HE Supreme Court has directed the Palace and both chambers of Congress to comment on the petition seeking to declare as unconstitutional Republic Act No. 12116, otherwise known as the General Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2025.
The order was issued following the Court’s regular en banc session on Tuesday prior to the conduct of the oral arguments on the petitions questioning the constitutionality of the insertions in the unprogrammed appropriations in the 2024 Gen -
eral Appropriations Act (GAA) amounting to hundreds of billions of pesos, as well as the order to transfer the P89.9-billion unutilized funds of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) to the national treasury.
The respondents—the House of Representatives headed by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Senate of the Philippines represented by Senate President Francis Escudero and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin—were given a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt of notice.
The petitioners, led by former Executive Secretary and
2025 senatorial candidate Victor Victor Rodriguez and Davao City Third District Rep. Isidro Ungab, argued that the 2025 GAA is unconstitutional for failing to allocate mandatory funding for PhilHealth, unlawfully increasing appropriations beyond the President’s recommendations and allocating the highest budget to infrastructure over education. Specifically, the petitioners argued that the 2025 GAA violated Article XIV, Section 5 (5) of the Constitution, as the budget appropriations to the education sector were merely bloated to give the impression of a “superficial adherence to the con -
stitutional mandate” to assign the highest budgetary priority to education. They added that the 2025 GAA also violated Article VI, Section 25 (1) of the Constitution when the respondents aligned the proposed appropriations under the 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP), which in effect increased the proposed budget appropriations for Congress and other line agencies. The 2025 budget, according to the petitioners, also violated Article VI, Section 27 of the Constitution when the Bicameral Conference Committee submitted a report with blank items on the GAA Bill.
Latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed the outstanding debt climbed to P16.051 trillion as of end-2024, 9.8 percent or P1.435 trillion higher than the P14.616 trillion recorded in end-2023. The P1.31-trillion net issuance of debt instruments and the P208.73 billion valuation effect of the US dollar strengthening pushed up the government’s debt stock year-on-year.
The Treasury said the current debt level is aligned with the government’s projections of a P16.06-trillion end-year debt level for 2024. However, the debt-to-GDP ratio, or debt measured against economic growth, of 60.7 percent is higher than the 60.6 percent target after the lower-than-expected economic growth of 5.6 percent in the fourth quarter. This is also above the internationally accepted threshold of 60 percent.
The ratio is used to evaluate the country’s economic stability and debt repayment ability—wherein a lower ratio indicates a more sustainable debt level, which can affect its ability to source financing, attract foreign investments and pay off its obligations.
“The minimal deviation from the programmed debt underscores the national government’s effective cash and debt management strategies, including its proactive management of the level and timing of its external debt issuances amidst volatile exchange rate environment,” the Treasury said.
The government’s debt, broken down, was composed of 68.10 percent in external obligations and 31.90 percent in domestic securities. Domestic debt reached P10.930
FILIPINOS living in Bataan, Laguna, and Batanes are among those who enjoy higher per capita GDP than the national average in 2023, according to the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
PSA said six provinces enjoyed higher per capita GDP compared to the national average of P186,476 in 2023. These provinces were led by Bataan with an estimated per capita GDP of P314,641.
This was followed by Laguna with a per capita GDP of P294,388; Batanes, P286,386; Pampanga, P229,778; Misamis Occidental, P199,106; and
Batangas, P197,984.
“These six provinces were the only provincial economies which registered per capita GDP higher than the national level in 2023,” PSA said.
In 2023, the total GDP of all provinces was estimated at P11.8 trillion or 56.1 percent of the national GDP in 2023.
Among the provinces, Laguna posted the highest economic value, hitting P1.03 trillion in 2023, the first time any province exceeded a GDP of P1 trillion.
“This sustained its record as the largest economy among the 82 provinces with 4.9 percent share, in terms of share to the national GDP,” PSA said.
Cavite and Batangas followed Laguna, and posted the second and third largest shares to the country’s 2023 GDP value at 3.7 percent and 3.1 percent shares, respectively.
Other provinces which composed the top 10 were Batangas with a share of 3.1 percent; Bulacan, 3 percent; Pampanga, 2.7 percent; Cebu, 2 percent; Pangasinan, 1.8 percent; Rizal, 1.7 percent; Nueva Ecija, 1.5 percent; and Bataan, 1.3 percent.
“These 10 provinces accounted [for]around one-fourth or 25.6 percent of the national GDP,” the PSA said. Meanwhile, in terms of GDP
emissions in the logistics sector in 25 years or by 2050. The experts also said the new International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets also include a 20 to 30 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and 70 percent reduction by 2040.
“This concentration of maritime activity places a significant responsibility on Asian countries to lead the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector,”
PHL debt hits P16.05T in ’24, or 60.7% of GDP
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trillion as of the end of 2024, higher by 9.1 percent than the P10.017 trillion in end-2023.
The net issuance of domestic securities contributed P905.31 billion to the annual increase, while local currency depreciation increased the peso valuation of outstanding foreign currencydenominated domestic securities by P7.18 billion, according to the Treasury. Meanwhile, external debt expanded by 11.4 percent year-onyear to P5.120 trillion in end2024 from P4.598 trillion.
The Treasury said the increase was mainly due to P401.74 billion in net external debt availments, while peso depreciation against the US dollar increased external debt valuation by P201.55 billion. Meanwhile, third-currency adjustments provided a P80.74-billion downward valuation offset.
The outstanding debt is seen to reach P20.7 trillion by the end of the Marcos Jr. administration.
The country’s debt-to-GDP, meanwhile, is projected at 60.4 percent in 2025, 60.2 percent in 2026 and 56.3 percent in 2028, according to the Department of Finance.
NFA to release rice at P33 per kilo to LGUs, Kadiwa
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
THENational Food Authority
(NFA) will release rice buffer stock to local government units, Kadiwa stores, and government entities at P33 per kilo following the food security emergency declaration.
NFA Acting Department Manager Roy Untiveros explained that the initial recommended P38 per kilo selling price was adjusted downward to fast-track the release of stocks and create space ahead of the upcoming harvest season.
The rice stocks would be sold by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Food Terminal In-
DA adjusts…
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corporated (FTI) to LGUs, Kadiwa, and government entities, where consumers could purchase at P35 per kilo.
“Hopefully, this will have an effect on the prices of rice now,”
Untiveros told reporters in a press conference in Quezon City on Tuesday.
The NFA plans to release 150,000 metric tons (MT) of rice in six
rice variety could settle at P45 per kilo. The agency has yet to set a price for the 25 percent broken rice grains.
months, which is 50 percent of its current 300,000 MT buffer stock stored in warehouses.
“Based on the actual average buying price of NFA for 2024, our estimated loss per kilo is at 12 to 15 pesos,” he said.
Untiveros said they had sent letters to LGUs in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Cavite inviting them to participate in the sale of rice stocks.
The DA declared on Monday a food security emergency on rice due to the “extraordinary spike” in the price of the country’s food staple despite the easing of global rice quotations and slashed rice tariffs to 15 percent. This would allow the agency to release rice buffer stocks held by the NFA.
Under RA 12078, the DA should replenish the used buffer stock with locally produced rice from farmers or cooperatives, or it can import rice when the supply of locally produced
“That’s a probability considering the decline [in global rice prices] was very sharp,” De Mesa said in a previous interview.
rice is not enough.
‘Repeal EO 62’–Sinag
THE Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) has thrown its support behind the food security emergency declaration but called for the rescinding of Executive Order (EO) 62, which reduced rice tariffs to 15 percent until 2028.
“The emergency declaration is a direct admission from the government that tariff reduction and unlimited imports have not lowered rice prices,” Sinag said in a statement.
“Repealing EO62 will provide additional revenues for the government that is earmarked to directly support our rice farmers.”
The group also called for the provision of additional funding to the DA so they could purchase more palay from farmers at the floor price of P22 to P23 per kilo.
“[This would help in] safeguarding farmers’ income and supporting local production while pushing for lower rice prices,” Sinag said.
Retail prices of imported premium rice range from P51 to P58 per kilo, based on the government’s latest price monitoring report.
ERC eyeing to finish rate reset, after drawing flak
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Manila City Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. rebuked Non for citing an “error” by the ERC as an excuse.
He said that no rate reset was conducted for either NGCP or Meralco throughout his seven-year tenure at the ERC, attributing it to an error that occurred before he joined the commission. Meanwhile, ERC told lawmakers that its goal is to complete the rate reset for the NGCP by February and for the Meralco by June. During a hearing of the
House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said the ERC en banc has already begun deliberations on the NGCP's fourth regulatory period rate reset last month.
She assured lawmakers that the commission is working diligently to finalize the proceedings to ensure a fair and transparent process for all stakeholders.
A rate reset is a process that the ERC uses to review power rates for power companies.
In H1, some PHL fruits may enter South Korea...
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rus pulp imported from the Philippines may still enjoy a preferential tariff rate under the Philippine-Korea Free Trade Agreement,” the DTIEMB advisory read.
The FTA between the Philippines and South Korea entered into force on December 31, 2024.
The agreement allows the Philippines to export fresh bananas to South Korea at zero duty by January 2028, with tariffs starting at 24 percent upon entry and 18 percent by January 2025, according to DTI.
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growth, the top 10 provinces with the fastest growth was led by Batanes with a GDP growth of 14.5 percent followed by Camiguin with an 11 percent GDP growth.
PSA noted that these two provinces were the only provincial economies which registered
the authors said.
“Reaching zero emissions by 2050 will require massive investment and could lead to higher shipping costs, especially for developing countries in Asia,” they added. The experts said, however, that a “multidimensional crisis is brewing in the shipping industry” due to various challenges, including attaining net zero emissions in 2050.
“With Asia and the Pacific at the center of global trade, addressing these challenges requires innovative strategies from low-carbon fuels to green port infrastructure,” the experts said.
Center of challenge to decarbonize COUNTRIES in the Asia and the Pacific region are at the heart of the maritime industry. This also places them at the center of the challenge to decarbonize the industry.
The authors stressed that countries in the region account for 63 percent of global container trade and manufactures at over 90 percent of shipping capacity.
They also said the region accounts for 49 percent of the world’s port areas as well as 61 percent of the world’s supply of seafarers. This compounds the challenges already faced by the Asia and the Pacific region such as shipping disruptions that have already driven the increase in logistics cost.
Among the major disruptions were the Covid-19 pandemic; geopolitical events in the Red Sea; Russia’s war in Ukraine; and the low water levels in the Panama Canal caused by climate change.
“The first immediate ripple effect is on shipping costs. Disruptions force vessels to reroute, clogging port infrastructure and access to ships and containers, thereby increasing shipping costs,” the authors said.
Domino effect of disruptions THE experts noted that disrupting a million containers can increase container shipping rates by $2,300 per container. This was according to the World Bank’s stress index and the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index.
They added that expensive shipping costs leads to faster inflation. Based on the IMO, the experts said inflation increases by 0.7 percentage points when freight rates double. The most affected are the poorest due to expensive processed food. The experts said the poor can see a 1.3 percent increase in processed food costs this year due to higher shipping costs.
Meanwhile, DTI said in an earlier statement that South Korea will benefit from the FTA through lower duties on automotive vehicles, parts and components, especially for commercial passenger and transport vehicles.
“This will lead to cheaper costs for vehicle assemblers and car owners. The FTA positions South Korean automakers to better compete with established players from Japan, the United States, and China,” the Philippine Trade department said.
a double-digit annual growth in 2023. Also included in the top 10 were Aklan with a GDP growth of 9.5 percent; Nueva Vizcaya, 8.7 percent; Ilocos Norte, 8.6 percent, Ilocos Sur, 8.5 percent, Eastern Samar, 8.1 percent; Guimaras, 7.9 percent; Catanduanes, 7.6 percent; and Romblon, 7.3 percent.
“All provinces included in the top 10 registered annual growth faster than the national GDP growth rate of 5.5 per -
“Frequent maritime disruptions create a longer-term hostile environment for trade competitiveness. Small island developing states and landlocked states lose shipping connectivity, and trade suffers,” the experts said. The experts also said challenges include connectivity improvements that have stagnated in the Asia and the Pacific region. This was based on the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index which measures shipping connections using ship calls, shipping capacity, and service frequency.
In the last decade, the experts said 17 Asian economies experienced a decline in connectivity with small island developing states disproportionately affected. This disparity is even more apparent at the port level. A 2024 survey of over 300 Asian ports showed that 74 percent fall below the global average for connectivity.
cent,” PSA said. In 2023, PSA said 68 out of 82 provinces in the Philippines were predominantly Services-based. This means that Services-related activities contributed the largest to the GDP of most of the provinces in 2023. Meanwhile, only nine provinces and five provinces out of the total provincial economies were Industry-based and Agriculture, forestry and fishing (AFF)-based, respectively. Cai U. Ordinario
CCG ships now out of PH EEZ but...
By Rex Anthony Naval
THE two China Coast Guard (CCG) ships operating in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) have already left, the Coast Guard (PCG) said on Tuesday.
However, the Armed Forces (AFP) reported the sighting of Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy warships in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc on Monday.
“The PCG vessel, BRP Cabra [MRRV-4409], undertook a vigilant operation yesterday [Monday], closely shadowing CCG vessels 3301 and 3104 until their exit from the Philippine EEZ,” the agency said.
The PCG also maintained that throughout this operation, the intruding Chinese vessels were radio challenged, stressing their absence of legal authority to patrol the area as stipulated by the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
“According to Dark Vessel Detection data, as of 7:00 a.m. today
[Tuesday] the CCG vessels were tracked at distances of 61 nautical miles and 81 nautical miles from Guangdong Province, China, respectively,” it added.
While Chinese coast guard vessels withdrew from the Philippines’ EEZ, three PLAN ships, including a guided missile cruiser, were spotted in the Philippine territorial waters, the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) reported.
In addition, the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) said the BRP Jose Rizal crew also monitored and challenged the three Chinese warships near Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales, on Monday. Wesmincom, in a statement, said the three Chinese warships, first monitored in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Sunday, entered the Philippine territorial waters navigating through Mindoro Strait towards Sulu Sea.
The PLAN ships were identified as one Renhai Class guided missile cruiser, one Jiankai Class Frigate II, and one Type 903 Fuchi Class Replenishment Oiler.
The three Chinese ships were “traversing the internal waters of the country,” the Wesmincom chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, said.
Nafarettete added that these Chinese warships were expected to be transiting through the international passages within the maritime domain of the Westmincom, the Sibutu Passage, and the Basilan Strait.
He said that while the transit of vessels of other countries is allowed, Nafarette pointed out that China had no diplomatic coordination with the Philippines and its vessels maintained “unusually” slow speed of four to five knots.
“This is not consistent with the principles of innocent passage which requires continuous and expeditious passage and that the vessel should not linger in archipelagic waters longer than necessary,” Nafarrete stressed.
Two Air Force (PAF) reconnaisance aircraft consisting of one Cessna C-208 and one Nomad N22 to monitor the passage
of the PLAN vessels within the country’s territorial waters. Wemincom’s Joint Task Force Poseidon also sent Navy (PN) ships to challenge and shadow the Chinese warships.
PLAN responded and invoked freedom of navigation and innocent passage, Nafarrete added.
Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) meanwhile reported that BRP Jose Rizal crew also monitored and challenged the three Chinese warships near Bajo de Masinloc on Monday.
“While conducting patrols at approximately 57 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc, BRP Jose Rizal [FF150] warned off and issued consecutive radio challenges to three China’s PLAN ships spotted in the area. One of these is a guided missile Jiangkai II Class frigate, Dali [FFG-553],” it said.
“The presence of the PLAN in the area reflects the People’s Republic of China’s complete disregard for international law and undermines the peace and stability in the region,” it added.
Senators: Resetting of BARMM polls needed to resolve issues
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
WITH the six-month deferment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) reset to elections to October 2025, senators expressed hope that the period, albeit brief, will allow the Commission Elections and the local officials in the region to thresh out outstanding issues that emerged as a result of the Supreme Court decision to exclude Sulu from the region.
Senators on Monday voted on third and final reading to approve the bill resetting the elections, originally set for May, to October 13, 2025.
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa had batted for a one-year deferment to May 2026, but his amendment was rejected, so October 2026 became the new election date to
pick the members of the BARMM parliament.
In a manifestation on the floor late Monday, dela Rosa explained why he voted “yes” to Senate Bill 2942, resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“Mr. President, from the start, it was never a question of if the BARMM elections must be reset. It was a question of when it must be reset. And yes, Senate Bill 2942 offers itself as an answer to that question,” dela Rosa said.
Despite the non-acceptance of his proposed amendment to push back the elections by a full one year, dela Rosa thanked principal sponsor, Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, “for reading my proposed amendment to postpone the BARMM election to May 2026 last Tuesday.”
He said, partly in Filipino, “we cannot deny that the Supreme
Court decision detaching Sulu from BARMM [caused] widespread anxiety among our Muslim brothers in BARMM and Sulu. This confusion in itself is already a disturbance of the peace. And it should go without saying, Mr. President, that we cannot afford to lose the peace we have worked so hard to achieve. We cannot lose our peace to a war, nor can we lose it on account of widespread technical confusion.”
Sen. Dela Rosa then drew attention to two issues that he believed authorities should take urgent note of: to respond to this anxiety, and clarify the situation.
“Clearly, Mr. President, both things require time. Time to discuss, to clarify, and time to facilitate. And today, time is what this bill provides. Rushing things ruins things,” according to one saying.
He expressed hope that, “As we give BARMM the time that they need for their elections, we usher
Go hails Senate OK of Magna Carta for BHWs
ON Monday, the Senate approved on third and final reading Senate Bill 2838, or the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), a measure that institutionalizes compensation and benefits for community health volunteers.
In his manifestation as chairman of the Senate Health Committee, Sen. Christopher Go, one of the authors and co-sponsors of the bill, emphasized the vital role of BHWs in delivering primary healthcare services, especially in underserved communities.
“Barangay health workers serve
as the frontliners in the barangay in providing basic health services,” Go said.
He acknowledged the dedication of BHWs, who, despite receiving little to no incentives, continue their service out of sheer commitment to their communities.
Go lamented the financial struggles faced by many BHWs, who often endure economic hardships while providing critical services to the public.
Currently, BHWs are classified only as volunteers, receiving little to no government support despite their essential function in the
in both the passage of this bill, as well as, the continued efforts to secure peace in Mindanao.”
Also on Monday, Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri said the recent SC ruling separating Sulu from BARMM “necessitates a reconfiguration of the composition of the Bangsamoro Parliament.” Zubiri, known as the “Father of the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” said he supported the resetting of the first regular elections in area for this reason.
“We need time to reconfigure that composition of the Bangsamoro Parliament to address the parliamentary seats that would have belonged to Sulu. We must also consider the legislative representation of the special geographic areas that we are trying to establish as a new province in the Bangsamoro to make sure that they are not disfranchised when it comes to the elections,” Zubiri explained.
compensation for our heroes in the barangay,” he said.
healthcare system. The measure aims to change this by granting them a monthly honorarium of at least P3,000, transportation allowance, subsistence and hazard pay for qualified BHWs, insurance coverage, and an annual cash gift, among other benefits.
Go underscored the urgency of passing the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers to ensure that their sacrifices are properly compensated, rather than remaining empty promises.
“It is only imperative for us to listen to their needs. It is high time that we institutionalize
Justice for those wrongfully detained, convicted at hand
PUSHING the initiative to give justice and higher monetary compensation to those who are wrongfully convicted or illegally detained, the Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading Senate Bill 2920 that expands the benefits of persons wrongfully convicted.
Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, sponsor of the bill, said the measure strengthens support for individuals who are victims of wrong conviction or unjust detention by amending Republic Act 7309, the law that established the Board of Claims under the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The measure seeks justice for those who have been unjustly accused, convicted, and imprisoned but later released through acquittal. It also covers individuals who were detained and released without being charged, those subjected to arbitrary or illegal detention and released without charges, and victims of violent crimes. The Board of Claims was established under the Office of the Secretary of Justice in 1992, and created to implement the national government’s Victims’ Compensation Program. Pimentel said the time has come to modernize and expand
the scope of Republic Act 7309, in line with the principles of liberality, generosity and fairness.
The measure aims to: 1) Increase the amount of compensation from PI,000 to PI0,000 per month for victims of unjust imprisonment or detention; 2) Increase the maximum amount of compensation that the Board of Claims may approve in all the other cases from PI0,000 to P50,000, or the amount necessary to reimburse the claimant for the expenses incurred for hospitalization medical treatment, loss of wage, loss of support, and other expenses directly related to the
‘Govt not totally helpless vs fake news, disinformation’
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE national government is not totally helpless in going after masterminds of fake news and disinformation, an expert from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said, as he showed lawmakers a “tool” that can easily detect deepfake videos.
CICC cyber security analyst Jan Marcelo Reyes said this app that the Department of Information, Communication and Technology (DICT) acquired can be used by law enforcement and other related agencies.
The Tricom, composed of the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, on Information and Communications Technology, and on Public Information, on Tuesday started its hearing on remedial regulations that seek to address the proliferation of fake news and misinformation on social media.
Marcelo said that all that a person has to do with their software app is to “activate the tool” and run through the concerned video, in which case the tool will be able to verify if it is fake within 30 seconds and show the results by putting a red X on the lower right portion of the computer screen.
“It takes snapshots of the video and detects it if it is fake eventually,” he explained.
Reyes showed and compared the fake and original videos that became viral on social media, among them those of Hollywood A-lister actor Tom Cruise and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, which people around the world could have easily believed.
CICC executive director Alexander Ramos said this could help the government go after scammers.
“This is a tool that we can run on computers, and this can detect deepfake videos. This can be installed, and it acts as an antivirus. We can disseminate this to different watchdogs. The more, the merrier. We will have a community of fact-checkers,” he explained.
Information and Communications
Technology Secretary Ivan Uy, on the other hand, clarified to lawmakers that the department is still in the process of acquiring licensed software for the app.
“Right now, it’s not a freeware. Maybe we can make it more affordable. We were just the ones who were first to purchase.”
At the same time, Uy also called on officials and members of the House of Representatives to craft legislation
The senator expressed confidence that the passage of the bill would mark a significant miletone in formally recognizing the contributions of BHWs to the country’s healthcare system.
“This will be a landmark legislation that would recognize Barangay Health Workers as unsung heroes who work tirelessly to ensure that essential health services are delivered in the community,” Go said.
He also highlighted the struggles BHWs faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, stressing their indispensable role in vaccination efforts and health monitoring at the barangay level.
injury, whichever is higher; 3) Lengthen the period within which the victims could file a claim from six months to one year after being released from imprisonment or detention, or from the date the victim suffered damage or injury; and 4) Allow the person to file his or her claim remotely, subject to the rules and regulations which shall be promulgated by the Board of Claims.
“So more than ever, the Filipino people must be reminded that we are a country of laws and not of men. We are neither a kingdom ruled by a tyrannical monarch, nor a penal colony that ignores the humanity of those under their custody,” Pimentel said in his sponsorship speech. Butch Fernandez
where there will be no more need for the government to act based on a complainant’s suit, precisely because cybercrimes are committed in just a matter of seconds or minutes.
Show cause orders
THE Tricom, meanwhile, issued show cause orders against several social media personalities who refused to appear at a congressional hearing on the widespread dissemination of fake news and online disinformation.
Invoking their right to free expression, at least 39 invited internet influencers and content producers did not attend the House hearing.
Lawmakers issued show cause orders to Elizabeth Joie Cruz (Joie De Vivre), Krizette Laureta Chu, Mark Anthony Lopez, Jun Abines Jr., Dr. Richard Tesoro Mata, Aaron Peña, Suzanne Batalla (IamShanwein), and Ethel Pineda for failing to attend the proceedings.
Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante moved for the issuance of the order, saying, “I dare to make a motion, Mr. Chair, that we issue a show cause order on this Elizabeth Cruz.” The motion was swiftly approved. Abang Lingkod Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano then called for another show cause order, this time against Abines, citing the invalidity of his excuse letter.
“With that excuse letter, Mr. Chairman, I found it not valid, and I move to issue a show cause order for him,” he declared. Lopez also received a show cause order after submitting a letter rejecting the invitation and questioning the hearing’s legal basis. Meanwhile, Chu sent a fourpage explanation but did not cite health or travel-related reasons for her absence. They refused to appear before the committee and instead sent letters citing various justifications for their absence.
Disbarment
THE hearing took a more serious turn when lawmakers tackled Cruz-Angeles’ outright rejection of the invitation, in which she argued that the inquiry was unconstitutional. Paduano questioned whether a lawyer should so easily dismiss Congress’ authority.
“Is she a lawyer?” he asked before moving for a show cause order against her. “Mr. Chairman, I have two motions. My motion is to issue a show cause order to Atty. Trixie Angeles.” The motion was seconded and approved.
See “Fake news,” A4
Pro-Duterte socmed users seek protection from SC
SBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
EVERAL vloggers on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court to immediately issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the House of Representatives from pursuing its investigation on the alleged rampant posting of false and malicious content in social media platforms.
In a 21-page petition filed through their lawyers Geepee Gonzales and Tomas Jose Berenguer, the vloggers argued that the investigation being conducted by the House violates their constitutionally protected rights to free speech, freedom of expression and of the press.
They added that the acts of the respondents leading to the inquiry in aid of legislation “create a chilling effect” on the exercise of their constitutionallyguaranteed freedoms.
Among the petitioners are former Press Secretary Rose Beatrix “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles, Mark Anthony Lopez, Ernesto Abines Jr., Ethel Pineda Garcia, Krizette Laureta Chu, Jonathan Morales, Lorraine Marie Badoy-Partosa, Aeron S. Peña, Nelson Guzmanos, Elizabeth Joie Cruz, Suzanne Batalla, Kester John Tan and George Ahmed Paglinawan.
Named as respondents were Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers and the House of Representatives Joint Committee conducting the inquiry consisting the Committees on Public Order and Safety, on Information and Communications Technology and on Public
Information represented by their chairmen Reps. Dan Fernandez, Tobias Tiangco and Jose Aquino II.
The petitioners noted that the inquiry stemmed from Barber’s privilege speech delivered on December 4, 2024 referring to them as “trolls” and “malicious vloggers” who allegedly attacked him and public officials online.
Barbers, according to the petitioners, vowed to take action against those disregarding the law, calling for accountability and justice for the victims of online harassment. He, likewise, alluded to the group’s purported spreading of fake news and propaganda in favor of China.
The House later adopted a resolution allowing an inquiry in aid of legislation in connection with Barbers’ claims and sent invitations to the petitioners to attend the hearing.
The petitioners said the inquiry specifically violates Article II, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution which provides: “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”
“In this case, it is evident that the threats, inquiry and other acts of the respondents are calculated to drown the voice, if not to totally silence vloggers, including petitioners herein who have the courage to stand up, criticize and offer alternative views to the one preferred by the respondents,” the petitioners pointed out.
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Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Mercado takes over as PhilHealth chief
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
D& Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
@reine_alberto
R . Edwin M. Mercado, a US-trained orthopedic surgeon with decades of experience in hospital management, was appointed on Tuesday as the new president and chief executive officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
Mercado, who replaced Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr., took his oath of office before President Marcos in a ceremony at Malacañang.
The new PhilHealth chief has been in the healthcare industry for 35 years, serving as vice chairman of Mercado General HospitalQualiMed Health Network since 2021. Under his leadership, the network expanded into a national chain of health -
care facilities, including four general hospitals, six multi-specialty clinics, two surgery centers, 150 corporate primary care clinics, a college for paramedical professionals, and a physician practice group of 400 doctors. Mercado is a 1987 graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. He pursued further studies in healthcare systems and policy overseas. Mercado earned his Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery from Harvard Medical School in 2023 and an Executive Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina. Beyond hospital management, Mercado has been involved in public health policy, providing technical assistance to provincial health boards through the Zuellig Family Foundation and the Department of Health’s Centers for Health Development.
He has also served as a faculty lecturer at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health and a guest lecturer at the University of the Philippines College of Public Health.
Mercado takes over PhilHealth as it continues to face financial and operational challenges—particularly in its benefit disbursement amid having zero government subsidy this year.
For 2025, the government-owned and -controlled corporation will continue its operation through its P284 billion corporate operating budget.
Of this figure, P271 billion will be used for benefits expenses, P12.5 billion for administration and personnel services and P200 million for maintenance and other operating expenses.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth said on Tuesday it welcomes the appointment of Mercado as its new president and CEO.
Make legislated wage hike inflation-based–Lacson
AS the first legislated wage hike pends in Congress, a former senator insisted on Tuesday that any such measure—the first since the law establishing regional tripartite wage boards wage was enacted—should yield a number that is “inflation-based.”
“The entire PhilHealth family extends its full support to Doctor Mercado as he steers the Agency to new heights,” the state-run health insurer said.
Mercado, “with his solid experience in the medical field, proven leadership and management expertise, will be able to successfully carry out the mandate of the National Health Insurance Program and fulfill the aspirations of Universal Health Care for the benefit of 115 million Filipinos,” PhilHealth added.
The health insurer also recognized Ledesma, the former president and CEO, who led the agency since July 2023.
“PhilHealth would also like to extend its deep gratitude to outgoing PCEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. who spearheaded very important reforms in the last two years, especially in the area of claims payments and benefit enhancements,” it said.
standard of living may differ from place to place, thus the need to base the wage hike on the effect of inflation on a given area.
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Philippines has no specific textile circularity policy
TBy Bless Aubrey Ogerio
HE Philippines has yet to establish a specific policy on circularity in the textile industry, but the Board of Investments (BOI) is pushing for sustainability initiatives through existing programs and incentives.
BOI executive director Maria Corazon Dichosa said that while circular economy principles are encouraged across industries, efforts rely on broader regulations for ecofriendly initiatives.
“In BOI, we’ve been supporting the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Act, that has transitioned to having more recycling activities in the country,” Dichosa said during a recent forum on sustainable fashion.
agency is also supporting research and development efforts to improve textile recycling, material innovation and waste collection infrastructure.
“It’s not enough that we campaign, but we should also support [the] establishment of collection centers and encourage how consumers can contribute to the effort,” she said, noting that accessible facilities could help integrate circularity into everyday practices.
This, while balancing the welfare of workers and of the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), said Panfilo M. Lacson, who is seeking a Senate comeback this May. Lacson said any legislated wage increase must also give the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) room to determine the wage adjustments.
from A3
Paduano also called for a legal review of Angeles’ actions, potentially leading to a disbarment complaint.
“First, the wage adjustment must be based on the inflation rate in a given area. And regional wage boards must have leeway. We cannot have an across-the-board
“She is an officer of the court… and she should respect the constitutional duty of Congress. I respectfully move that we consult the Legal Department of this House for a possible disbarment case against Atty. Trixie Angeles,” Paduano said. The motion was seconded and approved without objection.“The same thing with the others [social media personalities], Mr. Chair,” Abante said.
Concerns
hike of P200 because employers in some areas may not be able to handle it,” he said in Filipino on DZBB’s “Ikaw na Ba: The Senatorial Interviews.”
Lacson said MSMEs, which account for 99.6 percent of industries in the country and 63 percent of the labor force, are at risk of shutting down if they cannot afford to pay the legislated wage increases. Besides, Lacson said the cost and
“The standard of living in Bonifacio Global City is vastly different from that in Occidental Mindoro. So we need to have an inflation-based wage adjustment,” he said.
The Senate earlier approved a bill mandating a P100 increase in the minimum daily wage. The House of Representatives, which acted on the pending bills much later, subsequently voted, at committee level, to endorse a P200 wage increase.
She added that circular economy activities now qualify for government incentives, including income tax exemptions, duty-free importation of capital equipment, and enhanced deductions for resourceintensive processes like water and energy consumption.
Before the pandemic, the investments board partnered with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) to promote sustainable fashion, highlighting local fibers and upcycling. The investment board chief said the
The push for circularity comes as the textile industry remains one of the world’s biggest polluters. The PTRI cited a 20082013 survey that estimated that textile waste made up about 1.61 percent of the country’s total municipal solid waste, roughly 267,000 tons per year. This issue is further compounded by rising clothing consumption. According to the Sustainability Solutions Exchange, 29 percent of Filipinos discard clothing after just one use, while millennials purchase more than half of their new clothes within a year.
Despite the lack of a dedicated circularity policy, efforts toward sustainability are underway. Fashion brand Bayo, for instance, launched its #JourneytoZero program to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 and shift to circular production using natural fibers and waste reduction strategies.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers clarified that the purpose of the
LAWMAKERS on Tuesday voiced serious concerns about the proliferation of organized troll networks and the weaponization of digital platforms as they emphasized the need for government action to combat misinformation by passing a bill that would regulate social media to stop the spread of harmful content, including fake news.
hearing was not to curtail free speech but to establish accountability in the digital space.
He proposed implementing a regulatory framework for social media, similar to the ethical standards upheld by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) for broadcast media.
Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez stressed that misinformation has severe consequences on public health and security, citing the Covid-19 pandemic as an example of how fake news can endanger lives.
“Our goal is to develop a code of conduct for content creators, ensuring accountability and ethical responsibility in this rapidly evolving digital space,” he explained.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. emphasized the dual nature of social media—its ability to connect people while also serving as a vehicle for misinformation.
“Social media bridges gaps: it connects people, builds communities, expands awareness, and promotes knowledgesharing,” Gonzales said.
He also pointed out that cybercrimes have become more prevalent than traditional crimes, affecting millions of Filipinos.
Labor group rejects limited scope of revised ₧200 wage hike, urges Congress to revert to original bill
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) on Tuesday expressed concern over the amendments to the proposed P200 across-the-board wage hike, which was recently passed on second reading in the House of Representatives.
In a statement, the labor and human rights group emphasized that all private sector workers—whether earning minimum wage or not—should receive a pay hike.
“The wage hike should be granted to all private-sector workers, not just minimum wage earners. All Filipino workers have suffered from the declining real value of their wages, especially amid the current cost of living crisis, and they are guaranteed the right to a living wage,” CTUHR said. The group argued that implementing an across-the-board wage hike is not “too far fetched,” especially since the initial version of House Bill No. 11376, which was earlier approved by the House Committee on Labor and Employment, included all private sector workers.
“We therefore call on Congress to revert to the Labor Committee version of the bill and uphold an across-the-board wage hike. We also urge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent the House Labor Committee version of the bill mandating a P200 across-the-board wage increase,” the group added.
On Monday evening, the House approved H.B. 11376, now titled the Wage Hike for Minimum Wage Workers Act, on second reading via voice vote.
The bill was revised to specify that the wage increase would only apply to lowincome earners, specifically those receiving the minimum wage in the private sector, including contractual and sub-contractual workers in both agricultural and nonagricultural sectors.
In addition to limiting the wage increase to minimum wage earners, the bill also exempts barangay microbusiness enterprises from implementing the hike. Businesses r egularly employing fewer than 10 workers, as well as those adversely affected by natural calamities or humaninduced disasters, may also apply for exemption.
Acknowledging concerns from employer groups about the potential impact of the wage hike on small businesses, the bill also includes provisions allowing small enterprises to access incentives from the Department of Labor and Employment.
Meanwhile, businesses that do not qualify for exemptions and fail to comply with the wage hike mandate will face penalties.
T hose found in violation may be fined between P100,000 and P500,000 or sentenced to imprisonment of two to four years, or both, at the discretion of the court.
If the viola tor is a corporation, trust, firm, or association, the penalty of imprisonment will be imposed on its responsible officers, including the president, vice president, chief executive officer, general manager, managing director, or partner.
‘No major inflationary impact’
MEANWHILE , Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre, one of the bill’s principal authors, said the proposed wage hike would not significantly drive inflation.
“In 1989, we implemented a legislative wage increase that amounted to
PHL, US aircraft to conduct series of air drills over WPS
PBy Rex Anthony Naval
HILIPPINE and US military aircraft
will be conducting exercises over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson
Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo announced on Tuesday.
nearly 40 percent of daily wages, yet it did not trigger excessive inflation. Instead, it provided relief to workers and even strengthened our economy. Under this bill, wages will only increase by 25 percent—far lower than the 40 percent adjustment in 1989,” Acidre said.
However, labor economics expert Leonardo A. Lanzona previously told B usiness M irror that the wage hike could have a considerable impact on the economy, given the country’s labor-intensive industries.
Lanzona warned of a domino effect: as businesses increase wages, they may be forced to raise prices for goods and services to offset higher labor costs.
“Assuming that you raise wages, workers will have more money, which increases aggregate demand. But if supply remains constant, businesses, knowing that workers have more purchasing power, will simply raise their prices,” he explained.
Currently, the national average minimum wage stands at P465.
Metr o Manila has the highest rate at P645, while the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has the lowest at P361.
TESDA forges global partnerships to enhance Filipino workforce skills
WITH its sights set on more global cooperation, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) continues to build bridges with international partners to ensure the Filipino workforce remains skilled and adaptable.
TESDA Director General, Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez recently met with ambassadors of Israel and Botswana to strengthen technical-vocational education and training (TVET) in the Philippines.
Last January 20, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss paid a courtesy visit to Benitez at the TESDA Central Office in Taguig City wherein they discussed future collaborations to further modernize vocational training, particularly for programs in the agriculture sector.
Benitez thanked the Israeli government for its support in improving agriculturerelated TVET programs in the Philippines.
Israel’s Agrostudies International Training Center together with TESDA, offers an 11-month agricultural internship program.
T his initiative provides Filipino trainees with hands-on experience in advanced farm technologies, focusing on horticulture, animal science, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Meanwhile, Botswana Ambassador
to the Philippines, Ret. Major General Gotsileene Morake also met with Benitez last January 13. Their discussion focused on potential joint initiatives to enhance skills development in both countries.
Amb. Morake emphasized Botswana’s flagship “Vocational Brigades” program, which is designed to equip youth with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship, also aligns with TESDA’s mission to empower the Filipino workforce. In a sta tement, Benitez highlighted the importance of strengthening international partnerships, “TESDA’s engagement with countries like Israel and Botswana reflects our commitment to preparing Filipino workers for a globalized world.”
Likewise, he reaffirmed that these partnerships open doors for innovation, knowledge-sharing, and joint initiatives that further enrich the agency’s training initiatives.
“Learning from the experiences of countries like Israel and Botswana helps us strengthen our training programs to better serve Filipino workers and address both local and international workforce needs, ensuring no Filipino is left behind,” the TESDA chief added.
Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
Ex-PNP gen. Isagani Nerez appointed as new PDEA head
Castillo said these training with their US counterparts is a “crucial in enhancing our interoperability, improving air domain awareness and agile combat employment and supporting our shared bilateral air objectives.”
The PAF spokesperson said two FA50PHs and two US B-1 strategic bombers will be taking part in the drills which will
“Today, February 4, 2025, the PAF and the US Pacific Air Forces or PACAF will conduct a bilateral air patrol, air intercept training and photo exercise over the WPS,” she added in a press briefing.
start once the planes rendezvous off the west coast of the Philippines.
Castillo said the exercises will take place within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
“This cooperative effort falls under the framework of the Mutual Defense Board Security-Engagement Board activities between the Philippines and the United States, specifically addressing bilateral air activities and joint air patrols,” she added.
PCCI welcomes deferment of implementation of SO 6
THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) welcomes the deferment of the implementation of Sugar Order No. 6, saying such regulatory measure harms “other quarters” in the industry.
“We are glad that the Sugar Regulatory Administration [SRA] has listened to and considered valid the concerns of the sugar manufacturers, and acted upon immediately on the postponement of the order’s implementation,” PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio said in a statement on Tuesday.
While the intention of Sugar Order No. 6 was valid,which was to protect the local producers by strictly monitoring the entry of
imported sugar-based products and alternatives, Mangio said that “such regulatory measure should not be to the detriment of other quarters in the industry that are legitimately doing business.”
The SRA’s Sugar Order No. 6 regulates the importation of sugar and sugar confectionery products with tariff headings 1701, 1702 and 1704.
Goods belonging to 1701 include sucrose, specialty sugar, flavored syrup while those under 1702 include so-called “other sugars” like lactose, glucose, maltose, maple syrup, honey and caramel. Additionally, commodities with tariff heading 1704 are sugar confectionery items such as chewing gum and white
chocolate not containing cocoa.
In an earlier round table discussion (RTD) organized by the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AMCHAM), participants composed of food and beverage manufacturers, industry associations and chambers of commerce called on SRA to conduct proper consultation with stakeholders and Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on any policy changes, as well as to align its regulations with the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) Ease of Doing Business for “simplified, efficient, and transparent governance.”
“There will always have good results in open dialogues and proper consultations. The government and private sector should
Meralco Foundation energizes water facility in Cotabato
ONE Meralco Foundation (OMF), the social development arm of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has energized the water system of an underserved community in South Cotabato.
The eight kilowatt (kW) hybrid solar photovoltaic system is meant to improve water security of at least 217 low-income households, mostly farmers.
TCastillo said the exercises will take place over Intensive Military Training Area (IMTA) that is often used by the PAF and its allies for training.
“They will be flying in the WPS within the IMTA, so from our mainland they will do a rendezvous because the bomber aircraft won’t be landing here in the Philippines. They will be coming from a different place and then they’re going to rendezvous, and then they’re going to fly within the IMTA and within that is Bajo de Masinloc which is part of our territory,” she added.
work together for the benefit of both the local farmers and consumers,” Mangio said.
The Sugar Order (SO) No. 6 was supposed to be implemented last February 1 but it was suspended, following concerns raised by sugar stakeholders on its impact to the industry.
Under SO 6, imported goods under Harmonized System (HS) codes 1701, 1702, 1704 will be slapped a clearance fee of P60 per metric ton (MT). These items include sucrose, lactose, maltose, glucose, maple syrup, honey, caramel, and sugar confectionery items, such as chewing gum and white chocolate not containing cocoa. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/02/03/groups-back-sra-import-fees-for-alternative-sweeteners/)
Andrea San Juan
RETIRED Philippine National Police (PNP) Major General Isagani R. Nerez was appointed on Tuesday as the new head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
In a text message, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had chosen Nerez to replace Moro Virgilio Lazo for the post. Before taking the helm at PDEA, Nerez served as Undersecretary for Police Affairs under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs in 2022.
H e was also a member of the fiveperson advisory group that reviewed the records of high-ranking police officials suspected of links to illegal drugs—a key initiative led by then-Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
A lawyer by profession, Nerez is a
graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maharlika” Class of 1984. T hroughout his career, he held key positions across various PNP units, including the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response and the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Eastern Mindanao. He was also part of the PNP Special Action Force, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force, and the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, where he contributed to efforts against high-profile criminal activities. In 2013, Nerez was appointed head of the Cordillera Police Regional Office, where he focused on addressing insurgency concerns and promoting mediation in conflict resolution. As of writing, Malacañang has yet to release an official copy of his appointment papers. Justine Xyrah Garcia
Charges filed vs 6 for destroying coins
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THE Bangko Sentral (BSP) and the National Police (PNP) have filed criminal complaints against six individuals for allegedly destroying Philippine coins.
The BSP’s Payments and Currency Investigation Group (PCIG) and PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed the charges before the Siquijor and Aklan prosecutor’s offices, respectively.
Another suspect caught doing the same illegal activity in Boracay was also arrested. The BSP reminded the public to handle all Philippine banknotes and coins with due respect and dignity as they are part of the country’s rich culture and heritage. Earlier, the BSP disclosed that the country had an artificial coin shortage as coins per capita has more than doubled in less than a decade.
With OMF’s initiative to energize the water facility, the community now enjoys greater water security, and barangay Guinsang-an is poised to save on electricity costs, which can be allocated to social services and the expansion of water access to nearby areas.
HE Integrated Bar of the PhilippinesQuezon City, for the second straight year, took top honors including Best Chapter and best anti-corruption program at the 20th National Convention of Lawyers in Cebu City over the weekend. The IBP-QC chapter received top recognition for its programs and services at the IBP Governor’s Ball on January 31, 2025, which included the coveted Best Chapter in the Mega Chapter category.
IBP-QC’s Legal Aid program, service, and flagship activity “Justice on the Move Barangay Legal Aid Caravan” also received top recognition in their respective categories, while its program for Indigenous Peoples was also awarded the best in its category.
The chapter’s campaign against unauthorized notarial practices—which resulted to the arrest of fake notaries public—was cited as the best anti-corruption program for the year.
“Meralco extends its social responsibility to our fellow Filipinos through electrification programs that we implement, even in the farthest, most remote communities
“Winning Best Chapter in two consecutive National Conventions is an extraordinary achievement that solidifies IBP-QC’s position as a leader in the legal community. More than just an accolade, this back-to-back victory is a testament to the chapter’s enduring mission to serve justice, empower communities, and uphold the rule of law,” IBP-QC presidentlawyer Melissa R. Encanto-Tagarda said.
“IBP-QC’s triumph in Cebu City is a victory not only for its members but for the entire Quezon City community and beyond. As the chapter continues to spearhead groundbreaking programs, its unwavering dedication to legal service and excellence remains an inspiration for IBP chapters nationwide,” she added. Chapter PRO lawyer Rowell Ilagan noted that IBP-QC’s continued fight against corruption, particularly in notarial services, has also been a cornerstone of its advocacy, “Through close coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and
across the Philippines. Being able to bring the benefits of solar power technology to various communities will help enable the good life Filipinos deserve,” Meralco
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie Aperocho, who hails from Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, said during the turnover of the solar PV facility.
Water Access Electrification, one of the OMF’s electrification programs, is focused
other key agencies, the chapter has taken a firm stance against unauthorized notarial activities, ensuring the ethical practice of law and reinforcing public confidence in the legal profession,” he said.
Chapter Legal Aid chair lawyer Jeffrey Constantino said IBP-QC’s Justice on the Move initiative has been particularly instrumental in revolutionizing legal aid services by bringing much-needed legal assistance directly to the grassroots.
“By forging strong collaborations with local government units, community organizations, and broadcast media outlets, the chapter has effectively bridged the gap between vulnerable populations and accessible legal resources,” he said.
Likewise, the Boses ng Katutubo forum demonstrated IBP-QC’s deep commitment to upholding the rights of indigenous communities by fostering dialogue between legal experts, policymakers, and community
on improving the distribution of water to households or through communal water stations through solar technology. Since 2022, it benefited more than 800 households in different communities in Quezon, Bulacan, and South Cotabato.
“By providing a sustainable solution to the community’s water system, we ensure that the residents today—as well as the future generation—can have access to clean and safe water for years to come,” said OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao. Lenie Lectura
leaders, according to chapter Legal Aid Clinic head Atty. Cielo Cenidoza.
“This initiative has not only raised awareness of key legal issues but has also spurred advocacy efforts and legislative action to protect indigenous peoples’ rights,” she said. Tagarda expressed gratitude to the chapter’s board of officers and directors who helped steer the efforts of IBP-QC to the backto-back feats: Board of Officers: Atty. Montano T. Nazario, Jr. (Vice President); Atty. Kathleen Stacey P. Villordon (Secretary); Atty. Cherrie B. Belmonte-Lim (Treasurer); Atty. Jeffrey B. Constantino (Auditor), and Atty. Rowell D. Ilagan (Public Relations Officer) Board of Directors: Atty. Rodolfo John Paul C. Palattao III, Atty. Karen Gail B. Feble, Atty. Adonis Edgar Angelo A. Macam, Atty. Greg Joseph S.J. Tiongco, Atty. Marie Cielo E. Ceñidoza, and Atty. Marcelino Michael I. Atanante IV (Ex Officio Director).
Executive Committee: Atty. Melody S. Favis, Atty. Cynthia Corazon G. Roxas, Atty. Angelica Rose C. Dimalanta, and Atty. Ginger Ann S. Castillo. Joel R. San Juan
BSP said the individuals were arrested in separate entrapment operations it conducted together with the PNP in Siquijor and Boracay in Aklan.
“Under Presidential Decree 247, the willful defacement, mutilation, tearing, burning, or destruction of Philippine banknotes and coins is unlawful and punishable by imprisonment of up to five years or a fine not exceeding P20,000 or both,” the central bank said.
BSP, in a statement, said the suspects included a certain “Jess” who went viral on social media for willfully destroying a 10-Piso coin and turning it into a ring in Siquijor.
There are 39 billion pieces of coins in circulation in the country. At 110 million Pinoys, this translates to around 355 coins per capita which is 195 percent growth from the 120 coins per capita eight years ago.
The BSP said since many coins are stored at home, it takes months for them to circulate. Ideally, the central bank said, coins should change hands at least on a weekly basis but because of the informal storage of coins in the country, coin circulation happens twice a year or less. This prompts the BSP to mint additional coins which can be very expensive. The central bank said the government only spends P7 to print 1,000 peso bills but can spend P10 to make a 20 peso coin.
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China retaliates against US tariffs with its own tariffs and antitrust probe of Google
By Emily Wang Fujiyama & Huizhong Wu The Associated Press
BEIJING—China countered President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese products with tariffs of its own on multiple US imports Tuesday as well as announcing an antitrust investigation into Google and other trade measures.
China said it would implement a 15 percent tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas products as well as a 10 percent tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery and largeengine cars imported from the US. The tariffs would take effect next Monday.
“The US’s unilateral tariff increase seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization,” the statement from a Ministry of Finance office said. “It is not only unhelpful in solving its own problems, but also damages normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the US.”
China is the world’s largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with its top suppliers being Australia, Qatar and Malaysia. The US, which is the biggest exporter of LNG globally, does not significantly export LNG to China.
In 2023, the US exported 173,247 million cubic feet of LNG to China, representing about 2.3 percent of total natural gas export volumes, according to data released by the US Energy Information Administration.
In addition, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said Tuesday it is investigating Google on suspicion of violating
antitrust laws. The announcement did not mention the tariffs but came just minutes after Trump’s 10 percent tariffs on China were to take effect.
It is unclear how the probe will affect Google’s operations. Google has a limited presence in China, and its search engine is blocked in the country like most other Western platforms. Google exited the Chinese market in 2010 after refusing to comply with censorship requests from the Chinese government and following a series of cyberattacks on the company. Google did not immediately comment.
Analysts said that China’s retaliatory measures would cause adverse effects on not just the US economy but also impact the rest of the world.
“They have a much more developed export control regime. We depend on them for a lot of critical minerals: gallium, germanium, graphite, a host of others. So…they could put some significant harm on our economy,” said Philip Luck, a former State Department official and director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Monday at a forum.
The response from China appears calculated and measured, said Stephen Dover, chief market strategist and head of the Franklin Templeton Institute.
“A risk is that this is the beginning of a tit-for-tat trade war, which could result in lower GDP growth everywhere, higher US inflation, a stronger dollar and upside pressure on US interest rates,” Dover said.
US tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico also were to go into effect Tuesday, though Trump agreed to a 30-day pause on his threats against Mexico and Canada as they acted to appease his concerns about border security and drug trafficking. Trump planned to talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the next few days.
In addition to the tariffs, China announced export controls on several elements critical to the production of modern high-tech products. They include tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum and indium, many of which are designated as critical minerals by the
US Geological Survey, meaning they are essential to US economic or national security that have supply chains vulnerable to disruption.
The export controls are in addition to ones China placed in December on key elements such as gallium used in manufacturing. The Commerce Ministry also placed two American companies on an unreliable entities list: PVH Group, which owns Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, and Illumina, which is a biotechnology company with offices in China. The listing bars them from engaging in Chinarelated import or export activities and from making new investments in the country.
Beijing began investigating PVH Group in September last year over “improper Xinjiang-related behavior” after the company allegedly boycotted the use of Xinjiang cotton.
Wu reported from Bangkok. AP writers Zen Soo in Hong Kong, Ken Moritsugu in Beijing and Christopher Bodeen in Taipei, Taiwan contributed to this report.
EU grapples with Trump’s trade war threats amidst Russian aggression
By Lorne Cook & Raf Casert The Associated Press
BRUSSELS—After three years spent trying to deter Russia from destroying Ukraine, European Union leaders grappled on Monday with how to respond to a major ally who appears determined to start a trade war or even seize part of their territory.
It would “be a cruel paradox if, during the time of this direct Russian threat and Chinese expansion,” the EU and the United States might end up in a “conflict among allies,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency.
Since taking office last month, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on EU imports and refused to rule out military force to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark.
Trump has also mystified Europeans by showing little sign of how he intends to end the war in Ukraine within six months as promised, let alone in a day, as he boasted while campaigning last year.
“We have to do everything to avoid this totally unnecessary and stupid tariff war or trade war,” the Polish prime minister told
By Chinedu Asadu & Justin Kabumba The Associated Press
reporters in Brussels, where EU leaders met for talks on boosting and improving military spending and ramping up Europe’s defense industry.
Tusk said Trump’s threats amount to “a serious test” of European unity, and “in a very strange context, because it’s the first time where we have such a problem among allies.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said the EU is “a power that stands its ground” and that if hit with tariffs, the 27-nation bloc “would have to make itself respected.” He said Trump’s threats are “pushing Europeans to be more united, more active in addressing their collective security challenges.”
Trump slapped tariffs on European steel and aluminum during his first term, and EU leaders have already been in contact with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau since Canada imposed retaliatory duties on US goods in response to a 25 percent tariff levied by Trump. The US president later on Monday agreed to a 30-day pause on his tariff threat as America’s two largest trading partners took steps to appease his concerns about border security and drug trafficking.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underlined that ties between the bloc and the United States are part of “our most consequential relationship. It is fundamental to promoting peace, security
and prosperity.”
But she warned that “there are clearly new challenges and growing uncertainty” and the EU stands ready to defend itself.
“When targeted unfairly or arbitrarily, the European Union will respond firmly,” von der Leyen told reporters after the meeting.
Meanwhile, Denmark’s prime minister again insisted on Monday that Greenland isn’t for sale and called for a robust response from the EU should Trump press ahead with his threat to take control of the island.
“I will never support the idea of fighting allies. But of course, if the US puts tough terms on Europe, we need a collective and robust response,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told reporters.
Last month, Trump left open the possibility that the American military might be used to secure Greenland, as well as the Panama Canal. “We need Greenland for national security purposes,” he said.
Frederiksen said she has “great support” from her EU partners on the fact “that everybody has to respect the sovereignty of all national states in the world, and that Greenland is today a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. It’s part of our territory and it’s not for sale.”
European Council President Antonio Costa, noting that the EU has stood beside Ukraine in defense of its borders, said of
Greenland: “Of course, we will stand also for these principles, all the more so if the territorial integrity of a member state of the European Union is questioned.” Frederiksen acknowledged US concerns about security in the Arctic Region, where Russia and China have been increasingly active.
“I totally agree with the Americans that the High North, that the Arctic region is becoming more and more important when we are talking about defense and security and deterrence,” Frederiksen said, adding that the US and Denmark could have “stronger footprints” in Greenland, in security terms.
“They are already there and they can have more possibilities,” she said, underlining that Denmark itself can also “scale up” its security presence. “If this is about securing our part of the world, we can find a way forward,” Frederiksen said. Last week, her government announced a roughly 14.6 billion kroner (nearly $2 billion) agreement with parties including the governments of Greenland and the Faeroe Islands to “improve capabilities for surveillance and maintaining sovereignty in the region.” It would include three new Arctic naval vessels, two additional long-range surveillance drones and satellite capacity, the Danish Defense Ministry said.
Ukraine’s delayed power grid fortification leaves it vulnerable to Russian offensive
By Samya Kullab & Hanna Arhirova The Associated Press
KYIV, Ukraine—Moscow’s renewed attacks on Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure this winter have heightened scrutiny over the Ukrainian Energy Ministry’s failure to protect the country’s most critical energy facilities near nuclear power sites.
Despite more than a year of warnings that the sites were vulnerable to potential Russian attacks, the Energy Ministry failed to act swiftly, current and former Ukrainian officials in Kyiv told The Associated Press.
Two years of punishing Russian strikes on its power grid have left Ukraine reliant on nuclear power for more than half of its electricity generation. Especially vulnerable are the unprotected nuclear switchyards located outside the perimeters of its three functioning nuclear plants, which are crucial to transmitting power from the reactors to the rest of the country.
“The switchyards that handle electrical routing from nuclear power plants are a vital component of Ukraine’s nuclear energy infrastructure—powering homes, schools, hospitals, and other critical civilian infrastructure. Given Ukraine’s heavy reliance on nuclear energy, military attacks on these switchyards would be devastating, severely impacting civilian life and undermining the resilience of the energy grid,” said Marcy R. Fowler, head of the office for research and analysis at Open Nuclear Network, a program of the U.S.-based NGO PAX sapiens that focuses on reducing nuclear risk.
Only in the fall, after Ukrainian intelligence agencies warned of potential Russian strikes targeting the nuclear switchyards, was action taken to begin building protection—far too late in the event of an attack, analysts said.
“If two (nuclear switchyards) are hit, we are out of supply for a minimum of 30 to 36 hours, and there will be a huge limitation on energy supply for at least three weeks, best-case scenario,” said Oleksandr Kharchenko, a Ukrainian energy industry expert.
He said it would take three to five weeks to transport and install new equipment, a miserable scenario for Ukraine’s people during the bitterly cold winter months.
Even more worrying, these nuclear switchyards also have a second critical function: delivering electricity to nuclear plants from the offsite grid that is essential to cooling their reactors and spent fuel. A disruption could potentially spell disaster, the UN nuclear agency has repeatedly
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warned since the Russian attacks began in August.
And while Ukraine’s nuclear plants have backup emergency power systems, these “are designed to provide temporary support,” Fowler said. “Without functioning switchyards, the backup systems alone would not be sufficient to sustain operations or prevent safety risks during an extended outage.”
Lawmakers cited failure to protect these sites in a resolution calling for the removal of Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko last month. The list of grievances, which also censured Haluschenko for alleged systematic corruption and inadequate oversight of the energy sector, must still be voted on by parliament.
Delays in fortifying nuclear switchyards
RUSSIAN attacks in November and December came dangerously close to the country’s nuclear power plants, causing five out of its nine operating reactors to reduce power generation. The attacks did not strike the nuclear switchyards about a kilometer (half-mile) away from reactor sites but came alarmingly close.
The task of building protections for energy transmission substations, both nuclear and non-nuclear, fell to state and private companies, with the Energy Ministry supervising.
Three layers of fortifications were ordered: sandbags followed by cement barricades capable of withstanding drone attacks and—the costliest and least com -
plete—iron-and-steel-fortified structures.
Following a government decree in July 2023, many state energy companies began immediately contracting to build first- and second-layer fortifications for their most critical power facilities. In the spring of 2024, the government repeated the urgent call to get the work done.
But nuclear switchyards, under the responsibility of Ukraine’s state nuclear company Energoatom, did not issue contracts to build second-layer concrete fortifications until this fall. By then, state energy company Ukrenergo, which manages the high-voltage substations that transmit power from the nuclear reactors to the grid, had already completed 90 percent of its 43 sites.
The bidding process for two nuclear plants—in Khmelnytskyi and Mykolaiv—only started in early October, according to documents seen by the AP. The tender for the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant was even later, at the end of November.
Construction is not expected to be completed until 2026, the contract documents said.
A chorus of warnings is ignored CONCERNS over the delays were raised repeatedly in closed-door meetings and letters sent to energy officials over the last year, three current and former government officials told the AP, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the foot-dragging by the Energy Ministry.
“We wrote officially to the Energy Ministry several times stating this problem over the last 12 to 14 months,” said Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the former head of Ukrenergo, who was fired in September and blamed for the failures to protect the energy infrastructure—a move widely criticized as politically motivated.
Energy Minister Haluschenko gave reassurances the situation was under control and prioritized other projects, including lobbying for parliamentary approval for the construction of costly nuclear reactors that take up to a decade to build.
Ukraine’s Western partners were also repeatedly told “all” critical infrastructure was protected,
according to two Western diplomats with knowledge of Western financial assistance to the country’s energy sector, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the issue.
Haluschenko, the Energy Ministry and Energoatom did not respond to requests for comment from the AP about the delays, citing the sensitivity of the issue. Haluschenko also did not comment about the parliamentary resolution calling for his ouster.
Over the summer and again in December, Ukraine raised the alarm internationally about potential Russian attacks targeting nuclear infrastructure and compromising nuclear safety. In mid-December it convened an extraordinary session of the International Atomic Energy Agency after attacks a month earlier damaged electrical substations deemed crucial to Ukraine’s nuclear safety, heightening the possibility of a nuclear emergency.
The UN nuclear agency sent teams in December to electrical substations at Ukraine’s Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and South Ukraine nuclear power plants to document damage and gathered evidence “highlighting the electricity grid’s vulnerabilities as a result of attacks,” the agency’s Director General Rafael Grossi said in a statement in January.
“These attacks impact grid stability and jeopardize the reliability of the off-site power supply, creating risks to nuclear safety,” Grossi said, warning of similar concerns at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest.
The presence of the IAEA inspection teams led some in the Ukrainian government to believe the country’s nuclear sites were off-limits for Russian attacks, said a senior Ukrainian official who requested anonymity to speak candidly about the delays.
But that has proven to be a major miscalculation.
“Why didn’t they react?” Kudrytskyi, the former Ukrenergo director, said of the Energy Ministry’s failure to quickly respond to the series of warnings. “I don’t have an answer to that.”
AP writer David Rising in Bangkok contributed to this report.
conflict to carry what remained of their belongings and flee again. Thousands poured into nearby Rwanda. The fighting in Congo has connections with a decades-long ethnic conflict. M23 says it is defending ethnic Tutsis in Congo. Rwanda has claimed the Tutsis are being persecuted by Hutus and former militias responsible
Trump and Netanyahu to discuss Gaza truce, hostage release amid Israeli coalition tensions
By Aamer Madhani & Tia Goldenberg The Associated Press
ASHINGTON—President Donald
WTrump and Benjamin Netanyahu are set to meet Tuesday as the Israeli prime minister faces competing pressure from his right-wing coalition to end a temporary truce against Hamas militants in Gaza and from war-weary Israelis who want the remaining hostages home and the 15-month conflict to end.
Trump is guarded about the long-term prospects for the truce, even as he takes credit for pressuring Hamas and Israel into the hostage and ceasefire agreement that went into effect the day before he returned to office last month.
“I have no guarantees that the peace is going to hold,” Trump told reporters on Monday.
The leaders’ talks are expected to touch on a long-sought Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization deal and concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, but hammering out the second phase of the hostage deal will be at the top of the agenda.
Netanyahu’s arrival in Washington for the first foreign leader visit of Trump’s second term comes as the prime minister’s popular support is lagging. Netanyahu is in the middle of weekslong testimony in an ongoing corruption trial that centers on allegations he exchanged favors with media moguls and wealthy associates. He has decried the accusations and said he is the victim of a “witch hunt.”
Being seen with Trump, who is popular in Israel, could help distract the public from the trial and boost Netanyahu’s standing.
It’s Netanyahu’s first travel outside Israel since the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for him, his former defense minister and Hamas’ slain military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity during the war in Gaza. The US does not recognize the ICC’s authority over its citizens or territory.
Netanyahu and Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff on Monday began the daunting work of brokering the next phase of a ceasefire agreement.
Netanyahu said in statement that the meeting with Witkoff and US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz was “positive and friendly.”
The Israeli leader said he would send a delegation to Qatar to continue indirect talks with Hamas that are being mediated by the Gulf Arab country, the first confirmation that those negotiations would continue. Netanyahu also said he would convene his security Cabinet to discuss Israel’s demands for the next phase of the ceasefire when he returns to Israel at the end of the week.
Netanyahu is under intense pressure from hard-right members of his governing coalition to abandon the ceasefire and resume fighting in Gaza to eliminate Hamas.
Bezalel Smotrich, one of Netanyahu’s key partners, vows to topple the government if the war isn’t relaunched, a step that could lead to early elections.
Hamas, which has reasserted control over Gaza since the ceasefire began last month, has said it will not release hostages
in the second phase without an end to the war and Israeli forces’ full withdrawal.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, maintains that Israel is committed to victory over Hamas and the return of all hostages captured in the October 7, 2023 attack that triggered the war.
Mira Resnick, a former deputy assistant secretary of state for Israeli and Palestinian affairs, said Trump may “have little patience for political woes of Netanyahu if it gets in the way of the broader goals of this administration.”
“The president started his term by saying that he wanted the ceasefire to be in place by Jan. 20. That’s what he got,” Resnick said. “He is invested in this because he was able to take credit for it.”
Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among the hostages, called on Trump to use American leverage to keep Netanyahu committed to the agreement.
Matan, 24, is among those who are expected to be included in the second phase of the deal, when all remaining living hostages—including men under the age of 50 and male soldiers—are to be exchanged for a yet-to-be-determined number of Palestinian prisoners. The second phase is also expected to include the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
“I want President Trump to know there are certain extreme elements from within Israel who are trying to torpedo his vision,” said Zangauker, who traveled to Washington from Israel to join a planned Tuesday rally outside the White House.
“We are representative of the vast, vast majority of Israel. The ultra-extremists are blackmailing the prime minister to do their bidding.”
Since returning to office, Trump has called for relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Egypt and Jordan, even as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Jordanian King Abdullah II have rejected it. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the Palestinian Authority and the Arab League have joined Egypt and Jordan in rejecting plans to move Palestinians out of their territories in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Yet Trump insists he can persuade Egypt and Jordan to come around to accept displaced Palestinians because of the significant aid that the US provides Cairo and Amman. Hard-line right-wing members of Netanyahu’s government have embraced the call to move displaced Palestinians out of Gaza.
Shibley Telhami, the Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland, said the push by Trump to move Palestinians out of Gaza is helpful to Netanyahu. But he added that it undercuts Trump and Netanyahu’s desire to land a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia.
The Saudis, the biggest Arab power in the Middle East, have said they would only agree to such a deal if the war ends and there is a credible pathway to a Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank.
“This push by Trump doesn’t square with the idea of a Palestinian state as we know it,” Telhami said. “It’s hard to see the Saudis going along with it.”
See “Trump,” A11
IN this image provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, firefighters put out a fire following a Russian missile attack on the country’s energy system in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine, December 25, 2024. UKRAINIAN
www.businessmirror.com.ph
World
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 A11
Elon Musk’s rapid takeover of federal agencies sparks controversy, fear among career officials
By Chris Megerian The Associated Press
ASHINGTON—Elon
WMusk is rapidly consolidating control over large swaths of the federal government with President Donald Trump ‘s blessing, sidelining career officials, gaining access to sensitive databases and dismantling a leading source of humanitarian assistance.
The speed and scope of his work has been nothing short of stunning. In a little more than two weeks since Trump took office, the world’s richest man has created an alternative power structure inside the federal government for the purpose of cutting spending and pushing out employees. None of this is happening with congressional approval, inviting a constitutional clash over the limits of presidential authority.
Trump says Musk is doing his bidding MUSK has been named as a special government employee, which subjects him to less stringent rules on ethics and financial disclosures than other workers. Trump has given Musk office space in the White House complex where he oversees a team of people at the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. The team has been dispersed throughout federal agencies to gather information and deliver edicts. Some of them were spotted on Monday at the Department of Education, which Trump has vowed to abolish. Republicans defend Musk as simply carrying out Trump’s slashand-burn campaign promises.
Trump made no secret of his desire to put Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind the electric automaker Tesla and the rocket company SpaceX, in charge of retooling the federal government.
“Elon can’t do and won’t do anything without our approval,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday.
The Republican president also played downs concerns about Musk’s conflict of interests as he flexes his power over the bureaucracy even though his businesses face regulatory scrutiny and have federal contracts.
“Where we think there’s a conflict or there’s a problem, we won’t let him go near it, but he has some very good ideas,” Trump said.
Musk persists in spite of Democrats’ outrage DEMOCRATS , for their part, accused Musk of leading a coup from within the government by amassing unaccountable and illegal power.
“We will do everything in our power in the Senate and the House to stop this outrage,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said. “And in the meantime, since we don’t have many Republican colleagues who want to help us, we are doing everything we can with our colleagues through the courts to make sure that we uphold the rule of law.”
The apex of Musk’s work so far came on Monday at the Washington headquarters for the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, where yellow police tape blocked access to the lobby and hundreds of employees were locked out of computer systems. Musk said
Trump. . .
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Trump had agreed to let him shutter the agency.
“It’s not an apple with a worm in it, what we have is just a ball of worms,” Musk said of the world’s largest provider of humanitarian, development and security assistance. “You’ve got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It’s beyond repair.”
Federal workers are in unchartered territory
Musk has also turned his attention to the General Services Administration, or GSA, which manages federal government buildings. An email sent last week from the Washington headquarters instructed regional managers to begin terminating leases on roughly 7,500 federal offices nationwide.
The initiative is being led by Nicole Hollander, according to an agency employee who requested anonymity to discuss internal matters. Hollander describes herself on LinkedIn as an employee at X, Musk’s social media platform.
“This has gone beyond the pale. This is out of control. This is not a normal situation,” said Keya Chatterjee, executive director of Free DC, a local advocacy organization. She participated in a protest on Monday outside the Office of Personnel Management, which is one of the lesser-known federal agencies key to Musk’s agenda.
Musk’s work has unnerved federal employees who are being nudged toward the exits. On Sunday night, concerns swept through the workforce that they could be locked out of internal human resources system, denying them access to their own personnel files that showed pay history, length of service and qualifications. Supervisors in some agencies encouraged employees to download their records, called an SF-50, to personal computers so that they could prove their employment history in the event of disputes.
Musk’s penchant for dabbling MUSK has been tinkering with things his entire life, learning to code as a child in South Africa and becoming rich with the online payment company PayPal. He bought the social media platform Twitter a little more than two years ago, renamed it X and slashed its workforce while turning it into his personal political megaphone.
Now Musk is popping open the hood on the federal government like it’s one of his cars or rockets.
“The Silicon Valley playbook to disrupt the status quo—by disregarding and disobeying rules that you don’t like—is in full effect here,” said Rob Lalka, an expert on entrepreneurship and innovation in business at Tulane University.
Netanyahu on Monday met with Trump’s pick to serve as ambassador to Israel, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, and evangelical leaders. Huckabee has long rejected a Palestinian state in territory previously seized by Israel. The prime minister is also expected to press Trump to take decisive action on Iran. Tehran has faced a series of military setbacks, including Israeli forces significantly degrading Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon as well as an operation that decimated Iran’s air defenses. The moment, Netanyahu believes, has created a window to decisively address Tehran’s nuclear program. “This is one of the most important and critical meetings between an
One of the most significant steps was gaining access to the US Treasury payment system, which is responsible for 1 billion payments per year totaling $5 trillion. It includes sensitive information involving bank accounts and Social Security payments.
“No one outside of the staff doing the work ever asked to have access to the payment files,” said Richard Gregg, who spent four decades working for Treasury and oversaw the payment system as fiscal assistant secretary.
It’s unclear what Musk wants to do with the payment system. He’s claimed that he could trim $1 trillion from the federal deficit “just by addressing waste, fraud and abuse.”
“That’s the biggest data hack ever in the world,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, told reporters in Madison. “I am outraged about it.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent must revoke Musk’s access to the payment system.
“We must halt this unlawful and dangerous power grab,” he said on Capitol Hill.
A group representing retirees and union workers sued Bessent and the Treasury Department on Monday to get them to stop sharing personal and financial information with DOGE.
Trump rewards Musk’s fealty MUSK’S role is partially a reward for his work on behalf of Trump during the campaign. He spent roughly $250 million supporting Trump through America PAC, which included door-to-door canvassing and digital advertising.
Although the PAC has not announced its next plans, Musk has suggested that he could endorse primary challenges to Republican lawmakers who defy Trump’s agenda.
“The more I’ve gotten to know President Trump, the more I like him,” Musk said in a conversation streamed live on X. “Frankly, I love the guy. He’s great.”
Musk also described his work overhauling the federal government in existential terms, making it clear that he would push as hard and as far as he could.
“If it’s not possible now, it will never be possible. This is our shot,” he said. “This is the best hand of cards we’re ever going to have. If we don’t take advantage of this best hand of cards, it’s never going to happen.”
The Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri, Scott Bauer, Tom Beaumont, Rick Gentilo, Joshua Goodman, Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller, Sarah Parvini and Byron Tau contributed reporting.
American president and an Israeli prime minister,” said Eytan Gilboa, an expert on US-Israel relations at Bar-Ilan University near the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. “What’s at stake here is not just bilateral relations between Israel and the United States but the reshaping of the Middle East.” Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
ELON MUSK arrives on stage to speak at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, January 20, 2025. AP/SUSAN WALSH
Soaring pork prices in Metro Manila leave consumers and hog raisers perplexed
The latest price monitoring report of the Department of Agriculture (DA) is disturbing particularly for Metro Manila consumers who like to eat meat products. As of February 1, data from the DA showed that the weekly average price of liempo or pork belly, which most Filipinos prefer, jumped to P427.96 per kilogram (kg). The figure is 18 percent higher than the P362.03 recorded on February 2, 2024.
Local pork belly is even more expensive than beef brisket, which averaged P398.13 per kg, based on official government data. The latest figure also approximates the price of beef rump, which carried an average price tag of P455.69 per kg. Indeed, the DA should look into this to determine why Metro Manila consumers are seeing spikes in the retail price of one of their favorite protein sources.
Even hog raisers belonging to the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NatFed) are perplexed by the rise in retail prices (See, “Spikes in pork prices prompt DA to mull over an MSRP,” BusinessMirror , January 29, 2025).
One of the officials of NatFed said farmgate price of hogs ranged from P220 to P240 per kg. Given this farmgate price, the NatFed official said pork kasim should retail from P340 per kg to P360 kg while pork belly should be priced at around P40 to P50 higher.
The average retail price in Metro Manila is also a head-scratcher because the Philippines has been importing pork in huge quantities in recent years to augment domestic supply. Figures from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) showed that meat imports surged by 19.42 percent to 1.33 million metric tons (MMT) from January to November 2024, compared to the 1.12 MMT recorded in the previous year.
Pork shipments accounted for the largest share of the country’s meat imports in the reference period as it rose by 21.98 percent to 671,561 MT from the 550,539 MT recorded last year.
One possible explanation may be the decline in hog production last year. Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), hog output last year fell by 5.1 percent to 1.703 MMT, from the 1.793 MMT recorded in 2023. The poor performance of the hog sector last year, which was attributed to the outbreaks of African swine fever, caused the output of the livestock and poultry subsector to register a 4 percent decline.
However, data from the DA and the PSA showed that despite the drastic decline in hog production in 2021, when it fell to 1.696 MMT, the average price of pork belly by end-December of that year reached only P380 per kg. Perhaps the lockdowns to stop the spread of Covid-19 may have reduced demand for pork, but the holidays did not stop consumers from buying the usual fare they have enjoyed for years, including pork-based meals.
Apart from examining the factors behind these developments, the government must fast-track the establishment of the daily price index (DPI) prescribed by Republic Act (RA) 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act. The law defined DPI as a system of monitoring and publishing or broadcasting the prevailing retail prices of agricultural and fishery products in all regions of the country on a day-to-day basis. Setting this up will help policymakers to determine areas where they should implement interventions to prevent profiteering and hoarding.
Saving grace
TMark Villar
THE BUILDER
he Philippine economy held up in 2024 despite the deadly typhoons and drought that restricted the output of certain sectors.
To no one’s surprise, the construction sector was the leading contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) for the full of 2024, with a share of 10.3 percent. The GDP grew 5.6 percent in 2024 despite a sluggish fourth-quarter expansion of 5.2 percent, per the report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) last week.
Other main contributors in 2024 were wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 5.6 percent; and financial and insurance activities at 9.0 percent. Unfortunately, production from the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector declined 1.8 percent.
The poor weather conditions clearly slowed down the economic expansion. Nonetheless, the GDP still managed to grow 5.6 percent from 5.5 percent in 2023.
The Philippine economic performance in 2024 is not a bit disappointing. We have an improving labor situation, with the unemployment rate averaging 4.3 percent in 2024 or surpassing the government’s target range of 4.4 percent to 4.7 percent.
The employment rate is critical
to inclusive economic growth and to the goal of reducing poverty. Fortunately, the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is succeeding in its objective. Poverty among Filipinos fell to 15.5 percent in 2023 from 18.1 percent in 2021, which translates into approximately 2.4 million Filipinos lifted above the poverty line.
“With the robust labor market performance and inflation deceleration in 2024, we expect to see further poverty reduction when the new poverty data becomes available,” says National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
The government seeks to reduce poverty incidence to 13.2 percent or lower this year and keep an economic growth trajectory of 6.0 percent to 8.0 percent within the mediumterm period.
On this note, the offer of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) last week should be supported. The group committed to expand efforts to drive job creation and address the lingering effects
The Philippine economic performance in 2024 is not a bit disappointing. We have an improving labor situation, with the unemployment rate averaging 4.3 percent in 2024 or surpassing the government’s target range of 4.4 percent to 4.7 percent.
of the pandemic on the country’s workforce.
ECOP is aiming for greater employment, targeting more than a million new opportunities, with focus on the underserved sectors such as the informal workforce.
ECOP did not meet its objective of generating one million jobs in 2000 due partly to a change in administration but reached its target by March 2022.
I personally believe that ECOP is going in the right direction. It is gearing up its job creation goal in the informal sector, which includes farm workers, fisherfolk and other groups that are typically outside the formal labor market.
Many workers in these areas have irregular incomes and lack access to formal employment benefits. ECOP, thus, is aiming to integrate these individuals from the informal sector into more stable, regular employment.
Another major factor that will improve the lot of many Filipinos and boost the overall economy is our timely response to disasters triggered by natural hazards or healthrelated emergencies.
We have seen how natural di-
sasters constrict economic growth and worsen poverty. Increasing the resilience of Filipinos and speedy recovery efforts are urgent in this time of climate change.
I am pleased to learn that the Asian Development Bank just approved a $500-million policy-based loan to help the Philippines quickly gain access to funding in case of disasters. It is the government’s job to minimize the impact of disasters on the economy and Filipinos’ lives and livelihoods.
The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia but faces great risk from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, rising sea levels and flooding.
The Philippines ranked as the highest in disaster risk out of 193 economies in 2024, according to the World Risk Report 2024. At least 60 percent of its total land area is exposed to multiple hazards, with nearly three-fourths of its entire population susceptible to the impact of these hazards.
Achieving long-term resilience to reduce the impact of disasters, especially to the most vulnerable sectors, is a must if we want to save lives and create job opportunities. Building infrastructure projects like roads, bridges seaports and airports will speed up recovery efforts in times of disasters. These projects will also minimize any disruption in economic activities.
For feedback e-mail to senatormarkvillar@
Investors with $6.8 trillion warn EU not to bow to ESG backlash
By Frances Schwartzkopff
AgrouP of investors representing €6.6 trillion ($6.8 trillion) of assets is calling on european officials not to cave in to mounting pressure to scale back the bloc’s eSg regulations.
The planned reporting rules are essential to help asset managers and owners identify where to allocate funds, according to the group, which consists of the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC), the European Sustainable Investment Forum (Eurosif) and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
Any adjustments should be limited to technical standards and guidance on implementation, the group said on Tuesday. The alternative, namely reopening European environmental, social and governance requirements “in their entirety, risks creating regulatory uncertainty and could ultimately jeopardize” Europe’s goal of living up to its Green Deal, which is enshrined in law, the joint statement said.
The warning coincides with
mounting pressure from Germany and France, the European Union’s two largest economies, to scale back planned ESG regulations on concerns the requirements are preventing companies in the bloc from competing freely with their peers in the US and Asia.
France called last month for a “massive” regulatory pause and urged EU officials to ensure that small and mid-sized companies aren’t unduly burdened by reporting rules. Germany wants the EU to delay the requirements, known as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, by two years and to water down several details.
French and German demands for a regulatory timeout come as both countries watch their output decline. Official figures published last month
show that neither economy saw its gross domestic product increase in the final months of 2024, dragging down growth in the entire euro zone.
Describing their plea as an intervention, IIGCC, Eurosif and PRI said they’ve shared their concerns with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other “key” commissioners, to make sure investors operating in the bloc have “timely access to high-quality and comparable reporting” from companies, describing such data as “a prerequisite to inform and guide” investor decisions.
The EU has included a number of ESG regulations in its so-called omnibus process, which is expected to take place at the end of this month. The goal is to explore ways to simultaneously simplify multiple laws.
“If you’re going to trial something, you really want to have feedback from across the market and have opportunity to provide feedback,” he said in an interview.
Bloomberg Intelligence’s Andrius Tilvikas said: “The total administrative costs for all companies within the scope of CSRD are €2.1 billion in one-off costs and €2.4 billion in recurring costs. NFRD-listed entities are likely to face, on average, a total of €287,000 as a one-off cost See “Investors,” A13
In a recent interview, the EU’s new commissioner for financial services, Maria Luis Albuquerque, said the bloc remains committed to its landmark Green Deal. However, corners of the regulatory and legislative rollout probably need to be finetuned, she said. It’s about “adjusting the pace,” while “maintaining the anchor,” she said. Alexander Burr, ESG policy lead at Legal and General Investment Management, said that rolling back the rules “could risk our ability to understand ESG or sustainabilityrelated risks.” EU officials are due to meet with business leaders and trade organizations this week to discuss possible changes to ESG rules. But that meeting won’t include sustainable investors, a decision Burr calls “unfortunate.”
Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon
Modi’s Trump strategy sees quick concessions to avoid trade war
By Dan Strumpf, Shruti Srivastava & Sudhi Ranjan Sen
Few countries are moving faster than india to appease Us President donald trump in an effort to head off a potentially devastating trade war.
In a matter of weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delivered a rapid series of concessions to the White House on issues core to Trump’s agenda, offering an early picture of how New Delhi plans to deal with the new president as he slaps tariffs on rivals and allies alike. India’s latest accommodation came on Saturday, when Modi’s government unveiled the first-ever overhaul to its tariff regime, which included sweeping cuts to duties on imports from textiles to motorcycles. It follows New Delhi’s pledge to accept thousands of unlawful migrants from the US and maintain the US dollar as its trading currency.
Modi has been invited to meet Trump in Washington next week, a White House official said on Monday night, requesting anonymity to discuss the official visit. Trump last week said he expects India’s prime minister to visit the White House this month, making him one of the first foreign leaders to visit Washington since the US leader took office.
The quick actions, coming in the absence of any specific new threat from Trump, underscore the more conciliatory mood that has taken hold in India as Trump’s second term gets underway. The approach marks a contrast from the harder line drawn by Modi during Trump’s first term, when warm ties between the two leaders weren’t enough to overcome trade impasses that led Washington to yank trading privileges for India.
Indian officials, asking not to be identified, say they are eager to preserve deepening ties in trade, defense and technology-sharing between the two nations, as well as bolster India’s status as a destination for foreign manufacturers leaving China. New Delhi has more to gain than lose by maintaining friendly ties with Trump, they said.
‘Doing everything’
THE Ministry of External Affairs didn’t immediately respond to an email sent after office hours.
“India is quite central to the US in every way, whether it’s the IndoPacific strategy as well as where to tell companies to go to avoid tariffs,” said Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for Asia-Pacific at Natixis. “The risk of major tariffs on India is low, but it seems they’re doing everything they can to avoid tariffs.” Governments around the world are racing to get ahead of protectionist moves by the US as Trump follows through with new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China—raising new threats to global growth and roiling global markets. Already, South Korea has said it is considering buying more US food and energy, while Japan has said it is seeking stable energy supplies from Washington.
In Australia, Trade Minister Don Farrell has reached out to his US counterpart to organize a meeting, a spokesman for the minister said. Australia is keen to move quickly given the threat of tariffs on its exports of aluminum and copper. India in particular has much
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of reporting and about €320,000 on annual basis. Non-NFRD, nonlisted undertakings incur the lowest administrative costs, primarily due to their smaller average size —about €36,000 on a one-off basis and €40,000 on a recurring basis.
NFRD-listed entities incur the lowest administrative costs as a share of turnover.” Aside from CSRD, the EU will
Examining the challenges of fire safety in the PHL: From residential subdivisions to high-rise towers
India’s latest accommodation came on Saturday, when Modi’s government unveiled the firstever overhaul to its tariff regime, which included sweeping cuts to duties on imports from textiles to motorcycles. It follows New Delhi’s pledge to accept thousands of unlawful migrants from the US and maintain the US dollar as its trading currency.
to lose in any trade war with the Washington. The nation’s overall trade deficit is $78.1 billion—driven largely by an outsize energy-import bill—and it’s cushioned by a bilateral surplus with the US worth $35.3 billion in the fiscal year that ended last March.
Tighter ties IN recent years, India and the US have bolstered cooperation in areas including defense, technologysharing and nuclear cooperation, as Washington looks to cultivate New Delhi as regional bulwark against China. India has won new factories from US companies such as Apple Inc. and Micron Technology Inc.
Yet Trump has repeatedly singled out India and its high trade barriers, and has pledged reciprocal duties on the South Asian country. Modi’s decision to reduce levies on heavyduty motorcycles targets a US export that Trump has repeatedly said gets unfair treatment: Bikes made by Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson Inc., which for years grappled with India’s complex tariff regime.
In declaring India “not a tariff king,” Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey echoed a nickname that Trump bestowed on the country during his first term.
Sticking points
“THE changes made in tariff structure either resolve, or show the intent of resolving, issues which have been raised by Trump in India’s context,” said Amitendu Palit, an economist specializing in international trade and investment at the National University of Singapore.
Other sticking points remain between the two countries. India continues to import large volumes of its crude oil from Russia, which the US has sanctioned for its invasion of Ukraine.
Separately, the US indicted an Indian government official last year on allegations of organizing a conspiracy to murder an American citizen on US soil. India has said it has recommended legal action against an individual it believes is involved in the plot.
One risk for India in appeasing Trump is that it risks courting additional demands from the US leader, Palit said.
“Trump’s trajectory is if you agree to him once, you can’t be sure that it’s done forever, because he will come back asking for a higher price,” he said. “That’s a challenge.” With assistance from Ben Westcott /Bloomberg
use the omnibus process to consider changes to the bloc’s Taxonomy Regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which looks at companies’ supply chains.
“We’re at a decisive turning point for sustainable finance,” Philippe Zaouati, chief executive of Mirova, said in the statement. “While climate concerns are often sidelined in the face of geopolitical and economic crises, it is imperative that we remain committed to our sustainability goals.” Bloomberg
tDr. Jesus Lim Arranza
MAKE SENSE
he Fire Code of the Philippines is republic Act (r A) 9514, which was enacted in 2008. it’s a law that establishes fire safety standards and guidelines for the country. the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is responsible for enforcing the code. the law mandates the BFP to collect fire code taxes. the BFP remits 80 percent of the collected taxes to the national treasury for the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection. the remaining 20 percent is used by the local government units (LGUs) for the maintenance and operations of local fire stations.
The Fire Code of the Philippines taxes include:
Fire Code Sales Tax: 2 percent of the gross sales of companies, people, or agents selling firefighting equipment, appliances, or devices.
Fire Code Construction Tax: 0.1 percent of the estimated value of buildings or structures being built.
Fire Code Realty Tax: 0.01 percent of the assessed value of buildings or structures, payable annually.
Fire Code Premium Tax: 2 percent of all premiums for the sale of fire, earthquake, and explosion hazard insurance.
Fire Safety Inspection Fee: A fee charged for conducting a fire safety inspection.
Storage Clearance Fee: A fee for storing flammable and combustible materials.
Conveyance Clearance Fee: A fee for transporting flammable and combustible materials.
Installation Clearance Fee: A fee for installing tanks and pipes of flammable materials.
As property owners, my wife and I have fulfilled our legal obligation to pay taxes. However, I have an observation I’d like to share. You can’t fight a fire without water. Therefore, ensuring an adequate water supply for firefighters is our top priority. Without adequate firefighting hydrants, the risk of disaster significantly increases.
Many residential subdivisions in Metro Manila lack adequate access to firefighting water hydrants, posing a serious risk to public safety. We all know that without a reliable source of water for firefighting, the local fire department’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies is severely compromised. When fires break out in these areas, the lack of hydrants can result in devastating consequences, as firefighters
We must prioritize investment in robust fire safety infrastructure, improve emergency coordination, and strengthen the capabilities of firefighting services to safeguard the residents and buildings of Metro Manila from the threat of destructive fires.
are forced to rely on limited water supplies carried on their trucks, which may quickly become depleted. Additionally, the heavy traffic in Metro Manila means fire trucks often waste valuable time traveling back and forth to refill their tanks due to the absence of nearby hydrants. This can significantly impair the firefighters’ ability to effectively respond to and contain the blaze.
This issue is particularly concerning in many Metro Manila subdivisions with high population density and closely spaced housing units. Without access to a steady water supply, fires can quickly spread, trapping residents and causing significant property damage or loss of life.
Addressing this problem requires a coordinated effort between local government, urban planners, and the private developers responsible for these subdivisions to ensure that basic firefighting infrastructure is in place and maintained.
Local government units and housing developers must invest in a comprehensive network of water hydrants, which could significantly enhance the safety and resilience of these communities, potentially saving countless lives in the event of a fire emergency.
Trump’s tariff reversal shows how he’s wielding bombast on trade
By Josh Wingrove & Jenny Leonard
President d onald tr ump pledged hundreds of billions in tariffs to remake the global economy and target even his closest neighbors.
But so far, it’s been more Art of the Deal than a revolution.
Trump on Monday shelved plans for wide-ranging tariffs on Canada and Mexico, after doing the same for Colombia the prior week. In each case, Trump relented despite countries promising only modest changes on border security and immigration.
Trump and his allies have held up those concessions as vindication of his approach. But the US president’s willingness—at least for now—to hold off on tariffs has underscored doubts over whether Trump, who famously obsesses over market performance, might once again prove a paper tiger on his more fiery trade threats.
Trump could always reverse course again and press for more extreme measures, or impose the tariffs in a bid to offset the projected cost of some of his domestic agenda.
But the deferrals are only likely to feed the US president’s growing reputation for stopping short of his bombast when it comes to trade, using the levies as a negotiating ploy.
Still, uncertainty swirls: Trump did not announce a pause on China tariffs, which have more support in his party, ahead of a planned phone call with President Xi Jinping later this week. He’s also pledged levies on the EU and key sectors. And Trump emphasized that the Mexican and Canadian pauses are only for a month, raising the prospect he could snap back the levies if he doesn’t see the outcomes he wants. And Trump’s moves, even if not fully implemented, have come with costs.
Trump’s threats and the prospect of them becoming real dropped US stocks and the curren-
cies of his targets, including the Canadian dollar, Mexican peso, euro, and South African rand. Each of those recovered as Trump delayed his Mexican threat, then his Canadian one.
“Even if negotiations are reached, uncertainty will remain high, and we will be discussing tariffs for the coming weeks and months,” said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist for Saxo Markets in Singapore. “For corporates, this high degree of uncertainty significantly hampers planning efforts.”
Meanwhile in world capitals, leaders are taking stock of how to respond to the White House. Much of Canada’s Liberal Party leadership campaign to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has centered on how to take on Trump. And internationally minded businesses across the closest of US allies have been forced for weeks into reviewing their own supply chains.
Familiar concessions
I T all leaves unclear whether Trump is all bark on tariffs or whether he still aims to shift the US back toward an era a century ago when import levies were the chief source of revenue.
Trump said he’d take part in ongoing talks toward a permanent deal with Mexico, and conditioned a further Canada reprieve on whether they can reach a “final economic deal.” He’s still threatening other tariffs, including on the EU. Allies of the president touted the concessions from Mexico—a deployment of 10,000 National Guard members to prevent drug trafficking and further talks on security and trade—as proof of Trump’s negotiating prowess. But they struck a familiar tone.
Now, as the skyline of Metro Manila continues to evolve with towering high-rise buildings, one must also question the preparedness of our firefighters in combating the unique challenges posed by conflagrations in such structures. Are they equipped with the necessary training, equipment, and resources to effectively navigate the complexities of urban firefighting, where access is limited and the stakes are high?
When the safety of numerous city residents is at stake, it is essential to assess whether our firefighters are fully prepared to manage and extinguish a large-scale fire in highrise buildings.
We should take important lessons from the devastating California wildfires that killed at least 25 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. Firefighters in Los Angeles are equipped with advanced tools and aerial firefighting resources, yet they could not contain the fire, which destroyed billions of dollars in property. It’s alarming to consider what might occur if a high-rise building in Metro Manila were to experience a similar blaze.
We must prioritize investment in robust fire safety infrastructure, i mprove emergency coordination, and strengthen the capabilities of firefighting services to safeguard the residents and buildings of Metro Manila from the threat of destructive fires.
Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries
Trump could always reverse course again and press for more extreme measures, or impose the tariffs in a bid to offset the projected cost of some of his domestic agenda. But the deferrals are only likely to feed the US president’s growing reputation for stopping short of his bombast when it comes to trade, using the levies as a negotiating ploy.
Mexico agreed to dispatch 10,000 troops to its own southern border under President Joe Biden’s administration in 2021, and also dispatched several thousand troops to its southern border in 2019 amid similar pressure from Trump over migration.
Canada made a similar announcement—saying that “nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border” and pledging a handful of new measures, like C$200 million to fight organized crime and naming a fentanyl czar. Trump also praised a C$1.3 billion announcement Trudeau has previously made.
Trudeau’s government scrambled to put together a border plan two months ago, after Trump first threatened tariffs over migration and fentanyl flows. Officials also repeatedly pointed out there is no evidence the border is a significant problem on these issues.
But as time passed with no deal, Canadian officials grew frustrated at the lack of information about what Trump was looking for, and raised doubts that fentanyl was his true motivation.
“We’ve shown them and said that we’ll do what’s necessary to deal with this,” said Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc in a television interview Sunday. “But I wonder if that’s the actual pretext, or if there’s another policy objective that they’re pursuing.”
The Mexico about-face is virtually identical to Trump’s move in his first term, when he declared a national economic emergency and announced tariffs would go into effect in 2019—and increase 5% every month until Mexico take actions to address the illegal migration crisis.
The standoff between Trump and his Mexican counterpart took about a week until the president on June 7, 2019, announced in a social media post that he had “reached a signed agreement with Mexico” and tariffs scheduled to be implemented were “indefinitely suspended.”
“Just like in 2019, Mexico came to the table in advance of those tariffs going into effect with commitments that sufficiently addressed the president’s concerns,” said Kelly Ann Shaw, a partner at Hogan Lovells who served as Trump’s deputy economic council director during his first term. It also mirrors his move last month to threaten tariffs on Colombia in a dispute over deportation flights, only to back off when the Latin American nation’s leader said he would pick up migrants with his own government plane rather than have them fly shackled on US military planes. Trump has threatened a range of other tariffs, though it’s not clear which, if any, he actually intends to implement. Those include duties on sectors like pharmaceuticals, chips, steel, aluminum, and copper; tariffs on the European Union; and a potential across-the-board global tariff that Trump has said should be “much bigger” than 2.5 percent. The president has long spoke about his desire to use tariffs more aggressively to fill government coffers, as he looks to cut taxes elsewhere, and get even with countries he perceives as ripping off the US. His decision to pause the Canada and Mexico tariffs leaves those goals unfulfilled for now. With assistance from Brian Platt, Justin Sink and Abhishek Vishnoi /Bloomberg
In H1, some PHL fruits may enter South Korea duty-free
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
PHILIPPINE bananas, pineapples, mangoes, grapefruits, avocados and mangosteens may be exported to South Korea duty-free in the first half of 2025, according to South Korea’s 2025 Economic Policy Directions.
According to the website of the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), South Korea released its 2025 Economic Policy Directions, which include revised tariff rates and import quotas on 10 types of fruits.
DTI-EMB Director Bianca Pearl
R. Sykimte explained that the Korean government is implementing the revised tariff rates and import quotas on 10 types of fruits “to support the recovery of livelihoods and address the rising cost of living due to inflation.”
“These measures are designed to stabilize the market, ensure a consistent supply, and reduce price volatility,” Sykimte told BusinessMirror in a Viber message on Tuesday.
“In January 2025, the Ministry of Economy and Finance [MOEF] of South Korea released the 2025 Economic Policy Directions to ensure a stable economy despite the current landscape of domestic and global uncertainties,” Sykimte said.
The policy direction outlines four key pillars: (1) supporting the
recovery of people’s livelihoods; (2) managing external creditworthiness; (3) reacting to vagueness in the international trade environment, and (4) increasing industrial competitiveness, the DTI-EMB official also noted.
“Under this trade policy, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, grapefruits, avocados, mangosteens are duty free from January to June 2025,” the DTI-EMB advisory noted.
The Philippine Trade department’s export marketing arm noted as well “significant” tariff reductions to durians, mandarins and citrus pulp exported to South Korea.
Meanwhile, oranges, which are not covered under the PhilippinesKorea Free Trade Agreement (PHKR FTA) will benefit from a tariff reduction exclusively during January and February 2025.
Based on the table of tariff rates and import quotas, tariff rate of oranges that will be exported to South Korea will be reduced to 20 percent in the first two months of this year from the 50-percent most favored nation
(MFN) tariff rate.
Banana, which has an 18-percent tariff rate under the PHKR FTA, will enjoy zero tariffs to South Korea in the first six months of 2025.
Mangosteen, which has a 20.8-percent tariff rate under the PH-KR FTA, will also be exported to South Korea at zero tariffs in the January to June 2025.
It is worth noting that pineapple and mango, the fruits which are not covered under the PH-KR FTA, may also be exported to Korea duty-free in the first half of this year.
Mandarin, which is also not covered under the said trade deal, can enjoy being exported to South Korea at 20-percent tariff rate. This fruit’s MFN tariff rate is 144 percent.
Meanwhile, grapefruit and avocado are already enjoying zero tariffs under the PH-KR FTA.
“All 10 fruit categories are subject to specific import quotas. Outside of the said quotas, bananas, grapefruits, avocados, durians, mangosteens, and cit -
TBy Ada Pelonia adapelonia
HE Department of Ag -
riculture (DA) has adjusted downward the maximum suggested retail price of imported rice to P55 per kilo starting February 5.
However, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. hinted at a further reductions of the MSRP in the coming weeks, which could potentially drop to below P50 per kilo by early March.
“After this reduction, we plan to lower it further to P52 a kilo by mid-February and then at P49 per kilo two weeks after. This should reflect the lower global prices of rice and the reduced tariff,” Laurel said in a statement.
Last month, the DA imposed an MSRP of P58 per kilo for premium imported rice with 5 percent broken grains subject to a monthly review.
The DA said the decision to lower the MSRP follows “extensive consultations” with rice industry stakeholders, including importers and retailers, to ensure that it would benefit consumers without negatively affecting rice supply.
“This price reduction comes
amid efforts by the DA to stabilize rice prices and alleviate inflationary pressures on basic commodities.” It added that this would be a crucial step in controlling food price inflation, particularly for rice, which is a staple food for millions of Filipinos.
“By lowering the cost, the government aims to make rice more affordable, particularly for lower-income households.”
The agency also noted that it would continue to monitor rice supply and market conditions, adding that it would ensure the availability of the country’s food staple at stable prices while supporting longterm food security and the local rice industry’s growth.
“This initiative is part of the DA’s broader efforts to address the challenges posed by rising food costs and contribute to the overall economic stability of the country as it moves toward 2025.”
Meanwhile, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the MSRP would be implemented nationwide by February 15. The measure is currently being imposed in Metro Manila. He earlier noted that the MSRP for 25 percent broken
ERC eyeing to finish rate reset, after drawing flak
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
UNDER fire from lawmakers for the delays in the rate resets for the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it is eyeing to finish the rate reset in the upcoming months.
During a legislative inquiry by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, lawmakers questioned former ERC Commissioner Alfredo Non for the absence of rate reset proceed -
ings during his tenure at the ERC, which resulted in lapsed regulatory periods affecting both the transmission grid operator and the country’s largest distribution utility.
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez emphasized that the ERC, not NGCP or Meralco, should be held accountable for the lack of a rate reset, as both companies are regulated entities bound by the commission’s rules.
“The problem here is the ERC has failed to conduct a timely rate reset. We are barking up the wrong tree if we are faulting the regulated agencies—Meralco and NGCP,” he said. Rodriguez also lamented the
undue criticism directed at Meralco, noting that despite the ERC’s failure to conduct a timely rate reset, the utility still complied with the regulator’s order to refund approximately P48 billion to customers for the lapsed period. Meanwhile, Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (Philreca) party-list Rep. Presley De Jesus questioned Non over the delay in rate reset proceedings, pointing out that the issue only arose during his term.
“You were there for seven years, and not a single rate reset was conducted?” Jesus asked Non.
February 4, 2025, Muntinlupa City commemorated the 80th Anniversary of its Liberation at Liwasan ng mga Bayani in Barangay Alabang. Mayor Ruffy Biazon delivered the keynote address, joined by Congressman Jaime Fresnedi, city councilors, and
ROTC guerrillas’ raid on Muntinlupa Bilibid Prison. Notably, veterans Trinidad Castro, 92, and Petronila Villanueva, 93, graced the ceremony with their presence. NONOY LACZA
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Metro Manila office space vacancy widens in 2024
By VG Cabuag @villygc
REAL estate services firm JLL Philippines said office pullouts reached an all-time high in 2024 mainly due to the ban on Philippine online gaming operations imposed by the government.
Janlo de los Reyes, JLL’s head of research and consulting said, a total of 407,010 square meters of office space were freed last year, larger than the 334,890 sqm recorded in 2023.
In Parañaque alone the company’s research showed there 19,000 square meters worth of office space vacated by online gaming operators, while corporate occupiers in Taguig left open some 1,600 square meters of office, he said. Taguig has the most number of pullouts with 90,835 square meters; Bonifacio Global City record -
ed 69,800 square meters; Makati, 73,980 square meters; the Makati central business district (CBD), 50,319 square meters; and Quezon City, 73,654 square meters.
As a result, vacancy rated climbed to 19.6 percent, which was seen almost all year long as new supplies of office unit came in, except in the fourth quarter, when no new units were launched.
As of last year, the total stock of office units in Metro Manila reached 11.1 million square meters. Makati has the most vacancy rate at 17 percent, followed by its CBD at 13.5 percent. Taguig, meanwhile, has a 14.9- percent vacancy rate, while that of BGC reached 9.2 percent.
Rental rates, meanwhile, continued to fall, and declined by 2.3
percent by end-2024, with an average of P982 per square meter, per month in the fourth quarter on the headline rents and P878 per square meter on transacted rents.
This year, de los Reyes said 682,023 fresh square meters of office space will be added into the system, but it will fall to 294,809 square meters in 2026. New office spaces that will be added to the system would smaller at 176,019 sqm in 2027 and 43,066 sqm in 2028. Philippine online gaming operations were banned by President Marcos effective December 31, 2024. These are online gambling companies that operated in the Philippines but catered to customers outside the country. They are licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
DoubleDragon unit all set to list on Nasdaq
DOUBLEDRAGON Corp. said its unit Hotel101-Global has filed the documents for its listing via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange.
This marks a significant step forward as it moves closer towards its upcoming $2.3-billion Nasdaw listing, following months of rigorous preparation and compliance with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and Nasdaq’s registration and listing requirements, the company said.
With this milestone, DoubleDragon is on track to make history as the first-ever Filipino company to have a subsidiary, Hotel101 Global, listed and traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol HBNB.
“Management believes that Hotel101 is a global ‘one room’ hotel chain poised to disrupt the tourism industry by offering identical, standardized hotel rooms around the world, creating what management believes to be unbeatable efficiency, simplicity, and value,” the company said. It also said Hotel101s are efficient to build, maintain, and operate – as well as to scale and expand through direct development, joint venture partnerships and licensing.
“Hotel101’s asset-light business model allows us to generate revenues twice: first from the pre-selling of
THE number of new companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reached an all-time high last year.
The SEC said it registered 52,304 new companies last year, up by 6 percent from 49,506 in 2023. This brings the total number of active SEC-registered companies to 527,710 by the end of 2024.
“Digital transformation has always been one of the top priorities of the SEC to improve the efficiency of our services. Surpassing the 50,000-mark in company registrations serves as a testament that we are on the right track in encouraging entities to legitimize their operations through registration with the Commission,” SEC Chairman Emilio B. Aquino said.
“In 2025, we will capitalize on the success of our digital transformation journey and explore other strategies that will bring our services closer to the public to contribute to the further improvement of ease of doing business in the Philippines.”
Stock corporations accounted for 75 percent, or 39,146, of the newly registered companies,
while non-stock corporations comprised 21 percent, or 10,782. The remaining 5 percent, or 2,376, were partnerships. Meanwhile, newly registered one-person corporations posted a 27 percent growth to 8,640 in 2024 from 6,794 in 2023. About 40 percent, or 20,231, of the new registered companies were based in Metro Manila, followed by Region 4-A or Calabarzon at 8,226 at 16 percent and Region 3 or Central Luzon at 6,141 12 percent.
The services sector dominated the new registrations at 86 percent, or 44,872, with the wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles segment recording 12,479 new registrants.
The SEC has set records in the past three years in terms of company registration, following the start of its digital transformation journey in 2020. In 2021, at the height of the pandemic, it launched the SEC Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Corporation (eSPARC), reducing the registration process from 34 days to three days. VG Cabuag
strata-titled individual hotel units during the construction phase; and second, from the long- term recurring revenue derived from day-to-day hotel operations following completion of the units,” Hannah Yulo-Luccini, CEO of Hotel101, said.
“Building on the success of our business model in the Philippines— where we have several operating properties and a number under development—and our ongoing international expansion to Japan, Spain, and the US, we believe that a Nasdaq listing will provide Hotel101 with access to public capital markets and help accelerate our global expansion plans,” she added.
The export of Hotel101 brand is expected to eventually become one of the major US dollar inflow generators to the Philippine economy.
DoubleDragon’s string of titled investment properties strategically planted in prime locations spread out in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and overseas serves as its strong underlying solid foundation.
The upcoming Hotel101 Global listing in the US will further strengthen DoubleDragon’s balance sheet. The two major equity capital raises in the pipeline are expected to significantly boost DoubleDragon’s balance sheet and enhance its equity base through the expected US listing of Hotel101 Global and initial public offering of CentralHub. VG Cabuag
US Tariffs and the Philippines
AFTER his inauguration, President Donald Trump has been living up to his promises. And this time, the tariffs had indeed been raised as he promised. Last Saturday, the United States of America imposed tariffs of 25 percent on Canadian and Mexican goods, except for energy products imported from Canada levied at 10 percent. On China products, he imposed an increase of 10-percent tax. It also halts a trade exemption on the above three countries known as “ de minimis,” which allows exporters to ship goods worth less than $800 to the US duty free. This is where for instance, online shopping applications like Temu and Shein will be affected. The suspension of “de minimis” was due to the fact that their lower prices affected competitors and since these shipments undergo minimal documentation and inspection, this could affect product safety proper screening (https://www.cnbc.com, February 2, 2025).This will also force the public to buy local. These tariffs can be used as a probable boost to the US economy or can be used as leverage for negotiations. Trump, however, further framed these tariffs as leverage on drugs saying these countries are not exerting enough effort to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US. As to immigration, he blames Mexico and Canada (to a lesser extent) for an inflow of immigrants across US borders. And at this early, Mexican and Canadian leaders agreed to more cooperation on border control.
Last Monday, President Trump and the leaders of Mexico and Canada announced deals to prevent a potential trade war for 30 days as both US neighbors agreed to boost efforts to strengthen border security and combat drug trafficking. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum committed to deploy 10,000 national guard members to the US-Mexico border (https:// www.apnews.com).
And when it comes to leveraging, it looks like President Trump could declare victory on this aspect.
These tariffs increases could be a boost or bane to the Philippine economy. But I hope it will have a more positive effect to our economy than a negative one. According to HSBC Global Research Asean Economist Aris Dacanay (https://www.PNA.gov.ph) the Philippines is “very insulated from the risks of higher US tariff rates.”
For one, the US trade deficit and surplus with the Philippines are so small. The reason Washington tar-
Banking&Finance BSP tacks clause on assent to extending DBP request
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
geted China, Mexico and Canada first is because the US trade deficits in these countries are one of those that are huge. The trade deficit in the US widened to $78.2 billion in November 2024 alone up from $73.6 billion in October 2024. In 2023, the US trade deficit with Canada was $67.9 billion while in the fourth quarter of 2024, the US trade deficit with Canada was $14.7 billion. For Mexico, it was $152.4 billion in 2023 and $41.8 billion in the 4th quarter and with China in 2023 was $279.4 billion with $70.3 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2024. (US Bureau of Economic Analysis) Trade deficits in simpler terms mean you import more from these countries than export. There is no balance of trade. The Philippines exports more services than goods, and tariffs are imposed on goods than services. And we should be working more on the services area especially on the area of artificial intelligence where the potential market is high so we can maximize on that.
In the Philippines, we can still enjoy shopping for cheaper buys in online applications but the peso and other Asian currencies are expected to depreciate this year according to Dacanay due to these tariffs. This means there is a possibility that the peso will likely be more than the P59-to-a-dollar level in the second quarter of 2025. So we are not completely insulated from these tariffs increases because one way or another they can also affect our monetary policy in terms of interest rates and currency exchange.
A trade war could be looming ahead and while the Philippines might be somewhat insulated, in a global economy like what we have today where the “sneeze of one country” can infect even a small country like ours, I hope it will not be like the economy during the pandemic times. This time the carrier is not Covid but tariffs.
Wilma Miranda is the Managing Partner of Inventor, Miranda & Associates, CPAs, MemberBoard of Directors of KPS Outsourcing Inc. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of these institutions and the BusinessMirror
Tobacco tax increase bills fly out of House
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @ joveemarie
THE House of Representatives has endorsed for Senate approval two key measures aimed at regulating tax increases on cigarette products and strengthening excise tax administration to combat illicit trade and minimize revenue losses.
This after lawmakers approved House Bill (HB) 11360 and HB 11286 on their third and final reading, signaling a major step in refining tax policies related to tobacco products. HB 11360 introduces amendments to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, particularly Sections 144, 145, 147, 263-A, and 289. Under the bill, the excise tax on tobacco, heated tobacco, cigarettes, and vapor products shall be increased by two percent every even-numbered year, effective on January 1, 2026, and by four percent every odd-numbered year, effective on January 1, 2027, until December 31, 2035. The measure sets an excise tax rate of P41 per pack of 20 units or packaging combinations of not more than 20 units for heated tobacco products. It also imposes a unitary tax rate of P66.15 per milliliter on vapor products, covering all liquid substances, including nicotinefree options, and adjusts the excise tax rate on cigarettes packed by hand or machine to P66.15 per pack.
The bill directs the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to establish removal thresholds to prevent frontloading.
The measure authorizes the president, upon recommendation of the Secretary of Finance, to increase tax rates by up to 5 percent if the national deficit surpasses the programmed defi-
cit by 2 percent.
The bill mandates conducting a 10year review of the tax policy’s impact on revenue, health costs, and smoking prevalence. It also instructs the BIR to set a floor price for cigarettes, ensuring consideration of applicable taxes, production costs, and trade margins.
Allocate special financial support to Virginia tobacco-producing provinces for infrastructure projects such as multipurpose buildings and flood control systems; cash and educational assistance for tobacco farmers, alternative crop planters, fisherfolk, and their children; and medical and educational facility support for hospitals and schools. Meanwhile, HB 11286 introduces a mandatory tracking and tracing system requiring the use of secure digital markers with unique identifier features on tobacco products. Additionally, it defines the crime of illicit trade of covered products and imposes commensurate penalties for such offenses.
Manufacturers will be required to register their tobacco product manufacturing equipment within 30 days from acquisition or disposal. Digital platforms are also mandated to ensure the absence of illicit covered products on their respective platforms.
The BIR, through the National Telecommunications Commission, will be granted the authority to remove illicit product listings from digital platforms. The bill further outlines the procedure for custody and disposition of confiscated, seized, or surrendered covered products to ensure a proper chain of custody.
To strengthen enforcement, the bill establishes an Inter-Agency Tobacco Illicit Trade Council, to be chaired by the DOF, which will implement appropriate measures to suppress the illicit trade of covered products.
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is open to considering the request by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for an extension of regulatory relief; but approval would depend on strict justification and an assessment of financial metrics.
Financial Supervision Sector
Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier said the central bank will assess if the DBP’s justification for a oneyear regulatory relief is reasonable enough to warrant an extension.
“All this regulatory relief is time-
bound. That’s why we can say it’s reasonable because it’s time-bound.
Once they request for more time, that’s where we go in to assess if it’s justifiable to extend [the relief],” Fonacier told reporters over the weekend.
Aside from capital adequacy, the BSP will examine DBP’s loan portfolio, including its size, performance and risk exposure. Past due and non-performing loan (NPL) ratios as well as the extent of its large exposures will also be considered, Fonacier added.
DBP President Michael O. de Jesus said last month the state-run bank will again seek regulatory relief from the BSP to build up its capital after its contribution to the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/13/dbp-toseek-regulatory-dividend-reliefthis-year/).
“Even though [we] will meet all the capital ratios, we still would seek [regulatory relief] for comfort,” de Jesus said.
Asking for regulatory relief, however, was flagged by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which said
that the DBP, along with the Lank Bank of the Philippines, should exit regulatory relief “as soon as possible.” The DBP and the LandBank sought regulatory relief in 2023 after its infusion of P25 billion and P50 billion, respectively, to the sovereign wealth fund.
The DBP’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR), or the measure of a bank’s financial health, stood at 14.78 percent, while LandBank’s level is at 16.42 percent as of the end November 2024—above the 10-percent regulatory threshold.
“While the establishment of the MIC can help address the country’s investment needs; it should not come at the cost of a resilient financial system, sound regulatory framework, and level-playing field,” the IMF said. The IMF also called to restore the capitalization of the two stateowned banks after their investment in the MIC.
Investors relent on low inflation, rate cut bets
THE Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised P30 billion from the sale of Treasury bonds (T-bonds) as investors’ asking yields eased as the market expects inflation would dip and monetary authorities would cut policy rates.
The auction committee made a full award last Tuesday of the reissued 5-year T-bonds with an average yield of 5.968 percent. Yields ranged from a low of 5.945 percent to a high of 5.980 percent.
The interest rate is lower than the 6.060 percent yield set during the previous auction of the securities with the same tenor and the benchmark Philippine Bloomberg Valuation (PHP BVAL) rate of 5.988 percent.
Demand for the tender was 3.2 times oversubscribed as total bids reached P98.633 billion while P68.633 billion was rejected by the auction committee.
The long-term T-bonds have a remaining life of five years and five months and a coupon rate of 6.375 percent.
Local monetary authorities’ recent dovish signals of reducing the key policy rates and expectations of lower inflation caused the T-bond auction yields to decline, according to Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC).
Central bank Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. has signaled the possibility of a rate cut in its upcoming rate-setting meeting on February 13 to help stimulate economic growth.
A 50-basis point reduction is eyed, to be delivered during the first and second half of the year, to place interest rates at 5.25 percent this year, Remolona said.
This is fewer than the expectations of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, who also sits as a member of the Monetary Board, of a 75-bps rate cut for the year. Remolona said a 75-bps reduction is “too much” as the country may still need policy insurance against inflation.
The declaration of a food security emergency recently would also help reduce local rice prices, which account for about 9 percent of the consumer price index, and in turn, justify further local monetary easing, Ricafort said.
“Softer [gross domestic product] data for the second straight quarter and the slowest in 1.5 years or since second quarter 2023 would further support/justify local policy rate cuts as early as the next ratesetting meeting of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on February 13, 2025, and would also match future US Federal Reserve rate cuts, going forward,” the RCBC executive added.
This month, the Treasury aims to raise a total of P115 billion by auctioning T-bonds and P22 billion from Treasury bills.
As planned, the national government will borrow P2.545 trillion, following an 80:20 mix in favor of local sources. Meanwhile, outstanding debt reached P16.05 trillion as of endDecember 2024.
NGO offers financing for housing improvement
THE ASA Philippines Foundation Inc. announced it has launched its “Tahanang Ligtas at Matatag” (Talima) financing program to serve the housing improvement needs of underserved women entrepreneurs.
A statement issued by ASA quoted President and CEO Rafael C. Lopa as saying that the new program aims to support ASA clients in need of home improvement.
“We recognize that many households require assistance to enhance their living conditions and this program is designed to extend our support to those clients,” Lopa said.
ASA Philippines Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides microfinancing to women entrepreneurs. It is among the largest microfinancing institutions in the country, serving 2.2 million clients through its nearly 2,000 branches nationwide.
Many Filipino families face difficulty in maintaining secure homes due to financial challenges. TaLiMa financing seeks to help the problem by offering loans to clients who have completed at least two loan cycles, and who have been assessed to be among the poorest of the poor, with monthly income threshold of not more than P13,797 per month. The applicant may be determined as falling under this category if she or her husband is a beneficiary of the government’s 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program).
According to ASA, the Talima program offers loan amounts ranging from P8,000 to P30,000, intended for essential home improvements such as roof and ceiling repairs, wall reinforcement, floor restoration, window and door replacement and protective coatings. These enhancements not only improve living conditions but also provide stronger
Finex Free enTerPriSe
Wilma inventor-Miranda
Preparing your development plan
AWELL-CRAFTED development plan is an essential tool for career growth and professional success. It serves as a roadmap, guiding you to achieve your goals and bridge skill gaps for the year. When creating your development plan at work, there are several things you need to consider so that it becomes an effective tool to achieve your professional goals. Start with an assessment of your current performance. Evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, skills and accomplishments so that you have an idea of where you want to take your professional career. For example, if your goal is to become more creative in the way you solve issues and problems at work, consider whether you currently approach challenges with an open mind, if you experiment with new ideas, or seek inspiration from diverse sources. These evaluations will feed into what you can improve during the year. If possible, seek feedback from colleagues or your direct supervisor to identify areas where you can unlock more creativity.
By Eugenia Last
Once you know your current situation, set clear, actionable and measurable goals. For enhancing creativity, your goal could be developing and implementing three innovative solutions to team challenges within the next six months. When you draft your goals, use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to ensure that your goals are well-defined and attainable. The framework will also help you filter out those that are not realistic goals given your current set of skills and abilities.
When goals are identified, analyze the skills, knowledge, or even habits that help develop creativity and compare them with your current approach. These are the gaps that you need to improve in order to attain your goal. For example, in developing
creative problem-solving, you might need to improve your brainstorming techniques, implement design thinking, or overcome a tendency to default to conventional methods. Highlight these gaps in your development plan so you can develop action plans to address them.
Action plans are specific actions you can do to cultivate creativity. Examples of these include attending workshops on creative problem-solving or design thinking, scheduling regular brainstorming sessions with your team, exploring creative hobbies like painting or writing, or experimenting with techniques such as mind-mapping or role-playing to generate fresh ideas. Make sure that when you identify action plans, they are doable and can be integrated into your workload.
You should also take advantage of workplace resources like innovation labs, cross-departmental
collaboration opportunities, or creativity-focused training sessions. Additionally, explore external options such as online courses on creativity, TED Talks, or books by leading innovators. With the internet and artificial intelligence, information on just about anything is readily available. When you know what you need to improve to achieve your goals, it becomes easier to filter topics and resources to help you. Be mindful of establishing realistic timelines for achieving your personal development milestones. Based on the example above, you can set a goal to complete a creative thinking course within the first month, implement a new brainstorming technique by the second month, and present a creative solution to a team challenge by the fourth month. By pacing
loved one with pop-up bouquet this Valentine’s Day
FOR Amy Lopez Nayve, a Filipino paper engineer, a love that stands the test of time should be paired with flowers that last forever. For this Valentine season, the artist-entrepreneur transformed the traditional bouquet into a handcrafted gift to be cherished for years to come.
The young founder of the Pumapapel Pop-Up Design Studio believes that there is a unique sentimentality found solely in physical items. And thus, she introduced a popup rose bouquet as a mailable expression of admiration, endearment and love. “Show your feelings and affection to your special someone even if you are far apart with this treasured keepsake,” she shared. “It is personalized and heartfelt,” she added. “The best part—you can send it to anywhere in the world and not be concerned it might wilt before it reaches the receiver.” This imaginative creation, which folds flat, can be tucked safely in an equally charming envelope. When opened, it pops into an intricate 3D artwork as a heartwarming pleasant surprise.
Priced at a special Valentine offer of P460, it comes with a dainty notecard for handwritten messages which can likewise be displayed on the vase. “So much care and love went into
designing this bouquet,” Nayve explained. “We hope it will help you convey all your love to your special someone.”
The Industrial Design graduate from the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) said that sales aim to support the small business to move forward with its advocacy to uplift local artists.“Not only will you be giving a special and meaningful gift, but you will also assist us to support talented Filipino artists and build a brighter future for our creative community,” she stated.
As the first Filipino paper engineer to gain international recognition for her work, Nayve has made it her mission to pioneer the Philippine paper engineering industry and inspire the next generation.
She is part of the 2024 cohort of the SHE Fellowship, a prestigious eight-month leadership and crowdfunding program by The Spark Project and Sasakawa Peace Foundation, which supports women entrepreneurs. This opportunity has fueled her mission to grow Pumapapel and crowdfund for the benefit of Pumapapel’s creative community. For details and orders, visit www.pumapapelcrafts.com.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Think twice before you bend to someone’s whims. It’s up to you to choose opportunities that can help you get ahead. A conversation will offer insight into the best way to move forward without controversy. Let your intuition lead the way, and your experience help you ward off interference. ★★
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Reluctance to see or acknowledge what others want will prevent you from getting your way. Indulge others by listening, observing and offering valid alternatives. You can get what you want with a positive and informative attitude.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Draw from your reserves and participate in something that offers a unique perspective regarding something causing uncertainty in your life. Immerse yourself in conversations, events and research that provide insight into how to help. Head in that direction, and you’ll meet someone inspirational. Personal growth is favored. ★★★
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Ignore the riffraff you hear in the background and channel your energy into what matters. Taking charge and getting things done will have a much grander effect on you and how things unfold than someone pontificating on the sidelines. Choose the people you want to associate with: the doers or critics. ★★★
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stick to the script. Any deviation will lead to trouble. Someone will be eager to send you on a wild goose chase. Call on allies to back you up, and block anyone you think may be trying to sabotage your efforts. Trust and truth will help you find the best way forward. ★★★
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pay attention to what’s happening at home. Someone is experiencing emotional changes that can alter your life if not addressed properly. Your reassurance will make a difference and encourage personal growth and positive alternatives.
Show BusinessMirror
Woman’s lawsuits say sci-fi author Neil Gaiman repeatedly sexually assaulted her
BIG STAR?
WHEN the male starlet wanted to leave his network, a conglomerate bought his contract. People found it weird because he is not even a big star so it was strange that such a big company would pay millions for his contract. When the male starlet transferred to another network, there was a big event to mark it. Again, people found it strange because he is not even a rising star to deserve such an event. So what is the reason for all these developments? There are so many speculations but none of them are for general patronage.
BULLIED ONLINE
HOW true is the rumor that an artist suffered a nervous breakdown because of online bullying? The artist, who is very talented, has often been bashed for his looks and his songs. His face has been turned into a meme by harsh netizens. The artist couldn’t take it anymore and had to be rushed to the hospital. He is now recuperating at home under the care of his loved ones, who have seen him suffer from the harshness of online criticism.
LACKLUSTER
AN upcoming reality show promises to be a blockbuster with one side bringing in two of their biggest stars. One is a beautiful and talented young actress. There will also be a singer who is quite big on social media. Meanwhile, the other side is presenting stars who aren’t really stars. They wanted to cast a hot young actress but the girl doesn’t want to disrupt her thriving career by joining a reality show. For now, there are still no big name stars in the lineup except the singer and the beautiful young actress.
LOVE CONFUSION
THE singer and the matinee idol were once a couple.
One day, they decided to go on a foursome out-of-town trip with a beauty queen and hunk boyfriend. During the trip, an orgy was said to have taken place. The participants were the four celebrities. After the trip, the two couples went on with their lives—or so the singer and the hunk thought. After a few months, it was revealed that the beauty queen was pregnant and the dad was the matinee idol. The singer and the hunk were shocked beyond words that their respective partners could do this to them. Eventually, the beauty queen and the matinee idol got married. They are still together.
Preparing your development plan
MBy Todd Richmond The Asociated Press
ADISON, Wisconsin—A woman from New Zealand has filed three civil lawsuits against best-selling British author Neil Gaiman and his wife, accusing Gaiman of repeatedly sexually assaulting her while she was working as the couple’s babysitter and nanny. Scarlett Pavlovich filed the lawsuits in federal court in Wisconsin, Massachusetts and New York on Monday.
The Associated Press doesn’t identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they publicly identify themselves. Pavlovich identified herself in an interview with New York Magazine, which published an article in January detailing allegations of assault, abuse and coercion leveled by eight women.
Pavlovich alleges in the lawsuits that she was homeless and living on a beach when she met Gaiman’s wife, Amanda Palmer, in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2020. Pavlovich was 22 years old at the time.
According to the lawsuits, Gaiman’s wife invited Pavlovich to the couple’s home on Waiheke Island. Pavlovich began running errands for the couple, babysitting their son and helping with chores, eventually becoming the couple’s nanny.
Gaiman first sexually assaulted her the night they met in February 2022, according to the lawsuits. The assaults continued but she kept working for the couple because she was broke and homeless and Gaiman had told her he would help her writing career, according to the lawsuits.
When she told Palmer about the assaults, Palmer told her that more than a dozen women had told her in the past that Gaiman had sexually abused them, according to the lawsuits.
The assaults didn’t stop until Pavlovich told Palmer she was going to kill herself, the lawsuits said. She left the family and became homeless again, although the documents say Gaiman eventually paid her for her work caring for the couple’s child and helped cover her rent for a few months.
Palmer knew of Gaiman’s sexual desires and presented Pavalovich to him knowing he would assault her, according the lawsuits. Pavlovich alleges Gaiman and Palmer violated federal human trafficking prohibitions and seeks at least $7 million in damages.
After the New York Magazine article was published, Gaiman released a statement in January denying he had ever engaged in non-consensual sex. The
allegations of four of the women were previously broadcast in July in a Tortoise Media podcast. I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever,” Gaiman posted on the social media platform Tumblr.
Representatives for Gaiman and Palmer did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday and online court records did not list attorneys representing them in the suits. Pavlovich’s attorneys stated in the filings that Gaiman, author of such bestsellers as Coraline and The Sandman series, is a resident of Menomonie, Wisconsin. But they’re unsure if Palmer resides in Massachusetts or New York.
Pavlovich told New York Magazine that she filed a
Lawyers for Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni get reality check from federal judge
NEW YORK—A federal judge presiding over the heated public feud between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni over whether sexual harassment occurred during the making of It Ends With Us lawyers on Monday to obey court rules about public statements meant to ensure a fair trial.
police report in January 2023 accusing Gaiman of sexual assault. Police have not confirmed whether Gaiman was ever under investigation.
Gaiman has worked with numerous publishers over the years. Two of them, HarperCollins and W.W. Norton, have said they have no plans to release his books in the future. Others, including Bloomsbury, have so far declined comment.
Dark Horse Comics announced in January that it would no longer release its illustrated series based on Gaiman’s novel, Anansi Boys The seventh of eight editions was released earlier that month.
Disney has paused a planned adaptation of Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book, while Netflix is still scheduled to release a second season based on The Sandman n
EUGENE
DOMINGO JOINS CAST OF ‘INTO THE WOODS’
yourself and designing the schedules to build on what you have previously learned, you reinforce your understanding and at the same time make it practical. Once milestones and schedules are set, regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed. For instance, if a brainstorming technique does not yield desired results, try a different approach or seek feedback from your peers. But do not also forget to celebrate successes, such as introducing an idea that leads to improved team processes, to maintain momentum.
When you regularly monitor progress, you can identify roadblocks that will affect the achievement of your goals and give you enough time to recalibrate and adjust your strategies. Always remember to keep your goal in sight and when it becomes difficult and challenging, you can adjust your plans but keep your goal. Creating a personal development plan is an investment in your future. By assessing your skills, defining your goals, and implementing targeted actions, you can enhance your capabilities to position you for success. Remember, growth is a continuous process so stay committed and adaptable to achieve your aspirations. n Continued from B4
Judge Lewis J. Liman suggested he could make the March 9, 2026, trial happen sooner if lawyers were unable to stop making fiery public comments that could contaminate a potential jury pool.
Neither actor attended the Manhattan federal court hearing where lawyers again repeated their claims that their adversaries weren’t playing fair.
Attorney Michael Gottlieb, representing Lively, complained that Baldoni’s attorney had made inflammatory statements publicly that were devastating to Lively.
He said she was “very eager to move forward and have her day in court.”
Bryan Freedman, representing Baldoni and his production company, said his clients had suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in damages due to Lively’s claims that she was sexually harassed on the movie set.
Freedman said he didn’t want to say “they started it,” but that this is what occurred when Lively took her complaints about Baldoni to the media.
Lively sued Baldoni, his production company and others in New York in late December for sexual harassment and attacks on her reputation and sought unspecified damages. Baldoni sued last month, accusing Lively and her husband, Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and extortion and seeking at least $400 million in damages.
It Ends With Us, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel that begins as a romance but
takes a dark turn into domestic violence, was released in August, exceeding box office expectations with a $50 million debut. But the movie’s release was shrouded by speculation over discord between Lively and Baldoni.
Lively became widely known after she appeared in the 2005 film The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants She bolstered her stardom on the TV series Gossip Girl from 2007 to 2012 before starring in films including The Town and The Shallows. Baldoni starred in the TV comedy Jane the Virgin directed the 2019 film Five Feet Apart and wrote Man Enough, a book pushing back against traditional notions of masculinity. AP
THEATRE Group Asia (TGA) announces that Famas and Aliw award-winning actress, thespian, comedian, and host Eugene Domingo will be playing the role of Jack’s mother [from Jack and the Beanstalk] in its production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods, set for August this year at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (S-PAT).
Domingo shares, “I am so excited to be a part of this popular and critically acclaimed musical as Jack’s mother. I love that the material is inspired by fairy tales yet reveals a realistic twist we can all relate to. I love all the surprises that come after the characters are put together. This one entertains as much as it teaches.” TGA previously revealed the casting of Olivier and Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga as The Witch and New York-based Fil-Am Broadway star Arielle Jacobs as Cinderella. Into The Woods is based on the book by James Lapine, who also directed the original Broadway run. The musical sees a fantastical backdrop where several beloved fairy tale characters’ paths intertwine. What ensues is a magical spectacle, dramatically portraying the impact and consequences of human choices and actions. Behind this production of Into The Woods is Tony Award-winning visionary Clint Ramos who serves as overall artistic director, stage and costume designer, and co-producer alongside John and Joanna Echauz, and S-PAT executive director Chris Mohanani. The show is directed by Chari Arespacochaga. Into the Woods is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International, New York, NU, USA. More information can be found at www. theatregroupasia.com.
BLAKE LIVELY and Justin Baldoni in a scene from It Ends With Us.
Magna Prime Chemical Technologies, Inc. celebrates 24th Anniversary with Groundbreaking Launches
MAGNA Prime Chemical and Technologies, Inc.
marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 24th Founding Anniversary on January 24, 2025. The occasion was graced by Wacker Philippines Technical Service Manager Jane Ramos, Kaneka Malaysia General Manager Naoya Yoshida, and Santa Maria Bulacan Vice-Mayor Pablo “Eboy” Juan, reflecting the strong partnerships Magna Prime has built over the years.
As part of this milestone celebration, Magna Prime unveiled groundbreaking advancements for its flagship brand, Sinclair The New Generation Paint.
To commemorate this momentous occasion, the company proudly announced the inauguration of the Buildrite Academy, an innovative program designed to elevate industry standards. Set to become a TESDA-accredited professional training center, the Buildrite Academy will provide hands-on training for engineers, architects, aspiring contractors, masons, and skilled workers in critical areas such as tiling and waterproofing.
The academy addresses a crucial knowledge gap in the proper use of construction chemicals for pre-learners and post-learners. By imparting best practices and methodologies according to international standards, it equips architects, engineers, and contractors to specify and apply products with precision. This initiative fosters informed construction practices and correct specifications, leading to superior finishes and more efficient applications on-site.
In addition to the academy, Magna Prime is launching the Philippines’ first Modified Silicone Manufacturing Facility in partnership with Kaneka. This facility not only champions eco-friendly solutions but also reduces costs, making advanced materials more accessible. Furthermore, it opens the door to product innovation, such as adhesives for wood and parquet, construction adhesives, and various types of sealants, driving progress in the local construction industry and reinforcing Magna Prime’s dedication to innovation and excellence. Magna Prime’s commitment to driving innovation is further exemplified by the introduction of several groundbreaking products designed to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry. These products include: Smartbond Flex Wall A tile adhesive specifically designed for wall applications with enhanced slip resistance, ensuring stability and ease of use. What sets it apart is its focus on wall performance. Traditionally, tiles were simply fixed to prevent them from falling, but with Smartbond Flex
Maynilad wins two Silver Anvil Awards for communications excellence
WEST Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) bagged two Silver Awards at the prestigious 2025 Anvil Awards held on January 28, 2025, at the Manila Hotel. The company was recognized for its communications initiatives that highlight efforts to reduce non-revenue water (NRW). The “Mark the 39% - Maynilad’s NRW Reduction Campaign” earned a Silver Anvil under the Cause-Related/ Public Awareness/Advocacy category. This campaign raised public awareness about water losses caused by leaks and illegal connections, and how addressing these issues contributes to water security. Meanwhile, the “Be a Leak Warrior - NRW Campaign” won under the Best Use of Influencer Marketing category. This initiative mobilized digital influencers to amplify the message of vigilance against leaks, encouraging the public to report issues and
become active participants in water conservation.
Marie Antonette de Ocampo, Maynilad’s Head for Corporate Affairs and Communication, expressed appreciation for the recognition. “These awards reinforce our commitment to pursuing meaningful communications initiatives that engage the public in driving down water losses. We remain steadfast in our mission to educate communities about the value of water and the importance of working together to protect this vital resource,” she said.
The Anvil Awards, presented annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), celebrate outstanding public relations programs and tools that exemplify excellence in strategy, execution, and impact. These wins affirm Maynilad’s dedication to leveraging effective communication as part of its overall strategy to enhance water service delivery and sustainability.
Wall, Buildrite has elevated the standard by providing superior bonding strength and flexibility, tailored to meet the demands of modern wall applications.
Smartbond Flex Hydro Specifically engineered for underwater applications, having undergone rigorous water immersion tests to ensure long-lasting durability and reliable performance. It is developed to address a common issue: swimming pool tiles often pop out due to insufficient bonding strength. With this innovation, swimming pool tiles are secured effectively, providing a lasting solution for underwater environments.
Tofil 801 Extra A premium skim coat designed with an “extra” advantage— allowing for thinner application, a smoother finish, and enhanced workability. The “extra” factor provides additional room for corrections, accommodating common application and mixing errors by workers, such as adding too much water. This extra allowance improves workability, helping to address issues like poor workmanship that often lead to problems like a chalky finish. Its extra-thin formulation and superior finish make it easier to apply, delivering exceptional quality and reliability for every project.
Kryocrete A patented lightweight insulating mortar with air-entraining technology, Kryocrete offers exceptional insulation properties while remaining easy to handle. As the first of its kind in the Philippines, Kryocrete can reduce temperatures by two to three degrees Celsius, making it a groundbreaking solution for enhancing thermal comfort in homes and buildings.
Stopslip Anti-Slip Coating for Tiles Specifically designed to enhance safety in shower areas, this durable, nonslip coating minimizes the risk of accidents while providing long-term performance. Ideal for light-traffic environments such as hospitals, hotels, and homes, it is particularly beneficial for spaces used by children and adults. Easy to apply, this solution ensures tiles remain safe and slip-resistant, especially in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and shower areas. Surfix Surfix is a specialized product designed to ensure proper surface preparation, guaranteeing that coatings and waterproofing treatments adhere effectively and perform as intended. By enhancing adhesion and optimizing surface properties, Surfix plays a crucial role in maximizing the functionality and durability of coatings and waterproofing systems. Proper surface treatment is essential to ensure these products deliver
their full potential, providing long-lasting and reliable performance. Each of these products is a testament to Magna Prime’s dedication to innovation, setting new benchmarks in construction excellence. By addressing the industry’s needs with cutting-edge solutions, Magna Prime Chemical and Technologies, Inc. continues to lead the way in providing highquality, reliable construction materials that contribute to safer, more efficient, and more durable building practices.
As Magna Prime celebrates 24 years of industry leadership, the company remains steadfast in its mission to drive progress and elevate standards within the construction sector. The launch of the Buildrite Academy and the new manufacturing facility, coupled with the introduction of these innovative products, underscores Magna Prime’s commitment to shaping the future of construction in the Philippines and beyond.
Home Credit PH Recognized for Excellence at 60th Anvil Awards
HCredit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, clinched silver at the 60th Anvil Awards this year under the Public Relations Tools Category (Special Events) for its press event “Unlocking a New Decade of Credit Opportunities for Filipinos.”
This recognition underscores Home Credit’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions that empower Filipino families. Held on May 13, 2024, the award-winning event marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Home Credit as it entered a new decade of operations in the Philippines.
The award-winning press event successfully gathered over 100 journalists and bloggers, resulting in extensive media coverage across print, online, and broadcast platforms. These efforts amplified Home Credit’s message of making essential commodities and high-ticket items more accessible to Filipinos through zero percent interest installment plans. It also featured exhibits showcasing Home Credit’s trusted partners, including Abenson, Acer, Cellboy, Digimap, Imperial Appliance Plaza, Octagon, Power Mac Center, Samsung, and Silicon Valley.
Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of Home Credit Philippines, emphasized how the recognition reinforces the company’s commitment to creating a brighter financial future for Filipino families.
“This award reflects our unwavering commitment to making life’s essentials and aspirations more accessible to our customers,” said Paul. “Through our year-round campaigns for Summer, Back-to-School, and Holiday, which we have highlighted in the press
event: we create opportunities for Filipinos to enjoy exceptional deals, including zero percent interest installment rates during peak shopping seasons. As we have consistently done in recent years, we will continue to empower and uplift lives by delivering innovative financial solutions, staying true to our mission of bringing financial opportunities closer to every Filipino.”
Exceeding expectations with its remarkable turnout, the press event generated outstanding results in media reach, coverage, and cost efficiency. It significantly expanded HCPH’s visibility across various sectors, underscoring the company’s mission to make financial services more accessible to Filipinos nationwide.
One of the standout stories to emerge from the event was the success of Home Credit’s Summer Campaign. The zero percent interest financing on cooling appliances led to the sale of over 1,000 air-conditioning units per day, providing relief to Filipino families during the intense summer heat. The event also emphasized how Home Credit’s installment plans made premium items like iPhones more attainable for Filipinos. In 2023 alone, the company financed 12.5 million mobile phones, generating P30 billion in sales—P6 billion of which came from iPhones.
Additionally, the event showcased Home Credit’s wide range of product offerings, from televisions and computers to e-bikes and medical equipment. The customer experience was further enhanced through Shoppingmall. ph, Home Credit’s online platform, featuring over 50,000 deals from more than 500 merchant partners nationwide, expanding the company’s reach and accessibility.
“This initiative was more than just an
event; it was a celebration of Home Credit’s decade-long mission to improve the lives of Filipino families,” said Michael Dugenia, Managing Partner at DM&A Co., the marketing communications firm behind the press event. “We are honored to have played a role in crafting a campaign that not only tells Home Credit’s inspiring story but also creates meaningful connections with their customers.”
This Silver Anvil Award marks the second recognition for both Home Credit and DM&A Co., following their Silver Anvil win for the Back-to-School campaign in 2023. Their continued success exemplifies a results-driven partnership focused on impactful and creative audience engagement.
Now in its 60th year, the Anvil Awards is widely recognized as the gold standard of public relations excellence in the Philippines. Organized annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, it honors campaigns that demonstrate outstanding creativity and effectiveness. This year’s Gabi ng Parangal, held on January 28, 2025, at The Manila Hotel, celebrated the best PR campaigns in the country.
To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the Home Credit App on Google Play or the App Store to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in Shoppingmall.ph.
Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng
IN the photo are, from left, Camangyanan Barangay Captain Sergio Porciuncula Jr.; Kaneka Malaysia’s Hiroshi Matsuno, Kaneka Malaysia’s General Manager, Naoya Yoshida; Magna Prime CEO & President Derrick Tan; Santa Maria, Bulacan Vice-Mayor Pablo “Eboy” Juan; and Ptr. Loi Gatchalian, Head Pastor of Praise Church Manila.
THE Maynilad team, led by Central Non-Revenue Water Head Engr. Ryan Jamora and Corporate Affairs and Communication Head Marie Antonette De Ocampo (5th and 6th from left, respectively), proudly received the Silver Anvil Awards for the company’s NRW reduction communication initiatives. These recognitions underscore Maynilad’s commitment to leveraging effective communication to engage the public in promoting water sustainability.
OME
Editor: Tet Andolong
Sweet SucceSS for Bacolod
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
With a 14.66 million population in 2023, Metro Manila’s population is bursting at the seams. Furthermore, it faces several significant challenges due to rapid urbanization. These are traffic congestion, flooding, poverty and inequality, environmental degradation, housing shortage, lack of adequate infrastructure and governance challenges.
Confronted with the numerous daily challenges living in the concrete jungle, many people opted to move outside Metro Manila and settled in the provinces. They find living in the province more affordable, more relaxed and healthier.
Land of smiles
Ba C o lod City, also known by its famous nickname City of Smiles, is the most populous city in the Negros Island Region and the second most populous city in the entire Visayas after Cebu City. Moreover, it has become one of the favorites among buyers and developers.
Joey Roi Bondoc, research director of Colliers Philippines, pointed out that Bacolod City is one of the preferred cities by major property developers. a c cording to Bondoc, leading developers have recently launched huge condominium and horizontal projects (house-and-lot, and lot-only) at a fast pace. Moreover, the property firms want to capitalize on the growing demand of the Bacolodenos for new office, hotel, and residential projects.
“Colliers Philippines believes Bacolod City will remain a dynamic property hub in Visayas and Mindanao. Property prices continue to increase, indicating a rising
appetite for real estate projects. The city continues to corner interest from national players planning to further expand their office, residential, retail, and hotel footprint in Visayas,” Bondoc said in one of his columns in a major broadsheet.
a s t he 19th most competitive highly urbanized out of 33 cities in the Philippines, Bacolod City ranked the 19th most competitive highly urbanized city, according to the Cities and Municipalities Index 2024. Bondoc explained that Bacolod City has what it gets to be a competitive and attractive local government unit ( l GU ) in the country. This would entice more businesses to invest in the city. Having more local and foreign businesses in the city also means developers can tap a growing market of investors and end-users.
Bondoc noted that Bacolod offers huge economic opportunities which would be boosted by the development of several infrastructure projects such as railway system, bridge, and highways.
A catalyst in development
Bo U TI q U e d eveloper
PHINM a P roperties’ Saludad is going to serve as an impetus to further develop Bacolod City.
Positioned along Bacolod’s main artery
the velaris residences South tower embraces sustainable living
Environm E n t-fri E nd ly features are today’s biggest luxury flex. l i ving in a community with green elements offers rewarding experiences every day—not only is it good for your health, but it’s also caring for the environment in ways that fully integrate into your lifestyle.
t h is philosophy of intentional living is the soul of t h e ve laris r e sidences South to wer’s design. f r om its location in Bridgetowne along C5 to its building façade and finishes inside, developer r HK l an d Corporation paid meticulous attention to how your environment can enhance your quality of life in many practical ways. t h e ve laris r e sidences South to wer is more than just a condominium—it's a testament to a lifestyle that values both personal well-being and environmental responsibility,” r HK l an d General m ana ger r o uen Abel v r a z says. Here's what it will be like to live in the South to wer, the future of sustainable living.
1. It’s good for your wallet and the environment
“ W E ha ve meticulously designed every aspect of this development to minimize our impact on the environment while enhancing the quality of life of our residents. t h is is the future of living: a harmonious blend of comfort, convenience, and conscious living,” r a z continues.
At t h e ve laris r e sidences South to wer, r HK l an d Corporation used tinted glass cladding for residents to save money on energy without compromising on the views or natural light. t h e glass blocks a portion of the sun’s heat, glare and harmful U v rays, keeping indoor spaces safer, cooler and more comfortable. i t also fitted each unit with AC i nverter te chnology, which lowers electricity usage by using only the necessary amount of energy to maintain your desired temperature. t h is technology allows for fast cooling without excessive power use.
i n the kitchen, you’ll find Cooktop nduction te chnology that is more energy-efficient because cooktop induction has 90 percent heat transfer efficiency compared to just 40 percent to 60 percent for gas or traditional electric stoves. i nduction cooking also reduces the risk of accidental fires.
o p timized resource usage means you make the most efficient and effective use of your appliances.
r HK l an d Corporation built a system that ensures en -
ergy is used only when needed, contributing to overall resource efficiency, lower power consumption and minimal heat generation in the building’s operations.
2. It’s beneficial to your well-being tHE u se of low vo C p aint throughout the South to wer helps reduce air pollution. vo C s or vo latile o r ganic
Compounds are a group of chemicals used in building or household materials such as paint and adhesives.
l o w v o C paint emits up to 80 percent fewer volatile organic compounds than traditional paints, meaning it easily evaporates at room temperature, making it ideal in nurseries and bedrooms. i t also contributes to improved indoor and outdoor air quality and lesser ground-level ozone formation, a primary component of smog.
3. It helps conserve water oU r E arth may not run out of water, but freshwater—or the water we use for drinking and agriculture to produce our food—is becoming scarce. i f one household uses freshwater from the tap to water plants, imagine how much more is used in an entire development. But not at the South to wer because it has a rainwater tank and collector to reduce reliance on principal water supplies.
r e cycled rain water is used for irrigation of the building’s landscape, gardens and pocket green spaces. Ultimately, it helps reduce urban flooding and prevents strain on the city’s drainage systems, and increases the resilience of the building by providing a sustainable water source during possible dry spells or water shortages.
inside your unit, low flow-rate faucets also reduce water consumption while maintaining adequate func-
tionality by integrating mechanisms such as aerators, advanced cartridges or valves, or other pressure compensating devices. t his ensures a consistent, good water flow rate despite variations in water supply pressure.
4. It’s future-proof tHE velaris residences South tower is a smart building with smart units. integrated into its system is remote monitoring and management, which allows homeowners to check and operate their smart lights and control the temperature of their units. they also receive realtime alerts through smartphone apps. Having the ability to regulate and manage their lighting and AC optimizes energy use and avoids unnecessary consumption.
Another important feature of the system is that it enhances security. Advanced encryption and smart technology make digital locks more secure, protecting residents from unauthorized access. i f ntegrated in mobile apps, digital door locks can offer remote and touchless access.
5. It creates a healthier community mA ny t imes people want to make the right choices but are hampered by the absence of facilities to do so. Walking in the metro, for instance, is almost never done for leisure because of the lack of sidewalks or safe places to do it.
t h e ve laris r e sidences estate, on the other hand, was designed to promote a healthier, active lifestyle. t h ere are bicycle lanes for a more eco-friendly way to get around and burn calories, and at the same time reduce traffic congestion. t h e South to wer, too, has amenities like a fully fitted gym with dance and cycling studios, and swimming pools so it’s easy to integrate exercise into your daily routine. t h e kids have their own pool and playground so they’re not always indoors and on their gadgets.
t h e quality of air in the community is also directly impacted by the number of vehicles. With more people buying E v or hybrid vehicles these days, the South to wer will install E v charging stations to make it convenient for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint. E v s d irectly lower carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from gasolinepowered vehicles.
v i sit thevelarisresidences.com to learn more. o r join an exclusive tour in t h e ve laris r e sidences’ awardwinning Show Gallery in Bridgetowne.
and near the Bacolod-Silay International a i rport and major infrastructure projects such as the Bacolod-Negros e c onomic Highway and the upcoming Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge, Saludad boasts superior accessibility and connectivity—making it an ideal destination for investment, business ventures, and career growth, as well as a thriving place to live and work.
“Saludad’s prime location capitalizes on Bacolod’s rising economic prominence and infrastructure developments, making it an increasingly attractive destination for investment and commerce,” said Paolo V. Reyes, PHINM a P roperties Vice President for Township. “We visualize it to be a place where business and residence thrive in harmony.”
To boost business, Reyes said Saludad’s 7-hectare business district has alloted a space for entrepreneurs and investors to boost their next big ventures. Home to 21 commercial lots and a bustling town center, the district is designed to generate jobs and foster economic growth. There would be residential spaces, including lots and condominiums, which create a vibrant community where residents bring life and energy to the township.
a t t he heart of this business district is Saludad’s town center, a vibrant destination
where residents and visitors can gather and connect. Spanning over 8,239 sq m of retail space, it features a curated mix of boutiques, dining options, entertainment, and everyday essentials. This retail hub celebrates the region’s cultural heritage, seamlessly blending its rich history and flavors into an immersive experience.
Beyond commercial opportunities, Saludad is a realization of the PHINM a Group’s vision of making lives better. With PHINM a e d ucation and PHINM a Hospitality integrated into the township, residents and visitors have the opportunity to access quality learning, exceptional accommodations, and dynamic event spaces.
“It has always been our vision at PHINM a P roperties, together with our partners from J e P P Real e s tate Co., for Saludad to be a catalyst for local economic development in Bacolod. Through the dedicated business district within the township, we aim to contribute to ushering in further growth and progress in the city that will benefit more Bacolodnons and Negrenses in the long run,” said Reyes. For sure, PHINM a Properties will experience in the near future sweet success in investing in the city famous for its local delicacies piaya, cansi, napoleones, and chicken inasal.
Am E ri C A n Standard, a leading provider of bathroom products and one of the most iconic brands in sanitary ware, has introduced the Smart Washer m - bidet, to meet the increasing need for personal hygiene and comfort. t h e main feature of the manual bidet is an intuitive side lever that allows consumers to effortlessly switch between bidet cleansing and posterior cleansing.
Hygiene upgrade for all i n t oday’s hygiene-conscious world, consumers are becoming increasingly mindful of the importance of cleanliness and comfort in the bathroom.
As a result, there has been a noticeable shift from traditional toilet paper to trigger sprays and shower toilets. While both shower toilets and trigger sprays serve the same basic cleansing function, shower toilets offer added comfort features for a
out harsh water pressure. t h e power to adjust water pressure lies in your hands with a simple turn of the lever. t h is allows you to tailor the water intensity to your liking, ensuring a gentle and soothing cleansing experience.
Using a manual bidet versus traditional toilet paper also effectively
nozzle each for feminine cleansing and posterior cleansing. t h is feature allows the water to be sprayed at a specific angle for each usage occasion, offering a more comfortable and thorough cleansing.
t h e nozzles automatically rinse before and after each use and have an antibacterial coating on the tips to ensure cleanliness and peace of mind. t h e Smart Washer m - bidet is also equipped with a nozzle shutter to provide protection against dirty water splashes when not in use.
Experience next level comfort with side lever intuitive design
At the core of the Smart Washer m - bidet lies an innovative and intuitive side lever design that allows personal cleansing to be done effortlessly and comfortably. With a simple movement of the lever, the user can switch between bidet cleansing and posterior cleansing.
Unlike the typical trigger spray, the Smart Washer m - bidet offers a gentle cleansing experience with -
Env I SIO n
colod, the commercial district of Saludad offers potential entrepreneurs and businesses the chance to grow in line with the local government’s push for a super city.
By Stephen Wade
Associated Press
AGING athletes such as LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lindsey Vonn are similar to racing cars—maintained by tinkering mechanics, data analysts and shelves of replacement parts.
“I f you look at many elite athletes now, they have an army of supporting staff like a Formula 1 team,” Hirofumi Tanaka, a Japanborn exercise physiologist at the University of Texas at Austin, told The Associated Press in an interview.
Los Angeles Lakers star James and World Cup skier Vonn just turned 40, and soccer’s Ronaldo hits the Big-FourOh on February 5. Add seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who turned 40 just a few weeks ago as he moves this season to Ferrari.
“ They have physical therapists, dietitians, massage therapists, strength coaches, and so on,” Tanaka added. “With this holistic approach these elite athletes are helped to maintain their performance.”
O thers like quarterback Tom Brady, hockey’s Jaromir Jagr, and pitcher Nolan Ryan retired at the top and well into their 40s. Martina Navratilova won the US Open mixed doubles title in 2006— just a month short of turning 50.
T hen there’s Gordie Howe, who finished his last National Hockey League season (1979-80) at 52. Japanese soccer player Kazuyoshi Miura turns 58 in February and plans to play with fourth-tier club Suzuka— his 40th professional season.
And don’t forget Hall of Famer Satchel Paige, who didn’t allow a run pitching three innings in a Major League game at 59 with the Kansas City Athletics in 1965.
This isn’t exactly new, but it used to be rare. What’s changed is the frequency, the array of aides supporting the stars, and the reality—the expectation—that athletes can compete longer and produce.
Watch any Grand Slam tennis tournament. The winner and losing finalist inevitably thank their “teams” as a halfdozen staffers rise to stadium applause.
Peak performance at Olympics HIROFUMI TANAKA analyzed Olympic data starting with the first modern Games in 1896, and he’s found the peakperformance age for men has remained stable—between 20-30—depending on the discipline. But gradually all Olympians are getting older, and the statistics for women bear this out.
Women’s peak performance age was much younger 20 or 30 years ago,” he said. “But now that peak-performance age is becoming very similar to men.”
Tanaka attributed this partly to cultural change in regard to marriage and child-bearing, which
James, Vonn: Faster, stronger, longer—with plenty of help
used to prompt women to drop out earlier from elite competition.
O f course, there are exceptions like Syrian Hend Zaza. At 12, she was the youngest in the Tokyo Olympics, delayed a year until 2021. The best evidence that athletes are staying longer and maintaining performance is seen in so-called Masters athletes. There is no standard age as each sport sets different parameters.
“Older athlete are getting closer and closer to younger athletes,” Tanaka said, speaking of both men and women. “And the older the Masters athlete is, the greater the improvement.”
Lebron James: A freak of nature LEBRON JAMES is reported to spend about $1.5 million annually on his body to stay fit, a number he neither confirms nor denies. He can afford it with an estimated worth of more than $1 billion.
James talks about staying on top in the Netflix series “Starting 5.” Maybe he’s not getting better with age, but there is little drop-off.
“In some ways he’s a freak of nature,” National Basketball Association (NBA)
Commissioner Adam Silver has said.
“I’ve been around a lot of great players and he’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve been around. I mean, he doesn’t take a day off. He seems to not take an afternoon off.
“He’s always working on some part of his body,” Silver added. “You meet with him and he’s always soaking something or eating something or has some contraption attached to him.”
Sports
By Josef Ramos
on the World Cup circuit after getting a new titanium right knee.
L ebron James, of course, has never been away after breaking into the NBA at 18.
L ike James, Vonn talks about the benefits of ice baths and new recovery methods that were not around earlier in her career.
S he said she gets inspiration from athletes like Brady, Hamilton and Serena Williams, who won her last Grand Slam singles title at 35 at the Australian Open in 2017. She was several weeks pregnant at the time, which she didn’t announce until months later.
Shot in the arm for DepEd nationwide sports programs
MILO and its long-standing partner in grassroots sports development Department of Education (DepEd) forged a stronger collaboration and new sports programs through Milo Active Pilipinas.
M ilo Active Pilipinas is a nationwide campaign designed to energize and inspire Filipino families to lead an active lifestyle. Un der this campaign is a wide variety of on-ground and online sports programs, such as the National Milo Marathon, Sports Clinics and Barangay Liga, which encourage learners to participate in sports and enhance their physical literacy. M any of these programs are strongly supported by DepEd, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and local government units. More than 4,000 students attended a high-energy sports day at the Mandaue City Central School recently with parents, teachers and representatives from key sports stakeholders came together to experience the excitement of Milo Active Pilipinas through sports clinics, demonstrations and meet and greet with Milo ambassadors such as sixtime Marathon Queen and homegrown
Swap shocks sporting world
THE buzz about the blockbuster deal continues to hum. It might take more time before it would die down due to the earthquake-like impact it created.
I refer to the stunning swap last weekend between Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks.
It shocked the sporting world beyond the National Basketball Association (NBA) spectrum. Nobody, not even the established pundits of the game, expected it. Even Doncic’s father never got wind about it. Obviously, not even Luka knew about the trade. “Luka absolutely did not deserve this,” said Sasa Doncic, Luka’s father from Slovenia. “He
talent Mary Joy Tabal and Southeast Asian Games karate gold medalist and Sports Clinics graduate Jamie Lim.
The event also highlighted the strong partnership between Milo and its partners—DepEd Regional Director VII Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, School Division Office Mandaue Superintendent Dr. Bianito Dagatan, Bureau of Learner Support Services Director IV Dr. Miguel Angelo Mantaring, Palarong Pambansa Secretariat Marivic Tolitol and External Partnership Services Project Manager III Davedinah Cometa, as well as PSC commissioner Edward Hayco and POC marketing head Nikko Huelgas.
Tom, Lewis, Serena. They’ve all done it,” Vonn said. “The resources that athletes have now allow for a better
recovery. So even though you’re older, you’re still recovering faster than I was when I was in my 20s.” Vonn told The AP recently in an interview in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, that she might be doing less to stay fit, or at least less to keep her knee functioning.
“M y knee doesn’t bother me,” she said. “I don’t wake up and have to do kneecap [exercises] for 15 minutes and do a 30-minute warmup just to walk out the door.
“I am doing a normal warmup like normal athletes do,” she added. “I don’t have to do anything different which takes a lot less energy, a lot less mental strain.”
N ow she simply focuses on maintaining the other parts of her body. AP
TCC Invitational champ Korean Minwook Gwon holds The Country Club Invitational trophy along with a replica of the P2 million check after winning in sudden death against two-time champion Guido van der Valk in the flagship event of the Philippine Golf Tour over weekend. At right is Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and TCC general manager Colo Ventosa.
Eagles,
Chiefs unfazed by Super Bowl madness
NEW ORLEANS—Patrick Mahomes treated Super Bowl opening night like a two-minute drill, providing rapid-fire answers to one question after another. ravis Kelce passed on an inquiry about popping the question to Taylor Swift. een here, done that. That’s how the Kansas City Chiefs handled the annual extravaganza that kicks off Super Bowl week.
T he Philadelphia Eagles were here two years ago so they weren’t fazed by the silliness either, though their most dynamic player is new to the wild experience that could overwhelm teams that aren’t used to the circus atmosphere.
S aquon Barkley got his first taste of this made-for-television spectacle. Nick Sirianni received letters, and a kiss from Chad Johnson. Jalen Hurts even cracked a smile or two.
Before Mahomes, Kelce and the Chiefs take on Hurts, Barkley and the Eagles in the Super Bowl on Sunday, they had to tackle the media in waves.
untouchable and untradeable.”
said Philippine
(POC)
Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino before boarding a plane to Harbin, China’s foremost winter destination.
“It’s morale boosting ahead of this Friday’s opening ceremony and I hope we stay this way,” added Tolentino, who will rendezvous with chef de mission Ricky Lim and host a team dinner with the 20-athlete Team Philippines on Thursday. The Koreans tried to fight back from a slow start but the Filipinos had the go-ahead and scored five more points in the seventh end to seal the victory at the cavernous Pingfang Curling Arena.
B arkley wasn’t here two years ago when the Eagles lost to the Chiefs 3835. He left the rival New York Giants to join a winning team and did his part with a historic season.
“That’s why me and my family made the decision to come to Philadelphia, to have an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl. And here we are,” Barkley said.
T he Chiefs have been here five times in the past six years so they’re used to the strange questions and odd requests that have become far too common on opening night.
Ma homes picked National Basketball Association players for a mock football team, choosing Russell Westbrook at quarterback and Anthony Edwards at wide receiver. He even asked the media for restaurant recommendations.
Kelce talked up Swift’s pop tarts and said he hopes to match her energy on stage when he’s on the field. But asked if he plans to propose to his Grammywinning superstar girlfriend, Kelce pulled a Drew Rosenhaus: “Super Bowl ring? Next question.” AP
B ooker hit the nail in the head when he said, “the NBA shows you again. Can’t predict. It’s business. They’re always having a conversation about you. So, don’t think you are safer than you are.”
And Booker’s teammate Kevin Durant chimed in: “Damn, would of never thought Luka Doncic would be traded. At his age, midseason, the NBA is a wild place, man. If he can be traded, then anybody is up for grabs.”
Said the retired legend Charles Barkley: “Doncic is a great player. But they must know something we don’t know.”
It’s the same thing everywhere, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) included. No one knows what happens next in a cager’s career.
I st ill remember the classic line uttered by the legendary Toyota guard Francis Arnaiz in the 80s: “Para tayong por kilo dito sa PBA.”
We are definitely the underdog team here but our athletes are here to compete and they are proud to represent the country,” Curling Pilipinas secretarygeneral Jarryd Bello said. “We have a chance to secure a medal we beat one of the top teams already.”
Eleven countries are seeing action in the mixed doubles event and were divided into two groups—Philippines, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Chinese-Taipei are in Group A and host China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Thailand are in Group B. The top two teams from each
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stage.” Pfister and Dubberstein will take on Qatar at 10 a.m. and China at 6 p.m. to complete the round-robin stage on Wednesday. Short track speed skater Peter Groseclose and his coach John Henry Krueger are already in Harbin ahead
He said that in anger after he was traded without his knowledge. He would soon find himself immigrating to the US. T he Lakers would certainly benefit more in the trade than the Mavs? M aybe, since Doncic is only 25, and is already a fivetime NBA All-Star. When LeBron James hangs up his Laker jersey in two years or so, Doncic takes over as the Los Angeles’ franchise player. With his 28.6 point average, Doncic is third in NBA history behind only Michael
ELITE athletes like Lebron James and Lindsay Vonn maintain their performance even beyond 40 with a holistic
approach—physical therapists, dietitians, massage therapists, strength coaches, and so on. AP
MAHOMES
GRACING the event are (from left) Jamie Lim, Nikko Huelgas, Department of Education Bureau of Learner Support Services Director IV Miguel Angelo Mantaring, Nestlé Philippines SVP and Business Executive Officer for Beverages and Confectionary Veronica Cruz, Palarong Pambansa secretariat Marivic Tolitol, Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Edward Hayco and Milo Philippines Head of Sports Carlo Sampan.
