WEAKER export growth, monetary easing and higher inflation are expected to put pressure on the Philippine peso in 2026, according to BMI, a Fitch Solutions company.
“We expected the Philippine peso to weaken from P58.76/USD to around P59.50/USD by end2026,” BMI said in a commentary.
In the near-term or within the three to six months’ time frame, BMI expects the Philippine peso to trade sideways around P59 against the greenback.
BMI explained that the local currency has remained “under pressure,” hitting a record low on
January 15 at P59.50 per dollar, before paring back to the spot rate P58.76 per dollar.
“Even with the recent rebound, the peso continues to underperform relative to the 100-day and 200-day moving averages reflecting persistent depreciation pressure,” said BMI.
BMI said the weakening of the peso towards the end of the year could be pinned on the moderate growth of Philippine exports, underscoring that it expects export frontloading to fade this year.
Moderate export growth
“WE expect the Philippine exter-
nal position to come under pressure in 2026,” BMI said in its currency forecast for the Philippines.
This is what the BMI forecasts for Philippines’s outbound shipments this year even as the country’s merchandise exports rose 15.2 percent in 2025.
BMI said Philippine exports in the previous year was supported by export frontloading and AI-driven tech exports, which also drove a “narrowing” of the current account deficit from 4 percent in 2024 to an estimated 3.4 percent in 2025.
“Even so, the peso depreciated by 1.5 percent year-on-year in 2025 as corruption concerns
weighed on investor confidence,” BMI noted.
Looking ahead to 2026, however, BMI expects that the tailwind from exports on the peso will fade.
“While the AI boom should provide support to exports, we expect export frontloading to fade,” said BMI. It also noted that the 19 percent “reciprocal” tariff levied on Philippine exports to the US since August 2025 will start “feeding through and dampen trade” with the US—the Philippines’ largest export market.
“Against this backdrop, we maintain that export growth will
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
THEBangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may deliver “gradual” 50-basis-point policy rate cuts in 2026 as inflation is expected to settle within the central bank’s target range with “manageable” price pressures, according to Maybank.
“Recent inflation developments support continued easing, but argue for greater caution in the near term, which will see the BSP to adopt a more measured approach, balancing the still-soft growth conditions against emerging inflation risks,” Maybank said.
Maybank’s latest economic brief noted that overall, the inflation environment remains “broadly benign.” However, it noted that upside risks persist from utility tariff adjustments, imported cost pressures, volatile global oil prices and peso movements.
The Malaysia-based bank noted inflation is expected to remain “manageable” this year at around 2.2 percent which is within the 2 to 4 percent target band of the BSP.
According to Maybank, while headline inflation rose to 2 percent in January 2026, marking an 11-month high, it remains at the lower bound of the target and within the BSP’s target range.
“Essentially, the pickup was largely driven by housing and utility-related costs, pointing to supply-side and costpush pressures. However, the increase in core inflation to 2.8 percent year-onyear suggests some modest widening of underlying price pressures, warranting closer monitoring in the months ahead,” said Maybank.
“Nonetheless, Maybank said it continues to expect 50bps policy rate cuts over 2026, bringing the policy rate down to 4.00 percent, as inflation stabilizes within BSP’s target range with manageable upside pressures,” added Maybank. Meanwhile, on the growth front, it pointed out that the macroeconomic backdrop remains “mixed.”
“Private consumption and an accommodative monetary policy stance should continue to provide a key buffer for domestic demand amid the still benign inflation environment,” the bank noted.
Despite external headwinds amid geopolitical risks and ongoing domestic
TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE signing of an agreement on critical minerals between Manila and Washington will boost the country’s downstream industries, according to the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport).
This, after the Philippines, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States to coop -
erate on diversifying global critical mineral supply chains and promote investments.
“The pact aims to pivot the Philippines from raw ore export to domestic processing of nickel, cobalt, and graphite, enhancing high-value exports and supply chain security,” Philexport said in a statement.
“This partnership is anticipated to attract investment, create jobs, and bolster the country’s role in the global high-tech supply chain,” it added.
Philexport also said the MOU
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
INFLATION in the Philippines is expected to pick up gradually this year but remain within the government’s target range, according to Maybank.
Maybank Investment Banking Group analysts Azril Rosli and Suhaimi Ilias of Maybank Investment Banking said headline inflation is projected to average 2.2 percent year-on-year in 2026, up from 1.7 percent in 2025. This remains within the government’s 2 to 4 percent target band.
“Overall, the inflation environment remains broadly benign, though upside risks persist from utility tariff adjustments, imported cost pressures, volatile global oil prices and peso movements,”
the analysts noted. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed headline inflation rose to 2 percent in January 2026, faster than December 2025’s 1.8 percent.
The January print marked the highest inflation rate in 11 months, or since the 2.1 percent logged in February 2025.
The acceleration was largely driven by the housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels index climbed to 3.3 percent in January, accounting for nearly half—or 45.9 percent—of the overall inflation acceleration last month.
Electricity prices rose faster at 6.5 percent, up from 4 percent in December 2025, while rentals increased to 2.9 percent from 2.4 percent a month earlier. Slower
decline in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices also contributed, with inflation easing to -2.8 percent from -5.1 percent in December.
Inflation for restaurants and accommodation services likewise accelerated to 4 percent, accounting for 41.3 percent of the overall inflation increase in January.
Maybank said such concentration in inflation uptick indicated that price pressures were driven mainly by cost-side factors.
“Essentially, the pickup was largely driven by housing and utility-related costs, pointing to supply-side and cost-push pressures,” it said. However, the group noted that the increase in core inflation
THE DYNASTY ISSUE Sen. Risa Hontiveros answers questions from Senate media reporters during a press conference on Monday, February 9, 2026, where she addressed political dynasty issues. She said those moving to finally enact a law against political dynasties, nearly four decades since the 1987 Constitution, are hoping that current efforts have finally gained momentum. She said more local consultations at the grassroots level, such as that hosted recently by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, will be held. ROY DOMINGO
governance concerns surrounding public infrastructure spending, external conditions offer some “partial offset,” it also noted.
For instance, it said the signing of the Asean–China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA 3.0) on October 28, 2025, alongside “sustained” manufacturing export momentum, particularly from stronger electronics and electrical (E&E) shipments should lend support to trade and industrial activity.
“Hence, these factors altogether suggest that while near-term uncertainties persist, the overall macro environment remains sufficiently supportive to allow for a gradual policy easing cycle over the course of 2026,” Maybank said.
Bigger NFA inventories boost rice stocks by 6.4% in January
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
THEcountry’s rice stocks rose by 6.4 percent in January, buoyed by bigger inventories from the National Food Authority (NFA).
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that rice inventory grew to 2.34 million metric tons (MMT) as of January 1, from the 2.2 MMT recorded last year.
PSA also noted that last month’s stock inventory posted a 13.5-percent drop from the 2.71 MMT posted in December.
Meanwhile, the state statistics
skills, and decent work, she does not merely adapt to new technologies, she helps shape them,” he also said.
An earlier report by Oxford Insights showed that the Philippines ranked 49th out of 195 countries in the Government AI Readiness Index, with a score of 57.76 out of 100.
While this placed the country above the global average score of 41.40, the report noted lower scores in AI infrastructure at 48.11 and in development and diffusion at 42.46.
moderate in 2026, which will weigh on the peso,” BMI stressed.
‘Narrow’ policy rate differential ANOTHER culprit seen weighing on
agency noted that 44.6 percent or 1.04 MMT was stored by households, while 36.7 percent or some 858,880 metric tons (MT) of rice was held by commercial entities.
The PSA added that rice stocks in the NFA warehouses as of January 1 reached 438,750 MT, accounting for 18.7 percent of total inventory during the reference month.
“This month’s rice stocks inventories registered an annual increase from the NFA depositories by 54.1 percent. On the other hand, annual decreases were noted from the households by 1.1 percent and from the commercial sector by 0.2 percent,” the PSA said.
“In comparison to the December 2025 rice stocks levels, decrements were noted from the commercial sector by 29.7 percent and in the NFA depositories by 3.8 percent. Meanwhile, rice stocks inventory from the households increased by 1.4 percent.”
In the same report, the PSA said total corn inventory as of January 1 jumped by 38.8 percent to 516,990 MT from 372,420 MT last year.
It added, however, that the lat-
est total corn inventory was 23.6 percent lower than the 676,290 MT registered in December.
PSA data showed that the corn inventory in commercial entities reached 433,150 MT while corn stocks in households were at 83,840 MT.
“From the same month of the previous year’s level, corn stocks inventory recorded annual increases from the households by 51.1 percent and from the commercial sector by 36.7 percent,” the PSA said.
“Relative to the inventory level in December 2025, the volume of corn stocks from the commercial sector registered a month-onmonth decrease by 25.7 percent and from the households by 10.1 percent.”
Marcos hopes Trump attends Asean meeting in Philippines
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he is hopeful US President Donald Trump will visit the country for the upcoming Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) Summit, which coincides with the 80th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Manila and Washington.
“We look forward to continued support for Asean community building in particular from the United States through our comprehensive strategic partnership, and we hope to welcome President Trump once again in Manila for the Asean Summit later this year,” the chief executive said during the presentation of the logo commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Philippines-US Diplomatic Relations in Malacañang last Monday.
Trump last visited the country in 2017, while it was also hosting the Asean Summit.
the local currency this year is the expected “narrow” US-Philippines policy rate differential.
“We expect the US-Philippines policy rate differential to remain narrow
at 75bps [basis points] by end2026, which is tighter compared to historical levels,” BMI said. BMI noted this stems from its expectation that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will cut rates by 50bps in 2026 due to slower growth with inflation to remain within the BSP’s 2 to 4 percent target range.
“Our Americas team also forecasts the Fed to cut rates by 50bps in 2026, as it approaches the end of an easing cycle, which means there will be little relief to the peso on this front,” BMI said. BMI said it also expects inflation to pick up in the Philippines this year, “flipping the CPI differential in the US favor,” which it
said, “All else equal, will further exert pressure on the peso.”
That said, BMI thinks BSP will intervene against “huge downside volatility” beyond P60 against the dollar to curb imported inflation.
BMI pointed out that risks to its outlook are “weighted towards a weaker peso.”
“A more hawkish Fed places considerable depreciatory pressure on the peso. Furthermore, we expect exports to cool, but AIlinked trade is a key offset in our baseline. Should AI demand ease on softer capex sentiment, the current account would weaken further, weighing on the peso,” it also noted. Andrea E. San Juan
Marcos said he is looking forward to meeting with Trump after their last encounter in Washington D.C. last year, where they discussed the additional tariffs imposed by the US. He said he hopes the visit will help sustain the momentum for Manila’s “high-level exchanges” with Washington.
The chief executive is eager to strengthen and expand PhilippinesUS cooperation, which already covers a wide-range of sectors including defense, maritime security, law enforcement, trade, investment, agriculture, energy, transport, labor, health, education, disaster response, tourism and culture, addressing domestic, regional and international challenges.
(from 2.4 percent in December 2025 to 2.8 percent in January 2026), suggest a modest broadening of underlying price pressures that warrants closer monitoring in the coming months.
Unemployment to ease this year MEANWHILE, Maybank said the country’s unemployment rate is expected to ease this year, with the full-year figure seen falling to 4 percent, from 4.2 percent in 2025.
Rosli and Ilias said this outlook is supported by the expected “firmer domestic demand, postweather recovery effects, and a more stable employment environment” following the adjustment phase last year.
“Despite lingering global un-
certainties, the labor market is expected to become more balanced in 2026, with easing unemployment and more even sectoral gains, underpinned by continued progress in investment quality, workforce reskilling, and productivity enhancement,” the authors noted.
Maybank also flagged a sharp improvement in underemployment, which fell to 8 percent in December, returning to singledigit levels.
“[It] provides a constructive base for better labor utilization and job quality, while employment growth is likely to remain services-led, with manufacturing stabilizing as external headwinds moderate,” it noted.
Under the current Philippine Development Plan (PDP), the government targets the reduction of the unemployment rate to a range of 4 to 5 percent from 2026 to 2028.
framework to support stable and resilient supply and value chains in critical minerals and rare earths in the two nations.
“More importantly, we seize opportunities through bilateral, unilateral, and multilateral channels, while expanding our partnership into new frontiers such as cyber and outer space,” Marcos said.
The President thanked Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel “Babes” Romualdez for “nurturing and strengthening” the ties between Manila and Washington in the last eight years “as the face of the Philippines in the United States.”
During the celebrations of the country’s milestones with the US this year, he said both countries will also highlight their long-standing military cooperation. The Philippines is one of the longest defense allies of the US in the Asia-Pacific region.
“This year, we also mark the 75th anniversary of the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty, which guides the conduct of our defense and security relations,” Marcos said.
“We look forward to the meaningful celebrations that we will hold throughout the year to highlight these milestones in our shared journey of nationhood and nation-building,” he added. Samuel P. Medenilla
strengthens ties for Filipino-led mining companies to access the US market and secure supply chains.
“By enhancing responsible mining and processing capabilities, the Philippines is prepared to meet the global demand for materials critical to clean energy and technology.”
Furthermore, the organization said the agreement likewise positions the Philippines alongside other US partners, such as Australia, Japan, and South Korea in securing, refining, and recycling critical minerals.
“This development complements the government’s thrust to streamline mining regulations to support this shift towards processed exports,” Philexport said.
In a statement, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. explained that the MOU outlines a
It also affirms sustainable and responsible resource management, promotes fair markets, and supports local capacity building and domestic value addition and processing, the Embassy added.
“The MOU underlines the need for financing and technical knowhow to ensure environmental sustainability and the responsible mining of the Philippines’s critical minerals and rare earths—including their mapping and survey, and research and innovation in mining, processing, refining and recycling of the same,” DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla was quoted in the statement as saying.
The Philippines was part of the 11 countries that inked an agreement on critical minerals with the US. This includes Argentina, Cook Islands, Ecuador, Guinea, Morocco, Paraguay, Peru, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan.
n Submission to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf for West Palawan’s extended continental shelf; n Notifications to the UN of domestic maritime laws; n 11 bilateral maritime dialogues and one trilateral dialogue; and n Active support for multilateral ocean and Law of the Sea fora, including promotion of the 2016 Arbitral Award. n The DFA did not allow media to ask questions during a hastily called press conference. As a foreign service officer, Villanueva previously was a director at the DFA’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO) and Intelligence Services Unit, with postings in Lisbon, Vancouver, and Frankfurt. He now returns to MOAO as acting deputy assistant secretary and sits in the technical working group negotiating the South China Sea code of conduct.
Makabayan bloc seeks hike in tax-exempt ceiling on 13th-month pay, other benefits
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
MEMBERS of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives on Monday filed a bill seeking to increase the taxexempt ceiling for the 13th-month pay and other benefits from P90,000 to P150,000, citing rising living costs and the need to ease the tax burden on wage earners.
Authored by Party-list Reps.
Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers, Sarah Jane Elago of Gabriela, and Renee Louise Co of Kabataan, House Bill 7661 amends Section 32 of the National Internal Revenue Code. The bill aims to expand the amount of bonuses and incentives that workers can receive without being subject to income tax. Under the proposal, the P150,000 ceiling would not remain fixed. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue would be required to periodically review and increase the cap based on inflation and other economic indicators. The adjustment process would include consultations with labor groups in both the public and private sectors, as well as independent institutions that monitor the cost of living and family living wage estimates. The lawmakers said the measure
Pump prices on the rise anew
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
OIL companies will raise this week gasoline prices by P0.60 per liter, diesel by P1 per liter, and kerosene by P0.60 per liter. The upward adjustment takes effect on Tuesday morning for Petron, Shell, Caltex, Total, Unioil, Seaoil, PTT, Phoenix, Jetti, and Cleanfuel. Other oil firms are expected to follow suit.
This week’s price movement reflects the fifth and seventh consecutive week of increase for gasoline and kerosene, respectively.
Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas cited continued geopolitical conflict as main reason for the oil price increase.
“Diesel price has found support from weather-related supply and demand issues, as well as the continued geopolitical tension in the Middle East that directly affects supply dynamics, at a time when Europe is moving away from Russian-origin supplies,” Bellas said.
The Department of Energy on Monday assured the public that it continues to closely monitor developments in the global oil market and is actively coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure that petroleum product prices remain fair, reasonable, and in accordance with existing laws.
It added that there are selected gasoline stations that continue to offer discounts for public utility vehicles, ranging from P0.50 to P3.00. Loyalty discounts for private motorists are also being implemented.
responds to what they described as a widening gap between wages and the cost of living. They cited estimates from independent socioeconomic research group IBON indicating that the family living wage reached about P1,240 per day as of December last year—far above prevailing minimum wage levels.
According to the bill’s authors, the current tax exemption ceiling has failed to keep pace with salary adjustments and inflation. They noted that many workers, including public school teachers, now receive bonuses that exceed the P90,000 tax-exempt threshold. Annual bonuses for teachers may reach approximately P127,000 to P139,000, with higher amounts expected as future tranches of the Salary Standardization Law take effect. Any portion beyond the current cap is added to taxable income. The proposed exemption would cover benefits such as the mandatory Christmas bonus granted to government employees under Republic Act 6686, the 13th-month pay under Presidential Decree 851, loyalty awards, and other bonuses
provided in both public and private employment.
The lawmakers also highlighted that the tax-exempt ceiling has historically been adjusted infrequently. It was originally set at P30,000 under the 1998 National Internal Revenue Code, raised to P82,000 in 2015, and later to P90,000 under the TRAIN Law in 2018. They pointed out that previous laws authorized the Bureau of Internal Revenue to review and increase the cap, but this authority was not exercised.
House Bill 7661 seeks to make such adjustments mandatory, directing the tax agency to base revisions on official consumer price index data and other credible measures of living costs, with regular consultation from labor stakeholders.
The Makabayan bloc said the proposal is intended to complement broader calls from labor groups for higher wages and lower prices of basic goods and services, emphasizing that tax relief is a necessary step toward improving workers’ real income and living standards.
Clark eyes bigger role in global game development industry
By Ashley J. Manabat
CLARK FIELD, Pampanga— Clark Freeport is positioning itself as a potential hub for global game development as it promotes its growing pool of technology companies, skilled workforce and integrated live-work-play environment, the Clark Development Corporation said.
In a statement the stateowned company said the freeport is now home to 1,256 locator companies, including 155 involved in the information and communications technology sector that collectively employ about 40,000 workers.
CDC said this ecosystem is being leveraged to attract digital creatives, particularly in game development and related industries.
CDC highlighted this push during the GameDev Summit held Februrary 5 at the Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort. The international video game industry gathering brought together studios, developers and advocates to exchange ideas and explore business opportunities.
CDC Assistant Vice President for Business Enhancement Rodem Perez encouraged developers, publishers and investors to consider Clark as a base for their operations.
Perez said CDC is focused on
providing a stable and interconnected business environment through initiatives such as the Business One-Stop Shop, which streamlines permitting processes, and the Business Interdependence System, designed to strengthen collaboration among locator companies.
“We want to showcase what Clark can offer. The infrastructure and the existing businesses here show that we are ready,” Perez said.
He added that Clark’s advantage lies in the combination of available talent, modern infrastructure and policies that support digital
See “Clark,” A5
DA creates technical panel to tackle rice importation
TBy Ada Peonia @adapelonia
HE Department of Agriculture (DA) created a technical working group (TWG) on rice importation, citing a data-driven approach to balancing supply and prices for farmers and consumers.
This, as the agency fast-tracks the import policies for May, while outlining a “more structured system” later in the year.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the TWG will refine a two-layer system to determine the necessary volume of rice imports while also pointing to when and where it should go—down to provincial and regional levels.
Future import volume and timing will be data guided, indicating a calibrated system for Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, and eventually priced per province, according to the DA chief.
“We have to work fast. It’s already February,” Tiu Laurel said, instructing the TWG to meet on a weekly basis and deliver policy recommendations.
The DA explained that the TWG will enhance the strategic oversight of rice importation using transparent and evidencebased decisions.
Instead of ad hoc approvals, the agency noted that the group will zero in on license-based access verified by performance, guided by data on regional deficits, buffers, and real-time stock levels.
The DA pins its hope that the move will ensure enough imported rice enters the market to temper prices without overwhelming local harvests.
Tiu Laurel said the initial import volumes for May will remain “simple,” but more complex mechanisms, such as linking import participation to purchases from local farmers, are firmly on the table for later in the year, potentially after the wet season.
Furthermore, the DA said transparency also serves as another pressure point.
The agency noted its plans to tighten reporting requirements on rice stocks, warning that traders and warehouses that fail to submit data risk losing import eligibility to import registration.
For farmers, the DA promised to protect them through structure.
“By aligning import timing with verified market needs and enforcing compliance across traders and millers, the DA aims to curb speculative behavior that distorts prices at the farm gate.”
“For consumers, the payoff is steadier supply and fewer price spikes driven by uncertainty.”
The TWG will be composed of representatives from the DA-Office of Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development and Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM), and Philippine Rice Importers Association (Pria), among others.
Do we as individuals need a ‘purpose’ in life?
By Henry J. Schumacher
BEFORE Corona virus and the Ukraine war, in the years that seem good to us today, it was the latest trend in management fads: companies should formulate a higher purpose for themselves. Because employees who believe in the sense of their own actions, in their own ‘purpose’ are more motivated than those who only count down the days until retirement—an important competitive advantage. I feel that not only companies need a sense of purpose. We, as individuals, need to understand, that our mind is everything. What we think we become. The right view or ‘purpose’ is the forerunner of our entire path in life. What we believe shapes our reality. And what we consistently do, becomes our destination.
Will we become a reflection of our ‘purpose’, showing the direction we want our life to go?
About The Power of Purpose: Purpose is an active expression of our values and our com -
passion for others—it makes us want to get up in the morning and add value to the world. The Power of Purpose details a graceful, practical, and ultimately spiritual process for making it central to our life.
Why having a Sense of Purpose is Important?
THE dictionary defines “purpose” as the reason for which something exists or is done, made or used. Sounds pretty boring, huh? But when you break it down, it turns out, purpose is pretty important— to your physical, mental and emotional health. It’s that big.
So, what is your purpose? According to researcher William Damon, who wrote A Path to Purpose, it is “a stable and generalized intention
to accomplish something that is at the same time meaningful to the self and consequential for the world beyond the self.”
In fact, that meaningful intention can help you stay focused on the things that matter most to you like family, friends, faith, career, integrity and more. It helps you prioritize your life—allowing you to walk away from certain people or activities that don’t serve your purpose. It’s a main driver to stay motivated when things get tough, so you can set and meet short- and long-term goals. And maybe most of all, it makes you feel like you are making a difference in the world.
The Purposeful: You have found something that is personally meaningful to you and that contributes to the greater good. You’ve sustained interest over a long period of time, and you can clearly articulate your “why.”
There is no doubt in my mind that our ‘purpose’ as businesspeople requires us to get ready for the future, including the future of wellness, the future of our digital strategy, the future of data partnerships, the
future of integrity, among many other ‘futures’.
Of course you want to know what my purpose in life is: It started when I was kicked out of school at the age of sixteen. My purpose became being successful in life. Did it work? Yes and no. I had successes but failures also. When a failure hit me, I needed to pause. During the
pause, I had to stay calm, reflect, and choose wisely to return to my purpose. Looking back, it worked out. I believe in ‘purpose’! Let’s all contribute to be purposeful life and commit to the creation of a great future! If you have ideas regarding today’s subject, send it to me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com.
House panel submits for plenary approval resolution junking impeach raps vs Marcos
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE House Committee on Justice on Monday submitted for plenary approval its report and resolution dismissing two impeachment complaints against President Marcos for lack of substance.
This, after voting 39-4, with no abstentions, the Justice committee chairman, Rep. Gerville Luistro of Batangas, said the panel approved its report and resolution, noting a “concur and dissent” vote from Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima, which was recorded by the panel.
PCSO reports 38% hike in lotto sales
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
LOTTO sales grew by more than 38 percent in early February following the increase in minimum jackpot prices and price of bets, boosting revenues of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
A statement by PCSO on Monday read that total lotto sales reached P413.83 million from February to 1 to 7, 2026, up by 38.3 percent from P299.17 million in the same period last year.
Minimum bets for the five jackpot draws increased from P20 to P25 on February 1.
Bettors also displayed stronger participation as the number of lotto tickets sold also rose by 10.7 percent year-on-year during the same period.
What is driving the increase in sales, PCSO said, is the rollout of higher starting jackpots across major lotto games, which now offer bettors bigger prizes from the first draw while retaining the progressive jackpot system when prizes are not immediately won.
“The strong year-on-year growth in Lotto sales shows that higher minimum jackpots resonate with the public,” PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles said.
The enhanced jackpot structure was implemented on February 1, 2026, as part of PCSO’s efforts to modernize the Lotto system and align it with internationally accepted gaming practices.
Robles urged the betting public not to patronize illegal gambling,
See “PCSO,” A5
Luistro said committee practice requires members to vote either yes or no, with the option to explain their vote afterward – particularly in cases where members hold different views on separate complaints.
“Of course, we’ve seen during our voting on the sufficiency in
substance the partial or indifferent position of some members with respect to de Jesus on one hand and Maza et al. on the other hand. So, to reiterate, per practice in the Justice committee, it’s either we vote a yes or a no, and then we give the opportunity to the individual member to explain their record of vote in case of partial voting,” Luistro said.
De Lima agreed that the complaint filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus was insufficient in substance but disagreed with the finding that the complaint filed by 36 petitioners led by former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza lacked substance.
Earlier, on February 4, the committee dismissed both complaints after three days of deliberations, ruling them insufficient in substance. The panel voted 42-1, with three abstentions, to dismiss the
de Jesus complaint. A motion by Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice to declare the Makabayan complaint sufficient in substance was rejected, 39-7. Lawmakers said the impeachment complaint fails the sufficiency test owing to the lack of factual allegations directly linking Marcos to an impeachable offense.
The committee confirmed that the adopted report and resolution will still be subject to approval by the House plenary. At least onethird of all House members must vote to approve or reject the committee’s action.
Luistro also clarified that the one-year bar on the filing of subsequent impeachment complaints against the President was triggered when the de Jesus and Maza complaints were transmitted to the Committee on Justice on January 26, 2025.
Vatican declares Angeles City’s Pisamban Maragul Pampanga’s first Minor Basilica
By Ashley J. Manabat
ANGELES CITY—The Holy Rosary Parish, locally known as Pisamban Maragul (Big Church), has been declared a minor basilica by the Vatican, city and Church officials said.
It is the first basilica in Pampanga.
Among the ecclesiantical privileges give minor basilicas include displaying the Papal symbol of crossed keys, using the conopaeum (yellow-red umbrella) and tintinnabulum (bell) in processions, and granting plenary indulgences to visitors. In addition, the rector of the basilica is permitted to wear a special black mozzetta with red piping and buttons over their surplice.
The announcement was made during morning Mass on February 7. This marks a historic milestone for the parish and the entire city.
Cultural historian Robby Tantingco said the church is now among some 30 minor basilicas in the Philippines and about 2,000 worldwide. Other minor basilicas in Central Luzon are those in Lingayen-Dagupan, Malolos, and Cabanatuan, he said.
Founded in 1877, Pisamban Maragul is one of the oldest churches in Central Luzon and has survived wars, earthquakes, and decades of change standing at the heart of Angeleño faith.
“One of the most photographed churches in the country, the iconic image that has helped redefine Angeles as no longer a sin city but a center of religiosity, culture and heritage,” Tantingco said in his Facebook post.
The title, granted by the Holy
See, recognizes the church’s historical importance, architectural beauty, and spiritual significance.
Officials said ceremonial celebrations are expected to be led by the Papal Nuncio, the Archbishop of San Fernando, and other senior Church leaders.
Mayor Jon Lazatin described
the designation as a “shared honor for all Angeleños” and said it underscores the parish’s role as a beacon of faith, hope, and unity.
“The basilica status cements Pisamban Maragul’s role not only as a center of worship but also as a symbol of Pampanga’s rich cultural and religious history,” he said.
DENR-led operation saves reptiles, monkeys in Batangas
TBy Jonathan L. Mayuga
@jonlmayuga
HE Department of Envi -
ronment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Environmental Law Enforcement and Protection Service (ELEPS), on Monday announced the successful operation that resulted in the recovery of several protected species in Rosario, Batangas. Led by the ELEPS Wildlife Law
Enforcement unit, in close coordination with the DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) in Lipa City, and the National Police Maritime Group-Batangas the operation took place at Quatro Vidas, Rosario town last week.
The DENR team earlier received a report that several wildlife specimens were being kept by a private individual, identified as Dante Alday, without the permits required
under Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Five saltwater crocodiles, seven long-tailed macaques, three Asian box turtles, one reticulated python, and one Burmese python were recovered from the suspect following a raid.
The recovered wildlife were safely transported to the APA Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Park in Majayjay, Laguna, where they were turned over for proper
care, assessment, and rehabilitation in accordance with wildlife management protocols.
The DENR reiterated that the unauthorized possession of wildlife is a serious violation under the law and reaffirmed its commitment to sustained, intelligence-driven enforcement operations. This effort underscores the agency’s dedication to protecting the country’s biodiversity through strong interagency collaboration.
Church people, professionals file third impeach case vs Sara
AGROUP of priests, nuns, civil society members, and lawyers from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Monday filed a third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, alleging multiple constitutional and criminal violations.
The group, led by counsel Amando Virgil Ligutan, lodged the 98-page complaint with House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil,with Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal (ML) endorsing the filing.
Ligutan, who was also among those behind one of the impeachment complaints filed in December 2024 during the 19th Congress, said the new complaint invokes grounds including culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, plunder, malversation, bribery, corruption, and other high crimes.
Named among the complainants were Fr. Joel Saballa, Fr. Joselito S. Sarabia, Fr. Edilberto J. Baculi, Fr. Rogelio D. del Rosario, Pastor Leonard P. Arevalo, Pinky L. Tam, Maria Loreto A. Lopez, lawyer Jalilo O. dela Torre, lawyer Democrito C. Barcenas, lawyer Lourdes Barcenas, Sister Ma. Liza Ruedas, Sister Violeta B. Cecilio, and Sister Geraldine J. Denoga. The complainants alleged that the Vice President amassed at least P612.5 million in public funds through unlawful means. They argued that accountability should apply equally to all public officials, citing a recent Sandiganbayan ruling that sentenced a public school principal to 11 years’ imprisonment for misappropriating P5,000.
“We believe it is no longer just a constitutional obligation of Congress to act on this matter, but a moral one,” Ligutan said during the filing.
Ligutan said the complaint is supported by documents, financial records, and sworn statements, including certifications from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicating that some alleged recipients of government funds listed in official documents do not exist.
He also referenced an affidavit by Ramil Madriaga, who claimed he transported large sums of money to various individuals upon Duterte’s instruction and alleged that funds linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo) and illegal drugs were used in the vice president’s 2022 campaign. Ligutan maintained that the case would stand even without Madriaga’s testimony, citing documentary evidence and statements from personnel of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
The Vice President previously served as Secretary of Education.
“We will continue to pursue accountability,” Ligutan said. For her part, de Lima has endorsed a third impeachment complaint against Duterte, saying there is no legal restriction preventing House members from supporting multiple complaints and asserting that the latest filing contains sufficient grounds to proceed to trial.
De Lima said she previously endorsed the second complaint filed by civil society groups and clergy.
She explained that two of the complainants—whom she described as among her spiritual advisers—approached her days before she agreed to endorse the third filing. After reviewing the document, de Lima said she believes the case can reach the evidentiary phase of an impeachment trial.
“In my view, there are sufficient grounds for impeachment, and it can reach the concluding stage—the evidentiary stage for trial,” she said, adding that the allegations in the third complaint are similar to those in the second but presented in a more developed form. She described the new filing as “an improved version” of the earlier articles of impeachment previously endorsed by more than one-third of House members.
De Lima also said the complaint contains substantial supporting evidence and is likely to pass the House’s determination of sufficiency in form and substance.
She emphasized that the complainants across the first, second, and third filings include private citizens, members of the clergy, and leaders of various organizations. According to de Lima, their motivations are not political but rooted partly in a sense of moral responsibility. She said members of Congress have a constitutional duty to scrutinize the allegations, evaluate the evidence, determine probable cause, and consider whether at least one-third of House members should adopt and transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial.
The first verified complaint was filed by members of the Makabayan Coalition and endorsed by Party-list Reps. Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers, Sarah Jane Elago of Gabriela, and Renee Louise Co of Kabataan. A second complaint filed by progressive groups and civil society leaders was endorsed by de Lima and Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña of Akbayan.
A second complaint filed by progressive groups and civil society leaders was endorsed by De Lima and Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña.
See “Sara,” A5
Chinese-flagged vessel’s presence blamed for fishing restriction in Zambales town
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
ANATIONAL alliance of fishermen on Monday slammed the fishing restriction off San Felipe town in Zambales province due to the repair and maintenance work of a Chinese-flagged vessel on a submarine cable.
The Pambanang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas said that on February 5, supply vessel Feng Hua 21, owned and
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not only to avoid being defrauded, but in order to help the government sustain its social service programs.
“By offering bigger prizes right from the start, we are making Lotto games more exciting and rewarding while ensuring the system remains fair, transparent and sustainable,” Robles said. With increased participation, PCSO’s mandate to fund health, medical and social welfare programs nationwide is supported.
“Higher participation means more resources for medical assistance and other social services that benefit Filipinos in need,” Robles said.
Beyond its mandate to provide funds for these programs, PCSO is also required to allocate at least 50 percent of its net income to the Department of Finance.
Several mandatory contributions of PCSO include 40 percent of the charity fund to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, 10 percent of forfeited lotto prizes to the Dangerous Drugs Board, 1 percent of monthly gross lotto sales to the Commission on Higher Education, among others.
PCSO’s revenues from sweepstakes and lottery ticket sales, after deducting printing costs, are divided into three funds: 55 percent goes to the prize fund for the payment of prizes, 30 percent is allocated to the charity fund and 15 percent is set aside for the operating fund.
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creatives, animation studios and the broader game development supply chain.
Perez also cited the freeport’s live-work-play model as a factor that supports creative industries, and noted that game development requires intensive cognitive and creative work.
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The complaints outline five articles of impeachment, including allegations of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes. Among the grounds cited are alleged misuse and malversation of confidential funds, alleged distribution of monetary gifts related to procurement in the Department of Education, alleged unexplained wealth and incomplete asset disclosures, and alleged involvement in serious criminal offenses.
The petitioners include civic leaders,
and
representatives
operated by FH Offshore Engineering, arrived in San Felipe to conduct repair and maintenance activities for the Luzon Festoon Cable Repair and Maintenance Project.
Pamalakaya National Chairman Fernando Hicap said preventing local fishermen from fishing in an area on account of the operation of a foreign vessel is unacceptable.
The Chinese ship’s operation, he said, has adversely affected the livelihood of small fishermen in the area.
Worse, Hicap said, the dredging operations of a Chinese company in San Felipe also destroyed the marine resources and “disrupted fishing activities.”
The group questioned the provincial government of Zambales on why it has allowed the fishing restriction despite the absence of a provincial ordinance or an official declaration from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar).
The prohibition, Hicap said, is arbitrary and has no legal basis,
‘National territory
especially because there’s no formal declaration or announcement from concerned authorities.
Hicap said, more importantly, the livelihood of small fishers should never be set aside to pave the way for the operation of a foreign vessel in the Philippines.
The repair and maintenance activities are expected to last about two months until March, and will also affect other coastal areas, including Dasol town in Pangasinan, Luna town in La Union, and Nasugbu town in Batangas.
includes Bajo de Masinloc, KIG’
ARANKING naval officer on Monday reiterated the military’s commitment to protect the country’s territory, sovereignty and its people.
“The constitutional mandate of the AFP [Armed Forces] is to protect national sovereignty, secure the integrity of the national territory and look after the welfare of the Filipino people,” the Navy (PN)
by
spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, said.
Throughout history, Trinidad said that the AFP has never wavered in performing this mandate and has proven its dedication time and time again despite the odds.
“The extent of the national territory that we have sworn to protect is defined in our Constitution
PNP commits to protect civilians on Pag-asa Island
THE National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., on Monday reiterated the service’s commitment to ensure the safety and security of civilians living on Pag-asa Island amid renewed public attention on the West Philippine Sea.
This, as the PNP continues to work closely with other security agencies to protect residents on the island.
Nartatez, in a statement, stressed that coordination remains strong despite external developments surrounding the area.
“The PNP is closely coordinating with the Armed Forces [AFP], the Coast Guard [PCG], and the local government to ensure that civilians on Pag-asa Island remain safe and protected. We have a clear inter-agency coordination for security and emergency response in the area,” he added.
And while the AFP leads external defense efforts,
Nartatez said PNP will focus on maintaining peace and order within the community.
He emphasized that police personnel on the island are present to serve civilians and address day-to-day concerns.
“While the AFP takes the lead in external defense, the role of the PNP is to ensure internal security, public safety, and peace and order in the community. We have personnel in the area to provide police service and assistance,” he said.
Nartatez added that the PNP regularly monitors the situation on the ground and remains ready to respond to any issue that may affect civilians, including concerns related to safety, humanitarian needs, and public order.
The PNP chief underscored that external tensions should not disrupt the normal lives of residents on Pag-asa Island.
He said the police force is committed to preserve stability in the community.
‘Basyang,’ shear line affect some
162,500 families
THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday announced that 162,501 families or 579,176 persons were affected by the combined effects of Tropical Storm "Basyang" and the prevailing shear line.
In its latest situational report, the NDRRMC said these families are residing in 1,201 barangays located in Region 6, Negros Island Region, Regions 7, 8, 10, and 11, and the Caraga.
As of this posting, 15,438 families are currently being assisted inside 391 evacuation centers, while 7,227 families are receiving
aid outside evacuation facilities. The NDRRMC also said that 10,275 families were preemptively evacuated as local authorities sought to reduce risks in floodprone and landslide-susceptible areas. Meanwhile, the NDRRMC said 12 reported deaths stands and 36 individuals injured, as validation and verification of incidents continue.
Government agencies, local government units, and humanitarian partners remain on heightened alert as adverse weather conditions continue in some areas. Rex Anthony Naval
and it includes Bajo de Masinloc and the Kalayaan Island Group,” he added.
Guided by a policy of “not giving up one square inch” and a matching strategy of comprehensive archipelagic defense, Trinidad said the AFP will continue performing its mandate with utmost professionalism and love for the country.
Rex Anthony Naval
DILG reminds local governments of vehicle use policy
THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterated on Monday the existing policy on using government-owned motor vehicles, which prohibits their use on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, except for official business.
Memorandum Circular 2026011 covers all provincial, city, municipal, and barangay elected and appointed officials, as well as DILG Central Office, Regional and Field Office personnel, and officials and employees of DILG-attached agencies, including the National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and other attached agencies.
The DILG said there is a need to strengthen compliance with existing rules, particularly during non-working days, to prevent unauthorized and non-official use of government vehicles that lead to unnecessary public expenditure and undermine public trust.
“Government vehicles are provided exclusively to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of public service. Their use is a privilege anchored on public trust,” the department said.
“Any unauthorized use, especially for personal purposes during weekends and holidays, runs contrary to the principles of accountability, integrity, and modest living expected of public servants,” it added.
The issuance is anchored on existing laws and regulations, including the 1987 Constitution, Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the Administrative Code of 1987, relevant Commission on Audit Circulars, and Administrative Order 239, all of which mandate that government vehicles be used strictly for official business.
Under the Circular, heads of agencies, offices, bureaus, and services are directed to ensure the widest dissemination of the policy within their respective jurisdictions and to enforce strict compliance.
The DILG warned that any violation of the Circular shall subject the offender to administrative and/or criminal liability in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations. Jonathan L. Mayuga
A6 Tuesday, February 10, 2026
The World
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Takaichi triumphs with Japan’s biggest post-war election victory
By Sakura Murakami
Prime Minister Sanae
APANESE
JTakaichi secured a historic election triumph, positioning her as the nation’s strongest leader in the postwar era in an outcome that sent stock prices and bond yields soaring.
Her ruling Liberal Democratic Party achieved the biggest postwar victory for a single-party in a general election in Japan, an extraordinary transformation of fortunes for a party that was on the ropes last summer before getting behind the nation’s first ever female premier in October.
The LDP secured a two-thirds super majority in the 465-seat lower house by itself, according to public broadcaster NHK. A tally of results by NHK early Monday showed that the ruling coalition had won 352 seats in the lower house, expanding its previous razor-thin majority of 233 by a considerable margin. The LDP’s haul of 316 seats gives it a higher proportion of representatives in
the lower house than any other party in post-war Japan.
Takaichi had staked her job on the outcome of the snap election just months after taking office, saying she would step down if her ruling coalition failed to win a majority. The gamble appears to have paid off spectacularly, just seven months after the LDP lost control of both houses of parliament.
Takaichi’s mandate to push ahead with bold spending plans gave fresh life to the so-called Takaichi trade, underpinning stocks while weighing on bonds. The Nikkei 225 index rallied as much as 5.7%, the most since April, while yields on the benchmark 10-year bond jumped to 2.275%.
The yen fluctuated, weakening initially before paring losses to trade around 157 to the dollar as of 9:30 a.m. in Tokyo.
A super majority in the lower house will make it even easier for her coalition to pass legislation and put the contentious issue of constitutional amendment back on the table, reviving a debate
that has energized nationalists and spooked advocates of Japan’s longstanding pacifism.
“They had dropped three straight major elections in a row when she took over and she snapped that losing streak,” said David Boling, a former deputy assistant US Trade Representative, now at the Asia Group. “She’s reclaimed the momentum and now she really owns the party’s future.”
Investors had already been positioning for a decisive victory for the LDP, scooping up Japanese stocks and selling the yen and government bonds, as they expected an emboldened Takaichi to ramp up spending and investment to support the economy, while possibly slowing down the Bank of Japan’s pace of interest rate hikes.
In particular, economists and market watchers have been closely
scouring Takaichi’s remarks on her spending plans, the possibility of cutting the sales tax on food and her views on the yen. Last weekend she gave comments that appeared to welcome the benefits of a weak yen, sparking further weakness in the currency.
“The Liberal Democratic Party’s landslide victory in Japan’s lower-house election gives Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a much stronger hand to reshape economic and foreign policy. She has leaned heavily on personal popularity and a distinctly conservative brand of politics. She can now move ahead swiftly to put her policies into action,” said Bloomberg economist Taro Kimura.
“That kind of ambiguity is not particularly helpful for the yen and it could well be that we’ll be testing the 159, 160 mark in the coming days,” said Chris Scicluna, head of economic research at Daiwa Capital Markets Europe. “I think that some talk of possible interventions could well be reemerging as the week goes on.”
Speaking as the results came in, Takaichi said her remarks on the yen had been misinterpreted. She reiterated her view that she wanted to build a strong economy that wasn’t affected by fluctuations in the currency.
Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama declined to comment on the yen’s level, but reminded reporters that the authorities were in close contact with the US and said she would communicate with markets on Monday if necessary. The comments pointed to possible concern within Takaichi’s government that a resounding win might jolt markets at the start of the week. Currency chief Atsushi Mimura told reporters Monday morning that he’s watching markets with a high sense of urgency as always.
Further declines in the yen would push it toward levels where authorities previously intervened in the market. Traders will be watching the level of 159.45 per
SANAE TAKAICHI at the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, on Feb. 8. TORU HANAI/BLOOMBERG
China critic and former media tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong security case
By Kanis Leung The Associated Press
HONG KONG—Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media tycoon and a fierce critic of Beijing, was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison in the longest punishment given so far under a China-imposed national security law that has virtually silenced the city’s dissent. Lai, 78, was convicted in December of conspiring with others to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security, and conspiracy to publish seditious articles. The maximum penalty for his conviction was life imprisonment.
His co-defendants, six former employees of his Apple Daily newspaper and two activists, received prison terms of between 6 years and 3 months, and 10 years on collusionrelated charges.
Lai smiled and waved at his supporters when he arrived for the sentence. But before he left the courtroom, he looked serious, as some people in the public gallery cried. When asked about whether they would appeal, his lawyer Robert Pang said no comment.
Lai’s daughter says he will die ‘a martyr’ in prison
THE democracy advocate’s arrest and trial have raised concerns about the decline of press freedom in what was once an Asian bastion of media independence. The government insists the case has nothing to do with a free press, saying the defendants used news reporting as a pretext for years to commit acts that harmed China and Hong Kong.
Lai was one of the first prominent figures to be arrested under the security law in 2020. Within a year, some of Apple Daily’s senior journalists also were arrested and the newspaper shut down in June 2021.
Lai’s sentencing could heighten Beijing’s diplomatic tensions with foreign governments. His conviction has drawn criticism from the US and the U.K. US President Donald Trump, who is expected to visit China in April, said he felt “so badly” after the verdict and noted he spoke to Chinese leader Xi Jinping about Lai and “asked to consider his release.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government also has called for
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dollar reached in mid-January, the yen’s weakest since 2024.
US President Donald Trump congratulated Takaichi in a post on Truth Social, describing her as a “highly respected and very popular Leader” and saying the “wonderful people of Japan, who voted with such enthusiasm, will always have” his strong support.
On policy, one of the leading issues in the election has been a cost-of-living crunch for families dealing with the first consistent bout of inflation in a generation. Both the LDP and the main opposition party, the Centrist Reform Alliance, favor lowering the sales tax on food to zero to help households, but the LDP is looking at a temporary measure while the CRA wants the move to be permanent.
On a TV program, Takaichi said she’d like to proceed on the premise that she had won public approval for a suspension of the food sales tax for two years without issuing fresh government bonds, in line with a reference in her manifesto. But given the
the release of Lai, who is a British citizen.
In a statement, Lai’s son, Sebastien, said the “draconian” prison term was devastating for his family and life-threatening for his father.
“It signifies the total destruction of the Hong Kong legal system and the end of justice,” he said.
His sister Claire called the sentence “heartbreakingly cruel” in the same statement. “If this sentence is carried out, he will die a martyr behind bars,” she said.
Hong Kong leader John Lee said Lai’s sentence demonstrated the rule of law, citing his serious crimes.
“It’s bringing great satisfaction to the people,” he said in a statement.
Judges ruled Lai was the mastermind LAI founded Apple Daily, a nowdefunct newspaper known for its critical reports against the governments in Hong Kong and Beijing. He was arrested in August 2020 under the security law that was used in a yearslong crackdown on many of Hong Kong’s leading activists.
In their ruling, three government-vetted judges wrote that the starting point of Lai’s sentence was increased because they found him to be the mastermind of the conspiracies. But they also reduced his penalty because they accepted that Lai’s age, health condition and solitary confinement would cause his prison life to be more burdensome than that of other inmates.
“Lai was no doubt the mastermind of all three conspiracies charged and therefore he warrants a heavier sentence,” they said “As regards the others, it is difficult to distinguish their relative culpability.”
difference of opinion among political parties, discussions were still required, she added.
“The consumption tax is an extremely significant issue. We intend to proceed flexibly, listening to the opinions of each party, while we aim to reach a conclusion as soon as possible,” she said.
That still leaves some wiggle room for an amended plan. Her initial pledge to suspend the sales tax cut temporarily added to market jitters over her government’s pro-active fiscal policy. Longerterm bond yields spiked sharply last month as investors weighed the plans for a tax reduction without clear financing. A twoyear suspension is estimated to cost the government ¥5 trillion ($32 billion) in lost annual tax revenue.
“The Takaichi administration is well aware that pushing aggressive fiscal measures too aggressively tends to lead to yen depreciation and rising bond yields,” said Harumi Taguchi, principal economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence. “For the BOJ, a weaker yen would increase inflationary pressure, potentially pushing for rate hikes. However, accelerating the pace of rate hikes requires cau -
They took into account that Lai is serving a prison term of five years and nine months in a separate fraud case and ruled that 18 years of Lai’s sentence in the security case should be served consecutively to that prison term.
Urania Chiu, lecturer in law at Oxford Brookes University, said the case is significant for its broad construction of seditious intent and application of the term “collusion with foreign forces” to certain activities by the media. The implication is particularly alarming for journalists and those working in academia, she said.
“Offering and publishing legitimate critiques of the state, which often involves engagement with international platforms and audiences, may now easily be construed as ‘collusion,’” Chiu said.
Lai has been in custody for more than five years. In January, Pang said Lai suffered health issues including heart palpitations, high blood pressure and diabetes. The prosecution said a medical report noted Lai’s general health condition remained stable. The government said his solitary confinement was at Lai’s wish.
Co-defendants get reduced sentences
THE former Apple Daily staffers and activists involved in Lai’s case entered guilty pleas, which helped reduce their sentences Monday. They earlier admitted to the prosecution charge that said they conspired with Lai to request foreign forces to impose sanctions or blockades, or engage in other hostile activities against Hong Kong or China.
The convicted journalists are
tion, so the BOJ faces a difficult balancing act.”
The LDP’s loss of its longtime coalition partner Komeito to what is now the CRA was initially expected to have more of a detrimental impact on the election, given that the party’s backing from religious group Soka Gakkai delivered solid votes for the LDP in the past.
But earlier surveys suggested otherwise, with the hurriedly formed CRA struggling to appeal to voters. By Monday morning, the CRA’s tally stood at 49 seats, NHK said. CRA co-leader Yoshihiko Noda conceded defeat in the early hours of Monday morning, and the Asahi newspaper reported Monday the party will soon choose a new leader.
publisher Cheung Kim-hung, associate publisher Chan Pui-man, editor-in-chief Ryan Law, executive editor-in-chief Lam Man-chung, executive editor-in-chief responsible for English news Fung Wai-kong and editorial writer Yeung Ching-kee. They received prison terms ranging between six years and nine months, to 10 years.
The two activists, Andy Li and Chan Tsz-wah, were sentenced to six years and three months, and seven years and three months respectively.
The penalties for Cheung, Chan and Yeung, alongside the two activists, were reduced in part because they served as prosecution witnesses and the judges said their evidence had “significantly” contributed to the conviction of Lai.
Before sunrise, dozens of people stood in line outside the court building to secure a seat in the courtroom.
One of them was former Apple Daily employee Tammy Cheung.
“Whatever happens, it’s an end— at least we’ll know the outcome,” Cheung said before the sentence was delivered.
Case considered a blow to Hong Kong media LAI founded Apple Daily in 1995, two years before the former British colony returned to Chinese rule. Its closure in 2021 shocked the local press scene. Hong Kong ranked 140th out of 180 territories in the press-freedom index compiled by media freedom organization Reporters Without Borders in 2025, far from its 18th place in 2002.
Steve Li, chief superintendent of the police force’s National Security Department, welcomed the heavy sentence on Lai. “Obviously, he has done nothing good for Hong Kong that could serve as a basis for his mitigation,” he told reporters.
When asked if Lai would be spending the rest of his life in prison, Li said: “No one would know. Only the universe would know.”
The government said it will confiscate assets related to Lai’s crime.
Lai’s sentence has raised concerns among rights groups.
Human Rights Watch’s Asia Director Elaine Pearson said the harsh 20-year-sentence is effectively a death sentence, calling it cruel and unjust.
The Associated Press writer Chan Hohim contributed to this report
Takaichi had bet on a snap election to capitalize on high approval ratings while leaving the opposition on the back foot. Noda’s gamble to throw his weight behind the merger of his opposition party with Komeito proved to be a misjudgment.
Now Takaichi has the kind of solid administration that makes her untouchable for the time being.
“I think one upside is now that she has such a strong majority, there’s more predictability and stability in governing and you would think the markets would like that,” Boling said. With assistance from Kazunori Takada, Eddy Duan, Rachel Lavin, Sumio Ito, Brian Fowler, Yoshiaki Nohara, Akemi Terukina, Alice French, Mia Glass and Yuko Takeo/Bloomberg
Thailand’s ruling Bhumjaithai party tops poll that marks a conservative comeback
By Jintamas Saksornchai The Associated Press
BANGKOK—The Bhumjaithai Party of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is on track to win the most seats in Thailand’s general election, according to unofficial results released by the state Election Commission after about 94% of polling stations had reported Monday.
It’s the first decisive victory of a conservative party in Thailand in years. Sunday’s election came against a backdrop of slow economic growth and heightened nationalist sentiment. Voter turnout stood at around 65%, significantly lower than in the 2023 election.
The commission’s running count, shown on its website, indicated that Bhumjaithai won about 193 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives.
The House comprises 400 lawmakers directly elected based on constituencies, while 100 others are chosen from “party list” nominees, who gain seats according to each party’s proportional share of the vote on a separate ballot indicating party preference.
A simple majority of 251 seats is needed for the body to elect a prime minister. The figures indicate Bhumjaithai will have to seek one or two partners to form a coalition government with Anutin returning as its head.
It’s widely believed that Pheu Thai will accept, if asked, to join a coalition government led by Bhumjaithai.
Anutin has been prime minister since last September, after serving in the Cabinet of his immediate predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was forced out of office for an ethics violation regarding mishandling relations with Cambodia. Anutin dissolved Parliament in December to call a new election after he was threatened with a no-confidence vote.
Subsequent border clashes with Cambodia allowed Anutin to recast himself as a wartime leader after his popularity initially slipped because of floods and financial scandals. His campaign focused on national security and economic stimulus.
While the result diverged from what earlier polls suggested, Bhumjaithai’s victory didn’t come as a surprise, said Napon Jatusripitak, director of the Center for Politics and Geopolitics at Thailand Future, a Bangkokbased think tank.
The progressive People’s Party, which had been tipped to win the most seats, was holding down second place with 118 seats. It swept all constituencies in Bangkok and a majority in the capital’s neighboring provinces. The party also took a lead in the party list totals, taking about 3.8 million more votes on party list ballots than Bhumjaithai. Pheu Thai, the populist party representing the political machine of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, trailed behind with 74 seats. It’s considered a disappointing result for a political force that has often dominated Thai elections.
Takaichi. . .
DEMOCRACY advocate Jimmy Lai leaves the Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong on Feb. 9, 2021. AP/KIN CHEUNG
Marcos to attend UN General Assembly special session, women’s rights summit
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
RESIDENT Ferdinand Mar -
Pcos is set to return to the US next month to attend a special session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
In a press briefing last Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that the Chief Executive will be on a working visit in New York, US from March 8 to 11.
“The President will also be meeting with some UN officials,” she added.
“President Marcos Jr. will attend the opening of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. The President will also deliver a message at the special session of the United Nations General Assembly,” she said partly in Filipino.
In its website, the UN said the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women will be held in its headquarters in New York from 9 to 19 March 2026.
The theme of the historic event will be strengthening access to
justice for all women and girls worldwide through equitable legal systems and the elimination of discriminatory laws, policies and practices.
The President’s upcoming trip to New York will be his sixth trip to the US since the start of his presidency in 2022. It will also be his second overseas trip after he went to the United Arab Emirates last January.
Palace urges Veloso to submit formal clemency plea to Marcos
MALACAÑANG urged convicted drug trafficker Mary Jane Veloso to formally submit her request for clemency to President Ferdinand Marcos.
This, after Veloso issued an open letter last month, where she called on the Chief Executive to facilitate her freedom so she can take care of her children and parents. The letter was shared by supporters of the former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in social media.
IRR
readied
By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox
D“It would have been better if her open letter—did she post it on social media? It would have been better if it was in person or delivered directly to the President so that the right decision could be made regarding this,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in Filipino in a press briefing last Monday. Last year, Veloso’s parents and Migrante formally submitted their petition to Malaca -
ñang urging Marcos to grant their daughter clemency.
The former OFW maintained she has not committed any wrongdoing and should be freed.
As of press time, the President has yet to respond to the said request.
Veloso was arrested in 2010 at the Adisutjipto International Airport in Yogyakarta, Indonesia for carrying luggage with heroin, which her friend, Maria Kristina “Tintin”
Sergio, asked her to bring.
An Indonesian court sentenced Veloso to death in 2010, but it was deferred in 2011 through the intervention of the late former President Benigno C. Aquino III.
Marcos has been engaging with the Indonesian government for Veloso to be formally removed from the death row. It was finally granted by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in 2024.
Samuel Medenilla
on Expanded Pisay System Act as consultations end
rules and regulations (IRR) of the law that increased the number of campuses of the Philippine Science High School.
AVAO CITY—Consultations
nationwide drew to a close late last month to finalize the implementing
The series of consultations from Luzon to Mindanao culminated at the PSHS-Northern Mindanao campus in Lanao del Norte on
January 22 for the Mindanao and final leg to officially compose the IRR of Republic Act No. 12310 or the Expanded Philippine Science High School System Act.
The other legs of the consultation were held at PSHS-Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City for Visayas on December 11 last year and the PSHS-Calabarzon Region Campus in Batangas City for Luzon on December 16; and the PSHSMain Campus in Diliman, Quezon City for the National Capital Region on January 16 this year.
The Department of Science and Technology did not give a general overview or salient points gathered in the consultations but it said the consultations wanted “to produce a validated and refined draft IRR, enhanced stakeholder participation, alignment with existing legal and policy
frameworks, clearer institutional roles, and strengthened transparency and accountability in the rule-making process.”
The Expanded Philippine Science High School System Act will increase its number of campuses to two per region, “delivering high-quality, inclusive, and globally competitive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education throughout the country.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said the IRR must faithfully “reflect the intent of the law while addressing the diverse needs and realities of regions nationwide, and stakeholder participation is essential in shaping policies that will influence future
See “IRR,” A9
Marcos first visited the US as president in 2022 to attend the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
In 2023, he returned to the US to meet with former US President Joe Biden in Washington D.C. in April and in San Francisco, Los Angeles in November to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
Cayetano:
Marcos once again visited Washington D.C. in 2024 to participate in the US-Japan-Philippines trilateral summit. His latest trip to the US was last year when he met with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Growing ranks of jobless indicate serious need for labor reforms
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
LAMENTING the continuing expansion of the ranks of the jobless, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday stressed the need for serious labor reforms. He renewed calls for reforms that address wage issues, labor protection, and long-standing weaknesses in the country’s employment system.
Citing the number of unemployed Filipinos—increasing to 2.26 million in December 2025 from 2.25 million in November—Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano renewed calls for reforms that address wage issues, labor protection, and long-standing weaknesses in the country’s employment system.
The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that unemployment edged higher month-on-month from November to December 2025, and remained significantly above the 1.63 million recorded in December 2024, underscoring persistent challenges faced by Filipino workers seeking stable jobs and income.
Citing another recent labor count, Cayetano stressed the need for a coordinated approach involving government, workers, and employers to address employment concerns, particularly wages and job quality.
He noted he had filed, as his priority bill in the 20th Congress, the proposed ExecutiveLegislative Labor Commission (LabCom) Act. Cayetano said the measure seeks to
institutionalize such cooperation by creating a platform for joint action on labor issues.
“This body will convene representatives from Congress, the Executive branch, Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises [MSMEs], trade and industry, and the labor sector, including the migrant and informal sectors, to collectively pursue sustainable solutions,” the senator said.
He emphasized that labor concerns go beyond employment statistics and directly affect Filipino families, particularly when workers are forced to look for opportunities away from home due to inadequate wages and weak labor protection.
“If ever magkaroonng Labor Commision, these are exactly the types of issues that we will solve,” he said.
Addressing structural gaps in labor policy, Cayetano said, remains critical to ensuring that economic activity translates into real opportunities for ordinary Filipinos, especially as unemployment levels remain higher than a year ago.
The Senate Minority leader maintained that improving labor systems, protecting workers’ rights, and ensuring fair wages are key steps toward easing the pressure on Filipino households affected by joblessness.
Playing on the word “lab” from “LabCom,” Cayetano said: “Kunglab [love] natin ang Pilipinas, kung lab [love] natin ang ating laborers, kung gusto natin ang mga OFWsnahindinakailanganmag-broad, we have to have a labor commission.”
DepEd launches classroom leasing initiative to alleviate overcrowding in public schools
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
TO immediately decongest overcrowded public schools while permanent classroom construction is ongoing, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday rolled out its Classroom Leasing Initiative, a stopgap measure developed with local government units (LGUs) and private sector partners.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara led the launch of the initiative in Pila, Laguna, marking the first time DepEd formally operationalized classroom leasing as a national infrastructure strategy to ease space constraints in highdensity areas.
Manila Water ‘25 NRW down to 13.55, among lowest in Asia
MANILA Water, the private water concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in the East Zone, reported that its non-revenue water (NRW) is down to 13.55 percent at the end of 2025, which remains among the lowest in Asia.
NRW is water that has been produced and treated, but is “lost” before it reaches the customer, mostly because of leaks, theft, or illegal connections.
In a statement, Manila Water said maintaining NRW at this level demonstrates disciplined efforts to reduce losses arising from leaks, pilferage, and metering inaccuracies.
For the full year 2025, Manila Water posted an average NRW of 14.27 percent, showing sustained operational efficiency across the network.
Lowering NRW directly benefits customers because every percentage point reduced translates to more water that can be delivered to households.
Manila Water estimates that a one - percent reduction in NRW can make available up to 15 million liters of water per day that would otherwise be lost. This additional volume supports growing communities and contributes to more stable and reliable service across the East Zone.
“Keeping NRW low allows more of the water we produce to reach our customers. Every liter we save strengthens the system and helps ensure that households continue to enjoy reliable, 24/7 water service,” Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water’s Communication Affairs Group Director, said.
Manila Water continues to prioritize system efficiency as part of its longterm service improvement strategy. Current initiatives include targeted pipe and meter replacements, pressure optimization, active district metered area monitoring, and enhanced digital tools that improve response time to leaks. These efforts ensure that more of the water produced is ultimately delivered to customers who need it most. Jonathan L. Mayuga
Continued from A8
generations of Filipino scientists, innovators, and leaders.” Solidum underscored the importance of the Expanded PSHS System Act as a major milestone in advancing Philippine STEM education.
The public consultations brought together key government agencies, education and research institutions, and other stakeholders involved in science education and public service to ensure transparency and meaningful stakeholder participation.
The RA 12310 was signed into law on October 3 last year, that expanded the mandated the establishment of at least two campuses per region to enable the DOST-PSHS System to serve more scholars from diverse areas of the country.
Angara noted that the approach is meant to respond to urgent classroom shortages that force schools to adopt shifting schedules, reduce instructional time, and stretch teaching resources, particularly in rapidly growing provinces and urbanizing municipalities.
Hindi natin isinasantabi ang pagtatayo ng mga bagong silid-aralan. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang classroom construction sa buong bansa. Pero habang ginagawa ito, kailangan din nating magisip ng mga praktikal at agarang solusyon gaya ng classroom leasing para hindi na maghintay ang mga bata at guro ng ilang taon bago magkaroon ng maayos na lugar para matuto,” Angara
said, noting that the initiative is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The leased facility is now serving as an annex of Don Manuel Rivera Memorial Integrated National High School, allowing Senior High School learners to transfer to a nearby site, easing congestion and allowing more comfortable learning conditions.
Angara also stressed that it would complement long-term infrastructure programs, including traditional classroom building, public-private partnership projects, and other alternative delivery modalities.
Laguna, which ranks among the third most congested provinces nationwide, was identified as an initial
pilot area due to its large enrollment base and limited expansion space in several public schools.
DepEd refurbished and repurposed the leased classrooms within a few months, demonstrating how existing but idle facilities, including former private schools that closed during the pandemic, can be quickly converted into functional learning spaces.
The Department added that leasing provides a cost-efficient option in areas where land acquisition is difficult or where immediate relief is needed to prevent learner displacement while larger projects are still in the pipeline.
Local officials in Pila welcomed
BOC–Davao destroys ₧235M worth of seized illegal cigarettes to prevent re-entry into market
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
SEIZED illegal cigarettes estimated to be worth P235 million were destroyed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) - Port of Davao.
In a social media post on Monday, the BOC said a condemnation activity was held to ensure the proper and lawful disposal of illicit cigarettes to prevent their re-entry into the market.
A total of 6,400 master cases of illegal cigarettes were primarily seized in Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and the Davao Region. The products included Bosqu, Cannon
PHL and Japan forum
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
TMenthol, and Gajah Baru brands.
The cigarettes were dampened until unusable, then crushed with a road roller, with assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection and Greenleaf 88 Non-Hydrous Waste Disposal, the Port’s authorized service contractor.
The activity was carried out with the support of the Local Government of Panabo City and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Panabo City. It was also witnessed by representatives from the Department of Agriculture - Enforcement Inspectorate, Philippine National Police, Philippine Navy - Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation and the Com -
mission on Audit to ensure transparency and compliance with existing rules and regulations.
“We make sure that once these illegal products are seized, they are completely destroyed and never find their way back into the market. This is our commitment to lawful trade, fair competition, and public interest,” Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said.
The BOC collected P80.744 billion in revenues in January, supported by strengthened and continuous enforcement activities.
In 2025, the BOC conducted 317 seizures of illicit cigarettes and tobacco products with a combined estimated value of P1.866 billion.
on greenhouse gas measurement, private sector reporting held
Service Director Elenida dR. Basug.
HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), together with the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ), recently held a forum in Makati to strengthen greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement and reporting among private-sector stakeholders.
The event highlighted how transparent and accurate emissions reporting can support corporate climate leadership, drive investment in low-carbon solutions, and advance the Philippines’ climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Congressman Jose Manuel Alba and representatives from the DENR, Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, Climate Change Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center of Japan, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Filinvest REIT Corp., BECIS Philippines, and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines were among the resource speakers.
The forum was supported by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center of Japan, reflecting continued Japan–Philippines cooperation in promoting climate transparency and private sector engagement.
Titled “Quality GHG Measurement and Reporting towards Climate Responsibility and Market Leadership,” the seminar was organized under the Partnership to Strengthen Transparency for Co-Innovation (PaSTI) and brought together around 200 representatives from private businesses and companies.
Discussions emphasized the importance of standardized emissions reporting in shaping mitigation strategies, supporting the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and preparing businesses for climate-aligned policies such as the proposed Low Carbon Economy Investment Bill.
The capacity-building activity emphasized that market leadership and climate responsibility go hand in hand, with accurate and transparent emissions reporting serving as a foundation for corporate action and long-term climate planning.
“Climate action cannot be accomplished by government alone. The private sector is key to innovation, investment, and technology adoption. The government is committed to creating a policy environment that rewards green leadership and enables businesses to thrive sustainably,” said DENR Climate Change
“Our climate action is more than just a compliance and a document. It is a promise and a living commitment for a future where we no longer have to choose between a healthy planet and a stable economy. We are proving that we can, and we must,” she added.
During the forum, participants explored global trends in GHG measurement, reporting, and reduction, as well as investment opportunities across energy, transport, agriculture, waste, industrial processes and product use, and forest and land use sectors. Topics also included climate finance, carbon pricing, sustainability reporting, and enhancing competitiveness through credible GHG data.
GHG calculator
THE DENR introduced its proposed facilitylevel GHG emissions calculation tool, designed to address gaps in standardized emissions reporting and improve data availability. The tool is user-friendly, localized, and sciencebased, supporting companies in generating
consistent and comparable emissions data that inform corporate mitigation strategies and guide future policy development. The Department will refine the tool through user feedback, with initial voluntary use preceding potential integration into policy frameworks.
The calculator covers direct emissions from company operations and indirect emissions from purchased energy, while also accounting for biogenic carbon dioxide emissions. It tracks major emission sources, including fuel combustion, electricity use, industrial processes (e.g., cement, lime, iron and steel, and glass production), emissions from refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, and industrial wastewater.
Aligned with international standards such as the GHG Protocol and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines, and using the latest National Grid Emission Factors from 2019 to 2021, the tool incorporates updated biofuel blends and allows for plant-level calculations to enhance accuracy and relevance.
the initiative, noting that nationallocal collaboration helped fast-track site identification, coordination with property owners, and the delivery of basic requirements needed to open the facility.
DepEd said it plans to replicate the classroom leasing model in other high-need areas, particularly where local governments and private partners are willing to participate in shared solutions to address classroom congestion.
The initiative forms part of the Marcos administration’s broader push to close the country’s classroom gap through a mix of accelerated construction, partnerships with LGUs and the private sector, and flexible, time-bound interventions aimed at protecting instructional time and improving learning conditions.
Safeguarding the essence of blood donation in PHL editorial
IN a recent statement, Richard Gordon, the Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), expressed a significant concern that strikes at the heart of healthcare ethics: the potential overcharging of blood processing fees in private hospitals. This issue brings to the forefront the vital discourse on the sanctity of blood donation and its ethical implications in the healthcare system. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Overcharging of blood processing fees alarms Red Cross chief Gordon,” February 6, 2026).
The Philippine Red Cross has long positioned itself as a beacon of hope, ensuring that blood remains affordable, accessible, adequate, and safe. By adhering to the Department of Health Administrative Orders, the PRC has strived to mitigate the financial burden on patients in need of life-saving blood transfusions. However, as Gordon astutely pointed out during the recent National Council on Blood Services meeting with DOH, reports of excessive charges threaten to undermine this humanitarian mission.
Gordon’s remarks shed light on a troubling trend: some private hospitals reportedly imposing additional fees for blood processing that can soar to an alarming P10,000. This practice not only raises questions about transparency and fairness but also exposes the potential for exploitation in a system that should prioritize patient welfare over profit margins. Blood donation is fundamentally a humanitarian act, a lifeline during critical moments, and it should never be commodified.
The assertion that hospitals may be conducting unnecessary additional tests, thereby inflating costs, is particularly concerning. While safety protocols and thorough testing are paramount in ensuring the quality of blood, any associated fees must be reasonable and justifiable. The notion that profit should guide the provision of blood services is not only unconscionable but contradicts the very ethos of the medical profession.
The support from DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa is crucial. His proposal to establish a complaint center offers a valuable avenue for the public to report instances of overpricing or irregularities, emphasizing that all healthcare facilities, regardless of their classification, are bound by the same ethical standards. This initiative could serve as a powerful tool to hold institutions accountable and nurture a culture of transparency in healthcare.
To tackle this crucial challenge, it is imperative for all stakeholders—government entities, hospitals, and non-profit organizations—to collaborate closely.
The PRC’s commitment to work with the DOH and hospitals to ensure ethical practices in blood services is commendable. Together, they must advocate for a system that honors the spirit of voluntary donation, reinforcing that blood is not a commodity but a gift of life.
Moreover, public awareness and education play a vital role in promoting ethical practices. Patients should be informed about their rights concerning pricing and the processes involved in receiving blood. Empowering individuals through knowledge can foster a more conscientious and transparent healthcare environment.
In essence, the conversation surrounding blood processing fees serves as an important reminder of our moral obligation to prioritize the welfare of patients. As the PRC continues its noble mission to serve humanity without discrimination, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the fundamental principles of compassion and integrity guide the offerings of our healthcare system. The integrity of blood donation must be upheld, not just in policy, but in practice, to truly reflect the humanitarian values at the heart of the Philippine Red Cross.
Opinion
From birthday tribute to memoir launch
ORISING SUN
N Sunday, February 8, we marked what would have been the 66th birthday of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, whose 2010-2016 administration championed transformative economic reforms like the landmark Sin Tax law, which funded universal healthcare, alongside public-private partnerships that ignited robust GDP growth and job creation amid the post-global financial crisis recovery. These initiatives not only rebuilt investor trust but also laid the foundations for infrastructure booms and poverty reduction efforts still being felt today.
In the current Philippine landscape, grappling with persistent inflation squeezing household budgets, supply chain disruptions, flood control scandals exposing mismanaged infrastructure, corruption scandals eroding trust in government—like ongoing probes into kickbacks and ghost projects—and an uneven post-
pandemic recovery marked by rising debt and unemployment fears, Aquino’s enduring legacy of “daang matuwid” governance—rooted in uncompromising transparency, bold vision, anti-corruption drives, and ethical public spending—resonates as a vital and timely reminder for restoring investor confidence, enforc-
ing fiscal discipline, and rebuilding public faith. His birth anniversary invites deeper reflection on how those proven principles, tested in real crises, could empower today’s leaders to navigate political turbulence, economic headwinds like volatile commodity prices and fiscal deficits, and social unrest toward genuine, sustainable progress for all Filipinos.
Eduardo
TAtty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II What
And as the nation pauses to honor Noynoy Aquino’s enduring vision on his birth anniversary, eyes turn today to another key figure from that transformative era: Franklin Drilon, who served in a prominent legislative role during President Noynoy Aquino’s administration (2010-2016), acting as Senate President from 2013 to 2016 after Juan Ponce Enrile’s resignation— their close collaboration exemplifying the “daang matuwid” ethos in action through key legislative victories. Frank Drilon’s memoir launch arrives at a moment when echoes of past crises reverberate once more, bridging yesterday’s hard-fought triumphs over entrenched corruption
and existential democratic threats with today’s urgent calls for accountability amid eroding institutions. And on Sunday, former Senate President Frank Drilon unveiled his autobiography, “Being Frank: A Memoir,” at the Manila Polo Club— a gripping 254-page journey through his extensive tenure in Philippine public life, from justice secretary to legislative powerhouse. The event spotlights Drilon’s frontline experiences as a senator-judge in two landmark trials—one sparking the people-powered ouster of a sitting president, the other toppling a chief justice amid high-stakes drama and national reckoning. Packed with vivid recollections from moments that tested the nation’s democratic foundations to their limits, the book is ideal for budding attorneys, emerging leaders, and citizens hungry for governance lessons. His memoir also doubles as a practical guide and repository of hard-earned wisdom straight from a veteran justice secretary who shaped the country’s most pivotal moments.
Malampaya: A discovery, not a deliverance
dence. Building domestic capability quietly strengthens economic resilience. It also makes future discoveries more likely to benefit Filipinos beyond ceremonial photo opportunities.
HE Philippines has finally stumbled onto some good energy news, and for once it is not made of press releases and hope. The Malampaya East-1 natural gas discovery off Palawan involves actual molecules, which already puts it ahead of most energy announcements of the past decade. With an estimated 98 billion cubic feet of gas in place, it is substantial enough to matter and limited enough to keep fantasies in check. That balance alone makes it unusual.
The government says the field could generate about 14 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, theoretically powering roughly 5.7 million homes. “Theoretically” deserves a pause.
Gas does not move from the seabed to a light switch because someone gave a confident speech. It moves after drilling, financing, approvals, construction, and years of patience. Still, for a country that imports most of its fuel and makes us treat electricity bills as a monthly stress test, even theoretical domestic supply feels like progress.
The excitement around this discovery makes more sense when viewed against the global backdrop. Natural gas markets are loosening after years of tight supply and high price shocks. New liquefied natural gas capacity from the United States and the Middle East is expected to push Asian prices lower. That is good news for importers, including the Philippines. It is
also a reminder of how dependent we remain on decisions made in Houston, Doha, or Washington, none of which are particularly concerned with my Meralco bill.
This is where Malampaya East-1 starts to matter in a more serious way. The real question is not whether there is gas, but when Filipinos will see any benefit and what form that benefit will take. Offshore gas development does not run on election calendars.
A realistic timeline, from appraisal drilling to final investment decisions and then to construction and integration with existing power plants, is about 4 to 7 years before any meaningful production. That assumes no regulatory gridlock, no financing drama, and no engineering surprises, which by local standards is a heroic assumption.
So what happens in the meantime. Not lower electricity bills. Anyone promising that should be treated with the same skepticism reserved
for miracle traffic solutions.
What this discovery offers first is optionality. Power producers can plan knowing there is domestic gas coming, even if it is not coming soon. Policymakers gain leverage in negotiations with fuel suppliers. When the next global crisis sends energy prices soaring, locally produced gas acts as a shock absorber. Not a cure, but a buffer. In Philippine energy policy, buffers are rare and valuable. There is also a structural advantage that deserves more attention. Malampaya East-1 extends the life of existing Malampaya infrastructure, which already feeds gas to power plants in Luzon. That lowers development costs and shortens timelines compared to building a new system from scratch. It also reinforces the slow shift away from coal, which still dominates the energy mix because it is familiar, not because it is ideal.
Gas is more compatible with a grid that wants reliability while renewables scale up. One underappreciated aspect of this discovery is who is doing the work. Filipino engineers and local firms are increasingly involved in upstream energy development. That matters because countries that rely entirely on foreign expertise tend to export profits and import depen-
Geography, as always, complicates things. Malampaya sits in waters that attract strategic attention. Developing the field also means protecting it. Offshore platforms are not just industrial assets; they are national assets. Security considerations will shape timelines and costs whether planners like it or not. Energy security, in this part of the world, never comes without a maritime dimension.
Malampaya East-1 is not a jackpot and not a distraction. Do not confuse a geological victory with a financial one. The wise move is to watch the infrastructure commitments. Until the concrete is poured and the foreign direct investment is fully realized in the capital account, this is merely a geological curiosity. It is a test. A test of whether the Philippines can think beyond announcements, resist overselling, and stay focused through years of unglamorous development. If managed well, the results will be steadier power supply, less exposure to global price shocks, and a more credible energy transition. No fireworks, no miracles. Just the rarest outcome in Philippine energy policy: something that actually works.
Japan stocks cheer Takaichi win as yen moves away from danger
By Aya Wagatsuma & John Cheng
Opinion
What does it mean to reduce VAT from 12% to 10%?
estimated impact of the proposed VAT rate reduction is at an annual average of P339 billion from 2026 to 2030…This proposal will translate to a higher fiscal deficit and derail the administration’s fiscal consolidation efforts and plan.”
JAPANESE
stocks rallied to fresh record highs on Monday after a resounding election win by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling party, and the yen edged away from the danger zone for intervention.
Declines in government bonds were limited, defying concern that the debt market may erupt again as it did last month. The relative calm in the currency and fixed income markets came after Takaichi emphasized fiscal sustainability and her finance minister warned that she was watching movement in the yen.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average surged 4.4 percent and the Topix gained around 2.3 percent. The yen climbed 0.2 percent to 156.85 against the dollar. Gains in bond yields, especially those on longer tenors, were relatively muted.
“The strong election results for Takaichi are a medium- to long-term positive for Japan equities,” and will set stocks up for a continued rally, said Rajeev De Mello, global macro portfolio manager at Gama Asset Management SA. “The challenge will be the behavior of JGBs,” given that sharply higher long-term yields would create a headwind for Japanese markets.
The Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-thirds super majority in the 465-seat lower house by itself, according to public broadcaster NHK, and the ruling coalition expanded its majority by a wide margin. This paves the way for Takaichi to pursue expanded fiscal spending plans and investment to support the economy.
Semiconductor-related sectors and defense companies were the largest contributors to the advance in the Topix index, with the so-called Takaichi trade in focus. That trade has been characterized by buying Japanese stocks, and selling bonds and the yen on expectations Japan’s premier will pour money into the economy and increase debt to pay for that.
Chip equipment maker Advantest Corp. was the biggest gainer in the Nikkei, and was one of the top performers on the Topix, rallying as much as 15 percent.
“Large caps will outperform, including banks, defense related and blue-chip exporters” such as Toyota Motor Corp., said Mateen Chaudhry, founder and managing director of BCMG. However, Takaichi needs to “remain measured in what she says, or we could see another wave of volatility in the bond and currency markets.”
The yen has pulled back from a zone around 160 versus the greenback that has previously drawn Japanese authorities into the market to defend the currency.
Bloomberg strategists say the use of the phrase watching with a high sense of urgency is typically seen as a strong message with the risk of actual intervention not far behind. However, FX traders will need more convincing to become serious buyers of the yen. A few more hawkish Bank of Japan comments to set up an early rate hike will carry more weight.
Mark Cranfield Markets Live Strategist. Read more on MLIV. Japan’s chief currency official At-
sushi Mimura told reporters that he’s watching markets with a high sense of urgency, as always. The yield on the 30-year government bond fell half a basis point to 3.545 percent, after initially rising as high as 3.615 percent. The yield on the benchmark 10-year note was 4 basis points higher at 2.27 percent.
The relatively subdued moves eased concerns about the risk of further selling for Japanese bonds, which plunged in January and sent shockwaves through global markets.
“JGB yields will undergo some volatility, but a large move will fuel the expectation of a market stabilization measure from the government,” said Homin Lee, senior macro strategist at Lombard Odier. “We do not rule out the risk of foreign pressure if JGB yields rise too much and start pressuring other government bonds like US Treasuries.”
Global money managers including Schroders Plc. and JPMorgan Asset Management headed into election underweight JGBs, particularly at the super-long end. Takaichi’s proposal to temporarily cut the sales tax on food and renewed concerns over Japan’s fiscal sustainability were among key drivers of the selloff, alongside poor liquidity.
Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama tried to reassure markets on Monday, saying that the planned tax cut wouldn’t require additional bond issuance. In TV appearances Sunday, reiterated that she was keeping in close contact with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. She said she shares with Bessent responsibility for maintaining stability in the dollar-yen movements.
At the same time, some market players said that Takaichi’s decisive win meant that she may in fact feel less pressure to deliver stimulus.
“While this result heightens tension for bond market participants, the LDP’s landslide victory could give Prime Minister Takaichi the political leeway to listen to the bond market’s concerns,” said Masanari Takada, quantitative and derivatives strategist at JPMorgan Securities Japan Co.
Overnight index swaps and yields on short-dated bonds have been adjusting to views that the BOJ may increase interest rates by its April meeting. A 25-basis-point move by the BOJ is about 75 percent priced in for that gathering, and fully priced in by June.
“A landslide victory usually brings policy clarity and reduces near-term political noise, so my base case would be a Nikkei upside,” said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Markets. “But it’s still going to be messaging-dependent—the market will cheer stability, but it won’t cheer a new dose of fiscal uncertainty that re-ignites the bond selloff.” With assistance from Hidenori Yamanaka, Mia Glass, Mark Tannenbaum, Hideyuki Sano, Alice French, Momoka Yokoyama, Kentaro Tsutsumi, Anthony Stephens and Masahiro Hidaka/Bloomberg
VALUE-ADDED Tax is a tax on final consumption, levied at each stage of the production and distribution of goods and services. The impact and burden of VAT are ultimately shouldered by end consumers.
In the Philippines, where the economy is driven by consumption rather than production, the effect of VAT is keenly felt by ordinary Filipinos. As the value of goods and services increases, the impact of VAT also increases. Consequently, the purchasing power of Filipinos decreases. Ultimately, the economy suffers as the number of transactions is restricted.
With this in mind, there is a need to jumpstart the economy by encouraging ordinary Filipinos to spend more by decreasing the value of goods and services.
It is worth noting that the 12 percent VAT in the Philippines, which is a portion of a commodity’s price, is the highest in Southeast Asia. In comparison, neighboring countries impose VAT at lower rates: 11 percent in Indonesia, 10 percent in Laos, 10 percent in Cambodia, and 10 percent in Vietnam.
Even when compared to other indirect taxes imposed by neighbor-
ing countries, the 12 percent VAT in the Philippines remains the highest. Malaysia imposes a 10 percent Sales Tax, Singapore a 9 percent Goods and Services Tax, Thailand 7percent, Myanmar a 5 percent Commercial Tax, and East Timor a 2.5 percent tax on imported goods.
With this in mind, lawmakers filed Senate Bill No. 1552 and House Bill No. 4302, or the “VAT Reduction Act of 2025.” In both bills, the lawmakers proposed reducing the VAT from 12 percent to 10 percent, subject to the President’s power to revert it for a given year should the need arise.
However, opposition was raised against the proposal for VAT reduction. The Department of Finance (DOF) has raised concerns that the proposal to lower the VAT rate could severely impact the government’s ability to fund essential operations, potentially forcing it to borrow more for even basic expenditures. The DOF even expressed that “[t]he
It should be noted that a reduction in the VAT rate does not produce a proportional (straight-line) decrease in tax revenue, nor will it necessarily prevent the government from financing its expenditures.
First, VAT is a tax on consumption. The lower the prices of commodities, the livelier the market may become. Consequently, taxpayers are encouraged to buy due to an increase in their spending power, resulting in an increase in transactions that generate VAT. Although there will be a decrease in the VAT rate imposed, the increase in transactions can make up for the government’s target collection.
Second, a lower VAT rate makes the Philippines more geographically competitive within the Southeast Asia region. A reduction in VAT decreases a company’s cash outflow and allows more opportunity for reinvestment. It also reduces production costs, such as electricity and raw materials, thus resulting in higher profitability. Although the VAT rate imposed will decrease, it will encourage more investors to put their capital in the Philippines, creating development and job opportunities.
Fourth, the proposed bills, which reduce the VAT rate, have a safety mechanism authorizing the President, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Finance, to revert the VAT to 12 percent for a given year if the projected deficit target as a percentage of gross domestic product exceeds the programmed deficit. Should the reduction of the VAT rate therefore impair the government’s ability to fund essential operations, the proposed law provides a corrective remedy.
Taking all of these into consideration, the proposed reduction of the VAT rate is a welcome development in Philippine taxation. At a time when inflation and the cost of living are high, a lower tax rate gives citizens room to breathe. It also makes the Philippines regionally competitive compared to its neighboring countries. Lastly, the reduction of the VAT rate embodies the constitutional mandate to establish a progressive tax system that promotes equity and social justice.
The author is a Senior Associate II of DuBaladad and Associates (BDB Law) (www.bdblaw. com.ph).
The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal, or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported, therefore, by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at donato.vergara@bdblaw.com.ph or call 84032001 local 320.
Third, reducing the VAT rate encourages the government to reduce tax leakage and improve its efficiency in collecting other taxes, including one-time transaction taxes (Donor’s Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Stock and Transfer Taxes). Considering that there will be a reduction in the VAT rate, government should improve efficiency in collecting all taxes that are due. Focus should no longer be limited to consumption taxes which greatly affects the low and medium but to all taxes in general.
Malaysia draws first data center protest over pollution, water
By Ram Anand & Ishika Mookerjee
THE rapid increase in data centers in Malaysia came under the microscope on Saturday, with the AI-driven buildout drawing its first public protest in the Southeast Asian country.
More than 50 people gathered in front of a data center construction site close to a residential area in the southern state of Johor, demanding an end to dust pollution and compensation for any negative impact that the project might have on their health. The protesters also expressed concern the facility will impact their water supply.
Those gathered say they represent nearly 1,000 residents strewn across four housing estates in the Gelang Patah district. Located less than a kilometer (about half a mile) from the closest homes, the project is being developed for China’s Zdata Technologies Co. The developers didn’t meet the protesters, who dispersed after 90 minutes under the watch of dozens of police personnel.
Malaysia has emerged as Southeast Asia’s main data center hub, attracting companies from Oracle Corp. and Amazon.com Inc. to Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and ByteDance Ltd.—all needing more storage and processing capacity as data-hungry artificial intelligence services gain users. Tech giants are targeting the country for its relatively low cost and reliable infrastructure, as well as its close proximity to business centers such as Singapore. Zdata and the project’s loca l de-
veloper Tropicana Firstwide Sdn., a unit of Tropicana Corp., didn’t respond to requests for a comment.
The Gelang Patah project is unusually close to a residential area. By contrast, a majority of completed facilities and ongoing data center constructions are taking place in former plantations or dedicated industrial land, far from residential dwellings.
Johor has been the biggest beneficiary of Malaysia’s data center boom since 2022, approving 164.45 billion ringgit ($41.7 billion) in data center investments as of mid-2025. That’s made it Southeast Asia’s fastestgrowing data center hub.
Zdata broke ground on the project in early 2025. Problems started creeping up toward the end of the year, with a two-week stop work order issued by local authorities for poor construction standards.
As the project progressed, local residents began to voice concerns about construction dust pollution disrupting their daily lives.
“Every day I have to wash my car, every day I have to wash my porch and balcony, and I can’t get fresh air anymore in my own home,” said Venu Kannan Samraj, a 42-year-old resident, who participated in the protest. “I get back home, and I immediately close the living room door.”
Residents say they can’t dry laundry on their yards or balconies anymore, while air purifiers are signaling dangerously poor levels of air quality. There are also lingering concerns about the water demands of the Zdata project. Johor last year stopped approving Tier 1 and 2 data centers due to their high usage of water— up to 50 million liters of water a day. State officials haven’t disclosed what tier Zdata’s facility falls under. Its approval was granted before the new ban was instituted.
Relevant state officials overseeing the project didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Residents such as Venu are also concerned about what’s yet to come.
Zdata is building its site on 38 acres of land it bought from Tropicana in 2024. Next to it sits a 68-acre parcel that the same company sold to Japan’s NTT Data Group Corp. for another data center. That construction hasn’t started.
Malaysia is emblematic of growing social unease with data centers worldwide, despite their crucial role in powering the internet and ChatGPT searches. In Michigan, residents are protesting a data center campus for the Stargate Project—backed by OpenAI Inc. and Softbank Group Corp. among other tech giants— that spans more than 500 acres of farmland.
From the US to Ireland and Japan, concerns about soaring power bills, pollution, noise, and water use are overpowering promises from owners and developers of job creation and re-
China sends fewer flights near Taiwan in sign of training shift
By Yian Lee
said. China has ramped up its military
intimidation of Lai’s administration, holding several rounds of major exercises during his time in office. It held major maneuvers around Taiwan in late December to show its displeasure at the US approving an $11 billion arms package for Taipei—one of the largest ever. The government in Taipei rejects China’s claims to Taiwan, asserting its status as a de facto sovereign nation awaiting greater international recognition. Under Lai, Taiwan has been trying to bolster its defenses to
deter any Chinese aggression. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has been conducting a purge of the military’s top ranks, most recently taking down the nation’s top general. And in October last year, Xi agreed to a one-year truce in the trade war with US President Donald Trump—a period of calm both sides seem keen on continuing.
source efficiency. Local activism has contributed to at least $160 billion of projects getting blocked or delayed in the US in the last two years, according to Data Center Watch reports.
Zdata is a cloud and IT infrastructure provider headquartered in Beijing, serving an array of Chinese tech giants from Alibaba to Huawei Technologies Co. and Tencent Holdings Ltd., according to the company’s website. It hosts several facilities across China, and Malaysia is its only overseas data center location.
“In response to global environmental issues, Malaysian data centers are committed to sustainable development,” according to its website. “They utilize energy-saving technologies, reduce energy consumption, adopt renewable energy sources, decrease reliance on traditional energy, and actively promote carbon neutrality and environmental protection measures, providing green and sustainable data center services for businesses.”
Equinix Inc., a Zdata peer and one of the world’s largest data center providers, engages with local communities—sometimes up to a year before construction begins— to avoid backlash, Raouf Abdel, the company’s executive vice president of global operations, said on Tuesday. Equinix already has data centers in Johor and Kuala Lumpur, and Abdel said an upcoming Johor facility will use air cooling “because of the water stress and the water constraints.” With assistance from Gao Yuan/Bloomberg
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A.I. COULD WIDEN EXISTING INEQUALITIES IN PHL, SAYS ILO
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
WIDESPREAD exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) could widen existing inequalities in the Philippines, particularly for women and young workers, the International Labour Organization (ILO) warned on Monday.
ILO Country Director Khalid Hassan said women in the Philippines face twice the level of AI exposure compared with men, especially young and educated women working in clerical, administrative, and service occupations—roles that are more vulnerable to automation or significant transformation.
“Without targeted action, AI could widen existing inequalities, reinforcing barriers that women and young people already face due to poverty, informality, or conflict. Yet this outcome is not inevitable,” Hassan said.
Data from the ILO showed that 40.3 percent of occupations predominantly held by women are exposed to AI, compared to 19.3 percent for occupations largely held by men.
The organization noted that women account for around three in five clerical support workers and service and sales workers, as well as more than half of techni-
cians and associate professionals, occupations identified as having higher potential exposure to generative AI.
Regional data also show uneven exposure risks. In the National Capital Region (NCR), potential AI exposure among women stood at 51.7 percent, higher than the 35.1 percent recorded for men.
In Region IV-A (Calabarzon), potential exposure rates for women likewise exceeded those for men, reflecting women’s significant employment in clerical support and service-related roles.
Hassan said these figures show how digital and business services are concentrated in certain regions and where women shoulder a disproportionate share of AI-related employment risks.
At the same time, Hassan said the impact of AI will depend on how governments and institutions respond.
Hassan said limited access to education, skills training, and digital infrastructure remains a key barrier for many women and young people, particularly those in poverty- or conflict-affected areas.
“When a girl is given access to quality education, relevant
BusinessMirror
Nearly 7-M Pinoys possibly unemployed in ’25–IBON
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
NEARLY
7 million Filipinos may have been without work in 2025 when hidden joblessness is taken into account, according to think tank IBON Foundation.
Official data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that 2.14 million Filipinos were unemployed in 2025, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.19 percent from 3.8 percent a year earlier. Total employment increased by just 172,000 to 49 million, while the employment rate slipped to 95.8 percent.
IBON on Monday said these official figures understate the true extent of joblessness because they exclude millions of workers who are classified as employed or outside the labor force despite having no regular income or job prospects.
The group pointed to around
3.3 million unpaid family workers who are counted as employed under official definitions despite receiving no pay, as well as an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million discouraged workers who have stopped looking for jobs due to lack of opportunities and are therefore excluded from unemployment statistics.
Taking these groups together with officially recorded unemployed, IBON estimated that total unemployment may have reached about 6.9 million Filipinos for the full year of 2025.
IBON said the scale of hidden joblessness undermines the government’s portrayal of labor market weakness as temporary,
CBK seen to lure more RE investments
By Samuel P. Medenilla
@sam_medenilla
THE privatization of the Caliraya–Botocan–Kalayaan Hydroelectric Power Plants (CBK HEPP) will result in the inflow of more crucial investments in the country’s renewable energy and provide additional funding for the government’s infrastructure priorities, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. On Monday, the chief executive witnessed the turnover of the power plant to Thunder Consortium led by Aboitiz Renewables Inc.in a P36.3-billion deal. The other members of the consortium are the Japan-based Sumitomo Corporation; and Electric Power Development Co. Ltd. (J-Power), an electric utility company in Japan.
He is optimistic the deal, which reflects investor confidence in the country’s energy sector, will bring in significant improvements in the CBK operations.
“I am optimistic that both the CBK Complex and our public-private partnership will help power a
more secure, more stable, and more forward-looking future for the Filipino people,” Marcos said.
The privatization of the complex will translate to fewer power and service disruptions as well as boosting the productivity of local industries in Luzon as well as support “renewable energy integration into the grid,” according to the President.
“And as investments are made to modernize and improve these facilities, these benefits will extend beyond just the grid and create an impact in the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” he said.
“Indeed, stable power keeps daily life on schedule. This gives essential services and industries reliability and it gives families peace of mind,” he added.
The CBK HEPP privatization, the President said, will also provide more funds for government infrastructures.
“In doing so, the government can invest where it matters most—in our people. Particularly, these resources can be directed towards the immediate needs of the public,
such as for classrooms, for roads, and for hospitals,” Marcos said.
Composed of three separate facilities, the CBK HEPP is one of the largest hydropower complexes in Luzon with an overall capacity of 797 megawatts. The Kalayaan power plant is known as the country’s first pumped-storage facility. In times of low demand, the surplus power would be used to pump water up to the man-made Caliraya Lake. Water from the reservoir will be released to produce power when
there is high demand for power.
As for the Botocan plant, it operates as a run-of-river system.
Marcos said the Caliraya power plant, which makes use of an impounded water system, was built during the administration of his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr., to serve as a power storage of the unused Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
“And I’m very, very glad that its original purpose is now being used to power our grid and to bring power to our people,” he said.
arguing instead that the figures reflect structural problems in job creation.
“Recently released labor force data point to a deepening jobs crisis marked by joblessness, widespread informality and extreme volatility, driven by a weak and exclusionary economy, not a mere ‘slowdown in momentum’ as the Marcos Jr. administration claims,” the think tank said.
The group added that employment figures alone also mask widespread income insecurity.
Based on PSA data cited by IBON, nearly 35 million workers—or about 71 percent of total employment in 2025—were in informal work, including self-employed workers, unpaid family labor, domestic workers, and wage earners in informal establishments.
IBON noted that many of these jobs are low-paid, irregular, and provide little protection against economic shocks.
“The uncertainty of employment is evident in the increasing volatility of the labor market, which cannot be explained by seasonality alone or by pandemic lockdowns. Over the past
six years, year-on-year monthly employment has swung from declines of as much as 1.6 million [July 2025] to increases of up to 2.6 million [January 2025],” IBON noted.
Another indicator of strain, according to IBON, is the stagnation of wage and salary employment. While wage jobs expanded rapidly from the early 2000s until the mid-2010s, their share of total employment has largely stalled in recent years, reaching just 63.9 percent in 2025.
IBON said the plateau in wage employment limits income growth and household consumption, weakening overall economic expansion.
The think tank said sustained job creation would require rebuilding domestic agriculture and industry, warning that existing policies have failed to generate enough stable and decent employment.
“The country needs leadership capable of undertaking bold measures that put the people first, ahead of narrow, self-serving, and profit-driven interests,” it added.
DFA’s new WPS spokesperson faces quiet diplomacy issue
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva Jr., a maritime expert with a solid military and Coast Guard background, as its new spokesperson for maritime affairs—even as Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro faces criticism for her preference for “quiet diplomacy” in handling disputes with China in the West Philippine Sea.
Villanueva, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy with a master’s degree in Maritime Administration from Sweden-based World Maritime University, previously served in the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard before joining the foreign service.
His appointment signals a spokesperson steeped in both defense and diplomacy, tasked with navigating one of the country’s most contentious foreign policy fronts.
His appointment comes at a time when Lazaro’s stance is under fire.
In a January 20 letter to Senator Risa Hontiveros, Lazaro wrote that “differences and disputes between States are best addressed through established diplomatic channels rather than in public.” The letter was prompted by legislators siding with PCG spokesman for WPS, Commodore Jay Tarriela, in a word spat with the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
Lazaro further stressed that escalation in messaging “should be undertaken only when it advances clear strategic objectives and the national interest,” adding that the DFA must preserve “the space for dialogue and consultation despite lingering tensions.”
Dr. Jeffrey Ordaniel, president and CEO of the nongovernment, non-profit group We Protect our Seas (WPS) Foundation, cautioned in a Sunday opinion piece that such an approach risks “normalizing Beijing’s coercion” in the South China Sea.
He contrasted the DFA’s em-
phasis on state-to-state engagement with the transparency policy popularized under the Marcos Jr. administration, which embedded journalists aboard PCG vessels to document encounters at sea.
“The Philippines cannot afford to return to the patterns that enabled China’s expansion in the first place,” Ordaniel wrote, recalling that the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff, when Manila’s withdrawal under a private understanding allowed China to seize control.
Ordaniel warned that secrecy could repeat past mistakes and erode both domestic confidence and international support.
Without mentioning the op-ed piece by Ordaniel, Villanueva defended the DFA in his first press briefing Monday.
Villanueva said the DFA has “consistently led efforts to uphold Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction while calling out infringements.”
He added: “Defensive capabilities and transparency serve vital ends, but diplomacy remains indispensable.”
Villanueva stressed that the DFA would pursue its mandate “patiently, resolutely, and without fanfare,” insisting that “progress may be incremental, but lasting solutions are negotiated over time.”
He cited the provisional understanding on resupplying the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, noting that since July 2024 the agreement has enabled 12 incident-free missions—evidence, he said, that “effective and sustained diplomacy manages on-the-ground risk.” He also pointed to pathways for cooperation opened by diplomacy, ranging from coast guard communications to ocean meteorology. Beyond bilateral and multilateral engagements such as the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat and negotiations for the AseanChina code of conduct, Villanueva highlighted other DFA’s maritime initiatives:
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Jollibee represents SE Asia in global restaurants ranking
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
JOLLIBEE’S brand value rose to over $3 billion, emerging as the country’s sole representative among the top 25 most valuable restaurant brands worldwide, according to Brand Finance.
In its latest report that analyzes the top 25 “strongest and most valuable” restaurant brands globally, Brand Finance said Jollibee’s brand value rose by 32 percent to $3.3 billion in 2026, landing on the 18th spot “despite intensifying competition from larger global players.”
It added that Jollibee also ranks as the fifth strongest restaurant brand worldwide, up four ranks from 2025, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.9/100 and an AAA brand strength rating.
This reflects strong familiarity, advocacy and price acceptance in its home market, and other key markets like Singapore and Vietnam, the independent brand valuation consultancy said.
As the only Philippine and Southeast Asian brand in the global ranking, the firm said Jollibee’s performance highlights the ability of home-grown brands to compete internationally through scale, operational discipline, and deep cultural resonance. “Its continued expansions
across Asia, North America, and the Middle East has strengthened future earnings expectations while preserving strong brand equity in its core market.”
Overall, Brand Finance noted that the global restaurants sector continues to grow in value in 2026, propelled by expansions and the normalization of takeout, delivery, and quick-service dining.
Since the first iteration of the Brand Finance Restaurants 25 report in 2015, it stressed that the top 10 brands’ combined value has grown by around 20 percent, even as brand strength comes under increasing pressure.
Meanwhile, the company said McDonald’s, Starbucks, and KFC remain the world’s three most valuable restaurant brands, which highlights the “continued dominance of large, globally scaled quick-service players.”
“Restaurant brands have proven their ability to scale, but scale
alone is no longer enough,” said Alex Haigh, managing director of Brand Finance Asia Pacific.
“As consumers become more price-conscious, maintaining trust, consistency, and perceived value will be critical to sustaining brand strength, even for the industry’s largest players.”
Last month, Jollibee said its international operations continued to demonstrate resilience. It also said its domestic operations are steady amid varying macroeconomic conditions.
The company said its preliminary indicators show that systemwide sales and same-store sales growth trends have remained “solid” during the fourth quarter of 2025 and are consistent with the full-year 2025 guidance.
Jollibee said it likely posted systemwide sales growth of between 8 percent and 12 percent and samestore sales growth of between 4 percent and 6 percent.
San Miguel power arm to sell bonds
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
SAN Miguel Global Power Holdings, Corp., the power generation arm of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), is set to raise as much as P30 billion from a domestic bond offering.
It said on Monday that the board approved the issuance, offer and sale to the public of up to P30 billion, comprised of P20 billion principal amount and an oversubscription option of up to P10 billion.
PAL seals FHS deal with Airbus
FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a new Flight Hour Services (FHS) agreement with Airbus covering its entire fleet of A350, A330 Family, and A320 Family aircraft, the European planemaker announced Monday.
The extended contract covers nine A350-1000, 11 A330 Family, and 43 A320 Family aircraft, and includes comprehensive component support through standard exchange, component repairs, component reliability and engineering services, as well as on-site stock at PAL’s main base in Manila.
The agreement is designed to enhance fleet availability, operational reliability, and cost predictability for the flag carrier.
“We thank Philippine Airlines for extending its Flight Hour Services agreements across its entire Airbus fleet to cover the A350, A330 Family and A320 Family. This demonstrates the strength of our long-standing partnership and our shared commitment to operational excellence,” Airbus Asia-Pacific President Anand Stanley said. Airbus FHS and Philippine Airlines have been working together since 2018, when an initial FHS contract was signed to support the airline’s A350-900 fleet. The partnership was expanded in 2022 to include PAL’s A320 and A330 fleets. Lorenz S. Marasigan
By VG Cabuag @villygc
THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has upheld the fines of P1 million each slapped against Now Corp. and its chairman, Mel V. Velarde, for violating securities law over a market disclosure that the regulator found misleading.
In a 23-page decision, the SEC’s en banc ruled that the company’s appeal was “bereft of merit,” upholding two earlier orders of its Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) and ordering Now Corp. and Velarde to pay the penalties.
cerned with the procedural filing of the NTC Motion; but was concerned with the alleged P2.6 billion liability.” The SEC said the disclosure duties under the Securities Regulation Code (SRC) is not a mere checklist, stressing that “the substance, not just the form, of the disclosure is paramount.”
It held that the reported P2.6billion claim was “undeniably a material fact,” particularly because Now Telecom accounts for 97.82 percent of Now’s total assets.
The November 2021 filing was found to be a classic material omission and a textbook example of a half-truth, not a pure omission, the SEC said.
The power firm said the board approved “the conduct of the consent solicitation for the outstanding fixed-rate bonds and notes of the Corporation for the purpose of amending certain provisions of their respective Trust Agreements, the relevant details of which shall be set out in the consent solicitation statements, which shall be available to holders thereof,” it said. On its website, San Miguel Global Power’s current capacity of 5,057 megawatts (MW) provides 24/7 power that supports the country’s energy needs. Ad -
ditionally, it pioneered battery energy storage systems in the Philippines with a 1,000-MW hour target capacity.
Through its independent power producer administration (IPPA) agreements with the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), the company administers the output produced by the following power plants: the 1,000-MW Sual Coal-fired Thermal Power Plant in Pangasinan; and the 345-MW San Roque Hydroelectric Power Plant in Pangasinan. San Miguel Global Power also
provides power supply to the country through its wholly-owned IPP assets, which includes the 1,023MW Masinloc Power Plant in Zambales; the 600-MW Limay Power Plant in Bataan; the 300-MW Malita Power Plant in Davao Occidental; and the 1,200-MW Ilijan Natural Gas-fired Combined Cycle Power Plant in Batangas.
Also, it is in a joint-venture with Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-Water) for the operation and maintenance of the 218-MW Angat Hydroelectric Power Plant in Bulacan.
Globe: Tieup with Starlink is necessary
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
Globe Telecom Inc. will not make money from its partnership with Starlink, the company’s top executive said on Monday, describing the satellite service as “a costly but necessary investment” to ensure no Filipino gets left behind in the digital world.
“Globe will not profit from this service,” Globe President Carl Cruz said during the company’s financial briefing, declining to disclose specific commercial terms of the partnership.
Cruz acknowledged that Starlink’s Direct to Cell (DTC) service is “very costly” but emphasized that Globe decided to offer it primarily to fulfill its commitment to universal connectivity.
“This is something that we take a look at holistically because it is really our purpose to provide connectivity,” Cruz said, adding that the initiative aligns with the administration’s goal of ensuring all Filipinos have access to digital services.
Globe became the first telecommunications company in the Philippines and Southeast Asia—and the second in Asia—to market Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile service.
The partnership will allow Filipinos with standard LTE mobile phones to access essential data, voice and messaging through apps, and text messaging in areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable.
The service targets the remaining 4 percent of the Filipino population living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), particularly in the country’s more than
7,600 islands where conventional network infrastructure is difficult or impossible to deploy.
Through the partnership, Globe leverages Starlink’s constellation of over 650 low-Earth orbit satellites, providing connectivity to previously unreachable communities in remote barangays, mountainous regions, and maritime areas.
The technology is designed to complement existing terrestrial infrastructure and serve as a resilient backup during natural disasters when conventional signals fail.
The DTC service works seamlessly with standard LTE phones, requiring only a clear view of the sky. Starlink satellites function like cell towers in space, connecting across the Starlink network to any point on the globe, similar to standard roaming arrangements.
The SEC also directed the EIPD to investigate the potential liability of other members of Nows board of directors “to determine if they could be held accountable in their personal capacities.”
The case arose from a November 2021 disclosure issued by Now following an ABS-CBN News report that said the government, through the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), was seeking resolution of Now Telecom’s alleged P2.6-billion unpaid fees.
Responding to a query from the Philippine Stock Exchange, Now said it was not a party to the Supreme Court case and that the company “has no knowledge of the specific details surrounding the alleged motion,” invoking the sub judice rule.
The SEC rejected Now’s defense, calling it “a semantic evasion and collapses upon scrutiny,” and ruled that the disclosure was “untenable and completely misleading.”
While the statement may have been “literally true in a narrow sense,” the SEC said, it was “nonetheless delusive and calculated to be misunderstood.”
“Certainly, the public was not con-
THE United Kingdom, Ireland and the Netherlands joined a wave of European nations issuing recalls of Danone SA infant formula as the French company’s exposure to the contamination crisis deepens.
Some batches of Danone’s Aptamil and Cow & Gate formula brands will be taken off shelves in the UK and Ireland, according to statements on Friday from food safety agencies there. Dutch authorities said some Nutrilon products will be pulled over concerns they are contaminated with the toxin cereulide.
It comes after Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland announced recalls—adding up to hundreds of batches—on Thursday. AFP reported that recalls are under way in Romania, Hungary and Poland too.
Shares of Danone fell as much as 4 percent in Paris on Friday. The stock was down 6.5 percent so far this year through Thursday’s close. The recalls are the largest yet for
The SEC also rejected reliance on the sub judice rule saying it is “clearly misplaced.” It noted that Now itself later disclosed that, contrary to news articles, Now Telecom does not have a P2.6billion debt and that there is no final amount of supervision and regulation fees that is due and demandable. That subsequent filing, the SEC said, showed the information was always disclosable and that “a violation of the SRC’s disclosure rules is not cured by a subsequent correction,” especially since the market “traded on misleading information for over a month.”
On Velarde’s personal liability, the SEC said the case did not involve piercing the corporate veil but the enforcement of statutory responsibility imposed on corporate officers. It described as incomprehensible on Velarde’s claim of ignorance of a “multi-decade, multi-billion-peso dispute threatening their primary asset.”
“When Mr. Velarde, acting for Now Corp., made or caused the making of a misleading statement, he personally violated Section 24.1(d) of the SRC,” the SEC said.
Danone and could be a bigger financial hit than previously expected.
Bloomberg Intelligence’s Duncan Fox said in a note the estimated cost of recalls could “far exceed” the €50 million originally projected.
“The damage from Danone’s UK infant formula recall can be more reputational than financial if consumers decide to change brands due to the news,” he wrote. The growing global formula contamination crisis has also ensnared Nestlé SA and Groupe Lactalis. More callbacks were expected after European food safety authorities recommended new lower toxin levels for European nations earlier this week.
‘Precautionary’ DANONE began recalling select batches of product in mid-January, starting in Singapore. The company later issued another larger recall following a change in toxin guidance from Irish food safety authorities. Bloomberg News
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PHL return to FATF grey list seen as remote
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
MALACAÑANG downplayed the concerns raised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that the country is at risk of being placed back to the “grey list” of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to the ongoing government probe on anomalous flood control projects.
Palace Press Officer Clarissa
“Claire” A. Castro issued the statement after BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said that the Paris-based global money-laundering watchdog may decide to once again closely monitor the country if it determines the government is not doing enough to prevent illicit financial flows linked to public works irregularities.
Such concern, Castro said, is too premature since the cases filed against those involved are still ongoing.
“Right now it is too early to discuss whether there has been a failure to make these culprits liable for their acts,” she said in Filipino in a news
Saving Money: A key to financial freedom
IN the previous article, we discussed that time is our most valuable resource. Managing it effectively through productivity techniques, setting priorities, and focusing on what truly matters can lead to a better future. Now, let’s dive into saving money.
Why it’s important MONEY is the tool that buys us freedom, security, and opportunities. Saving and investing wisely allows us to plan for future needs and desires. Without proper savings, we risk facing financial stress when unexpected expenses arise.
How to save START by budgeting, automating savings, building an emergency fund, and focusing on long-term investing instead of short-term pleasures. Saving money is a fundamental step in the quest for financial freedom. While many know they should save, most fail to put it into practice. Whether we’re saving for an emergency, a major purchase, or retirement, here are proven strategies to help us save effectively.
1. Set clear savings goals. The first step in saving money is knowing exactly what we’re saving for. Having specific goals makes it easier to stay motivated. Whether it’s building an emergency fund, saving for a vacation, a new home, or retirement, defining our goals will guide us.
n Short-term goals: These may include building an emergency fund or paying off debt. These should be realistic and achievable within a year or two.
n Long-term goals: Saving for retirement, a child’s education, or a home purchase. Long-term goals take time and consistent effort.
The key is to set clear, measurable goals with deadlines. This gives us direction and makes it easier to stay disciplined with saving.
2. Create a budget. A budget is a plan for how we’ll spend our money each month. It helps us track income and expenses, preventing overspending and ensuring we save. Start by listing all income sources, including salary, freelance earnings and passive income. Then categorize expenses (housing, groceries, entertainment) and identify areas to cut back. With this information, decide how much to allocate toward savings each month.
A common budgeting method is the 50/30/20 rule: 50 percent for needs, 30 percent for wants, 20
percent for savings. By sticking to a budget, we can consistently save a portion of our income, no matter how much or little it is.
3. Pay yourself first. One of the most effective ways to save money is by treating savings as a priority. The “pay yourself first” concept means automatically putting a portion of our income into savings before paying bills or discretionary expenses.
Here’s an analogy: Imagine Company A provides a service to another company. Company A gets paid and then pays its employees. Think of ourselves like Company A. When we work, we’re providing a service, and we should treat ourselves as the employee who gets paid first. So, we apply the “pay yourself first” concept by putting our savings away before anything else.
Automate savings as soon as we receive our paycheck. This way, we’re less likely to spend the money, and our savings will grow steadily. Over time, we can increase the amount as our income grows.
4. Cut back on discretionary expenses. Many of us spend money on things we don’t really need, such as subscription services or impulse purchases. Identifying and cutting back on these unnecessary expenses frees up more money for savings.
n Cancel unused subscriptions: Take a look at recurring charges like streaming services or gym memberships. If they’re not being used, it’s best to cancel them.
n Limit dining out: Dining out can be convenient but costly. Planning meals and cooking in batches saves both money and time.
n Reduce impulse spending: Before making a purchase, we ask ourselves if we really need the item. This simple pause can stop unnecessary spending. I’ve found that this works every time when I’m tempted to buy something during window shopping.
While these changes may seem small, they add up over time. By cutting back on unnecessary expenses, we can redirect money into savings.
5. Build an emergency fund. An emergency fund is essential for financial security. It acts as a safety net for unexpected expenses like
medical bills, car repairs, or sudden job loss. Having this fund in place reduces the likelihood of going into debt when emergencies arise.
Aim to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a separate account. This money should only be used for real emergencies. Make it a priority to start building your emergency fund.
6. Take advantage of discounts and rewards. Finding ways to reduce regular expenses through discounts and loyalty programs can help us save without sacrificing quality of life.
n Use vouchers and cashback apps: Take advantage of digital coupons, cashback apps, and loyalty programs that offer discounts or rewards at certain online stores. Some credit cards also offer cashback for every expense, but avoid overspending.
n Shop smarter: Look for sales, buy in bulk, and compare prices before making a purchase. By shopping strategically, we can save a significant amount.
By actively seeking savings opportunities, we can stretch our budget and put more money into our savings.
7. Invest in our future. While saving money is important, investing it wisely is key to building longterm wealth. Savings accounts offer low interest rates, so consider investing in assets like stocks, bonds, or real estate to grow savings over time.
Start by contributing to retirement accounts, such as a Personal Equity and Retirement Account. Also, take advantage of employermatched contributions, like the Social Security System. The power of compound interest will help grow our money exponentially over time.
Conclusion: Saving money starts with discipline SAVING money requires discipline, sacrifice, and changes to our habits. By following these strategies, we can gradually build financial security and create a safety net for the future. Every small step we take toward saving is a step toward financial freedom. Stay focused, and over time, our efforts will pay off.
Edmund Lao is a Registered Financial Planner of RFP Philippines. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the BusinessMirror. To learn more about personal financial planning, attend the 115th RFP program this March 2026. E-mail info@rfp.ph or visit rfp.ph to learn more about the
briefing last Monday.
The Presidential Communications Officer Undersecretary is confident that the ongoing flood control projects investigations being conducted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the Ombudsman, and the Department of Justice are sufficient to prove that the Marcos administration is not remiss in preventing possible laundering related to flood control projects anomalies.
“We are just beginning. There are already those who have been charged, and the Ombudsman and the DOJ have also said that their investiga-
TBy Justine Xyrah Garcia
HE Asian Development Bank
(ADB) is ramping up its focus on financial technology (fintech) as a development tool across Asia, using the Philippines as the launchpad for its first digital lending facility in the region.
ADB Director for Private Sector Financial Institutions Suhail Khan said fintech is an area where the bank intends to play a much bigger role.
“Fintech is a space where ADB really wants to play its role, and not just in the Philippines, but in the entire Asia so we are looking at many such ventures,” Khan told reporters.
The remarks came as Fuse Financing Inc. (Fuse) secured a P1.75-billion loan from the ADB to expand access to credit for micro-sized, small-scale and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those led by women entrepreneurs.
Under the partnership, Fuse will tap
tion [on the said anomalies] are still ongoing,” Castro said.
“So, we think that this is seen to prove to the country under the leadership of President Marcos Jr. that this administration is sincere and serious about eradicating corruption,” she added.
The Palace also said the AntiMoney Laundering Council of BSP should fast-track freezing the assets of those accused of being involved in flood control projects irregularities.
As of this month, the AMLC reported it has frozen around P25-billion worth of assets, including those linked to public works irregularities.
GCash’s digital ecosystem to roll out collateral-free loans, including in highpoverty and rural areas. Khan clarified that the facility extended to Fuse is not a working capital loan for the fintech firm itself, but a term loan intended to support lending to MSMEs.
“This is not a working capital facility. It is a term facility for Fuse, but it will enable them to extend their working capital loans to MSMEs, especially women SMEs, which is like a revolver,” he said. Beyond financial performance, the ADB official stressed that the financing is anchored on development objectives.
Khan said the multilateral lender is closely monitoring agreed targets, including lending to women-led enterprises, adherence to consumer protection standards, and geographic inclusion.
Half of the loan proceeds are expected to go to provinces with poverty levels above the national average, a requirement Khan described as central to the
In a related development, Castro confirmed the Officer of the Executive Secretary is now studying the accomplishment report submitted by the ICI. Castro earlier said the President may use the report to determine if there is a need to maintain the operations of the fact-finding panel.
The ICI is currently urging Marcos to appoint new commissioners after its two previous members—SGV & Co. country managing partner Rossana A. Fajardo and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio “Babes” L. Singson—resigned from the factfinding panel last December.
project’s inclusion goals. Asked whether the ADB would consider renewing or expanding the facility once it is fully utilized, Khan pointed to the bank’s preference for sustained engagement with private-sector partners.
“I think ADB strongly believes in long-term partnerships. So obviously this is not a one-off. We really hope that this first experience for both sides will be very positive and that will enable us to continue this partnership,” he added. Earlier, the ADB said fintech firms could play a critical role in strengthening the growth and resilience of small businesses across Asia and the Pacific, particularly in areas where access to traditional banking remains limited.
Digital lenders, the bank noted, are able to prioritize cash flow-based lending over asset-backed loans—an advantage for MSMEs that lack substantial collateral—while using data analytics to speed up credit assessments and approvals.
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
ALL tenors of short-dated securities offered by the government last Monday fetched lower yields after investors locked in yields ahead of expectations that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will cut interest rates next week.
“The latest local inflation [is] still relatively benign,” Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said. “Weaker local [gross domestic product] data recently [also] increased the odds of a possible -0.25 BSP rate cut on the next ratesetting meeting.”
The Philippine economy grew 3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, pulling full-year growth to 4.4 percent, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.
Weaker economic conditions translated to hiring momentum, which slowed in 2025, after 172,000 additional jobs were generated last year—the lowest annual net employment gain in recent years. (See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2026/02/06/2-26-m-pinoys-remain-jobless-in-december2025-psa/).
Meanwhile, inflation in January remained benign at 2 percent, faster than the 1.8 percent recorded in December 2025, but still slower than the 2.9 percent posted in January 2025.
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. recently said that there is a possibility of a rate cut on February 19, during the Monetary Board’s rate setting meeting.
After the latest inflation print was released on February 5, the BSP said that the MB sees the monetary policy easing cycle nearing its end.
Treasury raises P37.8 billion
LAST Monday the auction committee Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) upsized the volume of Treasury bills (T-bills) it awarded—the fifth time in a row—as total tenders hit P158.173 billion.
Investors’ strong demand, which is 5.8 times oversubscribed the initial P27-billion offering, prompted the auction committee to double the accepted non-competitive bids across all tenors to P7.2 billion each.
“With its decision, the Committee raised a total of P37.8 billion from the P27.0 billion initial program,” the Treasury said in a statement after the auction concluded.
The 91-day, 182-day and 364-day tenors were awarded at P12.6 billion each.
Yields on the 91-day notes fell to 4.492 percent, down 8.7 basis points, from 4.579 percent in the previous auction last Monday. The Treasury accepted yields ranging from a low of 4.440 percent to as high as 4.525 percent.
Bids for the security reached P55.681 billion, almost eight times the P7-billion offering.
For the 182-day debt papers, the average rate declined to 4.578 percent, lower by 9.4 basis points from the 4.672 percent in last week’s auction. Awarded yields were from 4.520 percent to 4.609 percent.
Tenders amounted to P56.582 billion, eight times the initial P7 billion offer.
Meanwhile, the 364-day T-bills
fetched an average rate of 4.615 percent, dropping by 7.4 basis points from the previous 4.689 percent. Rates ranged from 4.599 percent to 4.640 percent. The tenor attracted P45.910 billion in tenders, or 6.5 times the P7-billion programmed borrowing. All average T-bill yields were lower than the current secondary market levels. The Philippine Bloomberg Valuation (PHP BVAL) reference rates are 4.570 percent for the three-month tenor, 4.682 percent for the six-month tenor and 4.737 percent for the oneyear tenor. PHP BVAL yields have also declined after the peso regained its strength in January, as it fell to its weakest at P58.65 against the dollar last October 22, 2025, Ricafort added.
Ricafort explained that the dip “would help ease importation costs and overall inflation; as the relatively stable peso exchange rate would also support a possible -0.25 BSP rate cut.” He added that the easing of secondary market yields also reflected stronger demand for T-bills and bonds, supported by expectations of possible inclusion in the JPMorgan Global Emerging Market Bond Index.
For this month, the Treasury plans to borrow P108 billion from its issuance of T-bills and up to P200 billion through Treasury bonds.
Full-year borrowing program is set at P2.682 trillion, following a 77:23 borrowing mix in favor of domestic sources. Outstanding debt of the government reached P17.707 trillion as of end-2025, up 10.32 percent from P16.051 trillion in end-2024.
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
Edmund Lao
Art BusinessMirror
‘AN ODE TO LOVE IN ITS MOST ENDURING FORM’
ACC PHL, Leon Gallery to mount 11th benefit auction on Valentine
THE Asian Cultural Council Philippines Foundation Inc. (ACC Philippines), in partnership with Leon Gallery, set its annual benefit art auction this year on Valentine’s Day in Makati City. According to ACC Philippines Chairman Ernest Escaler, the timing serves as “an ode to love in its most enduring form: love for the arts, love for generosity, and love for helping others realize their creative potential.”
Now in its 11th year, the benefit auction presents a curated selection of works by distinguished and emerging Filipino artists. Part of the proceeds will directly support the ACC Philippines Fellowship Program, designed to enable Filipino artists, scholars, and arts professionals to pursue research, creative work, and cultural exchange projects in the Philippines and abroad.
“This annual art auction is both a celebration of artistic excellence and a vital platform for sustaining the fellowship program that nurtures cultural leadership and cross-cultural dialogue,” said ACC Philippines Chairman Ernest Escaler. “With the generosity of artists, collectors and partners such as Leon Gallery, we continue to invest in the future of the arts.”
Since 2000, ACC Philippines has supported nearly 300 alumni, including National Artists Jose Joya, Lucrecia Kasilag, Lamberto Avellana, Alejandro Roces, Francisco Feliciano, Jose Maceda, Kidlat Tahimik, Ramon Santos and Alice Reyes, alongside leading contemporary artists and emerging cultural practitioners.
Currently, there are eight Filipino artists in the fields of visual arts, theater, and music undertaking ACC fellowships in the United States. Pursuing graduate fellowships are Aina Ramolete (MA in Puppet Arts, University of Connecticut) and Alain de Asis (MA in Music – Violin Performance) at the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University. Meanwhile, grantees on their six-month New York Fellowships include Joyce Sahagun Garcia and Maria Estela Paiso (Film, Video, and Photography), and Karl Jingco (Theater). Three additional grantees are set to travel to the United States to begin their ACC fellowships,
Inamely, J-Mee Katanyag (Theater), Joed Balsamo (Music), and Ma. Alexa Andrea Torte (Dance).
Leon Gallery, a leading Philippine auction house, shares ACC Philippines’ commitment to advancing the arts and fostering international cultural exchange. According to its director, Jaime Ponce de Leon, “The spirit of collaboration and partnership runs deep in this year’s edition of the Asian Cultural Council Auction. This year, we are celebrating 11 years of our fruitful partnership with a foundation that has always remained committed to championing the virtuoso of the Filipino artist by allowing him to spread his creative wings on foreign shores.”
Among the featured lots at this year’s auction is a mural-sized painting created by the Sanggawa group, an artists’ collective that was composed of former Salingpusa group members and now influential forces in the contemporary art scene: Elmer Borlongan, Mark Justiniani, Joy Mallari, Karen Flores, and Federico Sievert. The piece, titled Paglaom Padayon, takes from a Cebuano phrase that translates to “move forward with hope.” It serves as a modern-day homage to Botong Francisco’s iconic 1964 mural Filipino Struggles Through History, encapsulating the Filipino people’s collective power, fueled by a shared vision and hope for the nation’s advancement.
Another collaborative mural-sized painting at the auction is Mauro Malang Santos’ collaboration with his two beloved sons, Soler and Steve. Painted in 2000, Interaction marked Malang’s 72nd birthday and his four decades in the art scene.
Patricio Gaston O’Farrell, the favorite student of the great Juan Luna, graces the auction as well with a copy of his mentor’s now-lost 1887 masterpiece, titled Portrait of Christ, depicting the weary Jesus as
he is presented to Pontius Pilate for his trial. Another work by O’Farrell, Sumbungan, depicts the betrayal of the Katipunan by a katipunero, Teodoro Patiño, who divulged the existence of the revolutionary group to Fr. Mariano Gil, then the parish priest of Tondo. The painting is one of O’Farrell’s last works, painted a year before he died in 1942. Both Portrait of Christ and Sumbungan came from the collection of Gaston O’Farrell’s daughter, Edith.
Part of the auction as well are Félix Resurrección Hidalgo’s Bois de Boulogne and Fernando Amorsolo’s Site of U.P. Diliman. The latter was painted in 1947 when Amorsolo was serving as the director of the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts. An early Anita Magsaysay-Ho also makes an appearance with her quaint Barrio Scene, one of the artist’s first paintings as a newlywed woman after marrying the Chinese magnate Robert Ho. Thus, it is one of her first works signed with the iconic “Anita Magsaysay-Ho.”
It was acquired by Paul H. Woods, once the president of the influential American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and also a former president of the Philippine subsidiary of the International Harvesters Company, an American manufacturer of agricultural equipment, machinery and tractors.
“On this day of love,” Escaler said, “we invite everyone to be part of a collective effort that strengthens our cultural ecosystem and affirms the lasting power of art to inspire, connect and transform.”
Bidding starts at 2 pm on February 14 at Leon Gallery, Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. The ongoing preview week runs until February 13. The catalog, as well as other information, is available at leon-gallery.com, and through info@leon-gallery.com and +632-8856-27-81.
launches Art FriDates series for National Arts Month 2026
N celebration of National Arts Month (NAM) this February 2026, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will spearhead a series of cultural programs nationwide under the theme “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting.”
As part of the NAM 2026 celebration, the NCCA will mount Art FriDates, a series of cultural events scheduled every Friday of February, to be held at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Roxas Boulevard corner Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Pasay City. The program serves as a platform
for participating Local Government Units (LGUs) to showcase their distinct art forms, traditions, and cultural initiatives, with the aim of fostering artistic excellence and strengthening cultural appreciation.
Art FriDates kicked off on February 6, featuring the Art Capital of the Philippines—Angono, Rizal. The opening event highlighted Angono’s iconic Higantes, local art products, and other cultural expressions.
Subsequent Art FriDates will feature the Province of Bulacan on February 13, followed by Biñan, Laguna, on February 20, Quezon Province on February 27, and Muntinlupa City on March 6. Each participating LGU
is expected to present selected cultural highlights that reflect its local identity, heritage, and creative practices. Details on the specific programs and performances will be announced in the coming days.
Through Art FriDates, the NCCA continues to champion the vital role of the arts in nationbuilding by providing spaces for cultural exchange and celebrating the diverse creative expressions of Filipino communities. This is in line with the overall celebration of the National Arts Month.
More information can be found at www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial.
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that can come between you and your goals, passion or money. Protect what you have, believe in yourself and claim what’s yours. HHH
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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Attend events that interest you. Mix, mingle and use your imagination to wow those you encounter today. Your insight into relationships and possibilities will set you on a path that can offer high returns. Learn through observation, interaction, questioning and contributing information. Put your energy into bringing about positive change and close ties. HHHHH
fVIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Embrace what life has to offer. Live, learn as you go and use your skills, experience and insight to harness what you want. Pay attention to those you share emotional ties with, and strive to keep the peace by using honesty and integrity to solve issues that could otherwise compound. HH
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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take advantage of any opportunity you get to infiltrate a position you feel passionate about. Network, act and display what you can bring to the table, and don’t hesitate to toot your own horn. A dynamic approach, coupled with a brilliant presentation, will make a difference if you are quick to show compassion and understanding without revealing personal secrets. HHHH
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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Making choices will not be easy. Back away from situations that pressure you to make a premature move. You need time to think, analyze and adjust before you commit to something that doesn’t fulfill your desires. Acting out of spite will backfire. Choose to use charm and to be attentive without letting others take advantage of you. HHH
iSAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Closely monitor others’ actions and words. It will substantially change the course you take and help you avoid a costly mistake. Focus on home, family and comfort. How you live and make others feel will determine how situations unfold. Arguing is a waste of time and will not help you resolve emotional issues. Choose peace over turmoil. HHH
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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Truth matters, and honesty will help you tackle opportunities and ignite ambition and success. Pay attention to expenditures. Map out a budget you can live with, and keep your emotions out of the equation when deciding how you earn and distribute your cash. Try to rectify a concern you have, and you will make a difference. HHH
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Change is looming, but before you cast your fate to the wind and jump into something foreign to you, do your due diligence. Being knowledgeable about the possibilities will help you excel and navigate toward stardom rather than gloom. Think outside the box when dealing with money or professional matters. Use your imagination, and you will flourish. HHHH
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Plan carefully. Stick to your budget, and refuse to let outsiders interfere with your plans.
Paglaom Padayon, Sanggawa (Elmer Borlongan, Karen Ocampo-Flores, Mark Justiniani , Joy Mallari, and Federico Sievert), signed and dated
From ‘Clash’ first runner-up to Veiled Cup Korea Grand Champion: Sparkle artist Arabelle Dela Cruz triumphs
SPARKLE artist Arabelle Dela Cruz emerged victorious as the Grand Champion of South Korea’s Veiled Cup, shining a global spotlight on Filipino talent.
The GMA singer faced weeks of intense showdowns with fellow Asian artists in the highly competitive singing competition. Arabelle ultimately triumphed over contenders including Gyeongsangdo Gangcheolseongdae, Bangkok Soulman, Vientiane Redhair, and Phangaman Fighter.
For the first time on Philippine television, AllOut Sundays staged Veiled Musician Philippines, produced by GMA Entertainment Group to select the country’s representatives for the Veiled Cup Korea. Hosted by Rayver Cruz and Gabbi Garcia, 12 professional singers competed behind the veil, judged purely on vocal talent by an all-star GMA panel composed of Mark Bautista, Rita Daniela, and Julie Anne San Jose, with K-pop idol Tiffany Young joining the finale. From the pool of talented singers, Arabelle, together with Garrett Bolden and Thea Astley, was selected to represent the Philippines in the Veiled Cup Korea. Arabelle advanced to the grand finals as the nation’s representative and was ultimately hailed as Grand Champion, marking her international breakthrough.
The Veiled Cup, a competition where singers perform unseen behind a veil until revealed, became the perfect stage for Arabelle to showcase her artistry, symbolically unveiling the strength, passion, and excellence of Filipino talent to audiences across Asia. In a heartfelt Instagram post following her win, Arabelle expressed her gratitude to fans and supporters, proudly declaring: “Pilipinas, panalo tayo!” With this win, Arabelle Dela Cruz has raised the Philippine flag high, inspiring future generations of Filipino performers to dream big and conquer international stages.
‘Melania’
steady
Following in the footsteps of their celebrity parents
BEING the offspring of celebrities is not always an easy thing. There can be resentment and even estrangement, especially because these kids are often given attention not for who they are but who their parents are.
But in the local showbiz landscape, we continue to see children following in the footsteps of their celebrity parents, proving that although being a son or daughter of celebrities can get pretty complicated, it is not all that bad.
Many believe that there is some kind of entitlement extended to them since local celebrities get a lot of privileges, and these children have observed this fact since they were very young.
Gabbi Ejercito, daughter of Gary Estrada and Bernadette Allyson, is enjoying her baptism of fire via the online adaptation of the popular Wattpad series Hell University, produced by Studio Viva. And she admitted to us that she feels pressured because of this decision to try out show business.
“Oh, yes, there is definitely pressure. And I have to admit that I have big shoes to fill since both my parents are actors. But at the same time, I also feel honored and grateful that I am allowed to explore show business this early, and so happy that my parents are giving their all-out support.”
Gabbi added, “There are hundreds or even thousands of teenagers who dream of being in show business, and I see these huge numbers especially when networks call for auditions for their shows and artista searches. And many times when I wonder if I wasn’t born of celebrity parents, would I pursue this career—I mean attend all the auditions and lining up just to audition?”
Another hopeful that is also being introduced in Hell University is Jac Abellana, son of former That’s Entertainment mainstay Jojo Abellana. Jac is also related to ‘70s actor Rey “PJ” Abellana and Carla Abellana.
“I never thought I’d end up being an actor like most of my relatives because I never liked acting when I was young. I wanted to be in sports, particularly in basketball. But you know how it is when you are young, you want to be so many things, “ Jac shared.
He recalled being brought to some of his dad’s work locations and he would just sit there and kill time and observe what everyone was doing. “Then one day, there was just this sudden thought that came to me, like an inner voice telling me, ‘Why not try being an actor?’ So it sparked some kind of interest in me and I told my dad about it and I’m just glad that he allowed me to try it out, see if I would like it, and if I would feel good about it.”
falls steeply and ‘Send
Meanwhlile, Jayda Avanzado, daughter of Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza, is excited over the many doors that will open now that she plays an important role in Project Loki, an adaptation of another Wattpad hit series that has Xian Lim in the director’s chair.
“This is actually just my second series, the first one was Teen Clash years ago. I focused more on my singing for the past few years, but when Boss Vic (Del Rosario) offered me this project, it was the easiest yes. I like challenges and this role I was given not only required me to be physically connected to my role but it was also mentally challenging.”
While some of their celebrity parents might not be too keen on the idea of their children following in their footsteps, there is no stopping these kids trying to make a name for themselves in show business.
Gary Estrada told us that he allows his children to follow the desires of their heart. “I am lucky that my children are smart and they have dreams of their own. When Gabbi spoke to me about the possibility of her trying out acting, I gave her my blessings right away, knowing that she will be a responsible team player with her co-actors and the production people. I am happy that she is enjoying her first project.”
Whether Gabbi Ejerctio, Jac Abellana and Jayda Avanzado will stay in the business as long as their parents do, is too early to tell. People change, and they have all the right to pursue whatever makes them fulfilled, productive and happy in the future.
Help’ holds
at No. 1 on quiet weekend in theaters
second weekend but dropped steeply with to $2.4 million in ticket sales, down 67% from its much-discussed de-
Among the trailers expected to hit the NFL broadcast Sunday were The Walt Disney Co.’s Mandalorian and Grogu, Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael and Universal Pictures’ The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. In North American theaters, the Disney.-20th Century Studios
not released international figures, though they’re expected to be paltry. Kevin Wilson, head of domestic distribution for the studio, said the movie’s box-office performance “is a critical first moment that validates our wholistic distribution strategy, building awareness, engagement, and provides momentum ahead of the film’s eventual debut on
documentary—were
and Jimmy Kimmel hammered the movie’s sales. Kimmel called them a “rigged outcome.” Elsewhere in theaters, the Italy-set Kevin James romantic comedy Solo Mio debuted with a robust $7.2 million, a major win for Angel Studios. Stray Kids: The Dominate Experience, a K-pop concert film released by Bleecker Street, launched with $5.6 million, and an additional $13.2 million overseas. The Luc Besson-directed Bram Stoker adaptation Dracula opened with $4.5 million, a studiobest debut for the indie distributor Vertical.
One of the most unusual releases in theaters, however, remains the low-budget indie Iron Lung. The YouTube filmmaker Markiplier, whose real name is Mark Fischbach, self-financed and self-distributed the R-rated video game adaptation, along with writing, directing and starring in it. In its second weekend, Iron Lung collected $6.2 million, bringing its two-week total to $31.2 million. It cost $3 million to make. AP
Cardi B praises Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime moment
SAN FRANCISCO — As Bad Bunny headlines the Super Bowl halftime show, Cardi B says she’s proud to see him step onto the world’s biggest stage, praising his cultural impact and willingness to speak out during heightened immigration arrests.
“I’m proud of everything that he’s been standing up for against ICE and everything,” Cardi B told The Associated Press ahead of her performance at Michael Rubin’s star-studded Fanatics Super Bowl Party on Saturday, which featured performances by SZA, Don Toliver and Travis Scott.
The Grammy winner spoke with admiration and unity about Bad Bunny, who appeared with J Balvin on her chart-topping hit, “I Like It.” The collaboration helped propel Latin music further into the global mainstream.
Bad Bunny is set to take the Super Bowl stage on Sunday, one week after winning album of the year at the 2026 Grammys for Debí Tirar Más Fotos. It is the first time an all-Spanish-language album has taken home the top prize. At the Grammys, the Puerto Rican superstar said “ICE out” while accepting an award, criticizing President Donald Trump’s administration for its dramatic expansion of immigration arrests. AP
Where musical excellence meets romance
THE Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) ushers in the season of romance with Concert VI: Romanza, an evening devoted to the enduring language of romance expressed through music. Offering audiences a timeless Valentine celebration steeped in grace and sophistication, the country’s premier orchestra provides a distinguished setting for a program of lyrical richness and artistic refinement on February 13, 2026, 7:30 pm, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.
The PPO, under the masterful guidance of PPO music director and principal conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, interprets the captivating works of composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Henryk Wieniawski, and Maurice Ravel in the sixth installment of its concert season. Violin virtuoso Bartek Nizioł and acclaimed pianist Junhee Kim serenade the audiences with the lush repertoire.
Coinciding with the eve of Valentine’s Day, PPO’s Concert VI: Romanza opens with one of Mozart’s unfinished classics, Concerto for Violin and Piano in D major, K. Anh. 56/315f. Jeffrey Ching, the PPO’s composer-in-residence, elegantly completes Mozart’s Concerto for Violin and Piano. This newly realized version receives its world premiere in Concert VI: Romanza, offering a rare encounter with Mozart through a contemporary lens.
Sharing the stage with the PPO are guest soloists, Polish violinist Nizioł and Korean pianist Kim. Together, they shape the program into an exploration of romance through melody, dialogue, and orchestral color.
Fulfilling its promise to showcase musical versatility in its 41st concert season, the PPO skillfully pivots to a repertoire of soaring, heart-tugging harmonies in Concert VI: Romanza. The concert series remains true to its dedication to harnessing the power of art to amplify emotion with nuance, intelligence, and beauty.
Now available at TicketWorld, PPO concert tickets are priced at P3,000, P2,500, P2,000, and P1,500. Be a PPO season subscriber to get an exclusive 20 percent discount. Email salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph or call the CCP Box Office (+63931-033-0880).
FROM left: Gabbi Ejercito, Jac Abellana and Jayda Avanzado.
RACHEL McADAMS and Dylan O’Brien star in the Sam Raimi-directed Send Help, which again topped the North American box office.
Cebu launches MICE guidebook at ASEAN Tourism Forum at Mactan Expo
Cebu reinforced its growing stature as a leading meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination in Southeast Asia with the official launch of the Cebu MICE Guidebook during the ASEAN Tourism Forum’s Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), held at the Mactan Expo in Mactan Newtown.
The guidebook was unveiled at a pivotal moment, coinciding with one of the region’s most influential tourism gatherings, attended by delegates from different ASEAN countries, senior government leaders, and industry decision-makers.
Designed as a strategic resource for international event planners, associations, and corporate organizers, the Cebu MICE Guidebook presents a comprehensive overview of the destination’s ability to host meetings that bring together diverse communities, ideas, and shared purpose.
The guidebook is the product of a collaborative effort motivated by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its industry leaders, who have long championed initiatives positioning the province as both a tourism and business hub. Developed through close coordination between private-sector stakeholders and public agencies, the project was conceived for Cebu Business Month 2025 and further refined for its official release at the ASEAN Tourism Forum. It features close to 300 establishments and
venues, transportation providers, professional conference organizers, and event suppliers.
Cebu’s fundamentals further support this momentum. With over 20,000 guest rooms and accommodation options available daily, a growing portfolio of venues, and an established mix of dining, retail, and lifestyle experiences, the destination is equipped to host events of varying scale and complexity while delivering memorable delegate experiences beyond the meeting room.
For Cleofe Albiso, President of the Cebu MICE Alliance and Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, the guidebook reflects Cebu’s broader aspiration to host events with meaning
WHY choose between work, romance and celebration when you can have them all? Kingsford Hotel Manila is turning the valentine weekend of February into a memorable escape filled with love and good fortune, perfect for couples, families, and anyone ready to celebrate life’s special moments.
the world with what Cebu has to offer— efficient event solutions, creative talent, and trusted local partnerships,” Albiso said. “More than a destination, Cebu invites the global community to engage with its people, culture, and purpose, creating opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.”
The launch of the Cebu MICE Guidebook signals Cebu’s steady evolution into a future-ready MICE destination, anchored on collaboration, service excellence, and community engagement.
As the global meetings industry increasingly prioritizes intentional, values-driven gatherings, Cebu positions itself as a destination prepared to host events that create impact—both for delegates and for the communities that welcome them.
Day 3: Feb 15–16 – Work, Relax, Repeat
Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? Extend your stay and take advantage of Kingsford’s amenities. Need to catch up on emails? High-speed Wi-Fi and serene spaces make working from the hotel a breeze. Or simply lounge by the pool, unwind in the sauna, and sip coffee with skyline views. This is your perfect prelude to the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Day 4: Feb 17 – Welcome Good Fortune
Okada Manila marks Valentine’s season with integrated resort experiences
THIS Valentine’s season, Forbes 5-Star integrated resort Okada Manila presents “Madly, Deeply in Love,” a curated lineup of experiences spanning gaming, leisure, wellness, dining, retail, and stays, available until February 15, 2026. Designed as a property-wide celebration, “Madly, Deeply in Love” brings together the full Okada Manila experience—where couples and guests can celebrate the season through meaningful moments of play, relaxation, indulgence, and connection, all within one destination.
Gaming and Member Privileges
Reward Circle members enjoy exclusive Valentine privileges across gaming, dining, retail, and leisure until February 15, 2026. Running alongside the Valentine campaign is Legacy of Luck, which rewards members for qualifying play during the period, offering opportunities to earn additional rewards and enjoy exclusive memberonly benefits throughout the celebration. Guests may register for Reward Circle at the resort or through the Okada Manila App to access these privileges.
Leisure and Entertainment Experiences
Leisure offerings extend the Valentine celebration beyond dining and wellness. Thrillscape introduces the Valentine’s Challenge until February 15, where participants take on obstacle courses for a chance to win prizes. Families can also enjoy PLAYful Valentine at PLAY Kids’ Club, featuring Valentine-themed creative activities available throughout the same period.
Wellness and Shared Escapes
For couples seeking relaxation, The Retreat Spa offers Valentine’s Spa Treatment for two, a 90-minute bespoke massage experience available until February 28 at P14,888 nett, inclusive of wine, a long-stemmed rose, and a petite Valentine cake. Additional wellness offerings are available across Okada Manila’s wellness outlets until February 28, 2026. At The Salon & Barbershop, guests may enjoy the Valentine’s Scalp Treatment, a themed hair treatment package priced at P4,888 nett. Nail Art Studio presents Nail Care Valentine’s Treat, offering a complimentary thera-paraffin hand treatment, priced at P2,888 nett for regular polish and P3,688 nett for gel polish. For a shared wellness escape, The Sole Retreat offers Valentine’s Foot Massage for two, a 90-minute foot reflexology experience priced at P8,288 nett, inclusive of a long-stemmed rose and Valentine chocolates.
Signature Valentine Dining Valentine dining anchors the celebration with curated set menus and festive offerings across Okada Manila’s restaurants. La Piazza presents The Lovers’ Table, a five-course Valentine’s set menu for two available on February 13 and 14 from 5 pm to 11 pm at P6,000 nett per couple, with a Chef’s Table option available at P20,000 consumable.
Medley follows with A Spread of Love, a Valentine’s
2026. For Valentine gifting, Les Fleurs offers Valentine’s Bouquets until February 28, with signature arrangements starting at P2,700. From February 10 to 28, The Promenade, in partnership with Les Fleurs, presents a Valentine shopping reward, where guests who meet qualifying retail spend of P25,000 (or P20,000 for Reward Circle members) receive a complimentary flower set and a Les Fleurs 20 percent discount voucher.
With “Madly, Deeply in Love,” Okada Manila delivers a complete Valentine celebration—bringing together gaming, leisure, wellness, dining, stays, and gifting in one iconic integrated resort destination. For more information, visit https://okdmnl. ph/MadlyDeeplyInLove or follow Okada Manila on social media.
on Level 1.
Day 1: Feb 13 – Set the Mood Under the Stars The weekend begins with magic where candlelight flickers against the city skyline and soft violin melodies fill the air. Kingsford Hotel Manila’s Executive Chef, Angelo Timban, takes lovers on a five-course journey celebrating Filipino flavors, local produce, and sustainable craftsmanship. Start with Iskarlata—red beet and ginger-cured salmon with creamy Kesong Puti and wild mushrooms, honoring the union of land and sea. Krimson follows, a silky tomato and salabat soup accented with shimeji fritters and Sampaguita aioli, a fragrant nod to Filipino wellness traditions. The Amaranto salad showcases crisp local greens, singkamas, and a champaka-raspberry dressing, reflecting eternal love and hope. For the main course, Karmina features sustainably caught apahap, grilled shrimp and squid, beetroot risotto, and burong hipon, celebrating Philippine waters and passion in every bite. The meal concludes with Kardinal, a cherry sponge, mixed berry mousse, and sparkling strawberry jelly dessert—a sweet, nostalgic tribute to locally sourced red fruits. Paired with Sangria, this five-course feast sets the perfect tone for romance and lasting memories. The pre-Valentine’s candlelit dinner is priced at P5,200 per couple and will be held at Frost by the Pool, 6th Floor of Kingsford Hotel Manila.
Cap off your long weekend with a Lunar New Year Brunch at Kingsford Café, included for guests staying from February 16. Savor a sumptuous spread of traditional and modern Chinese delicacies, thoughtfully prepared to bring happiness, prosperity, and good fortune for the Year of the Horse. From savory dim sum to festive sweets and vibrant local flavors, each dish is a celebration of abundance and joy. It’s the perfect way to welcome the new year on a lucky note, surrounded by family, friends, or that special someone, in Kingsford Hotel Manila.
Complete Your Weekend with Romantic Room Packages
Day 2: Feb 14 – Love in Every Bite Valentine’s Day is all about indulgence, and Kingsford Café sets the scene with a lavish dinner buffet featuring perfectly grilled steaks, decadent desserts, and velvety red wine. Whether it’s a cozy date, a family gathering, or a sweet treat with someone special, this is the perfect way to savor steak and wine in a romantic and festive atmosphere. The dinner buffet is priced at P2,000 for adults and P1,000 for kids.
Starts at P10,999, make your weekend effortless with exclusive Valentine’s room packages, which include everything you need for a romantic and relaxing escape such as an overnight stay with buffet breakfast for two, Valentine-themed dinners, and full access to the hotel’s swimming pool, fitness center, steam room, and sauna.
From romantic dinners under the stars to festive Lunar New Year feasts, Kingsford Hotel Manila transforms a simple weekend into a memorable journey of love, indulgence, and lasting memories. For reservations or inquiries, you may contact +63 2 8888 6388 or +63 917 859 5307 or you can also email at stay@kingsfordmanila.com or dine@kingsfordmanila.com.
THE Mall | NUSTAR Cebu celebrates Valentine’s season with shopping rewards, exclusive treats, and prizes for shoppers. Until February 12, 2026, shoppers who spend a minimum of P1,000 at participating stores at The Mall | NUSTAR Cebu are eligible to earn electronic raffle entries. Every P1,000 spent, whether in a single or combined receipt, earns one raffle entry. Receipts can be submitted at the Mall Concierge
Honeybon brings back a Valentine’s favorite with sweet indulgences for the season of love
JUST in time for Valentine’s Day, Honeybon is bringing back the much-loved Strawberry Matcha Mousse Cake, a dessert that beautifully balances the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the earthy richness of matcha, layered into a light and creamy mousse cake. This indulgent offering reflects Honeybon’s signature “just the right sweetness,” making it the perfect romantic surprise or thoughtful gift for those who like their desserts balanced and refined. Adding a personal touch, Honeybon’s Dedication
Hearts allow customers to include heartfelt messages on the Strawberry Matcha Mousse Cake or any of Honeybon’s well-loved
For those drawn to tropical flavors, the Mango Royale delivers vibrant mango sweetness, while coffee lovers can enjoy the timeless Tiramisu, with espresso-soaked layers and creamy mascarpone. Honeybon is located at SM North EDSA (2nd Floor, Main Mall), SM Megamall (3rd Floor, Building B), Festival Mall (2nd Level), and all Tokyo Bubble Tea branches. Online shopping and delivery options are available via https://honeybon.ph. For updates on exclusive Valentine’s offers and more sweet creations, follow Honeybon on Facebook and Instagram (@honeybonph).
Prizes include five P3,000 dining vouchers, three Silver Tickets for two to the Spotlight Sessions: Grand Concert on February 14, 2026 at the NUSTAR Grand Ballroom featuring Zsa Zsa Padilla, Erik Santos, Angeline Quinto, and rising boy group AON. The grand prize is an overnight stay for two at Fili Hotel, complete with a buffet breakfast. Raffle entries are valid for purchases from the following participating outlets: Airwheel, Break 100, Bruno’s Barbers, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, Diagold, Doctor Leather, Estée Lauder, Eye Society, HanMart Convenience Store, Jewelmer, Jo Malone London, Kultura Atelier, Lacoste, Luk Fook Jewellery, NUSTAR Premier Cinemas, Oasis Nail Tropics, Open Source by Beyond the Box, Playville, Rose Pharmacy, R.O.X., Rustan’s Beauty Source, Seiko, Sole Republiq, and Timezone.
The electronic grand draw will be held on February 13, 2026, at 2 pm. Winners will be notified via email and SMS and announced on The Mall | NUSTAR Cebu’s official Facebook page. Prizes can be claimed the same day, from 6 pm to 11 pm, at the Mall Concierge. For more information, visit www.nustar.ph or call (032) 888 8282.
The official handover of the Cebu M.I.C.E. Guidebook during the ASEAN Tourism Forum’s Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), held at the Mactan Expo in Mactan Newtown. In the photo are, from left, Cleofe Albiso, President of the Cebu MICE Alliance and Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts; Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Department of Tourism; Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board; and Regan Rex King, Vice President of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
ultimate February escape: Love, luxury, and luck await at Kingsford Hotel Manila
A silent surge of ‘forever chemicals’ poisoning America’s drinking water
By Michael Phillis & Helen Wieffering The Associated Press
STELLA, Wis.—Kristen
Hanneman made a small decision in 2022 that would upend life for her entire town.
State scientists were checking private drinking water wells across Wisconsin for a widely used family of harmful chemicals called PFAS. They mailed an offer to test the well outside her tidy farmhouse surrounded by potato farms cut out of dense forest. Without much thought, she accepted.
Months later, Hanneman found herself on the phone with a state toxicologist who told her to stop drinking the water—now. The well her three kids grew up on had levels thousands of times higher than federal drinking water limits for what are commonly known as forever chemicals.
Hanneman’s well was hardly the only one with a problem. And the chemicals were everywhere. Pristine lakes and superb hunting made Stella a sportsman’s dream. Now officials say the fish and deer should be eaten sparingly or not at all.
Many residents here have known their neighbors for decades. If they want to move away from all this, it’s hard to sell their property – who, after all, would want to buy?
“Had I just thrown that survey in the garbage,” Hanneman said, “would any of this be where it is today?” Stella is far from the only community near industrial sites and military bases nationwide where enormous amounts of PFAS have contaminated the landscape, posing a particular threat to nearby well owners.
Forever chemicals get their name because they resist breaking down, whether in well water or the environment. In the human body, they accumulate in the liver, kidneys and blood. Research has linked them to an increased risk of certain cancers and developmental delays in children.
Government estimates suggest as much as half of US households have some level of PFAS in their water— whether it comes from a private well or a tap. But while federal officials have put strict limits on water provided by utilities, those rules don’t apply to the roughly 40 million people in the United States who rely on private drinking water wells.
Short of a random test, as in Stella, few may learn their water is tainted with the odorless, colorless chemicals.
At least 20 states do not test private wells for PFAS outside of areas where problems are already suspected, according to a survey of state agencies by The Associated Press. Even in states that do, residents often wait years for help and receive far fewer resources than people tied into municipal tap water.
PFAS are so common because they are so useful. Uniquely able to repel moisture and withstand extreme temperatures, the chemicals have been critical to making waterproof shoes, nonstick cookware and foam that could extinguish the hottest fires.
When the chemicals reach soil or water, as they have near factories and waste sites, they are extremely difficult to remove. North Carolina saw an early example, with well owners downstream from a PFAS manufacturing plant still dealing with tainted water years later.
In rural northwest Georgia, communities are reckoning with widespread contamination from PFAS that major carpet manufacturers applied for stain resistance.
Robert Bilott, an environmental attorney who pursued one of the first major lawsuits against a PFAS manufacturer in the late 1990s, said many states don’t have the money to help.
“The well owners—the victims of the contamination—shouldn’t have to be paying,” he said. “But where’s this money going to come from?”
Well owners often the last to know about contamination
THE alarming results from Hanneman’s well triggered a rush of testing, beginning with the wells of nearby neighbors and later expanding miles away.
How the chemicals infiltrated water beneath Stella’s sandy soil was initially a mystery. State officials eventually suspected the paper mill in the small city of Rhinelander, a 10-mile (16-kilometer) drive from town. The mill had specialized in making paper for microwave popcorn bags—a product that was greaseproof thanks in part to PFAS.
The mill’s manufacturing process also produced a waste sludge which could be used as a fertilizer. By 1996, and for decades after with state approval, the mill spread millions of pounds on farm fields in and around Stella. Wisconsin officials now believe the PFAS it contained seeped into the subterranean reserves of groundwater that feed lakes, streams and many residential wells.
In September, the state sent initial letters assigning cleanup and investigation responsibilities to current and former owners of the mill. These companies point out that the state permitted their sludge spreading, starting long before the dangers of PFAS were widely understood.
The problem in Stella remained hidden because well owners don’t have a utility testing their water.
Rhinelander’s water utility first tested for PFAS in 2013 to comply with federal rules. By 2019, the city shut down two utility-owned public wells to protect customers. In Stella, meanwhile, some well owners found out only last year that their water is unsafe.
The Hanneman family moved into their home when their oldest son was nearly two. He’s 19 now. His parents worry about all those years of exposure, and have joined an effort to sue the paper mill’s owners and PFAS manufacturers.
Several plaintiffs in the growing lawsuit allege property damage and that their cholesterol, thyroid and kidney diseases are linked to contaminated groundwater. The companies have denied responsibility.
Very tiny amounts of PFAS consumed regularly over years can be dangerous. As scientists better understood those risks, federal advice for water utilities slowly followed and tightened. The current limit is just 4 parts per trillion, or less than a drop diluted in an Olympic-size swimming pool.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends private wells be tested for bacteria and a limited number of commonly found chemicals, but not PFAS unless it is a known local problem. Experts say testing mandates would be deeply unpopular. Many well owners value their freedom from government oversight and a monthly bill, and take pride in the taste of their water. PFAS has turned some of those freedoms into liabilities. The chemicals can only be removed from water with costly filters that must be regularly monitored and replaced. Some well owners opt instead to drill deeper or even connect to city water pipes. Facing expensive and uncertain options, many resort to bottled water.
In Stella, residents are grappling with the chemicals’ unpredictable underground path. Though Tom LaDue’s backyard extends to the edge of a highly contaminated lake, testing found barely any PFAS in his family’s well.
Somehow, a neighbor farther back from the lake found 1,500 parts per trillion of PFAS in her shallower well— magnitudes above the federal limits for tap water. The mother of three in that house says she is regularly tired, which
cooperating with state officials and that the waste sludge they spread was tested for various contaminants, but not PFAS because it wasn’t required.
Wisconsin officials say the threat of PFAS in the sludge wasn’t well understood when they approved its use as fertilizer, and that the state will continue to require those who caused contamination to address its impacts. That leaves residents, who did not contaminate their own wells, stuck hiring lawyers who argue these companies and PFAS manufacturers knew—or should have known—the risks.
FAYE JACKSON gets her blood tested at a medical clinic in Calhoun, Ga., on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, as her daughter Marie waits outside for her turn. Their blood tests revealed they have PFAS levels above the safety threshold outlined by national health experts. MIGUEL MARTINEZ/ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION VIA AP
she blames on thyroid issues, wondering if the water is to blame.
In one picture from a few years ago, LaDue is baiting a hook as his grandson dangles a fishing pole over the side of their boat. The sun shines bright.
“It’s a nice lake and we fished in here,” he said. “Now they tell us we can’t eat the fish anymore.”
House by house WHILE utilities can rely on centralized treatment facilities, restoring safe water for well owners must be done household by household. Some well owners get left out as regulators, lawyers and companies strike deals over who gets help.
The treatment of residents in the lakeside town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, depends on the street where they live.
The town faced a crisis nearly a decade ago when PFAS were detected in wells downstream from a fire technology plant owned by Tyco and parent company Johnson Controls, which manufactured firefighting foam. Wisconsin officials said the company was responsible for cleaning up the plant and must sample wells in a broad area to see where the pollution spread. Johnson Controls told state regulators it studied the area’s hydrology and geology and concluded it would pay for tests and drill new wells in a smaller section of town for which it maintains it is responsible.
Kayla Furton, a high school teacher who grew up in Peshtigo, lives in a home inside this area.
Had she lived two houses away, Furton would have had to pay out of pocket to treat the PFAS in her water.
Furton’s worries over what would happen to her neighbors beyond that line, including her sister, motivated her to run for the town’s board. During her time in office, Peshtigo leadership split over which fixes to pursue, and some well owners are still waiting on a longterm solution.
“Groundwater does not follow lines drawn on a map,” Furton said. “There’s nothing to say that, OK, the PFAS stops there.”
In a statement, Johnson Controls said it has taken full responsibility for the area it contaminated. The company said it has restored more than 300 million gallons of clean water to the environment and installed 139 new wells.
The state of Wisconsin says the company has not fully investigated the extent of the contamination, and filed a lawsuit in 2022. Johnson Controls said in December the parties were close to reaching an agreement; the Wisconsin Department of Justice said it does not comment on pending litigation.
Residents along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina have seen just how far forever chemicals can spread. In 2017, the Wilmington StarNews revealed that PFAS from a Chemours chemical plant in Fayetteville were washing into the river and contaminating the water supply. After being sued, the billion-dollar company agreed to test nearby wells and treat those with polluted water. It did not admit to any wrongdoing.
As in Stella, the company tested in a slowly expanding radius that grew by quarter-mile segments from its plant. Chemours agreed to keep testing wells until it reached the edge of the pol -
luted area—a process it expected to take 18 months.
Seven years and some 23,000 wells later, testing is ongoing, with the contamination stretching far beyond what state regulators first imagined. Forever chemicals have been found in drinking water along nearly 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the river, from inland Fayetteville to the Atlantic coast.
According to an AP analysis of data submitted to the state’s Department of Environmental Quality, Chemours discovered high levels of PFAS in more than 150 new wells in 2025.
Many well owners “thought they were fine,” said Emily Donovan, an organizer and cofounder of the group Clean Cape Fear. “And now they’re finding out so late that they were also contaminated.”
In a statement, Chemours said its timeline for testing wells depends on factors outside its control, including whether residents allow it, and that of the roughly 1,250 wells it sampled last year, 12% had PFAS. Chemours said it continues to contact eligible homes, and that a sample is typically taken within a week of residents’ responding.
States leave well owners behind IN the absence of federal rules, responsibility falls to the states. But many states don’t look for contamination in private wells—and when those that do find it, many struggle to fund a fix.
One proactive state is Michigan, where millions rely on private wells. Officials there have tested groundwater and offered free tests to well owners near PFAS hot spots which, at hundreds of dollars per test, many owners are reluctant or unable to buy. The state provided more than $29 million in grants to clean up forever chemicals in its 2022 fiscal year, including hooking up nearly a thousand well owners to public water.
One of the biggest challenges is helping well owners understand why they should take the threat seriously.
“We are very lucky to get 50% of the people to say, ‘Yes, come test my well for free,’ let alone willing to put on a filter,” said Abigail Hendershott, executive director of Michigan’s multiagency team that responds to PFAS contamination.
New Hampshire, which dealt with an early PFAS crisis in Merrimack, has tested over 15,000 wells, more than half of which had levels exceeding federal standards. It provides generous rebates for homeowners to access clean water.
Elsewhere, millions of households are left on their own.
In northwest Georgia, some of the world’s largest carpet companies began applying PFAS for stain resistance in the 1970s. The companies continued using the chemicals, which entered the environment through manufacturing wastewater, for years, even after scientific studies and regulators warned of their accumulation in human blood and possible health effects, according to an investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Associated Press, The Post and Courier and AL.com. The companies say that they followed all required regulations and that they stopped using PFAS on carpets in 2019. The chemicals have tainted much of the landscape, including the drink-
ing water in cities and the waterways that crisscross the Conasauga River watershed, home to tens of thousands of people. But only well owners near the small city of Calhoun have been offered free tests, and then only under a court agreement. The contaminated river flows into Alabama, where state officials do not typically test private wells for PFAS. Financial limitations are an oft-cited reason why states aren’t doing more.
Wisconsin, which relied on federal funds for its initial survey of wells, has scraped together resources to investigate PFAS in Stella. The state’s environmental agency has no budget for sampling or treatment and is pulling money and staff time from other programs, according to the head of the drinking and groundwater program. Supplying bottled water to impacted homes—once a rare expense—now requires the state to set aside $900,000 annually.
Meanwhile, enormous amounts of money that could help have been stuck in a bank account, collecting interest. Though state lawmakers voted in 2023 to provide $125 million for PFAS cleanup, the funding has been mired by a separate debate over whether to shield certain property owners from liability. In January, key legislators said they were getting closer to a deal that would release the money.
The EPA has allocated billions to states for PFAS treatment and testing, but much of that money goes to public utilities.
Federal officials are evaluating Stella for inclusion in the Superfund program, a large-scale decontamination process that would take years. They also partnered with Wisconsin officials to expand well sampling in July.
At an October public meeting in Stella, several residents asked if they should be worried about their well water.
There is a risk, state employees said, but they could not offer unlimited free tests to rule it out. Those who wanted one immediately would have to pay for it.
“We’re doing the best that we can with the funding that we have available,” said Mark Pauli, a drinking and groundwater supervisor.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said it had offered cost-free PFAS sampling for well owners within three miles of Stella and to many beyond that distance. The state said it provides owners of contaminated wells with guidance on treating their water and accessing financial help.
Nobody is accepting blame in Stella and finger pointing is circular. While the state is investigating, the current and former mill owners point to the state’s permit as exonerating and say they followed all state rules.
Ahlstrom, the Finnish company that has owned the mill since 2018, said in a statement it hasn’t used two of the most common types of PFAS found in Stella wells in its manufacturing process, and that it phased out all other types of PFAS in 2023. In late January, the company announced its own free bottled water program for residents.
Former owner Wausau Paper and its parent company Essity said they were
A new normal in Stella THE crisis in Stella sparked by the test of her own well drove Kristen Hanneman to run for a town leadership role. She spent months learning about the dangers of PFAS, then relaying that knowledge. It’s a town so small that she said talking to a few of the right people would spread word to just about everyone.
It’s been more than three years since Hanneman learned her well had PFAS levels near 11,500 parts per trillion. Federal limits are in the single digits. Her water supply is just as contaminated now as it was then. The family currently drinks and cooks with bottled water provided by the state.
Though some Stella residents have been able to access grant funding to drill deeper wells to reach clean water, the help was limited by household income, with some families disqualified if they made more than $65,000. Typically, the most a family could receive was $16,000—about half of what it may cost for a replacement well. Stories circulate in Stella about people who paid for a new well only for their water still to be contaminated. Wisconsin state officials confirmed that at least three households faced this dilemma.
“Do we spend $20,000 to $40,000 on a new well for it to still be a problem?” Hanneman said.
One couple said replacing their well cleaned out much of their savings. Many are concerned about how much their home values have dropped.
A grant did help Cindy Deere, who worries about how 25 years of drinking the water in Stella may affect her health. She replaced her well and a test confirmed the new one was PFAS-free. Still, she has a hard time trusting the water.
“It’s a constant worry,” she said. “Is it going to turn bad?” The paper mill is still permitted to spread sludge in the county that includes Stella. Its PFAS levels have recently tested well within new state guidelines.
Experts said sludge from industry and manufacturers is most likely to contain PFAS. Wisconsin developed testing guidelines for those sources for that reason, officials said. But the state doesn’t require another type of sludge—treated waste from septic systems, which capture household sewage—to be tested for PFAS. A local septic company has been spreading it in Stella—in 2024 alone, it applied hundreds of thousands of gallons to farms and elsewhere, state records show. The company did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Dianne Kopec, who has researched PFAS in wastewater at the University of Maine, said that without testing, officials can’t know if the practice recycles the chemicals back onto the soil in Stella.
“Given what we know today, continuing to spread sludge on agricultural fields is ludicrous,” Kopec said. “When you find yourself in a hole, it is best to stop digging.”
The Associated Press writers Todd Richmond in Madison, Wis., Jason Dearen in Los Angeles and M.K. Wildeman in Hartford, Conn., contributed. Dylan Jackson and Justin Price of The Atlanta JournalConstitution contributed from Atlanta. This story is part of an investigative collaboration with The Atlanta JournalConstitution, The Post and Courier and AL.com. It is supported through AP’s Local Investigative Reporting Program.
Seahawks never waver, always trust each other
SANTA CLARA, California—The “Dark Side” defense carried Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks to a Lombardi Trophy. Devon Witherspoon, Derick Hall, Byron Murphy and the rest of Mike Macdonald’s ferocious unit pummeled Drake Maye, and the Seahawks beat the New England Patriots, 29-13, on Sunday to win the franchise’s second Super Bowl.
“We never waver, man. We believe in each other. We love each other, and now we’re world champions,” Macdonald said.
Darnold threw a touchdown pass to AJ Barner, Kenneth Walker III ran for 135 yards and Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record by making all five of his field-goal tries.
“To do this with this team, I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Darnold said. “So proud of our guys, our defense. I mean, I can’t say enough great things about our defense, our special teams.” Walker became the first running back to win the Super Bowl MVP award since Hall of Famer Terrell Davis did it with Denver 28 years ago.
Uchenna Nwosu punctuated a punishing defensive performance by snagging Maye’s pass in the air after Witherspoon hit his arm and running it back 45 yards for a pick-6.
“We went through a lot, but we believed,” Witherspoon said. “All of you all doubters out there who said all that other stuff, you all don’t know what’s going on in this building. We’re one of one over here.”
Seattle won its first Super Bowl a dozen years ago behind its “Legion of Boom” defense, then was denied a repeat when New England’s Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson at the goal line. The Seahawks hadn’t been back to the Super Bowl since. AP
MIt happens even to the best of them
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy—Lindsey Vonn’s defiant bid to win the Winter Olympic downhill at the age of 41, on a rebuilt right knee and a badly injured left knee, ended Sunday in a frightening crash that left her with a broken leg and saw her taken to safety by a rescue helicopter for the second time in nine days
Vonn lost control within moments of leaving the start house, clipping a gate with her right shoulder and pinwheeling down the slope before ending up awkwardly on her back, her skis crisscrossed below her and her screams ringing out soon after medical personnel arrived. She was treated for long, anguished minutes as a hush fell over the crowd waiting far below at the finish line.
Foncello hospital said in a statement.
The US Ski Team said Vonn was “in stable condition and in good hands with a team of American and Italian physicians.”
“She’ll be OK, but it’s going to be a bit of a process,” said Anouk Patty, chief of sport for US Ski and Snowboard. “This sport’s brutal and people need to remember when they’re watching [that] these athletes are throwing themselves down a mountain and going really, really fast.”
Breezy Johnson, Vonn’s teammate, became only the second American woman to win the Olympic downhill after Vonn did it 16 years ago.
The 30-year-old Johnson held off Emma Aicher of Germany and Italy’s Sofia Goggia on a bittersweet day for the team.
“I don’t claim to know what she’s going through, but I do know what it is to be here, to be fighting for the Olympics, and to have this course burn you and to watch those dreams die,” said Johnson, whose injury in Cortina in 2022 ruined her hopes of skiing in the Beijing Olympics. “I can’t imagine the pain that she’s going through and it’s not the physical pain— we can deal with physical pain—but the emotional pain is something else.”
Vonn had family in the stands, including her father, Alan Kildow, who stared down at the ground while his daughter was being treated after just 13 seconds on the course where she holds a record 12 World Cup titles.
Others in the crowd, including rapper Snoop Dogg, watched quietly as the star skier was finally taken off the course. Fellow American star Mikaela Shiffrin posted a broken heart emoji on social media. AP
EJ got ’em in Asia: Indoor or outdoor with his pole vault
By Josef Ramos
“What’s important is I won everything now in Asia so I can focus now on my international campaign after my recovery,” Obiena told BusinessMirror on Tuesday as he headed for Estonia to establish base camp for the rest of the indoor season. “Very tiring and exhausting,” added Obiena, who after beating Li Chenyang (5.60) and Chen Yang (5.40) to the top of the podium for his first Asian Indoor Championships gold medal, had to pack his bags and poles with physiotherapist Christian Fernandi to catch a flight for Karlsruhe. The gold appeared in sight for the 30-year-old Obiena, but Norway’s Sondre Mogens Guttormsen (5.84) and the US’s Cole Walsh (5.78) were in a better element to finish 1-2 in the eightpole vaulter field in Germany.
“I suffered cramps in my hamstring, but I’m all good though” he said. “The timing is already there and I’m getting better and better as it goes.” Add the Tianjin gold to his Asian Games gold three years ago in Hangzhou, his three Asian championships titles (2019, 2021 and 2025)—plus four Southeast Asian Games crowns—to the world championships silver in 2023, Obiena’s good to go for the remaining piece of domination—the Olympic gold. But for now, Obiena’s settled at establishing a path for the season.
“We’ll see what’s next,” he said. ‘”Still deciding on my next tournament.”
He’s gotten so far two gold and two bronze medals in five campaigns in the indoor season.
PSA bestows on coach Yeng Guiao President’s Award
ULTI-TITLED but groping for its usual dominant form Creamline clashes with sister team yet still trying to get its equally vaunted form Choco Mucho clash Tuesday in the elimination phase of the Premier Volleyball League AllFilipino Conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Cool Smashers have dominated the Flying Titans in almost every meaningful encounter up to the last season’s Reinforced Conference, including two championship series victories that widened the gap between the teams of the Rebisco franchise. But every time they collide, the MOA Arena transforms into neutral ground—Creamline’s massive and loyal fanbase meets Choco Mucho’s equally vocal supporters head-on, creating a rare PVL atmosphere where crowd momentum swings point by point. This time, the stakes in the 6:30 p.m. showdown look heavier. Both teams are coming off shaky starts in the conference, making the clash a psychological pivot and a loss doesn’t just dent the standings, but threatens confidence in a tournament where parity reigns and no opponent could be taken lightly.
Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza are back, Tots Carlos and Bea de Leon are finally healthy and ace libero Jen Nierva adds stability to Creamline that’s eager to reassert its identity. Choco Mucho, meanwhile, smells opportunity.
THE man considered as a knight in shining armor for Philippine sports will have his moment in next week’s San Miguel Corp.-Philippine Sportswriters Association 2025 Awards Night at the Diamond Hotel Manila. Veteran champion coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao will receive the President’s Award from the country’s oldest media organization in the February 16 celebration co-presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and ArenaPlus.
The 66-year-old Guiao led and won a battle that obliged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to remit in full its contributions—as well as that of the from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)— to the PSC’s National Sports Development Fund as mandated by Republic Act 6847, the law that created the government sports agency.
Built different. Period.
It was close to a lonely journey for Guiao and his counsel Atty. Jun Guzman that it took a decade before the Supreme Court denied an appeal by the Pagcor and PCSO for them to maintain their 2.5 percent contributions to the PSC, instead of the mandated 5 percent share.
The Pagcor and PCSO remitted 2.5 percent shares from their income since 1997, or five years after the PSC was established in January 1990.
The milestone was a testament to Guiao’s principle of fighting for what is right and just, having initiated the move when he was still the First District representative from Pampanga in 2016.
For the giant victory he achieved for Philippine sports, the long-time Rain or Shine head coach will be recognized during the traditional awards night backed by major supporters Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo, Cignal, Premier Volleyball League, Philippine Basketball Association,
and Acrocity. “The choice of coach Yeng for the President’s Award is a fitting way to honor a sportsman who fought for our athletes— away from the spotlight and without regard for the fact that he had little to benefit from it,” said PSA President Francis TJ Ochoa, sports editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer “Coach Yeng took on a fight so formidable no one dared join him in the battle,” Ochoa added. “And he won. Every national athlete who dreams
LINDSEY VONN is airlifted away from a crash but the US team announces that she’s “in stable condition and in good hands with a team of American and Italian physicians.” AP
LADY GAGA performs during halftime and at the end of Super Bowl 60, the Seattle Seahawks’ Sam Darnold raises the Lombardi Trophy. AP
