BusinessMirror August 11 2025

CAITLIN PUNZALAN, CORPORATE AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS LEAD AT MONDELEZ

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

period last year, according to data from the Bureau of the Treasury.

Latest Treasury data showed subsidies handed over to staterun corporations from January to June this year dropped by 21.88 percent to P52.498 billion from P67.206 billion recorded in the same period in 2024. The bulk of the subsidies was given to major non-financial government corporations, which totaled P29.660 billion during the six-month period. Of these firms, topping the list was the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), which received the highest amount of subsidies worth P17.725 billion, WITH

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

In fact, we might finish the one near the Double Dragon building this year.” The addition of these stations is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the busway system, which has become a crucial part of Metro Manila’s public transportation infrastructure.

Dizon said this expansion is concurrent with the government’s efforts to introduce more busway lines. He said the agency plans to draw funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to complete the study for the España-Quezon Avenue busway line.

think by next year.

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE domestic economy, weighed down by private consumption, is expected to slow down the country’s growth next year, according to BMI Country Risk & Industry Research.

BMI, a Fitch Solutions Company, said that given the GDP growth of 5.5 percent in the second quarter

and 5.4 percent GDP growth in the first semester, it was keeping its growth forecast at 5.4 percent in 2025 and reduced its projection to 5.2 percent in 2026.

The United Kingdom-based firm said consumption growth is expected to slow down. This, despite the growth of household final consumption expenditure to 5.5 percent in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest in nine quarters,

or since the first quarter of 2023 when it grew 6.3 percent.

“Further acceleration in H2 [second half of] 2025 remains unlikely: a slowdown in remittances will weigh on private consumption while heightened global uncertainty will continue to chill investment,” BMI said.

Private consumption is expected to post a growth of 5 percent in 2025. This will largely be due to the projected slowdown in remittances, thanks to the 1-percent tax on remittances imposed by the Trump administration. BMI noted that 40 percent of the country’s remittances come from the United States. Apart from the tax on remittances, BMI noted the Trump administration’s clampdown on immigration as a factor that could affect inflows.

See “Consumption,” A2

SBy Henry Empeño

UBIC BAY FREEPORT—Six long years after the bankrupt South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin left the shores of Subic, a new tenant is painting positive prospects for the longidle 310-hectare shipyard at the Redondo Peninsula here.

Agila Subic Compass, which took over as new facility operator after US-based Cerberus Capital Management acquired the site in 2022, has rebranded the defunct shipyard for multiple use, taking in partners from diverse fields like shipbuilding, logistics, warehousing, and telecommunications.

Agila Subic general manager Mark Millan said in an onsite media briefing Thursday that three years into operation, Agila has already signed in four major tenants to kickstart the transformation of the distressed facility into a new economic growth center.

These include Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines, one of

the biggest shipbuilders in the world, and the Philippine Navy, which has established its main naval operating base (NOB) within the facility.

“When we started operations in 2022, we made it our commitment to transform the facility into an economically viable site that would bring in world class locators and create thousands of jobs—both direct and indirect—to Subic Bay and nearby communities, thereby contributing to the Philippines’ economic growth,” said Millan.

“We are pleased to see that we are on track in achieving that vision after only three years of operations through partnerships with our locators and with support from the Philippine government,” added Millan, a native of San Antonio, Zambales and a former Philippine Navy officer.

While seeking out locators from businesses other than shipbuilding, Agila Subic has retained the industrial ethos of the $1.7-billion Hanjin facility

that once boasted of more than 30,000 workers.

Millan said Agila Subic expects to generate investments of up to $1 billion, some 4,000 new jobs by the end of this year, and about 10,000 workers by 2027.

As of now, Hyundai has taken over the facilities vacated by Hanjin Heavy Industries in 2019, and is using the same for shipbuilding, ship repair, and construction of offshore wind platforms, he said.

On the other hand, the Philippine Navy is leasing 90 hectares at the northern section of the shipyard for training, billeting, and repair maintenance services. The Navy also docks its latest naval assets, including the guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06) that was commissioned last May, at its NOB here.

Two other tenants, Subcom and V2X, have taken over some of the cavernous warehouses in the area for storage and warehousing operations, said Millan. Subcom is a leading global

manufacturer and installer of subsea fiber optics cables and communications systems, while V2X is a logistics firm listed in the New York Stock Exchange. Easily the shipyard locator with the biggest potential in terms of investment and employment is South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, which now employs 1,300 workers at the Agila facility and expects its workforce to reach 2,000 by the yearend.

Ralph David Magno, Hyundai’s human resource manager in Subic, said the firm is now recruiting welders, fitters, painters, production engineers, and heavy equipment operators who have the skills and experience in shipbuilding. It now has 140 welder-trainees, the 10th batch so far to undergo training. Hyundai, Magno added, offers very competitive compensation packages and perks, including free board and lodging and shuttle services, ass well as health insurance upon reaching one year of service.

regional trial court where the assets are located.

Section 3 of the Rules, according to the CA, specifically provides that the venue lies “in any regional trial court of the judicial region where the monetary instrument, property, or proceeds representing, involving, or relating to an unlawful activity or to a money laundering offense are located.”

It added that the SC has ruled in Republic vs. Glasgow that location refers to the place where “the account sought to be forfeited is situated.”

“Therefore, the proper venue of the petition for civil forfeiture is any RTC within the judicial region covering Bacolod City where the subject bank accounts are located,” the CA declared.

Thus, the CA said the “blatant” disregard by the Makati RTC of the meaning of “located” in Section 3 of the Rules “constitutes grave abuse of discretion” that warrants the grant of the petition.

The appellate also ruled the substantive issues raised in the petitions have become moot and academic considering that the Makati RTC has no jurisdiction over the forfeiture case.

“These substantive issues cease to be justiciable. Otherwise, this Court would engage in rendering an advisory opinion on what the law would be upon a hypothetical state of facts,” the CA noted.

Joel R. San Juan

Over 2-M new voters enlist despite possible BSKE reset

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

MOREthan 2.13 million Filipinos registered for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) during the 10day sign-up period this month, despite Malacañang’s earlier announcement that the polls will likely be moved to next year.

In a text message to reporters on Sunday, Commission on Elections

Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia called the turnout the “most successful” and “most historic” in recent

Consumption…

“One reason for the slower private consumption growth, in our view, is falling remittances. In USD terms, those fell by 0.6 percent y-o-y in Q2

years.

“This only proves that we want every voice to be heard, regardless of our status in life,” Garcia said in Filipino. While the poll body has yet to re-

[second quarter], and the weaker dollar means those fell by a steeper 3 percent in peso terms. While it is hard to pin down the exact causes for the fall, what we can say is that a rebound is unlikely over the coming quarters,” BMI stated.

In terms of export earnings, BMI maintains the country remains “well-

lease the full demographic breakdown, Garcia credited much of the surge to young registrants.

“The Filipino youth truly stand firm in carrying the future of the nation. Responding to the call and challenge is an act of heroism. Long live all of you!” he said.

Region IV-A posted the highest number of new voters at 265,957, followed by Region III with 220,650 and Region VI with 169,378.

Meanwhile, the Cordillera Administrative Region logged the lowest with 39,484, followed by Caraga with 66,118 and Region IV-B with 67,350.

The Comelec earlier said it had no objection to the measure ex-

insulated from the US tariffs.” It stressed that 17 percent of merchandise exports may come from the United States but services exports that are “untouched by tariffs” comprise 48 percent of total exports.

“In July, Trump has demanded the Philippines to spend at least 5 percent of her GDP on the military, which may be a tall order for the Philippine government to fulfil due to fiscal constraints,” BMI said.

“If Trump threatens a higher tariff because of the non-fulfilment, we anticipate a further slowdown in export growth for the Philippines,” it added.

Global Source: Flat growth MEANWHILE , Global Source Partners Country Analyst Diwa Guinigundo said economic growth in the Philippines would remain flat at the lower end of the revised GDP growth for the year 2025 of 5.5 to 6.5 percent.

Guinigundo noted that the average growth for the last five quarters stood at around 5.5 to 5.6 percent. He added that forecasts for 2025 and 2026 are below the government’s target of 5.5 to 6.5 percent for 2025 and 6-7 percent for 2026.

“Among the risks considered were the unforeseen escalation of hostilities in the Middle East

tending the term of barangay and SK officials and resetting the elections to November 2026.

Garcia said the postponement would also give the commission more time to prepare for the firstever Bangsamoro parliamentary elections in October.

If the reset is signed into law, the Comelec plans to reopen voter registration from late October until July next year.

“We can start from October until July next year. We will no longer extend the August 1 to 10 registration,” Garcia said, adding that the commission will also monitor if the law will be challenged before the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds.

and the imposition of US tariffs. The outbreak of the war in the Middle East could affect overseas Filipino workers’ remittances given their average annual inflow of nearly $33 billion in the last four years,” Guinigundo said.

“Higher oil prices could also affect economic prospects including growth and inflation. The Trump tariff, now at 19 percent on the other hand, could affect Philippine exports to the US amounting to about $15 billion annually,” he added.

Earlier, external headwinds and domestic problems would make it more difficult for the Philippines to accelerate GDP growth to beyond 6 percent in the next few years, according to economists.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) disclosed that the economy grew 5.5 percent in the second quarter of 2025. This placed the country’s growth at 5.4 percent in the first six months of the year.

This growth was faster than the 5.38 percent GDP growth posted in the first semester but was slower than the 6.5 percent posted in the second quarter of 2024. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/08/08/ global-local-threats-seen-tocrimp-growth/).

trade is expected to decline by 0.2 percent in 2025 before posting a recovery of 2.5 percent in 2026.

“Growth will continue at 4.4 percent in 2026. Asian economies’ services exports are projected to increase by 4.4 percent in 2025, a deviation of 1.1 percentage points from the baseline scenario, and by 5.1 percent in 2026. The latter represents a loss of 1.5 percentage points compared with earlier projections,” the report stated.

The WTO said taking into consideration the measures in place as of 14 April, including the suspension of “reciprocal tariffs” by the United States, merchandise

followed by the National Food Authority (NFA) with P7.182 billion. Meanwhile, 27 other government corporations were provided a total of P22.329 billion in the first half of this year, with the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) securing the biggest subsidy of P8 billion. Trailing PSALM were the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (P2.250 billion), Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (P1.967 billion), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (P1.939 billion), Philippine Heart Center or PHC (P1.305 billion) and Philippine Children’s Medical Center or PCMC (P1.033 billion). For this year, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will not be receiving any government subsidy and was told by Congress to utilize its reserve funds. This is because PhilHealth was ordered by the Department of Finance (DOF) to transfer P89.9 billion of its reserve funds to the Treasury. Only P60 billion has been remitted after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against the transfer. PhilHealth is proposed to receive P53.3 billion in subsidies in 2026, which will cover the premiums of indirect contributors, including indigents, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

For June alone, subsidies to staterun firms also declined by 26.67 percent to P7.449 billion from P10.159 billion in the same month last year. Leading the top subsidy recipients for the month is NFA with P3.432 billion, followed by the NIA (P2.389 billion), PFDA (P268 million), PHC (P184 million), Philippine Coconut Authority (P165 million) and PCMC (P114 million). The government provides subsidies to state-run firms to fund operations not covered by corporate revenues or to finance specific programs or projects.

Last year, GOCCs also received lower subsidies at P138.763 billion—the lowest in six years or the P136.652 billion recorded in 2018— as they needed less budgetary support and had better operating income. The improved earnings enabled GOCCs to boost the government’s non-tax revenues, with dividends remitted reaching P105 billion as of July, according to the DOF. Dividends are crucial for the government as these non-tax revenues support funding priority projects and programs without imposing new taxes on the public.

speculative, and it is best to adopt a wait-and-see attitude,” they noted.

“Several sectors in the Philippines, particularly health and education, were adversely affected by the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw its foreign assistance through the United States Agency for International Development [Usaid]. Relying on the goodwill of the Trump admin-

“The new estimate for 2025 is nearly three percentage points lower than it would have been without recent policy shifts, and marks a significant reversal from the start of the year, when WTO economists expected to see continued trade expansion supported by improving macroeconomic conditions,” the report stated.

The WTO said that Asia and Europe will continue to contribute positively but less than in the baseline scenario, with Asia’s contribution halved to 0.6 percentage points.

istration in the tariff deal seems misplaced,” they added.

In July, the employers sector also cautioned against further concessions to the US.

“I don’t think we should be offering anything more. We have given everything to them already,” said Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr.

Instead of new concessions, he said the Philippines should remind the US of its value as a trade and strategic ally in the region.

“We are the best partner here,” he added.

found liable be actually punished and face charges?” he said. Lacson also disclosed that some House members had called him after reports came out that he had a list of 67 congressmen who are contractors. Lacson clarified that he merely asked a friend at the opening of the 19th Congress on how many congressmen are contractors.

“They told me that not all their contracts are with government, and most are with private companies. I chuckled and said I don’t have a list and I didn’t know they or their relatives were contractors until they told me,” he said.

The target is to finish the feasibility study by “next year,” he said. Earlier, Dizon described the line as the “most viable and most needed” addition due to its existing road width and potential to relieve pressure on Metro Manila’s congested roads. The government will build the “more or less 15-kilometer”

Congressmen want VP to account for ₧612.5-M confidential funds

HOUSE of Representatives leaders on Sunday vowed to press for Vice President Sara Duterte’s accountability over the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, insisting she is “not yet off the hook” despite the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the impeachment case against her.

Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V of La Union and Jay Khonghun of Zambales made the statement after President Marcos emphasized that the SC ruling—which declared the impeachment complaint unconstitutional—did not resolve questions about Duterte’s handling of the funds.

“I agree with the President. The Supreme Court decision delved into procedural issues but not into the alleged misuse

of CIFs [confidential and intelligence funds] received by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education when she was Education secretary,” Ortega said.

“The accountability part was not resolved, so we intend to continue asking her to account for those funds and answer for how they have been handled or mishandled,” he said. During the 19th Congress, the

House investigated the alleged misuse of P500 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million by the Department of Education (DepEd) under Duterte’s leadership.

Ortega cited the Supreme Court’s ruling, which emphasized that its decision “does not absolve petitioner VP Sara Duterte from any of the charges.” The court clarified that any resolution on the allegations against her can only be achieved through a new impeachment process, followed by a trial and conviction by the Senate.

Khonghun, for his part, said that the 93-page decision dealt solely with the House impeachment process.

“The people should understand this: The entire 93-page ruling tackled the impeachment process and rules in the House of Representatives. It did not absolve VP Duterte of culpability in the use of P612.5 million received by her offices,” Khonghun said.

“In other words, the Vice Pres -

ident is not yet off the hook on the use of this large amount of taxpayers’ money. We will pursue accountability on her part wherever it takes us,” he added.

Khonghun pointed out that social media posts making it appear that the Court has absolved the Vice President “are false.”

“The Duterte camp’s trolls and disinformation peddlers are busy at work again,” he added.

Ortega and Khonghun said they hoped the SC would reverse its ruling and allow the impeachment trial to proceed.

“If the decision remains, then we will have to discuss after February 6, 2026, how to pursue accountability on the part of VP Sara Duterte for her mishandling of P612.5 million in confidential funds in 2022 and 2023,” Ortega said.

Under the SC ruling, February 6 is the end of the one-year period during which another impeachment complaint cannot be filed against the Vice President.

Cruz

Jovee Marie N. dela

‘Ghost projects’ get new funding? Lacson wants to know

TBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

HE perfidy goes on. Certain projects funded in earlier budgets that were listed as ‘completed’ in previous years—but were never built—were allotted funds in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

This type of anomaly is among those being looked into by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson, who has been doing his own investigation and backtracking of previous budget bills as part of his commitment to help make sure the controversies attending the 2025 GAA will not be repeated when Congress tackles the 2026 budget soon.

Guesting on dwIZ’s “Usapang Senado” on Saturday, Lacson said he is continuing the verification of information he received of failed and ghost flood control projects, even as he added that he is willing to compare notes with a list of such projects submitted by the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) to Malacañang.

President Marcos in his State of the Nation Address (Sona) last July 28, had denounced the continuing corruption attending infrastructure projects, blaming this for the widespread floods that plagued many parts of the country with the recent serial storms compounding the heavy rains from

Mthe southwest monsoon. Mahiya naman kayo !” Marcos said, in an open denunciation of the culprits behind graft-ridden projects.

He then directed the DPWH to submit a report on the floodcontrol projects of the past three years.

Budget sleuthing

FOR his part, Lacson, who has been doing his own budget sleuthing as part of his yearly preparations as a lawmaker, told dwIZ, “I am continuing my verification. I am very careful on this, I want my findings to be factual, that’s why I am having details on the ground checked.”

He said he is looking into projects that were funded in earlier GAAs and listed as completed in previous years—on the basis of pseudo certifications—but were never built. Then they were carried over to the next GAA, twice or thrice.

“For example a project would be funded one or two years ago. It will not be constructed and it will not be too obvious because it is in a remote area, but it will be funded again, then actually constructed. If you do not check records covering more than one year, you won’t notice it immediately,” he told radio host Cely Ortega-Bueno.

Still another possible issue involves the DPWH district engineer

weekend.

who has a construction company implementing the project in the contractor’s name, with the contractor pressured into complying as his future projects may be at stake. But with President Marcos now having the flood control projects investigated, the contractors will be in the hot seat.

But Lacson said he is still verifying the information, since it is also possible that the projects may have been wiped out by previous calamities.

“I cannot have just one validation. And I will not make accusations without being sure of my facts,” he said.

Private-sector help IN the same interview, Lacson pushed for the all-out help of the private sector in addressing the flooding problem, even as he continues his own investigation into failed and ghost flood control projects that have cost taxpayers an estimated P2 trillion in the last 15 years. Lacson said he is looking into failed and ghost flood control projects, including new modus operandi involved.

He said the offer of San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang to do a cleanup of rivers and other waterways at no cost to government may be an opportunity for Malacañang to appeal to the corporate social responsibility

Based on its preliminary data, DMW said the participating government agencies at the event held on August 8 and 9 processed 3,832 transactions from the 1,183 participants.

“Included in this numbers are 535 OFWs that came on the first day, 559 on the second day and around 89 OFW volunteers who assisted the Department and also availed the services after their duties,” DMW said.

They were provided with services including OFWs membership registration, documentary application, legal aid, contract verification, welfare assistance, and health consultations from the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Public Attorney’s Office, the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWD), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Land Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Health Insurance

House leaders: We won’t foment constitutional crisis

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House of Representatives has assured that it would not spark a constitutional crisis, vowing to respect the Supreme Court’s decision on its motion for reconsideration of the ruling that voided the impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte.

House Prosecution Panel spokesperson Antonio Bucoy and House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin said the House will not cause a constitutional crisis.

“We will follow whatever the Supreme Court decides,” Bucoy said during a weekend news forum. He stressed the MR was filed to give the Court another chance to review what the chamber believes was a factual and legal error, not to defy its authority.

In the same forum, Garin echoed this position, saying, “It is our obligation to the people to address issues without bypassing accountability, and that includes respecting the Supreme Court’s final word.” She added that a constitutional crisis “should have no place in the Philippines.”

of other big companies.

“SMC’s Ramon Ang has offered to solve the recurring flood problems in Metro Manila at no cost to the government. He said he only needs authorization. Imagine if the country’s richest families will pool their CSR [corporate social responsibility] resources together and do what government spends hundreds of billions on in tax money every fiscal year, but seems to fail to deliver. It may be a little out of the box, but why not?” he said in a post on his X account on Saturday evening.

Should Ang deliver on his offer, Lacson said he will move to reduce the 2026 flood management appropriations for Metro Manila for the DPWH and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

The MRT 7 and the New Manila International Airport Project of SMC have been blamed for the worsening flooding in parts of Metro Manila, as well as Bulacan and Pampanga.

MRT 7 is the rail transit system from San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan to Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Quezon City.

The airport project straddles some 2,500 hectares of land, including fishponds, in Bulacan that abut five river systems in Central Luzon.

Corporation, and the Pag-IBIG Fund.

It was the sixth Serbisyo Caravan held by DMW abroad after in Hong Kong, Riyadh, Osaka, and Qatar.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans J. Cacdac said the initiative is in compliance with the instructions of President Marcos to ensure the well being of migrant Filipino workers.

“This is an instruction from the President so that OFWs can feel the #BagongPilipinas,” he said in Filipino in a social media post.

The DMW chief has committed to hold another Serbisyo Caravan in Jeddah soon so they can reach out to more OFWs in Saudi city, which has a large Filipino population.

“We will come back. We want to reach and serve even more OFWs, especially those who could not make it this time,” he said.

The next round of the Serbisyo Caravan will be held in Al Khobar, on August 12. Samuel P. Medenilla

Bucoy explained that the MR is meant to invite the Court to “revisit” its decision, which the House believes is wrong “from letter A to letter Z.” Garin, meanwhile, said any next steps will be decided after the ruling on the MR and in consultation with members of the 20th Congress.

Same ground

BICOL Saro Rep. Terry Ridon, chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, said the impeachment case against Duterte could be refiled as early as February 2026 on the same grounds—alleged misuse of confidential funds and threats against top government officials—if the next Congress decides to pursue it. Ridon said the process remains open, especially since the Senate’s decision to archive the complaint does not amount to a dismissal. “Archiving is not killing the case,” he stressed, adding that the 20th Congress could restart the proceedings if warranted.

On July 30, the Supreme Court voted 13-0 to declare the impeachment proceedings unconstitutional, citing violations of the one-year bar rule under Article XI, Section 3(5) of the Constitution and the right to due process. The House argues that the fourth impeachment complaint—endorsed by more than one-third of its members— was the sole valid case, allowing it to go straight to the Senate without committee deliberations.

Ridon said the current Congress will first await the Supreme Court’s ruling on its MR challenging the Court’s decision to declare the impeachment proceedings unconstitutional. “Once the SC decides, that’s when we talk again,” he said. If the court reverses itself, Ridon said the Senate would have to unarchive the case based on the same reasoning it used to justify archiving.

But even if the SC upholds its ruling, he believes the next Congress would still be interested in refiling the complaint in February 2026 under the rules set by the Court.

Group cautions local govts on SMC’s offer to solve NCR’s flooding woes

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

ANATIONAL alliance of small fishermen warned local governments against the offer by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang to help solve the flooding problem in Metro Manila and nearby towns and cities.

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) cited SMC’s projects that exacerbate flooding in the country’s capital and its neighboring provinces.

The group was reacting to Ang’s offer to help solve the flooding problem in Metro Manila, “at no cost to the government.” Ang’s SMC has been implementing simultaneous river-dredging projects in Metro Manila and Bulacan as a floodmitigation or prevention measure, but the onslaught of Habagat and successive storms that dumped huge volumes of rainwater submerged most parts of Metro Manila, as well as other areas in Central Luzon and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon).

“SMC is the last company you would trust in addressing the flooding and other environmental woes. Because the giant corporation itself is among the culprits in the worsening flooding and environmental catastrophe courtesy of its reclamation

projects in several areas in Manila Bay,” Fernando Hicap, Pamalakaya National Chairperson said in a statement.

The fishermen’ group was referring to the SMC’s 650-hectare reclamation in Navotas City and the 2, 500-hectare New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan.

Pamalakaya cited the findings of the international no-governmental organization Global Witness on the dangers posed by the reclamation in Manila Bay, particularly at the NMIA, in their report “Sunk Costs: A MegaAirport in the Path of Climate Disaster” which revealed that the airport, being developed by the SMC, faces critical risks of flooding and subsidence, threatening its long-term viability.

Scientists cited in the report warn that rising sea levels and storm surges could render the airport unusable within decades.

“The report confirms what fishermen and environmental defenders have warned all along: that profit-driven projects in Manila Bay such as reclamation, are both environmental and socio-economic disasters. The ordinary people bearing the brunt of the prolonged flooding caused by reclamation deserve genuine mitigation measures, accountability, and suitable compensation for the man-made disaster that caused [immeasurable] losses,” Hicap ended.

Laos foreign minister to visit Manila

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

OREIGN Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane of Laos will undertake an official visit to the Philippines from August 12 to 14, 2025, upon the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro. The visit marks a key milestone as the Philippines and Laos celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, formally established on January 14, 1955. Phomvihane will co-chair with Lazaro the Third Philippines–Laos Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation on

August 13, that is aimed at strengthening ties in trade, investment, education and infrastructure. This is the first Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) ministerial visit to be received by Lazaro since she assumed office on July 1. Phomvihane, 60, is a seasoned diplomat and son of former Lao leader Kaysone Phomvihane. He previously served as ambassador to Russia and Vietnam, and headed the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party’s External Relations Committee.

ORE than 1,000 Filipino migrant workers joined the two-day Serbisyo Caravan organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the

Senate probe into online gambling starts Aug. 14

TBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

HE Senate is set to start the probe into the ill effects of online gambling on Thursday.

Sen, Erwin Tulfo, chairman of the Committee on Games and Amusement said, “On Thursday, the bills on online gambling will be tackled by the Senate Committee on Games and Amusements. I made a commitment to prioritize these bills because the problem

is worsening. It’s a crisis now. So, I will really focus on this now to solve this problem.”

While he wants a total ban on online gambling, Tulfo vowed to hear the positions of the government agencies such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and the Department of Finance (DOF) to weigh the pros and cons if the industry will be outright declared illegal.

“Our problem is, we were not

ready. There was no regulation so people gambled recklessly. There is control on how much in bets can be made. Doesn’t matter if one’s entire salary is wagered. Even minors can gamble,” he lamented. “You have to weigh [all the issues], shouldn’t you? This is government’s revenue [generator] but how about the social ills, like the problem of gambling addiction. What’s important? Exactly. Is the revenue important even if

Baguio launches ₧3 million rainwater facility to resuscitate dying aquifers

By John Eiron R. Francisco

BAGUIO CITY—The city gov -

ernment launched on Friday a more than P3-million artificial groundwater recharge facility, as a pilot project in an effort to replenish depleted aquifers and reduce flood risks amid a decadesold water shortage.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong described the project as a “big thing,” noting that Baguio has been grappling with inadequate water supply since 1988, when consumption exceeded the city’s threshold.

Ideally, he noted, each resident should receive about 0.15 cubic meters of water daily, but supply constraints have left households with access to running water only about two days a week.

He recalled that during the eight-month drought from November 2023 to mid-2024, several areas—including barangays Quirino, Aurora Hill, and Quezon Hill—went without water for two to three weeks at a time.

“So during the drought, we really felt the impact of climate change, especially the water pressure coming from the groundwater and aquifer,” Magalong said. Now, with heavy rains the city, the mayor expressed optimism that the new facility will help sta -

bilize water supply in the long run.

“Hopefully we will succeed with this project,” he said, adding that the current two-day water allocation every two weeks could be extended to three days within the next three months.

However, he clarified that the facility will not immediately increase water supply, as it is still a proof-of-concept project undergoing study. He said more data needs to be gathered from the pilot run, which will then serve as the basis for a more comprehensive program to fully address the city’s water shortage.

“This will only be one of the solutions,” he said. The facility, jointly funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the City Government of Baguio, and the Baguio Water District, collects rainwater from rooftops, filters it, and injects it into an aquifer through a 95-meter-deep pilot well.

The well taps into the Klondyke formation, a thick layer of gravel, sand, and loose sediments that works like a massive underground sponge.

The injection well cost around P2.6 million, while the groundwater monitoring system and surface

facilities were pegged at P375,000 and P400,000, respectively.

Science Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said artificial recharge works differently from the natural process where rainwater slowly seeps into the ground. In this method, experts first locate an underground water reservoir, or aquifer—preferably one with enough gaps and spaces in the soil—to hold the water that will be pumped in.

“There is still much to be done. This is only one injection well. We need to build more, primarily to help reduce flood impact and also to supply the aquifer for future extraction,” he said.

Magalong also revealed that a P50-million feasibility study, funded through a grant from the UK government, is underway. Once completed, it will provide a detailed plan to support the city’s goal of 24/7 water access under its bulk water project.

Similar project

TOGETHER with the facility’s unveiling in this city, a similar project was also inaugurated at Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet, although drilling there reached only 80 meters compared to the deeper well in Baguio.

La Trinidad Mayor Roderick

Awingan expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting its potential to help mitigate climate change while improving the town’s water systems.

“ Mari -recharge po so that mapapaganda ang mga water resources na nakukuha ulit ng ating mga drilling or other sources dito,” he said, referring to the facility’s ability to replenish groundwater.

He added that through the partnership between the DOST and the local government, they hope for more similar projects that will benefit not only residents but also broader climate change mitigation efforts.

“This may be a small program, but its impact is very large,” Awingan said.

According to the head of the Comprehensive School Safety Ecosystem (CSSE) Project-Watershed and Water Resources Research, Development and Extension Center (CSSE-WWRRDEC) Minda Odysey, site selection follows strict criteria in coordination with the National Water Resources Board.

“We choose aquifers with high geo-resistivity because these are the ones that need to be recharged to improve groundwater availability,” she explained.

Cagayan Valley employers seek stay of wage increase

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

SOME employers in Cagayan Valley are asking for a deferment of the minimum wage increase in the region this year, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) II said on Friday.

it’s gained at the expense of the people’s welfare, of the future of the youth, and even if parents themselves are mired in gambling debts?” Tulfo wondered aloud.

The Senate Games and Amusement panel will tackle four bills and three resolutions, and a privileged speech on the ill effects of the online gambling industry.

The DOF had said earlier a total outright ban on e-gaming, which accounted for half of government’s

gross gaming receipts, is ill-advised. The agency, Pagcor and some quarters have said the wiser, balanced way forward is to tighten regulations to effectively shut out minors from the system.

Sens. Sherwin Gatchalian and Joel Villanueva want the central bank to compel e-wallets like GCash to de-link from the system so it does not become so easy for people to gamble, anytime and anywhere.

DOE expands regional access to LPG licensing services

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE Department of Energy (DOE) will make liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) licensing services accessible and convenient for industry participants by holding a five-day One-Stop-Shop in Palawan.

During the activity, which will take place from August 11 to 15, the DOE will provide same-day processing of License to Operate (LTO) and Certificate of Compliance (COC) applications for applicants with complete documentation, significantly reducing processing time.

In the past two years, LPG players from different provinces have had to travel to DOE Central Office in Taguig City to submit and process applications. By taking licensing services to the regions, the DOE aims to reduce travel costs and lost business time, encourage wider compliance, and make regulatory processes more accessible to smaller operators across the archipelago.

The One-Stop-Shop also reinforces compliance with the LPG Industry Regulation Act (Lira) and related DOE issuances, which require industry players to secure the required licenses and certifications from the DOE and other concerned agencies.

These requirements are essential in upholding standards of conduct and codes of practice and

to ensure adherence to health, safety, security, environmental, and quality standards applicable to LPG and Liquid Fuels (LF) industry activities.

“This One-Stop-Shop puts safety and service at the forefront of our work. By delivering services directly to the people, we are strengthening safety standards while helping local enterprises operate more efficiently and competitively. Our goal is clear: safer homes, safer communities, and a stronger local economy,” Energy Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales said.

This will be the DOE’s second One-Stop-Shop in Palawan, building on the success of a similar event in Puerto Princesa City in 2023. Applicants are reminded to prepare and present complete documentation to qualify for same-day processing. The DOE also urges all LPG and LF industry players to comply fully with applicable laws and regulations, noting that failure to do so may result in substantial administrative or criminal penalties, including suspension or closure of operations and permanent disqualification from engaging in LPG and LF-related activities.

As of June 2025, 14,672 LPG facilities nationwide have been issued LTOs. Within Region IV-B (Mimaropa or Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), 288 LPG facilities have received approved LTOs.

Employers who attended the final leg of wage consultations also cited inflation’s squeeze on profit margins, noting that Cagayan Valley is already among the top five regions with the highest minimum wages in the country.

“While not against wage adjustments in principle, they proposed deferring any increase or implementing it in tempered or staggered tranches,” the board said.

In a statement, the board—composed of representatives from the government, labor, and employers—said business owners believe there should be no increase yet owing to the “ongoing recovery from the pandemic” and the “impact of several typhoons” that hit the region last year.

Workers and domestic workers (kasambahay), meanwhile, remain optimistic for a wage increase this year, citing the continued rise in food prices and the need to save for education, health, and other essential expenses.

The third and fourth legs of the public consultation were held last week in Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Southern Isabela.

The board said it will next deliberate on whether to hold a public hearing before finalizing any proposed wage adjustments.

“Stakeholders are encouraged to remain engaged and actively participate in the upcoming stages of the process,” RTWPB II said.

The last wage hike for Region II took effect in October last year, with a P30 increase for all sectors.

This brought the daily minimum wage to P480 for non-agricultural workers and P460 for agricultural workers.

Domestic workers also received a P500 monthly raise, bringing their minimum pay to P6,000.

Group asks SC to let local govts ban mining

THE Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) on Sunday called on the Supreme Court to let local governments ban mining and other environmentally destructive activities.

The PMCJ issued the call as it condemns the SC’s decision to nullify the 25-year moratorium on mining enacted by the provincial government of Occidental Mindoro and the municipality of Abra De Ilog.

PMCJ said the SC decision reverses the gains made by climate-vulnerable

communities that are determined to take back their future from the current situation of ecological degradation, displacement, cultural loss, food insecurity, and health issues caused by the irreversible consequences of mining.

The SC ruling lifting the mining ban in Mindoro said that local governments do not have the right to impose policies that threaten to override national laws like Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which centralizes the authority to control mineral resources and

regulate mining operations.

PMCJ further assailed the SC’s decision saying that “it sets a bad precedent that an LGU’s local autonomy and vested mandate to uphold the health, security, well-being, and interests of its constituents can easily be set aside when the bottom line of mining companies is threatened.”

“The decision blatantly contradicts the fundamental rights of people and communities that are inherent in every individual and enshrined in the fundamental laws of the land,” PMCJ said, noting that

“LGUs and their constituents enjoy mutual stewardship, knowledge, and a social obligation to protect their ancestral lands and natural resources that no one else–not even the highest court in the land–can match.”

The mining ban was first legally challenged by Agusan Petroleum and Mineral Corporation, a company with a Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA), a legal contract under the Mining Act that permits large-scale mining by foreign or domestic entities in partnership with the national government.

Editor: Angel R. Calso

International outrage grows over Israel’s military takeover of Gaza

By Wafaa Shurafa, Sam Metz & Samy Magdy

The Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip— International condemnation grew Saturday over Israel’s decision for a military takeover of Gaza City, while tens of thousands of Israelis rallied in what local media called one of the largest anti-government protests in recent months following 22 months of war.

Ceasefire efforts appeared to be reviving with Israel’s announcement. US special envoy Steve Witkoff was expected to meet with Qatar’s prime minister in Spain on Saturday to discuss a new proposal to end the war, according to two officials familiar with the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak with the media.

Mediators Egypt and Qatar are preparing a new ceasefire framework that would include the release of all hostages—dead and alive—in one go in return for the war’s end and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, two Arab officials have told The Associated Press. Health officials said that 20 Palestinians seeking aid were shot dead Saturday and 11 adults died of malnutrition-related causes in the past 24 hours, as the criticism of Israel came with pleas to allow far more food to reach people in the besieged enclave.

‘Shut the country down’

HOSTAGES ’ families pressured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government amid new fears for the 50 remaining hostages, with 20 of them thought to be alive and struggling.

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is held in Gaza, called on Israelis including the powerful Histadrut labor union to “help us save the hostages, the soldiers and the state of Israel” and appeared to call for a general strike: “Shut the country down.”

A joint statement by nine countries including Germany, Britain, France and Canada said that they “strongly reject”

Israel’s decision for the large-scale military operation, saying it will worsen the “catastrophic humanitarian situation,” endanger hostages and further risk mass displacement. They said any attempts at annexation or settlement in Gaza violate international law.

A separate statement by more than 20 countries including ceasefire mediators Egypt and Qatar along with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates called Israel’s decision a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation.” Meanwhile, Russia said Israel’s plan will aggravate the “already extremely dramatic situation” in Gaza.

The UN Security Council planned an emergency meeting Sunday.

Killed while seeking aid OFFICIALS at Nasser and Awda hospitals said that Israeli forces killed at least 11 people seeking aid in southern and central Gaza. Some had been waiting for aid trucks, while others had approached aid distribution points.

Israel’s military denied opening fire and said that it was unaware of the incidents. The military secures routes leading to distribution sites run by the Israeli-backed and US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which

didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Two witnesses told the AP that Israeli troops fired toward crowds approaching a GHF distribution site on foot in the Netzarim corridor, a military zone that bisects Gaza. One witness, Ramadan Gaber, said that snipers and tanks fired on aid-seekers, forcing them to retreat.

In the north, Israeli fire killed at least nine and wounded over 200 as people sought aid entering Gaza through the Zikim crossing, said Fares Awad, head of the Health Ministry’s ambulance and emergency service in the area. There was no immediate Israeli comment.

In Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, some aid-seekers cheered the latest airdrops of aid. Hundreds of people rushed to grab what they could. Aid organizations have called airdrops expensive, insufficient and potentially dangerous for people on the ground.

Israel’s military said that at least 106 packages of aid were airdropped Saturday as Italy and Greece joined the effort for the first time. Footage from Italy’s defense ministry showed packages parachuted over Gaza’s dry and devastated landscape.

Russia, Ukraine hold fast to their demands ahead of a planned Putin-Trump summit

By The Associated Press

THE threats, pressure and ultimatums have come and gone, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained Moscow’s uncompromising demands in the war in Ukraine, raising fears he could use a planned summit with US President Donald Trump in Alaska to coerce Kyiv into accepting an unfavorable deal.

The maximalist demands reflect Putin’s determination to reach the goals he set when he launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

Putin sees a possible meeting with Trump as a chance to negotiate a broad deal that would not only cement Russia’s territorial gains but also keep Ukraine from joining NATO and hosting any Western troops, allowing Moscow to gradually pull the country back into its orbit.

The Kremlin leader believes time is on his side as the exhausted and outgunned Ukrainian forces are struggling to stem Russian advances in many sectors of the over 1,000-kilometer (over 600-mile) front line while swarms of Russian missiles and drones batter Ukrainian cities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also has stood firm in his positions, agreeing to a ceasefire proposed by Trump while reaffirming the country’s refusal to abandon seeking NATO membership and rejecting acknowledgment of Russia’s annexation of any of its regions.

A look at Russian and Ukrainian visions of a peace deal and how a PutinTrump summit could evolve:

Russia’s position

IN a memorandum presented at talks in Istanbul in June, Russia offered Ukraine two options for establishing a 30-day ceasefire. One demanded Ukraine withdraws its forces from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson—the four regions Moscow illegally annexed in September 2022 but never fully captured.

As an alternate condition for a ceasefire, Russia made a “package proposal” for Ukraine to halt mobilization efforts, freeze Western arms deliveries and ban any third-country forces on its soil. Moscow also suggested Ukraine end martial law and hold elections, after which the countries could sign a comprehensive peace treaty.

Once there’s a truce, Moscow wants a deal to include the “international legal recognition” of its annexations of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and the four regions in 2022.

Russia says a peace treaty should have Ukraine declare its neutral status between Russia and the West, abandon its bid to join NATO, limit the size of its armed forces and recognize Russian as an official language on par with Ukrainian—conditions reflecting Putin’s earliest goals.

It also demands Ukraine ban the “glorification and propaganda of Nazism and neo-Nazism” and dissolve nationalist groups. Since the war began, Putin has falsely alleged that neo-Nazi groups were shaping Ukrainian politics under Zelenskyy, who is Jewish. They were fiercely dismissed by Kyiv and its Western allies.

In Russia’s view, a comprehensive peace treaty should see both countries

Barefoot children collected rice, pasta and lentils that spilled from packages onto the ground.

“This way is not for humans, it is for animals,” said one man, Mahmoud Hawila, who said he was stabbed while trying to secure an airdropped package. Israel alleges, without giving evidence, that Hamas systematically diverts aid from the existing UN-led system, which denies it. That system has called for more of the trucks waiting outside Gaza to be allowed not just into the territory, but safely to destinations inside it for distribution.

With temperatures reaching above 90 degrees F (32 degrees C) in Gaza, families fanned themselves with pieces of cardboard or metal trays and slept on the ground outside their tents, while some women collected water well before dawn.

“My children cry day and night. My son scratches his body because of the heat,” said Nida Abu Hamad, whose displaced family shelters in Gaza City. More deaths from hunger

GAZA’S Health Ministry said the new adult deaths from malnutrition-related causes over the past 24 hours brought the total to 114 since it began counting such deaths in June. It said that 98 children have died of malnutrition-related causes since the war began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, with militants killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251. Israel is “forcing Palestinians into a state of near-starvation to the point that they abandon their land voluntarily,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a news conference in Egypt. The toll from hunger isn’t included in the ministry’s death toll of 61,300 Palestinians in the war. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals, doesn’t distinguish between fighters or civilians, but says around half of the dead have been women and children. The UN and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on war casualties.

It held the door open to gradual lifting of some of the sanctions against Russia if it abides by the agreement.

lift all sanctions and restrictions, abandon any claims to compensation for wartime damage, resume trade and communications, and reestablish diplomatic ties.

Asked Thursday whether Moscow has signaled any willingness to compromise to make a meeting with Trump possible, Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov responded that there haven’t been any shifts in the Russian position.

Ukraine’s position

THE memorandum that Ukraine presented to Moscow in Istanbul emphasized the need for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to set stage for peace negotiations.

It reaffirmed Ukraine’s consistent rejection of Russian demands for neutral status as an attack on its sovereignty, declaring it is free to choose its alliances and adding that its NATO membership will depend on consensus with the alliance.

It emphasized Kyiv’s rejection of any restrictions on the size and other parameters of its armed forces, as well as curbs on the presence of foreign troops on its soil.

Ukraine’s memorandum also opposed recognizing any Russian territorial gains, while describing the current line of contact as a starting point in negotiations.

The document noted the need for international security guarantees to ensure the implementation of peace agreements and prevent further aggression.

Kyiv’s peace proposal also demanded the return of all deported and illegally displaced children and a total prisoner exchange.

Trump’s positions TRUMP has often spoken admiringly of Putin and even echoed his talking points on the war. He had a harsh confrontation with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Feb. 28, but later warmed his tone. As Putin resisted a ceasefire and continued his aerial bombardments, Trump showed exasperation with the Kremlin leader, threatening Moscow with new sanctions.

Although Trump expressed disappointment with Putin, his agreement to meet him without Zelenskyy at the table raised worries in Ukraine and its European allies, who fear it could allow the Russian to get Trump on his side and strong-arm Ukraine into concessions.

Trump said without giving details t hat “there’ll be some swapping of territories, to the betterment of both” Russia and Ukraine as part of any peace deal that he will discuss with Putin when they meet Friday.

Putin repeatedly warned Ukraine will face tougher conditions for peace if it doesn’t accept Moscow’s demands as Russian troops forge into other regions to build what he described as a “buffer zone.” Some observers suggested Russia could trade those recent gains for the territories of the four annexed by Moscow still under Ukrainian control.

“That is potentially a situation that gives Putin a tremendous amount of leeway as long as he can use that leverage to force the Ukrainians into a deal that they may not like and to sideline the Europeans effectively,” Sam Greene of King’s College London said. “The question is, will Trump sign up to that and will he actually have the leverage to force the Ukrainians and the Europeans to accept it?”

RELATIVES and supporters of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip attend a rally demanding their release from Hamas captivity and calling for an end to the war, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, August 9, 2025. AP PHOTO/OHAD ZWIGENBERG

Thailand accuses Cambodia of planting land mines as 3 soldiers hurt by blast along border

BANGKOK—

Three Thai soldiers on patrol were wounded Saturday when one stepped on a land mine in territory along the border with Cambodia, Thailand’s army announced.

The incident came just two days after the two countries reaffirmed their adherence to a ceasefire to end a brief armed conflict.

The army’s statement said the incident took place in Thailand’s Sisaket province and “clearly demonstrates to both domestic and international society that the use of concealed weapons in border areas continues to exist, constituting a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention by the Cambodian side.”

The Ottawa Convention, also called the AntiPersonnel Mine Ban Treaty, is an international agreement banning the weapons’ use, and both Thailand and Cambodia have committed to it.

A statement from Thailand’s foreign ministry said the incident confirmed the Thai army’s findings “that new land mines are being laid in blatant violation of international law.” It also noted this was the third such incident in less than a month.

Five days of armed conflict broke out last month, killing dozens of people on both sides, including civilians, and displacing more than 260,000. The fighting broke out a day after five Thai soldiers were wounded when one tripped an antipersonnel mine in disputed territory.

A ceasefire that took effect on July 29 ended major fighting, though tension remained high.

a Cambodia–Thailand borders check point in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, as observers of the implementation of the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire agreement. AKP VIA AP

The two countries on Thursday at a meeting in Malaysia committed to a 13-point agreement on implementing their truce.

The Thai army statement, citing its spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, charged that Saturday’s mine explosion constituted “a significant obstacle to the implementation of ceasefire measures and peaceful resolution of problems.”

A statement issued in response by the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority denied Thailand’s allegation that Cambodia had laid new mines.

“We have not, and will not, plant new land mines,” said the statement, noting that Cambodia is a party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty Convention, “and has an internationally recognized record of removing, not deploying, these indiscriminate weapons.”

MASS ARRESTS IN LONDON AS PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTERS DEFY NEW BAN ON ACTIVIST GROUP

By Danica Kirka The Associated Press

LONDON—British police said they arrested 365 people in central London on Saturday as supporters of a recently banned proPalestinian group intentionally flouted the law as part of their effort to force the government to reconsider the ban.

Parliament in early July passed a law banning Palestine Action and making it a crime to publicly support the organization. That came after activists broke into a Royal Air Force base and vandalized two tanker planes to protest against Britain’s support for Israel’s offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Backers of the group, who have held a series of protests around the U.K. over the past month, argue that the law illegally restricts freedom of expression.

Daring police to arrest them

MORE than 500 protesters filled the square outside the Houses of Parliament on Saturday, many daring police to arrest them by displaying signs reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” That was enough for police to step in.

But as the demonstration began to wind down, police and protest organizers sparred over the

number of arrests as the organizers sought to show that the law was unworkable.

“The police have only been able to arrest a fraction of those supposedly committing ‘terrorism’ offenses, and most of those have been given street bail and allowed to go home,” Defend Our Juries, which organized the protest, said in a statement.

“This is a major embarrassment to (the government), further undermining the credibility of this widely ridiculed law, brought in to punish those exposing the government’s own crimes.”

London’s Metropolitan Police Service quickly hit back, saying this wasn’t true and that many of those who gathered in the square were onlookers, media or people who didn’t hold placards supporting the group.

“We are confident that anyone who came to Parliament Square today to hold a placard expressing support for Palestine Action was either arrested or is in the process of being arrested,” the police force said in a statement.

On Friday, police said the demonstration was unusual in that the protesters wanted to be arrested in large numbers so as to place a strain on police and the broader criminal justice system.

Why the group is being banned

THE government moved to ban Palestine Action after the activists broke into a British air force

South Korea’s military says North Korea is removing speakers from tense border

By Kim Tong-Hyung

The Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea—South Korea’s military said Saturday it detected North Korea removing some of its loudspeakers from the inter-Korean border, days after the South dismantled its own front-line speakers used for antiNorth Korean propaganda broadcasts, in a bid to ease tensions.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff didn’t disclose the sites where the North Koreans were removing speakers and said it wasn’t immediately clear whether the North would take all of them down.

In recent months, South Korean border residents have complained that North Korean speakers blasted irritating sounds, including howling animals and pounding gongs, in a tit-for-tat response to South Korean propaganda broadcasts.

It noted that Cambodia has cleared more than 1 million mines and nearly 3 million other pieces of unexploded ordnance left over from more than three decades of war and civil unrest that began in 1970. Cambodia had suggested that two earlier explosions last month wounding Thai soldiers might be land mines from past conflicts.

Tensions had simmered since May this year when a Cambodian soldier was shot dead by Thai troops in a brief fracas in another contested border area. The escalating dispute was marked by border crossing restrictions and cross-border boycotts and bans of goods and services before fighting broke out.

In Saturday’s incident, a Thai sergeant major suffered severe injuries, including losing his left foot, said the Thai army statement, while two privates suffered lesser injuries. AP

base in southern England on June 20 to protest British military support for the Israel-Hamas war. The activists sprayed red paint into the engines of two tanker planes at the RAF Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire and caused further damage with crowbars.

Palestine Action had previously targeted Israeli defense contractors and other sites in the United Kingdom that they believe have links with the Israeli military.

Supporters of the group are challenging the ban in court, saying the government has gone too far in declaring Palestine Action a terrorist organization.

“Once the meaning of ‘terrorism’ is separated from campaigns of violence against a civilian population, and extended to include those causing economic damage or embarrassment to the rich, the powerful and the criminal, then the right to freedom of expression has no meaning and democracy is dead,” Defend Our Juries said on its website.

Busy weekend of protests

THE arrests outside Parliament came amid what is expected to be a busy weekend of demonstrations in London as the war in Gaza and concerns about immigration spur protests and counterprotests across the United Kingdom.

While Prime Minister Keir Starmer has angered Israel with plans to recognize a Palestinian state later this year, many Palestinian supporters in Britain criticize the government for not doing enough to end the war in Gaza.

Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered Saturday afternoon in central London for a march that ended outside the gates of No. 10 Downing Street, the prime minister’s official residence and offices.

On Sunday, a number of groups are scheduled to march through central London to demand the safe release of the Israeli hostages in Gaza. Palestinian militants have held the captives since Hamas-led attackers surged into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. There are 50 remaining hostages, with 20 of them thought to be alive.

Police are also preparing for protests outside hotels across the country that are being used to house asylum-seekers. Protesters and counter protesters have squared off outside the hotels in recent weeks, with some saying the migrants pose a risk to their communities and others decrying anti-immigrant racism.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said the scale of the events would “put pressure” on the police department.

“This is going to be a particularly busy few days in London with many simultaneous protests and events that will require a significant policing presence,” Adelekan said before the protests began.

The South Korean military said the North stopped its broadcasts in June after Seoul’s new liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, halted the South’s broadcasts in his government’s first concrete step toward easing tensions between the wardivided rivals. South Korea’s military began removing its speakers from border areas on Monday but didn’t specify how they would be stored or whether they could be quickly redeployed if tensions flared again.

North Korea, which is extremely sensitive to any outside criticism of its authoritarian leadership and its thirdgeneration ruler, Kim Jong Un, didn’t immediately confirm it was taking down its speakers.

South Korea’s previous conservative government resumed daily loudspeaker broadcasts in June last year, following a yearslong pause, in retaliation for North Korea flying trash-laden balloons toward the South.

The speakers blasted propaganda messages and K-pop songs, a playlist designed to strike a nerve in Pyongyang, where Kim has been pushing an intense campaign to eliminate the influence of South Korean pop culture and language among the population in a bid to strengthen his family’s dynastic rule.

The Cold War-style psychological warfare campaigns further heightened tensions already inflamed by North Korea’s advancing nuclear program and South Korean efforts to expand joint military exercises with the United States and their trilateral security cooperation with Japan.

Lee, who took office in June after winning an early election to replace ousted conservative Yoon Suk Yeol, wants to improve relations with Pyongyang, which reacted furiously to Yoon’s hardline policies and shunned dialogue.

But Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of the North Korean leader, rebuffed overtures by Lee’s government in late July, saying that Seoul’s “blind trust” in the country’s alliance with the United States makes it no different from its conservative predecessor.

She later issued a separate statement dismissing the Trump administration’s intent to resume diplomacy on North Korea’s denuclearization, suggesting that Pyongyang—now focused on expanding ties with Russia over the war in Ukraine—sees little urgency in resuming talks with Seoul or Washington. Tensions between the Koreas can possibly rise again later this month, when South Korea and the United States proceed with their annual large-scale combined military exercises, which begin on Aug. 18. North Korea labels the allies’ joint drills as invasion rehearsals and often uses them as a pretext to dial up military demonstrations and weapons tests aimed at advancing its nuclear program.

US, Gulf pressure to fully disarm Hezbollah puts Lebanon on edge

By Sam Dagher & Eric Martin

LEBANON had been hoping this summer would see the return of tens of thousands of expats and tourists to the crisis-hit Mediterranean nation, spending money in resorts and restaurants and attending festivals such as a famed one in an ancient Roman city. But halfway through the season, the country is again teetering on the brink of conflict—one that could see a return to violence and instability after months of nascent recovery. New President Joseph Aoun is under pressure from the US and Gulf nations to completely disarm Hezbollah, and the Iran-supported militant group has made clear it won’t back down without a fight.

Hezbollah, previously Tehran’s most powerful proxy militia, sustained heavy losses in a fierce battle with Israel last year and US President

Donald Trump’s administration has presented Lebanese leaders with ideas for completing the group’s dismantlement, according to Tom Barrack, the US envoy to the country.

The US has told Aoun it’s willing to serve as an intermediary if he moves forward with disbanding Hezbollah as an armed group, Barrack said. That includes continuing to help enforce an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire part-brokered by the US in November.

At the same time, Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have told Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam— both in their first years in office—that funds for reconstruction and investment Lebanon needs to help recover from that conflict and a previous financial crisis are contingent upon a timetablebound plan to fully disarm Hezbollah, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The Gulf countries—who have eased travel restrictions after years of bans—want Lebanon to restructure its banking sector and crackdown on corruption as well—with the aim of controlling the country’s vast cash-based informal economy, the people said.

But the end of Hezbollah as an armed nonstate actor, giving the Lebanese government a monopoly on the use of force, are key, Barrack said.

“Gulf countries have said ‘if you do these things, we will come to the south of Lebanon, and we will fund an industrial zone, renovation and jobs,’” he said, referring to the region of Lebanon worst impacted by last year’s war.

“Not talk, but actually do it.”

The governments of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Aoun and Salam appear eager to meet the demands, and the PM said Tuesday the government has told the military to present a plan by the end of this month to dismantle all non-state armed groups by the end of 2025. Aoun, the country’s former army chief, mentioned Hezbollah specifically when he made a similar pledge during a ceremony last week marking Army Day. But Hezbollah, a fixture of Lebanese politics and civil life for decades, remains defiant.  It issued a statement on Wednesday saying it would treat the government’s decision on disarmament as “nonexistent” and accused Salam of committing a “grave sin” by pursuing a “surrender strategy” in the face of “ongoing Israeli aggression and occupation.”  Naim Qassem, the group’s new leader after the Israeli assassination of long-time chief Hassan Nasrallah last year, said Tuesday that Hezbollah “won’t engage on disarmament just because the US or a certain Arab country is seeking and applying all the pressure it can muster”—a veiled reference to Saudi Arabia.  He threatened to resume missile attacks against Israel—which Hezbollah began shortly after the October 2023 Hamas attacks that triggered the war on Gaza—if it continues to “widen its aggression” against Lebanon.

Israel, which still occupies five positions inside Lebanon, struck a vehicle in eastern Lebanon near the Syrian border on Thursday, killing five people, after bombing 10 southern sites the day before, according to Lebanon’s official news agency.

Hezbollah, which has a political wing that’s represented both in parliament and Salam’s government, has sought to use Israel’s actions to rally its Shiite Muslim base. Qassem warned them that relinquishing the group’s weapons would leave them exposed to threats from both Israel and Sunni Muslim extremists in n eighboring Syria.

“Despite Hezbollah’s huge military losses it can still be a spoiler in Lebanon,” said Lina Khatib, an associate fellow at Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa Program. “It does not need many resources to intimidate and threaten its opponents.”

With assistance from Dana Khraiche and Fiona MacDonald / Bloomberg

California’s Newsom, Pelosi back Texas Democrats as GOP warns of more escalations over walkout

By Jim Vertuno, Sophie Austin & Michael R. Blood

The Associated Press

ACRAMENTO, Calif.—California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former House

SSpeaker Nancy Pelosi appeared shoulder-to-shoulder Friday with Texas Democratic lawmakers in a show of support for their nearly weeklong walkout, which has blocked a vote on congressional redistricting maps sought by President Donald Trump in a widening national battle over US House control.

Texas has been the epicenter of Trump’s push to gerrymander congressional maps to shore up Republicans’ narrow House majority before next year. But the standoff is threatening to spill into other states—including California, New York, Florida and Indiana—in an emerging proxy war for control of Congress in 2026.

California is moving toward a special election in November that Democrats hope could slash five Republican-held House seats in the liberal-leaning state, in direct response to the maneuvering in Texas.

“We are trying to defend democracy, as opposed to see it destroyed district by district,” Newsom said amid the crowd of lawmakers at the governor’s mansion. “There are no rules for Donald Trump.” Pelosi defended the Texas walkout, calling it “self-defense for our democracy.” She said Democrats will not let Trump “pave over” free and fair elections in the country.

Newsom, Pelosi spotlight high-stakes in battle over House lines

THE appearance of nationally prominent Democrats Newsom — a potential 2028 presidential candidate — and Pelosi underscored the increasingly high stakes for a deeply divided Washington.

Earlier Friday the Texas House failed to meet a quorum for the third time this week as Democratic lawmakers continued to stay away from Austin. Texas Republicans had warned they would escalate efforts to end the walkout if defiant Democrats do not return to the Capitol. But the lawmakers who bolted for points across the country August 3 still were not back for Friday’s scheduled House floor vote.

Frustrated Republican leaders continued to ratchet up the pressure, including new and expanding efforts to try to remove Democratic lawmakers from office and seeking help from the FBI to assist state troopers trying to find them.

“We have all hands on deck, we are continuing to explore” options to force Democrats home, Speaker Dustin Burrows said after the chamber failed to reach a quorum. “We will keep pressing forward until the job is done....Each one of you knows eventually you will come back.”

A court setback—though temporary, for now—for Texas Democrats

TEXAS Attorney General Ken Paxton sued former US Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who ran unsuccessfully for governor and Senate, in state district court, alleging that his political group, Powered by People, improperly gave money to cover costs for the absent Democrats and continued to raise more for them.

In an initial win for Republicans, Paxton said Friday that he had been granted a temporary restraining order halting the spending and fundraising while the case continues.

In a response on the social platform X, O’Rourke wrote, “They want to make examples out of those who fight so that others won’t.”

A Texas road show gets national attention

THE news conference in Sacramento came several days after Texas Democrats appeared in Illinois with Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who said he supported the walkout “because they don’t want to live in a country where the president rigs elections for his side. That’s not democracy.”

One of the lawmakers in California, Texas State Rep. Ann Johnson, alluded to the national implications of the dispute, saying, “We recognize this is not just about Texas. This is about ensuring that the voters get to determine the outcome of their next election.”

As California Democrats privately prepare a proposal for new House district lines that would go to voters, Assembly member Isaac Bryan said, “This is not a turn-the-other-cheek moment while they continue to send blow after blow to the foundations of democracy.”

The Texas House is scheduled to reconvene Monday, but the dozens of Democrats who left the state have shown no signs of buckling.

Mounting legal threats

TEXAS Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit directly to the all-Republican state Supreme Court on Friday seeking to have 13 of the Democratic lawmakers immediately removed from office, or at least given a 48-hour warning that they must return or have their offices declared vacated. The lawsuit argues that the lawmakers have effectively “abandoned” their office and duties, and they were singled out for making public statements that they left for the purpose of blocking the vote and disrupting House business.

“Their out-of-state rebellion cannot go unchecked, and the business of Texas must go on,” Paxton said.

Paxton’s lawsuit includes Rep. Gene Wu, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, who also faces a similar lawsuit filed by Gov. Greg Abbott. Wu’s legal team argued that the state constitution allows House members to be removed only by a two-thirds vote of the chamber, not the courts. Wu said this week that quorum-breaking is not an abandonment of office but a legitimate form of dissent.

Republicans vow to end up victorious

ABBOTT promised that he’s willing to play the long game to get the bill passed.

“We have an agenda to pass priorities critical to Texans, and we will get it done. I’ll call special session after special session—no matter how long it takes—until the job is finished,” Abbott said on X.

The current special session ends August 19, and the missing lawmakers already face mounting fines for every day they are gone and civil arrest warrants issued by the state House.

Vertuno reported from Austin, and Blood from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Nadia Lathan in Austin, Texas, and Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida, contributed. Payne and Lathan are corps members for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under covered issues.

13 PRODUCTIVE YEARS: CABUYAO’S OF PROGRESS AND

By Vincent Peter Rivera

IN Cabuyao, the future is built upon the past. The city’s thriving economic zones are a clear sign of its rapid industrial growth, yet its heart remains tied to the fertile land that gave birth to its very name. As it celebrates its cityhood anniversary, this occasion is a powerful testament to the community’s progress—a respectful nod of where it came from and a confident step toward where it is going.

Touted as the “Enterprise City of the Philippines,” the push for cityhood of Cabuyao began in the Sangguniang Bayan in 2009, following its recognition as the wealthiest municipality in the Philippines in 2008.

This transition was driven by its strategic location within the Industrial and Economic Zone of Region IV-A and the cityhood of its neighbors, like Calamba and Santa Rosa. For the council, the transition was a strategic move to secure a more autonomous and prosperous future for the city and its residents.

The deliberations centered on three key benefits: cityhood would boost local revenue by allowing Cabuyao to retain all taxes, giving it full control over its finances; the new status would also streamline governance by enabling the creation of its own administrative and judicial offices; and leaders believed becoming a city would attract more transnational corporations, creating more employment opportunities and a more robust economic landscape.

In 2012, Cabuyao officially became the 5th component city of Laguna alongside San Pablo, Calamba, Sta. Rosa, and Biñan. Now, the incumbent Cabuyao City Mayor Dennis Felipe “DenHa” C. Hain sees this meaningful transformation as a crucial part of history that needs to be passed down to today’s generation.

“Celebrating our city’s anniversary is vital for our people, especially the youth, to remember how Cabuyao grew from a small town into the thriving city it is today. If I can make this mission successful, it will be a legacy I am truly proud of,” he said.

Fertile beginnings

In stark contrast to the modern industrial hub it is today, Cabuyao’s story begins centuries ago on a fertile rural land. The city’s roots can be traced to a pre-colonial settlement known as “Tabuko,” a name that means “Hangganang Ilog (River Boundary).”

The original inhabitants of this expansive territory were a tribe of Malays who migrated from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Indo-China. Their community, “Tabuko,” was vast, stretching from the Sungay mountains in the west to Mount Makiling in the south, bounded by Laguna de Bay in the east and the Tunasan lowlands in the north.

During the Spanish era, “Tabuko” remained the official name, with its initials “T,” “A” and “B” reportedly still found on markers used for registering animals. The early settlers were not only skilled in farming and fishing but also active traders, bartering goods like almaciga and honey with Chinese, Arab, and other Malay merchants.

Unbeknownst to its early settlers, this vibrant history of commerce and community was the fertile ground from which the industrious city of today would sprout.

Engaging the youth

On Cabuyao’s 13th cityhood anniversary, the celebration drew a compelling parallel comparing the city to a teenager officially entering its formative years. He emphasized the importance of using this pivotal time to grow responsibly and be guided by strong values.

One of the benefits of celebrating

on the data provided by the Office of the City Treasurer, demonstrating the strong collection efficiency of Cabuyao these recent past years.

In 2022, the actual collection of P2,493,621,154.81 exceeded the estimated collection of P2,431,292,908.00, resulting in a collection efficiency rate of 102.56%. This trend continued in 2023, when the actual collection of P2,449,611,560.20 surpassed the estimated collection of P2,314,220,407.00, pushing the efficiency

of major corporations,” Hain proudly stated, highlighting the success of this strategy in fostering stronger relationships with key economic partners.

Among the renowned companies recognized as Cabuyao’s top taxpayers for 2024 were Procter & Gamble Philippines

Philippines Inc., and Concepcion Carrier Air-Conditioning Co.

Fostering a safe and orderly city

Mayor Hain encountered significant challenges as the

our city’s anniversary is to constantly remind all Cabuyeños about the importance of discipline, an often-neglected value nowadays,” he explained. “From simply being disciplined on waste management and traffic to following rules and policies—all these efforts lead to the city’s development.”

To engage the youth in fun-filled events, this year’s anniversary celebration was headlined by two principal events: the return of the “Indakan sa Kalye 2025” street dancing contest and the annual search for “Binibini at Ginoong Cabuyao.”

Held on August 3, the Indak Dangal Dance Company from Pamantasan ng Cabuyao (PNC) was crowned the champion of “Indakan sa Kalye,” with CITI Global College and Diezmo Integrated School placing second and third, respectively.

Another highlight of the anniversary celebration was the annual search for “Binibini at Ginoong Cabuyao.” The mayor clarified the pageant’s unique title, explaining that the name “Binibini” was prioritized to reflect the city’s commitment to women’s empowerment.

He added that the decision to revert to the historical titles of “Binibini” and “Ginoo” from the previous “Lakan” and “Mutya,” and later “Mr. and Ms. Cabuyao,” was a strategic move to align the event with provincial pageant standards, as the winners often represent the city at that level.

During the coronation night, Princes Nicole Alcaraz from Casile and Gabriel Balbieran from Poblacion Dos were hailed as Binibini and Ginoo ng Cabuyao 2025.

Taxpayers’ Night

In a move to reinforce the city’s economic strength, the administration also reinstated the Taxpayers’ Night, an initiative that had lapsed over the years. This event highlights Cabuyao’s top corporate taxpayers and serves to recognize their invaluable contributions to the city’s continuous growth. This improvement was visibly reflected

The recently built “Bagong Cabuyao Hall” at Pamantasan ng Cabuyao (University of Cabuyao).

Cityhood Anniversary

CABUYAO’S CELEBRATION TRANSFORMATION

Another

they would ask, ‘Where is that?’ Now, Cabuyao is becoming known again.” With a vision rooted in a forwardlooking strategy, he pointed to several major infrastructure projects that are set to transform the city, including the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) and the North-South Commuter Rail (NSCR) from Clark to Calamba—projecting to drastically cut travel times, making Cabuyao more accessible and attractive.

“In five to ten years, Cabuyao will be completely different,” Hain said, emphasizing the need to spread the word to potential investors. “We want to go out and court potential investors by telling them, ‘Cabuyao is here. You might want to consider it. It’s a great place that is slowly becoming known.’”

To achieve this vision, the city has strategically focused on strengthening its economic foundations. Over the

and

standardized collection forms and streamlined processes to improve overall efficiency. Through these initiatives, the CMO saw remarkable growth in revenue collection, from over P5.6 million in 2022 to over P10.1 million in 2023—a dramatic 79.25% increase—before rising again to over P10.2 million in 2024.

This economic success is part of Cabuyao’s strategy to enhance the city’s reputation, of which the 13th-anniversary celebration was a key part. With events like the Binibini and Ginoo pageant and a street dancing competition featuring teams from every barangay, city leaders hoped to not only boost local pride but also amplify Cabuyao’s growing popularity and ongoing projects to a wider audience.

This public showcase of local talent and community spirit was a deliberate move to signal to major corporations that Cabuyao is an ideal location for investment. Furthermore, the festivities held at the Cabuyao Town Plaza had a direct positive

impact on the local economy. The vibrant atmosphere, with numerous food stalls and vendors, bolstered local businesses and enhanced overall economic activity. This provided a tangible benefit to the community while showcasing the city’s lively culture and entrepreneurial spirit to a wider audience.

A key part of the city’s economic strategy is to bolster its small and medium enterprises (SMEs). According to Mayor Hain, they are currently studying this sector as these businesses are the backbone of local employment.

“For instance, an SME can provide 5 to 9 jobs. If we support them, more people will have work, fewer will go hungry, and more will be able to get an education,” he explained, highlighting the domino effect of providing support to the SME sector.

To achieve this, Mayor Hain together with his administration is developing new programs and streamlining requirements to make it easier for SMEs to operate, with a focus on providing targeted support to help these vital businesses grow and thrive, from managing their operations to securing potential assistance.

‘Bagong Cabuyao’

Known for his banner, “Bagong Cabuyao (New Cabuyao),” Mayor Hain continues to give importance to the city’s progress by championing initiatives that have extended significant support to senior citizens, people with disabilities (PWDs), youth, and solo parents, fostering a more inclusive community.

A cornerstone of these achievements is the enhanced focus on public welfare particularly on the healthcare system. “We currently have a Level 1 hospital, and I want it to be Level 2 this year so it can address more illnesses,” he stated, outlining a clear goal for health infrastructure.

In terms of public safety, the city has seen a remarkable improvement in peace and order. Crime rates have dropped significantly, with common crimes like snatching and cellphone theft now a rarity. This success is credited to the administration’s strategic investments in better road infrastructure, streetlights, and a comprehensive network of surveillance devices.

Another successful project is the, “Ibalik ang Sidewalk sa Mamamayan” (Give the Sidewalks Back to the People), authored by

Mayor Hain which directly addresses public order and urban planning. This initiative, which has been highly effective in reclaiming public sidewalks from illegal obstructions, not only ensures safe and accessible pathways for pedestrians and improves traffic flow and public cleanliness but also aligns with national directives to keep public spaces clear and orderly.

Future plans for growth

Mayor Hain’s administration has a clear set of priorities to propel Cabuyao into the next generation which are the youth and education, peace and order, health, and livelihood of Cabuyeños. When it comes to education, the administration plans to dramatically increase the number of scholars. Before

Mayor Hain with Binibining Cabuyao 2025 Princes Nicole Alcaraz and Ginoong Cabuyao 2025 Gabriel Balbieran, along with their court of runners-up.

Mayor Hain monitors the city’s CCTV network at the Cabuyao Command Center.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo and Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernandez visit Cabuyao City to discuss detailed plans for the new Hall of Justice.

Mayor Hain leads the recognition of the 4th Batch of beneficiaries for the Bagong Cabuyao College Educational Assistance Program (BC-CEAP).

Mayor Hain attends the welcoming of freshmen and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with scholarship providers at Pamantasan ng Cabuyao (University of Cabuyao).

Cautious optimism in Armenia and Azerbaijan as US-brokered pact signed to ease hostilities

By Lilit Mkhitaryan The Associated Press

YEREVAN, Armenia—Residents and politicians in Armenia and Azerbaijan responded Saturday with cautious hope—and skepticism in some cases—after their leaders signed a USbrokered agreement at the White House aimed at ending decades of hostilities.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed the agreement on Friday in the presence of US President Donald Trump, who stood between the

leaders as they shook hands—a ges ture Trump reinforced by clasping their hands together.

While the agreement does not consti tute a formal peace treaty, it represents

a significant diplomatic step toward normalization of relations. The two countries remain technically at war, and the deal does not resolve the longstand ing dispute over the disputed region of Nagorno Karabakh.

It does, however, reflect the shifting power dynamics following Azerbaijan’s 2023 military victory, which forced the withdrawal of Armenian forces and eth nic Armenians from the region.

Among the agreement’s provisions is the creation of a new transit corridor, dubbed the “Trump Route for Interna tional Peace and Prosperity,” highlight ing a changing geopolitical landscape amid declining Russian influence in the South Caucasus.

Nagorno K arabakh has been at the heart of the Armenia A zerbaijan con flict since the Soviet Union’s collapse. Although internationally recognized as

part of Azerbaijan, the mountainous region was controlled for decades by ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia. Two wars—in the early 1990s and again in 2020—left tens of thousands dead and displaced. In 2023, Azerbaijan regained control of most of the territory in a swift offensive.

Hopeful for peace and a weaker Moscow ALI KARIMLI, head of the opposi tion People’s Front of Azerbaijan Party, wrote on Facebook that the signing of the agreement “has un doubtedly brought Azerbaijan and Armenia significantly closer to peace,” and noted that it delivered “another blow…to Russia’s influ ence in the South Caucasus,” while deepening ties with the US. Arif Hajili, chairman of Azerbai jani opposition party Musavat, said he believed that “the most positive aspect of the initialing in Washing

ton was the absence of Russia from the process.”

He said lasting stability in the region hinges on the continual dwindling of Russian power, which “depends on the outcome of the Russian‑Ukrainian war.”

Hajili also warned of lingering challenges, including Armenia’s economic dependence on Russia and some 2 million Azerbaijanis living in Russia.

“Russia will continue to use these factors as levers of pressure,” he said.

Hope on the streets of Azerbaijan’s capital “ WE have been waiting for a long time for this agreement to be signed,” a resident of Baku, Gunduz Aliyev, told The Associated Press. “We did not trust our neighbor, Armenia. That’s why a strong state was needed to act as a guarantor. Russia couldn’t do it, but the United States succeeded.”

“The US is taking full responsi bility for security. This will bring peace and stability,” said another, Ali Mammadov. “Borders will open soon, and normal relations with Ar menia will be established.”

Abulfat Jafarov, also in Baku, expressed gratitude to all three leaders involved.

“Peace is always a good thing,” he said. “We welcome every step taken towards progress.”

More divided views in the Armenian capital SOME people in Yerevan were un sure of the meaning of the agree ment.

“I feel uncertain because much still needs clarification. There are unclear aspects, and although the prime minister of Armenia made some statements from the U.S., more details are needed,” Edvard Avoyan said.

But entrepreneur Hrach Gha sumyan could see economic ben efits.

“If gas and oil pipelines pass through Armenia and railway routes are opened, it would be beneficial for the country,” he said. “Until now, all major routes have passed through Georgia, leaving Armenia sidelined and economically limited.”

Others were skeptical that peace could be achieved, and expressed discontent with the terms of the agreement.

“That declaration is unlikely to bring real peace to the region, and we are well aware of Azerbaijan’s stance,” Ruzanna Ghazaryan said. “This initial agreement offers us nothing; the concessions are en tirely one s ided.”

Germany halts military exports to Israel for use in Gaza amid global outcry over Netanyahu plan

By Fanny Brodersen & Sam Mcneil The Associated Press

BERLIN—Germany won’t authorize any exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza “until further notice,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday, in a strikingly quick response by one of Israel’s strongest international backers to a decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet to take over Gaza City.

The move by Germany, which has previously stopped short of tougher lines against Israel’s government taken by some of its European Union allies, appeared likely to further isolate Israel in the wake of the military takeover plan that has been decried by the United Nations, aid and human rights groups, and supporters of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, among others.

Germany, along with the United States and Italy, is among the top foreign suppliers of equipment used by Israel’s military. The pause adds to action taken by European countries—including economic, military and diplomatic measures—against Israel in recent months out of concern over its government’s conduct in the nearly two-year war in Gaza.

Merz said in a statement that Israel “has the right to defend itself against Hamas’ terror” and that the release of Israeli hostages and purposeful negotiations toward a ceasefire are “our top priority.” He said that Hamas mustn’t have a role in the future of Gaza.

“The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli Cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved,” he said. “Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.”

It wasn’t immediately clear which military equipment from Germany would be affected. Asked by The Associated Press for details, the German government declined to comment.

Germany has led efforts among the EU’s 27 member nations to block collective criticism of or efforts to stop Israel’s blockade of Gaza and military campaign in the coastal enclave.

Alongside Hungary and the Czech Republic, Germany has argued against calls from Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands to scrap a bilateral agreement with Israel, sanction settlers, and enact an arms embargo.

Weight of responsibility

THE German government remains deeply concerned about the suffering of civilians in Gaza, Merz said.

“With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for providing for their needs,” he said.

Merz called on Israel to allow comprehensive access for aid deliveries—including for U.N. organizations and other nongovernmental organizations—and said that Israel “must continue to comprehensively and sustainably address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

The move has particular weight because Germany has been seen as one of Israel’s strongest supporters—arguably surpassed only by the United States. Germany has maintained a strongly pro-Israel stance for decades largely because of its historical responsibility for the Holocaust, which has shaped its postwar foreign policy around ensuring Israel’s security and combating antisemitism. Merz’s government didn’t join announcements by French President Em -

Netanyahu spoke with Merz Friday and expressed disappointment with the arms decision, according to an Israeli government statement. Germany is rewarding Hamas and failing to support Israel’s “just war” against the group, the statement said.

manuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that their governments plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state in September.

The reluctance so far of Germany, the EU’s biggest economic power, to take a tougher line on the actions of Netanyahu’s government clouded the prospects that international pressure might have an impact on Israel’s decisions. Israel’s air and ground war has already killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza, displaced most of the population, destroyed vast areas and pushed the territory toward famine. The campaign was triggered when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 people. Merz also called on Israel’s government “not to take any further steps toward annexing the West Bank.”

A ‘big deal’ but not decisive ACCORDING to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, last year, Germany was the No. 2 supplier of arms to Israel after the United States.

German companies provide 30 percent of Israel’s defense imports, mostly naval armaments, according to data analyzed by Zain Hussain, an arms transfers researcher at SIPRI. He suggested the German pullback would be temporary.

“This is going to be a limited measure,” Hussain said. “Germany has been committed to providing Israel with arms, especially with ships.

Germany, which has stood firmly with Israel, “is openly admitting that it is uncomfortable with Israel’s actions and limiting some arms transfers, and for Germany this is a huge deal,” he said. “However, I don’t think this alone will stop Israel’s operations in Gaza, and Israel still has the USA as a committed arms supplier.”

PRESIDENT Donald Trump, center, shakes hands with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, right, and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev during a trilateral signing ceremony in the State Dining Room of the White House, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Washington. AP PHOTO/MARK SCHIEFELBEIN

GOLDEN ICONS CELEBRATE MILESTONE IN EMPOWERING DAO-ANGAN TRIBE

ON August 5, 2025, Golden Icons proudly celebrated a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), focusing on inspiring, transforming, and empowering the Dao-angan Tribe in Tabuk City.

In a heartfelt initiative, Golden Icons made a profound impact on Dao-angan Tribe in 100 indigenous children at Kabugao Elementary School in Brgy. Maling, Balbalan, Tabuk City. The children were filled with joy as they received essential supplies, including school bags, hygiene kits, coloring books, water tumblers, packs of rice, pairs of slippers, books, vitamins, desktops, and Jollibee meals. This thoughtful distribution aimed to enhance their educational experience and improve their overall well-being.

Dr. Ronnel Ybanez, Founder and Chairman of Golden Icons, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “This program not only symbolizes but also reflects the genuine commitment of our Executive

Board to uplift and inspire the Dao-angan Tribe. We believe that the Golden Icons will serve as a source of motivation, empowering these communities to thrive in the future. Our Executive Board is convinced that this initiative will provide substantial assistance to those in need and inspire indigenous communities to reach their full potential.”

The donations sparked evident happiness among the Dao-angan children of Kabugao Elementary School, who expressed their gratitude through smiles and excited interactions with the team. The initiative not only provided material support but also fostered a sense of belonging and hope among the children, illustrating the profound impact of community engagement.

Golden Icons extends its heartfelt appreciation to the 103rd Infantry “Mabalasik” Battalion under the 5th Infantry Division for facilitating the donation process with efficiency and care. Special thanks are also due to the Maling, Balbalan Mayor Almar P.

Malannag; Barangay Captain Teresita A. Dulawen; and Carlito D. Songday, TIC Teacher III and Head Teacher of Kabugao Elementary School, for their invaluable support and collaboration, which were crucial to the success of this initiative.

“This donation is just the beginning,” Dr. Ybanez added. “Golden Icons is committed to launching longterm and sustainable initiatives aimed at transforming the indigenous communities and improving their quality of life.”

The Executive Board and Awards Council comprises distinguished individuals dedicated to driving this mission forward, including Dr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., President, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP); Consul Enunina Mangio, President, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI); Director General Tereso Panga, Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA); Congresswoman Marissa Del Mar Magsino, OFW Party-List Representative; DivinaLaw, Golden Icons Legal Counsel; and Usec. Vidal D. Villanueva III, Golden Icons Vice Chairman/Deputy Director General - TESDA-Operations.

The Golden Icons Awards Council also includes Jonathan Ravelas, Senior Adviser, Reyes Tacandong & Co.; Dr. Jikyeong Kang, President and Dean, Asian Institute of Management (AIM); Johnny Gaw Yu, Ph.D., Rotary Past District Governor; and Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala, Executive Director, Wockhardt.

The collective support from these distinguished individuals underscores the strength of community collaboration in driving positive change for the Dao-angan Tribe. Their involvement highlights the importance of partnerships in creating sustainable solutions that address the unique challenges faced by these communities.

Golden Icons is dedicated not only to enhancing educational opportunities but also to nurturing a spirit of hope and resilience among the Dao-angan children. With plans for ongoing support and sustainable long-term initiatives, Golden Icons is paving the way for a brighter future, fostering empowerment and growth within the Dao-angan Tribe for years to come.

Tala Philippines empowers families to achieve the Filipino dream of education

IF there’s one thing that Filipinos value the most, it’s education. Perceived as life’s greatest equalizer, families strive to ensure their children finish school and set them up for success, but this does not come without challenges. Oftentimes, financial strains result in students having to take a gap year or even stop attending school altogether.

In realizing the dream of a better life through education, one can find a reliable partner in Tala Philippines. The world’s first fintech company for the global majority, Tala provides convenient and flexible online credit that can help parents overcome financial hurdles they may face while sending their children to school.

“Tala levels the playing field by increasing customers’ access to financial services and promoting financial literacy, giving families the opportunity to support their children’s schooling and achieve their goals in life,” said Charisse Alavarez, President and Head of Finance of Tala Philippines. “May it be for long-term solutions or urgent needs, Tala is with you in your journey to success.”

Ailyn, a stay-at-home mom from Cagayan De Oro City, initially applied for a loan from Tala to start a small business as a way to support daily expenses and her

mother’s medical costs. As her loan limit grew, she was able to expand her sari-sari store and is now capable of planning for a brighter future for her family.

“Even if I’m a housewife taking care of my children, still want to have my own income. Now, I’m focused on saving for my children’s education,” she said.

TALA users like Ailyn have started businesses with capital as low as Php 1,500, and with resiliency and hard work, they are able to pave the road to success. The Tala app allows customers to apply for a loan of up to Php 25,000 and the flexibility to choose their repayment dates.

Just like Ailyn, a lot of parents strive and work hard to build an education fund for their children. Since it’s not something that can be achieved overnight, it’s always best to start as soon as possible. First, identify your desired school and check the tuition fee. Factoring in possible increases over time due to inflation as well as additional expenses like school supplies, uniforms, transportation and other miscellaneous fees, set a realistic target amount for your fund.

From here, try different savings strategies like the 50/20/30 method or automating your savings until you find one that best suits your income and lifestyle. Check out scholarship options and financial aid offered by schools as well, and opt to reuse uniforms, gadgets, and school supplies that are still in good condition to help manage education expenses more effectively. You can also look into diversifying your income by starting a small business from your home with the help of Tala’s accessible and reliable financial services.

With the back-to-school season just around the corner, striving towards the Filipino dream of a better life can be reached and with a reliable financial partner like Tala, that dream may not seem so far. Visit tala. ph and download the official Tala app to know more.

Online gambling helps fuel PHL athletes to the Olympic stage

AS debates heighten over the future of online gaming in the Philippines, one truth is often overlooked: the industry plays a vital role in funding Filipino athletes’ journeys to the world’s biggest sporting stages. Companies like DigiPlus Interactive Corp., through its sports entertainment brand, ArenaPlus, have quietly fueled the dreams of Olympic hopefuls, making victories for the country possible.

Cynthia Carrion, President of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and manager of Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, emphasized the crucial role of corporate sponsorship in sustaining athletes. “People see the medals, but not the long journey it takes to get there,” Carrion said. “Without sponsors, including those from the online gaming sector, we simply would not have the funds to train, travel, or compete. It’s their support that helps put the Philippine flag on global podiums.” The gaming industry, now under pressure from calls for tighter regulation or even prohibition, has quietly backed numerous national sports campaigns. Athletes like Eumir Marcial (boxing), Carlos Yulo (gymnastics), Scottie Thompson (basketball), have all benefited from sponsorships funded in part by gaming revenues, support that includes coaching, nutrition, overseas training, and exposure to world-class competition.

Carlos Yulo, speaking after his historic Olympic double gold, echoed this gratitude in an August 2024 press conference, highlighting private partners who stood behind him. “I’m deeply grateful to DigiPlus and ArenaPlus for celebrating this win with me, and recognizing my perseverance. Success does not come overnight, it is made possible with the support of those who believe in you,” Yulo said. Carrion is no stranger to the demands of highperformance sport. A former Undersecretary for Sports and Wellness at the Department of Tourism and current Chair of the Philippine Retirement Authority, she has

long been a leading force in Philippine sports development. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the Asian Gymnastics Union, is a Council Member of the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), and was formerly Treasurer of the Philippine Olympic Committee. Under her leadership, the Philippines earned its firstever gymnastics Olympic medals and became the most bemedaled sport in the 31st SEA Games.

Carrion underscored that support from private entities fills critical gaps left by government funding. “This industry contributes billions in corporate social responsibility. Part of that goes to sports, where government budgets alone often fall short,” she added.

Beyond elite athletes, gaming revenues have helped bankroll national tournaments, grassroots leagues, and other sports initiatives to discover and develop future champions. For many sports organizations, these contributions have meant the difference between hosting a local competition or canceling it altogether.

As Team Philippines prepares for upcoming global events, supporters and sports managers alike call for a more balanced conversation. “Let’s improve regulation where needed, but let’s also acknowledge the good that legal, compliant operators bring to society,” Carrion said.

TODAY’S business traveler is looking for more than just a room to sleep in. With work-life lines becoming increasingly blurred, professionals on the go seek hotel experiences that are not only convenient, but also comfortable, enriching, and thoughtfully designed to support their busy schedules.

Whether it’s for a quick overnight trip, an extended assignment, or a “bleisure” escape that mixes meetings with a bit of me-time, Richmonde Hotels understand what matters most and deliver them with happy and heartfelt service.

From city centers to lifestyle townships, each Richmonde property is distinctly placed and purposefully equipped to be the traveler’s trusted homebase during work trips where productivity can flow seamlessly, and downtime can be enjoyed effortlessly.

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas: A Trusted Retreat in the Heart of the Metro SET in the bustling commercial and business district of Ortigas Center, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is a familiar and dependable option for travelers who prefer to stay at a central location that’s close to the action. Just a short walk away from corporate offices, top shopping malls, and key transportation routes, the hotel provides unmatched accessibility in the metro with neighboring major cities easily within reach.

“Our team has been welcoming business travelers since 1999, back when Ortigas was just beginning to grow into the commercial hub it is today,” shares Oliver Esguerra, General Manager. “Through the years, we have adapted to the changing needs of our guests while keeping our signature Richmonde warmth and timeless appeal.”

Business travelers will find the comforts they need in the well-appointed rooms with plush beds, city views, and reliable in-room amenities that make catching up on work—or rest—easy. But what truly defines a stay here is the hotel’s friendly and efficient service. From the genuine smiles at the front desk to the thoughtful touches that make each guest feel seen and valued, care and attention are personal and professional.

Guests can start the day with a hearty breakfast buffet at Richmonde Café, cap off long hours at the office with live music and drinks at The Exchange, or squeeze in a quick gym session or meditation in the sauna. For those hosting meetings or small events, Richmonde’s function rooms provide an intimate yet well-equipped setting backed by personalized service and flexible packages.

Launched recently is Richmonde Ortigas’ Business Stay Package, available until December 30, 2025, which includes practical inclusions such as one-way airport transfers, dining discounts, Wi-Fi connection, and access to the Health Club’s facilities, at rates starting at just P5,900nett with extended stay rates even lower. Guests can book or inquire through (632) 8638 7777, (63) 917 859 7914, or stay@richmondeortigas. com. Reservations may also be made directly online at www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph.

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel: A Modern Stay in a Vibrant Live-Work-Play Community

PERFECTLY positioned in the lively and secure township of Eastwood City in Quezon City, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel offers a stylish and convenient stay for travelers who appreciate having everything close at hand. Here, you’re just steps away from BPO offices, casual and fine dining options, retail outlets, and entertainment spots—making it ideal for both business and leisure pursuits.

Its modern rooms are designed for mobile professionals, whether they are just staying for the night or more, with their calming interiors, ergonomic workspaces, and a restful ambiance that make staying productive and relaxed a breeze. The attentive service of the staff adds to the comfort of each stay, whether it’s assistance with last-minute printing, food requests, or thoughtful recommendations around town.

“As a preferred residence for business executives, especially those on extended assignments, we offer the comfort and flexibility of a second home,” says Jun Justo, Cluster General Manager. “We also make it easy for guests to blend work and leisure in a way that’s seamless and satisfying.”

Dining at Eastwood Café+Bar is always a delightful break between online meetings or strategy sessions, while the outdoor pool and gym offer a quick reset whenever the schedule allows. For meetings and live-in conferences, the hotel’s flexible function spaces and experienced events team make planning hassle-free. To further streamline business trips, Eastwood Richmonde offers a Business Stay Package inclusive of airport transfers, 20 percent discounts on food and beverage, and access to wellness amenities for as low as P6,500nett and available until December 30, 2025. Special arrangements and rates for extended stays are also available. Bookings may be made directly through (632) 8570 7777, (63) 917 531 6867, stay@ eastwoodrichmonde.com, or www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo: Where Business Travel Comes with a Touch of Culture FOR business travelers flying to Western Visayas, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo offers a refreshing change of pace without compromising on efficiency and style. Situated within the progressive Iloilo Business Park (IBP), the hotel is surrounded by corporate offices, the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON), Festive Walk Mall, and lush open spaces—striking the perfect balance between work and well-being. For the culturally inclined, there is the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Arts (ILOMOCA) within walking distance from the hotel, to provide moments of quiet inspiration during quick breaks at work.

Although famous city tourist spots and attractions are easily accessible from Richmonde, the richness of Ilonggo heritage can be experienced within the hotel, most notably through the culinary creations at The Granary, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. Here, heirloom recipes are given a fresh, innovative twist, while staying true to their traditional roots. Locally sourced ingredients from farmers and artisans are thoughtfully used, not just for authenticity, but also to support the livelihood of the region’s community.

“Many of our guests come for work, but we want them to leave with a deeper appreciation of Iloilo,” shares Natalie Lim, General Manager. “From our menu to curated city tours, we share the story of Iloilo in ways that enrich even the briefest stays.”

After a day of business or exploration, guests can retreat to well-appointed rooms designed for relaxation and ease, inviting quiet rest and recharge. After-hours entertainment can be found at BizBar, while the hotel’s outdoor pool and 24/7 fitness center add to the ways guests can unwind and find balance during their stay. At Richmonde Iloilo, the comforts of home, the flair of local culture, and the needs of the modern traveler all come together effortlessly, soulfully, and at great value with the hotel’s Business Stay Package, valid until December 30, 2025,

All local rice planters should get aid–solon

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE chairman of the House Special Committee on Food Security is pushing for the expansion of the Rice Farmer Financial Assistance (RFFA) program to cover all rice farmers, regardless of farm size, and to release a second P5,000 tranche to small farmholders who already received aid.

House Special Committee on Food Security Chairman Raymond Adrian Salceda said the proposal could be funded through the P2 billion in excess rice tariff revenues

under the 2025 General Appropriations Act’s Special Provision No. 9, supplemented by an estimated P7 to P8 billion in undisbursed RFFA funds from previous years.

Senator Bong Go advocates for food security, farmers’ welfare

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the indispensable role of farmers in securing the nation’s food supply and called for stronger institutional and legislative support to uplift their welfare during his attendance at the Farmers Day celebration in Panit-an, Capiz, on Thursday, August 7.

Speaking before a crowd of local officials, farmers, and community members, Go, who is also an adopted son of Capiz, emphasized that food security cannot be achieved without ensuring the well-being of those who till the land. He reiterated his support for programs and laws designed to ease the burden of farmers, improve their livelihood, and protect their long-term viability.

“NgayongFarmers Day, naritopotayopara kilalaninatpasalamatanangtunaynahaligi ng ating bayan, ang ating mga magsasaka,” Go declared during his speech.

“Kung walang magsasaka, wala tayong pagkain sa hapag. Sabi nga po, kung wala ang magsasaka, gutom ang bayan...Kaya dapatsilangiginagalangatpinapahalagahan.”

Reflecting on the daily sacrifices of farmers, Go acknowledged the backbreaking nature of agricultural labor and the frequent financial hardships it entails.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Go took the opportunity to detail his legislative efforts to empower the agriculture sector.

Bilang senador, malinaw po sa akin na mahalagangmabigyanngkonkretongsuporta ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” he said. “We have consistently championed policies that uplift the agricultural sector and promote national food security, ensuring that farmers and fisherfolk receive the financial and institutional support they need to thrive.”

He is a co-author of Republic Act No. 11901, also known as the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022. The law seeks to strengthen financial mechanisms and widen access to credit and funding for farmers and fisherfolk.

“Akopoay co-author ng Republic Act No. 11901…na nagpapalakas sa mga mekanismongpinansyalatsuportaparamasmapadali

ang pag-access ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa mga kinakailangang resources,” Go said.

He is also a co-sponsor and co-author of RA 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which removes the debt burden of agrarian reform beneficiaries by condoning their unpaid amortizations, interests, penalties, and surcharges.

Go highlighted other agriculture-related bills he filed in the Senate to strengthen the support infrastructure for farmers. These include Senate Bill No. 680, which, if enacted, will mandate the construction of post-harvest

facilities in agricultural municipalities; SBN 681, which proposes fertilizer subsidies for farmers; and SBN 673, which seeks to provide full crop insurance coverage to agrarian reform beneficiaries with small landholdings.

Go reiterated that supporting farmers is a daily responsibility, not a symbolic act tied to celebrations alone. “Mga kababayan, hindi biro ang papel na ginagampanan ng ating mga magsasaka para sa seguridad sa pagkainngbansa.”

“Kapag maayos ang kanilang buhay, maayosdinangtakbongbuongbayan.Kaya dapat, hindi lang tuwing Farmers Day natin sila pinapahalagahan, kundi araw-araw,” he stated.

During his visit, Senator Go also took the time to acknowledge and thank key local officials for their partnership in advancing programs that benefit the farming sector and the people of Panit-an and surrounding areas.

Among those recognized were Congressman Howard Guintu of Capiz’s First District; Governor Fred Castro; Vice Governor James “Mitang” Magbanua; Board Member Pepe del Rosario; former Board Member Thea Faith Reyes; Mayor Katherine D. Belo of Panit-an; and Mayor Henry Tumlos of Pontevedra. Also present were Vice Mayor Atty. Audie Advincula, municipal councilors, barangay captains, department heads, and other local leaders and officials.

Go’s continued advocacy for farmers, fisherfolk, and marginalized sectors reflects his consistent call for inclusive growth and equitable access to essential services, especially in rural communities that remain at the core of Philippine society and development.

He concluded his remarks by reiterating his personal philosophy of public service. “Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan samundongito.Kunganopongkabutihano tulongnapwedenatinggawinsaatingkapwa aygawinnanatinngayondahilhindinatayo babaliksamundongito.”

“Ako po ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloynamagseserbisyosainyonglahat dahilbisyokonaangmagserbisyoatakopoay naniniwalanaangserbisyosataoayserbisyo po‘yansaDiyos,”Go declared. On the same day, Senator Go also attended the inauguration of a Super Health Center in Sigma, where he also joined the ribboncutting ceremony for a newly completed farm-to-market road. He then proceeded to Panit-an, where, he likewise, inaugurated another Super Health Center. Go also paid a courtesy call on Capiz Governor Fred Castro as part of his continuous engagement with local leaders to strengthen coordination in delivering meaningful and tangible services to the public.

“At present, only farmers tilling up to two hectares get P5,000 under the RFFA. My proposal is to give the same amount to larger farmers for the first time and to give a second P5,000 to the small farmholders already covered,” Salceda said, stressing that all farmers were affected by low rice tariffs, typhoons, and monsoon rains.

Citing analysis from Salceda Research, he said the P5,000 invested in fertilizer can yield about 1,152 kilograms of additional palay per farmer. Applied nationwide, the program could generate up to 2.76 million metric tons (MMT) of palay in a single season—equivalent to 1.71 MMT of rice, or over 40 percent of the country’s annual imports.

At a farmgate price of P20 per kilogram, Salceda said, this output would be valued at around P55.3

billion—a 4.6-fold return on the P12 billion program cost.

“Dry season planting peaks in November, when yields are highest. If we act now, larger farms can scale up planting, and small farms can optimize input use with the second tranche. This is a quick, high-return investment in our food security.”

He added that his office and Salceda Research will submit suggested DA–DOF joint guidelines to fast-track disbursement.

For his part, Joey Sarte Salceda, chairman of the Institute for Risk and Strategic Studies, said while the majority of Philippine rice farms are smallholdings, larger farms deliver disproportionately high output due to scale.

He said providing universal assistance ensures that all hectares under cultivation—whether on

large or small farms—are properly supported with inputs like fertilizer, maximizing potential yields.

In 2024, Salceda said rice tariff collections reached P34 billion, of which P30 billion went to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, and P2 billion to the Department of Agriculture buffer fund, leaving P2 billion in excess revenues available for industry support.

According to the former lawmaker, an investment of P5,000 in fertilizer can purchase about 208 kilograms of urea containing 96 kilograms of nitrogen—sufficient to produce an extra 1,152 kilograms of palay under typical farming conditions. Nationwide, this could yield an estimated 324,493 metric tons (MT) from 281,400 large farmers, 2,440,320 MT from 2.12 million small farmers receiving a second tranche,

or a combined total of 2.76 MMT of palay.

He said the expanded RFFA could offset a large share of imports in just one season, reducing the country’s vulnerability to global price spikes and supply shocks. Disbursing aid ahead of the dry season planting period would allow larger farms to scale up and small farms to maximize input use, translating directly into higher national output.

“Financial aid should follow the land and the crop, not just farm size. Every hectare planted to rice contributes to food security, and any under-fertilized hectare is a missed opportunity. By making the RFFA universal and using available tariff revenues, the government can close an equity gap, maximize productivity, and secure a stronger, more resilient rice supply.”

Bill seeks to stop youth outmigration from rural areas

ALAWMAKER has filed a measure establishing a full education-to-employment scholarship and return service program aimed at revitalizing the country’s agriculture and fisheries sector by prioritizing the families of farmers, fishers and other qualified individuals.

Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal filed House Bill (HB) 1022, or the proposed Farmers and Fisherfolk Education-toEmployment Scholarship Act, to address the sector’s shrinking labor force and aging workforce.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Nazal said as of March 2025, only 20.1 percent of employed Filipinos worked in agriculture and fisheries, which contributed just 8.3 percent to the country’s GDP in the first quarter.

Nazal said the measure is designed to reverse the trend of youth outmigration from rural areas, noting that the average Filipino farmer is 57 years old and about 65 percent of farming parents prefer their children to pursue non-agricultural careers because of low income and difficult working conditions.

“Without fresh talent, the country faces a succession crisis in food production just as climate change and market shocks are making farming and fishing more complex,” he said in the bill’s explanatory note.

The proposed program will cover tuition and miscellaneous fees, monthly allowances, books and tools, uniforms, research needs, boarding house expenses, graduation costs, board review fees, and pre-employment allowances.

Applicants must be natural-born or naturalized Filipino citizens, graduates of at least an alternative learning system program, and must pass the entrance exam and interview.

Scholars will be required to serve in the Department of Agriculture (DA) or other government agencies for two years for every academic year of scholarship received, with placements in DA-attached agencies, local government demonstration farms, cooperatives, or accredited agrienterprises.

Nazal said existing scholarship programs such as ACEF-GIAHEP, DA-BAR, SEARCA, and the BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Program remain fragmented, serve only hundreds of students nationwide, and lack a unified return-service requirement.

To ensure sustainability without imposing new taxes, the bill proposes funding from 2 to 5 percent of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, supplemented by the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund and regular appropriations from the DA.

The measure also mandates a nationwide information campaign to promote agriculture and fisheries as viable and rewarding career paths, using various media platforms to reach target audiences.

Nazal urged Congress to pass the bill immediately, saying it would create a steady pipeline of skilled professionals--agronomists, veterinarians, agri-engineers, and farm technicians who can strengthen the country’s food production systems.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

Eton Properties distributes fresh produce to children, elderly

ETON Properties officially launched its long-term sustainability movement, Beyond Green, with a heartfelt outreach activity in celebration of Nutrition Month. Through coordinated visits across Metro Manila, Quezon City, and Laguna, the company extended care to children, senior citizens, and rescued animals. The activity marked the beginning of a renewed purpose to build with empathy and give back with intention.

Employees from different departments supported the effort, whether by joining the outreach on-site or contributing goods. While only a limited group could physically participate due to logistical constraints, the initiative reflected a shared spirit of compassion and community support across the organization.

Fresh produce and essential supplies were distributed to three partner organizations. Most of the produce came from farmers supported by the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Lucio Tan Group. Additional harvests were contributed by Eton’s own Sustainable Garden at Eton City.

The gesture brought together environmental awareness and community nourishment in a meaningful way.

“Beyond Green isn’t just a CSR project. It’s a commitment,” said Donna Kristine Salgado, AVP for Marketing, PR, and Corporate Communications, and Lead Sustainability

Officer at Eton Properties. “It reflects the kind of real estate we believe in—one that builds not just spaces, but relationships, responsibility, and real impact. This launch is just the beginning of something deeper, a continuing promise to support the communities around our developments.”

A safe space for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment, Bahay Tuluyan welcomed Eton volunteers with warmth. Fresh produce and essential supplies were turned over to help sustain the organization’s day-to-day operations, reinforcing the importance of consistent, tangible care.

At DSWD GRACES, home to more than 200 senior citizens, volunteers spent time listening,

Tariffs are starting to squeeze profits for Trump-loving farmers

sharing stories, and showing presence. Food and essentials were also provided to assist with the daily needs of both residents and caregivers.

The Second Chance Aspin Shelter houses more than 60 rescued dogs and cats. Eton volunteers brought food and hygiene supplies, while also spending time with the animals— many of whom are still waiting for their forever homes.

These partner organizations are located in the same cities and communities where Eton developments stand. From Quezon City to Manila to Laguna, the outreach reflected a deeper intention: to give back to the people and places surrounding the company’s projects and teams. Beyond Green is Eton’s ongoing sustainability

platform. It combines community engagement, environmental care, and inclusive giving under one clear goal: to create meaningful impact beyond property lines. Earlier initiatives this year included:

n Brigada Eskwela 2025 – Nearly 200 volunteers helped clean, repair, and revitalize public schools in Laguna, Quezon City, and Manila in time for the new academic year.

n TITOlympics at Centris – A wellness and mental health event for men that used nostalgic Filipino games to connect, uplift, and raise awareness.

n Bahay Liwanag Turnover – Four new homes were turned over to families in Nueva Vizcaya, offering not just shelter, but new beginnings.

n Earth Hour 2025 – With a lights-off campaign that promoted mindfulness and eco-promises.

n DENR’s “Trash Talk” Partnership –Encouraging proper waste segregation and environmental awareness across Etonmanaged properties.

“As Eton marks its 18th year, it continues to embrace the message of its anniversary campaign, Beyond18, and the launch of Beyond Green. These initiatives represent a forwardfacing purpose that looks beyond business and toward deeper connection and contribution.”

VOLUNTEERS from Eton Properties deliver fresh produce to senior citizens at the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and other Special Cases of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Explainer

Why not enough food is reaching people in Gaza even after Israel eased its blockade

By Sam Mednick The Associated Press

INTERNATIONAL

outcry over images of emaciated children and increasing reports of hungerrelated deaths have pressured Israel to let more aid into the Gaza Strip. This week, Israel paused fighting in parts of Gaza and airdropped food.

But aid groups and Palestinians say the changes have only been incremental and are not enough to reverse what food experts say is a “ worst-case scenario of famine” unfolding in the war-ravaged territory.

The new measures have brought an uptick in the number of aid trucks entering Gaza. But almost none of it reaches UN warehouses for distribution.

Instead, nearly all the trucks are stripped of their cargo by crowds that overwhelm them on the roads as they drive from the borders. The crowds are a mix of Palestinians desperate for food and gangs armed with knives, axes or pistols who loot the goods to then hoard or sell.

Many have also been killed trying to grab the aid. Witnesses say Israeli troops often open fire on crowds around the aid trucks, and hospitals have reported hundreds killed or wounded. The Israeli military says it has only fired warning shots to control crowds or at people who approach its forces. The alternative food distribution system run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has also been marred by violence.

International airdrops of aid have resumed. But aid groups say airdrops deliver only a fraction of what trucks can supply. Also, many parcels have landed in nowinaccessible areas that Palestinians have been told to evacuate, while others have plunged into the Mediterranean Sea, forcing people to swim out to retrieve drenched bags of flour.

Here’s a look at why the aid isn’t being distributed:

A lack of trust

THE UN says that longstanding restrictions on the entry of aid have created an unpredictable environment, and that while a pause in fighting might allow more aid in, Palestinians are not confident aid will reach them.

“This has resulted in many of our convoys offloaded directly by starving, desperate people as they continue to face deep levels of hunger and are struggling to feed their families,” said Olga Cherevko, a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA.

“The only way to reach a level of confidence is by having a sustained flow of aid over a period of time,” she said.

Israel blocked food entirely from entering Gaza for 2 ½ months starting in March. Since it eased the blockade in late May, it allowed in a trickle of aid trucks for the UN, about 70 a day on average, according to official Israeli figures. That is far below the 500-600 trucks a day that UN agencies say are needed—the amount that entered during a six-week ceasefire earlier this year.

Much of the aid is stacked up just inside the border in Gaza because UN trucks could not pick it up. The UN says that was because of Israeli military restrictions on its movements and because of the lawlessness in Gaza.

Israel has argued that it is allowing sufficient quantities of goods into Gaza and tried to shift the blame to the UN. “More consistent collection and distribution by UN agencies and international organizations = more aid reaching those who need it most in Gaza,” the Israeli military agency in charge of aid coordination, COGAT, said in a statement this week.

With the new measures this week, COGAT, says 220-270 truckloads a day were allowed into Gaza on Tuesday and Wednesday, and that the UN was able to pick up more trucks, reducing some of the backlog at the border.

Aid missions still face ‘constraints’ CHEREVKO said there have been “minor improvements” in approvals by the

Israeli military for its movements and some “reduced waiting times” for trucks along the road.

But she said the aid missions are “still facing constraints.” Delays of military approval still mean trucks remain idle for long periods, and the military still restricts the routes that the trucks can take onto a single road, which makes it easy for people to know where the trucks are going, UN officials say.

Antoine Renard, who directs the World Food Program’s operations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, said Wednesday that it took nearly 12 hours to bring in 52 trucks on a 10-kilometer (6 mile) route.

“While we’re doing everything that we can to actually respond to the current wave of starvation in Gaza, the conditions that

we have are not sufficient to actually make sure that we can break that wave,” he said.

Aid workers say the changes Israel has made in recent days are largely cosmetic. “These are theatrics, token gestures dressed up as progress,” said Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam’s policy lead for Israel and the Palestinian territories.

“Of course, a handful of trucks, a few hours of tactical pauses and raining energy bars from the sky is not going to fix irreversible harm done to an entire generation of children that have been starved and malnourished for months now,” she said.

Breakdown of law and order AS desperation mounts, Palestinians are risking their lives to get food, and violence is increasing, say aid workers.

Muhammad Shehada, a political analyst from Gaza who is a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said aid retrieval has turned into the survival of the fittest. “It’s a Darwin dystopia, the strongest survive,” he said. A truck driver said Wednesday that he has driven food supplies four times from the Zikim crossing on Gaza’s northern border. Every time, he said, crowds a kilometer long (0.6 miles) surrounded his truck and took everything on it after he passed the checkpoint at the edge of the Israeli military-controlled border zones.

He said some were desperate people, while others were armed. He said that on Tuesday, for the first time, some in the crowd threatened him with knives or small arms. He spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing for his safety.

Ali al-Derbashi, another truck driver, said that during one trip in July armed men shot the tires, stole everything, including the diesel and batteries and beat him. “If people weren’t starving, they wouldn’t resort to this,” he said.

Israel has said it has offered the UN armed escorts. The UN has refused, saying it can’t be seen to be working with a party to the conflict – and pointing to the reported shootings when Israeli troops are present.

Uncertainty and humiliation

ISRAEL hasn’t given a timeline for how long the measures it implemented this week will continue, heightening uncertainty and urgency among Palestinians to seize the aid before it ends.

Palestinians say the way it’s being distributed, including being dropped from the sky, is inhumane.

“This approach is inappropriate for Palestinians, we are humiliated,” said Rida, a displaced woman.

Momen Abu Etayya said he almost drowned because his son begged him to get aid that fell into the sea during an aid drop.

“I threw myself in the ocean to death just to bring him something,” he said. “I was only able to bring him three biscuit packets”.

PALESTINIANS rush to collect humanitarian aid airdropped in central Gaza Strip, Thursday, July 31, 2025. AP/ABDEL KAREEM HANA

PALESTINIANS carry humanitarian aid from a World Food Program convoy that was heading to Gaza City, June 16, 2025. AP/JEHAD ALSHRAFI, FILE

Networking and AI for communicators

WHILE we are still learning more about it, we are amazed at artificial intelligence. But as communicators, can it also create opportunities for us to connect?

Networking is a very important part of the work we do. Knowing the right people can lead us to good jobs, and good results—as long as we use it the right way.

“Networking isn’t about who you know. It’s about who knows you,” says Jan Tegze, author of the book Job Search Guide: Be Your Own Career Coach. “In a crowded market, it makes a huge difference.

If you want AI to step up your networking, K.R. Callaway shares with us How to Use AI to Network in an article in Fast Company.

n Use AI to add people to your network WHEN looking for a job and getting it, making connections with a broad range of people who can give advice and refer you to a job is key. Till it can be difficult to know who to reach out to.

One solution is to use AI tools that search for people working in roles similar to the ones you are interested in or at companies you are applying to, says Matt Landau, CEO of AI job search Swooped.

This can also hold true for making connections within the industry. Some AI networking tools even find people’s LinkedIn profiles and business emails for you, making connecting with new people a much speedier process. However, Landau notes the

n MAYA WELCOMES MAYA

BLACK: THE CREDIT CARD FOR THE EXPERIENCE GENERATION

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—There was a time when black cards seemed out of reach—reserved for a select few with inherited privilege or elite access. But that era is over.

This generation isn’t chasing legacy. They’re choosing experiences, travelling more than ever, spending on what matters, and building a life on their own terms.

Maya understands this shift. As the #1 Fintech Ecosystem and Digital Bank in the Philippines, Maya introduces Maya Black, a credit card made for how this generation moves. It’s intentional, ambitious, and built for those always on the go.

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MAYA Black is a bold reimagining of what a credit card should be— not just inclusive, but elevated.

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importance of respecting the privacy of people you are reaching out to—even if their contact information is public. Sticking with career-focused media sites such as LinkedIn and avoiding personal emails and phone numbers is a much better way to make a first impression.

Having received Instagram DMs and Twitter (now X) himself, Landau adds that he thinks “that’s a little bit of an invasion of privacy, and might rub people the wrong way.”

n Delegate repetitive and time-consuming asks to AI AI’S power is in its ability to sort through information and generate outputs quickly, freeing up time for other work. In fact, a Morning Consult survey commissioned by Zoom in 2023 says that 89 percent of employees have said that using AI leads to fewer repetitive tasks. Networking experts suggest leveraging these benefits of AI by using it to create custom resources for thing such as job or client search to reach out to and templates or drafts for emails and LinkedIn messages.

it, with over 40,000 Maya Black credit cards activated during the soft launch alone reporting very high satisfaction scores. It’s sleek. It’s numberless. It’s fully controlled in-app. And it turns your spending into Maya Miles.

Earn 1 Maya Mile for every P40 you spend and rack up to 10x Miles at Maya Black Preferred merchants. Soon, your Maya Miles will take you even further—use them like real money, convert them to PAL Mabuhay Miles, or book your next escape straight from the app. You can even get 3,000 Maya Miles when you spend P5,000 within 60 days.

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“Maya Black was built for today’s generation—those building careers on their own terms, traveling the

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Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Phil -

“I encourage my clients to use AI in their job search like a PA for their job search process,” says Sarah Felice, executive and career coach at Prima Careers. Felice emphasized, though, that AI is better as a personal assistant rather than a director. “It can augment everything you do, but should never replace your style of writing or your research,” she adds.

n Personalize AI-generated messages before you send them out ONCE AI helps get the networking process started with an organized list of people to connect with and drafted messages or templates, it’s important to pause, take a deep breath, and add personal touches before hitting the send button.

As one who has observed a lot of people writing very generic messages like ‘Hey, I’m, interested in this role. I’d love for you to take a look at my resume,’ Landau says “that often is not going to spark interest.”

Instead, networking experts say you should add information about yourself that will interest

ippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to P1 million per depositor.

n FDCP X FSG SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP IGNITES NEW VOICES IN PHILIPPINE CINEMA MANILA, PHILIPPINES—The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), in collaboration with the Filipino Screenwriters Guild (FSG), successfully mounted the FDCP x FSG Screenwriting Workshop—a five-day intensive program designed to nurture emerging voices in Filipino cinema. Held in Malolos, Bulacan, the workshop brought together a diverse group of 20 aspiring screenwriters from Bulacan, CALABARZON, Davao de Oro, Iloilo, and Metro Manila for a week of creative immersion and mentorship.

The initiative was made possible through the support of the Provincial Government of Bulacan and its Provincial History, Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office (PHACTO). The workshop opened with a video message from FDCP Chairperson and CEO Jose Javier Reyes, who emphasized the agency’s mission to transform ideas into compelling screen narratives under the mentorship of seasoned industry professionals.

FDCP Chair and CEO Jose Ja -

potential connections. This could be information emphasizing why you would be a good fit for an open role, relevant accomplishments, or just things you have in common with the person.

Jonathan Javier, CEO of AI job search site Wonsulting, says “it’s very important to embrace your background.” It’s about authenticity. It’s also about building trust. Tegze adds, ”If you send the same AI-written note to 10 people, they’ll notice and probably won’t reply. AI can help you get started, but it can’t build real relationships for you.”

n AI helps most when you understand its limits WHILE AI has drastically changed the networking process, it’s not the first major technological change. Experts suggest learning from past shifts to understand how to alter your networking process. When using emergent technology, remembering the meaning behind the tasks you do is critical. And for networking, the name of the game is connecting on a person-to-person basis—

vier Reyes kicked off the program with a video message, hoping to transform more ideas into compelling scripts under the guidance of industry professionals. PHACTO OIC Head May Arlene Torres welcomed the organizers from FDCP, the mentors from FSG, and the 20 participants from Bulacan, CALABARZON, Davao de Oro, Iloilo, and Metro Manila who were selected to undergo a transformative journey into the art of storytelling.

Led by some of the country’s most respected screenwriters: Wanggo Gallaga, Noreen Capili, Paul Sta. Ana, and Jules Katanyag—the workshop offered a dynamic blend of lectures, film screenings, script analysis, and collaborative feedback sessions. Throughout the week, the workshop became more than just a classroom and evolved into a space of connection, inspiration and discovery.

“Creatives are craving connection with other Filipino creatives, and there is a dearth of spaces where this magic could happen. I’m thankful that FDCP and FSG are providing platforms where storytellers could connect to talk about Filipino storytelling and build stories together to rediscover the narratives that make us who we are,” Katanyag, who also directs films, imparted.

Melvin Waje Reyes, one of the participants, described the work -

not crafting perfect networking requests.

Once AI has helped you in connecting to someone, let your own words shine in further communications like informational calls. Asking questions and getting advice can build a relationship that is both personally and professionally available.

“When someone helps you, it’s not because your message was perfectly written,” Tegze adds. “It’s because they believed you were genuine and worth helping. And no AI can fake that for you.”

PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingsom-based International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the world’s premier association for senior professionals around the world. Millie Dizon, the Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications of SM, is the former local chair.

We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.

shop as “a sprinkle of fairy dust” that sparked new ideas and perspectives. “Meeting new people, sitting next to them, and listening as they share their stories—the ones that echo their personal journeys and the things closest to their hearts—is such a unique and meaningful experience,” he shared.

The workshop concluded with a culminating event at the Mariano Ponce Hall in the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, where participants received certificates and took part in a mentor-led panel discussion. The closing remarks were delivered by Roella Frias, Executive Assistant from the Office of the Governor of Bulacan, who expressed the province’s appreciation for hosting the event.

Capping off the celebration was a special video message from National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts and FSG adviser Ricky Lee, whose words left the participants inspired to continue their screenwriting journeys with renewed passion and purpose. As FDCP and FSG continue their efforts to champion Filipino stories and nurture the next generation of screenwriters, the FDCP x FSG Screenwriting Workshop stands as a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and storytelling in shaping the future of Philippine cinema.

The classroom cost crisis: Why are govt classrooms so much more expensive?

IN a recent interview, Senator Bam Aquino raised an important issue that strikes at the heart of the country’s educational infrastructure: the alarming discrepancy in classroom construction costs between government-funded projects and those undertaken by private entities. With the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) estimating the cost of each classroom at approximately P2.5 million, while private organizations manage to build them for around P1 million or less, one must ask: why such a significant difference? (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Why does the government need twice the budget to build a classroom compared to the private sector? Sen. Bam wants to know,” August 5, 2025).

This disparity not only highlights inefficiencies within government operations but also poses a critical question of accountability and transparency. Senator Aquino’s inquiry serves as a wake-up call, urging both lawmakers and the public to scrutinize the processes that lead to inflated costs in government projects. The senator’s upcoming hearings on classroom backlog are a necessary step toward understanding these financial anomalies and determining how best to allocate resources for educational needs.

The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. With a staggering shortage of 165,000 classrooms across the nation, the need for effective and economical solutions is paramount. Aquino’s Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, which aims to empower local government units (LGUs) and private entities to construct classrooms in compliance with national standards, is a promising initiative. By leveraging the capabilities of the private sector and local governments, this program could expedite the construction process and significantly reduce costs.

Moreover, the senator’s emphasis on bringing down prices to effectively double the number of classrooms constructed is a call to action for all stakeholders involved in the education sector. If the government can achieve this, it would not only provide immediate relief to the classroom shortage but also lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and efficient educational infrastructure system.

In addressing these challenges, it is crucial for the government to foster a collaborative environment where public and private sectors can work together. Transparency in pricing and processes must be prioritized to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent wisely and effectively. As we move forward, it is essential to maintain a focus on the ultimate goal: enhancing educational opportunities for the Filipino youth.

The Senate’s commitment to investigating these discrepancies is commendable, but it should be just the beginning. Comprehensive reforms, proactive engagement with non-governmental organizations, and a willingness to adapt are necessary if we are to meet the educational needs of our rapidly growing population.

Classroom shortages have significant adverse effects on our education system and student outcomes. With an increasing student population and inadequate infrastructure, many schools face overcrowded classrooms, leading to a diminished quality of education.

Teachers struggle to provide individualized attention, and students often have limited access to learning resources, which can hinder their academic performance. Furthermore, the lack of sufficient classrooms forces schools to implement shifts or double sessions, disrupting students’ learning experiences and increasing dropout rates.

This situation exacerbates existing inequalities, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, where resources are already scarce, ultimately impacting the country’s long-term socio-economic development.

Opinion BusinessMirror

The architecture of success

BRISING SUN

IOGRAPHIES have a unique power to draw us into the reallife journeys of individuals who dared to dream, faced hardship, and carved out their place in history. In exploring the paths others have taken, we uncover lessons on persistence, adaptability, and the enduring value of hard work. We see the human side of success—these stories remind us that greatness rarely arrives fully formed; it often emerges from the most modest beginnings.

It is within this tradition that “The Life and Adventures of Architect Gilbert Yu” takes root. This remarkable biography tells the story of a dreamer who became a builder— not just of structures, but of visions and communities. Born into Manila’s vibrant Filipino-Chinese community, Gilbert Yu grew up with a quiet determination and enduring ambition. His rise was not an overnight success but the product of decades of learning, discipline, adaptation, and strong relationships. Yu helped redefine commercial architecture in the Philippines. His portfolio includes icons of the urban landscape such as the Diamond Hotel on Roxas Boulevard, Ever Gotesco Commonwealth, Isetann Mall in

Calabarzon’s gateway:

Recto, The Landmark in Makati, SM Manila, and the Insular Life building in Alabang. His influence extended beyond local shores through projects abroad—condominiums and hotels that carried the distinct hallmark of Filipino creativity and craftsmanship.

Yet Yu’s legacy extends well beyond blueprints and city skylines. His journey is also a valuable study in leadership, strategy, and long-term vision. Throughout his career, he navigated volatile market conditions, weathered industry downturns, and turned setbacks into opportunities. He invested in people, mentored emerging architects— including members of his own family—and built strong partnerships that endured. His story illustrates for business professionals the importance of adaptability, relationship-building, and value creation that lasts well beyond individual achievement.

For Yu, success has never been defined solely by profit or recognition. It is also about the integrity to

lift others as you rise, the foresight to build foundations for the future, and the resilience to keep going when challenges mount. This story is brought vividly to life by Iris Gonzales, a multi-awarded newspaper journalist and columnist for The Philippine Star. Her thriceweekly Op-Ed column, Eyes Wide Open, explores the intersection of business and politics in the Philippines. Known for her in-depth reportage on business and her compelling profiles of both established and emerging industry leaders, Gonzales weaves a narrative that is both rigorous and heartfelt. A graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication and a Konrad Adenauer Fellow with a master’s degree in journalism from Ateneo de Manila University, she brings the depth, precision, and human touch needed to illuminate Gilbert Yu’s extraordinary journey.

“The Life and Adventures of Architect Gilbert Yu” will be launched on August 20, 2025.

GMR’s Sangley International Airport project to turbocharge PHL’s industrial engine

T. Anthony C. Cabangon

Lourdes M. Fernandez

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug

Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos

Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace

Angel R. Calso, Dionisio L. Pelayo

Ruben M. Cruz Jr.

Eduardo A. Davad

Nonilon G. Reyes

D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos

Aldwin Maralit Tolosa

Rolando M. Manangan

BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.businessmirror.com.ph

THERE is a narrative still waiting to be fully told in the Philippine business arena—one that began the moment President Marcos Jr. stepped off his return flight from a five-day state visit to India.

Almost before the jet engines cooled, Malacañang rolled out the red carpet for India’s GMR Group, the incoming builder of Sangley International Airport. And why not? In a year when the Philippines has managed to attract only $500 million in foreign direct investments in the first half—a sobering figure in the context of Asean, where billions move with ease—GMR’s arrival feels less like a routine transaction and more like a strategic inflection point. For a country determined to vault into middle-income status, an investment-led growth surge is indispensable. Jobs, higher tax revenues, and sharper global competitiveness all spring from sustained capital inflows. GMR is not a speculative bet. They are veterans of world-class hubs—from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Airport—blending engineering precision with operational

excellence. The project they bring to Cavite is more than runways and terminals. It is a southern gateway designed to turbocharge Calabarzon the nation’s industrial engine and export nerve center.

GMR Group is a leading Indian infrastructure conglomerate with a diversified presence in airports, energy, transportation, urban infrastructure, and sports. With over two decades of experience, it has built world-class assets and pioneered innovations in sustainable development.

It first entered the Philippine business landscape through a partnership with Megawide Construction Corporation for the 25-year concession to operate and develop the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA)—a project that set a new benchmark for efficiency and passenger experience in the country. Its airport arm, GMR Airports Limited (GAL)—operating under

the brand “GMR AERO”—is Asia’s largest private airport operator and the second-largest globally. GAL runs major hubs in Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Medan, with greenfield projects underway in Bhogapuram (India) and Crete (Greece). In 2020, Groupe ADP joined as a strategic partner, further extending GAL’s global reach and expertise. Beyond terminals, GAL offers integrated aviation services, MRO, cargo handling, digital innovation through GMR Innovex, and aviation training via GMR Aero Academy.

In the broader infrastructure space, GMR Power and Urban Infra Limited lead in clean and renewable energy, smart metering, EV infrastructure, and surface transport. Under GMR Sports, the group owns and promotes iconic teams such as Delhi Capitals (IPL) and UP Yoddhas (Pro Kabaddi), along with international franchises like Dubai Capitals and Seattle Orcas.

For Calabarzon—home to sprawling export-processing zones that ship electronics, garments, auto parts, and high-value goods worldwide—Sangley’s rise could be transformative.

For years, these zones have been choked by congested ports and an overstretched Ninoy Aquino Internationa Airport, with every delay adding cost and risk. With GMR at the controls, Sangley could cut cargo lead times, accelerate tourism flows into southern Luzon, and open direct connections to global trade lanes. For

exporters and manufacturers, an hour saved in logistics can mean a contract won, a shipment preserved, a job secured.

Thus, the entry of GMR Group into the country’s airspace  will mean much for the bigger economic potential of the Calabarzon region. And it is a fitting reminder to one and all that the President’s visit to other countries results in economic possibilities over the horizon and sparks the building of more economic hubs that will mean more employment contracts, higher tax revenues for the government and a vigorous economic sphere in communities. In a sense, President Marcos has achieved in just five days what economic managers aspire for in months of negotiations with business establishments for them to invest in the country. And the significance of GMR Group’s forthcoming investment in Sangley whose investors include the Cavitex Holdings of the Virata family and the Yuchengco Group conglomerate’s House of Investments is that it is a game-changer. Sangley is not just another airport. It is the southern runway that could lift Calabarzon into the global fast lane—a catalyst in the country’s investment story. If its momentum is matched by the right policies and supporting infrastructure, Sangley could become the signature legacy of this administration’s economic diplomacy: a runway not only for planes, but for the Philippines’ climb into the competitive stratosphere.

Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II

LITO GAGNI

From ledgers to algorithms: The rise of tax technology in the Philippines

TJoel L. Tan-Torres

DEBIT CREDIT

Part one

HE community of taxation in the Philippines has entered a new era. Several decades ago, Philippine taxation consisted of carbon copy invoices, paper ledgers, yellow-colored columnar pads, and tedious manual processing of tax documents. Over the past years, this community is now a fast-evolving ecosystem of online platforms, cloud-based systems, digital interactions, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted tax enforcement and compliance tools.

In tax communities, this evolution is often framed as Tax Technology or Tax Tech—the application of information technology to tax administration, taxpayer compliance, and tax practitioner advisory services. As Dr. Risse explains in Fundamentals of Tax Law Technology Management, the transformation is anchored on the “golden triangle” of People, Processes, and Technology, updated for the digital age to emphasize Data as a core driver (Risse, R. (2025). Fundamentals of Tax Law Technology Management) Global tax environments are becoming more complex and interconnected. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting framework, the proliferation of digital business models, and Environmental Social Governance-driven transparency requirements are forcing both taxpayers and tax administrations to adopt more sophisticated aligned systems. Locally, cost pressures, globalization, the rise of digital commerce, and the growing demands for tax to fund the country’s development are compelling Philippine tax authorities and businesses to do more with less, or more with technological advances.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has been gradually laying the groundwork for full-scale digital transformation. Today, that vision is taking shape with the following BIR programs:

n Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS) —streamlining returns filing and payments through accredited banks.

n Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) —a selfservice platform for taxpayer registration and updating records without visiting a Revenue District Office.

n Electronic Invoicing/Receipting System (EIS) —mandated for large taxpayers and exporters, enabling near real-time reporting of sales transactions.

n AI-enabled monitoring of suspicious transactions – part of the BIR’s risk-based audit approach, including those about the Run After Fake Transactions. These initiatives and more innovations will be supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)funded BIR Digital Transformation Program. This program aims to fully integrate taxpayer data, automate back-office processes, enhance analytics capabilities and enhance taxpayers’ service. This ADB-approved loan amounts to $400 million. This sizable assistance enables comprehensive modernization, from infrastructure and integrated tax systems to taxpayer portals and AI-driven enforcement tools.

The BIR, under the helm of Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr., has formulated the BIR DX Roadmap (2025–2028) in Revenue Memorandum Order 48-24 dated November 15, 2024. This provides for the adoption of an updated and forwardlooking Digital Transformation (DX) Roadmap for 2025 to 2028, aligned with the Ease of Paying Tax-

Archived?

MCommissioner Lumangu is leading the way for BIR and the tax community in these notable initiatives. He has set a challenge for himself of delivering the digital transformation outcomes by 2028. In setting up this deadline, he has committed to turning over to the next administration a more efficient and taxpayerservice-oriented BIR.

es (EoPT) Act (RA 11976) and the BIR’s strategic vision—Aspiration 2028—of becoming a highly digital, data-driven, taxpayer-centric organization. ( https://bir-cdn.bir. gov.ph/BIR/pdf/RMO%20No.%20 48-2024.pdf ).

The roadmap is structured around four strategic pillars, backed by eigth core programs and consisting of 22 DX projects designed to enhance revenue collection, governance, and taxpayer service delivery

The pillars in the DX Transformation are:

1. Strengthening the BIR Organization

Empower a digitally resilient workforce through training, reorganization, and a robust human resource (HR) management system.

2. Modernizing the Digital Backbone

Upgrade ICT infrastructure, cloud capabilities, and legacy systems; implement enterprise architecture for better integration and analytics.

3. Enhancing Policies, Governance, and Standards

Build a data governance and management framework that maintains a reliable “single source of truth,” ensuring data security, integrity, and usability.

4. Elevating Taxpayer Experience & Service Innovation

Expand existing eServices and launch a single sign-on Integrated Taxpayer Portal featuring personalized dashboards and end-to-end online transactions, shaped by taxpayer feedback.

Commissioner Lumangu is leading the way for BIR and the tax community in these notable initiatives. He has set a challenge for himself of delivering the digital transformation outcomes by 2028. In setting up this deadline, he has committed to turning over to the next administration a more efficient and taxpayerservice-oriented BIR.

For the digitally challenged members of the tax community, it is time right now to start discarding your antiquated mindsets and tools and go Tax Tech.

To be continued

Joel L. Tan-Torres was a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He has also held various positions, including Dean of the University of the Philippines School of Business, Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, Tax partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co., and SyCip Gorres and Velayo & Co., and director of various corporate boards. He is a Certified Public Accountant who garnered

Siegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.

THE PATRIOT

UCH has been said about the impeachment being archived, which, according to most political and legal analysts, equates to defeat, although temporarily, of the ever elusive quest for accountability. For any matter to be archived simply means to preserve. It can be revived, restored, but typically and in most cases, it remains to be in the dustbin, practically for disposal.

In computer language, the file is in the “Trash,” still accessible but not as visible nor usable. This is where the Articles of Impeachment have gone due to the recent events in the House, Senate, and Supreme Court.

The proceedings are no longer in active consideration of the Senate but the documents remain in the Senate records for future reference, according to Senate impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol.

Moving on to a similar archiving 50 years ago, some people may recall a project called Metro Plan Manila in the 1970s—a brainchild of Filipino architect and urban planner Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr. The list of flood control recommendations was made to help develop more resilient communities together with government, the people and experts.

While a few of his recommendations were approved, fewer were in fact implemented. And so, this Metro Plan Manila, much of which remain archived by at least five administrations, was somehow revived by the idea of business tycoon Ramon S. Ang to do the simplest of things in flood control—clean the river systems. The clogged canals and drainage systems are caused by irresponsible citizens and reckless contractors who fail to see the consequences of their actions during natural calamities.

The amiable leader of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) even added that the construction of roads, homes, and schools on the natural path of waterways also contribute to the floodwater issue in Metro Manila – which is something that was already raised

(but archived) in the Palafox immediate plan of action that will take 100 days to implement.

I will not be surprised if this Palafox plan, which comprised of a master plan for flood control, will be revived in the coming months. Despite having suggested a comprehensive solution way back in relation to sewerage and drainage and spillway options, the simplest of these Palafox projects—the dredging of Laguna Lake—was cancelled. Such a cancellation largely contributed to the massive floods brought about by Typhoon Ondoy in 2009.

Fast forward to 2025, SMC is blamed for the unnecessary floods brought about by the MRT-7 project and the Metro Manila Skyway. SMC is not alone. As pointed out by Palafox 50 years ago, flood management or control cannot be caused by a single entity or event. Floods are caused by a number of reasons, most of which are by way of sins of omission—lack of transparency in flood control projects and lack of accountability of public officers charged with infrastructure projects. All of which are tied back to the issue of the archived impeachment complaint.

I think the process of making officers accountable should be “fast and furious,” given that any misuse of public funds can be catastrophic as in case of these anomalous flood control projects. I am both optimistic and skeptical that the audit that President Marcos Jr. has announced during his recent State of the Nation Address can effectively address the issue on accountability. The objec-

tive seems laudable but, as in most major plans of government, the devil is in the details. Such audit, at the very least, should be as transparent as possible, even with the participation of planning and policy experts in the mold of Jun Palafox.

I will not be surprised if most of the Metro Plan Manila, which was given to government when the dictator President Marcos Sr. was in power and essentially archived by several administrations thereafter, will be revived by the son, President Marcos Jr. A generation of waiting is at least better than having the plan permanently archived.

When it comes to God’s plan being archived in my spiritual journey, I can vividly remember my “faith” days as cadet. Back then, my personal relationship with our Almighty God merely entailed going to church on Sunday and praying before exams.

That’s it! But during my plebe year, my roommate Jim Nelson from Minnesota personally guided me to read a few verses of the Bible and even study some of them from time to time.

The “Nelson” mission, which is part of the core purpose of the group

The Navigators, was for Jim to bring me closer to God and establish a more intimate relationship with Him at a ripe age of 17 years old. Alas, such Nelson mission was archived perhaps unwittingly as I was more focused on surviving the grueling years of cadetship in a foreign land to boot!

I was more preoccupied in earning a college degree from the US Military Academy instead of establishing a solid foundation in the school for connecting to our Almighty God.

Unfortunately, I never got my bearings towards a greater faith and closer relationship as a Cadet Mison. I was more into making career achievements and personal accomplishments. Fast forward, the divine plan remained archived by Captain Mison, Attorney Mison, and even by Commissioner Mison.

Over time and in keeping with God’s perfect timing, the Sinner Mison finally matured in faith and accepted Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior. He served himself less as compared to serving others. Eventually, I understood what it takes to

be a good follower of Jesus Christ in keeping what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24). By knowing God more, I developed the desire to help or please others. I get to please the One who matters most. In the Bible, Psalms 37:4 tells us, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Through the years, with the Nelson mission being archived yet revived after 40 years, I have learned to appreciate the value of timing. There is a time for everything, including archiving and reviving what was archived. I think the archived Palafox plan will see its value very soon amid the perennial flood issues and the presidential directive to expose the problematic flood control projects. In similar fashion, the Sara Durtete impeachment process, archived for now, will find its bearing towards public accountability soon, either by way of a reversal of the decision of the Supreme Court as prayed for in a Motion for Reconsideration or by way of a refiling of the Articles of Impeachment by February of 2026 or by some other interesting event sooner rather than later by the powers that be, which include divine intervention.

Siegfred has a diversified set of education and experiences which has made him a game changer and a servant leader in organizations such as the Philippine Army, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, a US based software development company called Infogix Inc, University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Airlines, SM Prime Holdings, Franklin Baker Company of the Philippines, and SONAK Corporation. His professional degrees came from the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA. Siegfred is a former soldier and a lawyer by profession, an educator and inspirational speaker by passion, and a book author, writer, and radio broadcaster with a mission.

Wall Street is split on whether immigration is contributing to the slowdown in US hiring

By Augusta Saraiva

WALL Street economists disagree on what’s behind a sharp slowdown in US job growth, highlighting a divide that is central to the broader outlook for the economy.

Some argue the pullback in hiring mostly reflects a smaller supply of workers, thanks in part to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Others say the slowdown is largely due to a more concerning retrenchment in demand.

The distinction is critical. If difficulty finding workers is the main factor, weak hiring trends probably aren’t foreshadowing wider layoffs, and the Federal Reserve can keep interest rates high. But if hiring is mostly slowing because of waning demand for labor, that would call for the central bank to intervene.

“Whether what we’re seeing is all immigration effects or if it’s true demand effects is definitely the key question,” said Veronica Clark, an economist at Citigroup Inc. “There very likely are some immigration effects in the data, but details also suggest weaker demand unrelated to immigration, which seems to be getting worse.”

The latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, published on Aug. 1, shocked financial markets with weak hiring figures for July and steep downward revisions to the prior two months. It was such a surprise that Trump fired the head of BLS, accusing the agency, without evidence, of rigging the numbers to make him look bad.

Those adjustments brought the

pace of payroll growth down to just 35,000 on average over the last three months, the slowest since 2020. While the unemployment rate edged up to 4.2 percent in July, matching the highest level since 2021, it’s still not much different than where it’s been over the past year.

Analysts spent an unusual amount of time over the following week continuing to dissect the report. The Trump administration’s dramatic changes in trade and immigration policy this year have made the job of reading the labor market much more challenging, just as those shifts have raised the stakes for continued economic expansion.

The key question hinges on the impact of reduced immigration. Two days before the release of the report, Fed Chair Jerome Powell told reporters the Fed would discount a slowdown in hiring in the months ahead as long as the unemployment rate doesn’t rise.

The Fed chief even suggested the so-called breakeven rate—the number of jobs the US economy needs to add each month to keep the unemployment rate stable—could be as low as zero, given what’s happening with immigration.

Powell’s interpretation, and the jobs report itself, sorted Wall Street into two main camps. Many top economists—including those at Morgan Stanley, Barclays Plc. and

Bank of America Corp.—pointed to signs that the hiring slowdown was more about reduced labor supply, predicting that the Fed would wait to begin cutting rates until at least December.

Other economists—such as those at Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Citigroup Inc. and UBS Group AG— interpreted the rapid deterioration in hiring more as a sign of weak labor demand, which would push the Fed to commence with rate reductions at its next policy meeting in September.

“We see little contradiction between slow employment growth and a low unemployment rate when the effects of immigration controls are taken into account,” Morgan Stanley economists led by Michael Gapen wrote in an August 1 report following the release of the figures. Still, given how quickly hiring appears to be slowing, “it would not take much for us to alter our views,” they said. Both sides marshaled various data points to support their analysis. The problem is nothing amid the plethora of statistics contained in the jobs report itself can definitively answer the question one way or the other.

Immigration policy THE report does include a breakdown of foreign and native-born workers based on a survey of households, and the numbers indicate the foreign-born workforce and population has fallen by about a million over the last three months—a number administration officials were quick to seize on in touting their

immigration policy achievements.

“Since the president took office, he created about 2.5 million jobs for Americans, whereas we’ve eliminated about a million jobs for foreignborn workers,” Stephen Miran, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, said in an August 1 CNN TV appearance.

“That’s a result of our strong immigration policy, of our strong border policy, keeping America safe,” said Miran, whom Trump nominated Thursday to fill a temporary slot on the Fed’s Board of Governors.

But many analysts, including those at Bloomberg Economics, have written off the decline in the labor force, noting it is largely related to how the data are constructed. Many economists point to a simultaneous, implausible surge in the native-born workforce and population numbers.

“It’s not that we’ve suddenly given birth to a lot of 16-year-olds and boosted the native population,” said Jonathan Pingle, the chief US economist at UBS. With the report’s demographic breakdown based on the household survey looking increasingly questionable, analysts are trying to focus more on what the data on hiring from a survey of businesses—the one that saw the big downward revisions for May and June—is saying. The best way to do that is to come up with a list of industries most reliant on an immigrant workforce and try to estimate whether those are faring obviously worse. And different people are drawing different conclusions from essentially the same exercise. Bloomberg

BusinessMirror

PHL gains least in Asean in US tariff deal–PIDS study

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

THEPhilippines posted the smallest improvement among its Southeast Asian peers in recent tariff negotiations with the United States, according to state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

In a policy note published last week, PIDS Emeritus Research Fellow Josef T. Yap and Senior Research Fellow Francis Mark A. Quimba said the country’s negotiated outcome yielded only a 0.32-percentage point improvement in effective tariffs, compared to 8.47 percentage points for Indonesia and 12.15 percentage points for Vietnam. Relatively speaking, Indonesia and Vietnam secured better deals since their pre-negotiation “Liberation Day” tariffs were 32 percent and 46 percent, respectively, and these were brought down to 19 percent for Indonesia and 20 percent for Vietnam.

The Philippines, in contrast, had a lower starting point at 17 percent, but ended up with a higher negotiated rate of 19 percent.

Even after adjusting for the size of each country’s export sector, the Philippines may still face the highest tariff burden, with an added 0.068 in tariffs for every US$1 billion of exports, compared to 0.031 for Indonesia and 0.013 for Vietnam.

“The Philippine deal remains inferior to those of the other two countries,” the policy note said.

The authors also pointed out that

Growth in commercial services trade to slow in ’25, ’26, per WTO

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

HIGHER tariffs are expected to lead to a slowdown in the growth of commercial services trade this year and next year even if services trade are not directly affected by tariffs, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

In its trade outlook, WTO said commercial services trade volume growth will slow down to 4 percent this year and 4.1 percent next year. These projections are lower by 1.1 percentage points and 0.7 percentage points from the 2025 and 2026 baseline, respectively. The WTO said commercial services trade includes shipping and logistics services in ports and airports as well as international travel, computer services, financial services, insurance, construction, and telecommunications, among others. It’s the first time the WTO included projections for commercial services trade to complement their merchandise trade estimates.

“Services trade, though not directly subject to tariffs, is also expected to be adversely affected. Tariff-induced declines in goods trade weaken demand for related services such as transport and logistics, while broader uncertainty dampens discretionary spending on travel and slows investment-related services,” the WTO said. Based on WTO data for 2024, commercial services in the Philippines amounted to $52 billion or 0.7 percent of the export of global commercial services pegged at $6.522 trillion in 2024.

The Philippines ranks 22nd out of 30 economies in terms of exports of commercial trade services. The top exporter of commercial services are extra-European Union exports amounting to $1.64 trillion in 2024. In terms of the country’s import of commercial services, these amounted to $37 billion and 0.6 percent of the total of imports worth $5.867 trillion in 2024.

The country ranked 25th out of

the 30 economies in the WTO list. The top importer is the extra-European Union worth $1.437 trillion in 2024.

Meanwhile, the WTO said that with higher tariffs affecting merchandise trade, demand for freight shipping and logistics services in ports and airports will also weaken.

The report stated that this year, transport growth is forecast at only 0.5 percent in volume compared with an expected increase by 2.9 percent under the baseline scenario. In 2026, growth will remain subdued at 1.7 percent.

Further, demand for international travel, especially for leisure, could also be adversely affected by “changes in economic conditions, political stability, health or safety concerns, or unfavorable exchange rates.”

In 2025, travel growth is forecast to slow to 2.6 percent, a deviation of 1.6 percentage points from the baseline scenario of 4.2 percent growth. In 2026, the sector is expected to rebound, expanding by 4.7 percent.

“Travel could be the first sector, therefore, to be affected by economic uncertainty. Consumers may decide against trips and room reservations abroad if accommodation or flight prices increase, as this is discretionary spending,” WTO said.

“Although less prone to fluctuation, education- and health-related travel could still see a shift toward alternative destinations, for example, in response to changes in visa policies,” it added.

According to the report, other commercial services will be the least affected among services sectors.

WTO said these are forecast to post a growth of 5.3 percent in volume terms, a deviation of less than 1 percentage point from the baseline scenario of 6.1 percent growth.

Among them, digitally delivered services are projected to maintain strong growth, of 5.6 percent in 2025, compared with 6.6 percent in the baseline scenario, and 4.7 percent in 2026.

shortly after Manila’s deal was announced, Japan was subjected to only a 15-percent tariff, further underscoring the unfavorable outcome for the country.

The agreement, announced at the White House during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official visit in July, reduced US tariffs on Philippine goods from 20 percent to 19 percent.

In return, the Philippines committed to impose zero tariffs on US imports, initially covering only automobiles.

Yap and Quimba cautioned that under the most-favored-nation principle, granting such preferences to the US could lead other trade partners to demand similar concessions, potentially weakening the Philippines’ position in future negotiations.

In a separate policy note in July, the two authors warned that Asean members missed an opportunity to present a united front before entering talks with the US. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/07/31/unified-aseanshould-have-dealt-with-us/).

They said the bloc could have collectively pushed for adherence

to World Trade Organization rules rather than agreeing to the “dubious configuration” of the Trump Tariff Plan (TTP).

“It would have been prudent for regional blocs to adopt a unified stance. For example, Asean could have advocated for respect for WTO rules without having to flag the dubious configuration of the TTP,” Yap and Quimba said.

“This could have given cover for its member countries when they negotiated with the US. Instead, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines carried out negotiations without any imprimatur from Asean, leaving them with an inferior position vis-à-vis the US,” they added.

The latest policy note also said that tariffs have been used “as a cudgel to extract both economic and political concessions from other countries.”

The authors acknowledged that some had cited potential non-tariff benefits from the deal, such as financing for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway and a reaffirmation of US defense commitments in the West Philippine Sea.

“However, these statements are

CA JUNKS FORFEITURE CASE VS. VET IN ALLEGED DUTERTE PLOT

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has dismissed the civil forfeiture case filed against the bank accounts and properties of a veterinarian accused of plotting against then President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a 22-page ruling penned by Associate Justice Mary Charlene Hernandez-Azura, the CA’s Seventh Division also declared as null and void the asset preservation order (APO) issued by the Regional Trial Court of Makati City on December 29, 2021 covering 26 bank accounts and six real properties of Bryan Constantino Ta-ala and several other individuals who were allegedly found to be recipients of the proceeds of money laundering.

The civil forfeiture case was filed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) against Ta-ala before the Makati RTC following his arrest last August 6, 2016 in Bacolod City by members of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Major Crimes Investigation Unit for gun smuggling along with another person identified as Wilfred Palma.

Ta-ala was eventually charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) with violation of Section 28 of Republic Act No. 10591 (illegal possession of small fire -

arm) before the Bacolod RTC and violation of Section 33 of RA 10591 (arms smuggling) However, on June 20, 2022, the Supreme Court dismissed the said criminal cases filed against Ta-ala.

In their petition before the CA, Ta-ala and his co-respondents argued that Makati RTC committed grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack of jurisdiction for not dismissing the petition for civil forfeiture on the ground of improper venue and defective verification.

Petitioners argued that since the subject bank accounts are all located in Bacolod City, then the forfeiture case should have been filed in the province.

On the other hand, the government maintains that the venue lies in Makati City where the head offices of the subject banks are located.

Likewise, the petitioner said the trial court committed grave abuse of discretion in issuing the APO and in failing to consider the decision of the SC dismissing the criminal cases against Ta-ala.

In granting the petition, the CA noted that under the Rules of Procedure In Cases of Civil Forfeiture, a petition for civil forfeiture must be filed in any

SBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

EN. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson claimed Sunday he unearthed a modus operandi involving lawmaker-contractors that may add to the overpricing or substandard construction—or both—of flood control and other infrastructure projects. The scheme, dubbed “passing through,” involves a contractor having to pay 5 to 6 percent of the project cost when building a project in a legislative district where the lawmaker is a contractor, or where the lawmakers’ relatives are contractors, Lacson said. “For example, if a contractor builds a project

in the district of a lawmaker who is a contractor or who has relatives that are contractors, he/ she must pay a 5-percent ‘passing through’ fee, like a toll. That already deducts from the cost of the project. This is known in the Department of Public Works and Highways,” he said in Filipino in a radio interview on Sunday. “The fee is usually 5 percent but sometimes it goes up to six. Based on the information we got from contractors, the project is compromised,” he added. “How will the contractor be compensated if he/she does not use substandard materials or take shortcuts? The government is thus shortchanged.”

Asked how much of the project cost actually goes to the project after the “passing through”

fees, along with the taxes and commissions that are paid, Lacson said,“ sometimes less than 40 percent.” He cited as an example the “shortcut” in the sectioning of a dike

GRAINS OF HOPE

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

B1 Monday, August 11, 2025

SEC probes Villar Land deals

By VG Cabuag @villygc

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it is treading cautiously on its investigation into the deals made by Golden MV Holdings Inc., now known as Villar Holdings Corp., saying it does not want to make hasty conclusions that could damage the company’s reputation.

SEC Chairman Francis E. Lim said the agency has initiated a fact-finding exercise to review the valuation of the vast tracts of prime property owned by the Villar Group.

Lim said the agency is mindful of the need to consider not only the integrity of the market, but also the reputation of the companies involved.

“Let’s just be fair. To be as objective as possible, we will decide on the basis of the facts that we discover. I know there are already facts. But we have to dig deeper in terms of the facts.”

Shares of the Villar-owned company were suspended for trading at the Philippine Stock Exchange since May 15 after the company was unable to submit its financial documents. It was last traded at P2,296 per share.

statement is currently undergoing a rigorous audit process by external auditors and this includes a comprehensive review of appraisal reports covering highvalue properties.

“This extensive audit is necessary to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the financial statements. Once the audit is concluded, the audited financial statements will be publicly released in full compliance with regulatory requirements,” it said.

Exec: EDC bullish on Mindanao geothermal exploration activities

LOPEZ-LED Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is anticipating positive outcomes from ongoing geothermal exploration activities in Mindanao.

confirmation and commercial viability, construction is targeted to begin between 2028 and 2035, with operations expected to commence from 2030 onwards.

Rigorous audit process

“These are technical issues. Fortunately, I’ve been teaching securities regulation course for a number of years. So, I know the refinements of the law. What I don’t want to happen is for the SEC to act hastily but, at the end of the day, we committed a mistake.”

“We’re examining it. We’re paying attention to the details before we come up with a decision one way or the other...there are many details. We cannot make judgments before investigating the facts,” Lim said.

VILLAR Land, meanwhile, said it welcomes the fact-finding investigation of the SEC.

“The company has consistently disclosed material developments and continues to coordinate with regulatory bodies regarding the status of its financials.”

Villar Land said its financial

“The company continues to engage and will continue to cooperate with its regulators and comply with all instructions and requests for information during the course of its fact-finding exercise.”

Lim said this is an opportunity to refine existing policies on the transfer of assets.

“We have to be very prudent because we’re policy makers. And we don’t want policy to be media-based. It should be data, evidence-based policy.”

‘Globe overshoots financial goals in

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said over the weekend it exceeded its financial targets by achieving positive free cash flow (FCF) in the first half of 2025, ahead of its original

Freshly

Brewed

forecast for yearend. Carl Cruz, Globe’s president and CEO, said this reflects the company’s execution of financial discipline, capital optimization, and strong

operational performance. “We’re very pleased with our performance in the second quarter. If one takes a look at a quarter-on-quarter perspective, gross service revenue is now back in the

H1’

growth area. This turnaround really indicates stability and solid footing for the company, with which we can build upon for better growth in the second half of the year.” Lorenz S. Marasigan

“We have an ongoing exploration. Hopefully, by next year, we would be able to say we can develop a facility in Amacan, Mindanao. It’s about 70 megawatts. If the resource is good, maybe up to 120 megawatts,” said EDC President and Chief Operating Officer Jerome Cainglet.

This project received a $413,000 grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency to finance a feasibility study aimed at confirming geothermal resource availability.

“If we are able to confirm by next year that it’s commercially feasible, then it will take another two to three years to construct the 70 megawatts,” added Cainglet.

Aside from the Amacan geothermal prospect in Davao de Oro, EDC is also looking at the geothermal potential in two more areas—Mt. Zion Davao del Sur and Mainit-Sadanga in the Mountain Province.

Pre-development activities have begun for all these projects, with a potential total capacity estimated at an equivalent of between 250 MW and 320 MW. Subject to resource

EDC has an installed capacity of 1,418.69 MW, which accounts for 17 percent of the country’s total installed renewable energy capacity. Its geothermal facilities are the 190-MW Bacon-Manito (BacMan) geothermal complex which consists of BacMan 1 and 1, Palayan binary, and Tanawon; 620-MW Unified Leyte which include the Malitbog, Mahanagdong 1, Mahanagdong 2, Upper Mahiao, and optimization plants; 123-MW Tongonan; 49.4MW Nasulo; 172.5-MW Palinpinon 1 and 2, which comprise of Palinpinon, Sogongon, Nasuji; and 106.99MW Mindanao 1, 2, 3, which include Mt. Apo 1, 2, and binary plant. Aside from geothermal, EDC also operates the 150-MW Burgos wind power plant, and 6.8MW Burgos 1 and 2 solar plants. The 29MW Palayan Binary Geothermal Power Plant, inaugurated on July 5, 2024, and the recently switched on 22-MW Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant in Sorsogon are two of EDC’s seven growth projects that are up and running. Lenie Lectura

Caitlyn Punzalan of Mondelēz International:

Team Manila’s Jowee Alviar: 'Good design uplifts lives'

IFreshly

but at the whole creative industry.”

By Francine Medina

Brewed ‘Pinoys snack to connect, snacking is part of a balanced diet’

By Francine Medina

FILIPINOS

n a time of uncertainty, design tends to be placed aside in favor of practicality. But design is so much more than aesthetics as Team Manila Graphic Studio co-founder Jowee Alviar explained in the latest episode of digital show, “Freshly Brewed.” Design is about creating meaningful experiences to the user and beholder, he explained.

Host Edwin Sallan, BusinessMirror’s Sound Strip and Tourism editor, sat down with Alviar for an engaging discussion on defining Filipino design.

Founded in 2001, Team Manila began as an initiative by design freelancers Alviar and friend Raymund Punzalan shortly after college and when Alviar returned to Manila after earning his Master’s Degree in Graphic Design at the wellknown California Institute of the Arts in the US.

are big on snacking, reveals a study released by snack company Mondelēz International. In the latest episode of “Freshly Brewed,” BusinessMirror’s digital show, Mondelēz International Corporate and Government Affairs (CGA) Lead, Caitlyn Nina Punzalan, takes a break from her office to sit down with host and Science reporter Bless Aubrey Ogerio to unpack the latest trends and developments in the snacking industry.

Telling the Filipino story

From the get-go, the idea was to launch a design studio that would represent the Philippines in the design community and elevate appreciation

But when Alviar and Punzalan were still students, they often looked at music album covers and told themselves that that was what they wanted to do after their studies. “We learned that those designs didn’t happen in country at that time.” Among their inspirations, Alviar revealed, was American alternative music magazine Ray Gun, “That’s when we saw the connection between graphic design and music. So that’s how we began working with bands, participating in events, and doing album covers. Those were the first works that we got. It was fun stuff for young designers like us. But eventually, we worked with bigger clients,” Alviar said.

creative team had in mind.

“We were really just a handful when we started out. We all knew each other back then,” Alviar mentioned. “But now, there are a lot of agencies and studios that are into graphic design. But what’s unique about Team Manila is that we really want to tell the story of the Philippines to the outside world through graphic design.”

port. In

of

the

findings show that 98 percent of Filipinos

came their two main branches—the Suez and Zapote store in Makati City and The General Store in Quezon City. Along their journey sprouted other smaller Team Manila shops in various malls.

snack situation in the Philippines. The study said that Filipinos were big snackers and enjoyed merienda mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and sometimes before bedtime. According to Punzalan, the surprising discovery is why Filipinos snack more frequently.

“We started with t-shirts because that’s what we were wearing when we’re in the studio. It’s an everyday thing. A t-shirt can carry a message, an advocacy, and your own identity,” Alviar added. “That’s one medium that was natural for us.”

Bonding moment

Design community

once a day—a higher rate than the 91 percent global average for snacking. “The survey was launched by our global company just before the pandemic to find out why, how, and when people are snacking. Our global purpose is to empower people to snack right. We want to be global leaders in snacking, and to do that, we need to understand why people are snacking so we can better support their lifestyles,” Punzalan explained. For the first time, the report included the

In 2005, Alviar and Punzalan launched the Team Manila Lifestyle Store with t-shirt collections and other merchandise. Their products easily became a hit due to the very relatable way they depicted Philippine culture and history. Their t-shirts, for instance, take the mundane but shared experiences, like the metro’s unsolvable traffic or the Pinoy’s love for music and travel. Team Manila presented images like the local jeepney, Filipino dishes, beverages, and places like Baguio, as well as statements like “I love PH,” “OPM” (short for Original Pinoy Music), and “West Philippine Sea (WPS) Atin Ito,” to name a few.

THE first reason is that Filipinos eat snacks to boost their energy. Filipinos eat between meals to have more energy to work, for instance, and after work to recover their energy.

“The second reason is that they use food as a love language,” explained Punzalan. “It’s a way for people to connect with those who matter to them. In Filipino households, the mothers prepare a snack so that the family can come together and talk.”

“It’s quite heartwarming to know that snacking plays an important role in Filipinos’ lives, not just culturally, but as a way to connect and

In 2009, Team Manila thought of involving more people by organizing Manila Design Week, a seven-day festival and conference featuring dialogues, exhibitions, performances, pop-up booths offering services and sales, and more. The gathering hardly looked like a debut event because of the hundreds of participants who were palpably hungry for such a meet-up. The yearly design week became a unifying factor for the growing design and creative community. But Alviar likewise realized that

fuel their day,” she added. Ogerio observed that native dishes are often meant for sharing, which validates the idea that snacking is a love language for many Filipinos.

But the big question, she said, is whether snacking more means Filipinos are eating worse.

government, too. The next step was to gather the group again to chalk up a proposed bill that would further contribute to the industry’s growth and improvement. Thus, in 2011, Alviar was instrumental in the Philippine Design Competitiveness Act or RA 10557. In the digital show, Sallan asked how the law came about. Alviar replied, “We met with fellow design agency owners and compared what’s going on in the Philippines to our regional partners. Singapore, for instance, had a strong government that focuses on design and the creative industry.”

Punzalan replied that snacking—including the pre-packaged or convenience foods—can still be nutritious. “Based on the studies of our scientists and based on the insights of our consumers, snacking can be part of a balanced diet. Snacking doesn’t necessarily mean eating poorly. Snacking can mean eating mindfully.

“We have Design Center of the Philippines but their mandate was just for product design and materials development because when it was formed (in 1973) and in the 80s, we were big exporters of furniture and design.

“But after a few years, design expanded to include service design, illustration, and multi-media, to name a few, so it outgrew their mandate. We thought that government shouldn’t just look at the physical, the objects,

“That is one of our advocacies as a company. We encourage people to eat mindfully. Our company makes treats. We make cookies, we make chocolates, but we know there’s a time and a place for our products,” Punzalan added. Mondelēz Philippines also spreads awareness on the importance of healthy eating by promoting the Pinggang Pinoy visual food guide

developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). The guide shows the correct portions of protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients for a balanced diet.

In 2017, the Team Manila co-founder along with other agency owners and freelancers in the local design industry formed the Communication Design Association of the Philippines (CDAP). Alviar was nominated president and was joined by other elected officers from the industry. The graphic design industry has really evolved since Team Manila was formed in 2001, commented Alviar, and emerging technologies, including AI (Artificial Intelligence), can be a boon rather than a bane to the industry.

Mondelēz Philippines likewise offers portioncontrolled snacks that are within the recommendations of FNRI. Punzalan explained that a pack of their Oreo cookies, for instance, has 138 calories. Meanwhile, the recommended calorie count for snacks is between 200 to 250 calories per day.

“You can pair your cookies with a banana or any other fruit. You know you can still indulge in a treat. But you know you’re doing

“AI has been such a disruptor but we’re really a young industry. I think I’m already the oldest in the industry, their tito (uncle),” Alviar joked. “But we really have young graphic designers who are seeing the potential of technology and how to promote Filipino design just like the way we were

Punzalan, Corporate and Government

Mondelez International Bless Aubrey Ogerio, BusinessMirror ’s Science reporter

Caitlin Punzalan, Corporate and Government Affairs Lead of Mondelez International talks about snacking among Filipinos with Bless Aubrey Ogerio, BusinessMirro r’s Science reporter.

order (SCO) issued by former ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta regarding its PSAs with Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC).

The subject of the SCO is a request that Meralco received from the ERC in January 2023 for documents related to Meralco and PEDC. ERC required submission of invoices and fuel cost computation for the period from January to October 2022.

As ERC’s directive was for the declared purpose of verifying generation charges “being passed on to its consumers,” Meralco complied and provided ERC with copies of the invoices for its then existing PSA with PEDC—notwithstanding that these documents had already been previously submitted under Meralco’s regular reports to ERC.

For the fuel cost computation, Meralco clarified in its 2023 submission that its then existing PSA with PEDC was a financial contract, which even under ERC’s CSP guidelines is recognized as having a fixed price or a single tariff for the duration of the contract term. This means that it does not specify any fuel cost component, in contrast to a two-part tariff that distinguishes fixed costs from fuel costs on a monthly basis.

“Given this, the fuel cost computation was obviously not applicable,” the utility firm pointed out.

Following Meralco’s submission in 2023, Meralco said did not receive any further communication/directive from the ERC until almost three years later, with the SCO.

“What is more surprising is that former Chair Dimalanta made it appear in the SCO that the request made in 2023 clearly includes a previous PSA with PEDC that ERC is fully aware as having been terminated in 2021.

Obviously, Meralco cannot submit a fuel cost computation for a period after the PSA had been terminated. If ERC intended in its 2023 letter to Meralco, or even following Meralco’s prompt submission, to require fuel cost computation for its old PEDC PSA before it was terminated, it should have so stated in its 2023 letter. Even then, Meralco would have readily complied, as the required invoices already formed part of its monthly reports to ERC,” it said.

STOCK-MARKET OUTLOOK

BIR offers 50% tax perks on PERA if elements met

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

HE Bureau of Internal Rev -

Tenue (BIR) will gra6nt private employers an additional 50-percent tax deduction on their Personal Equity and Retirement Accounts (PERA) contributions if they match at least their employees’ payments and cover all staff.

In its Revenue Regulation 0222025, the BIR will now allow private employers to claim an additional 50 percent tax deduction on the amount they contributed for their employees’ PERA starting July 1, 2025. This comes after Republic Act (RA) 12214 (CMEPA) was passed into law, amending RA 9505 (PERA Act of 2008), to provide more incentives to employers and help their employees save for retirement.

Under Section 9 of the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act, the tax deduction will only be applied to employers that contribute an amount at least equal to their employees’ contributions or contribute to all of their employees’ voluntary retirement accounts. According to the BIR, employers may deduct from their gross income the actual amount of their qualified contributions to their employees’ PERA accounts. However, this is only up to the extent of the employer’s contribution that would complete the employee’s maximum allowable contribution.

As such, private employers that voluntarily contribute an amount equal to their employees’ contributions may also claim an additional deduction equal to 50 percent of the

amount they contributed.

Banking&Finance Credit risk database created to gauge SMEs’ ability to pay

“Only private employers that contribute to all of their employees’ PERA shall be eligible for the additional allowable deduction,” the BIR added.

The BIR said that employees must also have contributed to the PERA within the same calendar year for their employers to be eligible for the tax deduction.

The PERA supplements the existing retirement benefits from the Government Service Insurance System, the Social Security System and other savings and investment instruments. The maximum annual contribution for PERA is P200,000 for employees based in the Philippines, while overseas Filipinos can contribute up to P400,000.

Investment products offered under this voluntary retirement savings program include unit investment trust funds, shares of stock of mutual funds, annuity contracts, insurance pension products, shares of stock or other securities listed and traded in a local exchange, government securities, among others.

With the passage of the CMEPA, the government aims to boost the capital markets and allow greater participation among ordinary Filipinos to diversify their savings and investments.

Data from the central bank showed PERA contributors increased by 6.42 percent year-on-year to 5,912 in end-2024 from 5,555. Contributions to PERA also jumped by 23.9 percent to P491.387 million as of end-2024 from P396.309 million in the same period in 2023.

US inflation seen to rise as higher tariffs feed through

US consumers probably experienced a slight pickup in underlying inflation in July as retailers gradually raised prices on a variety of items subject to higher import duties.

The core consumer price index, regarded as a measure of underlying inflation because it strips out volatile food and energy costs, rose 0.3 percent in July, according to the median projection in a Bloomberg survey of economists. In June, core CPI edged up 0.2 percent from the prior month. While that would be the biggest gain since the start of the year, Americans—at least those who drive—are finding some offset at the gas pump. Cheaper gasoline probably helped limit the overall CPI to a 0.2 percent gain, the government’s report on Tuesday is expected to show. Higher US tariffs have started to filter through to consumers in categories such as household furnishings and recreational goods. But a separate measure of core services inflation has so far remained tame. Still, many economists expect higher import duties to keep gradually feeding through.

That’s the dilemma for Federal Reserve officials who’ve kept interest rates

What’s

Munchanged this year in hopes of gaining clarity on whether tariffs will lead to sustained inflation. At the same time, the labor market—the other half of their dual policy mandate—is showing signs of losing momentum. As concerns build about the durability of the job market, many companies are exploring ways to limit the tariff passthrough to price-sensitive consumers. Economists expect government figures on Friday to show a solid gain in July retail sales as incentives helped fuel vehicle purchases and Amazon’s Prime Day sale drew in online shoppers.

Excluding auto dealers, economists have penciled in a more moderate advance. And when adjusted for price changes, the retail sales figures will likely underscore an uninspiring consumer spending environment. Among other economic data in the coming week, a Fed report is likely to show stagnant factory output as manufacturers contend with evolving tariffs policy.

A preliminary trade truce between the US and China is set to expire on Tuesday, but a move to extend the detente is still possible. Bloomberg News

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has established a credit risk database (CRD) in the Philippines to help financial institutions (FIs) assess the creditworthiness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) borrowers.

In a memorandum, the central bank said the database, a joint initiative of the BSP and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is expected to help enhance SMEs’ access to credit.

This makes the Philippines the first country outside Japan to use the database. The JICA appointed the CRD Association to provide technical assistance to the BSP.

The Association was established in March 2001 as the CRD Management Council, a voluntary organization comprised of 52 credit guarantee associations across Japan, as an or-

ganization that collects management data (financial and non-financial data and default information) for small and medium-sized enterprises.

(See: https://www.crd-office.net/CRD/ about/enkaku.html)

According to the BSP, the CRD is a large-scale database of anonymized financial, nori-financial, and borrower performance data of SMEs provided by 33 pioneer FIs.

The central bank added that the positive impact in Japan’s SME financing landscape and guarantee system after the introduction of CRD include growth in the average annual

loans granted to SMEs, increase in guaranteed loans without collateral, and charging of guarantee fee became risk-based (from a fixed rate).

According to the BSP, the first phase of the CRD project, which began in 2020, focused on the construction of the database for SME data while the second phase (ongoing) aims to develop new services. Phase 2 includes a transition plan toward a sustainable, permanent operation beyond the project-based phase, the central bank said.

“The CRD scoring model can generate the probability of default and credit score (outputs) of an SME borrower in a particular group of similar attributes. As data is anonymized, CRD does not provide borrower level credit history unlike existing credit registries/bureaus,” the BSP added.

The CRD provides data to help assess the capacity of SMEs to repay their loan and align pricing decisions/strategies with the borrower’s credit risk profile, read a document provided by the central bank. It also noted that the data can help FIs validate or develop their internal rating systems by grouping customers into categories and setting other param-

eters such as quantitative and/or qualitative factors.

Earlier, financial support extended by Philippine banks to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) increased 9.54 percent in the first quarter of 2025. Data released by the BSP showed bank lending for small businesses increased to P11.82 trillion as of March 2025 from the P10.79 trillion posted in March 2024. (See: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2025/07/14/ bank-lending-for-msmes-increasedto-P11-82t-in-q1/).

The release of the data is in accordance with the Magna Carta for MSMEs or Republic Act (RA) 9501, which amended RA 6977 and RA 8289 and took effect in June 2008. Under Section 18 of the amended charter, MSMEs are entitled to be given mandatory allocation in the credit resources of all lending institutions as defined under BSP rules. These institutions, the Magna Carta stated, shall set aside at least eight percent of their total loan portfolio for micro and small enterprises. This will be based on their balance sheet as of the end of the previous quarter.

‘Consumption prioritized more than financial protection’

FILIPINOS’ tendency to prioritize consumption over financial protection is holding back insurance growth, keeping penetration persistently low over the past years, according to a top insurance executive.

While the Philippines has a growing economy and a large working-age population, insurance penetration remains low at just nearly 2 percent, Allianz PNB Life Inc. (AZPNBL) President and CEO Joseph Gross said in a news briefing.

“When I think of the Philippines, as [Filipinos’] income starts coming in, [their] first thought is consumption—it’s gadgets, it’s live your life,” Gross said.

Apart from these spending habits,

Tthe lack of information, awareness and literacy about financial protection adds up to why insurance uptake is low in the country.

“It’s a topic which is not on top of your mind,” Gross said during the briefing last Friday.

Insurance penetration in the Philippines remains low at 1.67 percent as of 2024, a slight improvement from 1.61 percent in 2023, according to data from the Insurance Commission (IC).

Allianz Asia Pacific Regional CEO Anusha Thavarajah said that while the incidence of non-communicable diseases has gone up, healthcare costs have also increased in the last 20 years.

“Now, society has evolved. We

have become more, you know, our lifestyles have emerged in such a way that we are more at risk,” Thavarajah said. “As a consequence, for someone to get diagnosed and treated, it requires a significant amount of savings that people don’t have.”

“If you think about urbanization, affluence, it’s making insurance become more and more important,” she added.

But this low insurance penetration rate is seen as an opportunity to eventually improve the insurance uptake in the Philippines, according to Gross.

Although putting food on the table for their family is usually prioritized by Filipinos instead of getting

stressed depositor protection

HE Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining public trust in the banking system during the Region 9 leg of the “Angel Network Roadshow” of the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP) in Dipolog City on July 28 to July 29. Representing the PDIC was Jose G. Villaret Jr., vice president for the Corporate Affairs Group. Villaret explained the significance of the up-

ward adjustment in the maximum deposit insurance coverage (MDIC) to P1 million per depositor to provide enhanced protection to the depositing public.

The roadshow was also an opportunity for the PDIC to discuss other stakeholder programs such as the Closed Bank Loan Incentive Program (CLIP) 3.0, which provides discounts and waivers to borrowers of closed banks, as well as initiatives for the dispos -

al of assets aimed at maximizing the realizable value of closed bank assets.

As the state deposit insurer with the twin public policy objectives of protecting depositors and promoting financial stability, the PDIC has been active in partnering with government agencies for the Be A Wise Saver campaign, a financial literacy session promoting responsible banking habits.

The PDIC also conducts the Bank-

holding back Filipino consumers from seeking new credit?

By Weihan Sun

ORE Filipinos now believe they have sufficient access to credit—nearly half at 44 percent, up from 38 percent in 2024, according to TransUnion’s “Q2 2025 Consumer Pulse Study.” This rising confidence is particularly evident among Millennials, who remain the most confident group at 47 percent, and among Baby Boomers, whose sentiment jumped the most, from 28 percent to 42 percent.

However, despite growing optimism, consumer behavior reveals a more complex story. Despite an increase in perceived access to credit, a notable 57 percent of consumers still reported abandoning a credit application or refinancing plan.

The main reasons for this includes fear of rejection due to income or employment status, and concerns regarding high borrowing costs.

The gap between perception and action poses both a significant challenge and a clear opportunity for lenders. To effectively unlock greater financial inclusion and empower more Filipinos to benefits from credit access in their lives, financial institutions must go beyond providing access only and actively address the deeper friction points embedded in the credit journey.

Confidence, hesitancy ENCOURAGINGLY, the surge in credit confidence among Filipinos is well-founded. Our latest study indicates a meaningful shift in how consumers perceive credit, with nearly three in five (58 percent) consumers now considering it essential for achieving their financial goals. Interest in borrowing is particularly strong among younger generations, with 58 percent of Gen Z and 52 percent of Millennials planning to

apply for or refinance credit in the next year.

Of those intending to borrow, personal loans remain the most popular option (45 percent), followed by buy now, pay later services (38 percent) and new credit cards (31 percent). These choices reflect the diversification of appetite for different credit tools that offer flexibility and support.

Despite clear demand, many Filipinos remain hesitant to complete the borrowing process. Among those who abandoned a credit plan, 30 percent cited a fear of rejection based on their income or job status, while 29 percent mentioned high borrowing costs. These practical and emotional barriers show that perceived access does not always translate to real action.

Financial mobility

THIS hesitation could undermine

long-term economic growth. By shying away from responsible credit opportunities, consumers may defer important milestones such as home ownership, education, or entrepreneurship. Some may even turn to riskier informal lenders or less secure financial alternatives, increasing their exposure to financial risk.

More importantly, without the flexibility offered by formal credit, consumers may struggle to manage financial shocks or take advantage of opportunities that could improve their long-term financial well-being.

Close the gap

TO turn intent into action, lenders must reframe how they deliver credit. It is not solely about availability but also about making credit feel attainable and achievable.

This involves streamlining the application process, communicat -

ing eligibility criteria clearly, and engaging with customers more meaningfully at pivotal decisionmaking moments. By providing a friction-right journey—one that balances ease with necessary checks—lenders can help alleviate concerns, reduce anxieties and strengthen trust.

Lenders can also utilize alternative data such as telco usage and utility bill payments, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a borrower’s financial behavior. This approach is particularly valuable for consumers who have little or no formal credit history. By using deeper insights, lenders can extend access to a broader range of consumers and provide a more comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond job and income status.

More empowered ULTIMATELY, overcoming the bar -

insurance, Gross said he is “100 percent convinced” that the insurance penetration rate will grow.

“The society will be better because education will grow and people will also have more income to reflect on the protection,” he added.

Improving insurance penetration also requires a collective effort from industry players, associations, regulators and the government to push awareness to the forefront, Thavarajah said.

This includes showcasing reallife customer experiences where insurance has proven helpful, as well as banking on the widespread use of mobile technology to reach more people, she added.

ers its own version of a nationwide caravan in the banking community to promote open communication and strong partnerships with bank groups.

The “Angel Network Roadshow” aims to empower rural and cooperative banks by staging regional events that equip the local banking communities with regulatory updates and business opportunities, among others, read a statement issued by the PDIC last Friday.

riers to adopting credit is essential for building a more inclusive, confident, and financially resilient Philippines.

Bridging the confidence gap requires reducing both emotional and systemic friction throughout the entire borrowing journey. Different stakeholders such as traditional lenders, FinTech players, and information and insights companies like TransUnion all have a role to play in this transformation. The goal is clear: to create a credit environment where Filipinos not only believe they can access credit, but also feel ready and empowered to use it, responsibly and confidently. Weihan

Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

‘TelaHistoria’: A stylish storytelling

EXPRESS YOURSELF FROM HEAD TO TOE WITH FENDI CHARMS, ON-TREND SNEAKERS

LUXURY lifestyle brand FENDI unveils a charm-filled world for the Fall/Winter 2025-26 Collection with the launch of the new FENDI BFF Maxi and Mini Charms and FENDI Match Platform Sneakers with Charms, offering a fresh take on accessorizing that perfectly showcases the brand’s signature playful spirit and daring creativity.

The charm-mania begins with the FENDI BFF Maxi and Mini Charms. First seen on the Fall/Winter 2025-26 anniversary runway, these miniature personalities are the must-have collector’s items that will add a fun touch to every bag. The Maxi Charms, part of a limited series, are crafted in upcycled fabrics and fur to combine the label’s utmost craftsmanship with playfulness and creative circularity. Embracing the FENDI spirit of chosen bonds, altogether they create an extended family of accessories in two different sizes, designed to be mixed and matched for ultimate enjoyment and to become cherished “Best Friends Forever.”

Each with a unique name and character, every charm boasts its own distinct style and personality that resonates with individual identity and self-expression. Luxurious materials and intricate details such as mini Baguette bags and iconic FENDI dressing bring these delightful characters to life, making each charm a true work of art. Among them, the charm Silvia is dressed in a mini replica of the equestrian outfit designed by Karl Lagerfeld and worn by a 7-year-old Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1967 in a famous picture—the same one her grandchildren wore to open the doors to the FENDI centenary show.

Starting from the FENDI BFF Maxi and Mini characters, the accessorizing frenzy reaches footwear with the new FENDI Match Platform Sneakers with Charms. Elevated with a higher platform and featuring playful miniature charms, the signature FENDI Match sneakers are reimagined to express individual style and add a touch of FENDI fun to any look.

The sleek design of the original shape, launched in 2021, now comes with a 5 cm platform and a smaller FF logo to give full focus to the interchangeable, removable charms, allowing full customization.

HISTORY, style and culture intersect on the runway in Tela Historia 2025: The Runway Story of Filipino Fabrics, a benefit fashion show that celebrates and promotes Filipino weaving heritage and sustainable, culturally rooted fashion.

Held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, TelaHistoria was organized by Global Linkages for the Filipino Global Linkages for the Filipino Youths, in partnership with Newport World Resorts, Balik Pinas Balik Saya (BPBS), Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP), and Philippine Marketing Association.

“Tela” means woven fabric while “Historia” refers to both history and story. Thus, the convergence of local materials, invaluable talents and success stories conveyed through fashion, design and artistry. The focal point of the effort was “to reinforce why loving the Philippines is indeed a show of love of God and neighbor.”

Directed by Raymond Villanueva, TelaHistoria featured the FDAP in collaboration with weaving communities across the country, using homegrown materials like inabel, inaul, patadyong, hablon, Raffia, and malong, among others.

THE STYLE MANDATE AND ADVOCATES

TELAHISTORIA aims to raise awareness for Filipinomade textiles; to empower local weaving communities and youth artisans to continue their tradition; to encourage sustainable consumer behavior; and to promote cultural preservation through fashion. It supports UN Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Goals 8, 9, and 11—and aligns with national efforts to revive the Philippine textile industry through innovation and local collaboration.

At the forefront of this effort is the revitalized FDAP, which unleashed their stylish interpretations in three sections. In the avant-garde suite, the featured designers were Adam Balasa, Daniel Hinricher, Armand Manapat, Avery John Palad, Jerome Navarro, Samantha Oliva, Maricris Slodysko, Eys Vergara, and Gin Villamayor.

incapable of.

The dashing congressman, Javi Benitez of the Third District of Negros Occidental, was in formal wear by Llamanzares Barongs.

Each pair is in fact complemented by a set of three decorative charms that are exclusive to each colorway. These whimsical ornaments are handcrafted to evoke a sense of fun and selfexpression while celebrating FENDI’s heritage, starting from a cute doll sporting a mink pompom head and a bicolour chevron coat made from velvety laces.

sense made from velvety

Embrace the FENDI

Embrace the accessorizing attitude and express yourself with fun and style using the FENDI BFF Maxi and Mini Charms and FENDI Match Platform Sneakers with Charms—from head to toe.

IT’S always “I’m just here to get something at Watsons,” but we end up carrying a bagful of health and beauty stuff which we surprisingly need and

These include Nivea, Luxe Organix, L’Oreal, Celeteque, and Collagen By Watsons, Berocca, Nature’s Way, Health Fusion, and more.

For corporate wear, the designers were Frederick Berches, Cathy Mora Capistrano, Nomer Cerbito, Charmaine Diaz, James O’Briant, Daniel Manila, North Ortiz, Randy Satin, Simon Ariel Vasquez, and Ramil Estrope. The youth suite was presented by Charlene Damo, Aries Magat, Rose Rustia and Lloyd Rainier Sexon.

The FDAP also created ensembles for the TelaHistoria Luminaries, who gave their all-out support. They are luminaries from the fields of fashion, show business, politics, diplomacy and philanthropy: Javi Benitez, Lito Villanueva, Allan de Leon, Lucien Dy Tioco, Mark Lapid, Ambassador Dato Abdul Melvin Malik Castelino and Ronald Pagsanghan.

The lady luminaries are Roselie Santiago Licup, Myra Valderrossa, Hungarian Ambassador Titanilla Toth, Peewee Villanueva, Ida Tiongson, Cath Jalandoni, Cristina Oreta, Cai Cortez, Chaye Cabal Revilla, Faith Albano and Cynthia Carrion.

Among the standouts are philanthropist and social-media darling Roselie Santiago Licup, who wore an elegant ensemble by Ramil Estrope.

Danika Damo made a verdant design for Hungarian Ambassador Titanilla Toth, with headpiece by Jerome Navarro: “A terno, a piece of art that tells a story of the fabric and craftsmanship, an abaca ikat highlighted with ethnic finish to complement the ethnic descent and identity of the weavers.”

EMPOWERING THE WEAVING COMMUNITIES

IN designs by the FDAP, the textiles from the weaving communities that were showcased each represented their unique patterns, traditions and stories:

The abel of Abra by the Namarabar Indigo Natural Dye Producers Cooperative. Led by Luis Again Jr., Namarabar produces natural dye from the bark of the Indigofera Tinctoria and Sappanwood to dye their fabric products. The laga from Kalinga by the Yba-ay de Kalinga Native Products Manufacturing, which has faithfully preserved the time-honored cultural expression of traditional art work as their dignified source of income, livelihood and employment.

The enapfor from Ifugao by the Mayoyao Weavers Ifugao, which tales you into the heart of Ifugao culture.

The inabel from La Union by the De Castro Loom Weaving, which create products intricately woven by hand, with the yarn manually tweaked to produce different patterns, a feat machine weaving would be

the drugstore

The Watsons Nationwide Sale kicks off with an exclusive preview on August 13. Shoppers with a Watsons Club membership will get dibs on the buyone-take-one offers and discounts up to 50 percent. There are also offers exclusive to RCBC, Chinabank, and Metrobank cardholders. Buy Now, Pay Later deals will also be available for BDO cardholders. Fortima is a supplement that has vitamins C and E and zinc. I discovered this during the pandemic and it has basically the same formula as another famous vitamin brand except that Fortima has vitamin E. I don’t know if it is just me butI feel that Fortima has helped make my skin clearer, aside from it having health benefits. blk cosmetics’ soft blur powder blush is a superfine blush with optical blurring pigments for a softblurred look. It’s pigmented and long-lasting. If this is included in the sale, it’s worth getting. I have two of these blushes in Jam and Macaron and I love them. Ever Bilena Daily Dose Peptide Lip Care SPF 30 (available in four shades) is an excellent well-priced lip balm. I use this at night before bed even if it has SPF. As someone with very dry lips, I love waking up and

The patadyong from Antique by the Patnongon Multipurpose Cooperative, which is committed to preserving the weaving of the patadyong, a knotted hablon fabric, often used as a wraparound skirt.

The hablon from Iloilo by the Salngan Livelihood Multipurpose Cooperative. “Hablon,” which was derived from the Hiligaynon word “habol,” meaning “to weave,” is a hand-woven fabric made by the women of Panay for more than a century— particularly in the towns of Miag-ao, Oton, Duenas, Igbaras and Badiangon.

The raffia from Bohol by the Tubigon Loomweavers Multipurpose Cooperative, which boasts of its own weaves made out of the buri palm –raffia.

The Yakan from Zamboanga by the Yakan Village. “Tennun” is the word for the craft of weaving among the Yakan, as well as the product itself.

The inaul from Maguindanao by the Maguindanao Inaul Weavers Council. A luxurious traditional woven cloth worn for centuries, inaul features intricate designs in pure silk and gold threads. A common gift to people of high rank, it symbolizes royalty and nobility and worn as a status symbol.

The malong from South Cotabato by the Lemsnolon Native Handicrafts Makers Association. Lemsnolon is one of the cultural barangays that offers a living museum, through Gunô Bong (big house), where one can experience the T’boli way of life in a natural setting.

feeling that they’re soft and supple.

Naturals by Watsons Coffee Anti-hairfall Shampoo is one of the items that Watsons customers gate-keep. It’s always out of stock because people buy a lot of it. But if you can find it during the sale, get a bottle or two, even if there is no markdown. It’s that good – plus, it’s inexpensive.

Another Watsons in-house brand gem I discovered because of

BusinessMirror

WITH three gold medals and a total of 18—five silvers and 10 bronzes—medals won at the Olympics, it’s the most appropriate time for the Philippines to have its own Olympic House.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino rekindled his call on the government to take the lead in the establishment of a Philippine Olympic House, a campaign he championed for the past Olympic cycle.

“It’s about time,” said Tolentino, who was a special guest at the groundbreaking ceremony for Malaysia’s Olympic House that will rise at the Kuala Lumpur Sports City before the weekend.

“I would confess that I wish we have the same here in the Philippines.”

Tolentino represented the POC in the ground-breaking ceremony— enthusiastically graced by no less than Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim—as well as the Olympic Council of Asia, where he’s the chairman of the Legal Committee.

The Philippines never had a headquarters it can call home since the POC’s establishment—then called the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation—in January 1911.

That’s a long time and we just celebrated the Philippines’ 100th year participation in Paris 2024 where we made a breakthrough of all breakthroughs with Caloy’s [Carlos Yulo] two gold medals in gymnastics,” Tolentino said. “Before that in 2021 in Tokyo [2020], Hidilyn Diaz made is all cry for pride and joy with our first Olympic gold medal.” Malaysia has yet to win its first Olympic gold medal and has eight silvers and seven bronzes since its first Olympics in Melbourne 1956. W ithout a home, the POC office moved around for more than a century and maintained offices at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and currently at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City.

Napolis settles for silver medal in World Games

ENNA KAILA NAPOLIS settled for the silver medal after bowing to South Korea’s Eon Ju Im in women’s -52-kilogram ne-waza of ju-jitsu on Sunday at the Jianyang Cultural and Sports Centre Gymnasium in Chengdu, China. rom a 2-2 deadlock in the dying seconds, Napolis tried to throw the Korean out of the mat to score and secure the victory. But Im was just on a better spot when the clock expired, mounting on top of the Filipina grappler for a positional advantage worthy of the deciding point. espite the defeat, Napolis, gave the country something to celebrate for bagging the first medal for the Philippine team in Chengdu after three days of competition. “I am little disappointed I did not get the crucial point. But I am still grateful I was able to represent the country here,” Napolis said. eanwhile, Annie Ramirez, who was shouting instructions

TBy Josef Ramos

A reas of interest, according to Tolentino, for the Olympic House are the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Clark in Pampanga and New Clark City in Capas and most recently Tagaytay City which boasts of sports facilities, including a world-class and UCIstandard velodrome, not to mention the availability of hotels and its cool weather and scenic view of Taal Lake.

HE Philippines again fights for dear life this time against host Saudi Arabia on with head coach Tim Cone hoping for the same neversay-die attitude Gilas Pilipinas flashed against Iraq on Saturday afternoon in the 2025 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup in Jeddah.

“ It’s tough when you are playing behind all the time, we did it against Chinese-Taipei and we did it again against New Zealand,” said Cone after their 66-57 victory over Iraq—their only victory in three games in Group

Patama Leeswadtrakul.

AUSTRALIA’S Josh Ferris and New Zealand’s Amelia Watkinson ruled the Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu presented by Megaworld under overcast skies, rain and sun at Mactan Newtown in the races were they were incessantly cheered on schoolchildren and locals who lined the route Cebu. I was screaming along without

knowing,” said Ferris, who won the men’s professional race—1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21-km—in three hours, 49 minutes and 10 seconds, beating Ne w Zealand’s Mike Phillips, who timed 03:52:40.

“ My ears were about to burst, they were so loud,” he said. “All the school kids out there, all the people were

D—that pushed them to a playoff for a quarterfinals berth

But what I like about our team is we just don’t quit,” he said. “We just got that never say die attitude…that is very clear on this team.”

The world No. 34 Philippines and No. 65 Saudi Arabia starts midnight Tuesday (Manila time) also at the King Abdullah Sports Center with a Gilas Pilipinas victory potentially setting the team up against Group A topnotcher Australia in the knockout quarterfinals.

“ We picked a tougher road to go but we are ready to accept that challenge no matter what,” Cone said.

The Philippines already neat Saudi Arabia twice—at the 2023 World Cup qualifiers with Jordan Clarkson and under head coach Chot Reyes, 84-46 and 76-63, at the Mall of Asia Arena and Jeddah, respectively.

But Saudi Arabia has been playing huge at home and in Group C, the hosts beat Jordan, 77-73, and India, 84-59, to close out pool play with a 2-1 record behind unbeaten China.

Taipei, 87-95, and New Zealand, 86-94, before beating Iraq.

D wight Ramos was the man of the hour for Gilas against Iraq with 21 points with three triples and six rebounds to fill in for Justin Browlee who w as off for the night with eight points— way below his 21-point average in Jeddah—on 3 of 11 shooting from the field,

seven rebounds and five assists.

No other Filipino finished in double figures with AJ Edu contributing nine points and seven rebounds.

C alvin Oftana went down late in the game with suspected sprain and is now a day-to-day decision.

The Filipinos, on the other hand, suffered consecutive losses to Chinese-

He’s still being treated for a grade 1 left ankle sprain and is on a day-to-day evaluation,” Gilas doctor Randy Molo told BusinessMirror on Sunday. “So far, he has been walking comfortably and will be tested for functional movement patterns during practice later so no game time status yet.”

Australia topped Group A at 3-0 with South Korea (1-1) and Lebanon (1-1) disputing the Nos. 2 and 3 spots and Qatar falling at the bottom winless, while Iran stayed on top in Group B w ith a 2-0 record and Japan and Guam with 1-1 cards and Syria at 0-2.

C hina went 3-0 and Saudi Arabia and Jordan 2-1 and 1-2 records, respectively, and India 0-3 in Group C while New Zealand was clean at 3-0, Chinese-Taipei went 2-1 ahead of the Philippines (1-2) and Iraq (0-3).

prominently from the spectators row to give her teammate a lift, dropped two of her bouts to bid goodbye in the women’s -57kg class. She, however, could bounce back in open ne-waza category. Napolis won by advantage against Israel’s Pnina Aronov in overtime after the round ended in a 3-3 draw and the 28-year-old grappler to advance to the gold medal match against Eon,

Elisabetta Sirto of Italy, 2-0, in women’s wushu sanda -52kg event at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Centre Gymnasium.

cheering, and it was awesome.”

Ferris emerged from the water with a strong swim split of 21:37, maintained his momentum on the bike with a 2:02:15 ride and held steady in the run in 1:20:32.

H is time was three minutes short of the 3:46:44 record set by Mexican athlete Mauricio Méndez in 2018, also in Lapu-Lapu.

brace for a nervewracking test as Round 3 of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Intercollegiate Tournament unfolds Monday at the wind-swept Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga. Perched on the fringes of Mt. Pinatubo’s sprawling plains, Pradera Verde’s w ide fairways may offer room off the tee, but the real challenge lies in its everchanging winds, tricky pin placements, and demanding green complexes. Coming off a dominant win at Caliraya Springs in Laguna, University of the Philippines (UP) standout Addie Manhit is riding a wave of confidence as she and teammates Katrisse Datoc and Alyanna Yatco defend their crowns in individual and team play. But Manhit will face tough competition from De La Salle standouts Janine Yusay and Stacey Chanin the three-to-play, two-to-count system tournament co-developed by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and the Philippine Golf Foundation. De La Salle ace Julia Lua, who dominated the pre-launch event at Sherwood Hills and Round 1 at Royal Northwoods but missed Round 2, remains a doubtful starter. A lso returning are Ateneo Team 2’s Shane Tan and Tatiana Ong and Team I’s Simi Tinio as well as College of Saint Benilde’s (CSB) Natasha Bantug.

ADDIE MANHIT (center) with International Container Terminal Services Inc. Global Corporate PR manager Bambi

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committtee president and Olympic Council of Asia Legal Committee chairman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (left) with (from left) Malaysia Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria and Badminton World Federation president Khunying

JENNA KAILA NAPOLIS in action against South Korea’s Eon Ju Im as Raph Trinidad performs his routine in wakeboarding. ROY DOMINGO

HOW VINCENT CO SUCCESSFULLY TURNED PUREGOLD INTO ONE OF THE MOST LOVED BRANDS IN THE PH TODAY

By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

PUREGOLD seems to be the name on everybody’s lips these days. The company has quickly become one of the most beloved and respected brands in the country both for their retail business and their recent contributions to pop culture.

Th at’s a growth that can be traced all the way up to the top of the company: Puregold Price Club Inc.’s president Ferdinand Vincent Co. Continuing the legacy of par-

ents Lucio and Susan, the younger Co, known as FVC, has been working for the last decade to make Puregold one of the most successful companies in the country.

Voted in as the company’s president in 2015, FVC has spent his tenure accumulating innovating to keep in touch with the growing customer base. FVC’s timely sense of the shifting market and customer needs allowed him to get ahead of the curve with the release of the Puregold Mobile app before the pandemic set in. This proved to be one of the most convenient and useful innovations for customers that needed a no-contact way to get their groceries during the pandemic.

F VC has also propelled a thriving community around major annual Puregold events. Most notably on the company’s calendar is the Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-Sari Store Convention, an annual gathering designed to empower and educate MSMEs. This year’s iteration of the convention saw over 50,000 business owners flock to the get the

best deals from participating brands looking to touch base with MSMEs.

F VC has also pursued greater sustainability within the company with a no plastic use policy in all Puregold stores every Monday and Wednesday. FVC’s drive for corporate social responsibility is furthered by the Pusong Panalo Program which continues to expand its reach year on year. More and more schools have benefited from Puregold providing solar panels, essential goods, classroom renovations, and technological donations.

F VC’s success has driven Puregold beyond just its core business as a retail brand too. In recent years, Puregold has taken an active step towards becoming a genuine cultural force within the Philippines. The bold strategy termed “retailtainment” has seen FVC push Puregold into digital media, film, and even music. Just recently concluded, a historic collaboration with major OPM acts such as BINI, SB19, KAIA, Flow G, Skusta Clee, SunKissed Lola led to the wildly successful OPM Con 2025 held at the Philippine Arena. Attended by over 30,000 fans, OPM Con 2025 was a one-of-a-kind triumph of local music—uniting artists and fans across a broad spectrum of genres and generations. Philippine Star’s Interaksyon wrote of the concert, “That night proved that OPM is not just a moment, but a strong movement. And it, indeed, was pure gold.”

F VC has successfully nurtured the loyalty of Puregold while making shrewd moves to make the company even more relevant and appealing to younger demographics. This has resulted in strong numbers as well. In 2024, Puregold recorded a P10.4 billion profit, an over 20% increase from the year prior. In the first quarter of 2025