the target by the end of the year,” he said. Santiago said the port authority will shift focus in 2026 to rehabilitation and re-
pair of damaged infrastructure rather than new port developments.
“My instruction is we will concentrate on the rehab and repairing the damaged facilities,” Santiago said. “In the meantime, we will hold off on our new port developments for the next year and we will look back on our existing facilities to continue expanding.” He emphasized the need to maintain existing infrastructure before pursuing new projects.
“We cannot go on by just moving forward and forgetting the existing facilities. We need to ensure that they are well maintained,” Santiago said.
The agency has recorded significant damage to port facilities from recent typhoons
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
RISING tariffs weighing on exports and investments will slow the Philippines’s economic growth in 2025, before rebounding in 2026, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered its growth outlook for the country.
IMF revised its economic growth outlook for the Philippines downwards to 5.1 percent in 2025 from its earlier projection of 5.4 percent due to increasing tariffs.
Economic expansion is seen to pick up “moderately” to 5.6 percent in 2026, lower than its 5.7-percent forecast, after the “sharper-than-
expected” slowdown in the third quarter this year.
Over the medium term, potential growth is estimated at around 6 percent.
“The risks to the near-term growth outlook are tilted to the downside. The main external risks stem from prolonged global trade policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and disruptive financial market corrections,” IMF said.
At home, IMF said more frequent and intense climate shocks would cause notable macroeconomic losses.
“On the upside, accelerated implementation of structural and governance reforms would support investor confidence and raise
fiscal multipliers and potential growth. Risks around inflation are broadly balanced,” IMF added.
Inflation is projected to average 1.7 percent in 2025, then pick up to 2.8 percent in 2026, as negative base effects recede.
Moreover, IMF said its executive directors commended the government’s “well-calibrated” macroeconomic policies and reforms, which have supported successful disinflation and resilient growth amid external headwinds.
“Directors underscored the need to continue prioritizing governance reforms, greater private investment, economic diversification, and resilience to climate shocks to sustain inclusive
growth,” IMF added. IMF directors also welcomed the authorities’ plan to implement gradual fiscal consolidation over the medium term, which will help reinforce fiscal space and external balance and support a growthfriendly strategy.
Reducing infrastructure and energy gaps, as well as promoting foreign direct investment and productivity, were recommended by the IMF directors, while noting the need to further lower non-tariff barriers.
IMF directors stressed the importance of strengthening governance and the rule of law, reducing corruption vulnerabilities and
By Samuel P. Medenilla
DESPITE the record drop in the value of the Philippine peso last week, Malacañang is confident of a rosy economic outlook in the next two years with inflation in check and more investments entering the country.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) made the forecast during its meeting with economic managers last week to discuss how to address the value of the peso dropping to a record low of P59.22 against the United States dollar.
The BSP said it has sufficient resources to keep the value of pesos stable by participating in the currency trade.
“The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas allows the exchange rate to be de -
termined by market forces. We con-
tinue to maintain robust reserves,”
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing on Monday, citing the position of BSP in the said meeting.
As for the economic managers, she said they committed to capitalize on the stable inflation after BSP projected inflation will be within the 2 to 4 percent inflation target of the government, by removing bottlenecks in regulations and processes for investors.
“Inflation remains low; continues to be within the target for the next two years; this will drive domestic demand,” Castro said.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), inflation slowed down to 1.5 percent in November from 1.7 percent in the pre
PPA upbeat about hitting ’25 revenue…
and earthquakes, though Santiago did not provide specific figures on repair costs or the number of affected facilities.
Tariff adjustment
SANTIAGO noted that the additional revenue from the tariff increases will help fund the repair initiatives.
The agency approved a 20-percent increase in cargo handling charges for Manila North Harbor Port Inc. (MNHPI)—10 percent starting January 1, and another 10 percent starting July 1. The tariff adjustments also include 10 new tariff items and increases in passenger terminal fees, porterage rates, parking fees, and storage charges.
Holiday volume
IN another development, Santiago said the PPA forecasts 4.6 million passengers traveling through Philippine ports from December 15 to January 5, representing an increase of “250,000 to 300,000 passengers” compared to last year’s 4.4 million.
The ports, he said, are now on heightened alert, with PPA coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group to ensure passenger safety during the peak travel period.
In preparation for possible weather disruptions that could strand passengers and maritime transport vehicles, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has deployed ready-to-eat food packs at ports.
Port Management Offices are also prepared to provide food, water, and medical assistance as needed, Santiago said.
BIR destroys illicit vape items with ₧1.34-B tax liabilities
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
THEBureau of Internal Revenue
(BIR) carried out a simultaneous nationwide destruction of illicit vape products with an estimated P1.34 billion in total tax liabilities, in its bid to combat the illegal trade of excisable goods and safeguard public health and revenues.
The destruction, held at the BIR National Office on Monday, covered a total of 448,494 units of illicit vape products with an estimated P1.34 billion in excise tax liabilities, inclusive of penalties, and will be continued over the next three days as part of a nationwide operation. So far, the BIR has seized a total of 742,778 units of illicit vape products for violations of excise tax laws, including unpaid taxes, absence of tax stamps, and non-registration. These products carry an estimated P2.73 billion in tax liabilities, inclusive of penalties, BIR said. The disposal of the seized vape products is being carried out pursu-
ant to provisions of the Tax Code and related revenue regulations governing the forfeiture and destruction of excisable goods.
“The government does not—and will not—tolerate the sale of vape and vapor products without the full and proper payment of excise taxes, as evidenced by the excise tax stamps that must be affixed to every vape product sold,” Internal Revenue Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said in his message.
Mendoza said excise taxes on vape products and other “sin” products serve a dual purpose: to regulate consumption by raising retail prices and discouraging use, and to generate
revenues that help fund essential public services, particularly healthcare programs.
Beyond unpaid taxes, these unstamped vape products are also unsafe and dangerous. “The absence of excise tax stamps tells us that these distributors and sellers undermined and evaded government oversight of these sin products, including our authority to monitor, regulate, and control their sale and distribution,” Mendoza added.
The BIR said it coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure that all destruction activities comply with environmental, health and safety standards.
Representatives from the Department of Finance, Bureau of Customs, Department of Trade and Industry, Commission on Audit, DENR, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Department of Health and
other partner agencies witnessed the destruction activity.
“We will continue to seize, destroy, and permanently remove unstamped vape products from the market to ensure that no one profits by placing consumers at risk,” Mendoza said. “Our enforcement actions will be more intensified, coordinated, and uncompromising to protect public health, uphold the law, and safeguard legitimate government revenues.”
Consumers were also urged to report the sale of vape products without excise tax stamps, reminding the public that unstamped vape products are illegal, untaxed and unsafe for use.
Data obtained by BusinessMirror showed that from January to July, the BIR collected P1.729 billion in excise taxes from vape products. This surged by 712.04 percent from only P212.922 million in the same period last year.
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$28.304 billion in the same period last year.
The United States remained the top source of remittances to the Philippines during the 10-month period, trailed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia, according to the BSP.
In October alone, cash remittances amounted to $3.171 billion, up by 3 percent year-on-year from $3.079 billion.
‘Remittances helped stem the tide’
JEREMAIAH M. OPINIANO, executive director of the Institute for Migration and Development Issues (IMDI), told BusinessMirror that the flows benefitted from the peso weakening against the dollar, which hovered at P58.29 on average in October.
Opiniano noted that October and November were the heaviest typhoon months, leaving much destruction in rural Philippines.
“Therefore, kin and breadwinners abroad who come from typhoon-hit rural hometowns had no choice but to wire immediate financial aid.”
“From a macroeconomic standpoint also, it seemed that cash remittances and overseas work helped stem the tide from a dismal third-quarter economic performance: lower GDP, lower FDI, rising unemployment in October and diminishing dollar reserves,” Opiniano said.
“We have always been like this: making Filipinos abroad the ‘steady’ providers of needed homeland development resources,” he added.
Steady remittances
MEANWHILE , John Paolo R. Rivera, senior research fellow at state-run Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said the 3-percent growth in remittance inflows is “expected” since overseas Filipinos have been sending money to their households for the holiday season.
“Remittance behavior has been seasonal, but remittances have been reliable in keeping the macroeconomy upfloat,” Rivera said.
Angelo B. Taningco, chief economist at Security Bank, said the 3-percent remittance growth in October is “not worrying” and is consistent with the long-term remittance growth trajectory.
The sustained remittance growth for the month is supported by the peso depreciation, low Philippine inflation and positive
He urged lawmakers to allow the DPWH to implement project cost adjustments using the updated CMPD Special Issuance as part of its executive functions, warning that acrossthe-board cuts could render thousands of projects unimplementable. He also dismissed claims that the agency was restoring higher prices or reviving projects already removed from the budget, saying no flood control or other infrastructure projects that were struck out would be reinstated.
Dizon further noted that construction costs vary widely depending on location, materials, and logistics, particularly in island provinces, making uniform cuts impractical. Under the DPWH process, revised material prices are reflected in updated programs of work, which reduce approved budgets before projects are bid out.
To ensure compliance, Dizon said he issued a department order directing all regional directors and district engineers to strictly implement the new cost standards, warning that violations could result in administrative and criminal charges. He also highlighted new transparency measures, including livestreamed bidding and the DPWH Transparency Portal, which allow lawmakers and the public to monitor whether project costs are being reduced as promised.
Budget impact
economic growth in remittance source countries.
Taningco said the bank’s remittance forecast of $35.5 billion for this year is in line with BSP’s. “[We] therefore believe that the last two months of the year would bring full-year remittances towards our forecast,” he added.
Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at professional services firm Reyes Tacandong & Co., added that the “slower” October growth pace “is not alarming.”
Cash remittances rose by 3.7 percent year-on-year in September 2025, BSP data showed.
“It’s a typical lull before the year-end surge, and the weak peso actually gives OFWs more bang for their buck,” Ravelas said.
Peso to boost remittance flows
RIVERA said that the peso depreciation may motivate OFWs to send more money back home to take advantage of the greater peso equivalent.
Both Opiniano and Ravelas said cash remittances will rise in November and December since the peso weakened to its all-time low of P59.22 in December 9.
“Expect November and December to deliver the seasonal peak, keeping us on track to hit the BSP’s $35.5 billion target,” Ravelas said.
Still, Opiniano said the migradollar flows ‘that save the day’ narrative must change to a new storyline.
“Homeland economic growth remains a must, and there may be a need check if the government’s three-year economic policies post-pandemic are working or not,” Opiniano said.
“Cash remittances will always be supplementary, not primary, inputs to homeland economic growth,” he added.
Personal remittances
BSP data further showed that the increase in cash remittances also boosted personal remittances, including those sent through banks and informal channels, as well as remittances in kind.
Personal remittances rose by 3 percent to $3.519 billion in October 2025 from $3.415 billion in the same month last year.
Year-to-date personal remittances also went up by 3.2 percent to $32.839 billion in January to October 2025 from $31.828 billion recorded in the same period a year.
INCREASED government spending with the fast tracking of the rebuilding of the damaged critical infrastructure in communities hit by recent calamities will also help “restore economic activity and support livelihood,” according to the Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary.
The spending initiatives of the DPWH may hit a snag after the Bicameral Conference Committee, which is reconciling the provisions of the two separate version of the 2026 national budget of the Senate and the House of Representatives, decided not to restore its P45-billion budget cut in the agency’s budget. Castro said such decision can affect 10,000 DPWH projects. The Senate decided to reduce the DPWH budget based on the revised CMPD submitted by the agency. The budget cut happened as DPWH faced greater scrutiny after it was revealed some of its current and former officials were involved in billions worth of flood control project anomalies.
Castro assured there will no longer be similar irregularities in public works including the farm-to-market roads initiatives of the Department of Agriculture. The proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 budget is expected to be finalized and submitted by Congress to the President before the end of the month.
enhancing human capital and workforce skills to support inclusive and sustainable growth. In view of the Philippines’ vulnerability to extreme climate events, IMF directors welcomed the authorities’ efforts to increase resilience to climate shocks and integrate climate risks into policy frameworks. Meanwhile, efforts to enhance public financial management and raise spending efficiency remain critical, including strengthening overall investment management and procurement to enhance accountability and governance.
As for monetary policy, IMF directors said this must remain “accommodative” amid elevated downside risks to growth and well-anchored inflation expectations.
Directors recommended the enhancement of macroprudential policy to preempt the build-up of vulnerabilities and raise buffers, deepen capital markets, improve monetary policy transmission and allow exchange rate flexibility as a shock absorber.
CPP cease-fire pronouncement just propaganda–DND, AFP
By Rex Anthony Naval
THE defense and military establishment on Monday dismissed as “mere propaganda stunt” the four-day ceasefire announcement earlier made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
“The CPP statement should be taken as it is—a sad propaganda stunt of a terrorist organization,” the Department of National Defense (DND) said in a statement.
The DND also said that military duties are not subject to pause or seasons.
“Thus, the Armed Forces [AFP] shall continue to support the National Police [PNP] in keeping peace and order this holiday season,” it added.
And despite the insurgents’ ceasefire pronouncements, the DND urged all NPA remnants to shun violence altogether and pursue genuine pathways toward lasting peace and development.
In a separate statement, the AFP said its views view the statement of the CPP as a propaganda move by a designated terrorist organization.
“Military responsibilities are continuous and are not subject to unilateral pronouncements by armed groups. In close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, the AFP will continue lawful security operations to ensure peace and order and prevent armed groups from exploiting the situation to regroup, rearm, or threaten public safety,” it added.
Also, the AFP said all its troops will remain on duty, committed to safeguarding communities nationwide.
This, as it urged the remaining
members of the NPA to abandon violence, lay down their arms, and return to the fold of the law in the interest of lasting peace and development.
Earlier, the CPP announced that it has ordered the NPA to go on a four-day ceasefire that will take effect starting “00:00 hours of December 25, 2025 to 23:59 hours of Dec. 26, 2025” and “00:00 hours of Dec. 31, 2025 to 23:59 hours of January 1, 2026.”
“On the above specified days, all units of the NPA are directed to go into active defense mode especially in the face of relentless military operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines against peasants communities and guerrilla fronts across the country,” it added.
During the cease-fire, the CPP advised all its NPA commanders and fighters to remain on high alert against possible ground and aerial attacks of the AFP.
“They must work closely with the masses, and must be ever ready to maneuver or counter-attack, when necessitated by the situation. This temporary cease-fire order is being issued in solidarity with the Filipino people as they conduct simple celebrations of their traditional holidays, amid grave social and economic conditions,” it added.
The CPP also added that the cease-fire is also to mark its 57th anniversary of the and celebrate the ideological, political and organizational gains and revolutionary achievements during the past year of its rectification movement.
The CPP was established by Jose Maria “Joma” Sison on Dec. 26, 1968 inside the Hacienda Luisita in Concepcion, Tarlac.
DSWD provides food, shelter to more than 10K street people
MORE than 10,500 vulnerable Filipinos living on the streets have been assisted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Pag-abot Program, highlighting the government’s strengthened efforts to safeguard children, families, and individuals from the risks of street life and support their transition toward safer and more stable futures.
As of mid-December, a total of 10,570 families and individuals in street situations (FISS) nationwide have been assisted through the program’s sustained and wellcoordinated daily field operations. Of this number, 1,296 were children in street situations (CISS), 1,894 were individual adults (IISS), and 7,380 were families who had been living or surviving on the streets.
“The Pag-abot Program shows that the DSWD is taking concrete action to pull children, families, and individuals away from the dangers of the streets,” the DSWD spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, said on Monday. “This is not just about rescue. It is about continuous support— shelter, referrals, and livelihood assistance—so they can start a safer and more dignified new life.”
Under Pag-abot, beneficiaries receive a range of interventions tailored to their needs. These include temporary shelter in transitional facilities, referrals to DSWD residential care centers, transportation assistance for those returning to their home provinces, and livelihood packages designed to reduce the likelihood of returning to street life.
“For every family that is reunited with their home province
Senate starts probe of mining exec dubbed ‘Alice Guo 2.0’
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
THE Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights on Monday opened hearings into a case dubbed in the media as “Alice Guo 2.0,” in reference to the Chinese woman who got herself elected mayor of Bamban, Tarlac on the basis of faked birth certificate, among others, acquired with the help of a syndicate.
This week’s inquiry is focused on the case of top mining executive Joseph Sy. whom the Bureau of Immigration has tagged as a Chinese citizen who passed him self off as a Filipino. His arrest by the BI has stirred an outcry among the mining and extractive industry sectors who deemed it a harassment of a legitimate business leader, but Sen. Anna Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros defended BI’s move, saying “documents cannot lie.”
Hontiveros chairs the Senate Justice committee.
In her opening remarks Monday, the senator said: “We convene this hearing because of Joseph Sy— na tinagurian na ng media bilang Alice Guo 2.0 since he presented himself as a Filipino citizen, and invoked the rights, privileges, and protections that citizenship confers.”
The question facing investigators, she added, is “how did he become a Filipino? Was his identity lawfully obtained or manufactured for special access?”
She noted that the “Bureau of
Immigration itself has said the fingerprints on the supposed Philippine passport of ‘Joseph Sy’ matches the fingerprints of a certain Chen Zhong Zhen who applied for amnesty under the RA 7919, or the Alien Social Integration Act of 1995.”
That law granted amnesty to aliens who entered the country before 1992.
Even his child has two identities—two citizenships and two passports—added Hontiveros.
“Therefore, this isn’t a simple case of filing some papers. Because he passed himself off as a Filipino, Joseph Sy was able to associate himself with the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, an institution that operates alongside our maritime security apparatus and engages directly with coastal communities and sensitive maritime environments,” Hontiveros pointed out with alarm.
Sy’s interests, she added, “also intersect with mining and resource extraction, sectors that are already fraught with environmental harm, regulatory weakness, and long-standing community conflict.”
The case “reflects a broader pattern that this Senate has already begun to uncover. We
have seen foreign fugitives, economic criminals, and syndicate-linked individuals exploit weaknesses in our documentation systems, our inter-agency coordination, and even our humanitarian frameworks,” said the senator, whose dogged investigation of crimes associated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogo) led her to the case of Alice Guo.
“Just recently, this chamber revealed, individuals facing serious criminal charges abroad have managed to present themselves as refugees or asylum seekers. They misuse international protection mechanisms that were designed to protect those fleeing persecution, not those fleeing accountability,” Hontiveros recalled. The common thread running through these cases is the misuse of Philippine institutions, she added.
“And in the end, the ones who suffer are the Filipino people.
“This Subcommittee, under the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, therefore has a duty to ask difficult questions and to demand concrete answers. Hindi na sapat ang palusot [Excuses must stop]. The abuse of our laws and our systems must end.”
Namfrel backs call for ‘authentic’ anti-political dynasty law
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
POLL watchdog National
Citizens Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) on Monday expressed support for the prioritization of the passage of an “authentic” anti-political dynasty law.
and every child removed from danger on the streets, we see the real purpose of this program,” Dumlao said.
With the holiday season traditionally seeing a rise in street begging and vagrancy, the DSWD expects more people in street situations in the coming weeks. This, Dumlao stressed, makes proactive outreach even more critical, especially in protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and other risks linked to life on the streets.
“This effort will continue. We will not stop helping until the time comes when we no longer see people living on the streets,” she said. “So the public can expect the number of individuals we reach to continue to increase.”
The DSWD also called on the public to take part in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and families by reporting cases and referring those in need of assistance.
Dumlao emphasized that beyond immediate assistance, the department remains committed to long-term solutions—facilitating the reintegration of families and individuals into their communities, providing appropriate social protection services, and ensuring that those helped through Pagabot do not find themselves back on the streets.
Cheers
AS part of its annual tradition of spreading holiday cheer, the DSWD is set to hold a series of Christmas celebrations in its centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs), featuring gift-giving activities and simple salo-salo gatherings for residents.
See “DSWD,” A6
The support comes as President Marcos pushed Congress to fasttrack key electoral reform measures, including a proposed ban on political dynasties, before the end of his term.
Based on its election monitoring over the years, Namfrel said dynastic dominance reinforces patronage networks and concentrates power and resources within a narrow elite, conditions it linked
to persistent corruption and weak public oversight.
“Political dynasties perpetuate patronage networks, limit political competition, and create conditions conducive to corruption by consolidating resources and power within family networks,” it added.
The watchdog said any antipolitical dynasty measure should clearly define prohibited relationships, impose restrictions on immediate succession, and apply uniformly across all levels of government, from barangay to national posts, while providing a transition period for current officeholders.
It also noted that its position on
the anti-dynasty measure forms part of a broader electoral reform agenda it submitted to the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms for the 20th Congress (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/11/12/passanti-dynasty-campaignfundbills-namfrel-to-congress)
The agenda includes 11 other measures that address campaign finance transparency, political party strengthening, election code modernization, and anti-corruption safeguards.
“Namfrel adds its voice to those urging Congress to prioritize these bills... These reforms are essential to breaking the corruption-politics nexus that has captured Philippine governance,” the group said.
After the President placed the anti-political dynasty bill among his legislative priorities, Speaker Faustino Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos filed a long-pending measure seeking to prohibit political dynasties.
Under the measure, spouses, siblings, and relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity of an elected public official are prohibited from simultaneously holding certain elective positions. It also bars immediate succession to the same office, preventing relatives from directly taking over a post held by a family member.
Recto: Human security must be central to national security
EXECUTIVE Secretary Ralph G. Recto has underscored that human security must be central to the Philippines’ national security, saying that real security lies in safeguarding everything that allows Filipino families to live with dignity and hope.
In his speech at the National Security Summit 2025, Recto said national security must be defined by the everyday issues that affect the lives of Filipino families.
“It is food that is affordable. Power that stays on. A job that pays enough. Truth in our newsfeeds. Trust in our institutions,” he said. “Because security is more than the absence of a shooting war. It means the presence of opportunity,” he added.
In line with this, the Executive Secretary commended the National Security Council (NSC) for aligning the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024 with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which addresses every thread of Filipino life—from farmers facing climate uncertainty, to
soldiers guarding frontiers, to teachers shaping young minds against disinformation.
To secure the Filipino people’s future, he stressed that the Marcos administration is strengthening food security, expanding universal healthcare, and investing in quality education and workforce development.
“For our greatest asset— our greatest defense—is the empowered, enlightened, engaged and educated Filipino people,” he said.
Restoring public trust
RECTO also stressed that weak governance and institutional challenge— including corruption, misuse of public funds, and lack of transparency—pose serious risks to national security.
“This is why we are pushing for good governance reforms—finally pursuing an anti-political dynasty bill, reforming the party-list system, and giving public access to government expenditures,” he said.
“For building stronger and more transparent institutions is the nation’s sturdiest security defense,” he added.
He also highlighted the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and maintaining a disciplined national budget focused on quality spending to ensure that public funds are directed to programs that genuinely benefit the Filipino people.
To address multiple challenges the country is facing today, Recto emphasized the need for strategic synergy across all sectors, including the uniformed forces, policy leaders, academics, civil society, industry, and local communities. He said that true national security requires “a government that moves as one, an economy that is strong and felt by every household, and a future defended by all.” In closing, he urged all stakeholders to view the Summit as a renewed commitment—not just to protect the State, but to safeguard the hopes and dreams of every Filipino family.
Congressman urges bicam to hike Tesda budget
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
ALAWMAKER on Monday urged members of the bicameral conference committee on the national budget to provide additional funding for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) diploma scholarships, warning that current restrictions are increasingly out of step with labor market realities and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
Albay Rep. Raymond Adrian E. Salceda said he has asked his fellow House members in the bicameral panel, as well as Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, to support increased funding for Tesda programs and consider adjustments to existing policies that bar certain Filipinos from availing of free technical-vocational education. He pointed out that the Free College Tuition Law prevents college diploma holders from availing of free Tesda diplomas, a restriction he described as inconsistent with the country’s Lifelong Learning Act and harmful to workers displaced by technological change. Salceda stressed that Tesda diplomas will be crucial in preparing the workforce for AI-driven changes in the economy, noting that many fast-growing industries prioritize skills over academic degrees.
“The ban on college diploma holders from availing free Tesda diplomas in the Free College Tuition Law is increasingly misaligned with labor market realities. Many of the country’s most dynamic employment generators, such as business process outsourcing, export-oriented manufacturing, hospitality, and a large share of overseas employment, do not privilege college diplomas,” he said.
Under Section 6(b)(1) of Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or have completed a technical-vocational course equivalent to at least National Certificate III are excluded from free technical-vocational education and training in staterun institutions. The provision was introduced mainly on fiscal sustainability grounds.
‘Biggest regret’
FORMER Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda on Monday admitted that his “biggest regret” in crafting the Free College Tuition Law was failing to push back hard enough against a provision that effectively limited access to free
technical-vocational education and training (Tvet), a policy choice he said has weakened the country’s ability to adapt to an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Salceda said the exclusion clause in the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act— which bars students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or have completed technical-vocational courses equivalent to at least National Certificate III from availing of free publicly funded Tvet—was a mistake that policymakers must now correct.
“Policy does not improve without self-correction,” Salceda said, stressing that while the law expanded access to higher education, it unintentionally discouraged technical education at a time when the labor market increasingly favors skills-based and adaptive training.
Salceda pointed to enrollment data showing that higher education participation has become heavily concentrated in disciplines vulnerable to automation. In academic year 2023-2024, nearly half of college enrollees were clustered in business administration and
Pagcor to set up 24/7 gambling problem helpline
TBy Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
HE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) has reaffirmed that its previously pledged 24/7 gambling problem helpline will be launched next year.
This was stressed by Vina Claudette Oca, assistant vice president at the regulator’s gaming licensing and development department, in a speech at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia @ the Philippines 2025, a casino industry trade exhibition and conference held in Manila. The project would further protect patrons and cement public trust in the regulator.
In her speech, Oca highlighted Pagcor’s collaboration with the Advertising Standards Council (ASC) to regulate all gambling-related advertisements across all media platforms.
“We’ve already given instructions to take down gaming-related ads for billboards and out-of-home ads as well. So these are continuing partnerships with these thirdparty entities, and we look forward to continuing that next year and strengthening these partnerships as well,” Oca said.
The measures come against the backdrop of political debate in the country about the level of domestic gambling, particularly online gambling.
Okada Manila—a gaming resort at Entertainment City in Manila— has its own particular commitment to a “sustainable” gaming environment, said Nerie Aquino, director of gaming compliance at the venue’s promoter, Tiger Resort, Leisure & Entertainment Inc, during the panel session.
“The landscape of gaming right now is shifting as we have the new technology, including AI [artificial
intelligence],” she noted.
“Since 2017, Okada Manila has already integrated a facial recognition system. This is an aid for the identification of banned persons that are included in Pagcor’s [the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp’s] National Database for Restricted Persons,” said Aquino.
She added that the property processed “all the required details for KYC” (know your customer), as well as making “random checks for those who are entering our casino.”
Erick Su, head of ArenaPlus, a sportsbook platform from DigiPlus Interactive Corp, said at the session that his company has been making use of its digitalplatform data to help identify atrisk players.
“We can leverage our digital platform from where the customer is coming in to register… showing them the information on responsible gambling, [and] KYC,”
‘Anti-mining group hampering post-Uwan rehab’
WOGGLE Corporation on Monday branded
“false, misleading, and deceptive” claims circulating on social media alleging harassment, intimidation, and gender-based violence in connection with recent events in barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, and barangay Bua, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.
Anti-mining groups have put up barricades to prevent the entry of heavy equipment from passing through the road leading to the
mines in protest of the alleged adverse environmental impact of mining in the area.
In a statement, Woggle Corporation clarified that its presence in the affected areas followed Super Typhoon Uwan, when it deployed a wheel excavator to help clear major roads obstructed by landslides. The deployment was undertaken in response to direct requests from residents of sitio Lower Tacbao, barangay Bitnong, to restore access for transportation
and the delivery of agricultural produce, as well as a separate request from the Office of the Punong Barangay of Barangay Bua, Kasibu, for similar road-clearing operations.
On November 14, 2025, the company’s wheel excavator, accompanied by company and contractor vehicles, proceeded to Sitio Lower Tacbao using long-established public roads.
After completing clearing work along a river section, the team was informed that an anti-mining group had erected barricades preventing their exit toward the National Road, effectively trapping the personnel and equipment in the area.
Despite explanations from residents, barangay officials, and the presence of National Police (PNP) personnel that the operation was purely humanitarian, the barricaders refused to allow the team to leave. Woggle said its employees were subjected to coercion and threats, creating a climate of fear and intimidation.
“While they portray themselves publicly as defenders of the environment, the conduct exhibited reveals a disregard for the welfare
education-related programs, with information technology and engineering pushing the total to more than 60 percent—fields where entry-level tasks are increasingly being automated or compressed by artificial intelligence.
By contrast, sectors least exposed to AI substitution—such as service trades, maritime, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries— remain marginal in enrollment, despite strong and sustained labor demand. Salceda noted that many of the country’s major employment generators, including business process outsourcing, manufacturing, hospitality, and overseas work, are largely skillsbased and do not privilege college diplomas.
He said the Free College Tuition Law inadvertently reinforced the perception that college education is the only viable path, relegating technical education to a secondary role. The impact, he argued, is evident in declining participation in Tvet programs.
From 2019 to 2023, Tesda enrollment dropped from about 2.49 million to 1.63 million, while total Tvet graduates decreased from 2.24 million to 1.43 million over
the same period. Institution-based and enterprise-based trainings— key channels for reskilling and direct employment—also declined or remained limited.
He acknowledged that fiscal sustainability concerns during the law’s passage contributed to the adoption of the exclusion clause, as economic managers were already wary of the cost of free tertiary education. However, Salceda said the resulting trade-off was misguided, as it treated education as a onetime entitlement rather than a continuing public investment. Salceda called for state-run Tvet to be made “unconditionally free,” regardless of prior educational attainment, describing technical education as a critical tool for labor flexibility, reskilling, and protection against technological displacement.
As an immediate remedy, Salceda said that if amending the Free College Tuition Law proves difficult, the government should ensure adequate funding for Tesda under its current leadership, saying the agency must be fully supported to address the country’s growing skills mismatch.
A roadmap to run compliance in 2026
By Henry J. Schumacher
in support of player safeguards, including the protection of minors, Su noted.
The digital format made that “quicker and easier,” Su said.
He also said: “At ArenaPlus, we are very sports focused—and we have a big community, where a lot of players are sharing information,” about “their betting experience and how they feel.” Those thoughts were even posted on the brand’s social media accounts.
Those social media sources “we actively monitor” to “see if a player is getting into emotional issues,” in relation to their play, Su also said.
If observing signs of problem gambling, ArenaPlus would interpose itself in the play, offering the relevant customer “tools” such as setting session limits or loss limits. In addition, ArenaPlus would assist the players to subscribe to a self-exclusion program, or to get necessary treatment, Su said.
Gasoline prices up this week
THE prices of gasoline products are going up this week by P0.20 per liter, oil companies announced on Monday. However, prices of diesel and kerosene will be reduced by P0.20 per liter each.
The new pump prices will take effect on Tuesday, December 16. This was announced by Shell, Caltex, Petron, Seaoil, PTT, Phoenix, Total, Unioil, and Jetti. Other oil companies will follow suit.
According to the Department of Energy’s Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB), this week’s price adjustment reflect the softening of global prices as investors shift their focus back to the Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Oil companies adjust their prices every week to reflect movements in the world oil market.
Last week, oil companies implemented an increase in gasoline by P1.20 per liter. There were no movements in the prices of diesel and kerosene. Lenie Lectura
AS 2025 winds down, now is the time to look ahead for what is next to risk and compliance. From evolving regulations and the rise in governance to new expectations for ethical culture and program impact.
2026 promises transformation across the compliance landscape!
As compliance teams look ahead to 2026, the year is shaping up to the one of transformation. Evolving regulations, questions around AI , and growing expectations from leadership are putting more pressure on compliance leaders to demonstrate program impact and make informed investment choices.
With increasing complexity and shifting business risks, success in 2026 will require proactive, strategic approach to planning and execution.
Let’s agree, a business strategy favoring shareholders and short term corporate management is driving wide-spread income inequalities, corruption, human rights violations and unprecedented environmental damage.
Luckily, business leaders increasingly recognize the need to change. There is growing acknowledgement that companies will have to broaden their understanding of purpose, making sustainability, stakeholder partnerships and income sharing the new business strategy.
In re-defining the purpose of a company, the company serves its customers by providing value proposition, supports fair competition, has zero tolerance to corruption and pays its fair share of taxes.
This shift towards a broadened purpose of the company means that corporate anti-corruption measures also increasingly will need to expand their focus beyond their traditional emphasis on anti-bribery and compliance. For instance, a diverse management team can significantly enhance the openness of the leadership environment and mitigate bribery and corruption risks.
Running a global business and supply chain is subject to significant corruption risks, as many negative examples of corruption around the world show. Existing business integrity tools can provide useful recommendations and suggest good practice on how to prevent or mitigate corruption risks through comprehensive anti-corruption programs.
On the other hand, if business goals do not take a specific business environment into account, these tools and recommendations can
underestimate the potential for tensions between conflicting goals for management and employees.
In order to enable all stakeholders to better understand a company’s progress to implement and maintain an open, diverse and fair leadership environment, a company should disclose KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) measuring diversity at its various managerial levels.
A standard feature of calls for a renewed definition of business purpose is that businesses have a responsibility for improving the societies in which they operate, such as fairly paid jobs, including buying from local suppliers, and paying local taxes while also respecting human rights.
In order for people to understand a company’s progress implementing and maintaining its commitment to each of the communities it operates in, a company should be transparent and disclose its corporate ownership structure.
Corporate political engagement can contribute to society, if it advances the interests of a broad range of stakeholders. However, if political engagement creates undue influence on, or unequal access to, political decision makers, there is a risk of skewing policy decisions away from the public interest.
Another key measure that would show companies are truly committed to a new way of doing business would be to enable stakeholders to understand a company’s progress implementing and maintaining transparent and multistakeholder engagement processes in a consultative way.
In coming years, as the links between corporate models and behaviors and societal impacts become ever clearer, pressure on companies to prove they are putting words into action is only going to get stronger. In conclusion, allow me to repeat: with increasing complexity and shifting business risks, success in 2026 will require proactive, strategic approach to planning and execution.
I am interested in your views to this important development; contact me please at hjschumacher59@gmail.com
Ombudsman asked to probe UP execs over ‘Dilimall’ operations
AParty-list legislator testifies in executive session at ICI
PBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
DMINISTRATIVE and criminal complaints have been filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against top officials of the University of the Philippines (UP) for entering into a new master lease agreement (MLA) that allows a private company total control over the leasing operations for “Dilimall.”
The complaint was filed by the UP Shopping Center Stallholders Association Inc. (UPSCSAI), Samahan ng Manininda sa UP Campus Inc. and UP University Student Council, Students of the University of the Philippines Diliman, the UP Transport Group, and affected residents of the UP community.
Named as respondents in the complaint were lawyer Angelo Jimenez, incumbent UP president; Danilo Concepcion, former UP president; engineer Daniel Peckley, vice president for Development of the UP Diliman; Raquel Florendo, former vice chancellor for UP Planning and Development; CBMS Property Company OPC and CBMS Research and Management Consultancy.
Other respondents include Josebizco, a private entity that entered into a separate MLA with UP on September 1,
2022 for the management and operation of the GyudFood Hub.
The complainants said Josebizo was included as respondents in the complaint for being the recipient of unwarranted benefits through a contract that is grossly disadvantageous to the government.
The respondents were specifically charged with violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Jimenez, in a statement, said the university has yet to receive a copy of the complaint but welcomed its filing before the Ombudsman since it will give him and other respondents an opportunity to answer the allegations.
“UP remains strongly committed to continuously enhancing the university experience and advancing its mission as the national university, with careful considerations for those affected and a clear commitment to ongoing improvement,” he said.
The complainants that the MLA violated the provisions memorandum of agreement entered into by UP on March 17, 2004 with the UPSCSAI.
The agreement outlines the right of first refusal, rent adjustments, and lease conditions designed to safeguard vendor interest in the future redevelopment projects.
Despite this, the complainants said UP officials under the leadership of previous and present administration proceeded with the development of “Dilimall,” a new commercial establishment intended to replace the fire-ravaged UP Shopping Center.
Instead of honoring the 2004 MOA, the complainants accused the respondents of executing the MLA on January 6, 2023 with CBMS.
The complainants said the MLA delegated the leasing authority to CBMS and excluded direct vendor participation in lease negotiations
Furthermore, the complainants pointed out that the terms and conditions of the MLA are “manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the government and the university.
It specifically cited the provisions that allows the one-year rent-free period before any leasing fees were to be remitted to the university.
“This egregious lease structure conferred no immediate financial benefit whatsoever upon University of the Philippines, while concurrently per -
mitting CBMS entities to collect full rental payments from sub-lessees and vendors during the entire rent-free period,” the complaint said.
“In effect, CBMS entities were unlawfully permitted to monetize a valuable government asset at the direct expense of small business operators and the University itself, constituting palpable misallocation of public resources,” it added.
The complainants also said the respondents signed the MLA without due diligence considering that records of CBMS would show it was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a month after the agreement was signed.
“For respondent UP officials to entrust a prime university asset to newly-registered, financially unstable entities operating out of a private residence, with a demonstrably fabricated project history and which lacked the proper legal registration at the time of contracting, constitutes a shocking and reprehensible failure of due diligence and amounts to gross inexcusable negligence,” it added.
The complainants also asked the Ombudsman to immediately suspend the respondent UP officials to avoid undue influence on its investigation.
They also sought the immediate rescission of the January 6, 2023 and September 1, 2022 MLAs and to order the reintegration of the displaced vendors of the former UP Shopping Center into the new “Dilimall” complex.
The complainants also asked the Ombudsman to order the return of all income, rentals or benefits improperly collected by CBMS during its rent-free period.
ARTY-LIST Rep. Nicanor Briones of Agap on Monday appeared before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to shed light on accusations that he and several other legislators received kickbacks from flood control projects awarded to contractorcouple Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya.
However, Briones’ testimony before the ICI was conducted in an executive session upon his request.
Briones’ lawyer, Winston Ginez, told the ICI that allowing the proceedings to be livestreamed “may cause further harm and injury to his reputation.”
Ginez said Briones’ name and integrity have already been “unduly besmirched” owing to the “baseless and unfounded accusations” against him.
“He has no way of controlling how the public will misinterpret or misconstrue the highly sensitive personal information that he may convey to the honorable commission during this proceeding,” Ginez stressed
He added that conducting the hearing in an executive session would prevent prejudicial harm to his integrity, avoid trial publicity and protect highly-sensitive information that may come out during the hearing.
The request of Briones camp was approved by the ICI headed by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes.
In an ambush interview, Ginez said Briones voluntarily appeared before the ICI to deny any involvement in the multi-billion anomalous flood control projects of the government.
DSWD.
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Continued from A3
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said that various activities are prepared across the department’s care facilities, with special celebrations scheduled on December 24 and 25, as well as on December 31 and January 1.
“There are different activities in our care facilities. In fact, every year on the 24th and 25th of December, and again on the 31st and January 1, we hold special parties inside our care facilities,” Gatchalian said, following his recent visit to the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases (GRACES).
Gatchalian said he chose to visit the elderly
“Congressman Briones took this opportunity to clear his name and to deny the unfair and unfounded accusations against him by the spouses Discaya,” Ginez said. Aside from Briones, several officials of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) also appeared before the ICI to discuss the budgeting process.
Among the DBM officials present were acting DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo, Undersecretary Janet Abuel, Assistant Secretary Mary Anne dela Vega, and director Andrea Celen. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday conducted a preliminary investigation of former public works engineers Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez and several individuals in two cases involving allegedly anomalous flood control projects of the government undertaken by construction firms Wawao Builders and Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez said the two cases form part of the six cases referred back by the Ombudsman to the DOJ following the latter’s deputization by the former.
“The setting today was only for the reception of the complainant affidavit by the NBI and attached documents,” Martinez said. The respondents were charged with direct bribery, corruption of public officials, malversation through falsification as well as violations of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act and RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Joel R. San Juan
residents of Graces first, noting that senior citizens are among the most often neglected sectors. He stressed the importance of making them feel loved and remembered during the Christmas season, even as many of them are separated from their families.
During the visit, around 200 elderly residents of Graces—including homeless senior citizens and those who are bedridden— received gift packages from Gatchalian. “In Filipino culture, our elderly usually grow old with their families at home. So in one sense, it is sad that we have around 200 elderly who were neglected. But in another sense, it is heartening to know that they are being properly cared for and closely looked after by the government,” he added.
Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Jimmy Lai found guilty in national security trial, faces life imprisonment in Hong Kong
By Kanis Leung The Associated Press
HONG KONG—Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media mogul and outspoken critic of Beijing, was convicted in a landmark national security trial in the city’s court on Monday, which could send him to prison for the rest of his life.
Three government-vetted judges found Lai, 78, guilty of conspiring with others to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiracy to publish seditious articles. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Lai was arrested in August 2020 under a Beijing-imposed national security law that was implemented following massive anti-government protests in 2019. During his five years in custody, much of it in solitary confinement, Lai has been convicted of several lesser offenses and appears to have grown more frail and thinner.
Lai’s trial, conducted without a jury, has been closely monitored by the US, Britain, the European Union and political observers as a barometer of media freedom and judicial independence in the former British colony, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
Court said Lai spent years plotting against Beijing READING from an 855-page
verdict, Judge Esther Toh said that Lai had extended a “constant invitation” to the US to help bring down the Chinese government with the excuse of helping Hong Kongers.
Lai’s lawyers admitted during the trial that he had called for sanctions before the law took effect, but insisted he dropped these calls to comply with the law.
But the judges ruled that Lai had never wavered in his intention to destabilize the ruling Chinese Communist Party, “continuing though in a less explicit way.”
Toh said the court was satisfied that Lai was the mastermind of the conspiracies and that Lai’s evidence was at times contradictory and unreliable. The judges ruled that the only reasonable inference from the evidence was that Lai’s only intent, both before and after the security law, was to seek the downfall of the ruling Communist Party even at the sacrifice of the people of China and Hong Kong.
“This was the ultimate aim of the conspiracies and secessionist publications,” they wrote.
Among the attendees were Lai’s wife and son, and Hong Kong’s Roman Catholic Cardinal Joseph Zen. Lai pressed his lips and nodded to his family before being escorted out of the courtroom by guards.
His verdict is also a test for Beijing’s diplomatic ties. US President Donald Trump said he has raised the case with China, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said his government has made it a priority to secure the release of Lai, who is a British citizen. Lai could face life in prison
THE founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily will be sentenced on a later day.
The collusion charge carries a
maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Hearings were set to begin Jan. 12 for Lai and other defendants in the case to argue for a shorter sentence.
The Apple Daily, a vocal critic of the Hong Kong government and Beijing, was forced to shut in 2021 after police raided its newsroom and arrested its senior journalists, with authorities freezing its assets.
During Lai’s 156-day trial, prosecutors accused him of conspiring with senior executives of Apple Daily and others to request foreign forces to impose sanctions or blockades and engage in other hostile activities against Hong Kong or China.
The prosecution also accused Lai of making such requests, highlighting his meetings with former US Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike
Delhi faces toxic smog crisis: Flight cancellations and health warnings due to severe air pollution
By Rajesh Roy & Sibi Arasu
The Associated Press
EW DELHI—Dense toxic
Nsmog blanketed India’s national capital Monday, pushing air pollution levels to their worst levels in weeks, disrupting travel and causing authorities to impose the strictest containment measures.
More than 40 flights were cancelled and several dozens delayed. Over 50 trains arriving and departing from New Delhi were delayed by several hours, authorities said.
Healthcare experts warned residents to avoid all outdoor activities as hospitals reported an influx of patients with breathing difficulties and eye irritation.
“New Delhi is a gas chamber right now. Air purifiers can help only a bit, so it’s high time the government comes up with some permanent solutions,” said Naresh Dang, a physician at Max Healthcare.
Delhi’s air pollution levels have remained at what the federal government calls a “severe” level for the last two days, which the government says can cause respiratory effects to healthy people and seriously affect the health of people with heart or lung disease.
On Sunday, official index readings were over 450 at several monitoring stations, up from 430 on Saturday and the highest so far this winter season, as per data from Central Pollution Control
Board. On Monday, it stood at 449. Readings below 50 are considered good. During periods of severe air pollution, the government advises people to avoid going outdoors as much as possible and wear N95 masks when going outside. Children, pregnant women, elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are at higher risk and officials advise them to be extra cautious.
“I have never seen this kind of pollution ever. Last year I came to Delhi, it was polluted. This year it is more polluted. I can feel the smoke while I breathe the air,” said Tiam Patel, a tourist. To stem pollution, Indian authorities have banned construction activities and restricted use of diesel generators and cars. Water
sprinklers have been deployed to control the haze. Schools and offices are allowing many students and workers to stay home.
But environmentalists say that the country’s air pollution crisis requires long-term changes.
New Delhi and its surrounding region, home to more than 30 million people, routinely rank among the world’s most polluted. India has six of the world’s 10 most polluted cities, and New Delhi is the most polluted national capital, according to a report from Switzerland-based air quality monitoring database IQAir earlier this year.
Air quality worsens in New Delhi every winter as farmers burn crop residue in nearby states and cooler temperatures trap the smoke, which mixes with pollution
from vehicles, construction activity and industrial emissions. Pollution levels often reach 20 times higher than the World Health Organization’s safe limit.
But Vimlendu Jha, a Delhi based environmentalist, said that the air is not healthy even at other times of year.
“Delhi’s air doesn’t get cleaner at all, we only see it visibly from October to December, but the reality is that it remains polluted through the year,” he said.
Earlier this month, residents of New Delhi staged protests to express frustration and anger about the government’s failure to address pollution.
A study last year by medical journal Lancet linked long term exposure to polluted air to 1.5 million additional deaths every year in India.
“Deaths related to air pollution are not being counted. And the reason why it’s not being counted is because there are no systematic mechanisms to do so,” said Shweta Narayan, a campaign lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance.
Indian authorities in October carried out a controversial cloudseeding experiment over smogchoked New Delhi to induce rainfall and clear the city’s toxic air. The experiment ended without rainfall.
Arasu reported from Bengaluru, India. AP video journalist Piyush Nagpal contributed to the report.
Pompeo in July 2019 at the height of the protests.
It also presented 161 publications, including Apple Daily articles, to the court as evidence, as well as social media posts and text messages.
Lai testified for 52 days in his own defense, arguing that he had not called for foreign sanctions after the sweeping security law was imposed in June 2020.
His legal team also argued for freedom of expression.
Health concerns raised during marathon trial AS the trial progressed, Lai’s health appeared to be deteriorating.
Lai’s lawyers in August told the court that he suffered from heart palpitations. After the verdict, lawyer, Robert Pang, said his client is in okay spirits as the legal team studies the verdict.
Before the verdict, his daughter Claire told The Associated Press that her father has become weaker and lost some of his nails and teeth. She also said he suffered from infections for months, along with constant back pain, diabetes, heart issues and high blood pressure.
“His spirit is strong but his body is failing,” she said.
Hong Kong’s government said no abnormalities were found during a medical examination that followed Lai’s complaint of heart problems. It added this month that the medical services provided to him were adequate.
Hong Kong leader John Lee said Lai harmed the fundamental interests of the country, calling his intentions malicious.
Steve Li, chief superintendent of Hong Kong police’s National Security Department, disputed claims of Lai’s worsening health outside the court building.
“Lai’s conviction is justice served,” he told reporters.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China expressed firm opposition to the vilification of the city’s judiciary by “certain countries,” urging those countries to respect the city’s legal system.
Before sunrise, dozens of residents queued outside the court building to secure a courtroom seat.
Former Apple Daily employee Tammy Cheung arrived at 5 a.m., saying she wanted to know about Lai’s condition after reports of his health.
She said she felt the process was being rushed since the verdict date was announced only last Friday, but added, “I’m relieved that this case can at least conclude soon.” Rights groups, including global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International, criticized the verdict.
“It is not an individual who has been on trial—it is press freedom itself, and with this verdict that has been shattered,” said Reporters Without Borders’ director general Thibaut Bruttin. In 2022, Lai was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison over separate fraud charges involving lease violations, in addition to other cases related to the 2019 protests.
The Associated Press writer Chan Ho-him in Hong Kong contributed to this report.
Australian Prime Minister Albanese proposes tougher gun laws after Sydney mass shooting
By Charlotte Graham-Mclay, Rod Mcguirk & Kristen Gelineau The Associated Press
YDNEY—Australian Prime Minister
SAnthony Albanese on Monday proposed tougher national gun laws after a mass shooting targeted a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, leaving at least 15 people dead.
Albanese said he would propose new restrictions, including limiting the number of guns a licensed owner can obtain.
His proposals were announced after the authorities revealed that the older of the two gunmen—who were a father and son—had held a gun license for a decade and amassed his six guns legally.
“The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws,” Albanese told reporters.
“People’s circumstances can change. People can be radicalized over a period of time. Licenses should not be in perpetuity,” he added.
At least 38 people were being treated in hospitals after the massacre on Sunday, when the two shooters fired indiscriminately on the beachfront festivities. Those killed included a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor.
Australia has gun laws meant to prevent mass attacks
THE horror at Australia’s most popular beach was the deadliest shooting in almost three decades in a country with strict gun control laws primarily aimed at removing rapid-fire rifles from circulation. Albanese called the massacre an act of antisemitic terrorism that struck at the heart of the nation.
He pledged swift change, planning on Monday afternoon to present his gun law
proposals to a national cabinet meeting that includes state leaders. Some of the measures would also require state legislation.
“Some laws are commonwealth and some laws are implemented by the states,” the Australian leader said. “What we want to do is to make sure that we’re all completely on the same page.”
Christopher Minns, premier of New South Wales where Sydney is the state capital, agreed with Albanese that gun licenses should not be granted in perpetuity. Minns said his state’s gun laws would change, but he could not yet detail how.
“It means introducing a bill to Parliament to—I mean to be really blunt—make it more difficult to get these horrifying weapons that have no practical use in our community,” Minns told reporters.
“If you’re not a farmer, you’re not involved in agriculture, why do you need these massive weapons that put the public in danger and make life dangerous and difficult for New South Wales Police?” Minns asked.
Australia’s gun laws were revised after a 1996 massacre in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur, where a lone gunman killed 35 people.
Jewish leaders lambast antisemitism measures MEANWHILE the massacre provoked questions about whether Albanese and his government had done enough to curb rising antisemitism. Jewish leaders and the massacre’s survivors expressed fear and fury as they questioned why the men hadn’t been detected before they opened fire.
“There’s been a heap of inaction,” said Lawrence Stand, a Sydney man who raced to a Bar Mitzvah celebration in Bondi when
TRAFFIC moves through dense smog in the morning in New Delhi, India, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. AP
The taste of tradition: Sustaining the magic of Pinoy Christmas through Noche Buena
By Vincent Peter Rivera
BACK in the day, the calendar
flip to September was an immediate signal: Christmas songs would fill the streets, children would ready their caroling pieces, and vibrant holiday decorations would transform every public space, making the season feel truly festive and special.
However, that feeling of anticipation is tangibly changing. A 2024 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey found that the percentage of Filipinos expecting a “happy” Christmas dropped significantly to 65 percent, a notable decline from 73 percent the previous year. Correspondingly, the number of Filipinos expecting a “sad” Christmas rose from six percent to 10 percent in 2024.
These numbers confirmed that the Filipino anticipation and perception of the holiday season are indeed shifting, driven by modern pressures and a sense that the spirit has somehow diminished.
Yet, amidst the rising costs and fading carols, one enduring tradition remains firmly resistant to change, serving as the powerful an-
chor to the classic Filipino holiday: the midnight feast of Noche Buena.
A mainstay Christmas tradition Noche Buena is not simply a meal; it is a feast of shared joy during the holiday season, a midnight gathering that follows the Misa de Gallo or “Simbang Gabi” on Christmas Eve. This Hispanic tradition was adapted and later on, became a centerpiece of the Filipino family reunion, where the food symbolizes abundance, love, and hospitality.
The “handaan” is thus more than just a flavorful buffet; it is a table laden with cultural weight and symbolism.
Defining the gathering are the non-negotiable staples: the Hamon (Christmas Ham) and the Queso de Bola. The ham’s circular shape represents unity and family bonds, while the Edam cheese’s striking roundness traditionally invites luck and prosperity for the coming year. For grand celebrations, this symbolism is amplified by the presence of the whole roasted pig, Lechon, which stands as a center of attention and declaration of abundance.
Furthermore, no Filipino feast
is complete without the dishes symbolizing longevity and health, such as Pancit or the quintessential Filipino-style Sweet Spaghetti.
On the other hand, who can forget the reminiscent aroma of freshly cooked “Puto Bumbong” and “Bibingka” after going to church or simply just by roaming around the bustling streets every Christmas? These are flavorful treats that signify humility and simplicity.
On top of it all are desserts like the creamy Fruit Salad, which features a combination of ingredients, symbolizing diversity and blessings.
Budgeting for a bountiful feast
While Noche Buena serves as the powerful anchor of a classic Filipino Christmas, it undeniably presents a great financial challenge, especially with the high cost of ingredients and materials.
The desire to create a quality feast often conflicts directly with the reality of the family budget, leading to significant holiday stress. Fortunately, securing a special Noche Buena does not have to mean compromising one’s financial stability.
Rise of a new Car Culture: VinFast Philippines Car Design Voting Contest Gives Rise to Identity-First Local Car Culture
VinFast Philippines nationwide design voting contest empowers Filipinos to shape vehicles that reflect their identity, ushering in a new era of consumer-driven car culture.
uct satisfaction is the strongest driver of customer experience, and at the core of that satisfaction are design and styling—the elements that define a car’s identity. Filipinos increasingly want vehicles that reflect who they are, and VinFast has successfully tapped into this evolving identity culture.
VinFast Philippines’ nationwide PiliPinas car design voting contest made participation simple yet meaningful. The automaker showcased 50 design concepts across five vehicle lines—from VF 5 to VF 9, each presented in four views. Participants voted for their favorite, predicted total votes, and submitted their own concepts, which could inspire future production models.
recent initiative changed that landscape.
A rising EV powerhouse in Asia, VinFast Philippines put the power of design directly in the hands of Filipinos with its recently concluded first-of-its-kind nationwide car design voting initiative, “PiliPinas - Your Vote, Your Design for the Future Filipino Drive.” The design voting contest invited the public not only to vote on new EV concepts but also to help shape them. What began as a simple design selection exercise unprecedentedly evolved into a new movement, signaling the rise of an identity-first car culture in the Philippines, where personal expression plays a defining role in the vehicles people choose and champion.
A recently published automotive study¹ underscores this shift. In the Philippines, prod-
Running from October 24 to November 7, the campaign engaged over 20,000 Filipinos and culminated in a live awards event on November 15, where 303 prizes totaling P5.1 million were awarded to voters, predictors, and contributors.
At the heart of this campaign is co-creation, a global trend that influences the shift in product development. Rather than passively accepting what brands offer, customers now actively shape the products they buy. Even partial involvement, like design voting, strengthens trust, signals authenticity, and creates a deeper connection between brand and buyer.
In the Philippines, the impact of co-creation was exhibited by VinFast’s PiliPinas car design voting contest. In fact, its impact goes beyond votes and prizes—it reflects a shift in Philippine car culture: vehicles are no longer just
purchased, they are customized and personalized to express personal identity and aspiration. Filipinos now play an active role in shaping the cars that, in turn, shape their lives, and VinFast’s design contest was a pioneering initiative of this identity-led, user-powered design approach in the country.
For VinFast, this is more than building cars; it’s a movement that empowers communities, amplifies the Filipino voice, and redefines mobility for the next generation. VinFast invites people to co-create and shape the future of electric mobility. The brand is shifting the experience from passive ownership to active involvement. It’s about building a culture where innovation is shared, identity is celebrated, and every Filipino plays a part in driving a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Filipinos are at the heart of everything we do. By giving them a voice in designing our future EVs, we’re not just building cars, we’re building a movement toward sustainable and inclusive mobility,” said Antonio Zara, CEO of VinFast Southeast Asia.
VinFast continues to redefine car ownership in the Philippines. More importantly, the impact of its sustainable mobility movement in the country is slowly leaving footprints in the local automotive space and the lives of many Filipinos. And the success of its car design voting contest is not just a testament to its promise to the Philippines—it’s a clear telling of a new automotive culture where innovation, community, and identity meet.
According to finance applications like GCash, there are several ways to avoid the dilemma and one of them lies in smart financial “diskarte.” This includes planning the menu early and listing groceries accordingly to prevent impulse buying and last-minute expenses.
For those moments when the budget remains tight, digital financial services can significantly ease the burden of preparing for this special occasion.
For instance, GCredit, a preapproved digital credit line from GCash, provides accessible and flexible assistance. Users can borrow money up to P50,000, with interest rates that start as low as 0.17 percent per day (which is prorated to the number of days the amount is borrowed), and flexible payment options that require paying just the Minimum Amount Due (MAD), which is 10 percent of the total due at the start.
By utilizing such tools, families can enjoy a high-quality Noche Buena with their loved ones, securing all the necessary heritage dishes and staples without causing immediate strain on their monthly cash flow.
Remaining healthy amidst feastful celebration
Once the financial stress is managed and the table is set, a new challenge emerges: how to indulge in this grand feast responsibly. With a culture of abundance, many Filipinos typically set aside diets during the holidays, but health authorities remind everyone to practice moderation to avoid post-holiday issues like high blood pressure or elevated blood sugar.
A s Susan Bowerman, Senior Director of Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training Chair at Herbalife, emphasized, the goal is to find balance so that joy does not turn into unnecessary weight gain and added stress in the new year.
In order to achieve this, Herbalife suggests several simple yet effective strategies to keep the celebration healthy.
First, snacking is encouraged when done right. Having a nutritious, balanced snack before holiday feasts, such as high-protein options like a handful of unsalted nuts, helps control hunger, making it easier to eat less during the main meal.
Additionally, hydrating often is crucial; drinking water before and during the meal helps you feel fuller faster and can curb cravings. W hen building your plate, practice the, “Half-Plate Rule,” aiming to fill at least half of your portion with fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber and can aid both digestion and satiety. Finally, walking it off with simple physical activity, like taking a brief stroll after meals, not only aids digestion but also provides a necessary mental break, promoting an overall sense of well-being.
Despite the occurring challenges and shifting holiday perceptions, the Noche Buena remains a long-standing foundation of the Filipino Christmas celebration. By preparing strategically in advance and by committing to mindful, responsible indulgence, the festive joy can be experienced without compromising well-being.
W hen this blend of preparedness and moderation is achieved, the Noche Buena will always stand as a powerful testament to the Filipino way of greeting the merriest season of the year, just as it has always done.
Begin the Christmas Season with LaVie Fest: Fiesta De Navidad
MANILA doesn’t ease into Christmas; the city bursts into it. As early as the “-ber” months, the streets light up, the music turns merrier, and every corner feels primed for celebration.
However, something different electrified the city’s weekend rhythm. LaVie Fest: Fiesta De Navidad, an immersive street fair by LaVie Resort and Casino Manila, transformed Malate into a holiday playground of flavor, culture, and connection.
What began as a simple community gathering has grown into one of the city’s most vibrant street market spectacles — an experience that captures the revival of Manila.
The moment dusk settled over Malate, LaVie Fest revealed its Christmas transformation.
Parols showcased through the walkways and strings of warm lights hung overhead added bursts of color to the streets.
The fair felt like walking into the opening chapter of the holiday season, alive with laughter, movement, and wonder. Locals and tourists walked through the fair, discovering flavors, supporting small merchants, and taking in the glowing scenes around them.
When Music Bridges Cultures
THE live band didn’t just perform; they tuned into the crowd’s pulse. They sang viral hits, festive classics, and upbeat anthems that lifted the energy at every corner of the fair.
But the night took an unforgettable turn when the musicians began performing in multiple languages. Visitors from China, Korea, and Japan filled the fairgrounds, and their faces lit up when the band shifted seamlessly into Mandarin,
Korean, and Japanese songs.
A group of Japanese tourists swayed to a classic J-pop favorite. Korean travelers recorded the moment the band delivered an energetic tune. Moreover, Chinese guests applauded as the performers sang a beloved Mandarin classic.
In these moments, LaVie Fest became a shared cultural experience, all harmonizing under the Manila night sky.
Rediscover Manila
Through a Flavor Adventure
WANDERING through the festival, guests encountered a dynamic mix of lifestyle booths, indie shops, and culinary gems. Trendy fashion stalls offered curated clothing and shoes designed for Manila’s cool-season style.
Dessert carts greet guests with the smell of cakes, pastries, and tiramisu. Food trucks added to the excitement, serving soul food, smash burgers, and fries hot off the stove.
Local street-food favorites sparked nostalgia — crispy, smoky, sweet, and everything in between. Each booth reminds everyone why Manila’s food culture is unmatched.
The blend of sights, scents, and sounds turned every turn into a sensory surprise. The energy felt spontaneous and free. It made people pause and linger. They look around and take in the open-air street market and all its totality.
Manila’s Go-To Hangout Place for Leisure and Culture
LAVIE Fest has grown into more than a weekend event; it has become one of Manila’s favorite hangout places.
Friends lounged under the lights while
eating and chatting. Couples browsed through the stalls, discovering local designers and handmade pieces. Families explored the food trucks, sharing treats between songs performed on stage. There was a natural sense of connection in the air, the kind that forms when people come together to celebrate culture, food, and community. It blends the charm of a lively street fair with the style and sophistication of urban Manila.
Don’t Miss the Next LaVie Fest THE people who went to Fiesta De Navidad left the fair with the warm feeling of connection, flavor, and celebration. There was the thrill of watching musicians bridge cultures, the discovery of local businesses, and the enjoyment of being outdoors with people who share the same love for Manila’s vibrant street life. LaVie Fest offers a fresh destination where culture and community collide.
Christmas 2025
Komunidad Takes
Nito Weaving, Preserves Island’s Heritage
MEGAWORLD
& Resorts (MHR)
TEve with a relaxing stay may book Richmonde’s spacious rooms for as low as P5,000 nett (room only) and P5,500 nett (with breakfast buffet for two). The Holiday Haven promotion also includes use of the pool and gym and is available from until January 11, 2026. Families seeking a complete hotel holiday experience can create unique and lasting memories together with the Stay, Dine, Celebrate room package, which offers an elevated yet effortless celebration with rates starting at P9,000 nett. This includes an overnight stay on either the 24th or 31st of December, breakfast buffet for two, access to the pool and gym, and two seats at The Granary’s luxe holiday dinner buffet. Gastronomic adventures at The Granary are merrier this December with The Season’s Festive
Feasts, a series of delectable eat-all-you-can sprees and buffets that bring loved ones together over an array of exciting culinary offerings. The Holiday Rush Lunch Specials proposes a practical yet perfectly enjoyable option for those pre-Christmas meet-ups with friends. Beat the evening crowd and enjoy a satisfying meal that brings joy to even the busiest of days with an unlimited lunch priced at only P750nett inclusive of one round of drinks. Served on weekdays from 11 am to 2 pm and weekends from 12 pm to 3 pm this month, these specials feature rotating themed selections that highlight comforting soups, flavorful rice toppings, festive pastas, savory stir-fries, and hearty bowls. Usher in happiness with every bite from the scrumptious spread of holiday dishes at The Granary’s dinner buffets served on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, and lunch buffet on New Year’s Day. Priced at P2,200 (dinner buffets) and
own brand, Franz Handicrafts, and now teaches others how to turn this heritage craft into a sustainable livelihood.
T he training culminated on November 21 during MHR’s annual Thanksgiving celebration at the soon-to-open Chancellor Hotel Boracay. Top MHR executives and the Provincial Director of DTI-Aklan Romel Amihan personally awarded certificates to all 19 graduates. All participants were honored and given the chance to showcase their handcrafted nito creations.
Part of the Thanksgiving celebration is the introduction of MHR’s MEGreen Mindful Stays, the unified sustainability stay program designed for today’s rising breed of conscious travelers who seek meaning and positive impact in every journey, in which the Ati Komunidad is the partner community of Boracay Newcoast properties.
P1,850 (lunch buffet) per person, these feasts offer a delightful array of local and international cuisine that celebrate food, family, and time-honored traditions. On December 31st, welcome the New Year under the evening sky while enjoying the cool December breeze at the Starlit Soirée: New Year’s Eve Countdown at Zabana Bar happening from 9 pm to 12 midnight. For P1,500 nett, guests can enjoy an island-inspired buffet, free-flowing drinks, and festive music—a lively yet intimate way to welcome 2026. The holidays also bring with them a fondness for pasalubongs and goodies to share, and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
We all know that nito is flexible, durable, and naturally beautiful, just like the Ati,” said Maia Israel, Area General Manager of Boracay Newcoast properties. “We see in you the same resilience and hard work that continue to thrive despite changing times. As vanguards of Filipino culture and heritage, MHR hopes to help preserve the art of nito weaving. That is why we partnered with DTI-Aklan, who guided us in learning this skill, which can also serve as an additional source of livelihood.”
Love for Country Shines
Nito weaving, a tradition rooted deeply in Filipino and indigenous artistry, uses the strong and glossy nito vine to produce baskets, placemats, trays, bags, hats, jars, and other lifestyle pieces. Aklan is home to many nito artisans, and its weaving industry continues to thrive locally and internationally. T he practice is both a livelihood and a
social activity. In the past, women once gathered to weave as they bonded with family, often passing on the skill to their daughters through shared moments of crafting. One Ati trainee fondly recalled weaving vines into
In the photo are, from left, Arturo Boncato Jr., Group General Manager of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Maia Israel, Area General Manager for Boracay
A10 Tuesday, December 16, 2025
The World
Landslide win for Kast gives Chile its most right-wing president in decades
By Isabel Debre & Nayara Batschke The Associated Press
SANTIAGO, Chile—Chile’s ultraconservative former lawmaker José Antonio Kast secured a stunning victory in the presidential election Sunday, defeating the candidate of the center-left governing coalition and setting the stage for the country’s most right-wing government in 35 years of democracy.
Kast won 58.2% of the votes as Chileans overwhelmingly embraced his pledge to crack down on increased crime, deport hundreds of thousands of immigrants without legal status and revive the sluggish economy of one of Latin America’s most stable and prosperous nations. Kast’s supporters erupted into cheers in the street as results trickled in, shouting his name and honking horns. His challenger, communist candidate Jeannette Jara, clinched 41.8% of the vote.
“Chile needs order—order in the streets, in the state, in the priorities that have been lost,” Kast bellowed in a lengthy victory speech that included his tough-on-crime talking points but lacked his usual vitriol. When his supporters interrupted him to boo Jara, he cut them off and snapped, “Respect!”—an about-face from his persona on the campaign trail.
Kast hailed his decisive margin of victory on Sunday, saying it provided him with a “broad mandate” that was also “a tremendous responsibility.”
“We are inviting you on a journey to recover values for a proper and healthy life,” he said. “It won’t be easy. It requires everyone’s commitment.”
Speaking at a public square in Chile’s capital of Santiago, Jara, who served as labor minister in the center-left government of President Gabriel Boric, encouraged her supporters not to be deterred by the outcome.
“It is in defeat that we learn the most,” Jara said shortly after calling Kast to concede the election and congratulate him on his successful campaign.
A regional trend gains traction CHILEANS are not alone in their demand for radical change.
Kast’s election represents the latest in a string of votes that have turfed out incumbent governments across Latin America, vaulting right-wing leaders to power from Argentina
to Bolivia as US President Donald Trump looks to assert American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, in many cases punishing rivals and rewarding allies.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei, a radical libertarian closely aligned with Trump, was first to congratulate Kast on his victory.
“The left recedes,” he wrote on social media with a map of all the South American countries that had recently veered to the right.
The Trump administration was also quick to praise Kast. “Under his leadership, we are confident Chile will advance shared priorities to include strengthening public security, ending illegal immigration and revitalizing our commercial relationship,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
A highly polarized election
THE victory for Kast signaled a new era for Chile, representing the first radical right-wing president since the country returned to democracy in 1990, following the bloody dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet. Centrist parties on the right and the left have largely alternated power in the decades since.
On the surface, the two candidates in this tense presidential runoff could not have been more different, fundamentally disagreeing on weighty matters of the economy, social issues and the very purpose of government.
A lifelong member of Chile’s Communist Party who pioneered popular social welfare
measures in Boric’s government and hails from a working-class family that protested against Pinochet’s 1973-1990 military dictatorship, Jara was a dramatic foil to her rival.
Kast, in contrast, is a devout Catholic and father of nine whose German-born father was a registered member of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi party and whose brother served as a minister in the dictatorship.
Kast’s moral conservatism, including fierce opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion without exception, has drawn parallels to Brazil’s now-incarcerated exPresident Jair Bolsonaro and was rejected by many in the increasingly socially liberal country during his past two failed presidential bids.
But throughout Boric’s tenure, fears about uncontrolled illegal migration and unprecedented organized crime roiled the country, dominating this election and fueling support for a hardline approach to insecurity.
Today his supporters run the gamut, including business people enthused about his free-market instincts, middle-class families scared of venturing out at night for fear of carjackings and extreme right-wing activists who glorify the military dictatorship.
Among those attending Kast’s victory speech late Sunday were young Chileans raising framed photos of Pinochet.
Kast will be under pressure to deliver on promises VOTERS elected Kast to cure the double
plague of organized crime, which he blames on clandestine migration, and an economic slump.
To address the former, Kast says he’ll draw inspiration from El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, whose notorious 40,000-capacity mega-jail he toured last year. He wants to build more maximum-security prisons in Chile and implement harsh measures in detention centers like severing gang members’ contact with the outside world.
He proposes expanding the powers of the army and police and boosting protections for officers who use force.
On the issue of migration, he has mirrored Trump in his calls for deportations of hundreds of thousands of immigrants who entered Chile illegally and the construction of a massive barrier on the country’s northern border complete with 3-meter (9.8-feet)— deep ditches.
On the economy, he vows to slash $6 billion in spending over just 18 months by shrinking the public payroll and dismantling ministries but without eliminating social benefits—something economists criticize as unrealistic.
By reducing corporate taxes and cutting red tape, he says he’ll take the nation back to the golden age of rapid economic growth that made Chile the poster child of Latin America in the 1990s.
At rallies, his fans cheer wildly at these promises for a “mano dura” crackdown, or iron fist, to restore order to a country that long saw itself as an oasis in a turbulent region.
But it’s less clear whether his agenda will command support on the street and in Congress once the implications sink in.
Kast’s Republican Party lacks a majority in both houses of Congress, meaning that to get things done, he’ll need to negotiate with traditional center-right forces that could bristle at those proposals.
If Kast plays his cards right and makes political compromises, said Chilean political analyst Patricio Navia, he might be able to avoid the fate of Boric, who stormed to power in 2021 on radical ambitions to overhaul Chile’s market-led economy and will leave office on March 11 having largely failed to implement his hard-left program.
“If he governs as a moderate right-wing president, he’ll find support,” Navia said. “But can Kast control his radical instincts? That’s the big question.”
Israeli military expansion in Syria raises tensions as they carve out a buffer zone
By Kareem Chehayeb The Associated Press
BEIRUT—Qassim Hamadeh woke to the sounds of gunfire and explosions in his village of Beit Jin in southwestern Syria last month. Within hours, he had lost two sons, a daughter-in-law and his 4-year-old and 10-year-old grandsons. The five were among 13 villagers killed that day by Israeli forces.
Israeli troops had raided the village— not for the first time—seeking to capture, as they said, members of a militant group planning attacks into Israel. Israel said militants opened fire at the troops, wounding six, and that troops returned fire and brought in air support.
Hamadeh, like others in Beit Jin, dismissed Israel’s claims of militants operating in the village. The residents said armed villagers confronted Israeli soldiers they saw as invaders, only to be met with Israeli tank and artillery fire, followed by a drone strike. The government in Damascus called it a “massacre.”
The raid and similar recent Israeli actions inside Syria have increased tensions, frustrated locals and also scuttled chances—despite US pressure—of any imminent thaw in relations between the two neighbors.
An expanding Israeli presence
AN Israeli-Syrian rapprochement seemed possible last December, after Sunni Islamist-led rebels overthrew autocratic Syrian President Bashar Assad, a close ally of Iran, Israel’s archenemy.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmad
al-Sharaa, who led the rebels who took over the country, said he has no desire for a conflict with Israel. But Israel was suspicious, mistrusting al-Sharaa because of his militant past and his group’s history of aligning with al-Qaida. Israeli forces quickly moved to impose a new reality on the ground. They mobilized into the U.N.-mandated buffer zone in southern Syria next to the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria during the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed—a move not recognized by most of the international community.
Israeli forces erected checkpoints and military installations, including on a hilltop that overlooks wide swaths of Syria. They set up landing pads on strategic Mt. Hermon nearby. Israeli reconnaissance drones frequently fly over surrounding Syrian towns, with residents often sighting Israeli tanks and Humvee vehicles patrolling those areas.
Israel has said its presence is temporary to clear out pro-Assad remnants and militants—to protect Israel from attacks. But it has given no indication its forces would leave anytime soon. Talks between the two countries to reach a security agreement have so far yielded no result.
Ghosts of Lebanon and Gaza THE events in neighboring Lebanon, which shares a border with both Israel and Syria, and the two-year war in Gaza between Israel and the militant Palestinian group Hamas have also raised concerns among Syrians that Israel plans a permanent land
Zelenskyy offers to drop NATO bid for security guarantees but rejects US push to cede territory
By Stefanie Dazio & Claudia Ciobanu
The Associated Press
BERLIN—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday voiced readiness to drop his country’s bid to join NATO in exchange for Western security guarantees, but rejected the US push for ceding territory to Russia as he held talks with US envoys on ending the war.
Mass shooting. . .
Continued from A7 the violence erupted to find his 12-year-old daughter. “But the people were warned about this. ... And still not enough has been done by our government.”
“I think the federal government has made a number of missteps on antisemitism,” Alex Ryvchin, spokesperson for the Australian Council of Executive Jewry, told reporters gathered on Monday near the site of the massacre. “I think when an attack such as what we saw yesterday takes place the paramount and fundamental duty of government is the protection of its citizens, so there’s been an immense failure.”
An investigation was needed, Ryvchin said, into “how that was allowed to take place.” Those investigations were beginning to unfold Monday.
More details about the shooters emerge LITTLE was publicly confirmed about the
Zelenskyy sat down with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The Ukrainian leader posted pictures of the negotiating table with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sitting next to him facing the US delegation.
Responding to journalists’ questions in audio clips on a WhatsApp group chat before the talks, Zelenskyy said that since the US and some European nations had rejected Ukraine’s push to join NATO, Kyiv expects
men. Police said they were a father and son but wouldn’t supply their names.
The father, 50, who was shot dead, had a gun license that allowed him to legally acquire the six firearms recovered from his property and also held a gun club membership, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said. The particular gun license he held entitled an adult with a “genuine reason” to own a rifle or shotgun. Accepted reasons include target shooting, recreational hunting and vermin control, but selfdefense is not an accepted reason.
The man arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa, authorities said, and was an Australian resident when he died.
Officials wouldn’t confirm what country he had migrated from.
His 24-year-old Australian-born son, who was shot and wounded, is being treated at a hospital. Lanyon said the man “may well” face criminal charges and police wouldn’t divulge what they knew about him to avoid marring a prosecution case against him.
the West to offer a set of guarantees similar to those offered to the alliance members.
“These security guarantees are an opportunity to prevent another wave of Russian aggression,” he said. “And this is already a compromise on our part.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cast Ukraine’s bid to join NATO as a major threat to Moscow’s security and a reason for launching the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Kremlin has demanded that Ukraine renounce the bid
Albanese confirmed that Australia’s main domestic spy agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Agency, had investigated the son for six months in 2019.
Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported that ASIO had examined the son’s ties to a Sydney-based Islamic State group cell.
Albanese did not describe the associates, but said ASIO was interested in them rather than the son.
“He was examined on the basis of being associated with others and the assessment was made that there was no indication of any ongoing threat or threat of him engaging in violence,” Albanese said.
Victims included children and the elderly NONE of the dead or wounded victims have been formally named by the authorities. Identities of those killed, who ranged in age from 10 to 87, began to emerge in news reports Monday.
Among them was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and an organizer of the family Hanukkah event
for the alliance membership as part of any prospective peace settlement.
Zelenskyy emphasized that any security assurances would need to be legally binding and supported by the US Congress, adding that he expected an update from his team following a meeting between Ukrainian and US military officials in Stuttgart, Germany.
The US government said in a social media post on Witkoff’s account after the five-hour meeting that “a lot of progress was made.” Washington has tried for months to
that was targeted, according to Chabad, an Orthodox Jewish movement that runs outreach worldwide and sponsors events during major Jewish holidays.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of an Israeli citizen, but gave no further details. French President Emmanuel Macron said a French citizen, identified as Dan Elkayam, was among those killed. Larisa Kleytman told reporters outside St Vincent’s Hospital that her husband, Alexander Kleytman, was among the dead. The couple were both Holocaust survivors, according to The Australian newspaper.
The violence erupted at the end of a summer day when thousands had flocked to Bondi Beach, an icon of Australia’s cultural life. They included hundreds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event celebrating the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival with food, face painting and a petting zoo.
On Monday, hundreds arrived near the scene to lay flowers at a growing pile of floral tributes. There were words of pride, too, for a man who was captured on video appearing to tackle and disarm one
navigate the demands of each side as Trump presses for a swift end to Russia’s war and grows increasingly exasperated by delays. The search for possible compromises has run into major obstacles, including control of Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, which is mostly occupied by Russian forces.
Tough obstacles remain PUTIN wants Ukraine to withdraw its forces from the part of the Donetsk region still under its control among the key conditions
gunman, before pointing the man’s weapon at him, then setting the gun on the ground.
The man was identified by Home Affairs
Minister Tony Burke as Ahmed al Ahmed. The 42-year-old fruit shop owner and father of two was shot in the shoulder by the other gunman and survived.
Massacre followed a surge in antisemitic crimes
AUSTRALIA , a country of 28 million people, is home to about 117,000 Jews, according to official figures. Over the past year, the country was rocked by antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. Synagogues and cars were torched, businesses and homes graffitied and Jews attacked in those cities, where 85% of the nation’s Jewish population lives.
The Australian government has enacted various measures to counter a surge in antisemitism since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel launched a war on Hamas in Gaza in response. Measures included appointing a special enjoy to combat antisemitism, toughening laws and
for peace, a demand rejected by Kyiv. Zelenskyy said that the US had floated an idea for Ukraine to withdraw from the Donetsk and create a demilitarized free economic zone there, a proposal he rejected as unworkable.
“I do not consider this fair, because who will manage this economic zone?” he said. “If we are talking about some buffer zone along the line of contact, if we are talking
investing in enhanced security for Jewish schools and synagogues. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he warned Australia’s leaders months ago about the dangers of failing to take action against antisemitism. He claimed Australia’s decision, in line with scores of other countries, to recognize a Palestinian state “pours fuel on the antisemitic fire.” Albanese on Monday vowed the violence would be met with “a moment of national unity where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith.”
“There is no place in Australia for antisemitism,” he said. Albanese in August blamed Iran for two of the previous attacks and cut diplomatic ties to Tehran. Authorities have not suggested Iran was linked to Sunday’s massacre.
Graham-McLay reported from Wellington, New Zealand and McGuirk from Melbourne, Australia.
PRESIDENTIAL candidate Jose Antonio Kast, of the opposition Republican Party, and his wife Maria Pia Adriasola wave to supporters after winning the presidential runoff election in Santiago, Chile, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. AP/MATIAS DELACROIX
QASSIM HAMADEH, who lost two sons, a daughter-in-law, and his 4- and 10-year-old grandsons, among 13 villagers killed when Israeli troops raided Beit Jin, southwestern Syria, on Nov. 2, looks at the damage from the raid alongside one surviving grandson, Dec. 1, 2025. AP/OMAR ALBAM
See “Israeli,” A11
See
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Militant groups experiment with AI, and the risks are expected to grow
By David Klepper The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—As the rest of the world rushes to harness the power of artificial intelligence, militant groups also are experimenting with the technology, even if they aren’t sure exactly what to do with it.
For extremist organizations, AI could be a powerful tool for recruiting new members, churning out realistic deepfake images and refining their cyberattacks, national security experts and spy agencies have warned.
Someone posting on a pro-Islamic State group website last month urged other IS supporters to make AI part of their operations.
“One of the best things about AI is how easy it is to use,” the user wrote in English.
“Some intelligence agencies worry that AI will contribute (to) recruiting,” the user continued. “So, make their nightmares into reality.”
IS, which had seized territory in Iraq and Syria years ago but is now a decentralized alliance of militant groups that share a violent ideology, realized years ago that social media could be a potent tool for recruitment and disinformation, so it’s not surprising that the group is testing out AI, national security experts say.
For loose-knit, poorly resourced extremist groups—or even an individual bad actor with a web connection—AI can be used to pump out propaganda or deepfakes at scale, widening their reach and expanding their influence.
“For any adversary, AI really makes it much easier to do things,” said John
Laliberte, a former vulnerability researcher at the National Security Agency who is now CEO of cybersecurity firm ClearVector. “With AI, even a small group that doesn’t have a lot of money is still able to make an impact.”
How extremist groups are experimenting
MILITANT groups began using AI as soon as programs like ChatGPT became widely accessible. In the years since, they have increasingly used generative AI programs to create realistic-looking photos and video.
When strapped to social media algorithms, this fake content can help recruit new believers, confuse or frighten enemies and spread propaganda at a scale unimaginable just a few years ago.
Such groups spread fake images two years ago of the Israel-Hamas war depicting bloodied, abandoned babies in bombed-out buildings. The images spurred outrage and polarization while obscuring the war’s actual horrors. Violent groups in the Middle East used the photos to recruit new members, as did antisemitic hate groups in the US and elsewhere.
Something similar happened last year after an attack claimed by an IS affiliate killed nearly 140 people at a concert venue in Russia. In the days after the shooting, AI-crafted propaganda videos circulated widely on discussion boards and social media, seeking new recruits.
IS also has created deepfake audio recordings of its own leaders reciting scripture and used AI to quickly translate messages into multiple languages, according to researchers at SITE Intelligence Group, a firm that tracks extremist activities and has investigated IS’ evolving use of AI.
Israeli. . .
Continued from A10
about some economic zone and we believe that only a police mission should be there and troops should withdraw, then the question is very simple. If Ukrainian troops withdraw 5–10 kilometers, for example, then why do Russian troops not withdraw deeper into the occupied territories by the same distance?”
Zelenskyy described the issue as “very sensitive” and insisted on a freeze along the line of contact, saying that “today a fair possible option is we stand where we stand.” Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov told the business daily Kommersant
grab in southern Syria. Israeli forces still have a presence in southern Lebanon, over a year since a US-brokered ceasefire halted the latest Israel-Hezbollah war. That war began a day after Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, with Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel in solidarity with its ally Hamas. Israel’s operations in Lebanon, which included bombardment across the tiny country and a ground incursion last year, have severely weakened Hezbollah.
Today, Israel still controls five hilltop points in southern Lebanon, launches neardaily airstrikes against alleged Hezbollah targets and flies reconnaissance drones over the country, sometimes also carrying out
Electricity is now holding back growth across global economy
By Akshat Rathi & Marilen Martin
THE chip equipment maker ASML Holding NV is so crucial that a swing in its fortunes can sway the Dutch economy and the global development of artificial intelligence.
Now one of the company’s biggest growth plans—building a new campus that will employ as many as 20,000 people in the country’s Eindhoven region—depends on whether or not it can get an electricity connection.
Despite the high stakes, there’s no guarantee ASML will get the electricity it needs. That’s because the company is one among 12,000 businesses in the Netherlands waiting to secure a link to the electric grid.
Netbeheer Nederland, the association of Dutch grid operators, estimates that congestion issues are likely to continue for as many as 10 years, even with grid operators investing €8 billion ($9.3 billion) annually.
One reason is that electricity consumption has risen far faster than was estimated. “The Netherlands is already using as much electricity as was originally projected for the year 2030,” said Netbeheer Netherland’s Debby Dröge. “The physical grid cannot keep pace with societal ambitions and developments— unless we fundamentally change how we design and use it.”
This type of constraint typically shows up in developing countries and decades of research has shown that reliable electricity supports economic growth. Rich countries hadn’t faced these questions because deindustrialization kept electricity demand flat or falling for the past decades despite economic growth.
Now the rise of AI, rapid sales of electric cars and broader electrification of most economic sectors is causing even rich countries to panic. An exclusive analysis from Bloomberg Economics finds that almost all Group of 20 countries are seeing a rise in grid stress over the last few years. Those stresses include supply not keeping up with demand, volatile price swings, damages from climate impacts and losses in transmission.
Crucially, the analysis finds that increase in grid stress leads to a decline in capital outlay, which is government and business spending to acquire or maintain long-term
assets.
“Lower investment means lower economic growth in the long run,” said Maeva Cousin, chief trade and climate economist at Bloomberg Economics.
The positive effects of electrification on growth holds true across geographies— from India and China to most countries in Africa—and across time, from the late 19th century to today. Typically, the richer you are, the more electricity you consume. That may not seem surprising, but this kind of tight correlation doesn’t exist for other forms of energy. Coal consumption for example increases with a country’s income and then falls as the country goes from middle income to high income.
If you take total fossil fuel consumption per capita, the correlation exists for different regional groups but not simply with the country’s per capita income. Highincome European countries consume only a fraction of fossil fuels per capita when compared with high-income Asian countries or North American countries. Swiss citizens earn on average about 50% more than Canadians, but consume one-fourth the amount of fossil fuels.
Deploying electricity can be transformative.
Take a recent example from Nigeria. When Manoj Sinha first arrived in the village of Rukubi, the first thing he noticed was the smell of diesel from the dozens of generators across a village of just a thousand rooftops. Rukubi is a fishing village where 40C heat spoils the daily catch before sunset, and the generators were keeping the fish cold.
Sinha is the chief executive officer of Husk Power Systems, which builds small
grids in rural areas of developing countries.
After Husk installed a solar-powered minigrid in Rukubi, more fishermen were able to install refrigerators and ditch the use of expensive diesel generators.
University of Nigeria researchers found that for every 1% increase in clean power, the country sees an increase of 2.74% in its gross domestic product over time.
“Many businesses spend huge capital on things like diesel,” said Nigeria-born Rita Okoroafor, assistant professor at Texas A&M University. “Electricity access is the main hindrance for economic growth in Nigeria.”
A growing number of businesses in many rich countries are now also seeing electricity as their biggest obstacle.
To understand the challenges, Bloomberg Economics designed an index that accounts for stress in each G-20 country’s electricity system. It measured that stress as an aggregate covering five factors: adequacy, demand, cost, grid losses and climate impacts.
In the early 2000s, most countries experienced rapid rise in electricity demand and sluggish growth in supply that created system stresses. In the 2010s, better grid management and lower power consumption helped grids run largely stress-free.
“That calm is fading,” said Eleonora Mavroeidi, Paris-based economist who led the Bloomberg Economics analysis. Now most rich countries see their electricity system stress growing in the last few years.
In Europe and the US, electricity demand has been virtually flat or falling over the last two decades, but BloombergNEF’s economic transition scenario sees it rising by more
The
that Russian police and national guard would stay in parts of the Donetsk region even if they become a demilitarized zone under a prospective peace plan.
Ushakov warned that a search for compromise could take a long time, noting that the US proposals that took into account Russian demands had been “worsened” by alterations proposed by Ukraine and its European allies.
Speaking to Russian state TV in remarks broadcast Sunday, Ushakov said that “the contribution of Ukrainians and Europeans to these documents is unlikely to be constructive,” warning that Moscow will “have very strong objections.” Ushakov added that the territorial issue was actively discussed in Moscow when
overnight ground incursions. In Gaza, where US President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire deal has brought about a truce between Israel and Hamas, similar buffer zones under Israeli control are planned even after Israel eventually withdraws from the more than half of the territory it still controls.
At a meeting of regional leaders and international figures earlier this month in Doha, Qatar, al-Sharaa accused Israel of using imagined threats to justify aggressive actions.
“All countries support an Israeli withdrawal” from Syria to the lines prior to Assad’s ouster, he said, adding that it was the only way for both Syria and Israel to “emerge in a state of safety.”
Syria’s myriad problems THE new leadership in Damascus has
Witkoff and Kushner met with Putin earlier this month. “The Americans know and understand our position,” he said.
Zelenskyy said he spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday just before the talks with Trump’s envoys, thanking him on X for his support and adding that “we are coordinating closely and working together for the sake of our shared security.”
Macron vowed on X that “France is, and will remain, at Ukraine’s side to build a robust and lasting peace—one that can guarantee Ukraine’s security and sovereignty, and that of Europe, over the long term.”
Merz, who has spearheaded European efforts to support Ukraine alongside Macron
had a multitude of challenges since ousting Assad.
Al-Sharaa’s government has been unable to implement a deal with local Kurdish-led authorities in northeast Syria, and large areas of southern Sweida province are now under a de facto administration led by the Druze religious minority, following sectarian clashes there in mid-July with local Bedouin clans.
Syrian government forces intervened, effectively siding with the Bedouins. Hundreds of civilians, mostly Druze, were killed, many by government fighters. Over half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights.
Israel, which has cast itself as a defender of the Druze, though many of them in Syria are critical of its intentions, has also made
and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said Saturday that “the decades of the ‘Pax Americana’ are largely over for us in Europe and for us in Germany as well.”
He warned that Putin’s aim is “a fundamental change to the borders in Europe, the restoration of the old Soviet Union within its borders.”
“If Ukraine falls, he won’t stop,” Merz warned on Saturday during a party conference in Munich.
Putin has denied plans to restore the Soviet Union or attack any European allies.
Russia and Ukraine exchange aerial attacks
Ukraine’s air force said that Russia overnight launched ballistic missiles and
overtures to Kurds in Syria.
“The Israelis here are pursuing a very dangerous strategy,” said Michael Young, Senior Editor at the Beirut-based Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center.
It contradicts, he added, the positions of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt—and even the United States—which are “all in agreement that what has to come out of this today is a Syrian state that is unified and fairly strong,” he added.
Israel and the US at odds over Syria IN a video released from his office after visiting Israeli troops wounded in Beit Jin, barely 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the edge of the U.N. buffer zone, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel seeks a “demilitarized buffer zone from Damascus to the (U.N.) buffer zone,”
138 attack drones at Ukraine. The air force said 110 had been intercepted or downed, but missile and drone hits were recorded at six locations.
Zelenskyy said Sunday that hundreds of thousands of families were still without power in the south, east and northeast regions and work was continuing to restore electricity, heat and water to multiple regions following a large-scale attack the previous night.
The Ukrainian president said that in the past week, Russia had launched over 1,500 strike drones, nearly 900 guided aerial bombs and 46 missiles of various types at Ukraine.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said that air defenses downed 235 Ukrainian drones late
including Mt. Hermon.
“It is also possible to reach an agreement with the Syrians, but we will stand by our principles in any case,” Netanyahu said.
His strategy has proven to be largely unpopular with the international community, including with Washington, which has backed al-Sharaa’s efforts to consolidate his control across Syria.
Israel’s operations in southern Syria have drawn rare public criticism from Trump, who has taken al-Sharaa, once on Washington’s terror list, under his wing.
“It is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous State,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social after the Beit Jin clashes.
Syria is also expected to be on the agenda when Netanyahu visits the US and
Trust Inc. applied to build in 2019 may continue sitting empty for years. “Failure to expand electricity supply quickly could make it impossible to realize the full potential of cutting-edge tech,” said Mavroeidi.
Industry surveys echo this. Around 72% of executives in Deloitte’s 2025 AI Infrastructure Survey cite grid capacity as a “very” or “extremely” challenging constraint. Another major survey finds more than 90% of developers view grid limits as the biggest obstacle to data center projects. Constraints may also be hitting businesses beyond AI. Sweden’s SSAB AB has delayed the start of a Swedish steel mill due to grid delays. The most worrying part in the Bloomberg Economics analysis is the long-term impact of electricity shortages. With assistance from Sarah Jacob and Hayley Warren/ Bloomberg
Saturday and early Sunday.
In the Belgorod region, a drone injured a man and set his house ablaze in the village of Yasnye Zori, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil depot in Uryupinsk in the Volgograd region, triggering a fire, according to regional Gov. Andrei Bocharov.
In the Krasnodar region, the Ukrainian drones attacked the town of Afipsky, where an oil refinery is located. Authorities said that explosions shattered windows in residential buildings, but didn’t report any damage to the refinery.
Ciobanu reported from Warsaw, Poland.
meets with Trump later this month. Experts doubt Israel will withdraw from Syria anytime soon—and the new government in Damascus has little leverage or power against Israel’s much stronger military.
“If you set up landing pads, then you are not here for short-term,” Issam al-Reiss, a military adviser with the Syrian research group ETANA, said of Israeli actions. Hamadeh, the laborer from Beit Jin, said he can “no longer bear the situation” after losing five of his family. Israel, he said, “strikes wherever it wants, it destroys whatever it wants, and kills whoever it wants, and no one holds it accountable.”
The Associated Press writer Omar Albam in Beit Jin, Syria, contributed to this report.
THE ASML Holding NV headquarters in Veldhoven, Netherlands. PETER BOER/BLOOMBERG
IN this image made from a video provided by the Press Service of the President of Ukraine on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy records a video at the entrance of a road in Kupiansk, Ukraine. PRESS SERVICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE, VIA AP
PNP steps up border ops vs illegal POGO syndicates
By Rex Anthony Naval
ACTING Philippine Nation -
al Police (PNP) chief Lt.
Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday directed the territorial and national support units of the service to intensify the patrols and monitoring along identified backdoor routes to prevent criminal syndicates from shifting illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities to neighboring countries.
Nartatez directed concerned police units to strengthen visibility and
Davao City mulls trust fund for bus system project
DAVAO CITY—The project manager of the bus system project for the city said he was recommending a trust fund to be put up as the city government counterpart to the multibillionpeso project funded by the Asian Development Bank.
Assistant City Administrator Dwight Tristan Domingo, the current project manager of the High Priority Bus System or now known as the Davao Bus Project, said the trust fund will be a special account of the city government that serves as the counterpart funding of the P76-billion project.
“The beauty of us having this trust fund is we can always tell the national government that our money is here, where is yours?”
Domingo said.
With a trust fund, the city will not have difficulty in sourcing its contribution when that amount is needed
Davao City’s counterpart to the project is P1.5 billion, which was determined by the National Economic Development Authority, now the Department of Economy, Planning and Development or DEPDev.
Domingo said having a trust fund would mean that the money is there and available when needed. He said trust fund will need a separate ordinance to create it and hoped the proposal will be approved by the City Council within the year.
Even without the trust fund, the local government has an allocation in the city’s annual budget, he added.
The Davao Bus Project, conceived during the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration, was supposed to start operation in 2022 but funding delays during the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent spat between the Dutertes and the Marcos administration hampered its preparation.
This year, then Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon visited the bus system planned routes and announced that the Marcos administration has assured of funding the project.
An information bulletin attached to prototypes of bus stations, the DOTr said the bus project spans a combined length of 672 kilometers of road system, one of the largest cities in the world, and the largest in the country, with an integrated bus network for its main public transit. It requires the construction of five depots, there sheltered terminals, a driving school and mix of 380 electric and 720 Euro-V compliant buses operating with an intelligent transport system and automated fare collection. Manuel T. Cayon
intelligence operations in coastal and border areas amid reports that syndicates are attempting to move operations and recruit victims through illicit travel routes.
These routes reportedly include sea passages from Palawan to Sabah, followed by overland travel through Malaysia, with final destinations believed to be in Myawaddy, Myanmar, or Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
“We are working with the intelligence community and our foreign counterparts in relation to this information. But I have al -
ready instructed concerned police offices to intensify patrols along backdoor routes that may be exploited by syndicates to continue their illegal POGO operations,” Nartatez said.
He stressed that the PNP remains alert to evolving tactics used by organized crime groups.
He added that the PNP is carefully validating information related to these reported movements, noting that authorities are working closely with intelligence units to confirm details and identify those behind the schemes.
Bicam OKs Kiko’s push for more school meals, direct purchase from farmers and fishermen
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
Nartatez said the PNP will enhance coordination with foreign law enforcement counterparts to verify reports of possible POGOlinked activities abroad and to protect Filipinos from being victimized by transnational syndicates. The intensified efforts follow the enactment of Republic Act No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, which declares offshore gaming operations illegal and reinforces the government’s commitment to dismantling networks associated with human trafficking, fraud, and other serious crimes.
Molasses price plunges 58% amid supply glut; SRA extends import ban until 2026
THE millsite price of molasses has plunged by nearly 58 percent to around P7,100 per metric ton (MT) year-on-year amid a supply glut despite the ban on shipments of the raw sugar byproduct.
Data from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) showed that the millsite price of molasses plummeted by 57.66 percent to P7,182 per MT as of November 23, from P16,963 per MT in the same period of the previous year.
United Sugar Producers Federation (Unifed) President Manuel Lamata told the BusinessMirror that “over-importation” pulled down prices of the raw sugar byproduct.
“It has dropped a lot because of over-importation,” Lamata told this newspaper on Monday.
“Remedies have been placed by the SRA by issuing a memorandum stating that there will be no imports up to March [2026]. With that, we are expecting prices to go back to where they were.”
The SRA recently extended
the temporary ban on molasses imports until end-March next year to arrest the slide in millsite prices due to elevated domestic stockpiles.
This stretched the molasses order (MO) 1 issued by the agency in October, which initially suspended the entry of foreign molasses shipments until year-end to prevent millsite prices from falling further.
Currently, the local supply of molasses stands at 370,207 MT, up by 51.22 percent from the 244,813 MT a year ago, based on SRA data.
Of this, 244,378 MT came from the previous crop year 2024-2025, with additional production of 125,828 MT in the current crop year.
Prior to the ban, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona had said that the buildup of local molasses stocks coincided with the spike in the imports of the raw sugar byproduct, prompting the issuance of the moratorium.
Molasses imports for crop year 2024-2025 jumped to 853,285 MT as of end-August, 28 percent
higher than the average annual shipments in the three previous crop years, the SRA said.
“The extension will help relieve our millers’ tanks of local stock and, hopefully, support better molasses prices,” Azcona said.
For Philippine Sugar Millers Association, Inc. (PSMA) Executive Director Jesus Barrera, the extension would serve as a “critical” market-stabilizing measure.
“The initial moratorium period was insufficient to absorb the excessive imported stocks that flooded the supply chain prior to October,” Barrera said in a previous statement.
“As Administrator Azcona correctly pointed out, an extension is not only warranted—it is necessary to rebalance the market,” he added.
The PSMA stressed that molasses are a strategic byproduct of sugarcane milling, central to downstream industries such as bioethanol, feed manufacturing, food processing, and alcohol production. Ada Pelonia
Japan donates 7 vehicles to boost Moro birth registration drive
By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox
DAVAO CITY—The Japanese government donated seven utility vehicles to the Bangsamoro government to support the region’s birth registration efforts as difficulty becomes more pronounced in accessing remote areas.
The vehicles were given to the Bangsamoro Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), the agency mandated to register all the region’s residents, many of whom have been tied to old tradition of non-registration of births due to decades of lack of medical facilities and reliance to the folk delivery.
TheBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has scaled up its birth registration in a campaign against childhood statelessness.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) facilitated the donation of the five vehicles on December 5 to the Office of the Chief Minister as two other vehicles were earlier deployed to the MSSD offices in the island provinces of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.
MSSD Minister Raissa Jajurie said the mobile units will help the free birth registration services particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and the Special Geographic Area.
“These mobile vehicles are a great help in speeding up and expanding the delivery of free birth registration for every Bangsamoro,” she said. “They will also strengthen our coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority for mobile and digital-enabled registrations,” she added.
Japanese Minister for Economic Affairs Naobumi Yokota said the assistance formed part of Japan’s continuing support for the Mindanao peace process and socio-economic development.
In addition to the vehicle turnover, seed grants worth P50,000 each, along with advocacy materials, were awarded by Unicef Philippines to four Local Youth Development Offices (LYDOs) in Lanao del Sur under the Birth Registration Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations to End Childhood Statelessness (BRAVE) Project.
The LYDOs of Pagayawan, Lumbatan, Lumbayanague, and Marogong will use the grants to support youth networks in implementing birth registration advocacies in their respective localities.
MSSD Director General Mohammad Muktadir Estrella highlighted the role of youth leaders and field social workers in identifying undocumented individuals in remote areas.
“This allows MSSD to provide more access for the poorest of the poor to their legal identities by providing the free birth registration,” he said, saying that the absence of legal documentation “places individuals at risk of statelessness.”
UNHCR Philippines Head, Maria Ermina ValdeavillaGallardo, lauded the initiative for “ensuring that no one is left without a nationality and without a legal identity.”
The MSSD-led birth registration campaign is part of the Bangsamoro government to expand equitable access to public services by ensuring that all Bangsamoro residents, particularly those in marginalized and remote communities, are legally documented and recognized under the law.
THE bicameral conference committee on the 2026 national budget has approved
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s push to expand the milk component of the Department of Education’s School-Based Feeding Program, and to source the food directly from Filipino farmers, fishers, and dairy producers under the Sagip Saka Act.
The initiative, which provides a substantial boost to two vulnerable sectors—children and the farmers-fishermen—had been described by Senate Finance committee chairman Sherwin Gatchalian as one that “hits two birds with one stone.”
Lawmakers from both Houses of Congress on Saturday evening approved a nearly P1-trillion DepEd budget. They more than doubled the school feeding allocation to P25.7 billion, up from P11.7 billion in the National Expenditure Program.
Pagkakataon ito para tugunan sa isang programa ang kambal na kagyat na pangangailangan: pakainin nang maayos ang batang Pilipino, at bigyan ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda ng matatag na merkado para sa kanilang ani at huli [This is a chance to hit two urgent needs with one program: feed our children properly, and provide farmers and fishers a stable market for their produce and catch],” Pangilinan said.
With the increased budget, the School-Based Feeding Program has been extended from 120 to 200 school days, including 30 days of the milk feeding program. This initiative aims to enhance nutrition for kindergarten to Grade 1 learners, while also supporting Grade 2 to Grade 6 learners who are wasted to severely wasted.
Pangilinan said that the program’s impact depends on direct procurement from accredited farmers’ and fishers’ cooperatives, as provided under Republic Act 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act. Diretso agad sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda ang pera, hindi sa middlemen (The money should go straight to producers, not middlemen),” he said.
The milk component of the School-Based Feeding Program will be implemented by the National Dairy Authority and the Philippine Carabao Center, with fresh milk purchased directly from local dairy farmers, instead of imported powdered milk.
Namumuhunan tayo sa kalusugan ng ating kabataan, sa kita ng ating mga sakahan, at sa seguridad ng pagkain ng bayan. Tinutupad natin ang pangako ng Sagip Saka: Pakainin ang bata, itaguyod ang magsasaka at mangingisda [We are investing in our children’s health, incomes of our farms, and the country’s food security. We are fulfilling the promise of Sagip Saka: Feed the child, support the farmer and the fisher],” he added.
CAR minimum wage earners to get ₧35 daily pay hike
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
MINIMUM wage earners in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will receive a P35 increase in their daily pay starting December 30.
The increase will raise the region’s daily minimum wage to P505 from P470, according to a new wage order issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-CAR on Sunday.
“The wage increase prescribed herein shall apply to all minimum wage earners in the private sector within the region, regardless of position, designation, or status and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid,” the RTWPB-CAR said.
The board said the adjustment was based on prevailing regional conditions, including a 2.41-percent increase in the Cordillera’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) since the last wage adjustment last year.
It also cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which pegged the region’s 2023 poverty threshold at P435 per day for a family of five, as well as gross
regional domestic product growth of 4.8 percent from 2023 to 2024 using constant 2018 prices. The RTWPB-CAR said employers and workers may seek guidance from the board’s secretariat should the wage increase result in distortions within enterprises, citing National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) Advisory No. 01, Series of 2023.
“Further, employers and workers may likewise develop and agree on a formula suited to their specific needs and circumstances, including through collective bargaining, as appropriate,” it added.
Meanwhile, domestic workers, or kasambahays, in the region will also receive a P600 increase in their monthly minimum wage by the end of the year. Under the wage order, the minimum monthly pay of domestic workers in all CAR provinces will increase to P6,600 from P6,000, covering both live-in and live-out workers, including househelpers, nannies, cooks, gardeners, and laundry workers. The new wage rate for domestic workers will also take effect on December 30.
₧400M worth of support services, land titles, condonation certificates to benefit CV ARBs
THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has started the distribution on Monday of land titles, condonation certificates, and P400 million worth of support services to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Tuguegarao City. A total of 3,738 land titles and condonation certificates that will free Cagayan Valley (CV) ARBs from agrarian debts amounting to P118 million will strengthen land tenure security, ease farmers’ financial burdens, and boost
agricultural productivity, DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III said. The regionwide mass distribution of the land titles, debt condonation certificate and support services kicked-off Monday morning at the Sports Coliseum along Bagay Road, Tuguegarao City. The activity advances DAR’s mandate to secure land ownership for agrarian reform beneficiaries
Manila Archdiocese sets schedules, liturgical rules for ‘Simbang Gabi’
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Archdiocese of Manila has issued its guidelines for this year’s “Simbang Gabi,” the nine-day series of evening and dawn masses observed by Filipino Catholics in preparation for Christmas.
The guidelines, contained in Circular No. 2025-99 signed by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, outline the liturgical practices and schedules for the Aguinaldo masses, which will begin on December 16.
“As we approach the conclusion of the liturgical year and usher in a new one, we await in joyful hope the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus. We treasure the Filipino tradition of the nine-day Aguinaldo Masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the expectant mother, ‘for the perseverance of the nation in the faith,’” Advincula noted.
Under the circular, evening Simbang Gabi masses may start as early as 7:00 p.m., while the last dawn or morning Aguinaldo Mass may begin no later than 5:30 a.m.
As a pastoral accommodation, weekday evening masses may anticipate the prayers and readings of the following day. This provision, however, does not apply to Sundays, with Sunday evening masses required to retain the liturgy of the day in keeping with the primacy of Sunday.
The circular also outlined uniform liturgical elements for Simbang Gabi.
The Gloria is to be sung or recited in all Aguinaldo masses, and white vestments are to be used throughout the nine-day celebration.
When Simbang Gabi falls on a Sunday, the mass will retain the Sunday readings and prayers, while continuing the use of white vestments and the recitation or singing of the Gloria.
Other Sunday masses that are not part of Simbang Gabi will follow the usual Advent practice, including the use of violet vestments and the omission of the Gloria.
The archdiocese reiterated that Simbang Gabi Masses held outside parish churches, shrines, or chaplaincies—such as in chapels, offices, or workplaces—require explicit permission from the Archbishop of Manila.
In a separate advisory, the Archdiocese of Manila also forwarded the official liturgies for Simbang Gabi: the Nativity of the Lord, and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, prepared by the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission.
The archdiocese noted that one of the original intentions of the Simbang Gabi or Aguinaldo masses is to pray for the “perseverance of the Filipinos in the faith,” which continues to inform the structure and prayers of the celebration.
“We invoke the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary that the celebrations of our communities may lead us to a more vibrant, mature, and committed faith in the Lord,” it added.
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(ARBs) and deliver essential support services that improve farm productivity and rural livelihoods.
“By awarding land titles, condoning farmers’ debts, and providing vital support services, we are giving our farmers not just assets, but dignity, stability, and a stronger foundation for sustainable livelihoods,” Estrella said.
During the ceremony, DAR will distribute 3,738 land titles to 3,672 ARBs under the regular Emancipation Patent/Certificate of Land Ownership Award (EP/CLOA) titles and Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (Project SPLIT). These titles cover 6,120.83 hectares of agricultural land across the Cagayan Valley, enabling farmers to fully own, manage, and invest in their land with confidence.
DAR will also award 1,706 Certificates of Condonation with
FFCCCII pledges to improve bilateral ties between Philippines and China
By Andrea San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE group of Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs has presented a “concrete action plan” to Jing Quan, the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines as the Philippines aims to address the “significant” trade gap with China, among others.
In a statement on Monday, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) laid out its key pledges to promote bilateral cooperation.
“The federation’s initiatives are strategically designed to address economic realities, including the significant trade deficit with China, by unlocking new opportunities for Philippine exporters and service providers,” FFCCCII said.
Among the commitments of FFCCCII is to expand Philippine exports to China. The group
hopes to carry out this objective by “Actively promoting Philippine products by hosting business forums and supporting local entrepreneurs to participate in major Chinese import fairs, such as the China International Import Expo in Shanghai and the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning.”
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicated that the Philippines’ goods being imported from China far outweighs the goods it ships to the economic giant.
Based on PSA data, goods sourced from China amounted to $32.14 billion in the January to October 2025 period while Philippine goods shipped to China were valued at only $7.80 billion in the 10-month period this year.
This means that Philippine goods being shipped to China is only a fourth of what it imports from the economic giant.
Another pledge of FFCCCII to
promote bilateral cooperation is to boost two-way tourism by leveraging China’s status as the world’s largest tourism market to increase tourist arrivals.
“The FFCCCII will promote greater cultural understanding to position the Philippines as a premier destination for Chinese travelers,” the business group underscored.
Heeding the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the group of Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs said it will also empower micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as “crucial drivers” for inclusive economic growth.
FFCCCII also vowed to host the 2026 ASEAN Chinese Business Leaders Summit in Manila next October.
“This commitment follows the successful inaugural summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last October, which recognized Thailand’s Dhanin Chearavanont of the
Charoen Pokphand Group as the ASEAN Chinese Business Leader of 2025. The 2026 event will be a cornerstone of commemorative activities for the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the business group said.
Quoting the president, the group of Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs described China as “one of the Philippines’ most important friends and partners in the world.” In his earlier remarks, Marcos said he looked forward to “managing the differences and intensifying the cooperation,” emphasizing that disagreements should not define the “extensive” diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between two nations.
“I’m sure that there will be many opportunities for us to make the relationship between our two countries stronger, deeper, and more important as the years go by,” Marcos also noted.
Lawmakers file health reform bills for seniors, poor Filipinos
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
LAWMAKERS on Monday filed a package of health reform bills aimed at improving access to healthcare for vulnerable sectors, particularly senior citizens and indigent Filipinos.
of the communities they claim to represent. In the company’s view, this is not principled advocacy; it is selfish and driven by pride at the expense of others,” Woggle General Manager Lorne Harvey said. To avoid escalation, a concerned resident offered space on his property for temporary parking of the vehicles and equipment, which company personnel checked daily. Subsequent attempts to exit via a riverbank easement were again blocked by
Release of Mortgage (CoCRoMs) to 1,344 ARBs, effectively condoning P118 million worth of unpaid land amortizations. This intervention will free the farmers from their financial burdens, covering 1,922.82 hectares of farmland, enabling them to use their income for farm improvements, family needs, and livelihood growth.
To further support agricultural growth and community resilience, DAR will turn over P347 million worth of farm-to-market road (FMR) projects, P45.22 million worth of farm machinery and equipment (FMEs), and P2.89 million worth of relief goods to beneficiaries across the region. These investments will improve market access, reduce production costs, increase farm efficiency, and provide immediate assistance to farming communities.
Through these integrated interventions, DAR continues to empower farmers, promote agrarian justice, and advance the government’s commitment to genuine land reform and sustainable rural development in Cagayan Valley. Jonathan L. Mayuga
newly established barricades, further prolonging the situation and preventing the team from safely withdrawing.
On November 27, 2025, following another request for road clearing from Barangay Bua, the company attempted to move the stranded equipment to Upper Tacbao via a farm-to-market road. However, a new barricade was installed, and despite intervention by barangay officials and the PNP, employees were trapped for nearly six hours and only allowed to leave after repeated pleas. The barricade was manned continuously and reinforced with cut trees, a
Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña, Akbayan Rep. Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, Akbayan Rep. Rep. Dadah Ismula and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao filed House Bill 6833, or the Philippine Geriatric Center Act, and House Bill 6835, or the Health Outreach for Seniors and Indigent Program, which seek to strengthen public health services for the elderly and the poor.
Cendaña stressed that public funds should prioritize the most vulnerable sectors of society, not -
ing that claims of limited government resources no longer hold amid revelations of corruption.
“After seeing the enormous amounts of public funds lost to corruption, the excuse that the government lacks money for essential health services no longer holds—especially when it comes to the poor and our senior citizens,” Cendaña said.
He added that the filing of the measures recognizes that most Filipinos will eventually grow old and that everyone stands to benefit from accessible and wellequipped public health facilities and services for the elderly.
Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao said the proposed measures would help improve access to healthcare, particularly for communities in far-flung and geo -
graphically isolated areas.
“For us in the Dinagat Islands, these health reform bills are crucial in further strengthening health services for our people, especially those living in geographically isolated areas,” Bag-ao said.
She added that the measures would help ensure that every Filipino feels that no one is too small, too far, or unimportant when it comes to the right to accessible healthcare.
Lawmakers also refiled House Bill 6832, or the Anti-Hospital Detention Amendment Bill, which seeks to strengthen Republic Act 9439 by increasing penalties for violations and establishing an Anti-Hospital Detention Fund to help partially cover unpaid promissory notes of indigent patients.
“We need to give the law more teeth to put an end to violations of patients’ human rights,” said Diokno.
For her part, Ismula, “Patients go to hospitals to heal, not to be imprisoned. Detaining indigent patients is a violation of the ‘Do No Harm’ oath sworn by health professionals.”
She added that the Anti-Hospital Detention Law must be further strengthened to protect the rights and welfare of the poorest Filipinos, emphasizing that indigent patients need assistance, not condemnation.
As part of their broader health reform agenda, lawmakers also filed House Bill 6836, or the Comprehensive Lupus Prevention Act, and House Bill 6834, or the Healthy Food Environment Bill.
MALACAÑANG has announced the country was able to continue to stop the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) after the Department of Agriculture (DA) was able to vaccinate almost 500,000 pigs nationwide against the said infectious animal disease.
Last Monday, DA Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. told President Ferdinand Marcos in their meeting at the Palace that the said vaccine has a 90 percent efficacy rate.
“According to the DA report, the government has vaccinated nearly 500,000 pigs against ASF in several parts of the country including Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, Tarlac and Pampanga,”
parked vehicle, and a makeshift encampment.
The situation escalated on December 12, 2025, when the company received information that its wheel excavator had been burned. The incident was immediately reported to the PNP and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Woggle said the destroyed equipment was critical to post-typhoon disaster response, stressing that its burning was not only unlawful but also inhumane, as it directly undermined efforts to assist affected communities.
In light of the arson and threats to other vehicles still under barricade, the company coordinated
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in Filipino in a press briefing last Monday.
Of the hog farms, which benefited from the vaccination drive, 12 are semi-commercial, nine are small holders and one is a government farm.
Laurel also informed the President about the opening of 33 units ng Agri-Food Hub in Pampanga, Quezon, Camarines Sur and Bukidnon, which aims to boost food production in the said areas.
Also part of the government’s efforts to increase local food supply is the planned opening of a mega cold storage facility in Pili, Camarines Sur next month and the construction of 127 rice processing systems. Another 18 similar facilities are currently
with authorities to extract the remaining units.
During the operation, individuals manning the barricade fled, with one striking a vehicle’s windshield and passenger window with a bolo. Additional attempts to re-barricade the road followed, but the vehicles were ultimately extracted with PNP presence.
“These events have since been deliberately twisted on social media to fabricate allegations of abuse and shift attention away from the unlawful acts committed,” said Harvey. “Our employees were there to help communities recover after a typhoon. To accuse
under construction and will have 145 beneficiaries once they are completed.
DA started the procurement of more than 500,000 doses of the anti-ASF vaccines from Vietnam last year.
Since the Philippines reported its first ASF outbreak in 2019, DA reported that ASF has affected 6,432 barangays in 18 regions nationwide.
The disease has killed thousands of pigs, which affected the country’s pork supply.
According to a study published in the Scopus-indexed Evaluation and Program Planning journal of Elsevier Ltd. last September, the country’s pork production dropped by 26 percent in 2021 due to ASF.
The report estimated the gov -
them of violence while ignoring the threats, coercion, barricades, and arson they faced is both unjust and irresponsible.”
Harvey emphasized that Woggle Corp. believes firmly in the rule of law and will pursue all available legal remedies. “We will not take the law into our own hands, but we will seek accountability through proper authorities. Those responsible for the burning of equipment, destruction of property, and endangerment of lives must be held accountable,” he said. He added that the company remains committed to lawful, responsible,
ernment needs to continue boosting local pork production so it can reach its pre-ASF level of 2.32 million metric tons by 2028. Aside from Laurel, Marcos also met with Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling last Monday to discuss how the agency can provide affordable housing to more Filipinos.
“The President also directed the DHSUD to promote flexible and affordable housing options for low and middle income families, such as rental housing and other programs, and a simpler process for acquiring a home,” Castro said in Filipino.
“The President also ordered a simpler process for making payments,” she added.
and sustainable development in Dupax, guided by dialogue, transparency, and respect for all stakeholders in host communities and the environment.
“We remain unwavering in our pursuit of this vision of hope and prosperity, confident that it can be realized through sincere dialogue, openness, and a genuine effort to understand and resolve all issues in the, developmental spirit of this endeavor, Harvey said. “By fostering trust and cooperation with all stakeholders, we aim to build a future where opportunity and prosperity are shared by all.” Jonathan L. Mayuga
Philippine economy: A flashing red light from World Bank
THE World Bank’s latest economic forecast for the Philippines delivers sobering news: growth languishing below 5.5 percent until at least 2027. Downgraded projections to 5.1 percent for 2025 and similarly reduced outlooks for 2026 and 2027 paint a picture of persistent underperformance, falling short of government targets and, more critically, the nation’s immense potential. This goes beyond simple statistical adjustments; it’s a clear assessment of fundamental economic issues that require urgent and decisive action. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “PHL growth limited to 5.5% till 2027—World Bank,” December 10, 2025).
The World Bank identifies the core symptoms: lower domestic investment, weak business confidence, and a significant decline in foreign direct investment (FDI). These are not isolated issues but interconnected weaknesses eroding the economy’s foundation. The causes are multifaceted: typhoon and flood disruptions create uncertainty, while governance concerns—explicitly cited as delaying public investments—act as a powerful deterrent to both domestic and international capital. Compounding this, services exports are faltering, tourism arrivals disappoint, and industrial output weakens. The result is an economy heavily reliant on non-tradables like construction and domestic retail, leaving it vulnerable and lacking dynamism.
This forecast is more than a prediction; it’s a flashing red light. The persistent shortfall in FDI is particularly alarming, signaling a loss of international investor faith that requires urgent remedy. Weak business confidence domestically suggests entrepreneurs see hurdles—regulatory, bureaucratic, or infrastructural—outweighing opportunities. The delays in public investment projects, attributed to governance, are a direct indictment of inefficiencies stifling public sector contribution to growth.
While the World Bank offers a glimmer of hope—predicting recovery driven by resilient domestic demand, potential interest rate cuts, and a resurgence in public infrastructure—relying solely on this passive rebound is a recipe for continued mediocrity. Growth recovering towards the lower 5 percent range is insufficient for a nation needing robust job creation, poverty reduction, and global competitiveness.
The critical prescription lies in the report’s call to “double down on reforms,” which should be the immediate and relentless focus of the administration.
First, tackling governance head-on is non-negotiable; addressing the “governance concerns” delaying projects requires streamlining approvals, enhancing transparency, and combating corruption to unlock stalled public investments and rebuild investor trust.
Second, it’s essential to supercharge the investment climate by swiftly and effectively implementing recent reforms in telecommunications, transport, logistics, and renewable energy, while also removing barriers and simplifying regulations to make the Philippines an attractive destination for both foreign and local capital.
Finally, reviving the tradables sector is crucial, as the over-reliance on non-tradables is unsustainable; thus, a national strategy must be pursued to revitalize manufacturing, boost agricultural productivity and value chains, and enhance export-oriented services, ensuring diversification for resilience, higher-quality jobs, and sustained growth.
The World Bank has sounded the alarm. A growth trajectory stuck below 5.5 percent for the next three years represents a significant opportunity cost for millions of Filipinos. It means fewer jobs, slower poverty reduction, and diminished prospects. This forecast must serve as a catalyst, not an acceptance of fate. The path to recovery and accelerated growth exists—paved by decisive reform, improved governance, and a laser focus on reviving investment and competitiveness.
Small steps are no longer enough. The government, the private sector, and civil society must unite with urgency to implement the tough reforms needed. The future prosperity of the nation depends on heeding this wake-up call now.
2005
Antonio L. Cabangon Chua
T. Anthony C. Cabangon
Lourdes M. Fernandez
Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug
Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes
D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa
Rolando M. Manangan
BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.businessmirror.com.ph
Opinion
Evolution’s rewards turned cost-free
‘AJohn Mangun
OUTSIDE THE BOX
ND something is happening here, but you don’t know what it is, do you, Mr. Jones?”
Bob Dylan wrote that in 1965 about a man watching the world slip out of his grasp. The strange thing is how well it fits today. We blame inflation, debt, and geopolitical theater because those suit the familiar storylines and narratives. But the deeper shock is not economic. It is a sudden collapse of purpose.
Evolutionary biologists Bret
Weinstein and Heather Heying put it in one sentence that is hard to shake: for the first time in the eon of human evolution, we removed the cost from the biggest reward nature ever invented: sex and pair-bonding.
Reliable birth control and abortion tore apart an ancient bargain. For almost all of human history, you could not enjoy the reward without paying the 20-year mortgage of pregnancy, diapers, sleepless nights, scraped knees, and school fees. That long, demanding cost built adulthood. It forged families. It tied people to the future.
Now hundreds of millions of young adults carry the hormones, libido drive, and protective circuitry that evolution shaped for raising children while now not having children at all. The energy did not vanish. It
got redirected. Heather Heying’s point is blunt. Young women especially, have begun treating ideologies the same way evolution wired them to treat babies. Climate, justice, identity, whatever the cause is, it gets guarded with mama-bear ferocity. The same neurochemistry that once kept a toddler alive now shields an abstract idea from “wrong think.” The stakes are biochemical, so cultural disputes feel existential instead of intellectual because our very brains treat them like life-or-death threats.
Just as evolution’s reward for reproduction loses its cost, the reward system for wealth is shifting too. The rise of automation and AI threatens to make certain forms of wealth creation cheap and effortless. Elon Musk and others argue AI-driven abundance will make money as “free” as
sex became in the seventies. Professions that once demanded years of training or rare talent can now be assisted or replaced by software. Want to be a multimillionaire author like J. K. Rowling or Stephen King? Let an AI app do the writing. When work loses its cost, it risks losing its meaning. If achievement becomes frictionless, ambition becomes hollow. If sex no longer demands childrearing and wealth no longer demands work, then evolution’s two primary reward “carrots” suddenly cost almost nothing.
Weinstein’s cold question follows: if producing and protecting children is no longer the central organizing principle of adult life, and if creating wealth no longer requires exceptional effort, what is left to give our lives direction and structure?
This is the mismatch problem at the heart of Heying and Weinstein’s work. Human beings were shaped for small clans, real danger, physical effort, natural light, and diets built from actual living things.
Modern life gives us ultra-processed food, artificial lighting, sedentary routines, and social media that hijacks our instincts. We built comfort at a pace far faster than biology can track and adapt. The result is a population living in abundance while drowning in depression, anxiety, loneliness, and chronic illness.
They call this world hyper-novel: a landscape of tools and temptations we never evolved to manage. Our hunger for sugar gets exploited. Our
need for risk gets smothered and ultra-vaccinated. Our sleep cycles get shredded. Children grow up overprotected and under-challenged. Adults grow soft from the lack of friction. The very instincts that once gave us resilience now misfire. Which brings us back to Mr. Jones. He wandered through a world he could no longer decode. Many people today feel the same. They sense something huge is shifting, but they cannot name it. Traditional anchors—family, religion, community networks, even governments —are also shifting. Institutions that once provided shared meaning are viewed with skepticism. In an era where information flows nonstop, trust is harder to sustain. When people cannot rely on the old structures, they look for new ones, often in fragmented online spaces that amplify emotion but rarely provide cohesion. Achievement starts to feel hollow when effort no longer counts. If both of evolution’s reward systems become cost-free, meaning itself becomes unmoored. And without meaning, people grasp for something that seems big enough to replace the structure they no longer have. A species forged for struggle now wanders through a world of ease, hunting meaning in battles and rewards that no longer demand a cost.
E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.
Japan’s factory sentiment improves, firming up BOJ hike case
By Toru Fujioka
CONFIDENCE among Japan’s large manufacturers rose to the highest level in four years, reinforcing market expectations for the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates this week.
The business sentiment index advanced to 15 this month from 14 in September, the BOJ’s quarterly Tankan business survey showed Monday. The result matched the median economist forecast in a Bloomberg poll.
The gauge for large non-manufacturers held at 34, remaining near the strongest level since the early 1990s. A positive reading means more firms view conditions as “favorable” than “unfavorable.”
The Tankan, one of the most closely scrutinized data sets released by the BOJ, suggests Japan’s businesses have so far avoided significant fallout from US tariffs—a source of uncertainty the central bank has highlighted for months. The results strengthen the case for Governor Kazuo Ueda’s board to raise rates on Friday, which would mark the first increase since January.
“This Tankan reduces the level of concerns for the BOJ. A rate hike later this week is certain now,” said Hideo Kumano, executive economist at Dai-Ichi Life Research Institute and a former BOJ official. “The BOJ isn’t only looking at recent moves but also for implications for longer-term economic growth. Today’s Tankan supports the case for the bank’s economic outlook to be realized.”
The data showed longer-term inflation expectations remaining steady, and better profits forecasts. Confidence also improved among oil and coal-product makers, offering the BOJ an early read on how firms are responding to lower US tariffs after reductions took effect in midSeptember. Roughly 70 percent of companies had submitted responses to the previous survey days before that change.
The business sentiment index advanced to 15 this month from 14 in September, the BOJ’s quarterly Tankan business survey showed Monday. The result matched the median economist forecast in a Bloomberg poll.
A still-weak yen continues to aid exporters while increasing running costs for service sector firms, which employ most of Japan’s workforce. Companies expected the yen at 147.06 against the dollar on average for this fiscal year, weaker than the 145.68 they predicted in September.
“The Bank of Japan’s fourth-quarter Tankan shows business sentiment remains resilient despite tariff headwinds, probably supported by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s prostimulus fiscal stance and a weaker yen after her leadership win... The report will reinforce the case for the BOJ to pare stimulus further at its December 18-19 meeting,” said Bloomberg economist Taro Kimura. Ueda repeatedly cited uncertainty over US tariffs and the initial mo -
mentum of wage negotiations as factors that would be critical for authorities considering the next rate hike. Large companies across all industries plan to ramp up capital expenditure by 12.6 percent for this fiscal year, marginally up from the previous quarter. Net profit forecasts show a 0.2 percent decline, improved from an around 5 percent drop projected in the previous report.
Earnings forecasts are a key indicator for BOJ officials assessing the initial momentum of wage increases next year. Ueda last week pledged to “actively” gather information on that front for the December meeting. Wage gains remain a key part of making inflation stable, after lagging price growth for much of the past three years.
“Solid business investment suggests the likelihood of solid wage growth next year,” said Kumano, adding that labor market indexes show extreme tightness. With inflation staying at or above the BOJ’s 2 percent target since early 2022, price growth expectations
Asia’s rich drive $200 billion revival in complex equity notes
By Jeanny Yu
RICH Asian investors are plowing record money into complex stock bets that saddled them with big losses just a few years ago.
Issuance of structured products linked to Hong Kong and Singapore equities has surged 80 percent this year to a record of more than $200 billion, according to estimates from BNP Paribas SA, one of the top issuers. Products known as accumulators—which make their holders continuously buy stocks at preset levels—and fixed-coupon notes that offer monthly returns are particularly popular.
The revival coincides with a surge in Asia’s equities driven by the artificial intelligence frenzy. Typically marketed by private banks to wealthy clients, structured-note bets this year have been concentrated in Chinese mega-caps such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd., a shift away from US names like Nvidia Corp. The instruments help holders build exposure to stocks in a more controlled way, though their complex structure means losses can worsen under certain conditions.
“Issuance was very limited for the last few years, up until September of last year,” said Tony Lee, head of global equity-derivatives strategy at JPMorgan Chase & Co., referring to notes tied to Asian stocks. “Because of the recovery of the Chinese market, the product underlyings have shifted from US stocks into Hong Kong stocks.”
While US investors’ appetite toward structured products has been growing, Asia remains the main market. More than 60 percent of the global sales came from the region in the first seven months of 2025, led by China and Hong Kong, according to industry data provider SRP. The instruments generally offer a smaller maximum payout than stocks, but some investors are lured by their regular, fixed payments that are usually higher than bond yields, or by the embedded protection they offer.
Yet the risks can be overlooked: The Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008, the Covid outbreak and China’s internet crackdown that triggered a multi-year stock slump are just a few incidents that handed steep losses to investors.
Traded over-the-counter, accumulators are contracts that force investors to buy a set amount of underlying securities at a fixed price over regular intervals. In a rising market, the purchase price is usually at a discount. During downturns, however, holders are often locked into buying at abovemarket prices.
At CA Indosuez Wealth Management, some of the most-traded accumulators require investors to purchase double the initially agreed amount of Alibaba shares if the stock price drops more a certain amount, often between 10 percent and 20 percent of the level at the start of the investment, according to Ting May Woo, the firm’s head of advisory
Japan’s.
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among businesses appear anchored around 2 percent. Corporate projections for the annual inflation rate in five years’ time stayed at 2.4 percent, the highest reading in records going back to 2014.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has promised various measures to tackle inflation in her upcoming economic package, which is expected to lessen the hit from price growth on households and businesses.
One potential risk stems from Japan’s deteriorating ties with China, after Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan
BusinessMirror
Compliance obligations of foreign corporations
Fsolutions in Singapore. For fixed-coupon notes, the return is typically tied to an asset such as an equity gauge, single stock or group of shares. Barclays Plc. recently offered one that pays an annualized coupon of 9 percent every month and has the principle linked to the performance of Alibaba, Tencent and Meituan, according to a term sheet seen by Bloomberg. If any of the three stocks drops 28 percent or more from its price at the investment entry, holders have to buy its shares at a higher price than the current trading level or settle in cash at losses.
AI concentration
ALIBABA is the most popular underlying asset among the structured notes issued in Asia this year, according to Daniel So, senior trading strategist at Goldhorse Capital Management, which runs a fintech platform that offers pricing of structured notes. The coupon offered by notes tied to Chinese AI names often ranges between 10 percent and 20 percent annualized, higher than the 10 percent to 12 percent for those tracking an index, he said. Demand is surging as the stocks rally. Alibaba shares jumped nearly 90 percent this year in Hong Kong, while the Hang Seng Tech Index rose 26 percent to end years of underperformance against US peers.
At Royal Bank of Canada, between 30 percent and 40 percent of the equity-linked notes tracked Hong Kong-listed equities in 2025, according to Kin Lok Lee, head of structured products for the wealthmanagement arm in Hong Kong. That’s up from about 20 percent in 2024, when around 80 percent of the fixed-coupon products were linked to US names, he added.
“Investors who buy these notes usually can accept the worst-case scenario—which is to buy these shares at pre-determined strike levels higher than market prices—because they hold the belief that these stocks will eventually recover,” Goldhorse’s So said.
It’s not uncommon for wealthy investors to take on leverage, allowing them to boost bets and amplify returns, according to CA Indosuez’s Woo. Of course, the losses would also get amplified in an adverse scenario.
The challenge for BNP Paribas is to manage risk given that the current notes are concentrated on a small number of names, according to CharlesEdouard Garnier, the bank’s head of equity-derivatives sales for Asia-ex Japan. Still, this year’s market gains have spurred risk taking and reinvestment as products terminated early with share prices climbing beyond knockout levels before maturity.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to have another very decent growth next year, assuming that the market doesn’t collapse,” he said. With assistance from Sangmi Cha, Kiuyan Wong and Denise Wee/Bloomberg
last month. That’s raised concerns over the possibility of new economic spillovers including a sharp drop in the number of Chinese tourists. Still, all 50 BOJ watchers surveyed by Bloomberg expect the central bank to raise its benchmark rate by a quarter percentage point to 0.75 percent at the end of a two-day meeting Friday. Traders see about a 95 percent chance for the move, according to pricing in the overnight swaps market.
“Overall, today’s Tankan confirms the BOJ’s economic view,” said Dai-Ichi Life’s Kumano. “They must be getting confident the next hike won’t be the end of this hiking cycle.” Bloomberg
Atty. Mabel L. Buted
TAX LAW FOR BUSINESS
OREIGN companies are taxable in the Philippines on their income derived from sources within the country, regardless of their classification. Also, regardless of classification, their income earned from sources outside the Philippines are not subject to Philippine taxes. However, in so far as compliance with tax obligations is concerned, classification matters.
Foreign corporations engaged in trade or business within the Philippines are referred to as resident foreign corporations. As a rule, they should secure licenses and register with the concerned government agencies to be able to do business in the country. They are also subject to the taxes (income tax, VAT, withholding taxes and other applicable taxes) similar to those imposed on domestic companies organized and established under Philippine laws, except that only income earned from sources within the Philippines are taxable in the country. As registered and resident entities, they need to comply with their tax obligations in the same manner as domestic or locally registered corporations. On the other hand, foreign corporations not engaged in trade or business in the Philippines are considered for tax purposes as nonresident foreign corporations. Similar
to resident foreign corporations, they are taxable only on Philippinesourced income. However, unlike the residents, they are not required to file tax returns. The taxes due on their transactions with Philippine customers are paid and remitted through the final withholding tax system. Income of nonresident foreign corporations are subject to withholding taxes (income tax and VAT) based on the gross amount, without any deductions. Under the withholding tax mechanism, the Philippine customers or payors of income are obliged to withhold the applicable taxes and directly remit the same to the tax authority. This is so because non-resident foreign corporations are located outside the Philippine taxing jurisdiction and are not registered—and so the Philippine tax authorities cannot impose upon them the obligation to pay taxes.
That is the general rule. In some instances though, nonresident foreign corporations, even if not doing business in the Philippines, may be required to register with the tax authority. For instance, those transacting business with government agencies and instrumentalities are required to obtain one-time Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The one-time TIN is indicated in the forms, permits, licenses, clearances, official papers and documents that are filed with the government.
Also, a nonresident foreign company is required to register and secure TIN from the tax authority, in case it is applying for tax treaty relief – to allow it to avail of any tax exemption or preferential tax rate due on its Philippine sourced income in accordance with the terms of the tax treaty that the Philippines has with its country of residence. Under the rules, a non-resident can file for tax treaty relief availment, and at the same time, claim for a refund if the income is already subjected to the regular income tax.
Non-resident foreign companies providing digital services to Philippine customers are also required to register. To recall, starting June 2, 2025, all nonresident digital service providers (DSPs) became subject to VAT on the sale of digital services consumed in the Philippines. Hence, the nonresident DSPs are now mandated to impose VAT on these transactions and issue invoices, subjecting the same to VAT.
Based on the implementing rules,
China shadow bank’s missed payments show growing property stress
A$3 BILLION redemption crisis in eastern China is reviving concerns about the loosely-regulated shadow-banking industry as the nation’s prolonged property slump risks spilling over into the financial sector.
Investors holding some 20 billion yuan ($2.8 billion) in wealth management products sold through Hangzhou-based Zhejiang Zhejin Asset Operation Co. failed to receive payments due in late November, according to people familiar with the matter. The products’ underlying assets were debt claims of property developers affiliated with Sunriver Holding Group Co., documents seen by Bloomberg News show.
The fallout has affected thousands of investors, many of whom are government workers and employees of state-owned firms, one of the people said, who asked not to be named discussing a private matter. The subsequent rush to withdraw their funds has further heightened the liquidity pressure on the exchange, prompting it to freeze redemptions.
The incident is the latest indication of how China’s murky shadowbanking industry has allowed the country’s extended property slump to spill over into other areas of the economy and rack up a long list of victims. The crisis was thrust back into the spotlight last month after
China Vanke Co., once the nation’s largest builder, rattled markets by requesting to delay bond repayments. It also brings back to the surface longstanding structural vulnerabilities in the country’s vast shadow-banking network. Unlike traditional lenders, which are subject to strict capital adequacy and risk reserve requirements, these financial intermediaries outside the regulated banking system operate with fewer restrictions, increasing the likelihood of contagion into other sectors when they encounter difficulties.
Many investors had bought products from the platform, formerly known as Zhejiang Financial Assets Exchange, reassured by its partial ownership by state-backed entities, the people said. But after it gradually shifted in recent years to majority private ownership, some investors didn’t realize it had effectively become a dedicated financing conduit for Sunriver, a conglomerate whose businesses span property development and tourism, they said.
Local authorities disqualified the platform from offering financial assets trading services in October last year.
Zhejin Asset, Sunriver and the local financial services watchdog didn’t immediately respond to Bloomberg requests for comments.
Most of the financial products in the Zhejiang case were issued by affiliates of Sunriver, according to documents seen by Bloomberg News. Sunriver used to rely heavily on property projects for quick income but had met with “a temporary liquidity strain” after sales faltered, an executive told local media. The group has about 60 billion yuan in total assets and 40 billion yuan in debt, the executive added.
The redemption troubles were reported earlier by local media including Caixin and Yicai.
At least 10 of Sunriver’s affiliates, many of which are property developers, have defaulted on their commercial papers over the past year or so, according to a notice from the Shanghai Commercial Paper Exchange Corp.
Long aware of the risks connected to shadow banking, regulators have stepped up their efforts to rein in risky activity in recent years. In 2018, regulators banned non-standardized fund pools and restricted “channel business”—a common practice where
in a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) transaction, the nonresident DSP pays and remits directly the VAT. On the other hand, in a Business-toBusiness (B2B) transaction, the Philippine customers are obligated to pay and remit the tax due by withholding the VAT. But regardless of the nature of the transaction (i.e., B2C or B2B) where the nonresidents are engaged in and regardless of the manner by which the VAT is paid, the rules require all nonresident DSPs to register and file VAT returns. The VAT returns are filed on a quarterly basis. It is important for foreign corporations—doing business in the country or simply transacting business with Philippine customers—to be aware of their compliance obligations and comply with them to be able to proceed with ease on their operations or transactions. But it is also incumbent upon our regulators to impose only the obligations that are essential for regulation and administration and avoid burdens that unnecessarily disrupt transactions and business operations.
The author is a partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law) (www.bdblaw. com.ph).
The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal, or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported, therefore, by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at mabel.buted@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 local 160.
institutions help traditional banks move assets off their balance sheets.
The authorities also issued “window guidance” to trust companies and financial asset exchanges, ordering them to limit real estate-related financing and strictly verify developers’ creditworthiness. The measures initially had some impact. By the end of 2019, assets in the shadow-banking industry dropped to 84.8 trillion yuan from a peak of 100.4 trillion yuan in 2017, according to a research by the banking regulator. It hasn’t disclosed more current data since then.
The recent trouble in Zhejiang is a reminder that the problem never fully went away. It risks further undermining households’ confidence in the nation’s financial system, where investment returns are hard to come by. In 2022, an alleged multibilliondollar scam at some rural lenders in Henan province triggered violent confrontations between local police and protesters demanding their money back.
Authorities in Zhejiang province have set up a special working group to address the latest crisis and maintain financial and social stability. Still, it will take time for the group to deliver any concrete solutions to repay investors, according to the people familiar. With assistance from Emma Dong /Bloomberg
Gold climbs near record on haven flows and US rate cut bets
By Robin Paxton & Preeti Soni
GOLD rose for a fifth day, supported by bets on a dovish US Federal Reserve and a pullback from technology stocks seen as risky after bold spending on AI.
Bullion climbed as much as 1.1 percent to within $40 of an all-time high, on its longest winning streak since the run-up to that October record. Asian shares fell on Monday, with global risk appetite ebbing as doubts grow over the ability of tech companies to maintain their lofty valuations and heavy spending on artificial intelligence. This has added to gold’s haven appeal in the last full trading week of the year.
Gold bulls are also betting on further monetary easing in the US next year after the Fed delivered its
third straight interest-rate cut rate last week. Lower borrowing costs are typically a tailwind for non-yielding precious metals like gold and silver.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Friday, President Donald Trump called for aggressively lowering rates and said he expected the next Fed chair to consult with him on monetary policy. He named Kevin Hassett and Kevin Warsh as his top choices to succeed Jerome Powell.
Gold has surged over 65 percent this year and silver has more than doubled, with both metals on track for their best annual performances since 1979. The scorching rallies have been underpinned by increased central-bank buying and a retreat by investors from sovereign bonds and currencies. Holdings in gold-backed
exchange-traded funds have risen every month this year except May, according to the World Gold Council.
“We still expect continued central-bank buying, alongside private investor flows under Fed easing, to lift gold prices to $4,900 by end2026,” analysts from Goldman Sachs Group Inc. including Lina Thomas said in a note. Elevated accumulation by central banks was “a multiyear trend,” they said, reiterating a forecast for average monthly purchases of 70 tons in 2026.
Bullion faces a year of two halves in 2026, peaking near $4,800 before the end of the second quarter before retreating, ANZ Group Holdings Ltd. analysts Soni Kumari and Daniel Hynes said in a note. They also cited “resilient” investment flows and central-bank buying as supportive
factors for the precious metal. Silver, meanwhile, has been bolstered in recent weeks by speculative bets on lingering supply tightness after a historic squeeze in October. The white metal—which hit a record of $64.6573 an ounce on Friday—will continue to find support from a market deficit, as well as resilient industrial demand and uncertainty around US import policy, the ANZ note said. The US Geological Survey added silver to its critical minerals list last month, meaning traders are cautious about taking silver out of America in the event that import tariffs are later imposed. The ANZ analysts said they expected silver to be excluded from tariffs, with confirmation of such a decision likely to prompt outflows of the metal and ease tightness. Bloomberg
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
2nd Front Page
BusinessMirror
SEASONALITY A BANE TO JOBS CREATION IN FARM SECTOR
By Ada Pelonia
MORE jobs should be generated in the agriculture sector to boost the country’s economy, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
This, as Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stressed the “seasonality” of jobs created in the sector, mostly during harvest seasons.
Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the agency said agriculture employed 10.44 million Filipinos in October, accounting for 21.5 percent of the country’s 48.62 million workers. This, however, ranked second only to the services sector.
The PSA figures were slightly higher than the sector’s 21.2-percent share of total employment in the same period last year.
Compared to July, the DA said agricultural employment rose by 1.85 million in October from around 8.5 million, or 18.5 percent of total jobs during the period.
“This was the largest increase among all major sectors. The jobs surge likely reflects seasonal harvest cycles rather than lasting improvements,” the DA said.
It added that around 88 percent of workers in agriculture remain in farming and forestry, while nearly 12 percent are in fishing
and aquaculture.
For Tiu Laurel, this seasonality of job opportunities in the sector calls for the need for long-term reforms.
“If the Department of Agriculture can create more permanent jobs by building the right infrastructure, including food hubs, cold storage facilities, agricultural ports, and food processing complexes, then we will not only uplift the lives of those who till our lands and fish our seas. We will also position agriculture as a far stronger contributor to the broader economy,” he said.
The DA said PSA data also showed that of the 2.54 million underemployed Filipinos in October, agriculture accounted for 32.9 percent.
This means that nearly four out of every 10 workers wanted more or better work, it added.
“Agriculture can create jobs quickly, but the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture is to ensure those jobs become lasting and stable,” Tiu Laurel said.
Earlier, the DA said it is preparing for the mass hiring of professionals in the agriculture and animal science fields with the enactment of new laws.
Tiu Laurel said the DA expects to hire around 20,000 agriculturists once the bill, which returns agricultural extension workers to the agency, is approved.
No reenacted budget despite initial standoff on DPWH cuts
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz and Samuel P. Medenilla
HOUSECommittee on Appropriations Chairperson Mikaela Suansing on Monday rejected the possibility of a reenacted national budget, saying the House and Senate are still working to resolve differences over the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“I’m still very confident we won’t have a reenacted budget. We will work doubly hard to ensure this doesn’t cross into the next calendar year,” she added.
The Senate trimmed the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) proposed budget from the House-approved P624.48 billion to P570 billion during deliberations on the 2026 national budget, reflecting adjustments based on updated Construction Materials Price Data (CMPD).
With this, a deadlock over the P45-billion cuts in the DPWH
budget led the Senate to postpone Monday’s meeting of the Bicameral Conference Committee (bicam) on the proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget.
The decision came after a caucus of senators, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and leader of the chamber’s bicam contingent.
Several senators expressed confusion over the DPWH’s request to restore billions of pesos to its proposed budget for next year, noting that during earlier budget hearings
PHILIPPINE coconut exporters recently bagged $1.72 million in sales at FABEX Kansai, a Japan-based food and beverage trade fair, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Philippine Trade and Investment Center.
In a statement, the DTI-PTIC, the overseas arm of DTI, said this enables coconut exporters “immediate orders and new leads” for long-term supply deals in Japan’s growing food and wellness market. Moreover, DTI said the new orders show “rising” demand for
local coconut products and help strengthen the country’s position in what it called “high-value” industry. The overseas arm of DTI said the Philippine Pavilion at the Japanbased trade fair featured 25 exporters offering plant-based beverages, natural sweeteners, specialty oils, and other coconut-based ingredients that align with Japan’s preference for healthier, plant-based products. To strengthen their competitiveness ahead of the exhibition, the delegation conducted market scoping and retail scans to study pric-
ing, packaging, consumer behavior, and competitor positioning.
PTIC-Osaka Commercial Counsellor Michael Alfred V. Ignacio emphasized that results of the FABEX Kansai 2025 showed that the Philippine delegation was proof of its “long-term positioning” in the Japanese market and could open new opportunities for “sustainable commercial growth.”
Meanwhile, PTIC-Osaka Consul General Voltaire D. Mauricio said the delegation’s performance highlighted the “world-class” quality of Philippine coconut products and the “read-
iness of MSMEs to serve demanding international markets.”
“We are committed to further enhancing these partnerships to create lasting, mutually beneficial economic opportunities,” said Mauricio.
DTI said the delegation’s performance at FABEX Kansai, which drew more than 30,800 visitors, contributes to broader efforts to grow regional MSMEs, build export resilience, and secure higher value for Philippine agricultural products in advanced markets.
Andrea E. San Juan
the agency had already acknowledged that some project costs were overpriced and had agreed to cut what lawmakers described as the “fat” from project pricing.
The initial standoff between the House and Senate panels notwithstanding, Suansing clarified that the discussions are far from a deadlock, despite concerns over project estimates and savings.
She maintained that the impasse should not be considered a deadlock. “Definitely, it’s not a deadlock that is unresolvable,” Suansing said.
“We are working on it to make sure that we’re able to pass the budget on time. So ongoing discussions.”
“We are working on it. We are finding solutions to the matter,” Suansing said, stressing that talks are ongoing with the DPWH to determine the “best way forward.”
“As you can see, we have adjusted the calendar of the session. We aim to have the bicam report ratified by December 22,” Suansing said.
According to Suansing, the main point of contention lies in how savings from cutting allegedly overpriced components of DPWH projects should be applied.
“The DPWH, the Senate, and the Congress all believe that the overpriced component in the pricing of
DPWH should be cut. That’s where we have a problem—with how we will apply it,” she explained.
“If we assume 25 percent of these projects become unimplementable, that’s P101 billion worth of projects that could be wasted,” Suansing explained, citing potential impacts on the economy, jobs, and local communities.
Despite a brief pause requested by the Senate for further consultations with DPWH, she reiterated that decisions on appropriations should be made collectively and diplomatically, rather than unilaterally.
On the second day of the bicam deliberations on Sunday, Dizon sought the restoration of the DPWH budget, assuring lawmakers that the agency would not revert to previously inflated project costs. He emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered sweeping reforms to eliminate long-standing overpricing in infrastructure projects.
Dizon assured lawmakers the administration’s review of DPWH construction costs—particularly for materials—was unprecedented in scope and conducted under the President’s directive.
See “DPWH,” A2
Mental health crisis costing PHL economy ₧68.9B annually–report
By John Eiron R. Francisco
UNTREATED mental health conditions are costing the Philippine economy P68.9 billion each year, quietly sapping the strength and efficiency of its workforce, according to the mental health tech provider.
Mind You said in a statement on Monday that data presented at the National Mental Health Summit (NMHS) showed that 77 percent of Filipino employees screened reported symptoms of depression, with nearly half (49.7 percent) experiencing moderate to severe levels that may require professional intervention.
Over 4 percent of those screened were classified as high risk, exhibiting signs of severe depression or suicidal thoughts, amounting to more than 6,000 workers struggling silently with serious mental health conditions.
“Mental health is the silent profit leak,” said Dr. Fabi Cariño, a speaker at the summit.
She explained that the impact goes beyond absenteeism or lost productivity, also affecting creativity, innovation, and the overall trust and morale within organizations.
Despite growing awareness of mental health, the report noted that many employees continue to face challenges in accessing support due to cultural and workplace barriers.
These include stigma and fear of judgment, concerns over confidentiality and record handling, lack of psychologically safe workplaces, untrained leaders unable to respond to early warning signs, and limited access to confidential, stigma-free services.
Among the 15,000 employees who sought help through Mind You, the most common reason cited was the need for “someone to talk to” rather than immediate crisis intervention, underscoring the value of early and accessible support systems.
77.5% always tired
THE study also noted that “fatigue has become a national epidemic,” with 77.5 percent of respondents reporting that they feel tired often or always.
“The numbers reflect what many
organizations already sense but cannot quantify: a workforce stretched thin by stress, fatigue, and pressure,” the statement read.
It added that the data underscore a system that celebrates resilience while overlooking the need for rest, placing output above employee wellbeing.
While policymakers continue to focus on job creation, the report said, the more pressing concern is the growing number of Filipinos trapped in a cycle of chronic exhaustion.
Systemic mental health solutions THE findings point to the need for systemic solutions that address mental well-being at its roots.
Experts recommended improving access to resources while safeguarding data, training managers to recognize early warning signs, and fostering collaboration between government and the private sector to align policies, programs, and national priorities. Some organizations are already modeling this shift. FWD Life Insurance has expanded access to mental health support by offering flexible insurance policies that include programs and counseling sessions delivered through Mind You. Bakás promotes community-based dialogue to normalize conversations around emotional well-being.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them,” Yuri Marshall, CEO of Mind You, quoted from Albert Einstein. She added that a coordinated effort among government, businesses, and civil society is key to redefining resilience—not merely as endurance, but as a commitment to care.
The report concluded that the real challenge in the Philippine workforce is not just unemployment, but burnout, fatigue, and widespread unaddressed distress. Building systems of care into workplaces and treating mental well-being as a foundation for national progress, it said, is essential.
“When we take care of the minds that power the economy, we don’t just prevent loss—we build a nation capable of thriving,” the statement added.
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
New FIT rate for run-of-river hydro projects gets ERC nod
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved a new Feed-in Tariff (FIT) rate for the fourth round (FIT4) of P6.9282 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for run-of-river (ROR) hydropower projects.
“The Commission resolved to approve and adopt the ROR hydro FIT4 of P6.9282 per kWh effective until December 31, 2026,” the ERC stated in its six-page resolution.
The said rate will be degressed by 0.5 percent annually until the full subscription of the 100-MW installation target. “After careful consideration…and guided by the policy objectives of the RE [Renewable Energy] Act of 2009, the Commission finds it appropriate to issue a rate until the full subscription of the 100-MW installation target,” the ERC added.
“The Commission has formally adopted the FIT rate for the 4th round of ROR hydropower, marking another step in the country’s RE development to achieve the energy mix of 35 percent by 2030,” ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said.
Earlier, Philhydro appealed to the ERC to grant “reasonable rates” so that hydro developers will be encouraged to develop more projects.
The FIT4 process began after the ERC received letters from Philhydro Association Inc. (Philhydro) and the Department of Energy (DOE), requesting the immediate determination of the FIT4 rate for the additional 100-MW installation target. Thereafter, the ERC conducted public consultations.
“The reality is we’re not just producing water or power, but we are also taking care of the watershed and the infrastructure that we contribute to the countryside,” Philhydro President Gertrude Roque had said.
Based on DOE data, the previous 250-MW target was fully subscribed, with 31 projects totaling 256.878 MW. The FIT mechanism is intended to accelerate investments and growth of renewable energy as a key strategy towards achieving energy security and self-reliance.
The group asked the ERC to adopt the actual average capacity factor in the computation of the FIT4 as this best represents the true conditions and challenges of operating RORH power plant.
“Considering that a number of RORH plants are now commercially operational, there is ample actual and historical data to use that are verifiable by regulators.
RORH plants are not only Influenced by the efficiency of turbines but also the availability of water
flowing in the river, which are all reflected in the actual and historical data of operational plants considering the site-specific nature of hydropower development and the nature of required works, extensive exposure to geological conditions, access problems, and flooding, which affects the actual,” Philhydro said. Roque said industry stakeholders must acknowledge the “very real challenges” in the development of RORH power. These are complex permitting, lagging infrastructure, financing limitations, market ambiguities, and the need for genuine lifetime trust-building with communities.
DOE Secretary Sharon Garin has acknowledged that the road to RORH development can be long and complex.
“Yet, acknowledging these challenges is only the first step. If we are to translate our shared commitment into tangible results, we must now chart the path forward and establish concrete, measurable commitments from all sectors to accelerate development while upholding integrity throughout the process.”
Meralco seeks bidders for RE deal
THE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is soliciting bids for an upcoming competitive auction for 200 megawatts (MW) of baseload renewable energy (RE). This development comes after Meralco received last December 4 the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by the Department of Energy (DOE). A CoC should be issued by the DOE prior to the conduct of a competitive selection process (CSP).
The CSP is meant to secure longterm power supply agreements (PSAs), aiming to find the lowestcost power sources to meet its
Smart ring with ECG monitoring launched
METRO Pacific Health Tech Corp. on Monday launched the country’s first wellness ring with built-in ECG monitoring. This latest innovation follows the launch of its app called, mWell Ring, in May last year, the first home grown smart wellness ring of its kind in the Philippine market.
“The ECG Ring helps us deliver medical insights that fit into real life. Everyone should be able to take the right steps for their health every single day, and not only when they’re sick,” Manuel V. Pangilinan, mWell chairman and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) chairman and president, said.
The ring is known for its accurate sleep tracking, it captures light, deep, REM and total sleep, and provides essential metrics that support those with sleep-related concerns.
It also generates the mWellness score, giving users a clear, daily snapshot of their overall health. By offering these capabilities at an accessible price, it helped open the wearables category to more Filipinos. VG Cabuag
customers’ needs. It is designed to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection of power suppliers.
On Monday, Meralco said it has started the CSP for the 200-MW RE capacity needed to meet its renewable portfolio standards (RPS) compliance requirements. Through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for PSAs, Meralco calls on power generation companies to submit expressions of Interest by January 6, 2026. The pre-bid conference is scheduled on January 15 while the bid submission deadline is set on February 16.
The four-year PSA resulting from this CSP will cover Meralco’s
200-MW baseload requirement, subject to the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
“This CSP is consistent with Meralco’s ongoing efforts to expand its supply portfolio sourced from renewable energy sources whilst securing Meralco’s RPS compliance through a competitive and transparent bidding process,” said Meralco senior vice president and head of regulatory management Jose Ronald Valles.
The RPS mandates electricity suppliers to source a portion of their requirements from RE. This is in line with the government’s goal to increase the share of RE in the
country’s energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. Currently, the RPS requirement increases by 2.52 percent per annum.
As part of its long-term sustainability strategy, Meralco has already contracted 1,536 MW of RE capacity from various suppliers-exceeding its initial target of 1500 MW. Through its strategic sourcing initiatives, RE is expected to account for 22 percent of Meralco’s supply portfolio by 2030.
Meralco awaits CoCs for its 450MW mid-merit and 600MW baseload, with deliveries scheduled to commence in the next five years. Lenie Lectura
Fast paints rosy outlook for logistics
SBy Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
trong domestic demand and business expansion will drive the growth of the logistics sector next year, according to a local company.
Fast Logistics Group, an end-toend logistics solutions provider in the Philippines, said despite disruptions in late 2025 caused by severe weather events and infrastructure constraints, momentum across warehousing and transportation remains
“strong” heading into the new year.
“2026 will be a year where agility and foresight separate market leaders from followers,” said Manuel L. Onrejas Jr., CEO for Logistics of Fast Logistics Group.
Fast said it sees forward stocking and cargo consolidation emerging as key strategies for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and other high-volume industries.
“By positioning inventory closer to demand centers and consolidating shipments across regions, companies will improve service levels and reduce delivery lead times, especially during disruptions such as typhoons.”
Onrejas said forward stocking is now a “resilience strategy” rather than a backup plan.
“2026 will see increased investment in strategic regional
distribution hubs, particularly for FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and home care.”
“Strategic shipment consolidation is a powerful lever for both cost efficiency and sustainability, especially as an alternative to direct-tostore deliveries.”
To keep up with growth, Fast noted that the Philippine logistics sector is transitioning into a “new era of AI-enabled logistics and digital innovation.”
Philippine companies and logistics providers like Fast have integrated AI and digital systems into their operations, particularly for
route optimization and truckload planning, making technology a key enabler of growth and operational efficiency, the logistics firm noted.
Moreover, Fast said sustainability will become a “more critical business requirement rather than a secondary consideration” in 2026.
“The company anticipates expansion in green logistics initiatives, including electric vehicles, energyefficient facilities, and process optimization. These initiatives are expected to support both regulatory compliance and long-term cost efficiency as businesses scale operations in the upcoming year.”
By Henry Empeño
SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) has disclaimed reports that Dutch dredging firm Boskalis Westminster NV has withdrew from its New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project in Bulacan.
The conglomerate said land development works for the NMIA project “continue to advance in line with international best practices” and noted that Boskalis continues its engagement with the project, contrary to some reports.
“Some claims circulating online are inaccurate and misleading. These can create unnecessary confusion for the public and concern among stakeholders,” SMC said in a statement it issued last Monday.
“Boskalis continues to support the NMIA development and remains engaged with SMC in our technical and advisory role. We are aligned in ensuring that all works meet internationally recognized standards.
Boskalis, which operates one of the world’s largest dredging fleets, received confirmation from San Miguel Aerocity Inc. (SMAI) for the NMIA project in 2020. The Bulacan land development project, with an estimated value of EUR1.5 billion, is reportedly the biggest project in Boskalis’ history.
However, reports began to circulate late last year that Boskalis was “no longer active” in the said reclamation work after two and a half years of active dredging because the project was “fundamentally flawed.”
SMC denied these allegations and said these “do not reflect actual progress on the ground.”
The firm also asserted that
NMIA’s land development complies with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Environmental and Social Performance Standards that govern project design, monitoring, risk mitigation, and community safeguards.
“These requirements exceed typical local regulations and ensure that all development works meet the highest global standards,” SMC said.
“Very few projects in the Philippines operate under this level of environmental and social commitment and compliance.”
The company also said the Bulacan airport project is guided by extensive hydrological studies, independent engineering reviews, and continuous environmental monitoring, alongside long-term flood-mitigation measures for surrounding communities.
It added that SMC continues river cleanup and rehabilitation efforts across Bulacan and nearby provinces at no cost to government.
“SMC has committed hundreds of billions of pesos to build a major international gateway that will benefit the country for generations. We remain fully committed to completing this project responsibly and in accordance with global best practices.”
As to questions about the project’s safety and viability, SMC encouraged concerned parties “to raise them through proper channels, where they can be discussed transparently and with access to verified technical information.”
SMC said it has asked Meta to review social media pages that repeatedly disseminate misleading information about the NMIA project while concealing their identity, in line with the platform’s policies.
TBy VG Cabuag @villygc
HE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday sealed a data-sharing agreement that enhances inter-agency cooperation in promoting transparency, integrity and fair competition in the local corporate sector.
The agreement, signed by PCC chairman Michael Aguinaldo and SEC Chairman Francisco E. Lim, provides the antitrust body with streamlined access to corporate information in the custody of the SEC that are relevant to the agency’s mandate to investigate mergers, acquisition and anti-competitive conduct under the Philippine Competition Act.
“This agreement represents a shared commitment to safeguard competition and protect investors,” Aguinaldo said. “By working closely with SEC, we can ensure that markets remain transparent, competitive, and beneficial to consumers and businesses alike.”
The said agreement builds on the memorandum of agreement signed between the two agencies in 2016 and establishes clear protocols for data sharing, including on-site, online and off-site access to SEC records.
It sets out safeguards for data privacy and security in line with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, requiring both agencies to implement strict confidentiality measures and designate data protection officers (DPOs) to oversee compliance. Under the new agreement, the SEC will provide requested corporate data to the PCC within three working days, while the PCC commits to use the information solely for its lawful mandate and to notify SEC of any data processors or personnel authorized to handle the shared information.
The agreement also outlines procedures for data breach management, data retention and secure disposal of personal data, ensuring accountability and protection of data subjects’ rights.
The deal is valid for five years.
PHOTO FROM WWW.FAST.COM.PH
FILE photo by San Miguel Corp. of the land development operations for its NMIA project in Bulacan.
Banking&Finance
Slower economic growth to cut BIR’s tax take
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
SLOWER economic growth will further hobble efforts of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in tax collection, as its chief sees collections falling short of this year’s target.
Add to cart, add to guilt? Here’s how to clean up your online spending habits
HAVE you ever checked your GCash or savings account only to realize, “Wait, why is my balance so low?”
You try to remember what you bought, and then it hits you. That Lazada haul, those food delivery cravings, the random add-ons from your online shopping spree. Online spending is so convenient nowadays, but that same convenience can quietly drain your wallet if you’re not careful. If you’re tired of overspending online and want to get back in control, it’s time for a digital detox, not from social media, but from your spending habits.
Know where your money is going BEFORE anything else, track your online expenses.
Check your e-wallets, bank statements, and even those order history tabs on Shopee and Grab. You might be surprised how much of your money is going to food delivery, streaming subscriptions, or random items you don’t even remember buying.
Look at patterns. Do you shop more when you’re stressed? Do flash sales and influencer hauls easily sway you? Once you see the triggers, it’s easier to avoid them.
Set boundaries (And stick to them)
HAVING a budget sounds boring, but it’s actually freeing.
If you say, “Okay, I’ll only spend P2,000 this month online,” then you can shop without guilt—because you already planned for it. Make sure to separate essentials like phone load or groceries from things you just want, like another skincare set or a cute phone case.
One trick? Don’t check out right away. Give yourself at least 24 hours to think about it. A lot of impulse buys lose their charm after a day.
Cut the temptation at the source
IF your inbox is full of shopping promos and your phone keeps pinging you about discounts, it’s no wonder you’re tempted.
Start by unsubscribing from marketing emails you don’t need. Mute or leave online shopping groups. And if you really want to stop yourself, try removing your saved credit cards and digital wallets from those apps. The extra steps might just give you time to reconsider. It might feel like a small thing, but it’s a powerful move to reclaim control over your spending.
Say goodbye to subscriptions you don’t use
REMEMBER that streaming service you subscribed to just to watch one show? Or that productivity app you thought you’d use but never opened again? Those little monthly charges add up fast. Do a quick audit of all your subscriptions, whether on your phone or credit
PRIVATE non-bank finance
company Asialink Finance
Corp. revealed last Monday that it ended 2025 with a 6-percent growth in loan disbursements, amounting to P16.6 billion (about $281.63 million) across its loan portfolio.
“The company’s strong performance and consistent support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have earned the trust of additional funders, who joined the Asian Development Bank (ADB) credit
Mendoza said the BIR is “optimistic” of collecting around P3.1 trillion in revenues this year.
However, this is lower than the P3.219 trillion programmed revenue collection of the BIR for this year.
Mendoza said the slower economic growth, at 4 percent in the third quarter this year, as well as the slowdown in consumer spending, will impact the BIR’s collection performance.
The BIR chief said that collections across all tax types will be affected.
“In the first half [of the year], we were hitting double-digit growth.
card. Cancel the ones you barely use. If you’re using something occasionally, consider downgrading your plan or joining a shared family account.
Let technology help you spend smarter
THERE are actually apps that can help you budget, track your expenses, and even notify you when you’re nearing your spending limit. Use them! Some bank and e-wallet apps also allow you to set spending caps or receive alerts. You can also install browser extensions that show you cheaper alternatives when shopping online. If you’re going to be online anyway, make the internet work for your wallet, not against it.
Shift to intentional spending
THE next time you want to buy something, pause and ask yourself: “Do I really need this, or do I just want it right now?”
If it’s not urgent or important, save it to your wishlist instead. You can also reward yourself with occasional purchases, but only after hitting your savings or budgeting goals. When you tie your spending to achievements, the reward feels more meaningful.
Reset and start fresh
SOMETIMES the best way to clean up your online spending is to step back completely.
Try deleting a shopping app for a week or putting yourself on a “no-spend challenge” for a month. Review your finances every few months and celebrate the progress you’ve made. You don’t need to quit online shopping forever. You just need to find that sweet spot where you’re in control, not the algorithm.
Final thoughts
THE goal isn’t to shame yourself for past purchases; it’s to become more mindful moving forward.
The freedom of online shopping comes with responsibility. But once you start setting boundaries, decluttering your digital space, and spending with intention, you’ll feel more financially empowered and less guilty every time you tap Checkout. Your wallet (and future self) will thank you.
Fitz Villafuerte is a Registered Financial Planner of RFP Philippines. The views he expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror’s. To learn more about personal financial planning, attend the 114th RFP program this January 2026. E-mail info@rfp.ph or visit rfp.ph to learn more about the program.
facility through accession,” read Asialink’s statement. According to the company, the $50 million (around P2.947 billion) additional loan from the ADB brings the total facility to $165 million (around P9.725 billion), providing Asialink with “expanded resources to further empower” MSMEs across the country in 2026. The lending firm said 2025 marked a “new phase of expansion” as it surpassed 250 operational branches across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, serving
But starting the second half, talagang bumaba ’yung growth sa revenue collection [revenue collection growth really declined,” Mendoza said.
“Like we said, this is a temporary setback. Once we fix the system, I’m sure we’ll be back on target in terms of GDP (gross domestic product) growth, economic growth, which has an effect on our revenue collection,” added the BIR chief.
The agency is also banking on its digitalization efforts, taxpayers’ compliance and education, as well as sustainable fiscal regulation, Men-
doza added. As of the end of October, the BIR has collected P2.641 billion, or 82.04 percent of its full-year target.
The BIR’s target is higher by 13.02 percent compared to last year’s goal of P2.848 trillion on expectations of faster economic growth. The BIR will contribute 71 percent of the government’s P4.520-trillion full-year revenue target.
Executive Secretary and former Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto has said that the economy could grow below the government’s target of 5.5
to 6.5 percent this year.
“The good news is, moving forward, all of that is on the upside because we are solving the problem [on infrastructure projects]. So moving forward, you will realize your full potential for growth,” Recto said. Mendoza said the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee is in the process of revisiting the BIR’s collection target this year.
“As far as we’re concerned, we’ll just continue with our collection,” he added.
Investor demand for T-bills countered mixed BSP signals
YIELDS of short-term government securities moved sideways during the Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) last auction for the year, as strong demand countered mixed guidance from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
According to Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), an “important market catalyst” was the BSP’s unexpected hawkish guidance on December 11 when it reduced the key policy rates. However, Ricafor said, that move was offset by more dovish signals a day after, when BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. hinted at the possibility of one more rate cut.
“The latest dovish statements [by Remolona] on the possibility of another BSP rate cut if the economic recovery would take longer than expected, [was] considered a welcome development a day after more hawkish signals,” Ricafort said.
Remolona recently told reporters that the BSP could still deliver
one more 25-basis-point rate cut next year, adding that the Monetary Board will not consider an off-cycle move or a larger 50-basis-point cut, as it could undermine confidence (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/12/13/bigger-rate-cutwill-undermine-confidence/).
Moreover, improving risk appetite following the rebound of the Philippine Stock Exchange index above the 6,000 level, reduced demand for safe-haven assets, tempering downward pressure on T-bill yields, Ricafort added.
On external factors, Ricafort said relatively higher US Treasury yields, among 2-month highs recently, amid some bond market concerns that any potential aggressive Fed rate cuts by the next Fed chair could ease the grip of inflation in the United States, which partly led to the higher US Treasury bond yields recently.
The auction committee was able to borrow last Monday a total of P20 billion, the full intended amount it
seeks to raise from the auction of Treasury bills (T-bills).
Combined demand for all three tenors reached P87.456 billion, or 4.4 times oversubscribed the programmed offering worth P20 billion.
The 91-day T-bills’ average rate went down by 2.8 basis points to 4.731 percent from 4.759 percent in the previous auction. Rates were as low as 4.709 percent to as high as 4.779 percent.
Total bids for the tenor hit P30.985 billion, five times the P6billion offer.
For the 182-day T-bills, the average rate rose by 3 basis points, reaching 4.903 percent, from the 4.873 percent recorded in last week’s auction. The debt papers were awarded at rates from 4.848 percent to 4.943 percent.
Tenders for the security stood at P28.9 billion, or 4.1 times the P7billion offer.
Meanwhile, the 364-day T-bills’ average rate slid to 4.924 percent,
lower by 3.8 basis points from 4.962 percent.
The government securities attracted P27.571 billion in tenders, nearly four times the P7-billion offer. All three tenors fetched average rates lower than the secondary benchmark rates. The Philippine Bloomberg Valuation (PHP BVAL) rates are 4.868 percent for the three-month, 4.998 percent for the six-month and 5.058 percent for the one-year tenors. The Treasury has wrapped up its sale of government securities this year. It seeks to raise a total of P2.6 trillion, of which P2.111 trillion will be borrowed domestically. The government has raised P2.483 trillion as of end-October, up by 2.18 percent year-on-year from P2.429 trillion. Meanwhile, the government’s outstanding debt hit P17.46 trillion as of end-September this year, higher by 9.62 percent than the P16.020 trillion of debt amassed a year earlier. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
ABILL putting on a decentralized digital ledger technology all budget-related documents hurdled third and final reading in the Senate on Monday.
The proposed Senate Bill (SB) 1506 or the “Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability,” or “Cadena,” law, also known as the “Blockchain the Budget” bill, was approved via a 17-0 vote, with no objection and no abstention.
The approval came just days after SB 1506 was included among the latest batch of priority measures listed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.
The bill’s proponent, Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV, earlier said he pushed for the bill’s passage amid a “strong public outcry against corruption and the growing call for accountability, amid the massive flood control scandal.”
May mga batas kasi na the time has come. Itong batas na ito, ’yung nai-file nating bill about disclosure of public documents—[the] Cadena— and the putting of all of these documents on blockchain. Palagay ko rin kapag hindi nagkakagulo ngayon, hindi rin mapapasa iyan. Pero dahil ganito iyong tawag ng panahon, may chance iyang mapasa,” he said.
19,265 MSMEs as of December 15.
The company cited the launch of its loan program for women (“Women’s Access to Inclusive Support”) as a key milestone this year. According to Asialink, the program has extended loans to more than 2,600 women-led MSMEs since its launch in July. The company said that it is set to “diversify its loan offerings and expand its nationwide footprint, targeting less than 300 branches by year-end” of 2026. Andrea San Juan
TSenate nod
‘Blockchain the Budget’ bill receives
“If you look at this transparency measure, kung hindi nangyayari iyong nangyayari ngayon na investigation, palagay ko walang chance iyan Pero dahil iyong taumbayan nakatutok dito ngayon na may mangyaring pagbabago sa mga sistema na nagdulot ng ganitong klaseng corruption, may tsansa iyang mapasa,” he added.
The proposed legislation mandates all government agencies to upload and regularly maintain detailed budget-related documents—including contracts, project costs, bills of materials, and procurement records—on a Digital Budget Platform.
The system is designed to ensure that all files are publicly accessible, tamper-resistant, traceable, opensource, and verifiable. Government officials who fail to disclose required documents or who upload fraudulent information may face administrative and criminal penalties.
The bill’s counterpart measure, House Bill 6761, was filed in the Lower House by Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez. “Nananawagan tayo sa ating mga kasama sa Kamara na madaliin ang pagsasabatas ng Cadena Act bilang suporta sa sama-sama nating hangarin nating burahin ang katiwalian sa pamahalaan at matiyak na napupunta sa sa tama ang pondo mula sa buwis ng taumbayan,” Aquino said.
Inflation, forex rates prompt tweak of FIT
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has moved to adjust the Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) covering the calendar years (CY) 2021 to 2025 to mainly reflect pass-through charges of inflation and foreign exchange (forex) rates.
The FIT Rules, specifically Section 2.10, provides that adjustment, which is computed using the consumer price index (CPI) and the forex. ERC Commissioner Floresinda G. Baldo-Digal explained that the adjusted rates differ per entrance year of FIT-eligible technologies. But generally, Baldo-Digal said, there was a downward trend in 2021 and 2022 compared to the last adjusted rates in 2020, then upward in 2023 to 2025.
For biomass, the rate for 2014–2015 biomass FIT entrants was adjusted to P7.0655 per kilowatt hour (kWh) in 2021, P6.9609 in 2022, P7.3298 in 2023, P7.9363 in 2024, and P8.1259 in 2025.
For run-of-river (ROR) hydro FIT, the rate of 2014–2015 hydro FIT entrants was set at P6.1747 in 2021, lowered to P6.1404 in 2022, P6.4514 in 2023, P6.9714 in 2024, and P7.1626 in 2025.
In the solar segment, the rate for 2014 plants stood at to P10.5513 in
2021, P10.2758 in 2022, P10.8507 in 2023, P11.7776 in 2024, and P12.0074 in 2025.
For wind, the rate for 2014 plants was adjusted to P9.1940 in 2021, P9.0053 in 2022, P9.4960 in 2023, P10.2946 in 2024, and P10.5178 in 2025.
The agency said it has approved long-pending adjustments to the FIT covering the calendar years (CY) 2021 to 2025 and has directed their recovery by the FIT-eligible plants entitled to it over a five-year period beginning 2026.
The approval marks the first adjustment to the FIT scheme since 2020. It underscores the commission’s commitment to uphold and ensure the success of the FIT System as enshrined in the RE Act.
The FIT adjustments are provided and mandated under the FIT System Rules earlier promulgated by the ERC to incentivize the development of the renewable energy sector and encourage investments in new renewable energy capacities.
“It is in the FIT Rules that the RE developer is entitled to the applicable FIT at the time it enters the program and that FIT is subject to adjustments. We just implemented what is in the FIT Rules,” said ERC Chairman Francis Saturnino C. Juan when sought for comment.
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
HE top executive of Singapore-based HitPay Payment Solutions Pte. Ltd. believes small-scale and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Southeast Asia (SEA) are primarily challenged by the fragmentation of payment methods and sales channels. HitPay Founder and CEO Aditya Haripurkar told the BusinessMirror that SMEs want to sell on various channels (online and offline), reach cross-border customers and accept a wide variety of payment options to optimize their costs. “However, they have historically lacked
a single, unified platform that solves this complexity without requiring expensive, enterprise-level software,” Haripurkar said. He said that small business owners in the Philippines still find it difficult to utilize technology. Based on their analysis, he said that while 8 out of 10 SMEs are eager to adopt digital tools, only about 2 out of 10 actually use them.
FINANCE
Fitz Gerard Villafuerte
Art BusinessMirror
‘Alab ng Puso’ year-ender channels rage into relief
ART Lounge Manila at The Podium closes out 2025 with a bang, mounting a copious 50-artist group show where political dissent gets creatively channeled into purposeful artworks, auctioned for the benefit of those in need.
Passion meets purpose in the year-ender exhibition, titled Alab ng Puso, featuring a sizeable collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media creations. The pieces act as artistic responses to the country’s abhorrent political climate, hounded by corruption issues. A stacked roster of 50-plus artists lent their voices to the exhibit that opened on
December 5 and runs until tomorrow, December 17.
The showcase is a collaborative effort between Art Lounge Manila, Galerie Francesca, and the Bynum Faith Foundation, founded by Filipino-American National Football League player Camryn Bynum. The Bynum Faith Foundation serves as the on-ground arm, ensuring that every peso from the exhibit’s sales goes to relief efforts, particularly to the victims of the recent calamities in Cebu. The exhibit’s silent auction culminated yesterday, December 15, in a reception at The Podium in Mandaluyong City.
The long list of participating artists in Alab ng Puso includes Roel Obemio, Pete Jimenez, Michael Cacnio, Kublai Millan, Carlo Magno, Gerrico Blanco, Raul Isidro, and Anton Del Castillo. Also part of the fold are Janos Delacruz, Fil Delacruz, Richard Buxani, Agi Pagkatipunan, Glenn Perez, Meneline Wong MD, Iris Babao-Uy, Sam Penaso, Isobel Francisco and Isaiah Cacnio, and more. Among the featured artworks in show is Jonet Carpio’s Mga Aninong Lumulunok sa Liwanag Bantay Salakay sa Lumubog sa Lupa. The 24” x 36” mixed media piece showcases corruption personified with human and anthropomorphic figures gathering in the frame, filled with long gazes and empty stares from suggested culprits. There’s
also a depiction of Jose Rizal in Gerrico Blanco’s Kalayaan sa Katiwalian ang Pag-asa ng Bayan, where the National Hero either inspires the solution to our current problem, or asks whether what he died for was ever worth it. Meanwhile, another key figure in Philippine history appears in the resin sculpture of Megs Empinado, where Andres Bonifacio sparks a movement, trouncing a crocodile.
The first artwork to be auctioned off was Roel Obemio’s namesake painting, Alab ng Puso. It was born out of his impassioned plea for and with the Filipino people, where his signature Boterismo figures raise their flaming voices and fists, while clad in clothes bearing the colors of the Philippine flag. According to Art Lounge Manila, the exhibit is “much more than a showcase of poignant deviation from the artists’ usual oeuvre. It is a vital, timesensitive fundraising mechanism. The unique works—direct expressions of rage, frustration, and hope for a better Philippines—are actively bringing support to communities that often feel beyond the reach of government aid.”
More information about the exhibit and the gallery is available at www.artloungemanila.com, and on social media platforms through @artloungemanila.
NEW PERMANENT EXHIBITION AT AUSCHWITZ MUSEUM USES PERSONAL OBJECTS TO SHOW DAILY
OSWIECIM, Poland—Animal-shaped stencils a mother made from a concentration camp shoe and gave to her son for Christmas are among items in a new permanent exhibition at the Auschwitz museum, located on the site of the largest Nazi death camp. Other items on display as officials unveiled the exhibition on Friday included a paper bag for holding cement that was used as thermal underwear, and drawings made in secret by prisoners. The objects, detailing the everyday experiences of Auschwitz prisoners, were displayed in blocs 8 and 9 of the former Nazi concentration camp.
Magdalena Urbaniak, the exhibition’s coordinator, said it was difficult and painful to imagine what the woman went through when she crafted the stencils from a shoe. “It’s hard to describe this feeling, we can’t even understand this situation, the extreme situation in which this mother found herself in the camp, what emotions she experienced to do something for her
LIFE OF PRISONERS
child, to lift his spirits and contribute to his survival,” she said. The new exhibition illustrates elements of the camp routine from the morning gong, through washing, meals and forced labor to evenings in the camp barracks. It gives visitors a glimpse into the feelings experienced by prisoners, from extreme hunger and cold to fear and hopelessness.
“Witnesses are passing away, the world is changing, technologies are changing, and new generations are emerging, requiring a new approach to the subject,” Andrzej Kacorzyk, the deputy director of the Auschwitz museum, told The Associated Press.
“Hence the need to portray humanity, the need to portray this individual fate.”
Nazi Germany built more than 40 concentration, labor and extermination camps at this location in occupied Poland during World War II. The Nazis established the Auschwitz I camp in 1940 to imprison Poles, while Auschwitz II-Birkenau was opened
two years later and became the primary site of the extermination of Jews during the Holocaust. Nazi German forces ultimately murdered some 1.1 million people at the complex. While most of the victims of the Holocaust were Jews killed on an industrial scale, Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, gay people and others were also targeted for elimination.
The museum operating today on the site of the former Auschwitz camps was established in 1947 and is a Unesco World Heritage site. The museum is currently in the process of changing its permanent exhibition, which had been in place for decades. Officials say the idea is to reflect new knowledge about Holocaust history, as well as, the evolving demographic of visitors. The new permanent exhibition is being built on the ground floors of six blocks of the former Auschwitz I camp. The first phase of the museum’s modernization is complete with the opening of the exhibition in blocks 8 and 9. AP
choices dictate your future, and you will head into next year with a smile on your face. ★★★★
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Talks will give you the lowdown regarding any change or gamble you consider. Be aware of timelines and year-end deadlines. Staying on top of sensitive situations will help you avoid delays or lost opportunities. Speak up, follow through and enjoy the ride. Discipline and diligence are your best friends when you want to make things happen. ★★★
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Go easy on sentimental values and situations that arise at a personal level. Be ready to back away from anyone trying to get something for nothing from you. The hype you encounter will be far less than anticipated, leaving you to deal with the fallout someone dumps in your lap. ★★★
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Direct your energy wisely. How you use your strengths and skills will be a testament to who you are and what you can do. Focus, dedication and timing will play a role in what you achieve. An innovative mindset will help you carry out your plans discreetly. ★★★
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Put yourself in the driver’s seat and head in a direction that satisfies your needs. Your insight will capture attention, and your ability to turn something unique into something functional and profitable will open doors. Network, socialize and share what inspires you with forward-thinking people. ★★★★
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A change will spark your imagination and point you in a creative direction that influences not only you but also those you encounter. Put thoughts and plans on paper, and consider how to take advantage of any subsidies or offers that can be advantageous if initiated before the year comes to an end. ★★
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A commitment and personal lifestyle adjustments require attention. You can count on your heart and emotions to kick in and reflect what’s best for you. Travel and communication are favored, and the response you receive will
ALAB ng Puso, Roel Obiemo
KALAYAAN sa Katiwalian ang Pag-asa ng Bayan, Gerrico Blanco
Show BusinessMirror
Holiday hangouts:
What’s new at CV Strip this season
IF you’re looking for an easy holiday hangout, CV Strip in Quezon City is a good bet. Relaxed cafés, good food, a few new places worth checking out, and just enough happening around the strip to make a short visit feel worth it—whether you’re dropping in for a quick coffee, an early dinner,
overwhelming—just a handful of places that make the estate an easy choice for a short, nearby visit. As CV’s management puts it, the intention has always been to build “a place where people can easily meet, eat, and unwind—a community spot that feels close to home.” CV is easily accessible through two main routes: via Calle Industria for those coming from C5 or the Quezon City side, and via the CV Bridge for visitors entering from Pasig. The bridge is open daily from 5 am to 3 am, providing guests a straightforward way to move in and out of the estate.
Here are some discoveries to be made in CV Strip. Down on the ground floor, the cafés set the tone. Biyaya Kofi, one of the newest tenants, has a cozy setup perfect for slow brews, board games, or barkada hangouts. The Twelve28th Café offers brunch plates, pastries, and specialty drinks that work for both low-key reunions and remote work breaks. Families also have Taylor’s Play Café, which provides a safe play area for kids while parents enjoy a drink.
For quick gift runs or small finds, the ToyTown Clearance pop-up (open until January 2026) offers up to 70-percent off toys—an easy stop for budget-friendly holiday gifting. Nearby, the new Playground Premium Store carries athletic wear and accessories, ideal for visitors gearing up for an active start to the new year.
For holiday meals, CV Strip’s dining mix makes planning easy: Giligan’s Restaurant, Liam’s & Louis Gourmet Café, and adding to the variety is the newest opening: Viandé, which offers premium dishes from breakfast at 7 am to latenight sets around 10 pm—ideal for anything from relaxed mornings to refined evenings. And for something casual after work, Chilltop keeps the mood light. Beyond dining, there are small corners for little resets. Barkin’s Blends Dog Café is a warm stop for fur parents, while My Studio & Allways Therapy—set to open around midDecember—will offer neurodiversity-affirming support and therapeutic services for families in need of a quiet breather. They will also feature a studio space for portrait rentals, making it a great pick for holiday family photoshoots or quick festive portraits. Visitors preparing for gatherings can also drop by Guapo’s Barbers for convenient pre-event grooming.
Reliable actors strengthen MMFF
THE vibrant colors of the coming Metro Manila Film Festival will be more amplified with the inclusion and participation of some of our reliable male actors representing their respective movie entries.
Topping our list is the ethereal Piolo Pascual, whose humility and kindness are unmatched in the many years that he has been in the business. Pascual topbills Raymond Red’s Manila’s Finest and the movie is stirring interest this early on how it will tell the stories of local policemen and the many webs they get into especially at a time when politics is so chaotic.
“After all these years, I try to elevate the kind of acting I give with every project I commit to. I’ve been in the industry for decades and the learning never stops. I learn form my directors, my co-actors, I learn about production and the many evolutions it goes through as technology becomes more state-of-the-art.
I learn about what people truly aspire for and what they patronize because of the many new platforms available for movies. These learnings make me more confident when I face the cameras and at the same time make me more grounded, reminding me that I am but a speck in a broad spectrum of things and people needed to come up with a movie,” Pascual shared.
This holiday season, Pascual will celebrate it as simply as he can. “Family, whether by blood or those we choose to call family, are the ones Christmas should be spent with. It’s also important to find time to be with the people that truly matter, especially since the festival requires us to help in the promotions. Always make time for people that matter, for people you hold dear, not only during this festive period.”
Carlo Aquino is also happy that he has an entry for this year’s all-Filipino film festival. “It’s the busiest time of the year and I’m glad that I am part of a movie that will perhaps be made more accessible to a larger audience. I usually do a lot of independently produced movies and I’m happy that this one gets to participate in a mainstream festival.”
Aquino is referring to Kip Oebanda’s Bar Boys (After School), a sequel to the first Bar Boys movie that was set in a law school.
“This new movie follows the lives of the original characters years after they finished law school and how their world changed. Just like who we are in real life, many things have changed. I’ve gotten married and the lives of my fellow actors have also changed, too—hopefully for good.”
Athlete-turned-actor (and former politician) Joey Marquez is part of the strong support ensemble of a
special movie titled Imperfect, which delves into the life of families with members who have Down Syndrome.
“I am happy to be part of this movie. Not many know that one of my 16 children has Down Syndrome and she is now 32 years old,” Marquez volunteered. He reckons that people with Down Syndrome and other afflictions should be treated with the same respect and care.
“They are more genuine than most of us. They can be as talented and skilled in many aspects, but the standout traits I guess are that they are sincere and kind—in the many ways they communicate, plus their action,s too!”
The movie is directed by Sigrid Bernardo and produced by Sylvia Sanchez’s Nathan Studios. Showbiz insiders feel that the movie will get its share of special awards during the Gabi ng Parangal.
Another actor who is excited to have a filmfest entry is Zanjoe Marudo. He pairs off with Angelica
Panganiban in the film Unmarry, which is about the complexities and frailties of relationships, produced by Joji Alonso’s Quantum Films.
“I’m thankful for this year-end blessing in my career. It is a beautifully written (Chirs Martinez and Therese Cayaba) and directed (Jeffrey Jeturian) movie that deals with love and life in the general sense, and movies about relationships usually are so relatable to a big chunk of the movie audience so we are keeping our fingers crossed that people will come and watch our film,” explained Marudo.
We look forward to watching the film to support Marudo as we’ve been quietly cheering for this underrated and kind actor. We feel that he should just stick to being an actor after he failed in his recent attempt to enter the crazy and dirty world of politics.
For sure, he will be more fulfilled and happy as an actor, and we hope he will never be pressured again to pursue something that he is not so ready for.
Sparkle GMA Artist Center welcomes new talents, renews contracts with homegrown stars
SPARKLE GMA Artist Center is ending the year with fresh collaborations and stronger ties with both new and established artists, marked by a contract-signing held at GMA Network on December 11, 2025.
Present during the ceremony were GMA Network senior vice president for programming, talent management, worldwide, and support group and president and CEO of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, and first vice president of Sparkle GMA Artist Center Joy Marcelo, assistant vice president for talent recruitment and development Jenny B. Donato, assistant vice president of talent management Vic Del Rosario, Sparkle consulting head for talent imaging and marketing Lawrence Tan, and Sparkle senior talent managers Daryl Zamora and Tracy Garcia. Also in attendance, showing their support for the newly signed Sparkle artists, were Rams David, Juan Paulo Infante, Vanessa Soyosa, Vanessa AgbayaniLo, Wilson Ngo Agbayani, Harley Manalili and Eliza Timbol. Multi-awarded actor Miggs Cuaderno, who began as a child star and has since evolved into a budding young actor, also signed with Sparkle, bringing depth, maturity and versatility.
Sanggang Dikit FR and GMA rising star Jess Martinez added sparks to the event with her growing presence in the industry from being a social media influencer into an actress.
Multi-talented actress, dancer, fashion designer, and host Regine Tolentino officially joined Sparkle and is set to continue to inspire audiences with her artistry and entrepreneurial spirit, bringing her charm with Sparkle family.
CLOCKWISE: Piolo Pacual, Zanjoe Marudo, Joey Marquez, and Carlo Aquino
MR.DIY Opens 1st Science Room for Young Learners in Taguig
From what used to be an ordinary classroom now stands a bright, inspiring space for discovery as leading home improvement retailer MR.DIY Philippines officially turned over its first-ever Science Room for the young learners of Ciriaco P. Tinga Elementary School in Taguig City.
The ceremony marks the culmination of MR.DIY’s 800th Store Milestone Celebration, with the theme “Close to Home, Closer to Heart,” underscoring the brand’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
To mark the occasion, MR.DIY executives, led by its Chief Executive Officer Roselle B. Andaya, school officials and representatives from the Schools Division of Taguig and Pateros also unveiled the ceremonial marker, dedicating the MR.DIY Science Room to the learners and educators of C.P.T Elementary School.
The event also featured fun games for students and a special appearance of MR.DIY’s panda mascot, along with the distribution of the MR.DIY Science Kits, led by MR.DIY’s Head of Retail Marketing Charles Salecina, an alumnus of C.P.T Elementary School.
In her opening remarks, Andaya expressed her gratitude and pride in the shared effort that made the project possible.
“Your guidance, expertise, and unwavering advocacy for education and youth development have helped us create a space where everyone’s unique strengths can truly shine,” she said.
“This Science Room stands as a symbol of what we can achieve together — when we combine purpose, partnership, and the genuine desire to uplift communities.”
Last September, employee volunteers from MR.DIY went to work and transformed the classroom into a functional science room for elementary students.
Apart from improving the classroom’s interior, volunteers packed 800 MR.DIY
Science Kits and witnessed the installation of essential laboratory furnishings and air conditioning units to make the space more conducive to learning.
For the students of Ciriaco P. Tinga Elementary School, the new MR.DIY Science Room is more than just a learning facility; it’s a promise of possibility. It’s a place where experiments ignite imagination, and where every learning opportunity becomes a bridge to dreams.
As for MR.DIY, more than another milestone, it reinforces its commitment to make everyday living, and learning, simple, joyful, and complete.
From the Emirates to Cebu: Where Solidarity Meets Care
THE United Arab Emirates, through the UAE Aid Agency, has dispatched urgent relief to families affected by the recent earthquake in several cities and barangays in Cebu. The delivery of aid was overseen by the UAE, as part of its proactive humanitarian mission, which ensures relief reaches communities in need in the most efficient manner.
When disaster struck Cebu, the UAE responded with urgency and compassion. Mobilizing aid through the UAE Aid Agency, the UAE initiated a relief mission that reached more than 40,000 families, reaffirming a friendship that has long connected the two nations through empathy and shared humanity.
From sourcing to deployment, the UAE was fully engaged, with its team personally overseeing the preparation, shipment, and distribution of relief goods in Cebu, to ensure that each aid package reached families in need quickly and efficiently. The effort reflected a humanitarian approach built on the UAE’s long-standing commitment to helping those in need.
UAE Ambassador to the Philippines
Mohamed Obaid Alqataam Alzaabi supervised the relief aid initiative, saying: “The United Arab Emirates continues to stand in solidarity with the people of the Philippines. Our cooperation goes beyond immediate response. It is a reflection of the UAE’s lasting friendship with the Philippines, and of our shared belief that humanity knows no borders.”
Each relief package carried essential items, including food, water, blankets, and hygiene kits. Yet, beyond these tangible supplies, the packages conveyed a deeper message: that, even from across the seas, the people of the Philippines are remembered and valued. The UAE’s support for the Philippines has never been sporadic; rather, it reflects a sustained commitment rooted in decades of cooperation and a profound bond between two nations that share a mutual understanding of resilience.
This latest effort in Cebu follows a legacy of humanitarian missions extended by the UAE to the Philippines through the years, responding to typhoons, floods, and public-health challenges. Whether
Shop & Share a Toy This Christmas: 5,000 Toys to Spark Joy, Learning for Children Nationwide
THIS Christmas season, the spirit of giving comes alive once more as SM Store, in partnership with SM Foundation, continues its heartwarming holiday tradition through Shop & Share a Toy This Christmas. Running until December 31, 2025, the initiative invites customers to make a difference by donating a brand-new toy for just P100 with a minimum single-receipt purchase of P3,000.
Through this simple yet meaningful act of kindness, 5,000 educational toys will be distributed to children in SM Foundation-supported schools and health centers nationwide. Each toy goes beyond being a holiday gift; it becomes a symbol of hope, comfort, imagination, and opportunity for learning, especially for children who have limited access to play materials.
As part of the continued collaboration between SM Store and SM Foundation, the program reinforces its shared mission to nurture young learners, strengthen community connections, and inspire hope during
the most meaningful season of the year. This Christmas, even the smallest gesture can create the biggest smiles. Through Shop & Share a Toy, every donated toy becomes a reminder that when we give together, we make the season brighter for every child and for every community.
Meralco exec champions professional development at electrical engineers’ convention
MERALCO Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Ronnie L. Aperocho rallied Filipino professional electrical engineers to invest in professional development and uphold ethical standards to thrive and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
through emergency responses or longterm rehabilitation programs, the UAE has continuously supported the people of the Philippines in their moments of need. It is this commitment that defines the UAE’s relationship with the Philippines.
Asked about the UAE’s longterm commitment, His Excellency Alzaabi affirmed the country’s vision to continue empowering affected communities.
“Beyond immediate relief, our support is rooted in recovery and rebuilding,” he said. “The UAE stands ready to work alongside the Philippines in creating sustainable solutions that restore dignity, strengthen resilience, and ensure that no family is left behind.”
For the thousands of Filipinos who live and work in the UAE, the gesture carried profound significance. It represented more than mere assistance; it served as a reminder that the country they regard as their second home continues to uphold and support their nation of origin. Many expressed a sense of pride in witnessing how their host country stood in solidarity with their homeland, demonstrating that compassion transcends both borders and nationalities.
On the ground in Cebu, the UAE team worked tirelessly to ensure that every relief package was distributed in an orderly manner. From evacuation centers to temporary shelters, the operation reached communities still recovering from the quake’s aftermath.
The UAE team’s presence became a steady source of reassurance for families rebuilding their lives and communities.
The UAE’s mission in Cebu was more than a delivery of goods - it was the delivery of hope. It reminded the world that solidarity is not measured by proximity but by engagement, and that even in the smallest acts of compassion lies a power that endures.
As Cebu continues to recover, the UAE’s response stands as both a humanitarian gesture and a heartfelt message: that friendship, when built on sincerity, can withstand distance, time, and adversity. It exemplifies how true solidarity is expressed through unwavering care and commitment.
Speaking at the 8th National Convention of the United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (UPEEP), Aperocho emphasized that engineering is a profession of service as he called for
continuing professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration to address today’s complex problems.
“As professionals, we must call out shortcuts that risk lives, regardless of whose interests they serve,” Aperocho said. “We must engage constructively with regulators to shape rules that encourage innovation while protecting safety and fairness.”
Aperocho, the topnotcher of the 1991 Registered Electrical Engineering Licensure Examination, has consistently championed innovation and operational excellence in Meralco—driving initiatives that benefit Filipino consumers. His leadership, which spans key roles across Meralco subsidiaries, is firmly rooted in the values of integrity, compassion and deep sense of responsibility to the people and communities he serves.
His professional contributions to the industry were also recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) which named him as the Outstanding Professional of the Year in the field of Electrical Engineering in 2024. “Electrical engineering is the backbone of the future because we power the future,” Aperocho concluded.
Puregold’s ‘Got My Eyes on You’ drops truth bombs on the realities of modern dating
CAN two workplace achievers compete for a promotion yet fall in love as they do? The answer apparently is yes, as depicted in Puregold’s TikTok BL series “Got My Eyes on You,” the story of Drew (Miko Morales) and Shawn (Esteban Mara) and how their disparate circumstances and a common goal drive them closer rather than apart.
With an undercurrent of romantic tension between them, Shawn and Drew are shown navigating a brewing office romance as they savor light moments with their friends and co-workers Moira (Hannah Lee) and Wilfred (Darwin Yu). Indeed, with GMEOY’s honest take on love, friendship, and ambition, the episodes readily ensnare hearts and rack up views.
Beyond all this, however, viewers may expect GMEOY to shed light on the beautiful yet confusing realities of modern dating. Here are some truths about love revealed on Puregold’s “Got My Eyes on You.”
For many of us, responsibilities come before romance.
In Episode 14, Drew opens up to Shawn on why the General Manager position means so much to him. He says, “Ako nagpapaaral sa mga kapatid ko,” he admits, showing that his goals come from a place of love and duty.
Meanwhile, although he comes from a wealthy family, Shawn also wants to prove himself. In today’s world, many can relate to putting dreams and family first, even as love quietly grows in the background.
‘No labels’ means no rules, but all the feelings.
In Episodes 17 to 19, Drew begins to realize that he is falling for Shawn. When he sees Shawn chatting with someone else, jealousy creeps in, even if he knows he has no right to feel that way. He asks, “Ano ba tayo para magselos ako?”
Modern dating often encourages “no labels” and situations, which entail having feelings while pretending you’re not supposed to.
Work and love don’t always mix well.
In Episode 15, Sir Trevor (Victor Sy) confronts Drew and Shawn about their growing closeness. “May relasyon ba kayong dalawa kaya pati ang work, apektado?” Both then try to keep things professional, even avoiding each other in Episode 16.
However, their rivalry for the General Manager position only makes things more complicated, especially as the attraction becomes even harder to ignore.
Confession is hard, even when it’s obvious.
In Episode 18, the trepidation we usually feel when we reveal our feelings manifests when Drew wonders, “What if hindi niya ako gusto?”
The truth is, we all want to be honest but are held back by the fear of rejection. In the modern dating world, people safeguard their hearts with humor and subtlety— and taking the first step is the hardest thing to do. Sometimes, friends give you the push you need.
As things turn awkward between Drew and Shawn in Episode 20, Shawn turns to Moira and Wilfred for advice. Just like in the real world, friends listen, tease, and push you toward what you are too afraid to do yourself.
In Episode 24, Moira and Wilfred even conspire to have Drew and Shawn share a night shift. Sometimes, love needs a little help from the people who see it before you do. Love can grow in the most ordinary moments. Even as they try to fight it, Drew and Shawn fall deeper for each other during simple shared moments— vet visits, a casual photoshoot, a deep conversation. This reminds us that even in the complicated world of modern dating, love does not always need drama or grand gestures. Sometimes, time, laughter, and openness are enough.
For more insight on the realities of modern dating, catch the latest episodes of Got My Eyes on You on the Puregold TikTok Channel (@puregoldph). Fans of Got My Eyes on You can also watch for the Director’s Cut of the series, available on YouTube starting November 27, with new episodes airing every Thursday at 7 PM. Subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @ puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ ph on Instagram and X, and @puregoldph on TikTok for more updates and behind-the-scenes content. In Puregold’s “Got My Eyes on You,” fans witness the many realities of modern dating.
MR.DIY executives and school representatives proudly led the turnover of the first-ever MR.DIY Science Laboratory at Ciriaco P. Tinga Elementary School, marking a milestone in the company’s commitment to education and community building.
The UAE Embassy, in cooperation with Josie Conlu, (Community Director of Infinite Communities, 7th from left), joined local partners in organizing relief operations for earthquake-affected families in Cebu.
Japan fortifies islands near Taiwan as China tensions hit decade high
By Alastair Gale
AS military tensions between China and Japan reach the highest level in more than a decade, the sparsely populated island of Yonaguni finds itself right on the front lines.
Sitting just 110 kilometers (68 miles) east of Taiwan, Yonaguni marks the tail end of an archipelago stretching north to Japan’s main islands, a distance roughly equivalent to the length of the California coastline. Ever since former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taipei in 2022 prompted China to fire missiles that landed near Yonaguni, Japan has accelerated plans for its largest military buildup in at least four decades.
Up and down the 160-strong Ryukyu island chain, Japan is quickly putting in place missile batteries, radar towers, ammunition storage sites and other combat facilities. It’s also beginning to deploy major military assets on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, including F-35 fighter jets and long-range missiles, as well as expanding its version of the US Marine Corps, known as the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade.
The race to fortify the islands is raising the stakes of the current spat between Asia’s biggest economies, as Beijing ramps up pressure to force Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to retract remarks suggesting that Japan might deploy its military if China one day attempts to seize Taiwan. Over the weekend, a Chinese fighter aircraft locked its weapons-targeting radar on Japanese warplanes, showing the risk of miscalculation if tensions persist.
“China’s People’s Liberation Army is undoubtedly building up its ability to force Taiwan into submission,” said Koichi Isobe, a former lieutenant general in Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force. “Japan, the United States, and other Western countries must show China their strong resolve to oppose any actions that seek to change the status quo.”
A subtropical island known mostly for endangered wild horses and dive spots with hammerhead sharks, Yonaguni is now seeing new apartment buildings sprouting up to house troops for a military base
established in 2016. Over the next year, some 30 staff will join the nearly 230 already on site to accommodate an electronic warfare division, and more are expected to follow with the planned deployment of anti-air missiles.
Some of the 1,500 or so residents on the island are becoming more nervous at the infusion of arms, and have sought more clarity from Japanese officials on future plans. On a warm December evening earlier this month, about 80 locals gathered at a community hall for an “explanation meeting,” at which Defense Ministry officials told them why it was necessary to deploy troops, anti-air missiles and weapons that use electromagnetic waves to jam enemy communications and targeting capabilities.
Some residents voiced concerns over the dangers of an enhanced military presence, with one saying Takaichi should’ve kept quiet. But others such as Shigeru Yonahara, a 63-year-old car mechanic and town council member, agreed with the Defense Ministry’s position. A few days prior to the meeting, Japan’s military reported that it spotted a suspected Chinese drone near the island.
“Right now we’re defenseless,” he said in an interview. “We need the electronic warfare unit to disable threats like drones.”
Since Takaichi’s remarks triggered a backlash from China, she has repeatedly asserted that Japan hasn’t changed its policy toward Taiwan or made any new commitment on when it might deploy its military. However, her remarks have highlighted how closely the security of Japan and Taiwan are connected.
While Japan maintains a doctrine of strict self-defense, in 2015 the government of thenPrime Minister Shinzo Abe oversaw a landmark legal change that allowed the military to aid friendly nations in a situation where Japan’s own survival could also be at stake. Before Takaichi took power in October,
If Japan plays a supporting role in any US-led defense of Taiwan, the new electronic warfare unit on Yonaguni could transform the island from a passive observation post into an active “kill chain” enabler that could feed precise targeting data to Japanese and US missile batteries, according to FranzStefan Gady, an adjunct fellow at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington-based research group. That could make it a key priority for China, he said, calling it a “high-priority target for early neutralization.”
Abe and successive leaders had avoided giving specific scenarios under which “collective selfdefense” would be applied, aware that doing so might stoke tensions with China.
But in private, government officials and security analysts have long mentioned that one scenario could be an Americanled defense of Taiwan, given Japan’s proximity to the island democracy and its own dependence on the US for security. Any prospect that American forces would fail to stop a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would therefore inevitably put Japan’s own security at risk.
Japan would have little choice but to support the US in a conflict regardless of how it is viewed by Tokyo, according to Kyoko Hatakeyama, a former Japanese government analyst who is now a professor of international relations at Niigata University. “If we decline the US request, that would mean the end of the alliance,” she said. “And the United States might not even protect Japan in the case of China’s attack on Japan.”
The military buildup has attracted heated debate in parliament. Last month, the head of Japan’s opposition Communist Party said the government’s defense plans were creating a “missile archipelago.” Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has rejected that description, saying Japan was deploying its forces in line with other countries. During a recent visit to Yonaguni, he said plans to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles on the island were intended to reduce the likelihood of attacks on Japan.
Tension over Taiwan has its origin in agreements that ended World War II — history that Chinese President Xi Jinping is now seeking to bend to his advantage. In conversations with US President Donald Trump and other leaders, Xi has argued that China helped defeat Japan and two wartime statements — the Potsdam Declaration and the Cairo Declaration — made clear that Beijing has sovereignty over Taiwan.
As part of its response, some Chinese officials have indicated that World War II-era declarations also raise doubts about Japan’s sovereignty over Yonaguni and other islands in the Ryukyu chain. Last month, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian posted on X a quote from the 1945 Potsdam Declaration, which said Japanese sovereignty should be limited to the country’s four main islands “and such minor islands as we determine.”
Japan, the US and Taiwan
reject China’s assertions, pointing to the San Francisco Peace Treaty as a legally binding agreement. Signed in 1951 by Japan and almost 50 allied nations, it states that Tokyo “renounces all rights, title and claim” to Taiwan, but doesn’t specify to whom. It also placed the Ryukyu islands under US administration, paving the way for American military bases primarily located on the island of Okinawa. The islands were returned to Japan in 1972.
Beijing rejects the San Francisco treaty, with the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo last month posting that it was merely an “invalid scrap of paper.” China retains active claims to the Senkaku Islands, known as the Diaoyu Islands to Beijing, which sit to the north of Yonaguni. Those islands fall under the US-Japan mutual defense treaty, a position that Trump’s envoy to Japan, George Glass, reaffirmed last month. China has also sought to play on tensions between indigenous islanders and the militaries of both Japan and the US. Last month, Chinese state-run tabloid Global Times appeared to call for Ryukyu independence in a Weibo post, saying “only the Ryukyu people themselves can decide the fate of Ryukyu.”
A prominent Chinese state media journalist also questioned Japan’s sovereignty over the islands in a 12-minute television segment, saying they were “turned into a huge military base with its indigenous people forced to endure deep-rooted discrimination.”
Those debates are most prevalent on Okinawa, the center of American and Japanese military power on the archipelago, where major US Marine Corps and other military bases would likely provide the first response in any conflict over Taiwan if Washington chooses to intervene. Japan is also building up its own military presence on the island: Last year, it inaugurated an antiship missile base that serves as a command center for similar outposts on the islands of Ishigaki, Miyako and AmamiOshima.
Hiroyuki Teruya, a 73-yearold former college professor, has led demonstrations against a Japanese missile base in the city of Uruma on Okinawa. He worries that the militarization of Japan’s southern islands will lead to a repeat of the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the final land offensive by the US in the Pacific War that resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians.
All three of Teruya’s uncles were killed in that conflict. Plans for evacuation shelters on Japan’s southern islands were a hopeless attempt to protect
completely disregarding the consensus in Japan,” said Arakaki, referring to Chinese statements on the sovereignty of Japanese islands. “What we’re seeing is a country that won’t accept anything unless its own demands are met.”
locals against new bloodshed, Teruya said. Rather than trying to deter China and preparing for conflict with a stronger military, Japan should prioritize diplomacy to avoid war, he said.
“After 80 years, it’s come to this,” he said. “Are they going to make Okinawa a battlefield once again?”
Historical memories remain a strong influence on older Japanese, who identify more closely than younger generations with Japan’s post-World War II rejection of militarism. In 1947, Japan adopted a pacifist constitution that remains unchanged to this day.
Younger Japanese, however, are largely supportive of Japan’s military build-up. A poll conducted by the Sankei newspaper and Fuji News Network on Nov. 22-23 found that 83.2% of respondents aged between 18 and 29 supported Takaichi’s plans to increase defense spending — nearly double that of those older than 70. Takaichi has pledged to reach defense spending worth 2% of gross domestic product this fiscal year, two years ahead of schedule.
Okinawa has a far higher concentration of military bases than any other prefecture in Japan, most of them American. Ayako Arakaki, a local lawmaker in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said that widely held perceptions that Okinawans are opposed to bases are inaccurate. Arakaki said that the sound of fighter jets scrambling from a base near her office in response to Chinese military activity near Japan is a reminder of the challenge.
“China has long made claims that are out of step with the international community,
If Japan plays a supporting role in any US-led defense of Taiwan, the new electronic warfare unit on Yonaguni could transform the island from a passive observation post into an active “kill chain” enabler that could feed precise targeting data to Japanese and US missile batteries, according to FranzStefan Gady, an adjunct fellow at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington-based research group. That could make it a key priority for China, he said, calling it a “high-priority target for early neutralization.”
On Yonaguni, the debate over Japan’s military presence came t o a head in a mayoral election this summer. The victor, Tsuneo Uechi, campaigned on a more cautious approach to the buildup, replacing a hawkish incumbent. In an interview, Uechi said he accepted that existing plans for electronic warfare and medium range antiair missile units would help defend the island, and he also welcomed the arrival of younger people from the military on an island where most people are much older.
Still, he said, further moves to install anti-ship batteries like those positioned on other islands would add to the “psychological stress” of locals, he said. The meeting between the Defense Ministry and the locals earlier this month came in response to Uechi’s request to the government for more openness about its plans.
“These developments are not intended to attack any other country,” Kouzou Shimo, a Japanese Defense Ministry official, told residents at the meeting. “It is purely for us to defend ourselves in a crisis.”
The previous mayor, Keniichi Itokazu, says Takaichi didn’t go far enough in indicating her support for Taiwan. He wants additional missile systems on Yonaguni and joint military exercises involving Japanese, US and Taiwanese forces.
“Japan alone cannot defend itself,” Itokazu said. “The US–Japan alliance creates the deterrence that prevents China from making moves toward Taiwan or the Ryukyus.” With assistance from Colum Murphy, James Mayger and Akemi Terukina/Bloomberg
YONAGUNI sits just 110 kilometers east of Taiwan. FRED MERY/BLOOMBERG
Ando, shooters, runners impress
B ANGKOK—A program that started with a lot of promise in pandemic 2021 came crashing down in two hours on Monday night as the Alas Pilipinas Women yielded, 26-28, 25-13, 28-30, 24-26, to Indonesia to again go home without a medal from the Southeast Asian Games. The skills and chemistry that produced medals last year and early this year in the Asian and regional levels were there, but only in flashes and spurts as the national volleybelles plunged into action in the 33rd edition of the games lacking in training as a full team. Respect the national team,” Brazilian head coach Jorge Souza de Brito told Filipino reporters after the less. H e tried his best to hold his emotions.
Just like every Filipino…you can feel super bad more than ever, but you know, it’s a game,” he said. “It’s super hard. I feel really bad. But the national team is much more than this.”
The last time the Philippines medalled in women’s volleyball in the SEA Games was in Manila 2005—before that, Filipino volleybelles were among the best in the region with 13 medals, six of them golds with the last one won in Singapore in 1993. SEA Games first-timers Angel Canino and Amie Provido poured their hearts out in the game and finished with 14 points each plus a combined 20 of 54 attack points for Alas, which never got the luxury to practice as a full team ideally long enough because a professional league back home prevented them from doing so.
A lyssa Solomon, who also debuted
in the biennial meet, added 12 points while Bella Belen and Eya Laure scored nine and eight, respectively.
Megawati exploded for 26 points, 22 on kills with four kill blocks, in the bronze medal-clinching victory for Indonesia.
A las failed to sustain the momentum from the second set after crumbling down the stretch in the extended third and fourth frames.
They rallied from a 16-19 deficit and leveled the fourth set at 23 after Indonesia committed an error, but Hangestri Pertiwi Megawati put the Indonesians at match point before Belen forced a deuce. Jun Lomibao
BBy Josef Ramos
ANGKOK—The men’s 5x5 national team survived a scare from a vastly-improved Vietnam team that was in control in the first half but eventually faded in the final quarters in the face of what the Vietnamese head coach as sheer talent displayed by the Filipinos.
“ We just want to be scrappy all the time, put pressure on the most talented team in Asia and that gave us the confidence to compete against other players,” said Vietnam’s long time American head coach Matt Van Pelt after the Philippines’ 78-67 win. We knew they only had a few times in practice, but Filipinos are all really talented in basketball,” he added.
R obert Bolick scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, highlighted by back-to-back triples that helped Gilas Pilipinas create separation from the pesky Vietnamese and emerge unbeaten in two games Group A heading into the semifinals.
I don’t expect any game to be easy especially that we’ve been together for a short per iod of time,” Philippines head coach Norman Black said after the game
witnessed by a loudly-cheering Filipino crowd at the Nimibutr Stadium.
So every game is going to be a challenge for us so we have to grab and win the basketball for us,” he said.
Center JP Erram led scoring with 15 points with five rebounds and two steals, while Matthew Wright added 14 points on four triples and forward Jamie Malonzo piled up 10 points and eight rebounds.
We can no longer hang up from the past now against this team,” Black said. “We must win every quarter and play good basketball every minute.”
Six-foot-eight Huyn Phu Vinh Nguyen looked unstoppable in the middle to lead his team with 19 points and 10 rebounds—mostly on incursions and even from the outside that squeezed the most out of Gilas big men Erram and Justin Chua.
The Vietnamese whirled around the Filipinos’ defense to go ahead, 21-16 and 41-37 in the first two quarters and eved led by as many as 38-24 with four and a half minutes left in the second quarter.
We struggled again defensively, and it is something that we have to fix in the next couple of days in practice,” added Black, whose team will face either
By Jun Lomibao
Hussein Loraña and Naomi Marjorie Cesar burned the track in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. Gilas Pilipinas, on the other hand, survived a scare from a most unlikely threat Vietnam and the Alas Pilipinas Women are going home scorned all on Monday when the Philippines made a
medal at the Chonburi Sports School. A ndo won the second SEA Games gold of her career, having previously won in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia in the 59-kg category.
“ I got motivation from my first attempt…it’s the first lift that weighs the heaviest, it makes you think about a lot of things,” said Ando, who bagged bronze at the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games.
N guyen Thi Thuy Tien of Vietnam clinched the silver with 98-121-219, while Thanaporn Saetia of Thailand wound up with the bronze with a lift of 98-120-218.
T he practical shooting team of Rolly Tecson, Edcel Gino, Erin Micor and Genesis Pible were a class act at the Eastern National Sports Training Center also in Chonburi. World champion Tecson dominated the men’s
BANGKOK—Alex Eala played true to form in her singles debut at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games with a methodical 6-3, 6-1 victory over Malaysia’s Shihomi Leong in a tennis quarterfinals match on Monday at the National Tennis Development Center n Nonthanburi.
Vietnam, which placed third in Group A at 0-2, or the second placer in Group B.
The group winners advance to the semifinals while the second and third placers meet in a crossover quarterfinals to determine the two other seats in the final four.
Group B has of host Thailand (2-0), Indonesia (1-1), Singapore (1-1) and Myanmar (0-2). Malaysia, which Gilas defeated 83-58, placed second in Group A at 1-1 while Vietnam dropped all two matches but still made the semifinals.
“ I’m very happy with the first round, it presented good challenges and I’m happy with the crowd, there were so many of them…thank you for the support,” she said.
E ala forged a duel with home bet Thasasporn Naklo in the semifinals where she hopes to improve on her bronze-medal finish at the 2022 edition in Vietnam.
Eala teamed up with Niño Alcantara and dazzled anew for a 6-4, 6-3 win over Singapore’s Daniel Abadia and Wei Choo in the mixed doubles quarterfinals.
E ala and Alcantara, who also medalled in the Asian Games in 2023, assured themselves of a podium finish by advancing to the semifinals.
BANGKOK—The women’s football team embarks on “Mission: History” in its historic gold medal match—a first-ever in Philippine history—against defending champion Vietnam on Tuesday in Chonburi.
“Coming in, our goal was to win our final match [of the tournament and we plan to do that,” said skipper Hali Long after the Filipinas beat host Thailand on penalties, 4-2, after a 1-1 tie at the end of extra time in their thrilling semifinal duel last Sunday.
A dramatic come-from-behind victory on the Thais’ own turf—also marked by a stellar 1-0 upset of host New Zealand at the
FIFA Women’s World Cup two years ago— set the country up for a shot at SEA Games glory on at the Chonburi Daikin Stadium
Before the games, the Filipinas’ best performance in the SEA Games was a bronze finish in 2021 in Hanoi—although they made the podium in Bangkok in 1985, finishing behind Thailand and Singapore in a three-team field.
The 20-year-old, who didn’t play in the team event, flashed the form that saw her jump to No. 53 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) ranking—the best by a Filipina—to make the victory look easy. E ala and Alcantara, meanwhile, leaned on familiarity with each other in disposing of the Singaporeans.
“ We were just having fun,” Alcantara said. “What we did in Asian Games [Hangzhou 2023], that’s why we got the bronze, because we were just having fun, enjoying the game.”
“ We were just swinging freely.” Alcantara said. “My chemistry with Alex, it’ still the same. I still know her as this baby girl in Valle Verde.” I n another match, Alexa Milliam showed tremendous fight before losing to WTA No. 54 Janice Tjen of Indonesia, 3-6, 4-6. A ction resumes Tuesday with the women’s singles semifinals and men’s and women’s doubles quarterfinals. Jun Lomibao
The men’s under 22 team, however, couldn’t do the same against Vietnam in Monday’s semifinals. For a good 87 minutes, the Philippines was in the hunt for also a historic ticket to the SEA Games gold medal match, but very late in the erstwhile evenly fought contest, the Vietnamese punched through the
