitalization.
After the Mass, the pontiff greeted some of those who assisted in the service, many who bowed to kiss his hands. He exited the square through the Holy Door.
Pope shares his experience of being sick
Francis has just completed two weeks of at least two months of doctor-ordered rest as he continues physical, respiratory and speech therapy, as well as treatment for a lingering lung infection.
The pope referred to his experience with illness in both the traditional Sunday blessing and the homily read by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, organizer of the Holy Year that is expected to bring some
30 million pilgrims to Rome.
Addressing the sick among the crowd, the pope said in the homily read by Fisichella that “In this moment of my life I share a lot: the experience of infirmity, feeling weak, depending on the others for many things, needing support.
“It is not easy, but it is a school in which we learn every day to love and to let ourselves be loved, without demanding and without rejecting, without regretting, without despairing, grateful to God and to our brothers for the good that we receive, trusting for what is still to come.’’ He also urged the faithful not to push the fragile from their lives “as unfortunately a certain mentality does today. Let’s not ostracize pain from our surroundings. Let’s instead make it an opportunity to grow together, to cultivate hope.’’ In the traditional Sunday blessing, he offered prayers for doctors, nurses and health care workers “who are not always helped to work in inadequate conditions, at times the victims of aggression. Their mission is not easy and must be supported and respected.”
Barry reported from Milan.
www.businessmirror.com.ph
The World BusinessMirror
US blocks imports from South Korean salt farm accused of using slave labor
By Kim Tong-Hyung
The Associated Press
SEOUL. South Korea—The United States has blocked imports of sea salt products from a major South Korean salt farm accused of using slave labor, becoming the first trade partner to take punitive action against a decadeslong problem on salt farms in remote islands off South Korea’s southwest coast.
US Customs and Border Protection issued a withhold release order against the Taepyung salt farm, saying information “reasonably indicates” the use of forced labor at the company in the island county of Sinan, where most of South Korea’s sea salt products are made.
Under the order issued last Wednesday, Customs personnel at all US ports of entry are required to hold sea salt products sourced from the farm.
Taepyung is South Korea’s largest salt farm, producing about 16,000 tons of salt annually, which accounts for approximately 6 percent of the country’s total output, according to government data, and is a major supplier to South Korean food companies. The farm, located on Jeungdo island in Sinan and leasing most of its salt fields to tenants, has been repeatedly accused of using forced labor, including in 2014 and 2021.
South Korean officials stated that this was the first time a foreign government had suspended imports from a South Korean company due to concerns over forced labor.
In a statement to The Associated Press on Monday, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, have been taking steps to address labor practices at Taepyung since 2021. While not providing direct evidence, it said it assesses that none of the salt produced there now is sourced from forced labor. The ministry said it plans to “actively engage” in discussions with the US officials over the matter.
The fisheries ministry said it plans to promptly review the necessary measures to seek the lifting of the US order.
The widespread slavery at Sinan’s salt farms was exposed in 2014 when dozens of slavery victims—most of them with disabilities—were rescued from the islands following an investigation by mainland police. Some of their stories were documented by The Associated Press, which highlighted how slavery persisted despite the exposure.
US Customs said it identified several signs of forced labor during its investigation of Taepyung, including “abuse of vulnerability, deception, restriction of movement,
retention of identity documents, abusive living and working conditions, intimidation and threats, physical violence, debt bondage, withholding of wages, and excessive overtime.”
Lawyer Choi Jung Kyu, part of a group of attorneys and activists who petitioned US Customs to take action against Taepyung and other South Korean salt farms in 2022, expressed hope that the US ban would increase pressure on South Korea to take more effective steps to eliminate the slavery.
“Since the exposure of the problem in 2014, the courts have recognized the legal responsibility of the national government and local governments, but forced labor among salt farm workers has not been eradicated,” Choi said. “Our hope is that the export ban would force companies to strengthen due diligence over supply chains and lead to the elimination of human rights violations.”
Choi’s law firm and other groups representing salt farm slavery victims issued a statement urging the South Korean government to take stronger action to prevent the ongoing abuse, including harsher punishments for trafficking and forced labor crimes. They also criticized the lack of support measures for victims, such as employment and housing assistance, which has led some to return to salt farms.
Most of the salt farm slaves rescued in 2014 had been lured to the islands to work by brokers hired by salt farm owners, who would beat them into long hours of hard labor and confine them at their houses for years while providing little or no pay.
The slavery was revealed in early 2014 when two police officers from the capital, Seoul, disguised themselves as tourists to clandestinely rescue a victim who had been reported by his family as missing. One of the Seoul police officers told AP they went undercover because of concerns about collaboration between the island’s police and salt farm owners.
Dozens of farm owners and job brokers were indicted, but no police or officials were punished despite allegations some knew about the slavery.
In 2019, South Korea’s Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that ordered the government to compensate three men who had been enslaved on salt farms in Sinan and the neighboring county of Wando, acknowledging that local officials and police failed to properly monitor their living and working conditions.
The salt farm slavery issue resurfaced in 2021 when around a dozen workers at Taepyung were discovered to have endured various labor abuses, including forced labor and wage theft.
Le Pen supporters rally in Paris, turning a protest into a populist show of force
By Thomas Adamson The Associated Press
PIndonesia’s ambitious bioethanol project raises alarms over deforestation, habitat destruction
By Victoria Milko The Associated Press
JAKARTA, Indonesia—Indonesia plans to clear forests about the size of Belgium to produce sugarcane-derived bioethanol, rice and other food crops, potentially displacing Indigenous groups who rely on the land to survive.
Local communities say they’re already experiencing harm from the government-backed project, which environmental watchdogs say is the largest current planned deforestation operation in the world.
A vast tropical archipelago stretching across the equator, Indonesia is home to the world’s third-largest rainforest, home to many endangered species of wildlife and plants, including orangutans, elephants and giant forest flowers. Some live nowhere else.
Indonesia has been building food estates, massive plantations designed to improve the country’s food security for decades, with varying level of success. The concept was revived by former President Joko Widodo during his 2014- 2024 administration.
The current president, Prabowo Subianto, has expanded such projects to include crops to produce bioethanol, a renewable fuel made from plants like sugar cane or corn, in pursuit of Indonesia’s ambition to improve its energy mix and develop more renewable sources.
“I am confident that within four to five years at the latest, we will achieve food self-sufficiency,” Prabowo said in October 2024. “We must be self-sufficient
in energy and we have the capacity to achieve this.”
Biofuels, such as bioethanol, play an important role in decarbonizing transport by providing a low-carbon solution for sectors that heavily rely on fossil fuels such as trucking, shipping and aviation, according to the International Energy Agency. But the agency also cautions expansion of biofuel should have minimal impact on land-use, food and other environmental factors in order to be developed sustainably.
That’s of particular concern in Indonesia, where more than 74 million hectares (285,715 square miles) of Indonesian rainforest— an area twice the size of Germany—have been logged, burned or degraded for development of palm oil, paper and rubber plantations, nickel mining and other commodities since 1950, according to Global Forest Watch.
Indonesia has vast potential for bioethanol production due to its extensive agricultural land but currently lacks sustainable feedstocks, like sugarcane and cassava. A previous attempt to introduce bioethanol-blended fuel in 2007 was discontinued a few years later due to a lack of feedstock supply.
Since then, the government has accelerated work on its food and energy estate mega-project, which spans 4.3 million hectares (about 10.6 million acres) on the islands of Papua and Kalimantan. Experts say the combined size of the numerous project sites makes the mega-project the largest current deforestation project in the world.
The largest site, called the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate, will cover more than 3 mil -
lion hectares (7.4 million acres) in the far-eastern region of Papua, according to the international environmental organization Mighty Earth.
Overlapping with the TransFly ecoregion, it’s home to critically endangered and endemic mammals, birds and turtles and to several Indigenous groups who rely on traditional ways of living.
“Imagine every piece of vegetation in that area being completely cleared ... having all the trees and the wildlife erased from the landscape and replaced with a monoculture,” said Glenn Horowitz, CEO of Mighty Earth. “It’s creating a zone of death in one of the most vibrant spots on Earth.”
An unpublished government feasibility assessment obtained and reviewed by The Associated Press estimates that carbon dioxide emissions from clearing land for the project will total 315 million tons of C02 equivalent. An independent assessment by the Indonesia-based think tank Center of Economic and Law Studies estimated double that.
Deforestation contributes to erosion, damages biodiverse areas, threatens wildlife and humans who rely on the forest and intensifies disasters from extreme weather.
Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Subianto’s brother and envoy for energy and the environment, said the government will reforest 6.5 million hectares (16 million acres) of degraded and deforested land.
“Thus, the food estate program continues while we mitigate the possible negative impacts with new programs, one of which is reforestation,” he said.
But experts warn that reforestation, while essential, cannot match the ecological benefits of old-growth ecosystems, which store vast amounts of carbon in their soils and biomass, regulate water cycles and support biodiversity.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture, which oversees the food and energy estate project, did not respond to requests for comment from The AP. Merauke Sugar Group and Jhonlin Group, the two main Indonesian companies in charge of the project in Merauke, did not respond to requests for comment from The AP.
Local communities in Papua that rely on the area for hunting, fishing and other aspects of their cultural identity say their basic needs have been harmed by the projects.
Vincen Kwipalo, 63, a villager living in the area, said that land he and other villagers used for hunting was turned into sugarcane nurseries guarded by groups of men, preventing them from engaging in their usual ways of surviving.
“We know the forests of Papua are one of the biggest lungs of the world, yet we are destroying it,” Kwipalo said. “Indonesia should be proud to protect Papua ... not destroy it.”
Environmental watch groups say the projects’ development will impact generations of Indigenous groups for generations to come
“Where are they going to hunt, fish and live?” said Horowitz. “For an Indigenous community that’s relied on the rainforest to provide for centuries, are they supposed to live in a sugar plantation?”
Britain expresses outrage after Israel prevents 2 lawmakers from visiting occupied West Bank
TEL AVIV, Israel—Britain expressed outrage after Israeli authorities prevented two lawmakers from entering the country in order to visit the occupied West Bank. Israel accused the members of parliament of supporting boycotts against it.
Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy said late Saturday that it was “unacceptable, counterproductive and deeply concerning” that two British members of parliament were detained and refused entry to Israel.
Bardella, Le Pen’s 29-year-old protégé and president of the National Rally. His speech was fiery, accusing France’s judges of trying to silence the opposition.
“I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British parliamentarians,” he said.
Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang said they were “astounded at the unprecedented step taken by the Israeli authorities to refuse British MPs entry on our trip to visit the occupied West Bank.”
“It is vital that parliamentarians are able to witness firsthand the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory,” they said, adding that they had planned to visit humanitarian
“Trump can run—why not Marine?”
aid projects and local communities.
Medical Aid for Palestinians, a charity that helped organize the visit, said the two were questioned upon arrival at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport before being denied entry and deported.
A statement from Israeli authorities accused the two lawmakers of having called for boycotts of Israel and said they were not visiting as part of an official delegation.
“The system’s not broken—it’s rigged,” said Alice Triquet, a 26-year-old bartender. “If they can do this to her, what stops them from coming after anyone who doesn’t think like them?”
The National Rally, Le Pen’s party, organized the event in response to what it calls a politically motivated verdict. But with chants of “Marine Présidente!” and “They won’t steal 2027 from us,” the message was clear: this was more than a protest. It was a show of populist defiance aimed squarely at France’s institutions.
Bardella sharpens the attack AT the heart of that charge stood Jordan
ARIS—Convicted of embezzling public funds and banned from running for office, far-right politician Marine Le Pen stood unshaken before a sea of French flags in Paris on Sunday. “For 30 years I have fought against injustice,” she told the crowd. “And I will continue to fight.” Thousands of supporters gathered at Place Vauban, near the golden dome of Les Invalides and the tomb of Napoleon, for what was billed as a protest—but observers said it had all the markings of a campaign rally.
“March 29 was a dark day for France,” he said, referencing the date of Le Pen’s conviction. “The people must be free to choose their leaders—without interference from political judges.”
Though he claimed the party would respect democracy, Bardella denounced magistrates’ unions and warned of “a system determined to crush dissent.” Supporters carried signs reading “Justice taking orders” and “Stop the judicial dictatorship.” Others wore “Je suis Marine” (“I am Marine”) shirts or compared Le Pen to US President Donald Trump, who was convicted of civil fraud:
One woman raised a handmade scale of justice, its arms bent and broken—a symbol of what Le Pen’s supporters see as a justice system turned against the people.
A nation divided over justice and power
Le Pen was found guilty of using European Parliament funds to pay party staff in France— a scheme the court described as “a democratic bypass.” She was sentenced to four years in prison, including two under house arrest and two suspended, and banned from public office for five years, effective immediately. Her appeal
national interests,” and efforts were already underway to engage the US, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.
The country, as the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, will lead efforts to coordinate a regional response toward US tariffs, he said. Anwar said he’d spoken with several Asean leaders and will reach out to those in North Asia, too.
Myanmar
Reciprocal Tariff: 44 percent
New Zealand
Reciprocal Tariff: 10 percent
Response: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealand won’t launch reciprocal tariffs against the US, in part as it would add to inflation.
Pakistan
Reciprocal Tariff: 29 percent
Response: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government will send a high-level mission to Washington for talks, and is currently analyzing the impact and looking at the way forward.
Response: Myanmar is considering some measures to address the new tariffs, according to Deputy Commerce Minister Min Min, without provide any details. Officials are currently focused on relief and reconstruction after last month’s massive earthquake, he said.
Philippines
Reciprocal Tariff: 17 percent
Response: There has been no mention of a retaliatory response. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said she is seeking to meet with her US counterpart to discuss improving ties and is pushing for a bilateral free trade agreement.
Singapore Reciprocal Tariff: 10 percent
Response: Its leaders said the country won’t retaliate even though it is able to do so under a free-trade agreement, and will seek talks.
South Korea
Reciprocal Tariff: 25 percent
Response: South Korea’s interim leader Han Duck-soo said the government aims to send
its trade minister to the US for negotiations as soon as possible.
Sri Lanka
Reciprocal Tariff: 44 percent
Response: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed a committee that included the treasury secretary and central bank governor to study the potential issues from the new reciprocal tariff system and submit recommendations to the government.
Taiwan
Reciprocal Tariff: 32 percent
Response: President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan doesn’t plan to retaliate with tariffs, and will make efforts to improve the reciprocal tariffs through talks with the US. Taiwan-US talks can start from “zero
is expected next year. The reaction has been sharply divided. While National Rally supporters denounce the ruling as politically motivated, many outside the party see it as legitimate accountability.
“I challenge the notion that there is a tsunami of support for Le Pen on this issue,” said John Goodman, Ph.D., director of Syracuse University’s flagship program in France.
He also criticized the unusually rapid pace of Le Pen’s appeal. “Her appeal has been fast-tracked so it can be heard in the summer of 2026, well before the 2027 presidential election, and significantly faster than a typical criminal case,” Goodman said.
Warnings of a ‘Trumpist turn’ ON the other side of the Seine, hundreds
tariffs,” and industries such as electronics, petrochemicals and natural gas will seek to boost investments in the US, according to the presidential office.
T he island earlier called the tariffs unreasonable and announced NT$88 billion ($2.7 billion) in
Thailand Reciprocal Tariff: 36 percent Response:
Supporters portray BDS as nonviolent activism based on a similar campaign against apartheid South Africa. Israel views the movement as an attack on its very legitimacy and accuses some organizers of antisemitism, allegations they deny.
In February, Israel denied entry to two European Union lawmakers, accusing one of promoting boycotts of the country. AP
Israeli law prohibits the entry of noncitizens and non-residents who support the Palestinian-led international boycott movement, known as Boycott, Divest and Sanctions, or BDS.
gathered for a counter-rally led by leftwing parties, warning that France’s far right is embracing US-style authoritarianism.
“This is bigger than Marine Le Pen,” said Green Party leader Marine Tondelier. “It’s about defending the rule of law from people who think justice is optional.” Placards read “No Trumpism in France” and “Anti-fascist response.” Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal addressed supporters at a meeting of the center-right Renaissance party in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, calling the moment “a test of the Republic.” Former PM Edouard Philippe stood by his side. Though police were out in force, only minor clashes were reported.
A looming storm: US tariffs to disrupt global supply chain
THE winds of protectionism are picking up, and a recent report from Dimerco Express Group paints a concerning picture of the potential fallout. As the United States doubles down on tariffs and levies aimed at Chinese-built vessels, the global supply chain braces for a “new era of unpredictability,” one riddled with congestion, bottlenecks, and escalating costs. While the Philippines may currently be experiencing smooth sailing at its major ports, the ripple effects of these policies threaten to disrupt trade flows and impact businesses both locally and globally. (Read the BusinessMirror story, “Report: New era of supply chain vulnerability up ahead,” April 2, 2025).
The core issue lies in the accelerating shift of manufacturing and trade away from China, a direct consequence of US tariffs and proposed port taxes. Southeast Asia, poised to absorb this surge, faces a monumental challenge. Without significant and rapid investment in vessel capacity and port infrastructure, the region risks becoming a major chokepoint in Intra-Asia logistics. The Dimerco report highlights the potential for US port taxes on Chinese-built or operated vessels to trigger vessel redeployments, bypassing smaller US ports and increasing reliance on intermodal transport, ultimately leading to congestion and higher costs.
The proposed US fee of up to $1.5 million on Chinese-made ships entering US ports, intended to bolster domestic shipbuilding, carries significant risks. It threatens to disrupt vital coal and agricultural exports, as vessel availability dwindles. The report estimates a potential 35 percent cost increase for the $130 billion coal industry, jeopardizing its competitiveness. Similarly, agricultural exports could face an additional $930 million in costs, potentially impacting US export volumes, particularly for bulk crops.
For the Philippines, while Manila’s ports currently experience no congestion, high container yard utilization is impacting empty container returns, a problem exacerbated by higher import volumes compared to exports. The air freight sector also faces challenges, with anticipated high demand for air exports before the Holy Week holidays potentially driving up freight costs.
Beyond tariffs, regulatory changes such as the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) are adding to the operational costs for the shipping industry. These regulations are pushing carriers towards cleaner technologies and “slow-steaming” practices, which, while environmentally beneficial, could reduce effective capacity and further strain the supply chain.
The Dimerco report offers a stark warning: shippers must remain informed about market trends and collaborate closely with their freight forwarders to navigate the potential changes in proposed regulations. For Filipino businesses, this means proactive planning, securing space well in advance, and exploring alternative routes and strategies to mitigate potential disruptions.
The Dimerco report serves as a wake-up call. The US tariffs and protectionist measures, while intended to benefit domestic industries, risk triggering a cascade of negative consequences for the global supply chain. Congestion, bottlenecks, and increased costs loom large, threatening to disrupt trade flows and impact businesses worldwide. For the Philippines, proactive planning and collaboration are essential to weather the storm and navigate this new era of supply chain unpredictability.
Opinion
The Fourth Turning President
WT. Anthony
John Mangun
OUTSIDE THE BOX
ILLIAM STRAUSS and Neil Howe laid out a theory in their book “The Fourth Turning” that history does not march straight ahead. It spins in circles. They argue it follows a cycle of four phases called “turnings,” stretching across 80 to 100 years. Each phase marks a generational mood swing and new challenges.
First comes “The High” with unity and fresh concrete for buildings and highways. Then “The Awakening” brings loud questions about who pays the bills. “The Unraveling” shreds trust when it is “Every man for himself,” and not “Women and children first.”
Finally, the Fourth Turning — the Crisis —caps it off with recklessness, mayhem, and then a reset. Tensions from the earlier phases boil over, society transforms, and a new cycle kicks off with another High. That is the big picture.
Strauss and Howe tossed this “theoretical” bomb in December 1996. “History warns that a Crisis will reshape the basic social and economic environment that you now take for granted. The Fourth Turning necessitates the death and rebirth of the social order. It is the ultimate
rite of passage for an entire people, requiring a state of sheer chaos whose nature and duration no one can predict in advance.” Grim stuff.
“In retrospect, the spark might seem as ominous as a financial crash or as ordinary as a national election, or as trivial as a tax revolt. The catalyst will unfold according to a basic Crisis dynamic that underlies all of these scenarios: An initial spark will trigger a chain reaction of unyielding responses and further emergencies.”
Today’s news?
The Crisis sharpens into focus with Trump back in charge, wielding power harder than before. Past Fourth Turning presidents—Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt— ruled like dictators, using war to bend the Constitution. Executive orders are now routine in a Republic turned corporate state, where elites
split the profits, and the rest get debt and lies. Trump plays strongman and swings hard at the Deep State. Half the US cheers, half screams bloody murder. No middle ground left at the Fourth Turning as the Crisis bites.
Now come “The Tariffs.” Despite all the whining and tantrums, they are incidental, gears in Trump’s plan that I flagged March 20: a weaker dollar, cheaper oil, lower interest rates. Check the numbers. This is what happened in the immediate aftermath of Liberation Day when the tariffs were announced. The dollar index decreased by 2 percent, Brent Crude oil dropped about 8 percent, and the interest rate on the US 10-year bond fell by about 7 percent.
However, Trump spins a dazzling economic fairy tale, fueled by tariffs, tax cuts, and oil glory. It is a sweet story but pure fantasy. A liveaction Snow White with CGI dwarves. Trump’s chatter about balancing the budget amounts to hot air with little substance. His money wizards know better than to try. Actually doing it would tank the economy into a depression nobody has seen before. They will not risk that.
America’s economic circus rides on $6 billion of daily debt. Positive growth? Sure, if you ignore the math of the government spending $5 trillion per year on wars, welfare, and waste. But every bit of fiscal common sense helps.
If other nations hit their own
Fourth Turning at the same time, the dominoes will fall faster. These potential shocks will rip open the weak spots in the system, places where America ignored, dodged, or postponed the hard fixes it needed, much worse than before. At every turning, the four archetypes—Prophet, Nomad, Hero, Artist—shape the narrative. A Grey Champion prowls the Crisis peak, staring down brutal odds with a spine of steel. Is Trump that Champion? I wavered after 2020, but his 2025 comeback settles it. He is the focal point for this Crisis endgame. Trump, Putin, and Xi—Prophet generation all—lead their nations as Grey Champions. Their moves in the next few years will shape this Fourth Turning. Global tensions simmer, but the stakes still remain manageable. Trump’s first seven weeks mark a regeneracy with bold moves to reverse Biden’s stumbles. Chaos stirs, trust wobbles, debt climbs, but interestingly, the price of gold rising signals shifts, not ruin as it has shown in the past. Much action through Ukraine, Middle East, Taiwan, Wall Street, and Main Street. Yet history tells us Fourth Turnings can pivot to renewal. Cycles spin. Is Trump the Crisis king? Watch it closely. Think hard. Stay safe.
E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.
Japan’s nominal wages rise in bright spot as outlook darkens
By Erica Yokoyama
JAPAN’S
nominal wages rose more than expected in a positive sign for the domestic economy just as external headwinds related to trade are clouding the outlook.
Nominal cash earnings for workers climbed 3.1 percent in February from a year earlier, with the pace accelerating from a revised 1.8 percent in January, the labor ministry said Monday. The reading beat economists’ estimate of 3 percent.
A more stable gauge that generally irons out sampling inconsistencies showed base pay for full-time workers increased by 1.9 percent, slowing below 2 percent for the first time in 18 months. Some components of the gauge were reshuffled this time.
In a reflection of persistent price pressure, real wages declined for a second straight month, falling 1.2 percent from a year earlier. Data due next week are expected to show that consumer prices excluding fresh food have now grown at a pace at or above the Bank of Japan’s 2 percent target for a full three years through March.
“When looking at nominal wages,
the pay trend appears to be steady. However, base salaries, including the ‘same-sample’ dataset the BOJ is closely watching, have shown significant slowdowns, and that’s concerning,” said Takayuki Toji, senior economist at Japan Post Insurance. “Since there’s also the impact of sample changes this time, it’s difficult to evaluate based on just a single month, but it’s worrisome.”
Until recently, solid wage gains were among the positive factors keeping the BOJ on the path toward more gradual rate hikes as authorities sought to normalize policy settings. That narrative was abruptly upended last week by Donald Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs, which will impose a 24 percent across-the-board duty on Japanese goods. It’s a steeper tax than many had anticipated.
Economists have trimmed their growth projections for Japan and pushed back their rate hike expec-
tations. Until last week, most saw a hike by June or July, with the outside chance of a move when authorities next set policy on May 1. Markets indicate that traders now see a rate increase in September at the earliest. Toji said July would be the earliest possible month for a hike.
“Base salaries for full-time workers—a measure that smooths out distortions from survey sample changes—rose 1.9 percent year on year, down from a 2.9 percent rise in January. Governor Kazuo Ueda once said a rise of around 3 percent would be consistent with the 2 percent inflation target,” said Bloomberg economist Taro Kimura.
Speaking after Trump’s announcement, BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda stressed the need to monitor developments closely, while reaffirming the bank’s commitment to raise rates if inflation and economic growth hold firm.
Wages are expected to keep rising through at least the rest of the year, supported by strong outcomes in the latest round of annual labor talks. Japan’s largest labor union federation Rengo reported last week that its members secured an average 5.42 percent pay hike, the
biggest in over three decades, topping economists’ earlier estimates of around 5 percent. Rengo also noted that small firms achieved a 5 percent increase, the highest since 1992. That points to broad-based wage momentum, as the bulk of the nation’s company employees work at small firms. These increases will gradually show up in payrolls from April through the summer, according to a BOJ analysis. A tight labor market is driving the upward pressure, as employers compete to attract and retain workers. Japan’s jobless rate dipped to 2.4 percent in February, remaining one of the lowest among developed nations. Last year a record 342 firms went bankrupt due to a manpower crunch, according to Teikoku Databank.
In its January outlook report, the BOJ anticipated continued nominal wage growth, citing deepening labor constraints. Meantime rising consumer prices are fueling workers’ demands for better pay. In April, over 4,000 food products faced price hikes, the highest count since October 2023, according to another Teikoku survey.
Chinese stocks suffer ‘panic selling’ as tariff war escalates
CHINESE shares and corporate bonds plunged while sovereign yields neared an all-time low as investors braced themselves for the fall-out of a spiraling trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies.
The onshore CSI 300 dropped as much as 7.6 percent, its biggest decline in over five years. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index and a separate gauge of Chinese shares listed in the city were both on track for their worst day since the global financial crisis. China’s retaliation against US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs is forcing investors to confront the reality that a muchfeared trade conflict has entered a new phase. Beijing is now discussing frontloading any stimulus to offset the damage of tariffs—but so far, investors are focusing on the potential for economic disaster.
“This selloff we see is incredible for all the wrong reasons,” said Sat Duhra, a portfolio manager at Janus Henderson Investors. “There is an element of panic selling, of course; there are margin calls we need to be aware of; funds are selling down to raise cash and China retaliation has introduced more risk with a currency devaluation now on the table in the eyes of investors.”
Exchange-traded funds favored by China’s so-called national team of state-linked investors saw heavy trading, a sign that authorities may be working behind the scenes to limit the damage.
The flight from risk cut across all sectors and markets, with all 50 members on the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index in the red. A gauge of Chinese tech stocks in Hong Kong fell more than 15 percent, putting it on track for a bear market. Chinese issuers were among the names leading losses in Asia on Monday, with spreads on some their investmentgrade bonds widening more than 30 basis points, according to traders.
“The global trade system for the past ninety years is collapsing, leaving it difficult for people to forecast the economic impact and tell where the bottom for a market is,” said Vincent Chan, a China strategist at Aletheia Capital Ltd. “If you want to take liquidity out of the system, Hong Kong is the first to hit and there are also a lot of profit to take after this year’s rally.”
Government bonds surged as investors flocked to the safest assets available amid fears about how rising tariffs will impact China’s economy. The benchmark 10-year yield slid nine basis points to near the lowest level on record, amid a wave of buying at every major maturity. In the foreign-exchange market, the People’s Bank of China weakened its daily reference rate for the yuan to a level unseen since December.
That could be a signal that Beijing is willing to support growth by devaluing its currency—and has added fuel to rising speculation about the possibility the yuan will become an important tool in the trade war.
Japan.
Sticky inflation continues to weigh on real incomes, complicating policymakers’ efforts to create a virtuous cycle driven by resilient domestic demand. Japan’s households cut back on spending for the first time in three months in February. With a key election approaching this summer, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces mounting pressure to address both economic and diplomatic concerns. In response to US tariffs, he pledged to protect domestic industries and jobs, while continuing to press Washington for an exemption.
Ishiba said he wants to put together a wide-ranging deal as the basis for negotiations with Trump. “When we negotiate with the
Opinion
The electronic push for invoicing and sales reporting
TAnalysts at Wells Fargo & Co. say there is a risk Beijing could deliberately weaken the yuan by up to 15 percent over a two-month period, while those at Jefferies Financial Group Inc. has mooted the possibility of a 30 percent move. China’s offshore yuan weakened around 0.3 percent against the dollar, even as the People’s Bank of China set the currency’s daily reference rate at a level much stronger than expected.
‘Strained voices’ CHINA urged resilience as the selling pressure spread on Monday, with a state-owned newspaper calling for citizens to “turn pressure into motivation.”
But investors appear to be waiting for more action from Beijing, with attention once again turning to the potential for stimulus to help boost the world’s second-largest economy. Government officials have discussed frontloading stimulus to reduce the damage of tariffs, according a Bloomberg News report.
Stimulus hopes could ensure the stock rout is quickly followed by a bounce. Retail investors may wade into the market later this week, treating the selloff as an opportunity to buy the dip, said Kenny Wen, head of investment strategy at KGI Asia Ltd. There are already signs that some investors are ready to load up on stocks. Southbound buying of Chinese stocks listed in Hong Kong was around HK$16 billion ($2 billion) as of mid-day trading break, according to Bloomberg-compiled data.
“We see some bottom fishing now,” said Andy Maynard, head of equities at China Renaissance. Still, “people are bewildered as to next steps because it’s hard to predict what will happen. I think most are exiting their positions and will be extra cautious to add back.”
The sharp moves in Chinese markets came as investors had their first chance to digest Beijing’s response to the US tariffs, which were announced during a market holiday on Friday. Chinese officials matched the reciprocal tariffs the US imposed on the country.
The rapid response was a surprise to some investors and has raised concerns that the US might hike its China tariffs again. That could lead to a series of tit-for-tat moves, a potential disaster for the global economy. The retaliation made Beijing an outlier among other Asian nations, with multiple governments in the region expressing their hopes of reaching a deal with the White House. Still, that didn’t spare their stock markets on Monday: Equities across the region plummeted amid a broad flight from risk. With assistance from Winnie Hsu, Tian Chen, John Cheng, Ameya Karve, April Ma and Charlotte Yang/Bloomberg
US we want to present a package. That will take some time, but we will make it a success,” Ishiba told reporters over the weekend. To support the domestic economy, Ishiba’s government has introduced a raft of measures aimed at lifting incomes and easing cost pressures. The initial budget, which Ishiba’s minority government managed to pass last week just a day before the start of the new fiscal year, includes a suite of price relief measures, such as extended gasoline subsidies and income tax cuts.
Ishiba also vowed to outline steps to raise the minimum wage by May. He has previously set a target of increasing Japan’s minimum hourly wage to ¥1,500 ($10) within five years, requiring an annual increase of over 7 percent from the current ¥1,055. With assistance from Keiko Ujikane/Bloomberg
Atty. Jomel N. Manaig
TAX LAW FOR BUSINESS
HE implementation of electronic invoicing and electronic sales reporting has been on the uptick in other countries. The benefits and advantages of digitalization and electronic adoption are undeniable. It promotes cost savings, streamlines operations, promotes scalable volume, and leverages on other emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence and automation), just to name a few.
It is no surprise that the Philippines has been trying to jump on the wagon as well. To enable this, the BIR issued Revenue Regulations No. 11-2025 (RR 11-2025), which implements the Electronic Invoicing System (EIS) and the Electronic Sales Reporting System (ESRS). While RR 11-2025 is a fresh revenue issuance, it should be noted that the EIS and ESRS are not new concepts.
As early as 2017, TRAIN Law introduced EIS and ESRS and mandated the shift from the old but reliable paper-based invoices to the futurelooking electronic invoices. The shift was supposed to take effect within 5 years from the effectivity of the TRAIN Law and upon the establishment of a system capable of storing and processing the required data. A pilot implementation was then performed on July 1, 2022, covering 100 large taxpayers.
But, alas, despite the best of intentions, the EIS and ESRS stumbled upon roadblock after roadblock until nothing was ever heard of the electronic push again. And before the electronic systems faded into the collective short-term memory of taxpayers, it created a flurry of
concerns from those covered by it.
When the BIR appeared to be moving forward with the EIS and ESRS, it provided for general policies and guidelines (under RR 08-2022) for covered taxpayers to follow. It also said that a separate issuance shall be provided for the details and specific requirements. But those details never came.
Creating, or even purchasing, a system that can electronically issue invoices and electronically transmit data and information to the BIR is not a simple feat. For those that have customized systems, they would need to know the technical requirements to connect with the system of the BIR itself. For those that will purchase, costs and budgets are a perennial issue. And so, with the implementation of the EIS and ESRS seemingly drawing close, a lot of covered taxpayers lacked the necessary information and guidance to be able to plan their compliance options.
At this point, eight years have passed from the time the EIS and ESRS were first introduced, and the BIR issued RR 11-2025 to implement it once more. But how does RR 112025 differ from RR 8-2022?
Clearer Definitions. Unlike RR
Despite the best of intentions, the EIS and ESRS stumbled upon roadblock after roadblock until nothing was ever heard of the electronic push again. And before the electronic systems faded into the collective short-term memory of taxpayers, it created a flurry of concerns from those covered by it.
8-2022, the new regulations laid down basic definitions on key and fundamental concepts to implement EIS and ESRS. These definitions are comprehensive and technical enough to avoid confusion and ambiguity in understanding the terms.
However, the technical nature of the definitions also brought in a possible problem: a layperson’s difficulty in understanding. Technical definitions are welcomed by technical people. However, laypersons may have a hard time understanding some technology-related terminologies and concepts. Hopefully, a revenue memorandum circular can address this.
Additional mandatory covered taxpayers. RR 8-2022 only mandated three groups of taxpayers to adopt the EIS and ESRS: (i) exporters; (ii) taxpayers engaged in e-commerce; and (iii) taxpayers in the Large Taxpayers Service. The covered taxpayers, however, have now increased to include large taxpayers, those using computerized accounting software/ computerized books of accounts with accounting records/point-of-sale systems, and registered business entities availing of tax incentives.
Implementation period. The implementation of the EIS under RR 11-2025 shall be within one year from the latter’s effectivity. On the other hand, electronic transmission shall be implemented upon establishment of a system capable of storing and processing the required data. Only time will tell whether this period is achievable. While the timeline of the previous attempt to implement the EIS and ESRS does not inspire confidence, we hope that the learnings from then would provide a solid foundation now. Perhaps, one thing I would like to request this time around is for the BIR to give regular updates and developments. Any news, including any delay or revised timeline, would be a better alternative than just letting taxpayers fumble around in the dark.
The author is a junior partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law) (www. bdblaw.com.ph), a member-firm of WTS Global. The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at jomel.manaig@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 local 140.
In certain instances, the inclusion in the coverage would depend on the BIR’s establishment of a system capable of storing and processing the required data. This phrase sounds familiar, right? Going back to the pilot implementation, the BIR already encountered issues with just 100 large taxpayers. With the increased coverage, will history repeat itself? I hope and pray that it won’t. Optimistically, I would actually like to think of it as the BIR just paving the way for future implementation when it is ready, as opposed to sowing concerns and confusion for an implementation that is nowhere in sight.
Building a future-ready economy: The Philippines’ journey towards high-value industries
By Henry Go
ACCORDING to the International Monetary Fund, the forecasted GDP growth for the Philippines is 6.1% for 2025, thus, the country remains among Southeast Asia’s rising economies. However, to attain that growth level, a number of priority challenges such as climate-change vulnerabilities, intensifying competition for investment, rising protectionism, and on-going geopolitical tensions, should be addressed to minimize its adverse effects on the economy. Therefore, to sustain economic growth, the country must undertake strategic structural reforms that pave the way for a shift toward a high-value economy. This transformation must concentrate on integrating artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, digital innovations, and climate resilient agriculture to maneuver the country through market disruptions, adjust to changing economic trends, and build a resilient, future-ready economy.
I ) Strategic pathways toward sustainable growth
The Philippines can transform into a high-powered and resilient economy by 2030 by leveraging important identified opportunities and implementing these strategies:
n High-Value Industries Shift —Target emerging sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicle (EV) battery, and artificial intelligence (AI). Intensify the promotion of government initiatives such as the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan (PIPP) and CREATE More to bring in additional foreign investors and build these sectors.
n Increase EV Battery Production: With our large nickel resources being tapped, it shall enhance EV battery manufacturing and integrate the country into global clean energy supply chains. In fact, CREATE More already attracted US$1.2 billion EV investment from a South Korean company.
n Improve Digital Systems— Invest in better Internet, cloud services, online banking (fintech), and artificial intelligence (AI) to boost growth of both emerging and traditional industries.
n Modernize Farming—Utilize smart farming, AI-based weather forecasts, and better irrigation to grow more food. Focus on valuable crops and those that can handle
extreme weather to make farming resilient and more sustainable.
n Develop physical and digital infrastructure: Infrastructure is not just a support system—but a key enabler of high-value economic transformation.
n Workforce Development: Match education and skills training with today’s industry needs and new technologies to prepare a workforce ready for the future.
II ) Shielding the economy from tariffs through high-value industries and digital innovation
US President Trump recently declared “Liberation Day,” imposing the largest tariff increase on all imports since the Smoot-Hawley Act of 1930. This move places significant pressure on the Philippines’ traditional export sectors, including garments, electronics, and agriculture. The Philippines must now adapt to this new trade landscape by diversifying into high-value industries and digital innovation to mitigate the impact of these tariffs and maintain economic stability.
To strengthen its economy, the Philippines needs to focus on highvalue industries and digital innovation. Key sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and renewable energy technologies and products are growing globally
and present great opportunities. By investing in these areas, the Philippines can reduce the impact of tariffs, especially on exports to key markets like the US, while attracting foreign investments and boosting exports of advanced, value-added products.
Apart from neutralizing tariff challenges, adapting trends in technology and sustainability will give the Philippines trade diversification and competitive advantage in rapidly evolving supply chains. This strategic thrust can create long-term economic stability and growth while enhancing integration into future global markets.
III ) Inclusive growth and empowering SMEs
The migration to a high-value economy has to be inclusive with active participation of SMEs. Digital services and advanced manufacturing offer opportunity to SMEs to integrate into the supply chains that are global. By adapting smart technology and forming strategic partnerships with large industrial partners, SMEs gain an opportunity to innovate and effectively contribute to the economic transformation.
Making available microfinancing, IT training, and affordable bank credit will help empower SMEs to contribute meaningful contribution to the high-value economy. This integrated approach ensures that the economic benefits extend from large companies to smaller ones and local communities.
Conclusion: Seizing the future—A call to bold, transformative action
The journey towards a high-value and resilient economy is filled with challenges. Recent economic indicators, such as the drop in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ survey of Confidence Index from 44.5 percent to 31.2 percent and the contraction of the Manufacturing PMI to 49.4 in March 2025, marking the first time in 19 months that it fell below the neutral 50 level, serve as a clear call
for urgent and decisive action. however, these challenges may seem to be very unnerving, they also offer valuable opportunities for innovation and transformation. To navigate near-term volatility and steer a course towards longterm prosperity, structural reforms are crucially needed. These reforms should focus on enhancing our competitive advantage by offering targeted FDI incentives; improved educational quality and investing workforce development for industries such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, fostering an economic ecosystem that advocates for ease of doing business, promotes fiscal prudence, and ensures peace and order will be crucial to achieving sustainable growth.
As Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto emphasized before over 300 global investors at the Philippine Stock Exchange’s “InvestPH 2025” forum, “The Philippines is the right place and the right time to invest.” Our consistent growth trajectory over the past three years and strong outlook for 2025 confirm that we are poised for a transformative leap —provided we act with urgency and vision.
As global supply chains undergo a metamorphosis, the Philippines is uniquely poised to take the lead, endowed with expertise, resources, and a strategic location. It is now time to convert those advantages through innovation, inclusion, and economic diplomacy to drive and realize sustainable gains.
This article proposes a strategy that combines key economic ideas, s uch as structural change, longterm growth, comparative advantage, the role of institutions, and sustainability. The goal is for the Philippines to use technology and make critical changes to its economy to address global challenges. This approach aims to enable the country grow in a way that is resilient, competitive, and sustainable in the long run.
SC upholds feed-in tariff system under the RE law
By Joel R. San Juan
THESupreme Court has affirmed the constitutionality of the provisions of Republic Act No. 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 that allows the adoption of feedin tariff system (FIT) to promote the growth of renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In a 120-page decision penned by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the Court en banc upheld the 2024 decision of the Court of Appeals which dismissed the three consolidated petitions assailing the constitutionality of the Sections 6 and 7 of Republic Act No. (RA) 9513. Section 6 of the law establishes the Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires power suppliers and distribution utilities to source a minimum portion of their electricity from renewable sources. The NREB sets this minimum percentage.
Section 7 introduces the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) System, which offers incentives to renewable energy developers, including fixed tariff payments and priority connections to the grid.
Likewise, the Court affirmed the validity of resolutions issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approving the tariff rates, rules and guidelines to implement the FIT.
Among those affirmed by the SC were ERC’s orders and resolutions granting the National Transmission
ABy Joel R. San Juan
PETITION has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking to declare unconstitutional the award of the concession contract for the rehabilitation and operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) to the New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC).
The petition was filed by lawyers Joel Butuyan and Roger Rayel of the Center for International Law (Centerlaw), former Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Antonio Gabriel M. La Viña and law deans Ma. Soledad DeriquitoMawis and Jose Mari Benjamin Francisco U. Tirol.
They named as respondents in the petition Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the Department of Transportation, the Manila International Airport Authority, the Pre-Qualification Bids and Awards Committee for the Naia PublicPrivate Partnership Project (PPP), the PPP Governing Board and the NNIC, a consortium that includes San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Incheon International Airport Corporation.
The petition sought to declare unconstitutional, illegal and void Miaa Revised Administrative Order No. Series of 2025, Naia PPP Project Concession Agreement dated March 18, 2024 and PPP Governing Board Resolution No. 2023-12-02. It also asked the Court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO), a writ of preliminary injunction or status quo ante order that would restore the management and control of Naia to the government.
“If respondents are not immediately restrained even if this petition is eventually granted, respondent’s ongoing and continuing implementation of a patently illegal RAO and the Concession Agreement founded upon it will result in grave injustice and irreparable damage to millions of Filipinos and foreign travelers, not to mention hundreds of airlines, concessionaires and lessees
operating at Naia, who are already being made to pay, every day, fees and charges on the basis of an illegal RAO,” the petition read.
The government touted the Naia deal as the “fastest PPP proposal in Philippine history” after it was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in June 2023 or 47 days from its submission.
It was bidded out on December 27, 2023 and awarded to the NNIC in February 2024 followed by the signing of the concession agreement in March of the same year.
Subsequently, Miaa issued Revised Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2024 adjusting the rates of fees, dues, charges or assessments for the use of properties, facilities, and services of the Naia.
The petitioners noted that said fees will be paid ultimately by the passengers and consumers.
From the income from these fees and charges will come the compensation for the concessionaire.
The petitioners said such fees and charges must undergo a ladderized rate-fixing approval process which includes public participation as required under the Constitution.
However, the petitioners claimed, the constitutional right to due process of the law was not followed and was, in fact, done away with for future increases.
They noted that the NNIC has also been imposing and collecting “substantially higher fees and charges” since taking control of Naia’s operation.
“The government has left the Filipino people and all Naia users to fend for themselves and to contend with an administrative rate regulation that is not only in violation of the law and against public policy, but that defies the all-important constitutional provisions on separation of power, due process, and equal protection of the laws,” the petitioners said.
They pointed out that Section 2.2.2. Part III of RAO predetermines that the passenger service
Corporation’s application for provisional approval of the P0.0406/ kWh FIT allowance effective January 2015 for all non-grid consumer billings; adjusting the FIT Rate for Solar Renewable Energy from P9.68/KWh in 2012 to P 8.69/kWh; adjusting the FIT Rate for Wind Renewable Energy from P8.53/kWh to P7.40/kWh; provisionally approving the 2016 and 2017 FIT Allowance at P0.12/kWh and P0.1830/ kWh, respectively.
“We find the questioned issuances to be valid, considering there is a legitimate government interest that it rationally advances,” the Court said.
“It is likewise cannot be said that the questioned issuances are so arbitrary as to be without basis,” it added.
Among the groups which questioned the legality of these issuances were the Foundation for Economic Freedom, Citizenwatch Inc., Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya Para sa Mamamayan (Agham), Developers for Renewable Energy for Advancement, Inc. (Dream) and profession Remigio Michael Ancheta II.
They named the Department of
Energy, ERC, National Renewable Energy Board (NREB), Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and the National Transmission Corporation (NTC) as respondents.
They argued that by determining the mechanisms to implement the FIT System and the Renewable Portfolio Standard, the respondents were exercising legislative powers that rightfully belonged to Congress.
They further claimed that Sections 6 and 7 are too general and lack clear standards, resulting in an invalid delegation of legislative power to administrative agencies.
Without clear limits, administrative agencies could exceed their authority, risking abuse of discretion, according to the petitioners.
They also argued that RA 9513 does not authorize the advance collection from consumers of the FIT Allowance before actual generation, delivery or consumption of renewable energy.
They also claimed the issuances violated due process for being issued without prior notice and hearing or public consultations.
In affirming the CA ruling, the
THE Asia-Pacific region bucked the overall growth slowdown in international passenger traffic in February this year, which grew by 5.6 percent year-on-year (yoy), from 12.3 percent in January.
In a news statement, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said airlines in Asia Pacific saw a 9.5-percent yoy increase in demand in terms of revenue passenger kilometers (RPK). Capacity, measured by in available seat kilometers (ASK), rose by 8.3 percent yoy, while the passenger load load factor (PLF) averaged 85.7 percent, slightly higher than February 2024.
The growth slowdown in international passenger traffic may be traced to the overall sluggish pace in traffic expansion in many regions. However, North American carriers, which comprise some 23 percent of total traffic saw a 1.5 percent yoy fall in demand, a decrease in capacity decreased by 3.2 percent, although it saw a slight onepercent rise in PLF to average at 78.9 percent in February 2025. RPK provide a comprehensive view of an airline’s traffic performance by quantifying the total number of kilometers flown by paying passengers, while ASK refer to the total number of seats available for transportation, multiplied by the distance flown. PLF indicates how many of the airline’s available
seats are actually utilized.
LatAm dominates capacity growth
IATA Director General Willie Walsh said: “While traffic growth slowed in February, much of this can be explained by factors including the Leap Year, and Lunar New Year falling in January compared to February last year. February traffic hit an all-time high, and the number of scheduled flights is set to continue increasing in March and April. But we need to keep a close eye on developments in North America, which saw falls in both domestic and international traffic.”
In the first two months of the year, international passenger traffic grew by 9.1 percent in RPK, capacity was up by 6.6 percent in ASK, and PLF rose by almost two percent to average 81.4 percent. In terms of markets, Asia-Pacific carriers grew the strongest in passenger traffic at 15.7 percent, year to date, followed by Latin America at 10 percent, and Africa at 9.5 percent in RPK. In terms of capacity, airlines in Latin America
THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) hopes Congress will pass into law the controversial but long-anticipated Konektadong Pinoy bill when it reconvenes in June, despite mounting opposition from industry stakeholders.
The bill, which aims to liberalize the country’s data transmission industry by easing entry for new players, has already passed the Senate on third reading and is now set for bicameral deliberations.
“It’s a priority bill of the President and part of the legislative agenda. So hopefully by June, when Congress opens again, it will be passed,” ICT Director for National ICT Policy, Planning, and Standards Maria Victoria Castro said in a chance interview on Monday.
Members of the 19th Congress only have until June to carry out unfinished business.
“We hope that it will be approved by then,” Castro said.
The Konektadong Pinoy bill, officially known as the proposed Comprehensive and Inclusive Data Transmission and Connectivity Framework for the Philippines Act (Senate Bill No. 2699), was certified urgent by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) as a priority measure.
But while the DICT pushes for its swift enactment to expand internet access, opposition from major telecom players is intensifying.
The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), representing the country’s dominant telcos, warned that the bill’s current version could compromise national security and disrupt the existing regulatory framework.
“Unfortunately, despite its good intentions,
the Konektadong Pinoy bill disregards Constitutional provisions, undermines fair competition, and could stifle investment in the telecommunications sector. We should work towards a version that will protect our critical information infrastructure and benefit the Filipinos,” said PCTO in a statement on Monday.
Under the bill, foreign and local players in data transmission—including those who want to build international gateway facilities, cable landing stations, or offer satellite services— would no longer be required to secure a legislative franchise, raising fears of unchecked entry and regulatory blind spots.
“While the NTC acknowledges the potential benefits of the registration and certification process—because it makes it easier—such as they will encourage investments and market participation,
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
NexGen unit wind projects secure green lane status
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
AIRSTREAM
Renewable Corp., a subsidiary of NexGen Energy Corp. (XG), obtained green lane certifications for its wind power projects worth around P300 billion.
In a nutshell, the certifications will allow the projects to enjoy expedited approval and processing of permits.
NexGen said Monday the Board of Investments’ One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments has granted its 200 MW Pandan Labayat Wind Farm, 2000 MW Real Offshore Wind Farm, 300 MW Silang Maragondon Wind Farm, and 300 MW Mauban Offshore Wind Farm the green lane status. The
wind power projects, with a total capacity of 2,800MW, will be put up in Real and Mauban, Quezon.
“The issuance of green lane certifications gives opportunities for Airstream Renewable Corp. and XG to have bigger roles towards promoting clean energy in the Philippines, thus addressing critical issues such as environmental sustainability, prices of electricity, and sufficiency of energy supply,” said XG President and CEO Eric Peter Y. Roxas.
The green lane certification program is an initiative by the Philippine government to promote strategic investments in the economy. Through this program, national and local government agencies are required to streamline the process of obtaining permits for strategic investments that have a Green Lane certificate.
Airstream Renewable has been conducting technical, environmental, and social studies—including wind resource assessments—for these projects prior to the issuance of the certifications. The company welcomes these certifications as they would streamline the process of completing these ongoing projects.
“The critical task ahead of us is to ensure that these wind farms will start commercial operations soon—thus contributing to XG’s long-term financial growth and increased shareholder value,”
added Roxas.
NexGen Energy is a whollyowned subsidiary of Pure Energy Holdings Corporation. It currently owns and operates three solar farms and has a pipeline totaling over 1.5 gigawatts of wind and solar projects.
Last January, NexGen announced that it is raising its stake in Solar Powered Agri-rural Communities Corp. (Sparc) to 95.56 percent from 77.78 percent.
The company subscribed to an additional 80 million common shares in Sparc, which owns and operates three solar farms in Luzon. These are located in Bulacan, Zambales, and Bataan.
The transaction allowed Sparc to raise funding for various corporate purposes, including its expansion plans. It also increased its authorized common stock to P140 million from P10 million.
IDC, contractor forge joint venture
By VG Cabuag @villygc
TALPINAS Development Corp.
I(IDC), a boutique property developer of mostly green-certified projects, and contractor AV Pamatong Trading and Construction Inc. have entered into a strategic joint venture to develop the third phase of the company’s Primavera City complex in Cagayan de Oro.
This phase, known as Citta Grande, will execute the next step in the master planning of this mixeduse condominium project and lifestyle hub in Cagayan de Oro City, consisting of residential office and commercial units.
This partnership comes after years of successful collaboration between the two companies, according to IDC. AV Pamatong, a wellestablished contractor with a long
PAL offers flights to Da Nang
LEGACY carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is expanding its footprint in Vietnam with the launch of nonstop flights between Manila and Da Nang in the third quarter of 2025. Starting July 1, PAL will operate the route three times a week, utilizing the carrier’s 199-seater Airbus A321 aircraft, offering both Business and Economy Class options.
Da Nang becomes PAL’s third destination in Vietnam, after Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.
“We at Philippine Airlines are excited to strengthen our close relationship with the Vietnamese people with the introduction of direct Manila-Da Nang flights,” said PAL President and COO Stanley K. Ng. Da Nang is known for its blend of history, natural beauty, and modernity. The coastal city offers access to several Unesco World Heritage Sites including the ancient town of Hoi An, the My Son ruins, and the historic Imperial City of Hue. It is also home to the scenic Marble Mountains and the iconic Golden Bridge. The new route adds to PAL’s growing Vietnam network. In addition to eight weekly Manila–Ho Chi Minh City flights, the airline recently upgraded its Manila–Hanoi service to daily operations and is set to begin Cebu–Ho Chi Minh City flights on May 2. Lorenz S. Marasigan
legacy including major infrastructure projects, previously undertaken core phases of Italpinas’s Primavera City project.
“We have been lucky to be working with AVP since day one of IDC’s story. Their reputation, experience, and local expertise make them the ideal partner for this venture. AVP’s quality, and professional workforce, coupled with their knowledge of the region and impressive track record in major infrastructure projects, gives us the security we need to move forward,” Romolo V. Nati, chairman and CEO of Italpinas, said.
“Having known each other for over 15 years and having a proven working relationship, we are confident that this collaboration will produce excellent results for our community.”
The joint venture will see IDC Prime, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Italpinas, contributing the land for development, while AV Pamatong will take charge of the structural and masonry works. Both parties will acquire ownership of designated, developed and saleable units, in proportion to their contributions.
AV Pamatong will own 24 percent of the project’s total number of units, with IDC Prime retaining the remaining 76 percent.
IDC Prime will oversee the overall development of the project, including the preparation of construction plans, while AV Pamatong will be responsible for key construction documents, such as bills of quantities, work schedules, and material delivery schedules.
The two firms have worked closely together since the very beginning of Italpinas journey. AV Pamatong was responsible for the construction of Phase 1 of Italpinas first project, Pri-
mavera Residences, and also Phase 1 of Primavera City, both projects setting the benchmark for environmentally friendly and architecturally innovative buildings in Mindanao.
“We are very happy to be working with IDC on this joint venture. IDC is a pioneer in green architecture, with proven concepts that have led to strong sales and significant demand for their environmentally friendly buildings,” Alex V. Pamatong, the company’s president and CEO, said.
“Their strong presence in Cagayan de Oro City and their commitment to innovation make them the perfect partner for us. With over 15 years of working together, we know that our teams can work together with collaboration and unparalleled rapport, to deliver high-quality, sustainable projects that will leave a lasting impact on the region.”
Samsung stung by US chip restrictions
SAMSUNG Electronics Co.’s profit was probably held back by a loss in the foundry business as the company works to catch up in artificial intelligence memory chip development, while US export restrictions contributed to lower semiconductor shipments to China. The South Korean electronics giant likely saw its first-quarter operating profit slump more than 20 percent, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. DRAM chip shipments and average selling prices might have fallen sequentially, BI added. “Samsung will be more impacted by general memory price erosion,”
Morningstar Research Director Kazunori Ito said.
Looking ahead, investors expect conventional memory prices to decline by a smaller margin in the second quarter before reaching a positive inflection in third quarter, Goldman Sachs analysts including Giuni Lee wrote in a note. That has led to raised price targets for South Korean chipmakers recently.
President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring manufacturing back to US shores pose a risk to South Korean companies, which are deeply embedded in global supply chains and heavily reliant on exports. The new
US tariff policy could cut Samsung’s operating-profit margin by around 5 percentage points, BI said.
In Japan, Seven & i Holdings Co. may continue to disappoint while newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Stephen Dacus formulates a growth plan to fend off a takeover bid. Its domestic growth will likely remain subdued in the medium term as it’s hindered by a shrinking population and labor shortages, BI said. The 7-Eleven operator intends to leverage AI and expand online delivery services nationwide, which may face intense competition from established market players. Bloomberg News
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
CLARK International Airport Corp. (CIAC) and Philippine Pharma Procurement Inc. (PPPI) on Monday formalized plans to jointly develop a pharmaceutical logistics and distribution center at Clark Aviation Capital (CAC).
CIAC President and CEO Jojit Alcazar said the two groups signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will “explore joint investments, ventures, or public-private partnership (PPP) options” to move forward with the construction of the new facility.
“There’s a mutual appreciation of Clark’s distinctly viable location to build a pharmaceutical logistics hub with air cargo handling capabilities main reasons which moved us swiftly to formalize this understanding,” Alcazar said in a statement.
He said the envisioned facility will support cold chain requirements and regulatory standards specific to pharmaceutical logistics.
PPPI President Maria Blanca Kim Lokin noted that Clark’s strategic, uncongested location—close to an
international airport, major seaports, and road and rail infrastructure—offers a “great opportunity” for establishing a modern warehousing and cold chain logistics complex.
“This opportunity provides unparalleled advantage for PPPI’s logistics operations and medical supply distribution, and ideal for us to build an integrated modern warehousing with cold chain solutions.”
The proposed hub is expected to enhance the accessibility of medical supplies across the country, particularly to underserved and remote areas, through CIAC’s air cargo capabilities and multimodal transport links.
The Clark Freeport Zone, home to CAC and Clark International Airport, is already a base for global cargo giants like FedEx, UPS, and DHL.
“With the logistics hub and the Clark airport’s international and domestic routes, healthcare services and affordable medicines for farflung communities nationwide is ensured, consistent with the eightpoint socioeconomic agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on affordable and accessible healthcare for all Filipinos,” Alcazar said.
ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (ACEN RES), the retail electricity unit of ACEN Corp., has signed up four facilities of the RGC/Uratex Group of Companies under the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP) of the Department of Energy (DOE).
GEOP allows electricity end-users to choose renewable energy (RE) as their source of energy. Uratex facilities in Magallanes, Shaw, Marcos Highway, and Isabela now join seven other Uratex locations across Luzon and Cebu already powered by renewable sources under GEOP.
Uratex Group of Companies Managing Director Peachy ChengMedina said this expansion reinforces Uratex’s holistic sustainability strategy, which includes innovative product development using recycled materials and continuous operational efficiency improvements.
“We recognize the importance of strong partnerships and we’re incredibly grateful to have ACEN. We look up to the Ayala Group and appreciate how our smaller steps towards sustainability are supported.”
Miguel de Jesus, ACEN managing director and chief operating officer, highlighted the significance of the partnership. “We are thrilled to celebrate Uratex’s expanded commitment to renewable energy. This partnership not only helps accelerate the sustainability journey of Uratex but also enables ACEN to build more
renewable energy capacity.” In 2024, ACEN RES grew to 374 megawatt (MW) across 554 customers from various sectors including industrial, educational, residential, and others.
ACEN is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy platforms in Asia Pacific, with the Philippines as its core and largest market, accounting for 40 percent of its capacity. It also has a significant presence in Australia, Vietnam, India and Lao PDR, along with strategic investments in Indonesia and other markets. It currently has about seven gigawatts of attributable RE capacity.
Last March, ACEN reported that its net income jumped by 27 percent year-on-year to P9.36 billion mainly due to the strong performance of its renewable energy (RE) power plants. ACEN’s 2024 income included P2.8 billion in gains from value realization throughout 2024.
“ACEN’s full year financial performance was underpinned by fresh generation from new renewable energy plants operationalized within 2024,” the company said.
“ACEN’s financial results in 2024 demonstrate our ability to convert a robust development pipeline into a renewable energy portfolio which can deliver strong and stable investor returns over the long-term. This focus on execution will remain central as we move forward,” said ACEN Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Back. Lenie Lectura
PHOTO shows the facade of Clark International
PHOTOGRAPHER: ANGEL GARCIA/BLOOMBERG
Banking&Finance
Moody’s: Tariffs prompt monetary policy easing
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
THE Philippines has an opportunity to ease monetary policy and boost domestic demand as tariffs on US trade partners and foes truncated the old global order, according to Moody’s Analytics Inc.
In its “Asia-Pacific Economic Preview,” Moody’s Analytics said the impact of the new tariff world on global demand is expected to overwhelm any retaliation from Asian countries on US imports.
“To date, Asia’s response has been measured. If the region’s application of reciprocal tariffs remains modest, it is unlikely to see a spike in consumer prices, leaving weaker demand from disrupted trade to dampen demand-driven inflation,” according to the financial services firm. For domestic-driven economies such as the Philippines, Moody’s Analytics said moving away from restrictive monetary policies could
Enjoy summer vacation while staying on budget
SUMMER break is a fun time for all. It’s the season when we get to unwind, hang out with family and friends and take a break from work or school.
But vacation planning can be sometimes stressful, particularly when we consider how much we are going to spend. Most people are concerned about spending too much money and exceeding their budget. But with some smart planning, you can have a joyful vacation without breaking the bank.
The first step is to determine how much money you can afford to spend. Examine your monthly income and expenses to know how much extra money you have. One must avoid using all their savings during a vacation. You should ensure that you maintain some funds to cater for things like bills, groceries, and savings. You may then begin to think of vacation plans that will help you not spend unnecessarily. Selecting the destination is crucial. If you wish to cut down on travel expenses, you should consider staying near home. A road trip to nearby beaches or cities or a local vacation can be as exciting as going very far away. You also have the option of discovering wonderful vacation places that are not very popular and perhaps less expensive to travel to. At times, opting for less popular areas can keep you away from high accommodation rates and long lines in tourist spots. Early booking of flights, hotels, and activities will enable you to get better bargains. Early bookings are discounted by many airlines and hotels, and this will save you lots of money. It’s also a great idea to watch out for sales or special promotions on travel websites or other online platforms. Occasionally, you can get last-minute deals that will save you even more. The sooner you begin arranging things, the longer you can compare prices in order to get the best bargains. When you spend money on vacation, it is a good idea to sit down and make a list of activities you would like to do and the cost you are willing to shell out on each of those. If the budget does not permit you to do all of them, you can choose a few of those listed activities that you, your family, or your friends
be more beneficial for economic growth.
“If inflation remains at or near central bank target ranges, and provided the greenback doesn’t return to sustained appreciation, then central banks across the region will have more room to cut rates,” Moody’s Analytics said.
Headline inflation eased to 1.8 percent year-on-year in March, the lowest since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in May 2020, from 2.1 percent in February (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/04/04/inflation-easesto-1-8-in-march/).
This is within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) target range of 1.7 percent to 2.5 percent for the month, and the government’s goal of 2 percent to 4 percent.
“An inflation print that remains within their target range
and a broadly stable peso will give BSP the confidence to proceed with a rate cut,” Moody’s Analytics Economist Sarah Tan told the BusinessMirror
A 25-basis point reduction in key policy rates is anticipated to be delivered by the Monetary Board, the highest policy-making body of the BSP, on April 10.
Besides inflation, Tan said the recent announcement of a tariff top-up by the US will also be front of mind for the central bank.
“The Monetary Board may find it timely to resume easing monetary policy to reduce pressure on households’ budgets,” Tan said.
This will bring some relief to the domestic economy and mitigate the impact of the poorer trade climate as US tariffs mount.
“As such, the odds of a surprise rate hold are much lower in the up -
coming meeting than in March,” said Tan, the lone analyst that forecasted the BSP would maintain its policy rate in February.
The central bank may be more cautious about easing monetary policy if global inflation starts to rise again, due to new US tariffs and escalating US-China tensions, which could result in supply-chain disruptions.
“However, given that we’ve not seen that happen or any signs of that happening, this risk is likely to be low on the BSP’s list for now,” Tan added.
Anxiety, uncertainty
STILL, Moody’s Analytics emphasized the growing concern about Trump’s second term as president, as his imposition of tariffs “deeply impacts” Asia’s export-oriented economies.
“For many, the US is their largest trading partner, or not far from it,
and no other market can completely replace US demand,” according to the Moody’s Corp. subsidiary.
Manufacturers in Asia cannot “indefinitely manage” the heightened level of uncertainty in trade policies without facing consequences, Moody’s Analytics added. Business sentiment is also under pressure from the global trading landscape, with businesses exhibiting a more cautious behavior in their decisions.
“Businesses do not want to increase investment in a highly uncertain environment; households are more anxious,” Moody’s Analytics said.
While central banks can adjust monetary policies, Moody’s Analytics said this cannot overwhelm the crisis of confidence caused by Trump’s “haphazard foreign policy.”
Policy rate cut bets usher mixed yields for treasuries
YIELDS of short-term Treasury bills (T-bills) were mixed on Monday’s auction, prompting the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) to partially award the 90-day tenor as investors await a policy rate cut.
As a result, the auction committee raised a total of P24.460 billion from the sale of debt papers. The government IOUs were faced with P63.330 billion in demand, 2.5 times oversubscribed the P25 billion that the government intended to generate.
Last week, the government also partially awarded the T-bills on offer due to tepid demand worth P45.667 billion.
will truly enjoy. Also, look for free or inexpensive activities such as hiking, beach trips, traveling to a nearby park, or visiting museums with little to no entrance fees.
It is tempting to spend more on food and beverages while on vacation. To save money, try dining in smaller rather than in pricey tourist restaurants. There are many less expensive restaurants whose ambiance is “Instagrammable.” You can also save money by preparing some of your meals if your accommodation has a kitchen. You can also bring along snacks and beverages with you when you go out during the day, which can prevent you from buying expensive food from tourist attractions.
One of the biggest expenses when going on vacation is accommodation. To save money, consider staying in more affordable places like hostels, guesthouses, or even renting a room from a private person. If you book online, make sure that it is through a legitimate platform. Many websites offer home rentals at lower prices than hotels, and this can help you save a lot of money. If you are traveling with a group, you can also split the cost of accommodation, making it more affordable for everyone.
Vacation can be a time to relax and have fun, but it is also wise to keep your finances in balance. While you are having a good time, ensure that you are not overspending. Avoid using credit cards as much as possible. If you use a credit card, pay it off immediately to prevent additional fees.
Overall, planning a vacation does not have to involve spending lots of money. By budgeting, planning, and saving on travelling, eating out, and where you stay, you can have a great, relaxing vacation. Don’t exceed your budget, especially when you decide to have your vacation abroad. What is essential in every vacation is you enjoy the experience.
Clyde Gamolo is a Registered Financial Planner of RFP Philippines. The writer’s views and his written piece do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror. To learn more about personal financial planning, attend the 111th RFP Program this May 2025. Please e-mail info@rfp.ph for details on how to join the program.
The average yield of the 90-day Tbills increased to 5.393 percent, up by 8.6 basis points from the 5.307 percent yield during the previous auction a week ago.
The 90-day T-bills were partially awarded at P7.460 billion from the P8 billion on offer, as tenders reached P12.960 billion. Annual rates ranged from a low of 5.325 percent to a high of 5.449 percent.
Meanwhile, the average rate of the 181-day T-bills was flat at 5.645 percent, only 0.1 basis points lower than the 5.646 percent yield last week. The rate settled between 5.545 percent and 5.747 percent.
The 181-day tenor debt papers were awarded in full at P8 billion, with bids for the security amounting to P19.030 billion.
The average annual rate for the
SEVERAL medicines for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and mental illness have been exempted from value-added tax (VAT) by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. issued Revenue Memorandum Circular 0252025 on April 4 to update the published list of VAT-exempt medicines under Republic Act 11534 (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises, or Create, law).
As such, medicines for diabetes such as gemigliptin (as tartrate sesquihydrate) plus metformin hydrochloride, with dosage strengths of 50 milligrams (mg) and/or 500mg and 100mg/1 gram (g), were exempted from 12-percent VAT.
The 50-milligram gemigliptin (as tartrate sesquihydrate) and sitagliptin phosphate plus metformin hydrochloride (with a dosage strength of 100mg/1g) were also added to the list.
Meanwhile, medicines for hypertension, such as amlodipine (as besilate) with a dosage strength of 20mg in tablet form, were made free from VAT.
As for medicines for high cholesterol, amlodipine (as besylate) plus atorvastatin (as calcium) with a dose of 5mg/20mg (in both film-coated
363-day T-bills was capped at 5.726 percent, down by 2.2 basis points from the previous rate of 5.748 percent. Rates ranged from 5.710 percent to 5.745 percent.
Bids for the security amounted to P31.340 billion, with the auction committee awarding in full P9 billion in the end.
Compared with the Philippine Bloomberg Valuation (PHP BVAL) benchmarks, yields of the 90-day tenor T-bills were higher, except for the 181- and 364-day tenor debt papers. The PHP BVAL reference rates are 5.3454 percent for the threemonth tenor, 5.6819 percent for the six-month tenor and 5.7735 percent for the one-year tenor.
According to Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), the latest T-bill yields mostly corrected slightly lower ahead of the possible policy rate cut by local monetary officials last Thursday.
Cooling inflation in March has bolstered expectations of economists that the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will deliver a 25-basis-point rate cut at its policy meeting on April 10 (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/04/07/lower-inflationseen-boosting-rate-cut-bid/).
According to Nalin Chutchotitham, Citibank N,V.-Manila Branch expects the BSP “to resume its rate cutting cycle on Apr 10, August and
December” based on the lender’s inflation forecasts.
“Our inflation forecasts imply a current real policy rate of about 3.1 percent, well above BSP’s estimated neutral range of 1.5 percent to 2.0 percent, suggesting ample room to resume its rate cutting cycle in April,” Chutchotitham wrote in a report issued last Friday.
The economist added that Citibank Manila cut its 2025 estimated inflation forecast to 2.2 percent (previously 2.6 percent) “and keep our 2026E inflation forecasts at 3.2 percent, assuming headline inflation edges up to 1.9 percent in April, averages 2.1 percent in the second quarter (estimates), 2.2 percent in the third quarter (3Q25E) and 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter (4Q25E).
“The modest upward trajectory that we forecast for the rest of 2025 largely reflects base effects from sequential softening in rice and energy prices between April to December 2024, even as we expect inflation momentum to remain subdued (averaging 0.2 percent month-on-month not seasonally adjusted), largely on expected decline in crude oil prices,” Chutchotitham said.
He added that the gradual yearon-year (YoY) uptick is “consistent with easing pipeline disinflation, as PPI [the Producer Price Index] and wholesale prices have both bottomed YoY, while their respective gaps with
PHL
tablet and tablet form), were also exempted from VAT.
This same medicine, in doses of 5mg/20mg, 5mg/10mg, 5mg/40mg, 10mg/20mg, 10mg/40mg and 10mg/80mg, was also not subjected to VAT. Further, doses of 5mg/20mg, 10mg/10mg, 10mg/40mg and 10mg/80mg in film-coated tablets were also absolved.
Medicines for mental illness, such as risperidone with a dose of 4mg in an orodispersible tablet, were also excluded from VAT.
The circular comes after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Dr. Samuel A. Zacate endorsed updates to the list of VAT-exempt products under Create Act and RA 10963 (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion, or “Train,” law).
Both laws exempt medicines for the prevention and management of diabetes, hypertension, cancer, high cholesterol, mental illnesses, tuberculosis and kidney diseases, as well as medicines and medical devices specifically used for the prevention and treatment of Covid-19 from VAT.
The Department of Health and the FDA identify which specific medicines are included in the “List of VAT-Exempt Health Products,” which is then transmitted to the BIR. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
TBy Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
HE Philippines ranks second behind Singapore in terms of the penetration rate in the “buy now, pay later,” or BNPL, business, according to in-app and in-store financial solutions provider Digido Finance Corp. (DBA Unacash).
A study by Unacash revealed that Singapore topped Asian countries with a 31.36 percent penetration rate (PPR), or 1.9 million users out of 6.05 million total population. Malaysia ranked third (22.09 PPR or 8.15 million users out of 34.67 million total population), followed by Thailand (18.72 PPR or 13.46 million users out of 71.89 million total population) and Indonesia (17.89 PPR or 50.30 million users out of a 279.80 million total population).
In terms of digital users opting for BNPL options, Singapore led the category with 32.30 percent, followed by the Philippines (30.36 percent), Indonesia (23.51 percent), Malaysia (22.09 percent), and Vietnam (19.74 percent).
UnaCash Head of Product Erwin G. Ocampo said their data-sets clearly showed the overall use of BNPL as a flexible payment option and the option’s significant role “in
CPI [Consumer Price Index] have also narrowed in recent months.”
“Even so, inflation will likely stay firmly in the lower half of BSP’s target for the rest of 2025,” Chutchotitham said.
Meanwhile, Ricafort pointed to global crude oil prices, which have declined to new 4-year lows.
Coupling this with the peso, which is “still among the strongest in 6 months versus the US dollar, could still help further ease prices/ inflationary pressures, support more benign inflation, and help justify possible monetary easing/rate cuts, going forward,” he added. The possibility of inflation in the US accelerating due to Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs on nations could also be attributed to the slightly higher yield of the 90-day tenor T-bills, according to Ricafort. Every Monday this April, the government will auction off 91-, 182- and 364-day tenor T-bills to raise a total of P125 billion.
The government pegged its borrowing program at P2.545 trillion, following an 80:20 borrowing mix in favor of domestic sources. It has borrowed P552.692 billion as of the end of February.
Meanwhile, the government’s outstanding debt reached a new high of P16.632 trillion as of end-February, 9.57 percent higher year-on-year from P15.178 trillion. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
expanding the digital marketplace.” Moreover, internal behavioral data from UnaCash also revealed that consumers prioritize purchasing gadgets and electronics, particularly through mobile devices, Ocampo added. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, he said the demand for these products remains high, contributing to the growth for BNPL.
“Filipinos are clearly embracing the flexibility and convenience that buy now, pay later services offer, and businesses are embracing this critical strategy to enhance customer accessibility and satisfaction,” Ocampo said.
UnaCash anticipates an increase in BNPL use in the Philippines by 28.39 percent among the total population by the end of the year. This growth is also particularly notable among BNPL users on digital commerce platforms where there is an expected usage increase of 34.24 percent, according to Ocampo. “Flexible payment options are becoming the norm, a main selling point especially among GenZs and Millennials,” he added. “Embracing partnerships with financial services players is a way for businesses to meet the shifting demands of consumers and position themselves for long-term success in the competitive marketplace.”
Art BusinessMirror
ANOTHER IMPORTANT FILIPINO FEMALE ARTIST IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
National Museum showcases Phyllis Zaballero’s early abstracts
ETERAN visual artist
VPhyllis Zaballero joined the ranks of distinguished Filipino female artists to headline a solo exhibition at the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) with a show focused on her early abstractions.
Gallery XVII of the National Museum of Fine Arts has been home to year-long exhibitions featuring important women in Philippine contemporary art, from Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi to Impy Pilapil, Virginia Ty-Navarro and Lenore RS Lim. The shows are traditionally opened as part of March’s celebration of International Women’s Month, and this year’s showcase presents Zaballero’s 44th solo exhibition overall, and her first one at NMP. The exhibit, titled Landscapes of the Mind presents the artist’s works produced during her time at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts in the 1970s.
Landscapes of the Mind offers an intimate glimpse into Phyllis’s life, works, artistic growth, accomplishments, and significant contributions to Philippine contemporary art, shedding light on her masterful skills and creativity,” NMP director-general Jeremy Barns said during the exhibit opening.
“The [featured] works, and the deeply personal journeys that have led to their creation, are a testament to the artist’s lifelong dedication to artistic excellence and cultural engagement, which continue to cement her
important role in the contemporary art scene.”
Zaballero’s artistic and even academic career spans decades and has met success here and abroad. She spent her formative years in the US and Europe, receiving her Associate in Arts degree from Marymount Colleges (Paris and Barcelona) with First Honors in 1960.
When she returned to the Philippines, Zaballero studied Economics at University of the Philippines (UP). After which, she pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, also at UP, and graduated magna cum laude in 1978. That same year, she was named one of the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) Thirteen Artists Awardees and began a long teaching career at the university.
Fueled by her passion for continuous learning and pursuit of artistic innovation, the accomplished artist has received numerous study grants for culture and the arts from governments and private foundations worldwide. Zaballero has also participated in various local and global exhibitions, showcasing her masterful abstractions marked by technical prowess and vigorous vibrancy.
Her early works, meanwhile, the focal point of her ongoing exhibit at NMP, suggest a sense of spontaneity.
One might assume that the paintings were products of haphazard brushstrokes—following no rhyme or reason—which, Zaballero maintains, wasn’t the case. Even during her early years as an artist, she painted with much intent. Her gestural paintings explore her deepest emotions and primal realities, while capturing the viewer’s imaginations and provoking their thoughts.
“As you stroll through the gallery, you will be confronted by the colors and sizes, strokes and forms, with which I manipulated my ordinary paints and pigments in a seemingly offhand and unstudied manner. That is not true,” Zaballero said during her
welcome speech at the exhibit opening.
“It is just that this expected reaction and misconception was the anticipated response by the curators. [It’s also the reason] why they have taken pains to unearth my studies and drawings, including my preparatory notes from my ancient and yellow sketchbooks, which I have kept for about 51 years in my studio.”
Zaballero commanded the hall with her presence, speaking with zest and candor about her debut solo at NMP. She opened her speech by saying, “I was told to keep it down to five minutes, which is an impossibility for me.”
The engaging artist covered a lot on the mic, from thanking NMP officials for the opportunity to exhibit there, saying that “it’s about time,” and jesting that she’d be “a total wreck in an insane asylum” if she hadn’t pursued art. She also soaked in the moment— that “it is an honor that I will always cherish,” and that she’s grateful for NMP for wanting to “highlight my early works and deepen the scope of my artistry.”
Zaballero’s Landscapes of the Mind features paintings that reflect her time in UP. Sketchbooks and related materials from the artist are displayed as well to provide viewers with insights into the finished paintings.
Among the featured artworks is a piece produced at a later time, in 1990, and was inspired by the poem of acclaimed writer Marjorie Evasco.
Zaballero calls her “one of her sources of inspiration.” The artist said that when she graduated from UP again in 1978, she was working in a “fever of discovery, asking about how the spoken and written word, when arranged artfully and skillfully on a page, could become a partner to the painted image.”
From that concept emerged an exhibition at the Ayala Museum and the CCP, titled Poets and Painters Evasco and Zaballero collaborated and came up with a poem and painting, respectively, that inspired one another and share the same title, Acquainted with Lightning. Evasco was present during the opening and recited her poem.
“I’m very proud to be asked to read the poem that inspired Phyllis, but, you know, it’s a reciprocal appreciation,” Marjorie said. “The project that we had with CCP, we were told, neither should become a caption of the other. So, the painting can take on its own merits, and the poem also. But when they are together, it’s a double whammy.”
A printed version of the poem hangs beside Zaballero’s painting, which is part of the artist’s personal collection.
Eugenia Last
TAURUS
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Be careful what you promise, sign up for or donate. If you want to help or make a difference, contribute with your energy, not your wallet. Make choices based on facts, not emotions. Look at every aspect or situation that pops up and warrants an equal and opposite reaction. ★★★★
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take a moment to observe, wait, watch and evaluate, and only make a choice or initiate a change that’s practical, budget-friendly and legal. Timing is essential to get the highest return from your effort. Keep the conversation going and the momentum flowing; something you desire will come to you.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A last-minute change will cost you. Don’t jeopardize your position. Search for innovative alternatives, be upfront and participate in events that shed light on something you are considering pursuing before officially announcing your next move.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A change will pump you up and encourage you to meet new people and engage in events and pursuits that grab your attention. Life is about living, and by making lifestyle changes that get you out and about, you’ll discover people, places and interests that enrich your life. ★★★
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Absorb information, insight and ideas to help you transform and initiate your plans to enhance the changes around you. Being aware and prepared to counter anything that might have a negative impact on your dreams will make it easier to turn your intentions into a reality. ★★★
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Get out into the field and see what’s happening firsthand. Living that experience will help you find the best path to fulfill your needs. Mingle, participate and actively contribute to whatever group, event or institution is suitable to help you have a positive impact and make a difference. ★★★★★
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You may want to keep your plans to yourself. Being too open will allow someone to take advantage of you. A domestic change that’s cost-efficient looks promising, but get quotes in writing and only work with those who are qualified and offering guaranteed results. ★★
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Regardless of how entertaining someone or something is, don’t feel you have to overpay to show appreciation. Give back using intellectual contributions, gestures and referrals. Positive change due to collaboration will be your inroad to a brighter future. ★★★
Zaballero’s Landscapes of the Mind is on view at Gallery XVII (Special Exhibition Hall Dedicated to Women’s Art), Third Floor, National Museum of Fine Arts.
to the
is
and
ACQUAINTED with Lightning, Phyllis Zaballero, 1990
Jay Ortega: The next leading man
unveiled a new video featuring versatile host, triathlete, and wellness and biodiversity advocate Kuya Kim Atienza as part of its ongoing anti-piracy campaign “Stream Responsibly. Fight Piracy.”
As host of the popular nightly segment Kuya Kim Ano Na on GMA Network’s flagship newscast 24 Oras, Kuya Kim shares tips on how to spot a pirate site: “Karamihan ng legal streaming platforms ay may downloadable app. Kung ang website ay may mahabang URL at mga kakaibang file extensions, malamang ito ay pirate site. Stream responsibly. Fight piracy.”
He also reminds viewers that legitimate streaming services make the effort to create a good layout and design. “Kung outdated ang itsura nito o may wrong grammar sa mga nakasulat, magduda ka na.”
The video, first seen on March 27, is the latest in a series of anti-piracy videos with Kuya Kim. Right after becoming one of GMA Network’s Anti-Piracy Ambassadors in November 2024, he was featured in a campaign that highlighted the devastating impact of piracy on the creative industry and the dangers it poses to consumers.
The latest video further reinforces GMA Network’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and educating the public regarding online piracy and illegal streaming. It also aims to inspire a new generation of viewers in protecting and supporting the future of Philippine entertainment.
Audiences all over the world and Global Pinoys can watch the latest anti-piracy video with Kuya Kim and learn how to detect pirate sites on GMA Network’s official online platforms.
How
beyond his acting.
Beyond his acting prowess, Ortega has also become a fitness and fashion icon, often making people stare at him longer for his bold and brave style choices. Whether he is attending a social event or gracing the red carpet, Ortega consistently pushes boundaries with his fashion-forward looks, embodying a new generation of celebrities unafraid to experiment with their personal style.
At the recent Bench undergarments show, Ortega unabashedly flaunted his amazing assets, much to the delight of the crowd. “I guess every one who walked for the show prepared really hard for it. I wished that I was given more time to be at my peak physically, given all my crazy work schedules lately, but I guess the audience liked what they saw, everyone’s happy, and I’m good with that.”
It took a supporting role in a 2024 GMA TV series to really make people take notice of Ortega, who relocated back to the Philippines from a few years of living in Japan so he can pursue his university studies, but was sidetracked by many modeling opportunities before show business beckoned.
It is very rare for a newbie to have an experience as immersive as the one Ortega got in the highlysuccessful historical drama Pulang Araw more than glad to see him give a performance that was consistent, deeply affecting, almost phenomenal.
“Many have told me that for an actor to break into the industry, all it takes is one role, one breakthrough character that the audience will remember, and I guess I’m just lucky to have been cast as the Japanese character I played in Pulang Araw. I had to be fierce but
does South Korea’s society treat celebrities in crisis? A new case raises questions
SEOUL, South Korea—A young actor’s suicide in South Korea. Allegations of an underage relationship. They are part of a growing drama in the Asian entertainment world that raises questions about society’s treatment of celebrities in crisis, with harsh media and online commentary amplifying their lowest moments.
This week, South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun publicly denied allegations that he dated the late actor Kim Sae-ron when she was under the age of sexual consent. His emotional press conference followed Kim Sae-ron’s suicide in February, which reignited allegations that they were romantically involved. Here’s what we know about the case.
WHO WAS KIM SAE-RON?
KIM SAE-RON was once one of South Korea’s most promising film stars. She began acting at age 9 in the 2009 film A Brand New Life, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. She gained further recognition with The Man from Nowhere (2010) and A Girl at My Door (2014), also invited to Cannes.
Her career halted in May 2022 after she crashed her car in Seoul while driving under the influence. Despite offering a public apology and reportedly paying compensation to shops that lost power because of the crash, she faced relentless negative attention.
Media and online commentators scrutinized her personal life. YouTube gossip channels accused her of exaggerating financial difficulties and questioned her sincerity. Critics, and her family, say it contributed to her declining mental health.
She killed herself on February 16, Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday.
WHO IS KIM SOO-HYUN AND WHAT IS HE ACCUSED OF?
KIM SOO-HYUN, 37, also has been one of South Korea’s most recognized actors, known for dramas, such as My Love from the Star (2013) and Queen of Tears (2024) as well as films, like The Thieves (2012) and Secretly, Greatly (2013).
Speculation about a relationship with Kim Sae-ron began last year when she posted a photo of them together, quickly deleted. Gold Medalist, the agency cofounded by Kim Soo-hyun, denied the relationship, according to South Korean media. Days after Kim Sae-ron’s death, a YouTube channel known for its politically charged content, HoverLab, alleged that she and Kim Soo-hyun had been in a six-year romantic relationship beginning in 2015, when she was 15 and he was in his late 20s. The channel released what it called evidence including photos, videos
and letters. Kim Soo-hyun has called them fabricated. Kim Sae-ron’s family had approached HoverLab to release the materials, calling it an attempt to restore Kim Sae-ron’s image.
On March 27, a lawyer representing Kim Sae-ron’s family presented to journalists what the family claimed was a photo of an undelivered letter written in 2024 in which Kim Sae-ron described Kim Soo-hyun as her “first and last love” and referenced a five-to-six-year relationship. The letter was written after she failed to reach Kim Soo-hyun to discuss a debt she owed his agency, according to the lawyer. After Kim Sae-ron’s contract ended and wasn’t renewed, the agency asked her to pay back 700 million won (about $520,000) in damages related to her drunk-driving case. Her family says the demand placed severe pressure on
her. Kim Soo-hyun has acknowledged that he dated Kim Sae-ron but insisted their relationship began after she became an adult. He called claims of an underage relationship false and damaging.
“It is also not true that the deceased made a tragic choice because of my avoidance [of her], or because my agency pressured her about debt,” an emotional Kim told on Monday’s press conference. He refused to answer a question from the AP about when he first met Kim Saeron.
COULD THERE BE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES?
WHETHER any laws were broken depends largely on timing. South Korea raised its age of sexual consent from 13 to 16 in 2020. Kim Sae-ron was born in 2000, and the family alleges the relationship began in 2015, when she was 15 and Kim Soo-hyun was 27.
Kim Soo-hyun maintains that their relationship lasted from summer 2019 to fall 2020, when Kim Sae-ron was a legal adult. Kim Soo-hyun’s agency has taken legal action against the family of Kim Sae-ron and HoverLab, which first aired the underage relationship claims, for distributing private photos and videos of the actor, including images of Kim Soo-hyun kissing the late actor. Kim’s agency said Kim Sae-ron had visited his apartment and his family was present. The agency said they were not dating at the time.
On Monday, Kim Soo-hyun’s lawyer announced a civil lawsuit seeking 12 billion won (approximately $8.15 million) in damages against the YouTube channel and Kim Sae-ron’s family, along with criminal complaints alleging defamation and violation of privacy laws. Kim
Soo-hyun and his agency also sued the YouTube channel operator for stalking.
The family’s legal representative and HoverLab both told the AP on Wednesday that they plan to sue Kim Soo-hyun and his agency for making false claims about his relationship with the late actor.
WHAT ROLE DID ONLINE HARASSMENT PLAY?
KIM’S death reignited criticism of South Korea’s relentless tabloid and digital media culture. Her family has singled out videos with speculative, unverified content portraying her as emotionally unstable and morally questionable.
Suing for defamation is often a lengthy, costly battle for South Korean celebrities, as many platforms, like YouTube, are based overseas. Punishments are typically light, with fines or suspended sentences.
Other high-profile cases following negative online attention have included the deaths of K-pop singers Sulli and Goo Hara in 2019 and Parasite actor Lee Sunkyun in 2023.
WHAT’S THE FALLOUT?
FASHION brand Prada has ended its collaboration with Kim Soo-hyun. South Korean cosmetics company Dinto terminated its one-year contract with him, citing the seriousness of the controversy. 7-Eleven Taiwan canceled a Kim Soo-hyun fan event last month, citing schedule changes.
An online petition this week calling for the age of consent to be raised from 16 to 19 has gathered nearly 40,000 signatures on the National Assembly’s website. Suggested reforms in South Korea meant to discourage harsh online comments have not been passed. AP
SOUTH Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun AP
Women Leaders Driving Change in Healthcare Accessibility
AS the global healthcare landscape continues to evolve, accessibility and equity remain pressing concerns. In a recent event organized by German Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry, German Embassy Manila and the German Clubs, a distinguished female leader shared valuable insights into the progress and challenges in advancing access to care, emphasizing the crucial role of women in healthcare leadership.
Tisha Boatman, Executive Vice President for External Affairs and Healthcare Access at Siemens Healthineers and a seasoned expert in healthcare access, led discussions on global strategies to address health inequities and shape the future of healthcare.
The forum spotlighted significant advancements in healthcare accessibility through technological innovations, policy reforms, and industry collaborations. While strides have been made, persistent challenges such as high medical costs, infrastructure gaps, and healthcare disparities demand urgent attention.
A key focus of the event is the pivotal role of women in healthcare leadership. Women leaders are making significant
contributions to policy development, patient-centered care, and industry innovation. With her extensive experience in external affairs and healthcare access, Boatman discussed how women are shaping the future of the healthcare industry and breaking barrier.
During her address, Boatman outlined key strategies for improving healthcare accessibility, including leveraging digital health solutions to reach underserved populations; strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors to create sustainable healthcare models; and implementing community-driven initiatives to ensure healthcare services meet the needs of diverse populations.
Also, the discussion explored emerging trends in healthcare, including
the impact of artificial intelligence, the importance of leadership development, and the role of mentorship programs in empowering women in the field.
As healthcare accessibility remains a global priority, this event ignited meaningful conversations and drive actionable solutions to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
7 years of growth and transformation. 7 years of Optimax Communications.
OPTIMAX Communications Group (Optimax), the hybrid integrated marketing solutions firm, proudly marks its 7th anniversary in the industry as one of the leaders in creativity and innovative communications. From its humble beginnings to becoming a force at the forefront of the industry, Optimax continues to redefine the landscape of integrated marketing with bold strategies and breakthrough campaigns.
“As we mark this important milestone, we at Optimax are, more than ever, dedicated to delivering exceptional communication strategies that elevate our partner brands and connect them to their audiences in meaningful ways,” said Optimax General Manager Ela F. Chua. Founded in 2018 as a spin-off entity of DDB Group Philippines’ media agency Touch XDA, Optimax founded its roots in media services to its first major client, SM Supermalls.
Today, it has evolved into a full-fledged integrated marketing communications (IMC) powerhouse, serving a diverse clientele across multiple industries.
Philippines Best Workplaces list,” said Amit Jagga, EVP and Chief Business Officer for Concentrix Philippines.
“This award is a testament to the exceptional care and dedication we have for our game-changers. At Concentrix, we continuously push the boundaries of what a great workplace can be, leveraging innovation, technology, and a culture of belonging, to ensure our people thrive. This recognition fuels our commitment to continue delivering game-changing experiences for our team, communities and clients alike.”
With over 100,000 team members across the country, Concentrix has been a driving force in the Philippines’ economic and employment growth, offering dynamic career opportunities, well-being programs, and a workplace that champions diversity and inclusion.
Through cutting-edge technology, people-centric initiatives, and a relentless focus on culture, the company continues to demonstrate its leadership in the industry with people-first innovation. Concentrix Philippines was also hailed as 2024 Company of the Year Grand Winner at the Asia CEO Awards, for its financial success, governance, social commitment, pioneering achievements, and various recognitions received. That same year, Concentrix was also Ranked #1 in the Global Most Inspiring Workplaces Awards. For more information about Concentrix and career opportunities, visit www.concentrix.com.
CSMC Launches Urgent Care Clinic, Providing Quick Assistance to Less-Critical Medical Cases
will greatly benefit patients, as they no longer have to endure long queues at the Emergency Room for minor injuries or illnesses. “This will help us create more platforms for patients to receive prompt medical care without compromising the attention needed for emergency cases. With Urgent Care, we can provide faster, hassle-free service for those with minor medical needs,” he added.
The opening of the Urgent Care Clinic also reinforces
CSMC’s commitment to patient-centered care, allowing the hospital to deliver swift medical attention without compromising quality service. This initiative is a testament to CSMC’s mission of providing accessible, convenient, and high-quality healthcare services for the community.
The Urgent Care Clinic operates from Monday to Saturday, 6 am to 6 pm. For inquiries or medical assistance, you may contact 8727-0001 ext. 8005.
Optimax’s transformational journey began in 2021 when it took the helm as the digital agency of the Philippine National Bank (PNB), one of the country’s largest and most enduring financial institutions.
The agency played a pivotal role in launching the New PNB Digital App, a game-changing initiative that propelled the bank’s modernization.
The campaign not only achieved its strategic goals but also earned the prestigious Excellence Award at the 19th Philippine Quill Awards—an affirmation of Optimax’s ability to merge innovation with results-driven execution.
Building on this success, Optimax spearheaded PNB’s 2023 brand refresh campaign, “Every Step Together,” an emotionally resonant initiative that deepened customer trust and reinforced the bank’s mission to empower Filipinos toward financial prosperity. The campaign’s impact was undeniable, earning the Best Branded Digital Ad honor at the 46th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) and contributing to
URSEL Murillo-Laureno is the cofounder and CEO of EdFolio and SkoolTek and has been taking solutions in education technology (EdTech) to the next level.
With a background in educational leadership, she previously served as the principal of Bethany Baptist Academy in Iligan City, Philippines, where she introduced a tablet-based digital learning program in 2015, setting the stage for her passion for innovation in education.
Driven by the challenges schools faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, Ursel launched EdFolio, a marketplace for e-books and educational supplementary materials.
She later developed SkoolTek, a comprehensive school management system. The platform integrated enrollment, billing, learning management, artificial intelligence facial recognition, blockchain-based transcript management, a career-predictive-profiling system, and other upcoming features, offering a seamless digital ecosystem for schools.
Under her leadership, EdFolio and SkoolTek have surpassed growth targets and are on track to double their respective revenues.
This year, the two companies continued to expand in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region.
Just recently, the companies got into an investment-linked program run by an EdTech accelerator, based in Singapore. Laureno also founded the National Educational & Technology Conference or EdTek Con 2025, a premiere event
PNB’s recognition as the “Most Admired Financial Provider of the Year in the Philippines” by the International. Business Magazine Awards. PNB was also named the “Best Bank in the Philippines” in Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s Best Banks. With its rapid expansion into various aspects of marketing communications, Optimax has continuously demonstrated its ability to lead brand transformations. Most recently, the agency played a key role in the Philippine launch of BYD, the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) brand. In early 2024, Optimax executed a high-impact market entry strategy that generated almost 20 million in reach across awareness platforms, amassed over 100 million impressions, and, most importantly, delivered industry-leading sales results for BYD’s EV lineup.
As proof of Optimax’s pedigree in the field of IMC, the team guided AC Mobility’s KIA SONET launch to a resounding success. In just seven months, the Kia Sonet has achieved impressive sales, with 3,823 units sold. Over the past seven years, Optimax has experienced exponential growth— expanding its client base, increasing revenues, and strengthening its team. What started as a lean agency of 10 professionals has now grown into a powerhouse of 47 dedicated marketing experts, each committed to driving brand success through excellence in communication. With an unyielding spirit of innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Optimax Communications Group continues to shape the future of marketing communications in the Philippines and beyond. As it looks ahead, the agency remains steadfast in its mission to push boundaries, inspire change, and deliver marketing solutions that create lasting impact.
The goal is clear, and that’s to be the preferred agency in optimizing business opportunities. That’s why Optimax continues to make campaigns where data and creativity come together to tell impactful brand stories.
The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. And this is just the beginning.
IN the photo are, from left, Roland Wee, GPTW Board Chair ASEAN and ANZ, presenting the award to Concentrix PH Leaders Amit Jagga, EVP and Chief Business Officer, Tonichi Parekh, VP for Client Success, Hazel Banas, VP for People Solutions, and Aldrin Dulig, VP for Accounting and Finance.
TISHA Boatman, Executive Vice President, External Affairs and Healthcare Access at Siemens Healthineers
EdTech start-up founder, CEO takes industry to next level
In secret, US sends hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants to notorious El Salvador prison
By Tim Sullivan The Associated Press
IT was just a few sentences in a meandering, hourlong presidential speech on a Friday afternoon. Along with talk about falling egg prices and a vow to expel “corrupt forces” from the US government, President Donald Trump noted that hundreds of members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua had been arrested.
“You’ll be reading a lot of stories tomorrow about what we’ve done with them,” he said at the Justice Department on March 14. “These are tough people and bad people and we’re getting them out of our country.”
“You’ll be very impressed,” he added.
Trump was previewing drama to come that would involve clandestine flights to another continent, a notorious prison, innocents among criminals and a dramatic confrontation between his assertions of presidential power and a federal judge who Trump said had overreached.
The president’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify deporting more than 130 Venezuelan men, some of them gang members and others who claim to have been in the United States legally and were seemingly expelled because of their ordinary tattoos, played out over a frenetic 24 hours. By the time Trump had spoken, hundreds of detained immigrants had been quietly shuttled from across the US to South Texas. Planes had been chartered to take them to their ultimate destination, El Salvador, under a deal with President Nayib Bukele, who proudly calls himself “world’s coolest dictator.”
The men were herded into a maximum security mega prison in El Salvador, where officials quickly made a show of the new inmates having their heads shaved, then standing shoulder to shoulder in cells so crowded that some prisoners do not have beds.
But soon, stories began to surface that the scene was not quite as it appeared. Some of them men had long insisted they had no gang ties, and their families had produced documents showing they had no criminal records.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I’ve seen some pretty weird stuff,” said Texas attorney John Dutton, who represented a man who disappeared into the Salvadoran prison. “But to do this in the middle of the night, to send people to another country, and straight to a prison when they haven’t been convicted of a crime? It makes no sense.”
Trump fulfilled a long-standing pledge on migrants IT made sense in the White House.
Trump has been promising for years that he would invoke the Alien Enemies Act to combat illegal immigration. He repeatedly insisted, falsely, that the US was facing an invasion of criminal immigrants.
Tren de Aragua became the face of that threat, and the first target of that law in decades.
Crafted during the presidency of John Adams, the law gives the president broad powers to imprison and deport noncitizens in times of war. It has been used just three times: during the War of 1812 and the two world wars.
The Trump administration had begun edging closer to calling the criminal migrant issue a war, most notably by designating eight Latin American criminal groups, including Tren de Aragua, as “foreign terrorist organizations.”
The administration was telegraphing its logical next move. Immigration lawyers prepared to fight back.
Government flights signal deportations to El Salvador
THE flights began arriving in the small South Texas city on March 12.
Using jets chartered by a branch of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the ICE Air flights landed in Harlingen from Dallas, Phoenix, El Paso, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee. At least three came from Alexandria, Louisiana, a hub for that state’s network of immigration detention centers. But it wasn’t until Saturday, March 15, that it became clear to a retired financial executive in Ohio that something unusual was happening.
Two flights, Tom Cartwright noticed, were scheduled from Harlingen to El Salvador.
Deportations are fairly rare on Saturdays, as are deportation flights from Harlingen to El Salvador, said Cartwright, a flight data analyst for the advocacy group Witness at the Border, whose social media feeds are closely watched in immigration circles.
“All that came together and said to me: There’s something weird here.”
Court documents later showed that for at least the previous week, Venezuelan men in immigration detention centers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and elsewhere were being moved by bus and plane toward ICE’s
El Valle Detention Facility, a 40-minute drive from the Harlingen airport.
A makeup artist is caught up in the mass deportations
ONE of those men was a makeup artist who said he fled Venezuela last summer after his boss at a state-run news channel publicly slapped him.
In a country where political repression and open homophobia are both part of life, it’s hard to be a gay man who does not support President Nicolás Maduro.
Walking and traveling by bus and taxi through Central America and Mexico, Andry José Hernández Romero hoped to find a new life in the US. He used a US Customs and Border Protection phone app to arrange an appointment at a US border crossing in San Diego.
That’s where he was asked about his tattoos, and where his trouble started.
US immigration authorities use a series of “gang identifiers” to help them spot members of Tren de Aragua. Some are obvious, such as trafficking drugs with known Tren members.
Some identifiers are more surprising: Chicago Bulls jerseys, “high-end urban street wear,” and tattoos of clocks, stars or crowns, according to government instructional material filed in court by the American Civil Liberties Union.
Tattoos were key to marking many deported men as Tren members, according to documents and lawyers.
Romero, who is in his early 20s, has a crown tattooed on each wrist. One is next to the word “Mom.” The other next to “Dad.” The crowns, according to his lawyer, also pay homage to his hometown’s Christmastime “Three Kings” festival, and to his work in beauty pageants, where crowns are common.
Romero, who insists he has no ties to Tren, was taken into ICE custody and transferred to a California detention center.
And then, around March 7, he was suddenly moved to a facility in Laredo, Texas, a three-hour bus ride from the Harlingen airport.
‘The order from the president is to deport them all’ FRIDAY, March 14, was supposed to be quiet for Javier Maldonado.
“I had come in to work late, like 10 in the morning,” said Maldonado, a Texas immigration lawyer based in San Antonio. “I was having my coffee, and thought I was going to do admin work and catch up on emails and phone calls.”
He was wrong.
The Alien Enemies Act was hours away from being invoked, and more than a day from being announced, but word was starting to filter out from a group of Venezuelan men held at El Valle Detention Center, near Harlingen. Around 3 a.m., roughly 100 had been roused from sleep by guards and told they were being deported. Some were told they would be flown to Mexico, some to Venezuela. Many were told nothing.
Ten hours later, the men were back in their bunks. The flight had been canceled, they were told, and they would leave soon.
But a few men contacted relatives or lawyers.
Within hours, an informal legal network was frantically at work, from a lawyer in Brooklyn to a law school professor in Los Angeles to a University of Florida law student interning with an El Paso immigrant advocacy firm. All were working with Texas lawyers like Maldonado who would file petitions in federal court.
“It’s a small circle, relatively, of lawyers that do this sort of work,” he said.
Even people who cross illegally into the US have rights. Some of the men the lawyers were defending have Temporary Protected Status, a legal classification that shields roughly 350,000 Venezuelans from deportation.
Communication between lawyers and detainees was often chaotic. Messages sometimes were relayed through relatives in Venezuela.
But guards, said one man, had made something clear.
“The order from the president is to deport them all.”
Trump invokes the Alien Enemies Act
TRUMP was aboard Air Force
One that Friday when he invoked the Alien Enemies Act en route to his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.
Tren de Aragua, his proclamation said, was attempting “an invasion or predatory incursion” of the United States.
Publicly, though, the administration said nothing. Still, word was spreading about the planned flights to El Salvador. A Texas lawyer had filmed a bus leaving the El Valle facility under police escort, apparently heading to the airport.
While Trump’s use of the law had not yet been announced, two legal advocacy groups, the ACLU and Democracy Forward, felt they had to file preemptively.
“We couldn’t take a chance that nothing was going to happen,” said Lee Gelernt of the
ACLU, the lead attorney. They spent hours drafting a petition on behalf of five detained Venezuelans who feared being falsely labeled members of Tren and deported. They crafted legal arguments until they felt time was running out.
Finally, they filed the petition with the US District Court in Washington, seeking to halt all deportations under the Alien Enemies Act.
It was 2:16 a.m. Saturday.
Prisoners moved to airport as judge issues temporary restraining order?
LATER that day, after Judge James E. Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order in response to the ACLU lawsuit and scheduled a 5 p.m. hearing, things in Texas began to move faster.
Guards gathered prisoners at the El Valle detention center, ordering them onto buses for the airport at about 3:30 p.m.
The flights carried a total of 261 deportees, the White House later said, including 137 Venezuelans deported under the Alien Enemies Act, 101 under other immigration regulations, and 23 El Salvadoran members of the gang MS-13.
About 4 p.m. the White House posted Trump’s proclamation.
Judge orders the planes to turn back and it doesn’t happen ROUGHLY an hour later Boasberg opened his hearing over Zoom.
“First, apologies for my attire,” he began, dressed in a blue sweater. “I went away for the weekend and brought with me neither a robe nor tie nor appropriate shirt.”
Things quickly grew more serious. Boasberg asked whether the government planned to deport anyone under the new proclamation “in the next 24 or 48 hours.” The ACLU warned that deportation planes were about to take off. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign said he was unsure of the flight details. Boasberg called a recess
so Ensign could get more information. When Ensign came back empty-handed, the judge issued a new order to stop the deportations being carried out under the centuries-old law. He noted specifically that any planes in the air needed to come back.
“This is something that you need to make sure is complied with immediately,” he told Ensign. It was about 6:45 p.m. By then, two ICE Air planes were heading across the Gulf of Mexico and toward Central America. Neither turned around.
T he airliners stopped in Honduras before making the short final flight to El Salvador. Fear swept the plane when the doors opened and the prisoners realized where they were. Many knew the reputation of El Salvador’s prisons.
“Everyone was scared,” a Nicaraguan woman accidently put on a flight said in a legal declaration after returning to the U.S. “Some people had to forcibly be removed from the plane.”
What followed was soon set to music by the El Salvadoran government, which released videos of shackled men struggling to walk as officers forced down their heads and marched them to the immense Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT prison.
The next morning, Bukele, El Salvador’s president, tweeted a New York Post headline saying Boasberg had ordered the planes turned around.
“Oopsie…Too late,” Bukele wrote, adding a laughing/crying emoji.
The Trump administration is now urging the Supreme Court for permission to resume deportations of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act. Boasberg soon could rule on whether there are grounds to find anyone in contempt of court for defying his court order.
As for Romero, the makeup artist, he’s somewhere in CECOT.
PRISONERS stand looking out from their cell as US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a tour of the Detention Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador, March 26, 2025. AP/ALEX BRANDON
Life athlete stamps mark in InsuRuns
ORTUNE Life Insurance Specialist
FMark Anthony Navarro finished second in the 6K category to complement Fortune Life Insurance Company’s vibrant presence at the InsuRUNS, a fun run and walk event organized by the Insurance Commission last March at the University of the Philippines Science Complex Oval in Diliman, Quezon City.
The event served as the kickoff celebration for the agency’s 76th anniversary, bringing together key industry players, partners and advocates of financial security and wellness.
As a valued partner,
Cool Smashers dynasty at stake against Angels
continued dominance.
TBy Josef Ramos
HE World Games in Chengdu are four months away but Olympian
Hergie Bacyadan is training in earnest to achieve what he missed in Paris last year.
“I recently returned to training and conditioning because I cannot let my guards down,” Bacyadan, 30, said. “My opponents know that I’m an Olympian and they will prepare against me.”
Bacyadan’s a multi-faceted combat sports athlete—she’s a world champion in Vovinam, a Vietnamese martial art, dabbled in wushu and in July last year boxed in the Paris Olympics but didn’t advance from the round of 16 against a Chinese opponent. She returned to kickboxing and won a gold medal in women’s K1 -70 kgs event in the 23-nation Asian championships in Phnom Penh last year.
That gold qualified her for the World Games—a major international competition featuring sports that aren’t on the Olympic program—that are set August 7 to 17 in Chengdu.
Becyadan rested a moment in her native Kalinga to have what she called “peace of mind,” but in no time was she back in the gym.
“I feel a little bit of pressure but that’s life. I just have to work to win the gold and bring pride to our nation,” Bacyadan said. “I know I can fight all the big names in the kickboxing at the World Games—from Thailand, Vietnam and Europe.”
Pinoy junior golfers begin JPGT showdown
Creamline makes it look like it’s just another day in the office each time the team makes a killing in the Finals. But even a dynasty must
the league that has earned a reputation as the country’s most popular to date.
Game 1 of the series starts at 6:30 p.m. with Choco Mucho and Akari clashing for third place in their own best-of-three series at 4 p.m.
“This will be our toughest Finals yet,” Creamline star Alyssa Valdez said. “Petro Gazz is complete, healthy and hungry. But we’ll fight with everything we’ve got to keep the crown.”
Valdez has always been the focal point of the Cool Smashers and in the championship series, they are expected to gang up on the Angels’ main weapon—Filipino-American Brooke Van Sickle.
“This Finals is for Brooke,” said Petro Gazz’s other star, Myla Pablo. “She’s so focused and she worked so hard for us to get to where we are now.”
Boxing for now, according to Bacyadan, takes a back seat.
“I guess I might stay in kickboxing but there are no heavy weight classes so I may fight in other combat sports, let’s see,” she said. “If there’s an opportunity in boxing, let’s see it as well.” She added: “My goal is to excel in all combat sports and do my best to bring glory for our country.”
A ssociation of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines national team coach Pat Gaspi told BusinessMirror that Bacyadan will always be welcome to return to the fold.
“She’s still in our women’s lineup but we allow her to fight in other combat sports she desires because of her weight class,” Gaspi said. “Maybe in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December, you’ll see her with us, but that depends on her.”
Bacyadan is in Bangkok for the Kickboxing World Cup that starts Tuesday.
“It’s going to be an advantage for me in World Games if I fight in Thailand because it gives me enough experience,” she said.
Creamline’s core—Valdez, Bernadeth Pons, Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Bea de Leon, Pangs Panaga and Kyle Negrito— is battle-tested, composed under pressure and seemingly immune to the bright lights of the big stage.
T his veteran unit has mastered the art of peaking under pressure and turning high-stakes moments into stepping stones toward
FAR Eastern University (FEU), Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas (UST) and National University-Nazareth School (NUNS) dominated the inaugural University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87 Blitz chess tournament over the weekend at the Adamson University Gym.
FEU topped the men’s division with a commanding 4-0 victory over topseeded UST in the finals with eventual tournament MVP, FIDE Master Mark Bacojo, leading the charge with four wins in four matches on the top board against Chester Reyes.
De La Salle University clinched third place in the men’s division after defeating the University of the Philippines, 3-1, in
ice hockey website: “Ovechkin scored a power-play goal against goaltender Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders in the second period of Washington’s 4–1 loss, becoming the all-time National Hocket League [NHL] leading goal scorer. Ovechkin’s record-breaking 895th goal came in his 1,487th career game, the same number of games as Gretzky’s career total.”
O vechkin scored one more goal than Wayne “The Great One” Gretzky but the same number of games. Is Alexander Ovechkin now part of the GOAT conversation in ice hockey? Absolutely! Better than Gretzky? As a die-hard Gretzky follower? Absolutely not.
T hey played in different eras. Ovechkin is more of a passer but more physical and defenders were bouncing off of him. Ovechkin is a combination of size and speed while Gretzky is a pure scorer with a scorer’s mentality relying on finesse and speed.
O vechkin vs Gretzky, James vs Jordan. Ovechkin isn’t done yet though so that number of goals can only go up and up. Among today’s NHL scorers and facilitators, we see Connor
evolve to survive.
After a surprise opening
loss to Petro Gazz in the semifinals, Creamline roared back by sweeping with a flourish Akari and Choco Mucho, proving once again that its championship pedigree is coded with resilience and adaptability.
We won’t go down easily,” Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses said. “We’re just doing our job. We want to defend the crown.”
W hile Creamline has history books on its side, Petro Gazz enters the series with a different kind of fire—the hunger to prove the Angels belong on the same pedestal.
They may not boast of the same glittering championship rings, but their journey is built on grit, growth and key triumphs.
With two Reinforced Conference titles and multiple podium finishes, the Angeles have built a solid Finals résumé of its own—their Angels’ recent semifinals victory over the Cool Smashers is proof they are no longer just chasing the elite—they’re now standing toe-to-toe with them.
S pearheaded by the prolific Van Sickle and supported by the lethal trio of Pablo, MJ Phillips and Jonah Sabete, the Angels have the firepower to match–and even overwhelm–the Cool Smashers.
Their bench, powered by veterans like Aiza Pontillas, Remy Palma, Joy Dacoron and Nicole Tiamzon, runs deep
the battle for the bronze.
In the women’s division, Ateneo secured its first-ever chess championship via tiebreaker after forcing a 2-2 draw with FEU in the finals.
Ateneo head coach Yves Rañola heaved a sigh of relief following a nervewracking finals series that came down to the wire.
“Up to the last game, in blitz, it’s not that important that you’re a strong player, luck plays a role, too,” said Ranola, after women’s division MVP Ma. Elayza Villa forced a crucial draw with FEU’s Mhage Sebastian on Board 2, salvaging the title despite Ateneo trailing after the first half of the finals.
D e La Salle also took third place in the women’s division after edging UST, 2.5-1.5.
U ST added another crown in the boys’ division, thanks to FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri’s perfect 16-match streak on Board 1 during the eliminations that
and is more than capable of delivering when called upon.
For Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara, this Finals is not just about strategy – it’s about heart and desire. He’s demanded 200 percent effort from his players, knowing it will take nothing less than that to dethrone the reigning queens.
The Finals is not just about which side has more titles. It’s about execution, depth, strategy and the will to win when everything is on the line,” Tsuzurabara said.
earned him MVP honors. In the girls’ division, National University-Nazareth School stunned FEU by forcing a 2-2 draw in the finals and clinching the title based on total points scored.
S ara Dalagan spearheaded the victory for NUNS, defeating national team standout and Woman FIDE Master Ruelle Canino in back-to-back matches during the first two rounds, setting the tone for the Sampalocbased squad.
NUNS’ Jersey Marticio was named MVP of the girls’ division. Adamson University and UST finished third in the boys’ and girls’ divisions, respectively. In the rapid event, FEU’s Franklin Andes and Franchesca Largo were named MVPs of the boys’ and women’s divisions, respectively. UST’s Daren dela Cruz (girls) and Chester Reyes (men) also claimed MVP honors in their respective divisions.
McDavid as someone who could eventually supplant Ovechkin as the all-time leading scorer in NHL history.
According to cnn.com: “It’s been a long time coming, but Alex Ovechkin can finally call himself the NHL’s
to boost their global standing. O ver at the girls’ side, top-ranked Precious Zaragosa and Tiffany Bernardino will spearhead the 15-18 bracket, eyeing both titles and crucial ranking points against contenders Rafa Anciano and Jada Santiago. T he 11-14 division promises equally fierce competition with the Sarines twins, Lisa and Mona, leading the charge. They’re also Junior World qualifiers and will be challenged by talents like Arielle Espartero and Eliana Dumalaog. In the boys’ group, Vito Sarines, who is also priming up for the Junior World, and Race Manhit headline a strong field, all gunning for a breakout performance that could elevate their international ranking. Even the youngest golfers in the 7-10 category have their sights set on the WAGR. Rising stars like Venus delos Santos and Mavis Espedido (girls) and Jesus Yambao and Zoji Edoc (boys) are among those embracing the challenge early, eager to leave their mark. W ith WAGR points on the line, every swing, putt and finish matters more than ever.
LET the championship begin— Brooke Van Sickle and Petro Gazz opposite Alyssa Valdez and Creamline.
