shield the local industry from isolationism, rapid rise of automation and the “aggressive” upskilling of competitors like Vietnam. In a statement on Thursday, Joey Sarte Salceda, who also chairs local think tank Institute for Risk and Strategic Studies said he has secured the backing of the Information Technology and Business Process Associa-
tion of the Philippines (IBPAP) in a “joint push” to defend the local BPO sector from the three major threats.
Salceda said IBPAP President and CEO Jack Madrid sent him a letter, citing the former lawmaker’s “swift action” on the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 and his recommendation to consolidate advocacy efforts with IBPAP to create a “unified position” as crucial in strengthening the country’s “collective voice.”
“We fully support your call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for early engagement with Washington D.C., recognizing
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
MALACAÑANG said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is now reviewing the Konektadong Pinoy bill (KPB) as opposition to it continues to grow.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the Chief Executive has received the enrolled bill, which was ratified in the 19th Congress.
“It has been given to the President and is now being reviewed,”
she said in a press briefing last Thursday.
Earlier this week, PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. also joined mounting calls for Marcos to veto KBP citing its supposed unconstitutionality, regulatory imbalance and its potential to expose the public to cybersecurity risks.
Last June, the Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunications Association of the Philippines (FICTAP), the Philippine Association of Private Telecommunications (PAPTELCO), and the CitizenWatch Phil-
ippines have already voiced their opposition to the bill.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), however, backed the passage of the bill since it is expected to make internet services cheaper for consumers and help boost the country’s digital economy.
The DICT assured that foreign entities would be subject to multilayered national security vetting and that core digital infrastruc-
ture would remain protected under existing laws.
Castro said Marcos will get the position of all the concerned stakeholders before he decides on the matter.
PLDT said they were asked by the Office of the Deputy Secretary for Legal Affairs of the Office of the President to comment on the bill.
The measure, approved on third reading in February, seeks to ease market entry for more than 1,000 small internet providers, especially in remote and underserved areas,
TO ensure greater independence of the courts from other branches of the government and boost the efficiency of their service delivery, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) 12233 or the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act (JFAA).
The new law operationalizes the Constitutional provision, which mandates fiscal autonomy of the Judiciary branch of the government, by barring Congress from reducing its appropriations below its appropriated budget in the previous year.
Marcos said RA 12233 will help improve the service delivery of the courts.
“And this is why we continue to help the Judiciary become secure in its resources and perform its duty to serve our people without any delay,” he said during the ceremonial signing of RA 12233 last Thursday in Malacañang.
Under the new law, the proposed
budget of the Judiciary must still be submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) so it can be included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) with the agency’s comments and recommendations on its provisions.
Once the budget is enacted, the Chief Justice can augment any item in the Judiciary in the general appropriations law using the savings in other items appropriated in the said branch of the government and modify its allotment through an en banc resolution.
A Judiciary Trust Fund will also be created from the funds collected by the courts, which it can use for its urgent needs.
DBM will automatically release the budget to the Supreme Court (SC) every month.
RA 12233 also allows the SC to create new offices and reorganize its administrative structure.
In exchange for having an en-
hanced budgetary autonomy, the SC must submit accomplishment and financial reports to the President and Congress every quarter of the year.
The Judiciary expenditures and revenues will also be subject to post-audit from the Commission on Audit (COA).
The SC will release the implementing rules and regulations of RA 12233 within six months after the effectivity of the new piece of legislation.
In a related development, Marcos also signed RA 12232 last Wednesday, which deferred the conduct of the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from December 2025 to November 2026. It also set the term of all elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials from three years to four years.
The SC led by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo welcomed the
signing into law of RA 12233. In a statement, the Court said the JFAA would strengthen the constitutional guarantee under Article VIII, Section 3 of the Constitution which mandates fiscal autonomy for the judiciary.
The provision also provides that the judiciary’s budget cannot be reduced below the previous year’s allocation and must be automatically and regularly released. Despite this provision, the SC lamented that the judiciary’s budgetary requirements are sometimes unmet due to the complexities of the budget process, thus, affecting the SC’s operations and modernization efforts.
The Court said the JFAA would address this concern as it allows the SC to submit its original budget proposal directly to Congress, as an attachment to the National Expenditure Program prepared by DBM.
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
Samuel P. Medenilla and Joel R. San Juan
Local…
the importance of proactive diplomacy in safeguarding our position as a trusted global IT-BPM hub,” Madrid said in his letter to Salceda.
Salceda said his work with the industry group will center on three fronts: coordinated advocacy to counter protectionist and isolationist legislation in major client markets; futureproofing the workforce by ensuring Philippine talent can thrive alongside automation through higher-value, technology-integrated skills; and defending market leadership by positioning the Philippines ahead of “rapidly emerging” competitors like Vietnam.
“The industry employs 1.7 million Filipinos, brings in nearly $35 billion in annual export revenues, and underpins our foreign exchange reserves,” the former chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means pointed out.
“We are facing headwinds on multiple fronts, but with strategic action and strong partnerships like this with IBPAP, we can secure our place as the world’s top outsourcing destination,” he added.
In a message sent to the BusinessMirror on Wednesday, IBPAP President and CEO Jack Madrid said the industry is “closely reviewing” the recently proposed Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 and its potential implications for the industry.
The measure intends to impose restrictions on the outsourcing of call center operations by American firms.
DBM: Efficient budget use to prop up economy in H2
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
efficient budget utilization is expected to boost the country’s growth for the remainder of the year after the election-related spending ban tempered economic performance in the second quarter.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum last Thursday that the DBM will ask agencies to submit their catch-up plans.
The economy expanded by 5.5 percent in the second quarter this year, tempered by the slowdown in government final consumption expenditure
Madrid said the US is still the Philippine IT-BPM industry’s largest client base as it contributes roughly twothirds of the sector’s export revenues in 2024, or approximately $25 billion. Of the
Continued from A22
incentives are available when foreign
(GFCE), or the government’s total spending for the period.
The GFCE, which accounts for nearly 15 percent of the country’s GDP, rose by 8.7 percent in the second quarter. This dropped from 11.9 percent in the same period last year and 18.7 percent from the first quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, government disbursements reached P578.2 billion in May
production companies partner with local film outfits.
In 2023 and 2024, the DOT likewise met with Hollywood film producers to show that the Philippines can be an ideal location to shoot their movies.
2025, up by 3.8 percent year-onyear.
The DBM said this was driven by higher personnel services expenditures, transfers to local government units and interest payments, but was partially eased by lower infrastructure and other capital outlays.
While muted infrastructure spending was recorded in the months of April and May due to the election-related spending ban, the DBM said infrastructure activities were frontloaded in anticipation of the ban.
To drive government spending, Pangandaman said the improved budget utilization of underspending agencies will help support economic growth in the second half of the year.
The DBM typically issues a circular to ask all government agencies to submit their budget utilization
(See, “Hollywood execs told: More fun to film in the Philippines!” in the BusinessMirror, April 24, 2023.)
Hurdles removed for Indian travelers MEANWHILE, Frasco expressed optimism about the arrivals of more Indian tourists in the Philippines now with the visa-free travel option and Air India’s direct flights soon between New Delhi and Manila, will cut travel time to just six hours. She also noted that visas for digital nomads are now offered by the Philippines, which can “attract long-staying professionals.”
Prior to the pandemic, there were 134,963 Indian nationals who visited the Philippines. Last year, only 70,286 Indian tourists arrived. Published reports showed 30
Costly…
and Florence Bahni for “Linggop: A Community-Rooted Mental Health Care Program” (third place).
House Committee on Health Secretary Erwin Vicman R. Lara told the BusinessMirror that Congress can help move these initiatives forward.
“Primarily, of course, we can facilitate the crafting of their policy proposals into legislation,” he said.
Lara added that “most of the proposals are really very, very mobile,” explaining that these programs only need further development to determine how they can be translated into policy.
“So the whole process, for it to become a policy, for the process to be complete, that will be the role of the House,” he said.
However, Lara acknowledged that while the interest of lawmakers, and of government in general, in health is strong, “funding is another concern.”
He said this is where civil society organizations, including professionals, play a role.
“We do not always leave it to the legislator because, of course, we must lobby and advo -
reports for the first half of the year. Those with utilization rates below 50 percent will be asked to submit their detailed catch-up plans.
The catch-up plans should identify specific implementation issues that have led to low utilization or performance rates.
DBM data showed government agencies posted a cash utilization rate of 99 percent as of end-June 2025.
This means that out of the total P2.489 trillion in cash allocation notices released to line departments, local governments and state-run corporations, P2.463 trillion was used.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology recorded the lowest utilization rate at 76 percent, followed by the Department of Energy, with a utilization rate of 77 percent.
million Indian nationals traveled internationally last year, close to 43 percent higher than the 21 million in 2022. They also spent $35 billion, making them among the top 10 global spenders on outbound travel in 2024. Various surveys indicated outbound travel spending by Indian nationals to reach some $55.4 billion by 2034. At a meeting with Frasco, Indian travel professionals noted the immense potential of the Philippines as a wedding and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.
Ranjit Vig of SKAL India said, “For the destination itself, it’s not just the wedding, but it’s the various offshoots of the wedding, which become revenue generators as well.”
cate for more spending, funding for research, and scientific development, because that’s where the problems are,” he said.
Lara cited herbal and traditional medicines as an example, noting their potential not only for healthcare but also for generating economic opportunities.
“There are economic implications, you can provide livelihoods to people, it’s available, it’s accessible, it’s cheaper, then it addresses primary health care or universal health care,” he said, adding that “there are no problems with that… we already know that.”
He stressed said civil society, professionals, and concerned agencies—especially the Department of Health and DOST—should intensify lobbying efforts since budget proposals originate from executive agencies before being approved by Congress.
“We must work together…it’s a wholeof-government approach. We need to spend a lot,” Lara said, but noted that the current approach remains “too curative,” with more focus on hospitals rather than preventive measures in primary healthcare.
Lara added that while some measures require legislation, others can be implemented through executive policies. Under the Universal Health Care Act, he said, priorities should include health financing and the development of human resources for the health sector.
percent of the amount.
vestment approvals, meanwhile,
clined 64.4 percent to P67.38
“Seven out of 13 Investment Pro
motion Agencies [IPAs] reported for
eign investment approvals during the period,” the PSA said. These IPAs are the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, Board of Investments, Bangsamoro Board of Investments, Clark Development Corporation, Clark International Airport Corporation, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. PSA data showed that in terms of country of origin, Singapore was the leading source of foreign investment (FI) pledges, contributing P53.48 billion, or 79.4 percent of the total approved foreign investment. The United States of America followed with P3.96 billion or 5.9 percent, and the Netherlands with P1.91 billion or 2.8 percent of the total. Data from the PSA showed that since 2011, approved foreign investments from IPAs amounted to P4.23 trillion. The largest approval worth P408.22 billion in the first quarter of 2023 while the lowest was the P8.98 billion approved in the first quarter of 2022. The country that recorded the largest approved investments since 2011 was The Netherlands with P807.69 billion followed by Singapore with P612.22 billion worth of pledges. Other top countries that recorded the highest investment pledges were Japan with P555.7 billion; Germany, P421.84 billion; and the United States with P343.16 billion.
“Approved investments for the second quarter of 2025 are expected to generate a total of 38,234 employment, representing a 41.7 percent growth from the 26,981 employment projected in the same period of 2024,” the PSA said. Meanwhile, in the second quarter, PSA data showed projects in Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply industry continued to have the largest share, accounting for P235.62 billion or 78.8 percent of the total approved investments from Filipino and Foreigners.
The data also showed that Manufacturing accounted for P30.63 billion or 10.2 percent of total investment pledges while Information and communication had P9.45 billion or 3.2 percent.
For foreign investment approvals, the Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply industry attracted the largest share of FI, amounting to P54.75 billion or 81.2 percent of the total investment pledges. This was followed by Administrative and support service activities with P4.61 billion or 6.8 percent and Manufacturing industry with P4.46 billion or 6.6 percent of the total. By region, Bicol Region received the highest share of FI pledges, amounting to P32.21 billion or 47.8 percent of the total. It was followed by Calabarzon with P21.39 billion or 31.7 percent of the total while Central Luzon had P4.05 billion or 6 percent of the total.
through streamlined permitting, improved spectrum management, and mandatory infrastructure sharing. Foreign and local business groups said the passage of the bill “will democratize internet access, which could potentially be this administration’s greatest legacy.”
The bill, also known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, aims to break down long-standing barriers in the telecom sector by simplifying permits, promoting infrastructure sharing, and eliminating the franchise requirement for internet service providers. According to business groups, the proposed piece of legislation is “proFilipino, pro-consumer, and procompetition,” and could address the “lack” of internet access in 19,000 barangays, which represent 45.5 percent of all barangays nationwide.
www.businessmirror.com.ph
CPP-NPA rebels make up bulk of amnesty applicants
By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox
AVAO CITY—Communist
Drebels comprised the bulk of the total number of amnesty applicants this year filed at the national and local amnesty boards.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) said the National Amnesty Commission has received 3,410 applications for amnesty as of August 1 this year, of which former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front. communist organizations account for 71.4 percent.
Former members of the CPPNPA-NDF filed 2,435 applications for amnesty nationwide.
A total of 69 rebels from the CPP-NPA-NDF breakaway faction, the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawà ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary People’s Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, that is concentrated only in Negros Island, filed amnestry applications.
Mindanao accounted for almost half of the total amnesty applications, at 1,531 or 44.89 percent and slightly more than one half of Mindanao’s applications came from the CPP-NPA-NDF group. Mindanao’s big number was also contributed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front.
The MNLF, that has been in peace settlement with the government since 1996, has 166 of its remaining and aging fighters applying for amnesty, and a total of
324 nationwide, while the MILF, in peace agreement since 2014, has 493 of its fighters and leaders in Mindanao in the amnesty board’s application. Nationwide, the MILF applicants numbered 582.
The applications were filed soon after President Marcos approved the processing of amnesty applications and the grant safe conduct passes to applicants.
Only 154 passes have been issued so far to the CPP-NPA-NDF, 14 to the MILF and eight to the MNLF.
Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) reported that 110 youth from families of mujahideen, or Moro combatants, have graduated on August 12 from Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s skills training program centering on technical-vocational courses on agriculture, construction, and technology.
“Your journey has not been easy, there were many challenges and sacrifices but today, you hold proof that you can reach your dreams. The certificate you hold is not just a paper. Bring it with you as a reminder that every little step has the capacity to enrich your future,” said Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abduraof Macacua during the graduation ceremony at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in Cotabato City.
As part of the program’s livelihood support, the BYC also awarded P100,000 in peace grants to each of five selected MILF camps where youth beneficiaries underwent training to support livelihood projects.
Comelec to proceed with BSKE preparation despite postponement
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) will push through with preparations for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) even after President Marcos signed a law moving the polls to 2026. Marcos on Wednesday signed Republic Act 12232, which extends the term of barangay and SK officials from three to four years and reschedules the December 1, 2025 BSKE to the first Monday of November 2026.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the polls body will not halt preparations, citing the possibility of legal challenges that could change the timeline.
“We are not stopping the procurement process. Our preparations continue without interruption. We can say [that in a scale of 10] we’re already at around 8 to 8.5 in terms of readiness for the BSKE—whether it’s held on December 1 or reset to next year,” Garcia said in a virtual interview. He pointed out that the new law could still be questioned before the Supreme Court (SC), which might issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) that would override the postponement.
“We will wait for the possible case that may be filed with the SC. It’s premature at this point to draft the implementing rules and regulations for the law if there’s a possibility of it being questioned later. Let’s first
See “BSKE,” A4
De Lima asks DOJ to fire her ‘persecutors’
FBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
ORMER senator and now Rep. Leila de Lima has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate 10 of its prosecutors for their involvement in her alleged “persecution.”
In a letter-complaint filed at the DOJ through her lawyer Dino de Leon, de lima named the prosecutors as Provincial Prosecutor Ramoncito Bienvenido T. Ocampo, Jr., City Prosecutor Blas Antonio M. Tuliao, City Prosecutor Laurence Joel M. Taliping, Deputy City Prosecutor Leilia R. Llanes, Deputy City Prosecutor Evangeline Viudez-Canobas, Deputy City Prosecutor Darwin G. Cañete, Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Rudy B. Ricamora Jr., Senior Assistant City Prosecutor John Quincy D. Carandang, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Wendell P. Bendoval, and Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Alfred Joseph T. Jamora.
The said prosecutors were part of the panel that conducted the preliminary investigations that led to the filing of several drug-
related charges against de Lima almost eight years ago for allegedly benefitting from the illegal drug operations inside the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa during her term as justice secretary.
“As [a] then sitting Senator and later as a private citizen, I became the target of fabricated and politically-motivated cases and have suffered through the shameless weaponization of the legal system,” the letter-complaint, which was addressed to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispon Remulla, reads.
Two of the drug charges have already been dismissed by the trial courts in Muntinlupa City and were no longer pursued by government prosecutors.
The third drug case filed against her was dismissed by the trial court on May 12, 2023 but was subsequently declared null and void by the Court of Appeals (CA) upon the appeal of the Office of the Solicitor General.
The CA held that Judge Joseph Abraham Alcantara of Branch 204 of the Regional Trial Court in Muntinlupa City committed grave abuse of discretion when it acquitted de Lima and his former
bodyguard Ronnie Dayan mainly due the recantation of the prosecution’s principal witness, former Bureau of Corrections officer-incharge Rafael Ragos.
It noted that the judge failed to state the specific facts retracted by Ragos and its effects to the facts proven by the prosecution and failed to identify the specific factual statements that were purportedly retracted by the witness.
Thus, the CA ordered the case be remanded to the trial court for it to decide the case in accordance with the rules stated in the decision.
Acting on the CA’s directive, the trial court issued another ruling on June 27, 2025 which maintained its May 12, 2023 decision in favor of de Lima and her co-accused and former bodyguard Ronnie Dayan.
The prosecutors caught the ire of de Lima’s camp after they pursued the case by filing a motion for reconsideration on June 27 decision.
De Lima branded the prosecutors’ move as “unethical actuations” and called on Remulla to conduct an investigation against the prosecutors.
Remulla admitted being caught off guard by the move of
the prosecutors, thus, ordered the MR be withdrawn.
De Lima accused the prosecutors of turning a “blind-eye” to the obvious absence of material evidence to warrant the filing of charges against her.
She said the relentless pursuit of her conviction despite the recantation of key witnesses, constitutes “grave misconduct” and “gross ignorance of the law.”
De Leon, on the other hand, said the prosecutors should be removed as government prosecutors, their benefits forfeited and barred from holding any post in the government.
“I would just like to repeat that this is just the first in a series of actions that the legal team of de Lima will be filing and will be taking to ensure that we vindicate her rights and protect her interests.”
De Leon indicated that similar complaints may be filed against the said prosecutors with other appropriate offices, including the Office of the Ombudsman.
“We believe this is a public interest case because we have to protect the rule of law in this country,” de Leon stressed.
Teodoro hails Asean for peace, prosperity initiatives
AS the Southeast Asian community observes the 58th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Asean Month this August, Secretary of National Defense (SND) Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday lauded the bloc for its role in ensuring peace and prosperity in the region.
“Since its founding on August 8, 1967, Asean has been a steadfast driver of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, facing challenges through the collective resolve of its Member States,” he said in a statement.
Teodoro also called Asean—a resilient, dynamic, and peoplecentered community founded on unity, solidarity, and multilateralism.
He added that this year’s theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” reflects Asean’s commitment to ensuring that progress benefits all, leaving no one behind.
“The DND [Department of National Defense] takes pride in the achievements of the Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting [ADMM] and ADMM-Plus in encouraging trust, transparency, and interoperability among defense forces, which have strengthened our ability to respond to humanitarian crises, counter security threats, and safeguard vital sea lanes, including those in the West Philippine Sea,”
DOTr sets December target for footbridge completion
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr)
is targeting the completion of the construction of a new Kamuning Footbridge and the rehabilitation of the Kamuning Busway Station by December.
Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon said the project will provide commuters with a dedicated entrance and exit to the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) Busway in Kamuning, addressing years of complaints over the existing footbridge’s extreme height and accessibility.
“The target is to finish both the footbridge and the station by December—that’s our promise,” Dizon said on Thursday.
He noted that the new bridge’s design is “fully-compliant with mobility and accessibility standards.”
The old bridge, built by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in 2018, has been widely criticized for being too steep and inaccessible. It received the moniker “Mt. Kamuning” as critics said one had to “scale” the bridge to use it.
The P89.13-million project, funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, was awarded to Unimasters Conglomeration Inc.-Dragonhart Construction Enterprise Inc. Joint Venture for P87.33 million and will be carried out over 180 calendar days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
It includes P53.96 million
for the construction of the new footbridge—equipped with two elevators and two wheelchair lifts—and P33.26 million for the station rehabilitation. The remaining budget covers facilities for engineers, construction safety, and traffic management.
The new footbridge will directly connect both the northbound and southbound sides of Edsa to the Kamuning Busway Station, with features such as wayfinding signages to guide commuters.
The station itself will see extended and improved platforms, new waiting sheds and railings, upgraded lighting, digital clocks, tactile paving for the visually impaired, and vertical louvers to protect passengers and traffic officers from heat and rain.
Teodoro said. And as the country prepares to assume the Asean Chairmanship in 2026, Teodoro said the DND is steady in its resolve to advance practical cooperation and uphold a rules-based regional order in support of a peaceful and resilient Southeast Asia. Rex Anthony Naval
A4
Friday, August 15, 2025
Economy
Imported rice MSRP stays–DA
Twww.businessmirror.com.ph
House gives CSOs copies of NEP
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice will remain despite the temporary ban imposed on foreign rice shipments, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier lowered the MSRP for 5 percent broken imported rice to P43 per kilo from P45 on July 16.
“We will maintain the MSRP even during the two-month rice import ban,” Laurel said.
“Throughout the suspension,
we will closely monitor supply and market dynamics—especially among retailers, wholesalers, and importers—and take appropriate action to uphold market discipline.”
President Marcos slapped a temporary import ban on rice shipments starting September 1 as part of efforts to prop up the decline in farmgate prices of palay. This will be effective for 60 days.
Under Republic Act (R) 12078, the President can suspend or prohibit the importation of rice for a specific period when there is an “excessive” supply of imported or locally produced rice resulting in
an “extraordinary” decrease in local prices.
Industry sources cited the unabated entry of cheaper imported rice as the reason behind the steady decline in farmgate prices of unmilled rice that have dropped to as low as P8 per kilo.
The DA said it remains prepared to adjust policies if supply tightens, while ensuring that both farmers and consumers receive fair prices.
Despite this, the agency confirmed that specialty rice varieties, such as Japanese, black, and basmati rice, will be exempt from the ban.
Meanwhile, Laurel noted that
the duration of the suspension may be shortened or extended depending on price movements and the outcome of the main harvest in the coming months.
Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) showed that imported rice arrivals between January and July reached 2.44 million metric tons (MMT), with pending Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSICs) covering an estimated 300,000 metric tons (MT).
The Philippines consumes roughly 9.8 kilos of rice per person per month, or about 325.5 grams per day, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
WARNING that illicit trade is jeopardizing maritime security in Southeast Asia, experts have called for tougher cross-border controls across the region.
Local and regional experts issued the warning during a high-level briefing, “Combatting Illicit Trade in Southeast Asia,” organized by the Financial Times.
Daniele Marchesi, Philippines country manager of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Philippines, stressed that illicit trade goes beyond counterfeit goods and lost revenue. “It drives illicit financial flows that sustain transnational organized crime. Countries must join forces to stop it.”
Michael Eric Castillo, president and chief executive officer of local think tank CAPS and Partners Inc. (CAPS), said illicit trade poses a threat to maritime security in Southeast Asia.
“To stop illicit goods from entering the region, enforcement agencies across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, need to join forces—sharing information and coordinating their actions to detect and disrupt illegal activity,” said Castillo, who is a former undersecretary and deputy director general for operations
Power company marks third year of community projects in Pakil
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
THREE years after its launch, the Tayo Na Pakil community development program of Ahunan Power Inc. continues to bring positive impact to Pakileños through initiatives focused on education, skills development, livelihood, health and wellness, culture, and community resilience.
See “Pakil,” A16
of the National Security Council.
Considering the country’s porous maritime borders, Castillo said there is an urgent need to strengthen the maritime law enforcement capability of the Coast Guard (PCG) and the National Police Maritime Group (PNP-Margroup).
Nestor Sañares, undersecretary for peace and order of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), highlighted the need for coordinated action among Southeast Asian governments to intercept contraband before it reaches coastal areas. He described smuggling as a transnational crime that operates across borders.
Chris Humphrey, executive director of the EU-Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Council, identified three factors driving illicit trade in Southeast Asia: high excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol, a lack of intellectual property (IP) protection, and weak enforcement.
“High and overly complex tax structures, especially those with multiple tiers, can create financial incentives for illicit traders to exploit the system,” Humphrey said.
He highlighted Malaysia’s experience, where a steep tobacco tax hike aimed at curbing smoking and boosting revenue
ended up backfiring.
“Government revenues decreased, and illicit trade flourished, which now accounts for more than 60 percent of the market because of the huge profit margin,” Humphrey said.
Although a new strategic plan for Asean regional integration emphasizes reviewing IP laws, Humphrey said success ultimately boils down to enforcement.
“While regional authorities often face resource constraints, another key issue is the leniency of penalties,” he noted.
“Those apprehended are typically low-level offenders, not the masterminds behind illicit operations.”
Rohan Pike, an investigative consultant and former officer of the Australian Border Force, said illicit trade expanded sharply in Australia after the government implemented an 800 percent hike in tobacco excise taxes. He disclosed that a technical task force was formed and engaged with Asian nations, but the effort was not sustained.
Customs can only catch so much, Pike warned. “If there’s a tidal wave of goods coming in, we need stronger enforcement beyond the border.”
Pike added that illicit trade currently
accounts for over 50 percent of Australia’s market, with government revenue plunging by 60 percent in the past five years. He added that the high profitability has led illicit traders to diversify into other goods and may be fueling corruption among border authorities.
Pike reported an increase in violence against legitimate tobacco shopkeepers, attributing it to the surge in cheap illicit cigarettes priced at $8 to $10 per pack—far below the $50 to $60 cost of legal brands. He described the situation as “a disaster on every level,” particularly due to its appeal among younger consumers.
Kathyrin Fe D. Pioquinto, Director for Advocacy and Government Affairs of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, reported that a large number of the chamber’s nearly 900 members are being seriously affected by illicit trade.
According to Pioquinto, the ECCP and the Joint Foreign Chambers have submitted position papers to the Department of Finance regarding the government’s proposed policy on pre-border technical verification and crossborder electronic invoicing for imports. She noted that the Philippines has the potential to lead by integrating these tools and enhancing regional collaboration.
Legislator wants youth to take socmed courses
WITH 87 million Filipinos now online, a congressman is pushing for a bill that aims to guide young Filipinos to become responsible and discerning social media users.
Under House Bill 3519, or the proposed Social Media Education Act, Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas said students will be taught how to navigate the digital landscape safely, think critically about online content, and use the internet as a tool for positive engagement.
Vargas said the measure responds to the rapid surge in internet use in the country, stressing the need to prepare the youth to be informed, responsible, and
engaged citizens—both in the virtual space and in real life.
He said the bill, when enacted into law, will integrate social media awareness into the curricula of both primary and secondary schools, as well as in higher education programs under the National Service Training Program (NSTP).
Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Vargas noted that in 2023, more than half of Filipino households— or over 87 million people—had internet access. The Philippines also ranked among the highest in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of time spent online, with Filipinos averaging more than eight and a half hours daily, mostly on social media for networking and sharing
photos and videos.
“While the internet offers immense opportunities for education and civic engagement, it also poses serious risks, especially to our youth—such as online predators, cyberbullying, and privacy violations,” Vargas said.
Under the bill, social media awareness will be integrated into the curriculum of public and private primary and secondary schools. The program’s objectives include: showing how social media can effectively spread information; understanding its influence on public discourse and opinion; using it to promote participatory democracy; highlighting the importance of truth and accuracy
See “SocMed,” A16
IN a step toward transparency, the House of Representatives has handed over copies of the proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to civil society organizations (CSOs), allowing them to participate in the budget process from day one.
For the first time, groups representing ordinary Filipinos will be inside the budget process from day one—watching, listening, and speaking for their communities.
“This is not just about documents—it’s about trust,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said. “The budget is the lifeblood of the government. It tells our people where we are putting their hopes and their hard-earned taxes. If we want our people to trust us, they must see and feel that the budget is truly theirs.”
The ceremonial turnover of the NEP to Congress on Wednesday followed the passage of House Resolution 94. The measure institutionalizes the role of people’s organizations as nonvoting observers in House budget deliberations.
CSO leaders hailed the move as a breakthrough for public participation. “Opening the budget process from the legislative side is a big milestone,” said Maxine Tanya Hamada of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, speaking for the group.
“We represent people, communities, and issues. Knowing we are
working together under the 20th Congress is something we take very seriously,” he added. Organizations present included Social Watch, CODE-NGO, Jesse Robredo Institute of Governance, Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development, Child Rights Network, Parents Against Vape, Multiply-Ed Philippines, FOI Youth Initiative, Safe Travel PH, REID Foundation, People’s Budget Coalition/ Citizen’s Budget Tracker, and Novalerto Youth.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman formally submitted the NEP to Speaker Romualdez, who outlined key reforms to ensure an open and accountable budget process: abolishing the “small committee” that finalized changes behind closed doors, opening House-Senate budget bicameral meetings to the public and media, inviting CSOs, people’s organizations, and the private sector to hearings, strengthening oversight of budget execution, and prioritizing investments with real, measurable impact on people’s lives.
“In the coming weeks, we will review every page of this NEP guided by one question: Will this benefit our fellow citizens? If yes, we will support it. If not, we will work to improve it,” he said.
“Every peso must have a purpose; every expense must bring value to the people. Because a budget the people can trust is a government the people can believe in.”
The lower chamber will start the budget deliberations on Monday, August 18.
ERC speeds up resolution of pending cases
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Thursday vowed to resolve at the soonest time possible around 5,000 pending cases by classifying and assigning these to each commissioners. These cases include the rate reset of private distribution utilities (DUs), implementation and resets under the Rules for Setting Electric Cooperatives’ Wheeling Rates (RSEC-WR), Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) applications, approvals of Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) including Emergency PSAs (EPSAs), applications for Point-to-Point (P2P) lines, dispute resolutions, rulemaking, other rate-related cases, and unreleased Show Cause Orders (SCOs).
To address these, ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan announced that each ERC Commissioner will serve as oversight head for specific services to ensure that all cases are acted upon within the target timelines.
“The ERC means business. So, we, at the Commission, have assigned specific oversight responsibilities so that every case gets the attention it deserves,” the newlyappointed ERC chief said.
ERC commissioner Floresinda Baldo Digal also emphasized the
BSKE. . .
Continued from A3
see the judicial action of the SC. It’s almost certain that someone will question the legality of the law, so it’s only right that we wait,” Garcia explained.
But how long can the commission wait? The poll chief said that if anyone brings the matter to the High Court, it would be best if the case is resolved by September so they can decide whether to proceed with the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) in October.
In the meantime, Garcia said the commission is already completing the procurement process and could even move ahead with ballot printing, especially after signing a memorandum of agreement with
need for the ERC to establish a “true-blue reconciled case inventory” in order for the new set of Commission members to move forward efficiently. “To get rid of most of the backlogs, we need to start with a very good inventory,” Digal commented.
ERC commissioner Paris G. Real emphasized that the Commission should prioritize delayed cases filed during the time of the ERC’s predecessor, Energy Regulatory Board (ERB).
“Justice delayed is justice denied, and we would be doing a disservice to our stakeholders, to our consumers, and all parties concerned if we are unable to speedily resolve the pending cases,” Real added. Meanwhile, to streamline communications, the Commission decided to discontinue posting Notices of Commission Action (NCAs) to avoid preempting orders that might cause confusion among stakeholders. Instead, Juan said the Commission will issue decisions on matters discussed in the commission meeting within two weeks. Further, the Commission is set to implement key measures that will address the case backlog and ensure timely resolutions moving forward. Lenie Lectura
the National Printing Office. He also assured the public that Comelec has yet to spend a significant portion of the P11-billion budget initially allocated for this year’s BSKE. So far, he said, only overtime pay for election personnel has been disbursed.
Payments for election materials have yet to be made as these are still in the procurement stage and will only be billed upon initial delivery.
“We cannot just refrain from procuring or ordering this early. What if the December 1 elections had pushed through?” he said.
The SC earlier declared the 2022 BSKE postponement, unconstitutional, but allowed the elections to proceed in October 2023 under the operative fact doctrine.
Malacañang: No witch hunt in flood control mess probe
THE Palace on Thursday said the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects is not a witch hunt, but an effort to uphold transparency and accountability in government spending.
news briefing, Palace
contractors with pending flood control projects from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are still mandated to complete their contractual obligations despite being subjected to an ongoing government audit.
held responsible for previous contracts that could be considered anomalous,” she said in Filipino in a press briefing last Thursday.
“But now, if they have a contract and it must be terminated, it must be terminated under the terms and conditions stated in the contract,” she added.
Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos will not act in haste, pending the results of the investigation into the flagged infrastructure projects for flood mitigation.
Castro explained that the condition will apply even to contractors, which were linked to past controversies, but were still able to get new contracts from the government.
At the same time, Castro said
“It does not mean that [because] they have been given a new contract, they can no longer be
The said contractors, she said, may be blacklisted after they complete their pending flood control projects.
No hasty action
HINDI po kaagad-agad magsisibak
Comelec to probe bets who received donations from govt contractors
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
HE Commission on Elec -
Ttions (Comelec) will open a motu proprio investigation into candidates who may have received campaign contributions from government contractors, a violation that could lead to prison time and disqualification from public office.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said on Thursday the ban is explicit under Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code: any person or entity with a government contract for services or public works is barred from donating to a candidate or political party.
“We discussed this yesterday. We’ve already given instructions to our [Political Finance and Affairs Department] because this is one of the issues they will review. Whether it happened in 2022 or 2025 doesn’t matter—if it’s within the five-year prescriptive period, we can act on it because it’s within our jurisdiction,” Garcia said in an interview. Under the law, election offenses can be prosecuted within five years from the date of commission. For instance, violations in 2022 can still be pursued until 2027. The poll body’s move follows
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s admission that he accepted a P30-million campaign donation in 2022 from the president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., one of 15 contractors earlier named by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as getting a large share of the government’s flood control budget.
Garcia said it is also too early to say whether Escudero violated the law, emphasizing that the Comelec must first review all documents and circumstances surrounding the donation.
“It’s important to hear the full explanation of the Senate President.
A corporation or individual might have a business address at the same place, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s tied to the contractor. We have to see the full picture. We don’t want to preempt,” he added.
While corporations with government contracts are absolutely prohibited from donating, domestic corporations with no such contracts are allowed to contribute— but only up to certain amounts
Under Comelec Resolution No. 10772, these corporations may make “reasonable donations” that do not exceed 5 percent of their taxable income from the
ang Pangulo kung wala naman pong ebidensya [The President won’t immediately fire them, if there’s no evidence],” Castro said, when asked as to why officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) appeared to have been spared from accountability over the poor implementation of flood control projects.
“Ulitin po natin, mahirap po iyong tinatawag na witch hunt na dahil nasabi lang na palpak ang lahat or halos ’no, ng ibang mga proyekto patungkol sa flood control ay magsisibak na po ang
ALAWMAKER on Thursday called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to adopt a strict “one-strike policy” against its personnel implicated in corruption or irregularities.
Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos, an assistant majority leader, said swift, decisive action is needed to restore public trust and ensure infrastructure funds are spent properly.
“Public works projects are vital to national development. We cannot allow corrupt practices to
Pangulo ng mga tauhan mula DPWH [A so-called witch-hunt is difficult. It’s difficult for the President to fire DPWH officials just because all or almost all of the flood control projects are sloppy],” she added. Castro, nevertheless, assured the public that all officials who will be found negligent or involved in the anomalous flood control projects will face consequences, after a fair and thorough investigation.
See “Flood,” A16
compromise the quality, safety, and integrity of these initiatives,” Santos said.
“Pulbic Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan must adopt a zero-tolerance approach, and that starts with immediately removing officials involved in anomalies,” he added. Bonoan earlier indicated openness to taking a leave of absence if necessary, following Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez’s call amid the audit of the P200-billion flood control project.
In a
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Israeli fire kills 25 aid seekers in Gaza amidst push for Palestinian migration
By Melanie Lidman & Samy Magdy The Associated Press
TEL AVIV, Israel—Israeli gunfire killed at least 25 people seeking aid in Gaza on Wednesday, health officials and witnesses said, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again called for what he refers to as the voluntary migration of Palestinians from the war-ravaged territory.
Netanyahu wants to realize US President Donald Trump’s vision of relocating much of Gaza’s population of over 2 million people through what he refers to as “voluntary migration”—and what critics have warned could be ethnic cleansing.
“Give them the opportunity to leave! First, from combat zones, and also from the strip if they want,” Netanyahu said in an interview aired Tuesday with Israeli TV station i24 to discuss the planned offensive in areas that include Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people shelter. “We are not pushing them out but allowing them to leave.”
Witnesses and staff at Nasser and Awda hospitals, which received the bodies, said people were shot on their way to aid distribution sites or while awaiting convoys entering Gaza.
Efforts to revive ceasefire talks EFFORTS to revive ceasefire talks have resumed after apparently breaking down last month. Hamas and Egyptian officials met Wednesday in Cairo, according to Hamas official Taher al-Nounou.
Israel has no plans to send its negotiating team to talks in Cairo, Netanyahu’s office said.
Israel’s plans to widen its military offensive against Hamas to parts of Gaza it does not yet control have sparked condemnation at home and abroad, and could be intended to raise pressure on Hamas to reach a ceasefire.
The militants still hold 50 hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack that sparked the war. Israel believes around 20 are still alive. Families fear a new offensive endangers them.
When asked by i24 News if the window had closed on a partial ceasefire deal, Netanyahu responded that he wanted all hostages back, alive and dead.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told reporters that Cairo is still trying to advance an earlier proposal for an initial 60-day ceasefire, the release of some hostages and an influx of humanitarian aid before further talks on a lasting truce.
Hamas says it will only release the remaining hostages in return for the release of Palestinians im -
prisoned by Israel, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The militant group has refused to disarm.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority and Arab countries condemned Netanyahu’s remark to i24 News that he was “very” attached to the vision of a Greater Israel. He did not elaborate, but supporters of the idea believe that Israel should control not only the occupied West Bank but parts of Arab countries.
South Sudan calls reports of resettlement talks baseless ISRAEL and South Sudan are in talks about relocating Palestinians to the war-torn East African nation, The Associated Press reported Tuesday.
The office of Israel’s deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, said she was arriving in South Sudan for meetings in the first visit there by a senior Israeli government official, but she did not plan to broach the subject of moving Palestinians.
South Sudan’s ministry of foreign affairs in a statement called reports that it was engaging in discussions with Israel about resettling Palestinians baseless.
The AP previously reported that the United States and Israel have reached out to officials of three East African governments to discuss using their territories as potential destinations for Palestinians uprooted from Gaza.
Killed while seeking aid
AMONG those killed while seeking aid were 14 Palestinians in the Teina area approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from a food distribution site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, according to staff at Nasser hospital.
Hashim Shamalah said Israeli troops fired toward them as people tried to get through. Many were shot and fell while fleeing, he said.
Israeli gunfire killed five other Palestinians while trying to reach another GHF distribution site in the Netzarim corridor area, according
to Awda hospital and witnesses. The Israeli military said it wasn’t aware of any casualties from Israeli fire in that area.
GHF said there were no incidents at or near its sites Wednesday. The US and Israel support GHF, an American contractor, as an alternative to the United Nations, which they claim allows Hamas to siphon off aid. The UN, which has delivered aid throughout Gaza for decades when conditions allow, denies the allegations.
Aid convoys from other groups travel within 100 meters (328 feet) of GHF sites and draw crowds. An overwhelming majority of violent incidents over the past few weeks have been related to those convoys, the GHF said.
Israeli fire killed at least six other people waiting for aid trucks close to the Morag corridor, which separates parts of southern Gaza, Nasser hospital said.
Israel says it killed a Hamas militant who took hostages THE Israeli military said Wednesday that it killed last week a Hamas militant who took part in the 2023 attack that started the war. It blamed Abdullah Saeed Abd alBaqin for participating in the abduction of three Israeli hostages.
The Hamas-led attack abducted 251 people and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel’s air and ground offensive has since displaced most of Gaza’s population, destroyed vast areas and pushed the territory toward famine. The offensive has killed more than 61,700 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many were fighters or civilians but says around half were women and children.
The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The UN and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on war casualties. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own.
Trump warns of ‘very severe consequences’ if Putin does not agree to stop war after summit
By Geir Moulson & Sylvie Corbet The Associated Press
BERLIN—President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that there will be “very severe consequences” if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to stop the war against Ukraine after the two leaders meet for a summit later this week in Alaska.
Trump made the comment in response to a question from a reporter after announcing this year’s Kennedy Center Honors recipients in Washington. He did not say what the consequences might be.
The remark came soon after Trump consulted with European leaders, who said the president assured them he would make a priority of trying to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine when he speaks with Putin on Friday in Anchorage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined several of Kyiv’s main
allies in the virtual meeting with the US leader, and Zelenskyy told the group that Putin “is bluffing” ahead of the planned summit about Russia’s ability to occupy all of Ukraine and shake off sanctions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said afterward that “important decisions” could be made in Alaska, but he stressed that “fundamental European and Ukrainian security interests must be protected.”
Merz convened Wednesday’s meeting in an attempt to make sure European and Ukrainian leaders are heard ahead of the summit.
He stressed that a ceasefire must come at the beginning of negotiations. He told reporters that Trump “also wants to make this one of his priorities” in the meeting with Putin.
At a separate appearance in France, French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump “was very clear” that the US wants to achieve a ceasefire at the summit.
Following Friday’s summit, Macron added, Trump will “seek a future trilateral meeting”—one involving Trump, Putin and Zelenskyy. He said he hoped that it could be held in Europe “in a neutral country that is acceptable to all parties.”
Merz, who described Wednesday’s conversation as “constructive and good,” said the Europeans made clear that “Ukraine must sit at the table as soon as there are follow-up meetings.”
European allies have pushed for Ukraine’s involvement in any peace talks, fearful that discussions that exclude Kyiv could otherwise favor Moscow.
The Ukrainian president, who traveled to Berlin to join the meeting alongside Merz, has repeatedly cast doubt on whether Putin would negotiate in good faith. He said Wednesday that he hoped an immediate ceasefire will be “the central topic” in Alaska, but also argued that Putin “definitely does not want peace.”
By Shruti Srivastava, Dan Strumpf & Satviki Sanjay
INDIA’S largest shoemaker Farida Group had already staked out the land—a 150-acre plot in southern Tamil Nadu—for a sprawling new export facility. Then came the blow from Washington: President Donald Trump announced he was doubling tariffs on Indian exports to 50 percent.
For Farida, which supplies brands like Cole Haan and Clarks and depends on the US for about 60 percent of its business, the impact was immediate. New orders stopped. The 10 billion rupee ($114 million) project froze.
“With 25 percent tariffs, you can still work, you can give some discount, negotiate with the buyer and make some adjustments in your profits,” Rafeeque Ahmed, the company’s chairman, said in an interview. “At 50 percent, you don’t have anything.”
Farida is hardly alone. Trump’s move would give India the highest tariff rate in Asia, threatening a manufacturing sector that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spent a decade trying to build to take on the likes of China. The “Make in India” campaign was supposed to lift manufacturing to 25 percent of the economy. Last year, it stood at just 13 percent—lower than the 16 percent in 2015, according to World Bank data.
The last few years did offer glimmers of the future Modi had envisioned. Apple Inc. scaled up iPhone assembly in India, making the country the second-largest smartphone producer after China. Pharmaceuticals and green tech have also gained ground. The US—whose policies and actions accelerated companies’ adoption of a “China Plus One” strategy to diversify supply chains—is now India’s biggest export market and one of its top sources of foreign investment.
That progress is suddenly vulnerable. While the tariff hike spares smartphones and pharmaceuticals for now, it puts the rest of India’s $87 billion in US-bound ex -
ports on the line. “Forget China Plus One right now. Companies are thinking India Plus One,” Ahmed said. “They are making plans to move out of India.”
India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump says the tariff hike is punishment for India’s purchase of discounted oil from Russia, which he argues helps fund President Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine. But India was the only major economy to be hit with such “secondary tariffs,” even though China is the largest overall buyer of Moscow’s crude.
If the 50 percent rate holds, Bloomberg Economics estimates US-bound exports from India could fall by 60 percent and put nearly 1 percent of gross domestic product at risk. Without exemptions for pharmaceuticals and electronics, the decline could reach 80 percent. Even the earlier 25 percent rate—already higher than in Vietnam, Malaysia or Bangladesh, was enough to threaten a 30 percent drop in exports. For comparison, Chinese goods face about a 30 percent US tariff.
“In addition to the economic challenge, politically it’s difficult for Prime Minister Modi that India now pays a higher blanket rate than China,” said Alexander Slater, head of the India practice at consulting firm Capstone.
China is pressing on other fronts as well. Beijing wants to limit tech transfers and equipment exports to India and
Southeast Asia, aiming to deter companies from relocating production, Bloomberg previously reported. China’s rare earth curbs also hit Indian automakers earlier this year.
At the same time, Trump’s tariffs have opened the door for closer India-China ties. Direct flights may resume as soon as next month, and Beijing has eased restrictions on urea exports to India. The two sides are discussing resuming border trade of locally made goods after more than five years, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.
“In a no-deal scenario, we estimate a drag of up to 1.5 percentage points on long-term potential GDP growth, relative to our optimistic outlook of 9 percent by 2030. The impact is likely to stem from weaker sentiment, lower investments, falling exports and a setback to India’s manufacturing ambitions,” said Bloomberg economist Chetna Kumar.
On the factory floor, anxiety over the US tariff is palpable. Ajay Sahai, chief executive officer of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations, said exporters could see demand fall 20 percent in the short term. The timing couldn’t be worse: summer 2026 orders are being placed right now, but with tariffs sitting at 50 percent, buyers are balking.
“I’ve been getting 80 to 90 calls every day concerning these issues from exporters seeking solutions and ways out,” he said. “It’s difficult to do business in such a tariff environment.”
Economists urge China to strengthen yuan amid trade tensions and growth concerns
By Bloomberg News
AGROWING chorus of economists and former officials in the US and Europe is urging Beijing to strengthen the yuan, warning that prolonged undervaluation may escalate trade tensions and distort China’s growth model.
At least three researchers have issued studies or commentaries at think tanks in the past month, including the US-based Council on Foreign Relations, spotlighting the yuan’s suppressed real value and its role in supporting China’s export competitiveness.
The calls come as US and Chinese officials push ahead with tariff negotiations, with market expectations that foreign exchange might be a talking point. The commentaries also underscore how the yuan may shift as China explores policies to boost domestic demand and reduce reliance on exports. These discussions may help in influencing the US Treasury’s decision on whether to label China a currency manipulator in the coming months.
“The time has come for Chinese authorities to allow the renminbi to appreciate substantially,” Mark Sobel, a former
40-year veteran at the US Treasury, wrote in an Aug. 6 commentary for the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum, a UK-based think tank where he’s US chairman.
The “massively undervalued” yuan has long been integral to China’s growth model, Sobel said. He cited undervaluation estimates ranging from 8.5 percent by the International Monetary Fund to more than 20 percent by the Brookings Institution.
The yuan’s real effective exchange rate, a measure by the Bank for International Settlements that’s frequently cited as evidence of undervaluation, now stands at the lowest level since 2011, partly attributable to price deflationary pressures from soft domestic demand.
The low REER also results from a weaker exchange rate against the currency basket China uses to guide the yuan. In spot terms, the onshore yuan has gained just 1.7 percent versus the dollar this year, even as Bloomberg’s gauge of the greenback has fallen more than 8 percent. The yuan has depreciated against 19 out of 24 currencies of China’s major trading partners.
“There is a clear case for more exchange
Some factories are slashing prices to hold on to customers. The only way to retain buyers is by giving huge discounts, said Sudhir Sekhri, managing director at apparel maker Trend Setters Group. Spring and summer orders account for roughly 65% of his firm’s revenue. In Mumbai, Sharad Kumar Saraf, managing director of Technocraft Group, which produces scaffolding, textiles and other goods, is running the numbers to reduce costs for buyers. About a third of its sales are headed for the US. “Additional tariffs is unwarranted and uncalled for and will impact our trade severely,” he said. There’s still the possibility for a reprieve. US and Indian officials are continuing trade talks, with the hopes of landing the first tranche of a bilateral trade deal this fall that could dial back tariffs. Trump will also meet Putin in Alaska this week to discuss Ukraine—any breakthrough there could strengthen the case for dropping America’s oil-related levies.
But time is not on India’s side. The longer the uncertainty drags on, the more companies will start looking elsewhere. India’s share in many of these product categories is small and US brands can shift their supply chains quickly if they decide to, said P Senthilkumar, partner at Vector Consulting Group.
The tariff threat feels personal for Farida Group, whose shoe plants employ about 23,000 people, with over half producing for the US. Every paused shipment or canceled order brings painful choices— whether to halt or slow production, or let go of staff who have spent years honing their craft.
“You can’t take business decisions in such uncertainty,” said Ahmed. “What will happen to workers? Shall I send them back? They have been with me for years, they are skilled workers, I can’t just send them back.”
“Workers would be one of the biggest sufferers,” he added.
With assistance from Yasufumi Saito/ Bloomberg
rate flexibility and for a fundamental change in the People’s Bank of China’s currency management system,” said Juergen Matthes, an economist at the German Economic Institute. “It is no longer acceptable to the world that China manages its currency the way it does.”
The yuan’s “unfair” undervaluation against the euro was a key cause of Europe’s merchandise trade deficit with China, Matthes wrote in a July 23 study for the institute, suggesting “trade policy action is urgently warranted” as China looks to divert exports to non-US markets.
The Chinese central bank has repeatedly said it will keep yuan basically stable.
A PBOC official said earlier this year that China doesn’t seek a competitive advantage through yuan depreciation.
The PBOC didn’t immediately reply to a Bloomberg fax seeking comments.
Treasury’s callout WITH the yuan’s depreciation despite robust exports, the issue may surface in the next US report on foreign exchange, Brad Setser, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a former Treasury official, wrote in a July 16 commentary on the think tank’s website.
The US Treasury Department refrained from labeling China as a currency manipulator in its foreign-exchange report in June, but criticized Beijing for the lack of transparency around its exchangerate policies and practices. The semiannual report has been released in June and November in the past three years.
Markets are watching to see whether China’s campaign against industrial overcapacity—alongside the recent, modest uptick in the PBOC’s yuan fixings—will lead to a recovery of yuan’s real effective exchange rates.
With assistance from Masaki Kondo, Yujing Liu and Fran Wang/Bloomberg
Continued from A 9
Zelenskyy said Putin “is trying to apply pressure...on all sectors of the Ukrainian front” in an attempt to show that Russia is “capable of occupying all of Ukraine.” Putin is also bluffing that sanctions “do not matter to him and are ineffective,” he added. “In reality, sanctions are very helpful and are hitting Russia’s war economy hard.”
The stakes for Europe
TRUMP has said he wants to see whether Putin is serious about ending the war, now in its fourth year, describing Friday’s summit as “a feel-out meeting” where he can assess the Russian leader’s intentions. Yet Trump has disappointed allies in Europe by
and the president was dismissive of Zelenskyy and his need to be part of an effort to seek peace. Trump said that following Friday’s summit, a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders could be arranged, or that it could also be a meeting with “Putin and Zelenskyy and me.”
The Europeans and Ukraine are wary that Putin, who has waged the biggest land war in Europe since 1945 and used Russia’s energy might to try to intimidate the European Union, might secure favorable concessions and set the outlines of a peace deal without them.
The overarching fear of many European countries is that Putin will set his sights on one of them next if he wins in Ukraine.
Merz said that “if there is no movement on the Russian side in Alaska, then the United States and the Europeans should and must increase the pressure” on Moscow.
Corbet reported from Paris. Associated Press writers Annie Ma in
A MANUFACTURING facility operated by Bharat FIH, a unit of Foxconn Technology Group, in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, India. PHOTOGRAPHER: DHIRAJ SINGH/BLOOMBERG
Japan and China commemorate World War II anniversary on different dates
By Ken Moritsugu The Associated Press
BENXI, China—Eighty years after the end of World War II, Japan and China are marking the anniversary with major events, but on different dates and in different ways.
Japan remembers the victims in a solemn ceremony on Aug. 15, the day then-Emperor Hirohito announced in a crackly radio message that the government had surrendered, while China showcases its military strength with a parade on Sept. 3, the day after the formal surrender on an American battleship in Tokyo Bay.
Japan occupied much of China before and during WWII in a devastating and brutal invasion that, by some estimates, killed 20 million people. The wartime experience still bedevils relations between the two countries today.
A museum in the Chinese city of Benxi highlights the struggles of anti-Japanese resistance fighters who holed up in log cabins through fierce winters in the country’s northeast, then known as Manchuria, before retreating into Russia.
They returned only after the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and launched an offensive into Manchuria on Aug. 9, 1945—the same day the US dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki—adding to the pressure on Japan to surrender.
Nowadays, it is China’s military that raises alarm as it seeks to enforce the government’s territorial claims in the Pacific. When Japan talks of building up its defense to counter the threat, its militaristic past gives China a convenient retort.
“We urge Japan to deeply reflect on its historical culpability, earnestly draw lessons from history and stop using hype over regional tensions and China-related issues to conceal its true intent of mili -
tary expansion,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said last month.
Japan’s surrender broadcast HIROHITO’S prerecorded surrender broadcast on Aug. 15, 1945, was incomprehensible to many Japanese. He used arcane language and the sound quality was poor.
What was important, historians say, was that the message came from the emperor himself. Hirohito was considered a living god, and the war was fought in his name. Most Japanese had never heard his voice before.
“The speech is a reminder of what it took to end the wrong war,”
Nihon University professor Takahisa Furukawa told The Associated Press in 2015. The current emperor, Hirohito’s grandson Naruhito, and the prime minister are set to make remarks at the annual ceremony in Tokyo on Aug. 15, broadcast live by public broadcaster NHK. At last year’s event, Naruhito expressed deep remorse over Japan’s actions during the war. But on the same day, three Japanese cabinet ministers visited Tokyo’s Yasukuni shrine, drawing criticism from China and South Korea, which see the shrine as a symbol of militarism.
Powerful sister of North Korean leader denies removal of front-line speakers
By Kim Tong-Hyung The Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea—The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday dismissed South Korean claims that the North is removing some of its loudspeakers along the inter-Korean border, mocking the government in Seoul for clinging to hopes of renewed diplomacy between the war-divided rivals.
South Korea’s military said over the weekend that it had detected the North removing some of its loudspeakers, days after the South dismantled its own front-line speakers used for anti-North propaganda broadcasts in a bid to ease tensions.
Kim Yo Jong reiterated previous North Korean statements that it has no immediate interest in reviving long-stalled negotiations with Washington and Seoul, citing an upcoming joint military exercise between the allies as proof of their continued hostility toward Pyongyang.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff did not disclose where it spotted the North removing some of its speakers. The North Korean speakers that have been visible from civilian-accessible border areas in the South were still seen by Associated Press photojournalists after the military’s announcement.
During a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, South Korea’s new liberal President Lee Jae Myung described the North’s alleged steps as a “reciprocal measure” and expressed hope the Koreas could “gradually reopen dialogue and communication.”
Kim accused Lee’s government of misleading the public, saying that North Koreans “have never removed loudspeakers installed on the border area and are not willing to remove them.” When asked about Kim’s com -
ments, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson, Col. Lee Sung Joon, maintained that the South’s military had confirmed the removal of some North Korean speakers and cautioned against “being easily swayed” by North Korean statements with political intent.
“It has always been the case that North Korea often makes claims that aren’t true,” he said.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said in a statement that Seoul will continue to pursue “sustained steps” to improve relations but acknowledged that the process will require patience.
No interest in talks with the US KIM YO JONG also dismissed South Korean media speculation that the North may use this week’s planned meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump to convey a message to Washington via Moscow.
“Why should we send a message to the US side,” she said, adding that the North has no interest in talks with the Americans.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea has made Russia the priority of its foreign policy and has sent thousands of troops and large supplies of military equipment, including artillery and missiles, to help fuel Russia’s war.
North Korean and Russian state media said Wednesday that Kim Jong Un and Putin held a phone call to discuss their deepening ties and war efforts against Ukraine.
Russia’s TASS news agency said Putin also shared with Kim information about his upcoming talks with Trump in Alaska on Friday, but the North Korean reports did not mention the Trump meeting.
Kim Yo Jong had also released statements in July dismissing
China marks Victory Day JAPAN surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, in a ceremony on board the American battleship USS Missouri. The foreign minister, in a top hat and tails, and the army chief signed on behalf of Hirohito. The signatories on the other side were US Gen. Douglas MacArthur and representatives from China and other nations that had fought Japan.
China designated the next day, Sept. 3, as Victory Day. ELEVEN years ago, the Communist Party stepped up how China marks the anniversary. All of China’s top leaders, including President Xi Jinping, attended a commemorative event on Sept. 3. The renewed focus came at a time of rising tension with Japan over conflicting interpretations of wartime history and a still-ongoing territorial dispute in the East China Sea. The next year, China staged a military parade on the 70th anniversary of the end of the war. A decade later, preparations are underway for another grand parade with missiles, tanks and fighter jets overhead. Russian President Vladimir Putin is among those expected to attend.
Washington and Seoul’s stated desires to restart diplomacy aimed at defusing the North’s nuclear program, which derailed in 2019 following a collapsed summit between her brother and Trump during his first term.
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.
The South Korean military said the North stopped its broadcasts in June, after Lee ordered to halt South’s broadcasts in his government’s first concrete step toward easing tensions between the wardivided rivals.
The South’s military began removing its speakers from border areas last week but did not say if they would be redeployed if tensions flared again.
The issue of loudspeakers NORTH Korea, extremely sensitive to any outside criticism of its authoritarian leadership and its thirdgeneration ruler, had seen South Korea’s anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts as a major provocation.
The South’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 Jong Un has been pushing to eliminate the influence of South Korean pop culture and language among the population, in part of attempts to strengthen his family’s dynastic rule.
The 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.
JAPANESE people kneel in front of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo as Emperor Hirohito announced on radio that Japan was defeated in the World War II, on Aug. 15, 1945. KYODO NEW VIA
Legislator wants use of plain language in govt
IN line with the celebration of Buwan ng Wika, a lawmaker has filed the proposed Plain Language for Public Service Act to make government communications more inclusive and accessible.
In filing House Bill 2880, Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas said his proposal seeks to institutionalize the use of plain language and local mother tongues in essential government documents and communications. These include application forms, health bulletins, voting materials, disaster advisories, and barangay-level announcements. The bill aims to eliminate jargon
She also urged the public to report irregularities through the newly-launched “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website.
“Alamin po natin kung ano ang kanilang mga responsibilidad, kung anuman ang naging kanilang mga negligence at kung makikita po ng
SocMed. . .
Continued from A4
online; encouraging fair and responsible platform use; and sharpening students’ discernment and critical thinking skills.
Pangulo, agad-agad ito hindi naman po mag-aatubili na sila ay sibakin sa puwesto [Let’s find out what their responsibilities are, what their negligence was, and if the President sees it, he won’t hesitate to fire them immediately],” Castro said.
When asked whether Marcos has given a timeline for the investigation, Castro said there was none. Marcos, however, has directed
The Department of Education (DepEd), in consultation with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), will be tasked to craft the necessary measures to meet these objectives.
and overly technical terms that often alienate citizens, particularly in rural or linguistically diverse communities.
“With the many languages in our country, it is crucial that government information is fully understood by our people,” Vargas said. “As we celebrate Buwan ng Wika, we are reminded that language is a tool of empowerment—and no one should be excluded from public service because of how we communicate.”
The measure also establishes guidelines for selecting appropriate languages based on locality and mandates training for government personnel to ensure effective implementation.
the fact-finding body to act with urgency, Castro added.
The Palace official also called on everyone with knowledge of wrongdoings, including Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, to come forward and shed light on alleged irregularities in the flood control projects.
“Lahat ng makakalap ninyo dokumento, lahat ng makakalap ninyong mga facts, data ibigay na agad sa Pan-
“This legislation is about removing language barriers in government transactions. When people understand the information they receive, they are more likely to trust, participate in, and benefit from government services,” added Vargas.
Observed every August, Buwan ng Wika highlights the role of language in shaping cultural identity and nation-building.
For Vargas, it is also the perfect time to underscore how language can bridge gaps in governance and public engagement.
“A government that speaks the people’s language is a government that truly serves,” Vargas added. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
gulo, katulad noong sinasabi nga ni Mayor Magalong. Ibigay ninyo na ang pangalan ng 67 congressmen, para kung kinakailangan makasuhan [All the documents, facts and data gathered will be immediately submitted to the President, including the revelation of Mayor Magalong. The names of the 67 congressmen should be disclosed, so that charges will be filed, if necessary],” she said. Samuel Medenilla with PNA
Pakil. . .
Continued from A4
Ahunan Power is a renewable energy company under Prime Infra and the developer of a large-scale pumped storage project in Pakil, Laguna. It collaborates closely with Prime Infra’s corporate social arm, Prime Infra Foundation, for the implementation of Tayo Na Pakil.
“We have always sought to create a socially inclusive environment for our host communities, and we are proud to do so through the Tayo Na Pakil program. The program is designed to respond to the needs of Pakileños, offering a diverse range of initiatives that address various aspects of community life—from education to livelihood,” the company said in a statement.
“The strong support of our provincial stakeholders has been vital to ensuring the program’s effective implementation and to reinforcing our community engagement efforts. With this partnership, we are confident in helping shape a brighter and more sustainable future for Pakil,” it added.
To date, the program has pro -
DPWH. . .
Continued from A5
vided and continues to implement a wide range of social initiatives that benefit multiple sectors across Pakil. These include health and resilience assistance to more than 3,000 community members; sponsoring 60 scholars of technical-vocational education; conducting school-based programs for over 7,000 students; and extending support to nearly 100 trainees of livelihood and start-up capital programs. Residents affected by the heavy rains last July also received assistance and support through the Tayo Na Pakil program’s relief efforts, including a feeding program, distribution of relief packs, and provision of medicines.
Leah Mendiola, a teacher at Pakil Senior High School, earlier expressed gratitude to Ahunan Power and Prime Infra Foundation for the program’s initiatives that resulted in improvements within the school. This include the provision of a canteen and repairs in their computer room, which have greatly benefited the students. She also cited youth programs that help expound the students’ awareness on topics important for the community, such as climate change adaptation.
year before the polls.
Comelec said it will continue reviewing the Statements of
House Bill 3519 forms part of a package of youth-oriented measures designed to equip young Filipinos with the knowledge, values, and skills to become informed, responsible, and engaged citizens—both in the real and digital spheres. Among these proposals is House Bill 3516, or the Compulsory Voter Education Act, which seeks to prepare future voters for meaningful and responsible participation in democratic processes. Another is House Bill 3517, or the Human Rights Education Act, which mandates the inclusion of comprehensive human rights education in all public and private schools to help students understand, defend, and respect human rights.
Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) filed by candidates, noting they will also look into a donor’s records through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Garcia said the commission is already prioritizing the review of SOCEs submitted by 61 senatorial candidates to ensure “complete transparency and accountability” to the public.
“I am hopeful that these youth-centered laws will help shape an empowered generation that will strengthen our democracy,” Vargas said as the country marks Linggo ng Kabataan. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
Candidates and political parties proven guilty face one to six years in prison and disqualification from public office, while government contractors may also lose their license or permit to operate.
Recently, Santos urged the DPWH to replace the Las PiñasMuntinlupa district engineer over alleged questionable transactions, including the unauthorized transfer of funds for flood control projects.
Santos also urged Senator Mark Villar, now chair of the Senate Committee on Public Works, to initiate an inquiry following Sen. Ping Lacson’s disclosure that more than P2 trillion has been spent on flood control projects—including drainage and desilting—over the past 15 years.
“These cases show that the DPWH has both the authority and the precedent to act decisively. It’s
time to institutionalize a strict, one-strike policy that reinforces accountability across all regional and district offices,” Santos said. The lawmaker, likewise, recommended transferring or placing on floating status any district engineer linked to ghost projects, contractor payoffs, or other anomalies—citing similar measures in other agencies.
He said that similar measures have been successfully implemented in other government agencies.
He noted that in 2019, the National Police enforced a one-strike policy against illegal gambling and drug-related offenses, immediately relieving station commanders and chiefs of police for their subordinates’ violations.
Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
DA creates commodity councils to boost PHL agriculture and enhance global trade potential
THE Department of Agricul-
ture (DA) created councils for agricultural commodities to bolster local and international trade and enhance farm productivity.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Memorandum Order (MO) 45, which will establish 43 industry commodity boards, including cacao, coffee, coconut, and Hass avocado, among others.
“The Philippines is an agricultural country with a variety of crops that play a key role in its economy and livelihoods. The diversity of crops across the country highlights the country’s agricultural potential,” the DA said.
“However, each crop faces distinct challenges that affect productivity. These include issues such as pests and diseases, fluctuating market prices, limited access to modern technology, and poor infrastructure.”
Under MO 45, the commodity boards would hold a monthly meeting “or as often as may be necessary” to inform the DA chief of the urgent issues confronting the respective commodities or industries.
The agency noted that the industry commodity boards would strengthen collaboration and dialogue between industry leaders, government agencies, and other stakeholders, which will foster “a deeper understanding” of the challenges that beset farmers on the ground.
“We can better organize and address the specific needs of each crop sector, leading to higher agricultural productivity,” the DA said.
These boards would be crucial in transforming the country’s farm sector into a more efficient, resilient, and globally competitive industry, according to the agency.
“Our aim is to boost local production to not only meet domestic demand but also expand into international markets, increasing exports and strengthening the nation’s position in global trade.”
The industry commodity boards will be composed of representatives from the government and the private sector.
“Taking immediate action to establish these boards will have a lasting, positive impact on the country’s economic growth and food security.”
Laurel earlier said the the agency will seek higher budget next year to bolster the high-value crops sector. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/06/23/daeyes-%E2%82%B1170-billion2026-budget/)
According to the DA chief , the composition of the proposed budget for 2026 would slightly veer from rice and instead increase the funding earmarked for high-value crops, such as sugarcane, onion, and coconut.
“We have to put priority on so many other agricultural sectors. As I said, everything is a priority,” Laurel told reporters in a previous interview.
“For the last few years, we’ve put so much into rice, which is also necessary. But with the RCEF, I think it’s time to put emphasis on the others also.” Ada Pelonia
Indian engineering firm to set up WTE facility in New Clark City to power over 10,000 homes
By Andrea San Juan @andreasanjuan
INDIAN engineering firm Uttamenergy Limited is pouring at least P4 billion of investments into a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in New Clark City in Tarlac, which is seen to provide electricity to over 10,000 homes, according to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
The state-run firm said the WTE investment was one of the major infrastructure agreements secured by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his state visit to India last week.
“The deal will pave the way for the Philippines’ most advanced WTE facility in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. The facility will process 600 metric tons of municipal solid waste daily and generate 12 megawatts [MW] of electricity, enough to power over 10,000 homes,” BCDA said in a statement on Thursday.
The state-run firm explained that the P4 billion investment will only cover the construction of the initial four hectares of the facility as the facility is seen to expand by additional six hectares.
“The expansion could bring in several billion pesos more in follow-on investment and significantly increase processing capacity and energy output,” the BCDA noted.
BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang explained that this investment delivers “direct national value and reinforces our transition to clean energy.”
The BCDA chief also noted that this project supports modern waste management for cities and brings “high-impact” foreign capital into of the Philippines’ “most strategic areas.”
As to the economic contributions of this investment, BCDA said the project is seen to generate approximately 300 jobs during the construction phase and over
100 full-time positions during operations.
The state run-firm pointed out that in terms of procurement, local labor and supply chains will be prioritized to support livelihoods across Tarlac and nearby provinces.
“The facility will also catalyze downstream industries in waste recovery, transport, and energy services,” BCDA said.
The construction will begin within two years from the effective date while the commercial operations will start within three years of contract signing.
The WTE consortium includes Global Heavy Equipment and Construction Corporation and ATD Waste-to-Energy Corporation from the Philippines, alongside India’s Uttamenergy, a “regional leader” with WTE and biomass facilities across Asia and Africa.
The agreement is aligned with the Marcos Jr. administration’s energy and environmental priorities, including the Philippine Energy Plan and the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, which mandates more efficient solid waste processing by local governments and producers.
Located within the 9,450-hectare New Clark City, BCDA said the facility will serve as a “scalable model for clean industrial infrastructure.” Further, the state-run firm said this investment is part of the BCDA’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
BCDA said the plant will utilize German-engineered Enviropower technology from MARTIN GmbH for high-efficiency, low-emission waste combustion.
Angara: DepEd is committed to solving classroom shortage
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
EDUCATION Secretary Juan Edgardo
“Sonny” Angara has assured that the Department of Education (DepEd) is committed to resolving the classroom shortage with urgency and efficiency, amid questions raised over the expensive classroom projects of the agency.
“Under current set-up, DepEd identifies classroom needs, sets design and safety
standards, and programs the funds,” Angara said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), he said, directly “receives” the fund and handles the cost estimates, procurement, and actual construction.
“We thank the Department of Budget and Management [DBM] for placing a special provision that will allow us to partner with other agencies under the 2026 National Expenditure Plan [NEP],” Angara said, adding that they are strengthening planning, streamlining coordi-
nation with DPWH, adopting disaster-resilient designs, and opening the door to more flexible approaches—including partnerships with local government units (LGUs), nongovernment organization (NGOs) and the private sector—as directed by the President in his recent State of the Nation Address.
“Our goal is clear: to deliver safe, adequate, and timely classrooms for every learner, everywhere in the country,” he stressed.
Closing classroom gap
TO heed President’s direction to close the country’s classroom gap faster, the DepEd has pushed for more flexibility in tapping more implementing actors in its School Building program, including different LGUs and private entities, in the 2026 NEP. Angara said that LGUs and private partners should also be tapped as implementers so that resources can be matched with the right builders—particularly in far-flung and disasterprone areas where classrooms are most needed.
“NagpasoktayongSpecial Provision on flexibility sa 2026 NEP. Dahilmadalasringtumutugon angDPWH samgakalamidad,naisnatingbumuo ng pool ngmasmaraming implementing actors upang matiyak na magpapatuloy ang mga proyektonangwalangaberya,” Angara said
He also shared that LGUs can use its Special Education Fund (SEF), while the private sector can contribute through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Adopt-a-School program.
“Kailangan nating buksan ang pinto para makasali ang LGU, NGO, at iba pang handang tumulong para mapabilis ang pagpapatayo. Ang mahalaga, kung saan may pondo, dapat maymarunongatmabilisnatagapagpatayo,” Angara said.
The DepEd chief explained that solving the classroom backlog is not just a matter of building more, but building smarter.
The department has drawn up a classroom master plan that uses school-level data, demographic trends, and site assessments to identify urgent needs. Programming and budgeting
follow under the Basic Education Facilities Fund and Quick Response Fund.
Once funds are in place, implementers can take on construction. DepEd engineers monitor progress on the ground, with inter-agency validation to ensure quality and transparency.
Master plan ANGARA said DepEd is also adopting floodresilient and stilted designs so learning can continue even in schools hit by seasonal floods or strong typhoons.
Flood-resilient structures will have open ground floors for classrooms or multipurpose halls during dry months, and elevated upper floors that remain usable when water levels rise. In coastal and typhoon-prone areas such as the Bicol Region, classrooms will be built on stilts, with reinforced, waterproofed concrete roofing to withstand extreme winds. Beyond ongoing projects, DepEd has thrown its support behind the proposed Classroom Building Acceleration Program (CAP) under Senate Bill No. 121. The department has recommended that the measure be anchored on a national classroom master plan, clear role-sharing between national agencies, LGUs, and private partners, targeted prioritization of high-need areas, and a centralized monitoring system for all school building efforts.
DepEd is also updating its national classroom master plan using demographic projections, a prioritization index, and schoollevel data.
It is consolidating LGU and public-private partnership projects into a central database and seeking 2026 budget provisions to allow more flexibility in assigning implementers. Kung gusto nating walang batang maiiwan,kailangankumilostayonglahat—mula national hanggang lokal, mula gobyerno hanggangpribadongsektor.Sama-samanating dapat tiyakin na may silid-aralan ang bawat bata, kahit nasa bundok, isla, o baybayin na binabaha,” Angara said.
₧82.6M Koica-funded cold chain hub to boost fisherfolk incomes in Palawan
AN P82.6-million cold chain and distribution hub for seafood funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) has been launched as part of efforts to increase fisherfolk’s income and bolster the coastal economy.
According to Good Neighbors, the launching of the Northern Palawan Cold Chain and Distribution Hub for Seafood marked a critical step towards improving market access for fisherfolk across Palawan.
The three-year Koica-led initiative, which will end in 2026, was implemented by Good Neighbors in partnership with the municipalities of El Nido and Taytay, the provincial government of Palawan, and local fisherfolk cooperatives.
Located near key fishing grounds, the hub features 10-metric ton (MT) cold and frozen storage, a 2-MT ice-making machine, and two refrigerated trucks.
Good Neighbors said this would enable safer, fresher storage and improved distribution. This will also be operated by local cooperatives to ensure community ownership and long-term sustainability.
With this, the project aims to increase the income of fisherfolk and cooperatives, expand cooperative business operations and distribution networks, and evelop additional income sources such as aquaculture of sea cucumber and seaweed.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa stressed importance of Korean-non-government organization (NGO) partnerships in the Philippines.
“This facility reflects the shared commitment of the Korean Government, KOICA, and Korean NGOs to work hand in hand with
local partners for sustainable, inclusive development.”
For his part, Secretary General of Good Neighbors Global Impact Foundation Jinyoung Hyun said this would help prolong the shelf life of the commodity.
“This cold chain and distribution hub is our direct response to the question: How can local fisherfolk keep their catch fresher for longer and sell it at a better price? It is designed to increase income, expand market access, and strengthen community-led businesses.”
Meanwhile, the project also includes technical training for fisherfolk on fisheries value chain and cooperative operations along with support for aquaculture and climate-smart livelihood activities.
The provision of logistics equipment, including transport boats and trucks and buyer matching to connect producers to broader markets will also be included.
“By investing in both infrastructure and people, the Northern Palawan Cold Chain and Distribution Hub is set to become a central seafood distribution point for the region—strengthening livelihoods and sustaining the coastal economy for years to come.”
Good Neighbors Global Impact Foundation is a group within Good Neighbors, composed of professionals in business, finance, and agriculture.
The organization said the foundation provides strategic and technical support for expanding community-based economic development initiatives, with a focus on microfinance, cooperatives, social enterprises, and climate resilience. Ada Pelonia
Why ‘Ber’ months remain PHL’s most popular wedding season
IN the Philippines, the first hint of Christmas begins not in December—but in September. As early as the “Ber” months roll in, radio stations begin playing carols, malls dust off their holiday decor, and a familiar coolness seeps into the air.
Alongside this early holiday spirit is another cultural phenomenon that quietly ramps up: wedding season.
For decades, the months of September to December have consistently drawn the most number of weddings in the country. According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), December alone accounts for 12%15% of all marriages yearly, making it the peak wedding month nationwide. October to November aren’t far behind. The end of the year also brings
13th-month pays, company shutdowns, and long weekends— making wedding planning and attendance more manageable for both couples and their guests. These elements make December weddings both emotionally and logically appealing. The Amihan season—marked by colder winds and drier skies— typically begins around late October. For couples dreaming of outdoor ceremonies, this reduces the risk of rain disrupting their big day—unlike the unpredictable wet season from June to August.
Resorts, estates, and venues outside Metro Manila— particularly those in elevated provinces like Batangas—see a noticeable spike in wedding inquiries starting as early as February. The area’s cool breeze, sweeping landscapes, and ease of access via CALAX and
Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road make it especially attractive for outdoor celebrations. Even venues like Club Ananda in Nasugbu quietly note this seasonal surge, as more couples look to tie the knot in serene, scenic locations away from the city.
There’s also the emotional layer. The latter part of the year naturally carries a festive and reflective mood. Engagements often happen during the holidays, and families tend to be more present and available. Weddings in the Ber months often feel “richer” emotionally—nestled between family reunions, Simbang Gabi, and gift-giving.
There’s a unique joy in celebrating love in a season already steeped in togetherness. For many, that intangible sentiment is priceless.
But with high demand comes
pressure. According to Bride and Breakfast, couples planning Bermonth weddings are urged to secure their venues and suppliers 12–18 months in advance— especially for popular dates like 11.11 or 12.12. While wedding aesthetics shift—from minimalism to maximalist boho, from traditional churches to al fresco vows—Ber-month weddings remain a cultural staple. In a tropical country where timing is everything, planning a wedding when the skies are clearer, and the air cooler, just makes practical and emotional sense. And as the rest of the world waits for December to declare the holiday season, Filipino couples are already walking down the aisle—led not just by love, but by timing that feels, quite literally, like a breath of fresh air. Jalen Senal
Brawner meets with outgoing, incoming UK defense attachés
By Rex Anthony Naval
THE country’s strong military ties with the United Kingdom was highlighted anew when Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. met with the UK’s outgoing and incoming defense attachés last Aug. 12. In a statement, the AFP said
Brawner met with Royal Air Force Group Captain Bea Walcot and Royal Navy Captain Tony Stockbridge, the outgoing and incoming defense attachés (DA) of the United Kingdom. During the meeting, the AFP chief extended his appreciation to Walcot for her active role in strengthening military cooperation between the two nations.
He also expressed optimism in continuing and enhancing the longstanding partnership under Stockbridge’s leadership.
“The United Kingdom continues to serve as a vital defense partner of the Philippines, en -
gaging in high - l evel defense dialogues, signing joint training and cooperation agreements, and advancing maritime domain awareness initiatives to strengthen regional peace and stability,” the AFP said.
PHL’s demographic advantage: A call for strategic investments
THE Philippines stands at a crucial juncture. As highlighted at the recent Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) forum, our nation’s greatest asset is its people, particularly its young and growing population. This demographic sweet spot, where a significant 64 percent of Filipinos fall between the ages of 15 and 64, presents a golden opportunity to propel the country to high-income status. However, this potential will remain untapped, or worse, become a burden, if we fail to implement the right policies and investments. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Pinoys remain the greatest asset of the economy—banks,” August 12, 2025).
As HSBC Philippines President and CEO Sandeep Uppal aptly put it, the Philippines is a “rising star” in Asean, largely due to its favorable demographics. Unlike regional neighbors grappling with aging populations, the Philippines boasts a median age below 30, promising a surge in the labor force and increased consumption. This tech-savvy young workforce is a significant advantage in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.
However, a young population alone does not guarantee prosperity. Strategic interventions are crucial to ensure that this demographic dividend translates into tangible economic progress. Uppal emphasizes the need for “micro-reforms” to improve the ease of doing business, starting with critical infrastructure development. Improved infrastructure enhances the mobility of people, goods, services, electricity, water, and even data, connecting Filipinos to economic opportunities and fostering growth.
Furthermore, East West President Jerry G. Ngo rightly points out the urgent need to invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Philippines is lagging behind its Asean counterparts in AI adoption, a dangerous trend that could threaten industries like the BPO sector, which employs millions of Filipinos. AI is not merely a threat but an opportunity to turbocharge productivity, especially in the service sector. By equipping our workforce with AI skills, we can ensure they remain competitive in the global market.
Ngo also proposes a “Philippines-first mindset” to support local businesses. While cheaper imports may have helped curb inflation, they have also disadvantaged local producers. Allowing the peso to depreciate could make local goods more competitive, boosting domestic industries and driving productivity. As economist Paul Krugman said, “productivity is not everything, but in the long run, it’s almost everything.”
The time for complacency is over. We must act decisively to harness the potential of the Filipino people. This requires a multipronged approach: investing in education and skills development, promoting infrastructure development, embracing technological advancements like AI, and fostering a business environment that supports local industries. By prioritizing these strategic interventions, the Philippines can transform its demographic advantage into a sustainable engine for economic growth and achieve its aspiration of becoming a high-income nation.
BusinessMirror
President Quirino’s 1953 executive clemency to 105 Japanese war criminals
TFlowers for Lolas
OKYO, Japan—“I am doing this because I do not want my children and my people to inherit from me hate for people who might yet be our friends for the permanent interest of the country.”
This is part of the inscription of the memorial of Philippine President Elpidio Quirino in Hibiya Park, which I saw during my recent visit in Tokyo.
The memorial was unveiled on June 18, 2016 as a homage to Quirino’s role in the normalization of Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations.
The inscription noted that the monument “is a testament to the Japanese people’s appreciation and respect for President Quirino, and as a renewal of their commitment to the friendship between Japan and the Philippines, and to World Peace.”
Quirino was the Philippine President (1948-1953) who granted pardon or executive clemency in June 1953 to 105 Japanese war criminals
who were detained in Muntinlupa prison.
“I should be the last one to pardon them as the Japanese killed my wife and three children and five other members of the family. I am doing this because I do not want my children and my people to inherit from me hate for people who might yet be our friends for the permanent interest of the country. After all, destiny has made us neighbors,” the inscription included part of Quirino’s speech delivered in Baltimore, USA on July 6, 1953.
The proclamation came barely a decade after the end of World War II during which thousands of Filipinos lost their lives as victims of Japanese atrocities.
Eighty years ago, the pre-recorded announcement of Emperor Hirohito on August 14, 1945 verbally accepting the terms of surrender reverberated throughout Japan via radio.
The United States earlier detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima (August 6 ) and Nagasaki (August 9) that killed between 140,000 and 70,000 people, respectively, most of whom were civilians.
Japan formally surrendered in writing two weeks later, on September 2, 1945 in a ceremony conducted aboard the USS Missouri in the Tokyo Harbor.
The Japanese invasion of the Philippines started shortly after their attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
The Philippines, then a US Commonwealth, became a major battleground as the Japanese sought to control the region’s resources and strategic location.
Although Japan granted the Philippines its “independence” in 1943 as part of its Greater East Asian CoProsperity Sphere program, the Filipinos suffered greatly from atrocities inflicted not only on suspected guerrillas but on many innocent civilians.
Torture, rape, pillage, and massacres, sometimes of entire villages,
Nursing shortage and nurse migration
TR. 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
817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com
EAGLE WATCH
HE Philippines has a well-earned reputation as one the leading sources of migrant labor in the world, a reputation that is increasingly reflected in popular culture.
In a recent episode of the Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil that was set in Manila, the host Phil Rosenthal (and his brother and in-laws) paid tribute to the Filipina caretaker who looked after his father and credited her as one reason he wanted to visit the Philippines. In 2022, the movie Triangle of Sadness centrally featured a Filipina working in a cruise ship who was stranded in an island with wealthy passengers of the ship. The movie was critically-acclaimed and led to major award-nominations for the actress Dolly de Leon.
Two recent shows on HBO Max prominently featured Filipinos in healthcare occupations. The plot of one episode of the sitcom St. Denis revolved around a group of Filipino
nurses (one of whom also played a Filipino migrant worker in the sitcom Superstore) who operated like a mafia within the hospital. The realtime medical drama The Pitt, set in the emergency room of a Pittsburgh hospital, featured actors with Filipino heritage in the regular roles of two nurses and a doctor.
I described the latter show to a doctor-relative and he said that this was simply a recognition of the reality that US hospitals had Filipino nurses everywhere, and that it would have strained credulity for American viewers to have a show set in a US hospital and not have Filipino nurses in them.
Philippines-trained nurses in the US are estimated to number about 130,000, comprising one out of ev-
ery 20 nurses and about a third of all foreign-born registered nurses in the country.
Of course, Filipino nurses are not just in the US but in other countries as well. According to the Department of Health, 316,000 Filipino licensed nurses have migrated as of 2021. This was slightly more than half of all the registered nurses in the country up to that point.
According to statistics from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), about 30,000 nursing professionals more have left for overseas work from 2022 to 2024.
The Philippines has a severe nursing shortage of about 190,000, according to the DOH. There is also plenty of anecdotal evidence that the binding constraint now in hospitals, the reason patients are refused admission, is not the lack of room but the shortage of nurses.
The push factors are familiar— low salary, poor working conditions, and low prospects for career advancement. Local nurse salaries appear to be caught in a vicious cycle—its low level is motivating nurses to go abroad, but local hospitals are wary of raising them because nurses appear to be just using them as training grounds for eventual overseas employment.
took place all over the country.
Japanese forces held some documented 200 Filipina comfort women captive and subjected them to one of the largest organized systems of sexual violence in modern history. It was on September 3, 1945 when the Japanese formally surrendered in the Philippines, at Camp John Hay in Baguio City, led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita. Yamashita was convicted as a war criminal for the Manila massacre on the grounds that he made no attempt to discover or stop atrocities from being committed.
On February 9, 1945, Quirino’s wife and three of their children (Armando, Norma and Fe Angela) were killed by Japanese troops as they fled their home during the Battle of Manila. Also known as the Rape of Manila (February 3 to March 3, 1945), the United States Army advanced into the city of Manila in order to drive the Japanese out.
The city became one of the most devastated Allied capital cities during the entire war, alongside Berlin and Warsaw as Japanese resistance and American artillery destroyed much of Manila’s architectural and cultural heritage dating back to the See “Gorecho,” A21
The Covid-19 pandemic has magnified the pull factors, with many destination countries raising their demand for Filipino nurses and other healthcare workers to bolster their own health systems.
A quick look at the DMW database of approved job orders shows recent orders for nurses from the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Qatar, and Finland, among others, just in the last two years.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution, in a way, protects the rights of Filipinos to and in overseas employment. This appears implicit in article XIII, Section 3, which says, “The State shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all.” More fundamentally, it goes to the heart of the right of people to pursue the best situations for themselves and their families.
The hiring of Filipino nurses and other healthcare workers by other countries sometimes happen within what are called global skills partnerships. Under such partnerships or agreements, the hiring of skilled
Google finds workaround for lobbying rules that omits big bosses
By Ted Mann
IT was the end of 2018, and Google’s leaders were tired of being Number One.
For the second year in a row, federal records showed the search giant had spent more than any other individual company on lobbying in Washington. Executives in Mountain View were sick of seeing that mentioned in the press.
Then Google apparently found a workaround.
A new analysis of federal lobbying data by the nonprofit Tech Transparency Project shows that Google and its parent company, Alphabet Inc. used an internal reorganization to exclude the value of lobbying by its senior executives from disclosures. The move helped keep Google off the top of the lobbying charts even as it maintained a robust network of advocates pushing its interests in the capital, during federal challenges to its dominance in search and advertising and the beginnings of artificial intelligence regulation.
The findings, which were confirmed by a Bloomberg analysis of lobbying records, show that the effect of the accounting change was to lower the amount that Google reported spending to influence the federal government, likely by millions of dollars.
The reorganization “has allowed the company to shield a significant portion of its lobbying expenditures from public view,” the Tech Transparency Project said in its report.
A Google spokesperson, José Castañeda, disputed the report and said the company has followed all relevant disclosure laws.
“These are inaccurate claims about a technical change that simply brought us in line with how many other companies report their lobbying activities,” he said. “Our lobbying expenditures began decreasing in 2018, after we restructured our government affairs team and cut spending on consultants.”
Internal reshuffle
STARTING in 2019, Google began cutting ties with some of its external lobbying firms, a move it acknowledged publicly as part of an overhaul of its Washington operations.
But the shuffling of external lobbying firms doesn’t explain the whole of the decline in Google’s reported lobbying expenses, which fell from more than $22 million in 2018 to $8.9 million in the Covid-disrupted year of 2020, and have subsequently remained well below pre-pandemic levels.
There’s been another, quieter change: in early 2020, Google moved its in-house lobbyists into a new subsidiary, called Google Client Services LLC. It’s that unit which now files spending disclosures for Google’s lobbying activities.
The reorganization meant that the parent companies Google and Alphabet no longer directly employed
A new analysis of federal lobbying data by the nonprofit Tech Transparency Project shows that Google and its parent company, Alphabet Inc. used an internal reorganization to exclude the value of lobbying by its senior executives from disclosures. The move helped keep Google off the top of the lobbying charts even as it maintained a robust network of advocates pushing its interests in the capital, during federal challenges to its dominance in search and advertising and the beginnings of artificial intelligence regulation.
any lobbyists—defined under federal disclosure law as people spending at least 20 percent of their time on influencing Congress or the executive branch.
Companies that file lobbying disclosure reports are supposed to also account for the time that other senior executives—those who don’t meet the 20 percent threshold—devote to lobbying, according to legal experts and the compliance guide for the Lobbying Disclosure Act published by Congressional leaders. That generally involves prorating their annual compensation to account for the days they spend influencing the government.
But since Google moved lobbyists into the Google Client Services subsidiary, the parent company no longer meets the threshold for filing disclosures under the Lobbying Disclosure Act, according to the TTP analysis. That means Google no longer reports the lobbying expenses of high-ranking managers who aren’t part of the Client Services unit—like Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai and chief legal officer Kent Walker—to the public, as it once did.
As a result, in 2020 Google dropped out of the top 20 in corporate lobbying expenses for the first time in nearly a decade, the TTP analysis found.
While Google’s reported annual spending has since edged back up again, it hasn’t come close to the No.1 slot in the company lobbying rankings that it used to occupy. For the past five years, that position has alternated between two other tech giants: Meta Platforms Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. With assistance from Davey Alba and Sarah Frier/Bloomberg
sentiment at the time of pardon, many observers considered Quirino’s actions to be political suicide.
Ghosting in the month of August
DANNOTATIONS
ID anyone ever think some 80 years ago that a month or so from now war would have ended?
August was the month of the bombs. Reading the multiple accounts of the preparation of the bombing of Japan provides us a chillingly objective insight into the science of destruction. There are books and books about the days leading to it. There is, for example, the intercepted information that the Germans were finding a way to enrich uranium. This urged Einstein to send a message to Roosevelt, the same information that historians believe hastened the Manhattan project.
In one account, the reconnaissance plane hovered over Hiroshima and finding clear skies there, encouraged him to advise the military to finally drop the bomb. There was something “good” also about the place—the city was in a kind of bowl that would be beneficial when the explosion took place.
A military film crew from the US would film the bombing of Hiroshima, a color film footage that would be suppressed by the government. This was written by Greg Mitchell in his book Atomic Cover-Up: Two US Soldiers, Hiroshima & Nagasaki and the Greatest Movie Never Made. The irony therefore was not lost when Kurosawa Akira issued his own film Rhapsody in August, a meditation on the bombing of Nagasaki in 1945. I had the opportunity to be in Tokyo when the said film premiered in the art cinema venue Iwanami Hall. Young people, mostly students, flocked to the venue because the great director had always been the favorite of cineastes. At the end of the screening, half of the audience had marched hastily outside in protest of what they felt was a bad move on the part of Kurosawa.
A contentious scene that af -
Lula’s
Tfected the crowd showed a Japanese-American played by Richard Gere out in the yard fronting the old house of his aunt, a survivor of the bombing. With the soft moonlight casting an eerie, sad glow upon them, the young man held his aunt’s hand to extend his apologies.
There before me was a magnificent piece of cinema. The bombing of the two Japanese cities, with that of Nagasaki being the final blow, had always been seen as the end of war. It was the beginning of peace in the Philippines, the very same peace that had allowed me to travel and be in Japan. This would mark the beginning of a long sojourn in the said country, where I would learn the language, achieve a level of knowledge about its society, cultures and the arts that allowed me to teach Filipinos about Japan. By August of 1945, the war in the Philippines was winding up. The massacre of Manila, which caused
the death of hundreds of civilians, mostly women and children, had yet to be written. Out in the provinces, millions were going hungry and more were homeless. For every family, a member at least was killed during the war. As early as July 1945, the Philippines had been declared liberated. By August, the Second Philippine Republic under Laurel had been closed.
A month later, General Tomoyuki Yamashita would surrender. The trial that followed was fraught with controversy. There was a perception that the tribunal that tried him was unanimous in declaring him guilty and yet materials now abound where even voices from the United States government had doubts about the wisdom in executing him. In the book
of Allan A. Ryan titled Yamashita’s Ghost—War Crimes, MacArthur’s Justice, and Command Responsibility, it spoke of how the general was
executed for the crimes committed by his soldiers without his knowledge or approval. The book also mentioned how two justices of the US Supreme Court dissented and called the decision an exercise in vengeance “and a denial of human rights.” There were appeals and interventions but in 1946, Yamashita was hanged in Los Baños. In what is now a wooded area can be found a grave marker indicating the spot where Yamashita was killed. A crude arch, which resembles an incomplete “torii,” that gate separating the sacred from the profane, guards a small structure. His remains were later repatriated to a cemetery in the Tama cemetery outside Tokyo. In August, during the O-Bon, the Japanese festivity for the Dead, he must be one of those receiving memorial and tributes. In the same month, Yamashita could be one of the spirits being honored in the Yasukuni shrine, a Shinto institution controversial for exalting the War Dead. To critics of Shinto as a state religion, this affirms the dangerous belief that those who fought in defense of Japan are considered as deities by certain significant sectors of Japanese society. The shrine has remained a controversial site when visited by government officials and celebrities. Yamashita’s ghost lives on also in the principle of command responsibility summed by the term “Yamashita standard” and in the endless search for the treasures people think the general hoarded and buried somewhere in some mountains or jungle fastnesses of the Philippines.
E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com
plan for Amazon COP30 risks becoming logistics mess
By John Ainger, Gabriel Diniz Tavares & Daniel Carvalho
HIS year’s United Nations climate summit, scheduled for November in Brazil, has been designed to make history by bringing world leaders, diplomats and some 50,000 other participants into the heart of the Amazon rain forest. Now the event increasingly risks being defined by a looming logistical fiasco.
With fewer than 100 days to go, Brazil is under fire from countries concerned about a shortage of hotel rooms and soaring accommodation costs in Belém, the host city selected for its proximity to the rain forest rather than its tourism infrastructure. The UN secretariat that helps organize COP30, as the summit is known, said a meeting set for Thursday to address lodging issues was postponed; no new date announced.
In a 19-page letter reviewed by Bloomberg News from Brazil to several UN member countries participating in COP30, organizers rejected the idea of relocating the summit. “There will be no alternate location, as COP30 will not be moved from Belém,” the letter stated, because the host city “already has a sufficient number of beds to accommodate all expected participants.”
The letter included answers to 48 questions from several national delega-
tions participating in the summit, and nearly half dealt with concerns about the high cost and low availability of accommodations. A COP30 spokesperson declined to confirm the letter.
As of Aug. 8, organizers said they had mapped 53,000 beds in Belém and nearby areas: 14,547 in hotels, 6,000 on a pair of cruise ships, 10,004 in vacation rentals via real estate companies, and 22,452 through Airbnb. The government says more options will be added to the official booking platforms BNetwork and Qualitours.
Accommodation prices have jumped to surpass luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro. Reserving the one-bedroom “Doce Lar” (Sweet Home) apartment in Belém recently listed on Booking.com for the 11 days of the climate summit would cost a staggering 1.4 million reais ($267,380).
A room with a king-size bed and ocean view at Rio’s iconic Copacabana Palace city’s founding.
Subjected to incessant pounding and facing certain death or capture, the beleaguered Japanese troops took out their anger and frustration on the civilians caught in the crossfire, committing multiple acts of severe brutality.
Quirino granted executive clemency to 437 inmates of the Muntinlupa where 323 were Filipinos convicted of treason or collaboration during the war, and 114 were Japanese nationals.
Out of the 105 Japanese pardoned, 52 convicted war criminals had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment under certain conditions. And 17 Japanese prisoners were already executed before the pardon. Due to the high anti-Japanese
Though Quirino lost his bid to be reelected as President in 1953, his actions paved the way for the diplomatic relations with Japan with the opening of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo on July, 23 1956, while the Consulate in Kobe opened on August 28, 1956.
“I am happy to have been able to make this spontaneous decision as the head of a Christian nation. My fervent hope is that the benevolent feeling which has inspired me will strike a responsive chord in others as an act of faith to humanity. Love of fellow creatures will always be the supreme law among men and nations and the basis of world peace,” Quirino said in his 1953 speech.
com, or call 0917-502580
Eagle Watch. . . continued
from A20
workers from the origin country is couched as a win for all parties—the worker, the country of destination, and the origin country.
The win for the destination country is obvious—more healthcare workers and improved health system. So is the win for the worker —higher wages and better working and living conditions. For some countries, professionals are also given an easier path to permanent residency or even citizenship for their families.
The win for the origin country is the one that is not obvious. The partnership agreements sometimes
include provisions for training as well as equipment and infrastructure investment in the origin country. But there is poor monitoring of the implementation of these provisions and, where data is available, the number trained by the programs seem less than those who migrate to the partner countries.
Another supposed win for the origin country is that the migration of nurses contributes to easing the local economy’s high unemployment rate for its nurses. This may have been true before, but not anymore.
According to the Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the unemployment rate for Filipinos with undergraduate or graduate degrees in health-related fields was at only 3.8 percent in 2023.
would cost 96,223 reais.
Fears are growing these prices could shut out poorer nations. Special packages with reduced rates have been secured for delegations from small-island nations and the poorest countries, categories that include more than a third of UN members. The Brazilian government has said those delegations will receive 15 individual rooms at prices ranging from $100 to $200 per night. The remaining countries are guaranteed 10 individual rooms per delegation, with prices ranging from $200 to $600.
“Brazil is a democracy with a market economy, which poses limits on interventions in the hotel network, private property, and private renting intermediation websites,” the organizers wrote in the letter. Brazil’s Tourism Minister Celso Sabino said on social media Tuesday that it’s fairer to compare prices with those in other cities during times when they host major events, such as New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro.
“A logistical crisis like this is the antithesis of a people’s COP, an inclusive COP,” said Claudio Angelo, international policy coordinator at Observatorio do Clima, a civil-society climate coalition. “This COP risks being the most exclusionary in the history of the UN climate convention.”
Critics like Angelo warn that logistical hurdles could erode the legitimacy of any agreements reached in Belém, especially if they prevent those without financial resources from participation. Organizers are taking that risk seriously. “We started talking about accommodation precisely because it became a political issue,” COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago told journalists in early August. “It does, in fact, have an impact on the negotiations. We’re here discussing it, it’s unavoidable.”
Two cruise ships—the Costa Diadema and MSC Seaview—will be brought in as floating hotels docked at the Port of Outeiro, each housing about 3,000 guests. But the reliance on ships located 20 kilometers from the COP venue has fueled worries that participants lodged there will be isolated by commutes. “The journey will take no more than 30 minutes,” organizers wrote in the letter. With assistance from Vanessa Dezem/Bloomberg
“It saddens me to see people rooting against Belém,” he wrote. “We need to make comparisons with fairness and context.” Brazil’s answers have so far done little to reassure participants. Logistical concerns have increasingly obstructed progress in ongoing negotiations over the agenda and threaten to derail the original vision behind hosting the event in Belém—a move intended to engage a more diverse group of voices, including Indigenous communities.
For those with associate degrees in health-related fields, it was even lower at only 2.6 percent.
With free tuition in public universities and colleges, including for nursing enrollment, and with significant enrollment and graduation in these schools (15 percent of nursing schools but higher share in terms of enrollment and graduation), the cost of such migration is even increased for the Philippines.
There is no quick fix to this problem. In the long-term only the massive improvement of the employment and working conditions of local nurses would ease this problem.
In the short term, the government could impose a reasonable return service agreement for those who obtain nursing degrees from public colleges and universities to ease local nursing shortage. The best option still seems to be pursuing improved skills partnership programs with as many destination countries of nurses as possible, setting clear targets as to the number of students trained, the investments they make in the country, linking these to the number of nurses they admit, and increasing monitoring and accountability for these targets. It is difficult to still argue that migration of skilled professionals, especially healthcare workers, is all benefit and no cost to the country.
Tito Genova Valiente
Friday, August 15, 2025
BusinessMirror
Auto industry still optimistic despite tepid sales in July
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
WHILEweather-related disruptions dampened retail operations in July, the auto industry remains on a “positive” trajectory, backed by strong commercial vehicle demand and signs of recovery in the passenger car segment, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers Association of the Philippines Inc. (Campi).
Data from the joint report of Campi and the Truck Manufacturers Association Inc. (TMA) showed that sales of vehicles in the country within the January to July 2025 period reached 269,207 units, reflecting a 1.4-percent increase compared to the 265,610 units sold in the seven-month period in 2024.
motional campaigns, and improving consumer sentiment on the horizon, Campi and TMA remain confident in the automotive sector’s sustained recovery and expansion,” added Gutierrez.
While the industry posted growth in the seven-month period, data from the Campi-TMA report indicated that vehicle sales in July plummeted to 38,295 by 5.4 percent compared to the 40,483 units sold in June 2025 due to “temporary weather-related disruptions” last month.
The 38,295 vehicle units sold in July 2025 alone is also lower by 2.6 percent than the 39,331 units of cars sold in July 2024.
percent share or 129,334 units; followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation with 19.01 percent share or 51,167 units; Nissan Philippines, Inc. with 5.06 percent or 13,629 units; Ford Group Philippines with 4.95 percent share or 13,323 units, and Suzuki Philippines, Inc. at 4.69 percent share or 12,622 units.
The auto industry is targeting to sell 500,000 units this year.
In an earlier interview with reporters, GT Capital Auto and Mobility Holdings Inc. (GTCAM) Chairman Vicente Jose S. Socco said the Philippine automotive industry is the second-fastest growing in the Asean region, next to Vietnam, as of the first half of 2025.
By John Eiron R. Francisco
LEGAZPI, Albay—Herbal medicine remains largely untapped despite its economic potential and the public’s high trust in the medicinal plants mainly due to the high cost of clinical trials and unclear regulatory processes, according to experts.
“The acceptability among Filipinos of herbal health is very high. So, if it really works, and we can produce them and scale them commercially, then it can actually solve a lot of problems regarding access to drugs that really work,” said Dr. Marie Carmela M. Lapitan, chair of the Philippine National Health Research System’s Research Utilization Committee.
money,” Lapitan added. She also cited regulatory bottlenecks, with current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) procedures for herbal products following the same approval path as conventional drugs.
“There’s lobbying for the marketing approval path of herbals to be different,” she said. “While it should still focus on safety, the pathway should be different.” “So, there are still regulatory issues that need to be addressed,” Lapitan added. The “3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers” likewise featured research projects on herbal medicines from across the country. These include the “Palawan Herbal Extracts for Health Research and Infrastructures” by Lea M. Camangeg of Region IV-B, “From Research to Policy: Scaling Pako Fern Solutions for Food Security, Primary Healthcare, and Rural Livelihoods” by Dr.
The Campi chief said the auto industry group is optimistic that the momentum will carry forward into the second half of the year.
“With new model launches, pro -
“The industry’s continued growth, particularly in commercial segments, reflects strong market fundamentals and the agility of our members in navigating short-term challenges,” Campi President Rommel Gutierrez said in a statement on Thursday.
TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said t he entire sugar output of the country will be allocated for domestic use in the next crop year.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona noted that sugar produced in the upcoming crop year 2 025-2026, which will start on September 1, will be classified as “B” or domestic sugar. He also announced that the start of the milling season will be October 1, following a 3-year transition period to bring it back to the last quarter of the year.
However, the SRA chief said the agency may declare in open on September 29, since October 1 lands on a Wednesday.
The total raw sugar output has reached 2.084 million metric tons (MMT) as of July 27, with almost 26 MMT of canes milled in 405,000 hectares. Of which, 392,000 were planted for sugar, while 13,000 were planted for bioethanol.
Azcona said the agency did not allot sugar for export in the upcoming crop year that will fulfill the allocation it received from the United States under the tariff rate quota (TRQ) scheme Despite this, the SRA said the agency has been classifying sugar output as “B” since 2022 because the country’s production i s still below the requirement of the domestic market.
“The US quota is not yet coming into play now. Among reasons why US quota was implemented then was apart from r especting trade agreements, we sometimes need to unload raw sugar when milling peaks in [January to March],” he said.
Budget
MEANWHILE , Azcona said the agency is seeking P8 billion for soil rejuvenation and smallscale irrigation that will cover about 160,000 hectares in a
3-year period.
He said this would be crucial along with their other proposal, including P1.2 billion for a 20,000-hectare dedicated to propagation of high-yielding variety plantlets.
“Our productivity in the past three years was largely due to the distribution of high-yielding variety canes and SRA intends to focus on this, along w ith other scientific approaches to farming that we have been learning from our foreign partners towards our self-sustainability,” Azcona added.
H owever, while the SRA is hopeful that the industry will continue with its growth trend, he urged the industry to remain vigilant and work alongside the agency in curbing the spread of the red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) infestation that has i nfested over 3,200 hectares in Negros Island and Panay.
“These are validated field inspections, but the figures could b e much higher, and its effects on our sugar canes are not yet known,” Azcona said, noting that they will soon start testing on the sugar content of recovered canes.
C iting a study in Egypt, the SRA said as much as a 50 percent drop in sugar content was r ecorded from RSSI-infected canes.
For the Sugar Industry Development Act (SIDA), Azcona said t he industry might be granted a P1-billion SIDA fund for next year. However, he noted that industry stakeholders are seeking the a mendment of the SIDA funding to increase the annual allocation to P5 billion considering t he substantial contribution of the sugar industry to the national coffers.
A zcona also presented at least two international cooperation programs with Japan and Brazil and is exploring more collaboration with other sugar-producing co untries, particularly on sugarcane varietal exchange and p ropagation.
In terms of segments, the auto sales report showed that commercial vehicles cornered 80 percent or 215,440 units during the sevenmonth period.
Meanwhile, passenger cars continued to dwindle as this category posted a 24.1-percent decline, only chipping in 53,767 units or 19.97 percent of the car sales pie in the corresponding period.
Across brands, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation remains the dominant market player with 48.04
“The auto industry is doing very well. This year actually it’s up by about 6 percent. I think as of the first half of this year. So it’s really doing well and in the region it’s actually the second fastest growing after Vietnam,” Socco told reporters last month.
Should the Philippine auto industry hit the half-a-million mark this year, this will put the country on the same level as “powerhouses” Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, the markets exceeding half a million units.
In an interview on the sidelines of the Department of Science and TechnologyPhilippine Council for Health Research and Development’s (DOST-PCHRD) “3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers” here on Thursday, she said developing the herbal medicine sector could also create livelihood for farmers and help conserve medicinal plants.
However, Lapitan noted that many doctors remain cautious about herbal remedies because most have not undergone the same level of scientific scrutiny as those of Western medicines. She stressed the need for large-scale clinical trials to prove efficacy and safety— research that could cost millions of pesos and take years to complete.
“We have to really scale up…we need to go to the clinical trials. So, that’s a lot of
By MA. STELLA F. ARNALDO Special to the BusinessMirror
THE Department of Tourism (DOT) is wooing film producers from India to use key Philippine destinations as backdrops for their popular movies.
In a statement, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said she informed the “Bollywood” (Mumbai-based Hindi films) executives that the DOT “provides direct support [to foreign film and TV producers] with location scouting and logistical assistance, ensuring seamless access to diverse landscapes and historical sites.”
The film executives were from Bollylands.com and the National Film Development Corp. of India.
This was the reason the DOT created a Film Tourism Office, which is “dedicated to supporting film productions that highlight our stunning tourist destinations. It assists filmmakers in identifying suitable locations for their projects, ensuring that they capture the essence of our beautiful landscapes,” she explained.
In addition, the office “aims to integrate the Filipinization initiative of the DOT by showcasing local culture, cuisine, festivals, and traditional crafts that distinctly represent the Philippines. These films not only tell compelling stories but also inspire viewers to travel and explore the destinations featured on screen,” she added.
The Indian film industry ranks first in the world in terms of the
number of movies it produces every year. Due to the growing diaspora of Indian nationals, Indian cinema has grown its audiences exponentially, specifically in Southeast Asia, East and South Africa, the Gulf countries, and Europe, offering the Philippines a unique tourism marketing opportunity.
Tax, nontax incentives
THE Philippines is most famous for having been the location of awardwinning Hollywood films such as Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now (1979) and Oliver Stone’s Platoon (1986). More recently, principal production was held in Manila and El Nido for Tony Gilroy’s
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
System-wide sales growth fails to lift Jollibee’s income
By VG Cabuag @villygc
LOCAL fast food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. said its income for the first half of the year slipped down to P5.61 billion from the previous year’s P5.65 billion, following a carryover of its weak performance in the first quarter.
This was despite the company’s system-wide sales for the period grew 19 percent to P217.73 billion from the previous year’s P182.62 billion. For the second quarter alone, the company said it had net-income growth of 5 percent to P3.2 billion from the previous P3.04 billion.
System-wide sales during this period also grew 19 percent to P114.54 billion from the previous P95.79 billion. Same store sales growth of the Philippine business increased by 6.4 percent driven by the firm’s quick service restaurants under the trade names “Jollibee,” “Mang Inasal,”
“Panda Express,” “Red Ribbon” and “Yoshinoya,” the company said.
“The Jollibee Group delivered strong financial results for the second quarter, with both revenue and profit growth accelerating compared to the first quarter; reflecting our continued business momentum and improved operational execution,” Jollibee CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong said.
“Our international business delivered a robust 32.6-percent growth in SWS, fueled by 68.8 percent surge in the Coffee and Tea segment. This was largely driven by Compose Coffee which accounted for 56.6 percent of the growth,” Tanmantiong added.
Jollibee’s international operation continued its strong momentum after system-wide sales increased by 15.4 percent versus same quarter last year led by its business in Vietnam,
which grew by 35 percent, he said.
Jollibee CFO Richard Chong Woo Shin said the company’s “Compose Coffee” business is set to surpass 3,000 stores and remains on track to deliver a 36-percent return on invested capital this year, “demonstrating the value-creating potential of this acquisition.” JFC acquired 70 percent of Compose Coffee Co. Kr. last year.
“Smashburger,” meanwhile, has a defined path toward improving financial performance, supported by operational improvements, product innovations and conversion of company-owned stores to franchised stores, Shin said.
“China is showing early signs of recovery, marking a potential turnaround in performance.Our strategic shift toward franchising, combined with disciplined capital allocation, is enhancing asset efficiency and ROIC,” he added.
THE Eternal Plans Inc., a company dedicated to securing the future for Filipino families, is extending its commitment to long-term stability by proudly partnering with the “Trees 4 Sustainability–Nourishing Trees for Nurturing Nature” (T4S) programme for its annual tree planting activity on August 16, 2025. The event will take place at the Siniloan Forest Park in Laguna, a critical area for the conservation of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges.
The T4S program, administered by the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc. (PCEPSDI), is a transformative initiative designed to revitalize Philippine forests. Its mission is anchored on four pillars: addressing climate change, supporting biodiversity, safeguarding watersheds, and fostering sustainable livelihoods. The program aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 15, promoting inclusive growth by unlocking the potential of the nation’s forestry economy (United Nations, 2023).
CREC’s H1 income up on higher revenues
CITICORE Renewable Energy Corp. reported last Thursday a 38-percent increase in its net income from January to June this year on account of increased revenues brought about higher electricity sales.
Net income stood at P629.75 million at end-June from P456.4 million in the same period last year. Revenues soared by 28 percent to P2.67 billion mainly due to a 32-percent increase in electricity sales and 87 percent in service fee.
The improvement in electricity sales was primarily due to expanded customer base.
“Growth was driven mainly by a 32 percent increase in electricity sales, from P1.73 billion to P2.29 billion, which benefitted from an expanded diversified mix of off-takers composed of direct corporate and industrial clients, higher renewal rates of current clients, as well as under the government’s Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) and Green Energy Auction (GEA) program,” CREC reported. Lenie Lectura
Eternal Plans’s participation underscores its deep-seated belief that a secure future is fundamentally linked to a healthy and sustainable environment. By supporting the T4S initiative, the company champions a program that goes beyond simply planting trees. Its support helps ensure the crucial three-year monitoring and maintenance phase, which ensures the high survival rate and long-term growth of the newly
planted seedlings, aligning with Eternal Plans’ mission of providing lasting care and assurance.
This year, T4S aims to plant 2,000 native seedlings, contributing to a total target of 5,000 trees within the 10-hectare adopted site in the Siniloan Forest Park. The initiative builds on the remarkable success of the 2024 event, which saw the planting of 3,000 Molave seedlings and achieved an impressive 92-percent survival
rate, even after several typhoons. The program also successfully provided livelihood support to 19 local community members who serve as dedicated tree caretakers.
The upcoming tree planting activity anticipates over 200 participants. Eternal Plans, Inc. joins a broad coalition of corporate and community partners dedicated to environmental stewardship. Other notable partners include: King Chef Restaurant-Authentic Foods Corp.; Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc.; Dayforce Philippines Corp.; Quanta Paper Corp.; Nippo Metal Tech. Philippines Inc.; Megafoundation International Corp.; the Manila International Airport Authority; Saving Daigdig Project; Ibiden Philippines Inc.; and, Pioneer Adhesives Inc., among many others. This demonstrate a powerful, unified commitment from various industries toward a common environmental goal.
Eternal Plans is part of the ALC Group of Companies founded by the late Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua and is currently chaired by D. Edgard A. Cabangon.
Water project benefits Davaoenos
THE Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), the largest private bulk water project in the Philippines, is now fully operational, delivering clean and reliable water to communities across the city, according to project proponents. The project, a collaboration between Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (Apo Agua) and the Davao City Water District (DCWD), now delivers over 300 million liters per day (MLD) of treated surface water sourced from the Tamugan River, benefiting more than one million people citywide and those in the communities of Indangan, Cabantian and Panacan.
“This is a game-changer, especially for the residents in District 2, who for years experienced water challenges,” Ronnie D. Lim, general manager of Apo Agua, was quoted in a statement as saying. “By harnessing surface water through sustainable infrastructure, we are solving water issues at the root and delivering supply to DCWD that is safe and reliable.”
Previously, Davao relied heavily on groundwater extracted from wells and aquifers. Recognizing the risk of overextraction and its long-term impact on supply, DCWD began exploring the use of surface water to diversify and protect the city’s sources.
The existing groundwater system struggled to keep pace with rapid urbanization, often leading to rotational supply, rationing, and low water pressure in elevated or densely populated areas. Now through conjunctive use, or the strategic integration of both surface water and groundwater systems, the city now benefits from a more resilient and balanced water supply system.
“Surface water now serves as the
AGI income grows on one-time gains
THE Alliance Global Group Inc. announced last Thursday that its income grew 39 percent to P19.2 billion from the previous year’s P13.82 billion, partly as a result of one-time gains from the deconsolidation of Golden Arches Development Corp. (GADC), the operator of the McDonald’s quick-service restaurants in the country.
Revenues for the period fell 10 percent to P93.03 billion from last year’s P104 billion, according to AGI, businessman Andrew L. Tan’s holding firm.
Earlier this year, GADC, a company where AGI owns a minority 49-percent stake, was deconsolidated in its financial statements and is now treated as an associate.
The move resulted in one-time gains of P3.4 billion. Excluding such one-offs and netting out all GADC items in the financials to allow for comparability, AGI should show a normalized net income of P15.1 billion, a 19 percent increase.
Normalized consolidated revenues should amount to P87.1 billion.
In the second quarter of the year, on a normalized basis, consolidated revenue stood at P45.3 billion, 17 percent lower than the previous year’s P54.6 billion, while its attributable profit grew by 23 percent to P5.62 billion from P4.56 billion.
“During this period, our group took advantage of pockets of opportunities in the market to boost our residential and retail sales, as well as our office take-up. Our tourism and leisure segments also enjoyed increased activities and occupancy, tapping into the increasing demand for staycations and MICE events,”
briefs
city’s primary water source, allowing DCWD to rest or reallocate its groundwater. This not only helps preserve underground aquifers but also strengthens the city’s long-term water security,” Lim added.
The improvements are evident in the numbers. In just two years, DCWD has tripled its new water service connections: from 8,600 in 2022 to over 21,000 today– that’s 14,000 more households with clean, reliable water right from the tap.
Back in 2022, areas like Cabantian and Panacan faced frequent water interruptions. In Cabantian, only 90 percent of residents had 24/7 service, while Panacan was at 67 percent, forcing households to adjust routines around unpredictable supply and store water in containers.
Today, 95 percent of DCWD customers enjoy continuous water service, with satisfaction levels at an all-time high of 99.6 percent, and 99.9 percent in previously underserved areas like Cabantian and Panacan. Jonathan L. Mayuga
AGI President and CEO Kevin Andrew L. Tan said.
“Our strong performance was also accompanied by ongoing costefficiency measures, which we implemented across all our business segments. By managing our costs, we hope to enhance our operating leverage to ensure a more robust growth in profit as the economy further recovers,” Tan added.
Emperador Inc., the liquor maker, still had a flat growth in the second quarter despite he continued improvement in domestic sales for its brandy products, mainly Fundador. Its overseas sales expanded to include Africa, Canada, and other countries in Europe.
The company said whisky sales grew quarter-on-quarter in markets such as the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Africa.
Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., the group’s leisure and tourism arm, attributable income fell 27 percent to P315 million from the previous year’s P434 million, while gross revenues also declined 6 percent to P18.9 billion from the previous year’s P20.1 billion.
“Travellers intends to continue with its cost management efforts to allow the company to further enhance its operating efficiency moving forward,” the company said.
Gross gaming revenues reached P7.5 billion down 31 percent from the previous P10.9 billion, on the back of the steady growth in mass business. Meanwhile, non-gaming revenues amounted to P1.7-billion amid stable hotel occupancy of 90 percent as the Newport World Resorts complex continued to enjoy healthy foot traffic. VG Cabuag
API sets P80M for watershed plan
THE Ahunan Power Inc. (API), developer of the Pakil Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Project in Laguna, unveiled a multi-million peso Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) aimed at enhancing ecological resilience and supporting upland and community development. The P80-million IWMP, which was already submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will be implemented in close collaboration with the DENR, Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the local government units of Pakil and Paete. The IWMP outlines the strategies “to maintain an ecologically resilient, socially inclusive, and sustainably managed” Pakil River Watershed–covering a portion of the Pasig-Marikina-Laguna de Bay River Basin–and the Malaking Ilog-Tibag watershed. Lenie Lectura
Globe tests next-gen wireless service
GLOBE Telecom Inc. claimed on Thursday to be the first in the Philippines to successfully conduct a live pilot trial of 5G-Advanced, marking what it described as a key step toward next-generation wireless services in the country. The pilot, held in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, tested the peak performance and potential applications of 5G-Advanced across consumer and enterprise use cases. Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz said the company achieved peak download speeds of about 2.5 Gbps in a real-world environment, “showcasing how 5G-Advanced can offer higher speeds, lower latency, enhanced reliability, greater capacity, and enable differentiated service offerings compared to current 5G networks.” Lorenz S. Marasigan
Prime Infra’s power project ready by 2030
PRIME Infrastructure Capital Inc. has committed to complete its 1,400 megawatt (MW) pumped storage hydroelectric (PSH) power project in Laguna in five years. In a filing, the company’s hydro power arm, Ahunan Power Inc., said commercial operations is set in 2030. The Pakil PSH project was given an Energy Project of National Significance certification by the Department of Energy (DOE) and a Green Lane endorsement by the Department of Trade and Industry and Board of Investments. The hydro power project will provide electricity to approximately 2.3 million households and, at the same time, support the national government’s goal of achieving a 50-percent renewable energy share in the power generation mix by 2040. It is also estimated to help displace approximately 3.1 million tons of coal annually. Lenie Lectura
Cebu Pacific ramps up domestic network
BUDGET carrier Cebu Pacific is ramping up its domestic network ahead of the year-end travel rush, increasing flight frequencies to several key destinations starting October 26, 2025. “With the peak holiday season fast approaching, we want to ensure that our passengers have more opportunities to spend time with their loved ones and enjoy their well-deserved breaks. By adding more flights on key domestic routes, we aim to make it easier for every Juan to travel to their chosen destinations,” Cebu Pacific President Xander Lao said. Lao said bookings for the expanded services are now available through its website and mobile app. Lorenz S. Marasigan
Banking&Finance
BOC sees ₧20B in losses from reduced rice tariffs
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
AS the
Bureau of Customs
(BOC) expects another P20 billion in foregone revenues from reduced tariffs on imported rice, other tax sources are seen to prop up collections this year.
Speaking to reporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Thursday, Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip Maronilla said the BOC estimates about P20 billion in revenue loss from the reduced rice tariffs.
The lowered rice tariffs also resulted in around P13 to P14 billion in revenue loss for the BOC as of July this year, Maronilla added.
To recall, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 62 in June 2024, reducing the rice tariffs from 35 percent to 15 percent starting July 2024.
“There are still other sources for additional revenues,” Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said when asked if the BOC is worried about not meeting its collection target for this year.
What would drive BOC’s revenues to its revenue target of P958.714 billion are excise taxes on petroleum products and pick-up trucks, Nepomuceno and Maronilla said. The tax on petroleum products contributed around 24 percent to the BOC’s total revenue last year, according to Nepomuceno.
Meanwhile, pick-up trucks are now taxed following the enactment of the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA).
Pickup trucks priced up to P600,000 will be imposed a tax rate of 4 percent, while those over P600,000 to P1 million will be taxed at 10 percent.
Units priced over P1 million to P4 million will be taxed at 20 percent, and those above P4 million will be taxed at 50 percent. Hybrid vehicles also will be taxed at half the applicable rate, while purely electric vehicles remain fully exempt.
“With the volume and estimates, I think it’s enough to cover the shortfall. Maybe more when it’s fully implemented,” Maronilla said.
Tariff collections from imported rice, meanwhile, is not as substantial compared to what the agency is collecting from petroleum products and other commodities.
“I think [the] ranks of cars and other food commodities is not as big as what we’re expecting [from rice],” Maronilla said.
The BOC cannot yet provide as on how much its collections from rice tariffs will decline following the 60day suspension of rice importation in the country starting September 1. Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the foregone revenues from the import ban on rice will not be a fiscal burden for the government. (See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2025/08/12/recto-revenue-loss-from-rice-import-banminimal/).
Since the government will collect nothing from regular-milled and well-milled rice for 60 days due to the ban, Recto said this will not further shrink the government’s fiscal space since all rice tariff collections are allotted to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.
Next year, the BOC is set to collect P1.013 trillion in revenues, 11.86 percent higher from this year’s reduced goal of P958.714 billion.
Since January, the BOC has so far managed to generate P544.230 billion in the first seven months of the year.
BSP exec held to promised cut in e-wallets, gambling apps link
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
THE chairman of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement issued a stern warning last Thursday: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan could be cited for contempt if e-wallet links to online gambling apps are not removed by Sunday, August 17.
In the inaugural hearing of the Senate panel on Thursday, Tangonan revealed the central bank has ordered electronic wallets including GCash and Maya to sever links to online gambling platforms in 48 hours from August 14. To this, Sen. Erwin T. Tulfo declared, “If I see a single link to gambling apps, I will cite you in contempt. The committee is serious: we have a problem, we have a crisis.”
“I’m taking your word on this, we’ll give you actually more than 48 hours. So Sunday morning, we will not see online gambling games anymore and no more links of any sort will be accessible on e-wallets,” the Senator said.
Tulfo, who presided over the Senate panel’s hearing, stressed that the central bank, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor),
and other law enforcement agencies should provide concrete solutions to curb “social ills” wrought by online gambling, in the next hearings.
“We want a clear and concise solution. We are talking now because majority of us wants total ban on online gambling while you are asking for regulation due to foregone revenues. From the Senate’s end, we are inclined to ban it because social ills outweigh the income benefits. If you ask us, we want to stop online gambling right here, right now,” the Games and Amusement Panel chief vowed. “But we will hear every side.”
48 hours
IN the same hearing, Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano grilled Tangonan for giving e-wallet providers 48 hours to remove links to online gambling sites.
Cayetano, chairman of the Sen-
FM Jr. closely eyes probe on investments of GSIS
PBy Samuel P. Medenilla
ate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies, questioned why the BSP acted only on the day of the Senate hearing on online gambling.
“Can you clarify? May order na kayo na tanggalin [gambling] links; so ’di sumusunod [ang e-wallet apps] sa inyo? I-open niyo GCash niyo ngayon, nandyan pa link [ng gambling sites,]” Cayetano told Tangonan.
The senator said he personally checked a staff member’s phone and saw that links to online gambling were still available in the e-wallet app. Tangonan admitted that it was only on August 14 when the BSP gave e-wallet companies 48 hours to remove the links.
Cayetano said the BSP had already circulated a proposal to e-wallet operators in July. He also noted complaints that e-wallets are being used for illegal online gambling.
“I know [the] banking [sector is] very conservative; you have a very good reputation. Nag-circulate kayo ng proposal sa mga e-wallet at hinintay niyo pa ang kanilang reply. Tapos, today lang kayo nag-order? Kasi may hearing today?” he said.
The senator challenged the 48hour grace period and asked the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) if it is possible to remove the links immediately. The DICT confirmed it was possible.
“Why do we give them 48 hours [more if you’re sure]? Kung may mamatay ng 48 hours kasi nalulong doon, okay lang sa atin or sayang lang kita?” Cayetano said.
Tangonan explained that the 48 hours was meant to give time for both the removal of in-app links and icons to online gambling sites, and for consumers to withdraw their funds from online gaming accounts before the links are removed.
GCash, Maya MEANWHILE, the companies behind the e-wallets GCash and Maya issued separate statements after reporters asked for reactions.
A statement by GCash operator GXchange Inc. read that the company “will fully comply” with the BSP’s “proactive directive to remove links and icons that connect payment apps to online gambling platforms.”
“We share the BSP’s commitment to ensuring that digital financial services are used responsibly and in ways that protect the welfare of Filipinos,” the company’s statement continued. “Once we receive the official directive, we will immediately enforce the necessary changes to ensure compliance and safeguard our users.”
Maya Philippines Inc. also said the company is “ready to comply” with the BSP “directive to remove links to online gambling from its app.”
“The update will be implemented in line with the BSP’s guidance. We assure customers that their accounts and transactions remain secure and fully operational,” read the company’s statement. “We remain focused on serving our customers while fully complying with regulatory requirements.” With additional reporting by Cai U. Ordinario
@sam_medenilla & VG Cabuag @villygc
RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos
Jr. is now closely monitoring developments in the ongoing probe of the Ombudsman on the controversies on the investments of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the chief executive was already aware of the controversy.
“A while ago, we asked for the opinion of the President [on the issue] and according to him he is studying it in more depth,” she said in Filipino in a news briefing last Thursday. “Most probably by next week we will have an update to
give regarding that.” Last month, the Ombudsman imposed a 6-month preventive suspension on GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” A. Veloso and six other officials over the P1.45 billion investment of the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) to Alternergy Holding Corp. (AHC) in 2023.
The Ombudsman investigators said the transaction was not approved by the GSIS Board of Trustees and violated the pension fund manager’s investment policy guidelines.
GSIS also drew flak after it also invested more than P1 billion in online gaming firm DigiPlus Interactive Corp.. In a radio interview last Monday, Veloso maintained that the investment
in AHC did not need the approval of the GSIS Board of Trustees and passed the necessary regulatory requirements.
As for the investment in Digiplus, Veloso said it made a lot of profit for the GSIS.
DigiPlus profits
LAST Thursday, DigiPlus announced that its attributable income for the first half of the year grew 61 percent to P8.4 billion from the previous year’s P5.22 billion.
The company said its performance reflects continued growth in its retail games segment, as well as contributions from new product offerings and operational efficiencies.
“This was mainly due to significant increase in revenue from retail segment,
net of costs and expenses related to franchise fees, advertising and promotions, outside services, salaries and other employee benefits and subscription fees,” the company said.
Total revenues rose 47 percent to P47.77 billion from P32.55 billion in the same period last year, supported by increased business activity and the rollout of new games and licenses approved by its regulator. “This is also attributable to increase in monthly active users particularly bingo and e-games,” according to the company. As of end June, there were 137 sites in operation with full capacity, the company said.
In the first half of 2025, DigiPlus remitted some P18.4 billion in government taxes and regulatory fees.
DBM chief banks on law to suppress bloated UAs
DTURING the pandemic, I used to hear the phrase “beyond the call of duty” about doctors, nurses, police officers, and teachers doing their jobs despite the risk of disease contagion.
The phrase refers to actions or efforts that go above and beyond what is expected or required in a particular situation. It implies that someone has undertaken tasks, responsibilities, or acts of service that exceed the standard or customary expectations associated with their role or duty. This expression is often used to commend individuals for their exceptional dedication, effort, or courage in fulfilling their responsibilities.
As an association executive, going “beyond the call of duty” involves taking on tasks and responsibilities that go above and beyond the standard expectations associated with the role. Here are eight key tasks an association executive can perform beyond the call of duty:
mentorship and guidance to emerging leaders within the association. Establish formal or informal mentorship programs, share experiences, and contribute to the professional development of individuals aspiring to take on leadership roles.
6. Advocacy and external partnerships. Advocate for the association’s interests by actively building relationships with external stakeholders, industry leaders, and policymakers. Establish strategic partnerships that bring added value to the association and position it as an influential voice within the industry.
Pangandaman said the DBM wants lawmakers to pass the long-standing bill in the 20th Congress for the government to adopt a cash-based budgeting system. The bill has been consistently part of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s common legislative agenda.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez recently filed House Bill No.
O suppress the bloating of the unprogrammed appropriations, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) seeks the passage of a bill implementing a cash-based budgeting system. During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum on Thursday, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the Budget Modernization bill, if enacted into law, will put in place a limit on unprogrammed appropriations at 5 percent of the national budget. That provision in the bill will block lawmakers from setting aside projects and programs to be funded only if the government earns more than expected or secures extra financing. Based on the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), unprogrammed appropriations are proposed at P249.99 billion. This dropped by 31.21 percent than the P363.42 billion under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. The amount makes up 3.68 percent of the total proposed national budget for 2026, lower than the 5.72 percent in 2025 and 9.21 percent in 2024.
11, known as the Budget Modernization Act, which aims to accelerate the delivery of government services, eliminate wasteful spending and make all government transactions easier to monitor and assess.
Critics are saying that unprogrammed appropriations are being used and bloated by politicians to conceal their pork barrel. According to the 2026 NEP, P97.305 billion will be allotted to foreign-assisted projects, while P80.863 billion will go to government infrastructure and social programs.
About P50 billion was proposed for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ revised modernization program, while budgetary support to state-run corporations will be allocated P6.895 billion. Public health emergency benefits
and allowances for healthcare and nonhealthcare workers were also proposed to receive P6.766 billion.
There are also proposed allotments of P2 billion each for the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Program and Comprehensive and Adequate Insurance Protection of Strategically Important Government Assets and Interest. Other unprogrammed appropriations include fiscal support arrearages for the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program (P333.504 million); refund of the service development fee for the right to develop the Nampeidai Property in Tokyo, Japan (P210.579 million); and, prior years’ local government unit shares (P14.623 million). Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
BOC temporarily stops Green Lane clearance procedure
Aand those selected through random, reasonable or intelligence-based assessments, will still be required to have their QR code scanned and undergo the standard customs clearance process.
Arriving passengers are still required to register through the eTravel app and complete the Customs Declaration Form before arrival. A QR code will be generated for all passengers, regardless of whether they have goods or currency to declare.
“Maging madali na ang pagpasok ng ating mga bisita at mga kababayan,” Nepomuceno said. [It will now be easier for our visitors and fellow Filipinos to enter the country.] A passenger usually takes about five
seconds to 10 seconds to scan their QR code, clogging the arrival lane and adding 15-minutes to 20-minutes more to overall processing time during peak hours.
To solve this, the suspension was ordered to ensure a “simplified and seamless experience” for travelers during customs clearance and to avoid unnecessary queueing at airport terminals.
Nepomuceno assured that the suspension balances its mandate of border protection while delivering efficiency to passengers. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
1. Personalized member outreach. Initiate personalized outreach to key members, stakeholders, or sponsors. Engage in one-on-one conversations to understand their unique needs, challenges, and expectations. Addressing individual concerns demonstrates a commitment to personalized member relations.
2. Innovative program development. Lead the development of innovative programs or initiatives that address emerging trends or challenges within the industry or profession. Propose and implement creative solutions that go beyond the routine offerings, showcasing a commitment to staying ahead of industry and professional developments.
3. Thought leadership contributions. Actively contribute to the association’s thought leadership by publishing articles, blog posts, or whitepapers. Participate in industry discussions, webinars, or conferences to share insights, expertise, and forward-thinking perspectives.
4. Crisis management and preparedness. Take a proactive role in crisis management and preparedness. Develop comprehensive contingency plans, guide the association through challenging situations, and demonstrate resilience in the face of unexpected events to ensure the association’s continuity. 5. Mentorship and guidance. Offer
7. Recognition programs. Develop and oversee recognition programs that acknowledge outstanding contributions by members and stakeholders. Ensure that achievements are celebrated through awards, honorary designations, or featured spotlights, reinforcing a culture of appreciation and acknowledgment.
8. Innovative technology adoption. Explore and recommend the adoption of innovative technologies that can enhance the association’s operations, communication, and member engagement. Stay informed about industry trends and advancements, and leverage technology to streamline processes and improve member experiences. Performing these tasks beyond the call of duty demonstrates a commitment to excellence, member satisfaction, and the overall success and impact of the association. By actively engaging with members, leading innovative initiatives, and contributing to the association’s thought leadership, an association executive can inspire a culture of continuous improvement and elevate the organization’s standing within the industry, community and profession.
Octavio Peralta
A ssociation World
An a�ternoon at the museum
WHEN viewed by a first-time visitor, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) complex looks like a massive amount of chilly and grey concrete buildings constructed in an unfriendly brutalist theme. This reflects the Spanish fortifications of old Manila, meant to protect the government and its citizens therein. Carried to the present day, the BSP’s main goal is to protect the country’s economy and financial system.
Inside, however, if one is allowed to tour the main five-story building, the cold marble walls and flooring are warmed by the incredible number of hanging masterpieces or heritage furniture lining the hallways.
This was one of the perks I certainly appreciated as a one-time banking reporter and having used the BSP press office as a base of operations back in the day. So whether one is walking toward the ATMs to
withdraw money, or hanging around the office of the central bank governor waiting to ready himself for his press conference, my fellow reporters and I have had the good fortune to look, inspect, and marvel at some of the most important works created by the country’s National Artists, painters, and other luminaries.
I am told that among BSP Gov. Eli Remolona’s favorites in the institution’s extensive collection is Fernando Amorsolo’s Women Bathers (1947), an idyllic depiction of rural women folk bathing in a river, in various stages of undress. It is a peek into their sanctuary hidden by bamboo trees, and one can imagine them trading talk about their husbands, or giggling about the latest goings-on the village.
Then there is Ang Kiukok’s Brown Window (1975) with its view of a full moon, hanging at the BSP Executive Business Center, which back in the day was where some of us beat reporters were lucky enough to have lunch at executive meal prices. There are also antique pieces of furniture lined along its halls.
Over at the Philippine International Convention Center, which is managed by the BSP, Jose Joya’s Pagdiriwang (1976) hangs strategically at the main lobby, immediately grabbing guests’ attention because of its sheer size and striking orange-yellow colors. It is the largest artwork in the central bank’s collection
At one point, when the BSP still hosted the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the institution’s pre-colonial gold and pottery collection were also on display. It was remarkable how our forefathers and foremothers were blessed with the skill of bending
Resort North and Solaire Resort Entertainment City. Handcrafted with premium ingredients and presented in elegant gift boxes, Solaire’s mooncakes offer a selection of traditional and contemporary flavors, each paying homage to centuries-old customs while reflecting its commitment to culinary excellence. At Solaire Resort North, the Standard Series offers premium mini
By Eugenia Last
and engraving on gold to create intricate designs on forearm bands, bangles, and necklaces. We were a proud people who were not just clever and innovative but also fashionably and stylish.
It was former Central Bank Gov. Gregorio Licaros (1970-1981) who started acquiring works of art for the institution, which was then further built up by his successor Jaime C. Laya. The paintings collection alone, number over 1,000 pieces, but the BSP has also acquired other artwork like sculptures and tapestries over the years, and includes contemporary pieces that are currently on display at the National Museum of Fine Arts (the former Legislative Building) in Ermita, Manila.
The exhibit, titled Kultura. Kapital. Kasalukuyan., opens to the public on August 15, and will hopefully include one more gallery, as per my latest chat with BSP Deputy Governor Berna Romulo-Puyat. “I asked [National Museum director] Jeremy Barns if they could maybe add one more gallery, because we just have so many pieces and so it won’t be so crowded when visitors come,” Romulo-Puyat told me over dinner the recently. The institution is just so eager to share more of its art collection to the public.
The artworks are divided into Pagmulat (Awakening) at Gallery XVIII and Pagtanaw (Reminiscing) at Gallery XIX. In Pagmulat, the paintings reflect scenes from daily life with themes often revolving around work, family and the home. In Pagtanaw, works of art are
mooncakes in boxes of two or four filled with white lotus paste with double salted egg yolk, red bean paste with almonds, pandan lotus paste with single salted egg yolk, ube paste, lava custard, and assorted fruit nuts with Kam Hua ham. Solaire
story. Compromise, if need be, and you will make headway. Lending a helping hand will position you for a pleasant surprise or reunion with someone special.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Pick up the pace and apply what you know to get things done on time. Others will view tardiness as a weakness; therefore, following through on your promises is essential if you want to gain momentum and support. Set a budget, get organized and work diligently to ensure you achieve the success you desire. ★★★★
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Pay more attention to what and how you do things, and less to conversations that tug on your emotions and throw you off course. Personal improvements that lead to knowledge, growth and validation that you are doing what’s best for you are favored. ★★★★
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Spend more time at home; fix up your space to suit your needs, declutter, and lower your overhead by upgrading and replacing faulty equipment or poor domestic management. Attend a social event, and you’ll likely encounter someone who offers valuable insight into a worthwhile investment or a healthy lifestyle. ★★★★
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): LDomestic changes will be opportunistic and place you in a better financial position. Make special plans with someone you adore, and it will bring you closer together. A lifestyle change may look inviting and help you engage with the things and people that can lower your stress. ★★★★★
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your interest in money will mount as you focus more on investing in something you want to pursue. Expand your interests, rethink your skills and update what you can offer with a
and
or call 8888-8888.
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Show BusinessMirror
Korean actor Hyun Bin talks about Filipino hospitality, adobo, and his favorite role
Museum...
from the 1980s to more recent years, and highlight the changing styles, techniques and subjects of the contemporary artists.
The exhibit features works of over 30 artists representing different generations and regions of the country. Among them are Antonio Austria, Pablo Baens Santos, Santiago Bose, Brenda Fajardo, Roberto Chabet, Charlie Co, Danilo Dalena, Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi, Maria Parial, Ma. Victoria “Ambie” Abaño, Leonardo Aguinaldo, Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, Marina Cruz, Patricia Eustaquio, Emmanuel Gariboy, and Geraldine Javier, to name a few. Among the most striking pieces of the lot is Elaine Navas’s Still Bearing Remnants (After R. Polidori), an oil on canvas created in 2012. Navas, a Filipino expat living in the United States, was apparently inspired by photographs of Robert Polidori taken in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina swept through Louisiana.
In her painting, Navas recreates the rough and tumble destruction of a bedroom, clothes strewn about with a two-decker bed nearly on its side, its linen caked in mud brought on by the heavy floods. It made me think of Typhoon Yolanda, which similarly brought death and destruction in Samar and Letye in 2013, or a year after Navas completed her painting.
I also liked As Fragrant in Rivers in Autumn (2013), a carved wood and polychromed fruitwood piece by Riel Hilario, who received the Cultural Center of the Philippines 13 Artists Award in 2012. The sculpture is of a woman, perhaps a mother, who seems to be preparing to cook— two wooden spoons tucked in one pocket, and a squash flower in the other. It is partly folk and religious, evoking a surreal feel but in an undisturbed, calmer manner.
The second floor is where hangs the momentous and impassioned Spoliarium of Juan Luna, completed in 1884. So, yes, you can spend a whole day just drawing inspiration from the incredible breadth of images and representations of history and life in various mediums at the NMFA. Lest you forget, there are also two other museums in the complex at the Luneta including the National Museum of Anthropology, and the National Museum of Natural History. So two days, maybe?
Kultura. Kapital. Kasalukuyan., an exhibit of contemporary art from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection, is on view at the Galleries XVIII and XIX of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Padre Burgos Avenue, Manila. Admission is free.
“If Ed Sullivan did not exist America would have had to invent him.” —a blurb from SundayBest: TheUntoldStoryofEdSullivan
BY the power and virtue—and reach—of YouTube, this present generation may still be familiar with this hulking, sulking tall man who stretches his hand to introduce an entertainer. There is not much fanfare; in fact, he comes across as tentative, and a bit timid with his gesture. He is the great (that modifier a function more of the passing years) Ed Sullivan. For several decades, he ruled over television when it was still being invented. TV followed close at the heel of the more pervasive radio and, as the commentary to this documentary says it, TV inherited all the bad traits of radio and more. TV also went on to reinvent itself, borrowing all the live musical traditions of vaudeville and sideshows, and transforming them into what would be known as variety shows.
Ed Sullivan was the son of Irish migrants. This demographic background would explain the direction of his career that turned political—all for the best socially and directing a lifeforce that naturally eased itself from being merely an impresario to an advocate. As the documentary, titled Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan, unfolds, we witness a young man born at the right time and the right place and righting his own observation and principle about life. Here is my own confession. My knowledge or familiarity with Ed Sullivan came through memories of his show via secondary data. Like those involved in writing about cinema and its related devices of TV and music, Ed Sullivan was like a chapter title of memories. Every now and then, we who write about
Text & photo by Dinna
Chan Vasquez
PERHAPS one of the most memorable moments during Korean actor Hyun Bin’s first-ever meet and greet with his Filipino fans at Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Parañaque was his answer to the question, “Have you ever kept a prop or anything from a scene as a souvenir or a costume from a project you’ve done?”
The audience jokingly said it was “Yoon Se-ri,” a Crash Landing on You character played by the actor’s real-life wife Son Ye-jin but Hyun Bin had another answer.
“Whenever I do a project and after that, whenever there are props that would commemorate the project that I did, I talk to the props team and ask if I could get one. The one that I remember right know is during Secret Garden, it was Kim Ju-woon’s nameplate on his desk,” said Hyun Bin.
“After I got that prop, for a long time it was on my personal desk.”
Filipinos may know Hyun Bin as Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok in Crash Landing on You, a pandemic favorite on Netflix, but Secret Garden clearly has a special spot in his heart.
Prior to the meet and greet with his fans, Hyun Bin attended a press conference where he disclosed that his most memorable role was the one he played in Secret Garden, an SBS romanticcomedy about body swap with Ha Ji-won. The show received positive reviews from viewers.
Hyun Bin has also portrayed characters in Harbin, Memories of Alhambra, The Snow Queen, and Hyde Jekyll, Me.
Hyun Bin played a villain for the first time in the 2018 thriller The Negotiation, wherein he stages a terrifying hostage situation for 12 hours. The crisis negotiator was played by Son Ye-jin.
During the press conference, Hyun Bin shared his impressions of the Philippines. He also gave glowing praise to the warmth of the Filipino people, the vibrant energy of Manila, and the impeccable hospitality he experienced during his stay at Solaire.
“From the moment I arrived, everyone has been so warm and welcoming,” he said.
“I’ve heard many good things about Manila
but experiencing it for myself—it’s even more wonderful than I expected.”
Hyun Bin described his stay as serene and memorable, highlighting the elegant accommodations and attention to detail that made it easy for him to relax and recharge.
“The hotel is very beautiful,” he noted. “One thing that really stood out to me is the incredible view from my room—especially during sunset. It’s truly breathtaking. The bed is so soft and comfortable, and the whole room feels very calm and private.”
Solaire Resort Entertainment City, the Philippines’ first integrated resort, is known for offering a seamless blend of luxury, entertainment, and Filipino hospitality. With over 800 rooms and suites boasting panoramic views of the Manila Bay or the city skyline, the resort is a haven of comfort and sophistication. The resort is also home to an impressive lineup of 18 dining concepts, ranging from elevated Filipino cuisine to award-winning international fare—making it a true destination for discerning travelers.
Hyun Bin’s first-ever visit to Manila was made possible by Joy Wassmer, Solaire Entertainment City director of public relations andcommunications.
Hyun Bin said he was representing Solaire Resort, which he described as “more than just an ordinary resort, where we can make experiences or memories.”
Hyun Bin also shared that he has tried Filipino food, such as crispy pata and adobo. He said adobo had been highly recommended by his Korean friends who previously visited the country.
“It was very delicious—rich, flavorful, and definitely something I’d like to try again,” he said. “I’m looking forward to tasting more of the local dishes while I’m here.”
Hyun Bin is currently filming another K-drama, titled Made in Korea, with Jong Woosung, Won Ji-an, and Seo Eun-soo.
“I’m excited for fans to see a new side of me soon. With that unconditional love and support that I receive from Filipino fans, I’m grateful and honored. I’d like to return the love back to the Filipino fans with more projects and be a better actor, as well,” he said.
films make forays into the world of entertainment, looking into lives of singers and entertainers—and composers for they too are part of filmic traditions. Think of Broadway, where some films are derived; imagine those immortal themes that made some scenes unforgettable. Consider Henry Mancini and Breakfast at Tiffany. Gertrude Lawrence and Julie Andrews. Michel Legrand, Catherine Deneuve and The Umbrella of Cherbourg. The list goes on. Now, of course, the online dispensation sometimes can present merely clips or footage; thus, we see Ed Sullivan appearing so quickly and disappearing. He has become a person of no consequence. He has lost his own history. The documentary Sunday Best: The Ed Sullivan Story is recuperative. It recovers for us a story. It is not, as we would find out, not an ordinary biographical journey but a sociopolitical commentary of a man who never thought he was making an impact on a world made brittle by bigotry and hatred. And perhaps without him knowing it, Ed Sullivan did it through music, by way of entertainment.
Self-effacing, Ed Sullivan tells us how it all began. He was a master of ceremonies for the so-called Harvest Moon Ball in the 1930s, until the organizers decided to have the event televised. In that social gathering, the young man breezed through the program with his bravado and what he admitted to be his informality. The television and its camera were different, especially when he was asked to do the simplest thing—look straight into the huge camera. He soon earned the label “stone face” of television. He did not mind though; he had impeccable taste in selecting the talents to show on TV. He knew what the people wanted. He presented “Negro” singers and dancers, because they were the best. This was, however, the era of segregation. There were “white-only” areas. In buses, there was a MasonDixon line separating races, usually the black from the white. There was the persistent South of course, which was the seat of this ideology. But Ed Sullivan could not care less. He went on to guest them, the Negro with the white entertainers. As if that was
other singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday stellar figures in Americana. We can never imagine them at one time subjected to discrimination and cruelty, and we are only talking of the 1940s and the 1950s. We discuss this documentary for its history and yet if there is something riveting about Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan, it is its charming use of counterpoints. As when that phenomenal Toni Harper, the young girl-singer, chants “Swing low, sweet Chariot,” and the scene segues into the early childhood of Ed Sullivan, where he recalls how the conditions of the Irish migrants matched those of the Blacks. Or when James Brown sings his own gritty version of “Prisoner of Love”: “Alone from night to night/you’ll find me/Too weak to break these chains/ that bind me/I need no shackles to remind me/I’m just a prisoner of love.” The anthem of love appears to bear double meanings of oppression.
To Harry Belafonte, the fight for equality contained the subtle moments contributed by The Ed Sullivan Show.
Ed Sullivan began as a sports writer and, by appointment, became a chronicler of Broadway. He admitted to not being given a chance to refuse. He proved to be a writer as well. At the end of the documentary about his show, he is quoted as saying, “Bigotry and intolerance…are spiritual acts of treason.”
The show Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan closed in 1971. Three years later, Ed Sullivan died—on Sunday.
The documentary is directed by the late Sacha Jenkins and streams on Netflix.
Historicising ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’
Bacolod City to Host the First-Ever Terra Madre Asia & Pacific in 2025
Terra Madre, the world-renowned biennial event held in Turin, Italy, founded by Slow Food International, makes a historic leap in 2025 with the launch of Terra Madre Asia & Pacific, its first-ever regional gathering in Asia and the Pacific, to be held November 19–23, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
Under the theme “From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes & Traditions,” this five-day event brings together farmers, fishers, cooks, chefs, youth, food communities, indigenous leaders, researchers, policy makers and cultural advocates to celebrate biodiversity and co-create sustainable food systems rooted in tradition, fairness, and environmental care.
This landmark gathering solidifies Bacolod City’s role as the newly designated Slow Food International Hub for Asia and the Pacific and marks the evolution of successful Terra Madre
Visayas events hosted in Bacolod in 2023 and 2024.
“This is a turning point not just for Slow Food in the Philippines, but for the entire region. Terra Madre Asia & Pacific is a space where grassroots wisdom can shape policy, tradition can spark innovation, and the lived experiences of communities take their rightful place in shaping our global food future,” adds Ramon “Chin Chin” Uy Jr., Slow Food Councilor for Southeast Asia. “It’s time for Asia and the Pacific to take center stage in the global sustainable food conversation.”
Modeled after Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, Italy, Slow Food’s global biennial summit, this regional edition aims to:
Showcase the Philippines’ gastronomy, food biodiversity, and cultural heritage; Foster cross-border collaboration among food producers, chefs, youth, and Indigenous communities;
Build public awareness around ethical foodways, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture;
Reinforce the Department of Tourism’s commitment to positioning the Philippines as a global gastronomy destination.
The Slow Food Terra Madre Asia & Pacific is a project in collaboration with: Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez, City Government of Bacolod led by Mayor Greg Gasataya, Provincial Government of Negros Occidental led by Governor Eugenio Lacson, Department of Tourism led by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Department of Agriculture led by Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr, Department of Trade and Industry led by Secretary Cristina Roque, Rep/ Javi Benitez, TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez, Senator Loren Legarda, Plus63 Design Co., FEATR, Slow Food International and the Slow Food Community in Negros.
Get Involved - for those interested in being part of Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025, delegate applications may be directed to nichole@slowfoodnegros.com, while partnership and sponsorship inquiries may be sent to frauline@slowfoodnegros.com.
The KITA Initiative Honored at Cannes Lions 2025 as only recognized PHL campaign
The ACT Responsible Exhibition at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity spotlights standout campaigns driving social and environmental impact globally. Among this year’s honorees is the Philippines’ own “The KITA Initiative,” recognized as a Tribute to Creativity for Good under the Education category.
THE KITA Initiative, the landmark women’s empowerment movement developed by Havas Ortega in collaboration with SPARK! Philippines, has been named one of the Tributes to Creativity for Good by ACT Responsible at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. It stands out as the only campaign from the Philippines to earn a top spot in this prestigious global showcase spotlighting creativity with purpose. Recognized under the Education category, The KITA Initiative: Making WomenOwned Businesses Seen One Sign at a Time was honored alongside standout campaigns from Mexico, Peru, India, Italy, Ecuador, Turkey, Brazil, Nigeria, and France. The recognition follows a competitive public vote, where more than 46,000 people, both online and onsite in Cannes, engaged with over a thousand global submissions, from which only 100 campaigns were curated for exhibition.
“To be the Philippines’ sole winner at ACT Responsible’s Tributes to Creativity for Good is a humbling and proud moment,” said Jos Ortega, CEO of Havas Ortega. “This recognition affirms
TRUE to its mission of building not just homes but also hope, Wilcon Depot, the country’s leading home improvement and construction supply retailer, took meaningful action to help restore the dreams of schoolchildren in Aurora province, still reeling from last year’s devastation by Typhoon Pepito.
During an awarding ceremony held at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Dr. William T. Belo, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Wilcon Depot, was recognized by his alma mater for his outstanding contributions to the industry and society. There, he had a meaningful encounter with Engr. Vira Arceo, co-awardee and Board Director of Baler Aurora Ngayon Angkan at Kasaysayan Inc. (BANAKA). In a heartfelt conversation, Arceo shared the harsh realities faced by educators and students in Aurora in the aftermath of super typhoon Pepito, especially in the municipality of Dingalan, where many schools were severely damaged or destroyed.
Typhoon Pepito, which swept across the country last year, left a trail of destruction in the northern towns of Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag, damaging over 94 schools, hundreds of classrooms and disrupting the learning of hundreds of young learners In five barangays alone, the typhoon blew off the roofs of more than 60 percent of homes, leaving families and educators scrambling for shelter and learning space.
Moved by the stories and the urgent needs of the affected communities, Dr. Belo responded without hesitation. With just a few heartfelt words to Arceo, he made his intention clear: “’Yung sa probinsya, tulungan natin ’yung mga eskwela at mga bata—’yung mga schools na na-damage.” (“Let’s help the province, the children, and rebuild their damaged schools.”)
On April 23, 2025, Wilcon Depot dispatched the first batch of roofing and construction materials to Aurora. This was followed by another shipment two days later. These critical supplies ignited full-blown rebuilding efforts across the damaged schools in the province.
A significant milestone in this initiative was marked on June 11, 2025, during the ceremonial turnover of newly rehabilitated school buildings at the Aurora National Science High School in Dingalan. Wilcon Depot was represented by Harvy Cruz, AVP for Sales and Operations, who joined the community in celebrating the restoration of safe and conducive learning spaces for students. Also in attendance were Schools Division
ran high as the event symbolized not just the reconstruction of buildings, but the rekindling of hope and the reaffirmation of community spirit.
Wilcon Depot remains committed to its mission of building stronger communities through acts of kindness and meaningful impact. As part of its long-standing advocacy of nation-building, Wilcon continues to respond not only to the structural needs of Filipinos, but also to the emotional and educational pillars that sustain their dreams.
Wilcon Depot’s support aims to address the urgent needs of these underserved areas and contribute to the long-term rehabilitation of public schools in Aurora. The company, through its Wilcon Foundation, has consistently supported education, disaster response, and community development programs across the country.
This act of compassion and generosity is a reflection of Wilcon Depot’s core values– integrity, community, and service. Dr. Belo’s quick response to a heartfelt appeal reinforces the belief that true leadership lies not just in vision, but in the ability to listen, care, and act. For more information about Wilcon, visit www. wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You can also subscribe to and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. For inquiries, you may contact the Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266).
that when creativity is anchored in purpose, it resonates across borders and communities.”
A Movement Rooted in Visibility, Empowerment, and Equity
Launched in 2024, The KITA Initiative addresses the longstanding invisibility of womenled micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines. MSMEs make up 99.5% of all registered businesses in the country, contribute 40% to the national GDP, and employ over 60% of the population. Notably, over 60% of these enterprises are owned or led by women—yet their presence and contributions often remain underrecognized in a male-dominated business landscape. The KITA Initiative seeks to change that by building visibility, fostering recognition, and driving opportunity for Filipina entrepreneurs.
More than a campaign, KITA is a creative movement to make women-owned businesses visible—because visibility opens doors to opportunity. The campaign’s name, Kita, meaning both to see and to earn in Filipino, encapsulates its dual mission of recognition and economic empowerment.
A key creative element of the movement is the KITA Font, a typeface inspired by the butterfly sleeves of the Filipiniana. Used to transform business signage, packaging, and branding, the font is a tool—not the core—of the movement, symbolizing resilience, strength, and cultural pride.
“We built The KITA Initiative on the belief that design is not just aesthetic — it’s advocacy,” said Angie Tohid, Executive Creative Director of Havas Ortega. “Every curve of the KITA font, every story told, is a bold declaration that Filipina entrepreneurs deserve to be seen, celebrated, and supported. This global recognition affirms the power of creativity in reshaping narratives and reclaiming space.”
A Global Celebration of Purposeful Creativity
ACT Responsible, a global non-profit, championing responsible advertising, curates the annual ACT Exhibition at Cannes Lions to spotlight the most impactful social and environmental campaigns worldwide. The KITA Initiative stood out for its bold advocacy, creative clarity, and community-centered execution—qualities that drew attention and support from thousands of voters across the globe.
“To see a locally grounded initiative like KITA recognized on one of the most respected global stages in advertising is incredibly rewarding,” said Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK! Philippines. “It reinforces our belief that purpose-led storytelling, when done authentically, can cross borders and spark change.” KITA continues to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on gender equality, decent work, and inclusive economic growth.
Sensitive Skin Down There? This Belle Mariano-Approved Feminine Wash is The Purest Care You’ll Need
AS many Filipinas struggle with finding everyday essentials for their extra sensitive skin, it can be particularly challenging to find a feminine wash that isn’t harsh and won’t cause any irritation. In line with its mission to give every Filipina the purest care, pH Care, the #1 feminine wash brand in the Philippines for generations, officially launched its newest innovation, pH Care Ultra Pure Daily Feminine Wash, last July 30, 2025 at the Trinoma Activity Center in Quezon City.
Leading the celebration was none other than Kapamilya Gen Z queen, Belle Mariano, who embodies the brand’s message of gentle confidence and self-care.
During the event, Mariano, the face of pH Care Ultra Pure Daily Feminine Wash, took the stage to share how the product helps her feel protected and comfortable every day. She also gave a few personal tips on staying fresh and confident.
She was joined by Dr. Jennifer Narvaez, OB-GYN expert, who shared helpful advice on intimate care, especially for those with sensitive skin. This new variant is formulated specifically for those with extra sensitive skin and aims to provide a gentler approach to protecting your intimate area. With its Pure Formulation–ZERO soap, fragrance, colorants, and parabens–you can be confident that this feminine wash won’t irritate you. It also gets the stamp of approval from experts as it is clinically tested by OB-GYNEs for safety and effectiveness.
Now, you don’t have to settle for products that don’t complement your skin type. With an intimate wash that’s equally gentle on sensitive skin and reliable when
Belle Mariano Consults with an OB-GYNE Expert to Know the Best Products for Extra Sensitive Skin it comes to comfort and protection, Filipinas with extra sensitive skin can now go about their day with the ease and comfort that they deserve. Even moms don’t have to worry about introducing a safe and gentle feminine wash to their teens! No more worrying about discomfort and irritation holding them back! The new pH Care
HAT if a thoughtful choice on the grocery shelf could do something good not only for your heart but for someone else’s too? As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, Heart Mate Canola Oil is turning the simple act of cooking into something more meaningful. Through its “Share-the-Love with Heart Mate” campaign, launched in partnership with Robinsons Supermarket, consumers can help support Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation, Inc. (PGHMFI) patients simply by purchasing any Heart Mate Canola Oil product. It’s a simple act with real impact. With one Heart Mate Canola Oil at a time, shoppers can help fund vital treatments, provide much-needed resources, and offer hope to families facing some of life’s hardest moments. Building on the momentum of its “New Look. Same Love. Heart Mate.” campaign, which introduced Heart Mate’s fresh and new bottle design and packaging, “Share-the-Love with Heart Mate” brings the brand’s message beyond the kitchen. This time, the focus isn’t just on what’s inside the bottle; it’s on the lives that its bottle can touch. Until October 15, 2025, for every purchase of any Heart Mate Canola Oil product at any Robinsons Supermarket branches, ₱5 will be donated to the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation, Inc. (PGHMFI). These proceeds will help fund essential medical programs and patient care, particularly for underprivileged individuals who rely on PGHMFI
for life-saving support.
“At Robinsons Supermarket, our promise has always been to bring hearts to our customers’ carts, and this partnership with Heart Mate Canola Oil and PGHMFI brings that to life in a truly meaningful way,” added Kerwin Legarde, Group General Manager of Robinsons Supermarket. “By choosing healthier options, our customers not only care for their own families but also extend that care to others in need.”
For years, Heart Mate Canola Oil has been a trusted kitchen staple and a proud advocate of health and wellness. This ongoing partnership with the PGHMFI highlights the brand’s belief that nourishing families doesn’t stop at the dinner table; it extends to the greater community.
“We are deeply grateful for this partnership with Heart Mate Canola Oil and Robinsons Supermarket,” said Dr. Telesforo E. Gana Jr., Chairman and President of the PGH Medical Foundation, Inc. “The proceeds from this campaign will help us fund vital programs that directly benefit the patients of the Philippine General Hospital to ensure access to quality healthcare and much-needed medical support for those who need it most.”
PGHMFI provides essential aid to indigent patients across the country, many of whom are undergoing treatment for chronic or critical conditions. Through donor-driven campaigns like this, the foundation can help bridge the gap between access and quality health care.
“As we mark our 25th year in the market, we want to make
this milestone more meaningful not just for our brand, but for the communities we serve,” said Abigail Ng-Reyes, Vice President for Marketing of Fly Ace Corporation. “At the heart of our brand is the belief that health and wellness should be accessible to every Filipino and we will continue to champion that through every bottle we share and every initiative we take part in.” Heart Mate Canola Oil has earned the trust of families who believe that good health starts in the kitchen — without giving up on taste. With zero cholesterol, the lowest saturated fat, and a good source of Omega 3 and 6, it supports not just everyday cooking — but heart health, too.
Now, with every bottle, you’re not just nourishing your loved ones. You’re also extending that care to someone in need.
Because this isn’t just cooking oil — it’s a simple act of love, a step toward better health, and a chance to make a real difference. Whether it’s for everyday meals or family celebrations, Heart Mate Canola Oil encourages everyone to cook with heart and share the love — one meal, one bottle, and one act of love at a time. For more information, follow @jollyheartmatecanolaoil on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Heart Mate Canola Oil is available at all leading groceries and supermarkets nationwide. To learn more about the brand and its products, visit www. flyacecorp.com. ‘Share-the-Love’ Campaign Donates P5 per pack to
Superintendent Dante G. Parungao, CESO V, school heads from across the province, teachers, students, and their families. Emotions
Editor: Tet Andolong • www.businessmirror.com.ph
FORD PHILIPPINES BRINGS IN THE NEW FORD TERRITORY HYBRID AND MUSTANG MACH-E
FORD Philippines has entered the country’s automotive electrification scene with the introduction of the new Ford Territory Hybrid and Mustang Mach-E. The new Ford Territory Hybrid and Mustang Mach-E also mark the American automaker’s first entry into the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and full-electric vehicle (EV) segments in the Philippines.
Available in Trend and Titanium X variants, the latest HEV model offers competitive price points, features, and trim distinctions to the local market. The EV model, meanwhile, combines electric power, modern driving technology, signature design cues, and a legendary driving experience.
New Territory Hybrid NOW powered by a hybrid system, both variants are motivated by a 1.5-liter turbocharged dedicated hybrid engine, an electric traction motor, and a 1.83-kWh LithiumIon Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese high-voltage battery. Power is then transferred via a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. On paper, the dedicated hybrid engine produces 148 hp and 230 N-m of torque, while the electric traction motor delivers 215 hp and 315 N-m of torque, enabling acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds.
This hybrid powertrain operates in EV, series, parallel, or energy recovery modes depending on the battery state of charge, driving speed, and throttle response. On the other hand, the three driving modes are Eco, Normal, and Sport. Even the steering feel is customizable thanks to the selectable power steering modes: Comfort, Normal, and Sport.
Exterior-wise, the front end received significant design
enhancements on the hood, fenders, and the new pronounced front grille bearing a honeycomb pattern. It complements the latest integrated front LED lighting system, featuring daytime running lights, the coast-to-coast LED bar (Titanium X), and a redesigned bumper. As for the rear, the LED taillights and lower bumper designs are also new. The top-spec Titanium X rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/50 series tires, while the Trend version has 18-inch rollers wrapped in 235/55 series rubbers.
Inside, there are fresh materials and trims. The seats are now draped with dual-tone perforated leather material with yellow stitching. Notable is the new and improved headrest. The same yellow stitching is found on leather-wrapped door panels, armrests, and the center console. The Titanium X variant features the latest multi-color ambient lighting and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while the Trend version has a smaller seveninch digital instrument cluster. But the 12-inch vehicle infotainment system with voice recognition is standard. It now has upgraded hardware and new energy flow information.
The upgraded in-vehicle infotainment hardware and software make phone pairing easier, faster, and more seamless. At the same time, the new Human
Machine Interface (HMI) design allows users to control A/C menus without exiting phone projection.
Exclusive to the Titanium X variant are a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping aid, blind spot information system, and rear cross-traffic alert. Newly added functions include lane centering control and an all-new comfort braking system, which engages during harsh braking from speeds of 50 km/h or higher.
The new Ford Territory Hybrid
Titanium X variant retails for P1.599 million, while the Trend variant is at P1.399 million. Available color options are Oasis Green (Titanium X), Crystal Pearl White (Titanium X), Star White (Trend), Blue Panther, and Panther Black.
As an exclusive offer, customers purchasing the Territory Hybrid will receive a complimentary illuminated front grill logo and hybrid decal, enhancing its appearance with an even more upgraded look.
Mustang Mach-E
FORD Philippines is offering the Mustang Mach-E Premium AllWheel Drive Extended Range variant in the country. Motivation comes from a dual permanent magnet synchronous motor that drives all four wheels, producing 388 hp (290kW) and 676N-m of
torque. An 88-kWh extended-range lithium-ion NCM battery delivers up to 550 kilometers of range (WLTP). Charging options include both Type 2 (AC) and CCS2 (DC) ports, with support for AC charging up to 11kW and DC fast charging up to 150kW. A compatible home wall charger can replenish the battery overnight, while a 150kW DC charger can bring it from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 36 to 45 minutes.
There are three selectable drive modes. The whisper mode softens steering and throttle response for a smoother and more composed ride. Engage mode balances comfort and performance for everyday use, while Unbridle mode sharpens handling and acceleration for a more dynamic drive.
The latest EV also features a One-Pedal Drive system. It allows the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. Lifting off the pedal activates regenerative braking, which also slows the vehicle and recovers energy for the battery. Design-wise, the Mustang Mach-E embodies boldness through its Mustang Heritage. It retains the fastback silhouette and tri-bar tail lamps that define the nameplate’s identity. A frameless grille with active shutters works with LED projector headlamps featuring automatic leveling, sequential turn signals, and signature lighting. The EV rolls on 19-inch machinefinished aluminum wheels.
TGR Philippine Cup farewell race hits big bang
THE Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup went out with the usual big bang during the third and final edition of what is now the nation’s iconic One-Make-Race (OMR) on August 8-9 at the San Miguel-Clark International Speedway in Clark Freeport Pampanga.
“What an unforgettable season,” exclaimed Elvin “The Big E” Luciano, vice president for public relations of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP).
Unforgettable, indeed, as Season 11 made giant strides in terms mainly of new innovations, from the introduction of the
sentimental-laden Legacy race to the baptism of fire for the revived Tamaraw seeing its historic run at the tracks. After the first Weekend Race at Clark last March, the event made a blast like no other in May at the massive Villar City in Cavite, easily making the Race Weekend 2 as the biggest TGR Philippine Cup edition to date since the event’s inaugurals in 2014 then known as the Vios Cup under the aegis of Michonobu “The Rocker” Sugata.
Formula One
THE debuting street race in Bacoor’s Villar City was one of a
kind, almost photocopying the classic Formula One editions in Monaco and Singapore.
And in Clark for the farewell Race 3, the almost sell-out crowd was treated to another smashing weekend of ohs and ahs even I was once again afforded the chance to rub elbows with TMP top guns like Masando Hashimoto, Jing Atienza, Sherwin ChuaLim, Masa Haoka, Elijahwon Marcial, Andy Ty, JC Gaon, Mixie Flavier, May Cruz and Kinto One chieftain Tini Arevalo.
Here’s Elijahwon Marcial’s take on the Weekend Race 3:
“We had a great turnout at onsite spectators compared to previous Clark races. We owe this from increased public interest from our last race at Villar City as well as the big support from GR car clubs where a total of 175 members participated.
Tamaraw special “OUR Tamaraw special activities
also pumped up not just the crowd, but the race teams as well.
“There will definitely be a Tamaraw Circuit Class next year. We hope to get a lot of existing new teams interested to boost local production and national car manufacturing.
“Congratulations to Cosco Oben and his Obengers for bagging the season’s overall championship.
“Kudos, too, to winners Luis Moreno (Novice), Jesse Garcia (Sporting), and Russel Cabrera (Super sporting).
“We thank Carlos and Luis Gono’s Autoplus for their passion to elevate the performance of our cars.
“Our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors and partners who made everything possible, with special mention of JP, Jeanette and the entire Tuason Racing Team.
“Also to AAP bosses, president
Inside, a panoramic glass roof lights up the cabin. The perforated ActiveX synthetic leather seats offer 10-way power adjustment for both driver and front passenger.
Heated front seats, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, and rear air vents are also available. A 10.2-inch low-profile digital instrument cluster displays essential information. At the same time, the 15.5-inch capacitive touchscreen runs SYNC 4A with enhanced voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with subwoofer. Other conveniences include an autodimming rearview mirror and a wireless charging pad. Trunk space is 402 liters and up to 1,420 liters (rear seats folded). The front trunk (‘frunk’) storage provides an additional 80 liters of storage space. The E-Latch door system replaces conventional handles for a cleaner look and better aerodynamics. When the vehicle detects the driver, pressing the B-pillar button releases the door. Rear passengers use a soft-touch release on the door frame. Other exterior features include powerfolding heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a hands-free power liftgate.
As for safety, the Mustang Mach-E is equipped with a 360-degree camera with split view for parking and low-speed maneuvers. Standard safety systems
Joe Ferreria, CEO Mark de Sales and Motorsports’ head Rikki Dyliaco.
‘Customers need us’
“AND, of course, we are all very proud of our boss, President Hashimoto for finishing second at P2 after a no-podium finish last year. We are inspired by his hard work and love for cars.
“I jokingly requested him for a victory holiday, but he said, ‘Go back to work. We are Toyota and our customers need us.’
“Much as we wanted to have some rest after that gruelling weekend and months of planning and preparation, we had to accede as we are undoubtedly inspired by our President’s leadership, pushing us to even work harder to have better and better motorsports activities for our dear fans!”
To be No. 1 is to be always No. 1 in all spheres of the spectrum.
PEE STOP Lexus assistant vice president Jade Sison-Mendoza is still in Cloud
include ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, traction control, and the SecuriLock passive antitheft system. Driver assistance features include Collision Mitigation, Reverse Brake Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping System with alert and aid functions, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a Driver Impairment Monitor. The Mustang Mach-E is available at P3.499 million and is offered in Glacier Grey, Star White, Shadow Black, Velocity Blue, and Grabber Yellow colors. Upon purchase, customers will get a free 3.5kW portable charger and a 7kW wall box charger.
FordPass Connect ANOTHER new feature for the Territory Hybrid and Mustang Mach-E is FordPass Connect. The feature enables users to connect their mobile phones to manage customer connectivity settings, command & control, and vehicle health alerts. FordPass also allows smartphone connectivity to enable features such as remote start, door locking & unlocking, and vehicle health alerts, among others. Moreover, with FordPass, owners can manage their Mach-E directly from their mobile devices, checking EV Charging Status, Battery States of Charge, Charge Session Details, Start/Stop Charging, Target Charge, Departure Times, Preferred Charge Times, Charge History, and AC Charge Rate.
Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
By Aldrin Quinto
body FIVB, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio on Wednesday were one in stressing that success of such events hinge on a constellation of key contributors such as the fans, sponsors and brand partners, local organizing committees and government agencies, among others. Thus, the call for a collective ownership of the once-in-a-lifetime hosting using the battle cry “Set Na Natin ’To,” and a sizeable midweek crowd responded with a heartfelt ovation.
“ Volleyball fans, we are very grateful. We’ve poured everything into this, battled through every obstacle to deliver this event, and we expect to see you all during the matches,” Suzara said.
“The world’s big four will be here. Our Alas Pilipinas is grinding it out to be worthy to take this floor. Join us for 17 days of top-level volleyball,” the president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and the Asian Volleyball Confederation added. Defending champion Italy, world No. 1 and Volleyball Nations League titlist Poland, Brazil and Slovenia banner the 32team tournament set Sept. 12 to 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and MOA Arena.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, co-chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, underscored volleyball’s multi-generational appeal and called on families to support the FIVB Men’s World Championship. Worldwide, volleyball is regarded as a family sport. Not only do we play as a family, we watch as a family,” Cayetano said.
ORLD-RANKED polo player
WMikee Romero produced what he termed as one of his “beautiful and courageous” shots as he helped power his team, GlobalPortPassion For Polo, to a stunning 11-10 win over defending champion Flying Changes in the US Polo Association (USPA) Midwest Open last Monday at the Las Brisas Polo Club in Chicago, Illinois.
Facing the prospect of another painful defeat, Romero, ranked No. 24 in the world with 110 World Polo Tour points, delivered the clincher with an incredible show of speed and bravery to cap the team’s remarkable comefrom-behind win.
One of my best shots ever,” said the former congressman, who gained recognition after GlobalPort’s histotic debut at the 2025 Gauntlet of Polo, considered the Olympics of polo.
R omero’s last-gasp goal—his second in the game— underscored his team’s mighty stand in the face of Flying Changes’ aggressive attack early on to stay on course for another great ride following an impressive quarterfinal finish in the prestigious US Polo Open Championship in Florida last May. The victory was sweet redemption for Romero and teammates—American Colo Gonzalez, Argentinian Nino Obregon and Filipino-American Anthony Garcia—after absorbing a stinging 13-14 defeat to CD Peacock in the opener. On a break from his sociocivic work being the chairman of the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines Inc. with a rank of lieutenant colonel, Romero attributed the team’s victory to the team’s own version of neversay-day spirit.
“I t’s our chemistry and big fighting heart that carried us through,” added Romero, who is the highest-ranked Southeast Asian player on the global circuit.
nzales and Obregón were
“ We want the Philippines to be a powerhouse in sports tourism. After the SEA Games, the FIBA Basketball World Cup and now the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship,” Cayetano added.
G regorio urged more fan support, saying that while it may be only a once-in-a-lifetime hosting, it can help elevate the country’s profile in global sports tourism.
“I think we all realize that maybe this will not happen again in our lifetime. Let’s do good, let’s get together, let’s help each other.”
We have to do this so well, we have to do this, telling the world that this is the Philippines, we can host properly, this is the showcase of our nation, we are a very beautiful sports tourism destination,” Gregorio said.
Alas Pilipinas continues to train in Europe, but the women’s squad led by captain Jia de Guzman, recentlyawarded SEA VLeague Best Libero Justine Jazareno, Dell Palomata attended the event to help drum up the launch.
Hundreds of fans joined various activities organized by the different national teams and benefactors at the MOA Music Hall. Game booths offered match tickets as prizes, while merchandise was handed out at team booths. Tickets are available via the official website https://www. philippineswch2025.com/.
The FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship was also on display, while event mascots Koolog, Hataw and Kidlat were introduced ahead of the tournament backed by PNVF Official Partners PLDT, Mwell, Meralco, Rebisco, Akari, Nuvali, PNVF official suppliers Asics, Senoh, official ball Mikasa, official television partner Cignal, Honda, BMW, and supported by the PSC and POC. Tolentino noted that securing the rights to host an event of such magnitude is tedious and complex compared with continental and regional sporting events that follow rotational hosting.
We’re very excited for this event. It’s really very hard to bid and to host these events. Magsama-sama po tayo for this event,” Tolentino said.
The Philippine Men’s National Volleyball team will face world No. 41 Tunisia on opening day at the MOA Arena, and will have several days off before taking on No. 23 Egypt on September 16, before concluding Pool A play against No. 13 Iran on September 18.
Cone: Let’s see what’s going on and go forward
By Josef Ramos
MOST, if not all, saw Australia’s rout of the Philippines coming—in the form of an 84-60 score that all but dashed all hopes for Gilas Pilipinas to go deeper into the 2025 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup in Jeddah.
P itted against the back-to-back Asia Cup champions that make them No. 1 in the continent and more significantly, are No. 7 in the world, Gilas was given a Chinaman’s chance to frolic on the Arabian desert savoring an upset over the Aussies.
Being everything given on Wednesday night at the King Abdullah Sports City gym, Gilas head coach Tim Cone is harnessing himself for the tougher task that lies ahead.
We got to really digest this—we got to look at videos, we got to see what’s
going on and go forward,” Cone said. Cone’s main concern ? The 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
“They are in our bracket,” said Cone, referring to Group A of the qualifiers which is composed of the Philippines, New Zealand and Australia. “We got to figure out some things ahead of us.”
The Asian qualifiers run from November 24, 2025 to March 2, 2027 for the World Cup Qatar is hosting from August 27 to September 12, 2027.
The Philippines, ranked 34th in the world, were goners from the get-go, falling behing 29-12 after the first quarter and 48-28 at half time.
T he Aussies checked Justin Brownlee to just 10 points on 3 of 7 shooting with former De La Salle standout Kevin Quiambao filling up the void with 17 points—he was 5 of 8 from the field three-point zone and four rebounds.
On to the next one,” said Quiambao, a forward for the Goyang Sono
Skygunners in the Korea pro league. “And we will keep our heads high for the next one.”
“I t’s still a great learning experience for us,” he added. Dwight Ramos added 15 points and seven rebounds while 6-foot-11 AJ Edu had eight points and eight rebounds for Gilas, which was outclassed off the board, 36-57, by the Boomers.
The Philippines suffered consecutive losses to Chinese-Taipei, 95-87, 87and New Zealand, 94-86, but beat Iraq, 66-57, in Group D to advance to the playoff for the quarterfinals against host Saudi Arabia, which Gilas won in overtime, 95-88.
Australia rakes on Iran—which rallied past Chinese-Taipei, 78-75, in the other quarterfinals on Wednesday—in the semifinals set this Saturday.
C hina took on South Korea and New Zealand squared off with Lebanon in the other quarterfinals matches on Thursday.
Artistic gymnastics junior world championships up
Villaroman, Seeun book contrasting wins in Lubao
But it didn’t come easy.
in Lubao, Pampanga. While Villaroman fought fiercely to finally taste victory after five legs of nearmisses with a closing 75, Seeun cruised to a commanding title in her maiden appearance in the country’s premier junior circuit, navigating the tough Pinatubo layout with poise despite a closing 85. B oth players capitalized on the sizeable leads they built over the first two rounds of the 54-hole event, the penultimate leg of the seven-stage Luzon series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. For Villaroman, the win was as sweet as it was overdue—after one runner-up and three third-place finishes in the prior legs, the 73-70-75 effort that brought him to a two-over 218 total finally pushed him to the top of the leaderboard.
“I t feels great to finally have a breakthrough after six legs,” said the 17-year-old Villaroman, who trains at Canlubang and credits his breakthrough to better decisionmaking on the course.
“I t took a while because my course management wasn’t at par with the others. But once I was able to fix that, my game really improved,” he said.
V illaroman added that this win is a significant milestone in his budding golf career.
“This win means a lot. It serves as a stepping stone for all my international events this year,” said Villaroman, who beat Jose Carlos Taruc by seven shots.
T he clutch victory also propelled Villaroman to No. 3 in the rankings with 37 points, with Patrick Tambalque (45 points) and Shinichi Suzuki (39) occupying the first two spots heading into next week’s final leg at Camp John Hay in Baguio City.
SOUTH Korea’s Seeun Pak is making sure she won’t miss this putt.
